Erica Kight

Erica Kight, Ph.D., is a Lecturer and Assistant Director of Mass Media at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, University of Central Florida. She co-directs the Hispanic Media Initiative and teaches courses in news reporting, electronic journalism, and diversity in U.S. media. Her research focuses on media framing, underrepresented communities, and Hispanic media representation.

Education:

• Ph.D. and M.A. in Mass Communication, University of Florida
• B.A. in English Literature, Florida State University (minor in Print Journalism from Florida A&M University)

Research & Professional Contributions: Co-editor of LatinX Voices: Hispanics in Media in the U.S., presenter at international conferences (e.g., Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities), and grant recipient from the Nielsen Foundation and Partners of the Americas. Produced the 2020 documentary One Way about Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood gang dynamics.

Awards:

• Intentionality Award (UCF Latino Faculty and Staff Association, 2020)
• Multiple journalism awards for broadcast and print work

Grants & Initiatives: Funded projects on media diversity and Hispanic media. Active in the Hispanic Media Initiative, fostering Latino representation in media education and research.

Labs/Teams: Hispanic Media Initiative at Nicholson School.