About Me
I am currently an assistant professor of journalism is the School of Journalism and Electronic Media at the University of Tennessee. I received my Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in June of 2011. My research looks at social networks, voluntary organizations, new media, journalism and politics. My dissertation examined the role of perceived voluntary group cohesion in group participation and group survival. It was advised by Prof. R. Lance Holbert. I also hold a master of arts in telecommunication from Ball State University. My master’s thesis examined the role of new media in the early stages of the 2008 presidential election and was awarded the Ball State University Alumni Association Distinguished Thesis Award. It was advised by Professor James W. Chesebro.
On the personal side, I am originally from Youngstown, Ohio. My mom, Mary Wargo, is the human resources director of a psychology clinic and works with schools doing drug prevention and team building interventions. She still lives in Youngstown. She is married to her longtime running partner, Craig Wargo.
My father, Robert Geidner, lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on May 29, 2006. He is sorely missed. Please support the fight against cancer by giving to the American Cancer Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
My brother is an attorney and journalist in Washington D.C. and my sister is a high school biology teacher and track coach in Florida.
Lastly, I am married to the most wonderful, caring person in the world. Shelby is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, graduated from Ball State University and is a newspage designer.