Daphne Valerius

Daphne Valerius serves as a Teaching Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at North Carolina A&T University. Her academic profile centers on media scholarship examining representation of Black women and girls, with recognition stemming from her documentary film work and qualitative research on media narratives.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Mediated Communication, University of Missouri-Columbia (2021)
• M.A. in Broadcast Journalism, Emerson College (2006)
• B.S. in Communication Arts, St. John's University (2003)

Dr. Valerius' research investigates media representation through narrative analysis and counter-narrative frameworks, specifically focusing on how mass media shapes perceptions of Black women in romantic relationships and societal contexts. Her work critically examines beauty standards, media tropes, and the reclamation of stories by marginalized groups using qualitative methodologies that bridge academic scholarship and documentary filmmaking.

Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate sustained focus on counter-narratives and media stereotyping, with interdisciplinary connections spanning media studies, gender studies, and sociology. Her scholarship consistently addresses representation gaps while analyzing audience perceptions through frameworks like Red Table Talk.

Dr. Valerius teaches core courses including Intro to Video Production, Mass Communication Research Methods, and Minorities in Mass Media, providing students with practical production skills alongside critical analysis of representation. Her teaching directly integrates her research expertise in media diversity and narrative construction.

Though no formal lab is documented, her documentary production work and narrative research methodology create opportunities for student engagement in media creation and critical media literacy projects focused on representation.