Communication
Scholar & Educator
Hi I’m Dr. Kellie Carstensen, and I am an Assistant Professor of Communication at the University of Memphis.
My background is in ethnographic engagement, organizational communication, and language in social interaction. I specialize in research on intercultural interaction, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits. My work uses applied theories and strategies to work with partners on improving their communication through the research process.
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
Fran Lebowitz
Experience & Research Interests
Undergraduate Education
Courses taught include Intercultural Communication, Group Interaction, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, and Discourse Culture & Identity.
Nonprofit Organizing
Research on community groups and nonprofits working cross-culturally. Currently studying monitoring and evaluation systems for interpreting humanitarian success.
Cultural Discourses
Trained in ethnographic, qualitative research with a focus on how culture, identity, and communication are intertwined.
Religious Communication
After growing up in an Evangelical Christian church, I became interested in how religious speech and interaction constitutes communities and cultures.
“I have taken two of Kellie's courses and the love and empathy she has for her students is amazing. She has never failed to pick me up when I am down and to give me constructive criticism in a kind way that I will forever cherish. Her teaching style is clear and constructive, and also applicable to everyday life. This professor additionally makes a point to get to know each and every one of her students and has always made sure that everyone in the class feels comfortable.”
— Student feedback, April 2021