Maria O.

About Maria O.

I am a communication strategist, professor, and Ph.D. scholar passionate about…

Experience

1. Instructor of Record Public Relations for Nonprofits & Event Management Texas Tech University

   Texas Tech University

   Aug 2023 — Present · Lubbock, TX, US

   Led dynamic lecture courses for 60+ undergraduate students, delivering 3 live sessions per week focused on nonprofit communications and event management best practices.• Designed and maintained a full academic curriculum, including detailed syllabi, assignment schedules, and custom course materials, ensuring consistent learning outcomes across 16 weeks.• Developed and graded 20+ assignments per student, maintaining a 96% on-time grading rate while providing actionable, individualized feedback that improved overall class performance.• Organized and secured 6+ industry guest speakers per term, enhancing real-world learning and increasing student engagement by 30% according to course evaluations.• Integrated career preparation modules into coursework, directly supporting students\' readiness for internships and entry-level roles in nonprofit and event sectors, with 40% of students reporting successful placement within six months post-course.

Education

• University of Oxford

  Creative Writing Certificate, Creative Writing

  2018 — 2018

• Harvard University

  Master’s Degree

  2015 — 2020

• Harvard University

  ALB, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

  2011 — 2015

• Harvard University

  ALB, Czech Language and Literature

• UCLA Extension

  Certificate, Feature Film Script Writing Program

  2012 — 2018

• Texas Tech University

  Graduate Certificate in STEM Leadership Communication, Communication and Media Studies

• Texas Tech University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Candidate, Communication and Media Studies