ABBY J.

ROCHE
Climate Resilience Collaborator

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Communication, University of Maine Orono

Anticipated conferment Summer 2023
Advisor: Dr. Laura N. Rickard

M.A. in Communication, University of Maine Orono

August, 2017
Advisor: Dr. Laura N. Rickard
Thesis title: How do we collaborate: A look into Maine’s Sustainable Ecological
Aquaculture Network (SEANET)

B.S. in Public Relations with Honors, Magna Cum Laude, Northern Michigan University
May, 2015
Capstone project: Fearless in the Face of Studying Abroad, a Public Relations Campaign
for the Northern Michigan University Study Abroad Program

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
My research utilizes theoretical tools from the communication discipline in order to do applied
sustainability research. I am committed to contributing and fostering change through the
development of environmental communication work, and passionate about understanding the
connections between science and society.

Articles
Roche, AJ & Rickard, LN, Huguenard, K., & Spicer, P. (2022). Who’s Tapped Out and
What’s on Tap? Tapping Into Engagement Within a Place-Based Citizen Science
Effort. Society & Natural Resources.
Spicer P., Schlichting D., Huguenard K., Roche AJ, & Rickard LN (2021). Sensing storm
surge: A framework for establishing a citizen scientist monitored water level
network. Ocean and Coastal Management.
Roche, AJ & Rickard, LN (2017). Co-citation or capacity building? Researcher
perspectives on success within an interdisciplinary, sustainability team. Frontiers
in Communication.

Technical Reports
Spicer, P., Huguenard, K., Rickard, L., & Roche, AJ. (Spring, 2020). Sensing Storm Surge
data and outreach report. Prepared for The University of Maine Sensing Storm
Surge Team.
Roche, AJ & Rickard, LN (2017). The Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Network,
Collaborative Preferences Technical Report. Prepared for The University of Maine
Sustainable Ecological Aquaculture Network Team.

Conference Presentations
Disney, J., Buckman, K., Hall, S., Munoz, I., Farrell, AJ., Roche, A., Lust, H. (June 2022).
Interventions to support teacher and student engagement in the citizen science
project “All About Arsenic” during the Covid-19 pandemic. Oral presentation at
SciEd Annual Meeting.
Roche, AJ., Lust, H., Disney, J., Rickard, LN. (May 2022). Storied Dimensions of
Engagement: Ripple Effect Mapping as a Participant-Centered Tool for Evaluating
Community Science Engagement. Poster presentation at the Citizen Science
Association Annual Conference, virtual.
Roche, AJ., Nash, M. (March 2022). Island Institute Fellows Program: Past, Current, and
Future Roles in Supporting Coastal Resilience. Oral presentation at the Maine
Water and Sustainability Conference, Augusta, Maine.
Roche, AJ., Rickard, LN (December, 2020). For the public by the public: Can citizen
science provide sustainable public engagement in risk-related decision-making?
Poster presentation at the Society of Risk Analysis Annual Meeting, Virtual.
McGreavy, B., Roche, AJ., Rickard, LN, Page, C. (June, 2019). Awareness, Wonder, and
Engagement (AWE) Framework: Assessing Learning Outcomes
in Environmental Communication. Poster presentation at the Conference on
Communication and the Environment, Vancouver, Canada.
Reese, K., Roche, AJ. (June, 2019). Adventure-based citizen-science as a practice of
care. Scholarly paper at the Conference on Communication and the Environment,
Vancouver, Canada.
Cucuzza, M., Marafino, G., Roche, AJ. (March, 2019). A media discourse analysis of right
whale mortality events in Maine. Poster presentation at the Maine Sustainability
& Water Conference, Augusta, Maine.
Rickard, L., Roche, AJ., Huguenard, K., Spicer, P., Silka, L., and Duffy, K. (March, 2019).
Co-creating the “co-created”? A mixed method approach to reconciling researcher
and participant perceptions of engagement in an exploratory citizen science
project. Oral presentation at the Citizen Science Association Annual Conference,
Raleigh, North Carolina.
Roche, AJ., Rickard, L., Rosenbaum, J. (December, 2018). Understanding #Flint: Risk
communication and attribution of responsibility on Twitter. Oral presentation at
the Society of Risk Analysis, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Roche, AJ. (co-chair), Reese, K., Suldovsky, B., Smith, H., Penman, W. (November, 2018).
Public Engagement at Play: Science, Technology, and the Environment. Panel
presentation at the National Communication Association Conference, Salt Lake
City, Utah.
Page, C., McGreavy, B., Roche, AJ., Rickard, LN. (April, 2018). Awareness, Wonder, and
Engagement Framework: Assessing Learning Outcomes in Environmental
Communication. Poster presentation at the University of Maine Student
Symposium, Orono, Maine.
Quiring, T., Wyman, B., Roche, AJ., Welton, J., and Picciotto, B. (March, 2017).
Environmental Communication as Applied Communication. Panel presentation at
the Eastern Communication Association Annual Meeting, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Roche, AJ., Rickard, L. (March, 2017). Communication competencies and researcher
roles in collaborative settings: A mixed methods approach. Poster presented at
the Eastern Communication Association Annual Meeting, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Roche, AJ. (April, 2016). How do we collaborate: A look into Maine's Sustainable
Aquaculture Network. Poster presented at the SEANET All-Hands Meeting, Orono,
Maine.
Roche, AJ. (April, 2016). How do we collaborate: A look into Maine's Sustainable
Aquaculture Network. Poster presented at the University of Maine Student
Research Expo, Bangor, Maine.

Research-related Outreach and Community Engagement

2021 Judge, the University of Maine Research Symposia

2020 Invited webinar speaker, “Coastal Resilience and Sea Level Rise.”
Bangor Daily News Climate Conversations.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Data to Action: Using King Tides Projects to

2019 Build Resilience in Coastal Communities”. Citizen Science Association
Conference, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Colloquia speaker, “Co-creating the “co-created”? A mixed method

2019 approach to reconciling researcher and participant perceptions of
engagement in an exploratory citizen science project”. Communication
and Journalism colloquium series, The University of Maine, Orono,
Maine.

Secretary by proxy for the Environmental Communication (EC) Division

2018 business meeting. National Communication Association Conference,
Salt Lake City, Utah.

Colloquia speaker, “CMJ Colloquium: Graduate Student Lightning

 2018 Research Talks”. Communication and Journalism colloquium series,
The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Developed and organized three science café events for the Sensing
Storm Surge citizen science effort in order to share research results on
2018 storm surge levels during recent storm events and lead discussions on
how this information can help communities plan for future coastal
development and climate change adaptation.

2017 Created and advanced lectures, discussions, and hands-on training

activities, for the Sensing Storm Surge citizen science training events
in two Maine estuaries.

2017 Produced and distributed print and video training manuals for the
Sensing Storm Surge citizen science effort. Training materials here.

2017 Designed print and web recruiting materials for the Sensing Storm
Surge citizen science effort. Website and recruitment materials here.

2017 Presented on storm surge effects and the role of citizen scientists for
the Sensing Storm Surge citizen science effort.

Colloquia speaker, “Co-citation or capacity building? Researcher

2017 perspectives on success within an interdisciplinary, sustainability
team.” Communication and Journalism colloquium series, The
University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Student speaker, “Collaboration on Maine’s Sustainable Ecological

2016 Aquaculture Network (SEANET).” Sustainable Ecological Network All
Hands Meeting, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

I am driven by a deep interest in communication pedagogy as a practical force in addressing the
complexities of voice, justice, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. Through
teaching and engagement in various communities of practice, I strive to learn alongside students
and peers as we work to develop our self-awareness as communicators and create strong
self-concepts as compassionate global citizens.

Teaching
Instructor of Record, Communication and Journalism Department, University of Maine,
Orono, (Fall 2015-Present)
Advertising, Media & Society, CMJ 380 (Summer 2020, Summer 2019)
This six-week online course that I developed independently, provides an overview of
advertising/media history, structure, and modes of analysis. Utilizing a broad range of
scholarship, current events/campaigns and multimedia, we will explore the various
dimensions of advertising production, consumption, and impact in the United States and
global markets. By examining the theoretical foundation and historical context of
advertising, the course will interrogate not only how advertising has evolved, but
additionally how systems of power impact dynamics of both production and
consumption through critical and cultural lenses.

Communication Theory, CMJ 202 (Fall 2020)

This course, that I co-taught and developed with a faculty member, introduces students
to major theoretical perspectives and their applications in Communication Studies.
Through work in this course, students compare and contrast the assumptions, tenets,
and applications of various communication theories. Apply and critique communication
theories in relation to events in daily life. As well as read, synthesize, and creatively
question theoretically-driven research in communication studies.

Small Group Communication, CMJ 345 (Spring 2019)

This service-learning course that I developed independently, introduces students to the
theory and applications of small group communication. Students obtain practical
experience working in groups with a community partner to help meet a community need
and learn about the complexities of local issues.

Environmental Communication, CMJ 107 (Instructor of record: Fall 2018)

This large lecture course (approximately 98 students) analyzes how, through
communication, we shape the environment and the environment shapes us. Students
discuss key concepts and practice core commitments within the field of environmental
communication (EC). Through readings, course lectures, guest lectures, and a semester
long case study, students learn how to identify and create more sustainable ways of
communicating about, for, and with environments.

(Recitation Instructor: Fall 2019, Fall 2017, Fall 2016)

In my role as a recitation instructor, I have provided students avenues for learning outside
the large lecture setting. Through the development of lesson plans and activities I have
fostered learning communities that have encouraged students to work through differing
worldviews, critically question their relationship to the environment, and consider the
value of uncertainty, strategic interdependencies, and the power of feedback in social and
organizational systems.

Public Speaking, CMJ 103 (Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Spring 2018, Fall 2017)
This course is about learning to see, honor, and connect to the humanity in ourselves and
in each other. Students plan, research, organize, and deliver speeches – and in doing so,
explore the potential of public communication to shape worlds through understanding
and civility.

Storytelling, CMJ 106 (Fall 2019, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Summer 2016, Spring
2016, Fall 2015)
The course is designed to initiate students into the art of storytelling as a communicative
practice in daily life, focusing on the dynamic relationships created between the story,
storyteller, and audience. Students learn about storytelling as a communication practice.
Through performance acts, performance-planning assignments, and classroom
interactions, students gain a greater sensitivity to how we tell stories to embody, interpret,
and critique cultural and personal meanings in daily life.

Teaching-related Mentoring Experience

Peer Mentor, Communication and Journalism Department, University of Maine, Orono
(Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2017, Spring 2017, Fall 2016, Spring
2016, Fall 2015)
As part of a department peer mentoring program, I have supported and been supported
by the pedagogical development of numerous incoming and returning TAs. Specifically, I
have assisted in training incoming graduate students for several TA-taught classes,
including Storytelling and Public Speaking. Mentoring activities have included curriculum
and lesson plan development, as well as support related to creating inclusive and
respectful classroom community.

Mentor, Maine NEW Leadership, Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of
Maine, Orono (Fall 2016, Spring 2017)
As a mentor for the Maine NEW Leadership program, I have worked with graduates from
the program as they contemplate next steps in their leadership journey. Mentoring
activities have included academic advising, goal formulation, internship application
assistance, and support creating relationships with faculty and community leaders.

Tutor, College Transitions Program, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan

(Spring 2013, Fall 2012)
College Transitions Program, UN100B
In my role as a tutor for the Freshman Probation and College Transitions Programs, I
provided peer support to students who had been conditionally admitted to the university.
Through readings, weekly meetings and a semester long reflection process, I worked with
students to learn how to manage college coursework and gain confidence at the
university level. Tutoring activities included time-management reflections, goal
formulation, writing taks and critical questioning exercises .

Teaching/Learning Presentations and Outreach

Short-course instructor, “Communicating Science in Biomedical
2020-2021 Research.” Mount Desert Biological Laboratory Summer Research
Fellowship Program, Mount Desert Biological Laboratory, Mount
Desert, Maine.

Workshop facilitator, “Interdisciplinary Communication Workshop.”

2018-2021 Mount Desert Biological Laboratory Bridging Disciplines Course,
Mount Desert Biological Laboratory, Mount Desert, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “First Day Activities and Lesson Planning.”

2019 Invited facilitator at the Communication and Journalism Teaching
Assistant Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Graduate Student Life: The First Semester.”

2019 Invited facilitator at the Communication and Journalism Teaching
Assistant Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Teaching and Learning Lunch.” Invited panel

2019 facilitator at the University of Maine Graduate Teaching Assistant
Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
2018 Story slam judge, “Fun and Fright Storytelling Night” event, Lamda Pi
Eta, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Social Media in the Classroom - Assignments

2018 & Activities.” Communication and Journalism Teaching Assistant
Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Panel.” Invited panel

2018-2019 guest at the University of Maine Graduate Teaching Assistant
Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Teachers on Teaching Panel.” Invited panel guest at the

2018 Communication and Journalism Teaching Assistant Orientation, The
University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Graduate Student Panel.” Invited panel guest at the

2016-2019 Communication and Journalism Teaching Assistant Orientation, The
University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Social Media Use: Teacher’s Edition, Ethics

2018 and Regulations.” Communication and Journalism Colloquium Series,
The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Why We Teach and What We Teach Panel.” Invited panel

2017 guest at the Communication and Journalism Teaching Assistant
Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Inclusivity, Respect, and Controversies in the Classroom

2017 Panel.” Invited panel guest at the Communication and Journalism
Teaching Assistant Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Workshop co-facilitator, “Teaching Strategies for the First Day of

2016-2017 Class.” Invited facilitator at the Communication and Journalism
Teaching Assistant Orientation, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Panelist, “Policy Communication Panel.” Invited panel guest at the

2016 Maine New Leadership Conference, The University of Maine, Orono,
Maine.

Panelist, “Women in Leadership Panel.” Invited panel guest at the Elect

2015 Her Conference, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Small Group Facilitator, “Conversations and Approaches to

2013-2014 Leadership.” Leadership Scholars Competition, Northern Michigan
University, Marquette, Michigan.

Keynote Speaker, “Running for Student Government: Campaigning,

2013 Balancing, and Winning.” Elect Her Conference, Northern Michigan
University, Marquette, Michigan.

SERVICE
Graduate Student Representative to the University of Maine System
2017-2019 Board of Trustees, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Orientation Planning Committee, Graduate School Orientation,

2018-2019
Graduate School, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

2017-2019 Executive Committee, Graduate Student Government, The University of

Maine, Orono, Maine.

2019 Judge, Upward Bound Research Symposium, The University of Maine,

Orono, Maine.

2018 Public Relations Committee Co-Chair, Graduate Student Government,

The University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

2017 Judge, University of Maine Student Research Symposium, The

University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Professional Development Coordinator, Graduate Student Association,

2016 Communication and Journalism Department, The University of Maine,
Orono, Maine.

Student Body Vice-President, Associated Students of Northern

2013-2014 Michigan University (Student Government), Northern Michigan
University, Marquette, Michigan.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Liberal Arts

2018
and Sciences, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, Department of Communication

2018
and Journalism, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Outstanding Masters Student in Communication, Department of

2017
Communication and Journalism, The University of Maine, Orono, Maine

Student Athlete Academic Excellence Award, Northern Michigan

2015
University Athletics Department, Northern Michigan University,
Marquette, Michigan