Derek Buescher

Derek Buescher is a Professor and Chair of Communication Studies and Director of Forensics at the University of Puget Sound. His research focuses on media criticism, public memory, and intersectional analysis of gender, race, and empire. He examines historical and contemporary media representations of torture, including WWII comic books and post-9/11 narratives, emphasizing 'American exceptionalism.' He teaches courses on imperialism, cultural theory, Disney media, and debate.

• B.A., Whitman College (1992)
• M.A., University of California, Davis (1995)
• Ph.D., University of Utah (2003)

His work bridges academic research and pedagogy, including training Chinese students/teachers in debating and co-authoring chapters on Wonder Woman’s wartime origins and policy debate communities. He received the 2010 Award of Recognition for contributions to China’s debate scene.

Current projects include heretical rhetoric in military contexts and neocolonial media representations. He advises students through courses like Media Culture: Disney and Intercollegiate Debate.