Biography
With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech Communication and Theater (Arkansas State University, 1990/1992), Dr. Camara has worked as a college professor at several colleges and universities. In 2001, she received her doctoral degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Camara’s teaching interest reflects her research interest which centers on the inextricable relationship between ethnicity, culture and communication as played out in the contexts of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication. Her basic premise is that unclear assumptions about diversity includes more than ethnic/cultural difference, but rather systems of power that cast some individuals into a sanctified realm of obligation and others outside of it. Her research spans from direct messages of collectivistic and individualistic groups residing within the US, to the influences of –ism’s on uncertainty reduction theory. Dr. Camara’s research reflects the development of an extended theory and a new strategy for reducing uncertainty in the discipline by integrating problematic social interactions as they relate to social forces (i.e., racism, sexism, homophobia, disability). She utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry.
Consequently, she teaches a wide variety of courses including, but not limited to interpersonal communication, interracial communication, intercultural communication, communication theory, persuasion, public speaking and black women’s rhetoric.
In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Camara has actively sought out opportunities to utilize her expertise in order to promote more effective communication in the larger society. Specifically, she has worked with a number of non-profit community-based organizations in terms of conducting retreats for board members, conducting pre- and post-test for after school programs and writing reports about the outcomes of those programs.
Dr. Camara’s hobbies include going to poetry slams and on occasion performing at them. She also enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Dr. Camara’s favorite sport is boxing, so you might catch her at a Vegas fight on any given Friday night.