CSUF Comm Week 2026

Recent graduate students of Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Human Communications will be on hand to speak about their experiences working in the industry. These alumni—having recently navigated the transition from student life to professional roles—will be present to describe the kinds of positions they have moved into, the industries and organizations they now work for, and the practical day-to-day responsibilities those jobs involve. During the session, they will answer your questions, share hard-earned insights, and offer practical, actionable tips on what it takes to succeed in the months and years following graduate school.

Katharina Stroup
Katharina earned her bachelor's degree from Cal State LA in Mass Communication and is graduating this semester from Cal State Fullerton with her master's in Communication Studies. Her research interests include rhetorical criticism, intersectional feminism, and the study of motherhood. After graduation, her plans are to continue pursuing research through a doctorate in communication and to become a professor.
Erik Sandoval
Erik "Little Cloud" Sandoval (He/Him) is a Diné and Mexican scholar, community builder, and graduate student in Human Communication Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Born into the Shiprock, NM Chapter of the Navajo Nation and raised in Southern California, he carries the teachings of both sides of his family with him. His work focuses on Indigenous representation, cultural programming, and storytelling. In 2025, he received the Top Paper 2025 at the Eastern Communication Association Conference in Buffalo, New York, for his research on Native American memorable messages in lacrosse. That same year, he was named CSUF Human Communications Studies 2025 Inaugural Undergraduate Researcher Student of the Year, a recognition of his dedication to uplifting Indigenous voices through academic work.Erik’s path is shaped by the strength and stories passed down from his parents and grandparents. Everything they survived and everything they taught him shows up in how he learns, how he leads, and how he understands communication. Whether he’s behind the powwow drum, dancing, or mentoring younger students with honesty and care, Erik tries to walk in hózhó—balance, beauty, and purpose. And even though he’s still early in his journey, he already knows where he’s headed. His long‑term goal is to earn his PhD and become a professor who serves marginalized communities and reservation schools, building classrooms where Indigenous and Latinx students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Destrey Runyon
After earning his associate’s degree in digital art studies from Windward community college on the isle of Oahu Hawaii, Destrey traveled to the mainland to assist in taking care of his elderly grandparents. Carrying the spirit of aloha in his heart, he returned to higher academia here at CSUF to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and is graduating this semester with a Master’s degree in Communication Studies. His research interests include transformative pedagogy, digital communication, rhetorical criticism, and intercultural communication. After graduation, Destrey hopes to follow in the footsteps of all the kūpuna that guided him here, to continue teaching at local community colleges.

Hosted by Professor Zac Johnson and Christina Seiter

This session provides an introductory overview of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). It defines the spectrum of communication tools ranging from no-tech and low-tech options to sophisticated high-tech speech-generating devices. It debunks common myths regarding AAC and emphasizes that these tools support, rather than hinder, natural speech development. Ultimately, this presentation highlights that successful AAC implementation requires consistent, customized support across all environments to ensure every individual finds their voice.

Hosted by Professor Stefan Henley

In this session, Samantha Drews will give an overview of her career history and how she got where she is today. She also will share how to replicate a mindset towards the industry in order to keep oneself busy and consistently moving toward one's goals.

This presentation seeks to raise awareness of mental health-related topics that impact college students. Additionally, this presentation seeks to break the stigmas regarding mental health and how it affects the well-being of college students. This presentation also aims to shed light on the darkness, hopefully enabling those who feel unseen to feel seen by unpacking the theoretical and practical implications of such stigmas. 

Hosted by Professor Connor Davidson

Building a team is essential for the success of a business. Hiring the right person who “fits” into the organization is the first step to form a group of employees who feel ownership in the organization and know that their voices are critical for interacting with team members and serving the customers’ needs. The key to team building and maintenance is motivation and enthusiasm about the company that a leader provides each day. Join us in hearing Chris Martin's team-building strategy and leadership style.

Hosted by Professor Irene Matz