Kisa Clark
Major: Media Studies, Doctoral
Hometown: Neosho, MO
Internship: Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights
Kisa Clark is a first-year Media Studies Ph.D. student at the School of Journalism and Communication. Her hometown is Neosho, Missouri. She received a BA in Mass Communication from Missouri Southern State University and a MA in Communication from the University of Arkansas.
Jordan Dunn
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Boston, MA
Internship: 99.7 Joy FM
I’m a junior here at UO but I’m a transfer student and this is actually the third school I’ve attended. I spent time at Merrimack College fresh out of high school where I was a staff writer for the student-run newspaper The Beacon while on campus. As a staff writer, I covered campus crime, student-life issues, and as much sports news as my editor would let me. Later I also spent time at Cape Cod Community College where I was able to work at the student-run station 90.7 WKKL. While at the station I hosted a weekly radio show where I played music, gave updates on sports, news, traffic, and the weather. I also worked as a producer and did the research for segments on the news show. While I’ve always been interested in covering sports and entertainment news in some form or another, I am looking forward to every opportunity this experience has to offer me. I am eager to experience Ghanaian culture in any way I can, but especially through the food.
Leisi Fahrion
Major: Public Relations
Hometown: Monterey, CA
Internship: Star Radio
I am currently a sophomore Public Relations student at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications. At just 9 and a half months old I flew on my first flight and since then have traveled all around the world experiencing different cultures and hearing unique stories and perspectives from individuals along the way. From working with children in Chinese orphanages to helping leatherback turtle conservation in Malaysia, my travels have furthered my passion for understanding other cultures and storytelling.
I strive to go forth in this world with an open heart and a curious mind and I cannot wait to touch down in Ghana!
Georgina Fernandez
Major: Journalism and Advertising
Minor: Religious Studies
Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon
Driven by curiosity, my thirst for knowledge and endless questions lead me to fall in love with investigative journalism at 16. I love having nerd-out sessions and getting to dive into topics deeper. As a current junior studying both journalism and advertising, I hope to be able to intertwine the world of creativity and storytelling together.
I’m currently running the Oregon Odyssey team, managing both the team and producing advertising and weekly content for the publication. As well as am an anchor and news reporter for Duck Tv News. And intern at KPNM.
Emilee Jackson
Major: Media Studies, Doctoral
Hometown: Orlando, FL
I have always had a love for travel and seeing the world. What I enjoy most is being able to combine my drive to travel to new places with my love for learning. I took a big leap in 2016 and decided to move to Finland to pursue a master’s degree in Media and Global Communication. During my two years in Helsinki, I had the opportunity to travel throughout many countries in Europe. This experience solidified my love for culture, food, and new experiences. Combining this with my bachelor’s degree in Journalism I found myself becoming more passionate about storytelling and who gets to tell which stories. Now, I focus on the representation of cultural and ethnic minorities in the news media. I hope to investigate how the news media can create and perpetuate opinions or points of view. I’m excited about traveling to Ghana and experiencing the local news media culture.
Desmond Johnson
Major: Advertising
Hometown: Portland, OR
I’m an advertising major at UO focusing on copywriting and strategy. my internship will either be with an ad agency or working on documentary filmmaking. I chose the Media in Ghana program because I wanted to get professional experience overseas. Traveling has been a very important part of my life these last few years, and I want to try and continue that into my career. I hope to gain real-world experience in an unfamiliar place so that I have the courage to go wherever my career takes me. I love sports, nature, music, movies, and travel. I chose to pursue advertising because I saw an opportunity to utilize my expertise in these different aspects of life & culture. Though my major and internship are in the advertising realm, I’m open to pursuing all different mediums of art and culture as long as it involves the things I love.
Maddie Knight
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Internship: Metro TV
I am currently a sophomore at the University of Oregon, majoring in journalism with a focus in photojournalism. My interest in photography began when I was four years old, and has continued to grow and flourish since. From the moment I got my first camera at age six, I have gained experience working with various forms of photography, finding that my passions lie in concert, sports, and travel photography. I am excited to travel to Africa, learn about Ghanaian culture and appreciate the culture’s uniqueness and difference from my own.
Nicole Lee
Major: Advertising Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: San Carlos, CA
My name is Nicole Lee and I am currently a senior at the University of Oregon majoring in advertising and a minor in business administration. I am grateful for the opportunity and to be a part of the Media in Ghana program this summer. I am excited to immerse myself into the beautiful country and culture that Ghana has to offer.
David Martinez
Majors: Advertising and Music
Hometown: Salem, OR
My grandma’s house felt like a museum. The walls were covered with eclectic art, bookcases were filled with first editions, and display cases contained ancient roman relics. Each visit meant a new adventure. My mom would often have to wrangle me from a dusty corner so I would interact with my relatives, but I was curious. I wanted to know the story of every item in that house. I still do. Since then, my curiosity has expanded from the shelves and closets of my grandma’s house to include new cultures and communities. Visiting Africa has always been a desire of mine. I remember my inability to relate with my peers over my fascination with Africa. I will finally get the chance to visit Ghana while exploring my passion for music and advertising in this culturally rich country.
Carlos McCarter
Major: Journalism and Advertising
Hometown: Steens, MI
Powered by a love for God, people, music, sports, and chocolate, I use every day to work on becoming a better man, brother, friend, and child of God. With that said, I struggle with not being as kind to individuals who are affiliated with the University of Alabama and the University of Mississippi. These individuals are simply misguided. I am from a small, country town called Steens, Mississippi. What we lack in size we make up for in hospitality and family. I am a double major in Journalism and Advertising in the School of Journalism and Communication. Having the opportunity to possibly intern with a media organization in Ghana was a no-brainer. It would provide me with my first-ever internship, but more importantly, I would learn how to communicate cross-culturally by devoting 100% of my being to walking alongside Ghanaians and absorbing every piece of their culture willingly shared with me.
Donny Morrison
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Portland, OR
My name is Donny Morrison and I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I’m majoring in journalism through the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. I’m currently a junior, and I work at my school’s student-run newspaper the Daily Emerald as a news reporter. Before I came to UO, I worked as a news editor and opinion writer for Lane Community College’s student-run paper The Torch. In Ghana, I will be interning as a news reporter for the Daily Guide. I’ve always been an ardent reader with the natural curiosity it takes to enjoy something like news writing. I hope my time in Ghana will afford me the perspective to be able to tell other people’s stories with empathy and tact.
Madilyne Hi’ilani Nguyen-Acosta
Major: Public Relations Minor: African Studies
Hometown: Santa Clara, CA
Internship: GCB Bank
Next fall I will be approaching my junior year at the University of Oregon. My obsession for planners and stationary ignited my passion for planning events, my favorite aspect of PR. I find joy in bringing people together whether it be for a simple meeting or an extravagant celebration. Since my first year, I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Media in Ghana program. I look forward to learning more about Ghanaian culture through food, excursions, and my internship. I know that this experience will be one that I never forget and I’m excited to see what Ghana has in store for all of us.
Francis O’Leary
Major: Journalism Minor: Public Policy, Planning and Management
Hometown: Saint Paul, MI
Internship: Net 2 TV
I’m a non-traditional first-year student at the SOJC. I have previously written for Oregon Music News and Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current Blog, reflecting my love of music. In Ghana, I’ll gain my first experience with visual and broadcast reporting at Net 2 TV, to which I am greatly looking forward. I could gain that professional development at an internship in Oregon though; I plan on using the brief time we have in Accra to experience as much of local life as I can and to learn all I am able to about the lives of our peers at the University of Ghana.
Sophia Prince
Majors: Journalism and International Studies
Minors: Food Studies and Middle East and North African Studies
Hometown: Portland, OR
My name is Sophia Prince and I am a Sophomore at the University of Oregon. The Media in Ghana program will be my first internship in journalism, and I look forward to working at the Center for Democratic Development. I currently work as an event planner for International students, am a skier on UO snow, and am learning Arabic. Internship: Center for Democratic Development.
Madeline Robinson
Major: Advertising Minor: Art and English
Hometown: Gainesville, GA
Internship: Innova DDB
I like to think that I am a curious person. I love to ask questions and push myself to try new things as often as I can. I hope to make the most of my time in Ghana by fulling immersing myself in the culture of Accra. I hope to form relationships with my co-workers at my internship, explore the city with my peers, and always say yes to any new opportunity.
Jake Tager
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Eugene, OR
My name is Jake Tager and I was born in Santa Cruz, California but moved to Eugene before I turned 1. Eugene is home. I’m a junior journalism major and am not quite sure what I want to do when I graduate, but I enjoy writing, photography, and telling interesting stories. I am excited to experience my first internship in the newspaper industry and learn about the different culture that Ghana has to offer.
Emily Topping
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Portland, OR
I am a second-year journalism student from Portland, Oregon. Some of my passions include skiing, painting, film photography, and music. I am one of the coordinators for the UO Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Team and I DJ at the college radio station, KWVA 88.1. I have adored my time in Eugene so far, meeting like-minded and driven people, and exploring my interests. I can not wait to explore Ghana this summer and learn more about a culture I am unfamiliar with!
Kevin Wang
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Boise, ID
Hello! I am Kevin Wang, I was raised in Boise, Idaho. Before coming to the University of Oregon, I went to the College of Idaho as a student-athlete. I ran track while studying business. Now at the University of Oregon, I am studying Journalism. I aspire to become a videojournalist and hopefully get the chance to work for Vice one day. While being a student at Oregon, I am a videographer for the athletic department and I create highlight videos for our sports teams. I hope to gain new insight on how to become a better writer and journalist in Ghana.
Mercedes Wright
Major: Public Relations Minor: Italian
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Hello! My name is Mercedes Wright and I am a sophomore at the University of Oregon. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and am no stranger to the rain especially being from Seattle, Washington. I have a love for the people and culture around this area but have an even greater desire to explore and travel the world. My major is Public Relations and my minor is Italian. While abroad, I hope to grow my skill set as a communicator while working at my internship within the public relations sector. I am so excited for the journey ahead and the adventures that await me in Ghana.
