SEAN O’CONNOR

University of California, Santa Barbara, B.S., Geography, Georgetown University, M.A., Communication, Culture, and Technology

While at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Sean studied the physical world through the lens of geography, which took him to the mountains of South Africa, the desert ecosystems of the American Southwest, and beyond. After graduating, Sean moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the National Geographic Society where he conducted research for the magazine, designed maps, and created interactive mapping technologies for use in classrooms. Sean also founded and helps direct a nonprofit organization called FUEL Youth, which builds schools in Liberia. Sean now works as a certified life and leadership coach, supporting people and businesses to create outstanding results in their lives and organizations. He hosts a podcast called Joy Riders that explores all the ways that joy is created in the world. Sean has led a National Geographic Student Expeditions program in Fiji as well as Putney’s Cultural Exploration program in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.   

KATRINA PARIERA

Portland State University, B.A., Linguistics, Georgetown University, M.A., Communication, Culture, and Technology, University of Southern California, Ph.D., Communication

Before starting her Ph.D., Katrina spent a year living in South Korea where she taught English as a Second Language to children and teens. Fascinated by the complicated nature of communication, she completed her M.A. in communication at Georgetown University, where she began researching how families navigate difficult conversations about health. She continued this research while completing her Ph.D. at the University of Southern California, where she also volunteered for several years teaching health and communication to high school students in the Los Angeles area. Now, as a university professor, she teaches writing and communication, conducts research on interpersonal communication, and has led students on a service-learning trip to the Gullah Geechee nation. Earlier in her career she taught literacy skills to underserved children and families in Oregon. Katrina has traveled extensively in Mexico, Thailand, Iceland, and Europe, speaks proficient Spanish, and enjoys baking, hiking, and camping.