Staci McDermott

Specialty: M.A. Studies of Global Media

Areas of interest: Disinformation, censorship, media in democracies, media and human rights

Undergraduate degree: B.A. Journalism & Media Communications, Colorado State University

Hometown: Tucson, Ariz. 

Background/goals: I am the director of communications for the McCain Institute in Washington, D.C., Senator John McCain’s nonpartisan legacy organization with programs that defend democracy, advance human rights, and empower character-driven leaders. In this role, I work closely with senior leadership and the program staff to develop, produce, and deploy media, communications, and events strategies dedicated to advancing the McCain Institute’s mission and brand. I am a former broadcast and print reporter with stops in Denver, Colo., South Bend, Ind., and Sedona, Ariz. Raised in Tucson, Ariz., I currently reside in Alexandria, Va., with my husband and three-year-old son, Roman. 

Why UA?: I grew up a Wildcats fan (Bear Down!), and this master's program is designed to fit my goals of strengthening my knowledge and skills to bridge the communications gaps on global issues between the public, media, and policymakers.