Presented by: Office of Research Communications

From magazines to media advisories to social media, learn how communicators at Carolina are sharing information about the UNC research enterprise and how you can connect to communication resources in your area.

Panelists

Moderator: Alyssa LaFaro, Research Communications Manager, Office of Research Communications
On any given day, Alyssa can be found photographing the effects of climate change, digging up long-lost information in the University Archives, or writing furiously in her office. As the editor of UNC Research Stories (formally known as Endeavors), she’s mastered the art of “wearing many hats.” She produces multimedia stories on a variety of topics, but especially enjoys writing about environmental science, culture and language, and passionate scientists.

Kristen Chavez, Director of Communications, Institute for the Arts & Humanities
Kristen manages the internal and external communications for the Institute. Her duties include overseeing the website, monthly newsletter, social media and promoting public events.

Prior to the Institute for the Arts & Humanities, Kristen was the public communications specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, and brings over nine years of experience in communication and producing multimedia projects in education to the role. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a major in communication studies with a media production focus and a minor in writing for the screen and stage. In addition to her work with the IAH, she is also pursuing her master’s in digital communication at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

Cat Long, Media Relations Manager, University Communications
Cat Long promotes UNC-Chapel Hill’s science and health research through media engagement. Stories and experts she has pitched have appeared in national, statewide, and local outlets. These outlets have included New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, CNN, ABC News, NBC News, Axios, STAT News, News & Observer, WUNC, WRAL, ABC11, CBS17 and many more.

Megan Mendenhall, Photographer/Videographer, Office of Research Communications
Megan creates photography, videos, stories, and social media content for UNC Research and UNC Research Stories. She has almost two decades of experience in photographing and creating multimedia projects in higher education. She graduated from Penn State University and earned her master’s degree in digital communications at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media.