LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-malenda-893317125](https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-malenda-893317125)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Professional and Academic Background
Angelina Malenda is currently affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa, specializing in the Rhetoric, Culture, and Engagement track. Her doctoral studies, ongoing from August 2020 through May 2025, are complemented by a graduate certificate in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies.
Her academic trajectory also includes prior education between 2015 and 2018 at an undisclosed institution before her doctoral work started. She is bilingual in English and Polish, which may be relevant in contexts involving multicultural communication or research.
Awards and Recognitions
Angelina has received multiple prestigious awards and scholarships that underscore her commitment to social justice, feminist scholarship, and academic excellence:
- Jane A. Weiss Dissertation Scholarship (Feb 2024): Awarded by the Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Department at the University of Iowa for dissertation research focused on women’s issues, indicating a strong orientation toward feminist and intersectional scholarship.
- Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship Finalist (Apr 2023): A competitive fellowship supporting innovative research in humanities and social sciences, highlighting her potential to lead groundbreaking work.
- Stephen Lynn Smith Award Memorial Scholarship for Social Justice (Apr 2023): Signifies notable dedication to social justice causes, including civil rights and community advocacy.
- Champion for Student Success (Sep 2023): Nominated for positively impacting peers, suggesting strong leadership and mentorship qualities.
- Graduate Student Senate/Graduate College Presentation Travel Funds and Graduate Recruitment Fellowship awarded by the University of Iowa.
- Multiple Dean’s List recognitions and other academic honors reinforce a consistent record of academic accomplishment.
Certifications and Professional Development
Angelina maintains up-to-date credentials relevant to research ethics and safety, including:
- Biomedical Research Certification (CITI Program, July 2024)
- Good Clinical Practice Certification (CITI Program, July 2024, valid through July 2027)
- Responsible Conduct of Research Certification (CITI Program, July 2024)
- Mental Health Awareness for Faculty and Staff (Kognito, Jan 2023)
- Additional certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding from the American Red Cross, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set and attention to health and safety protocols.
Leadership, Volunteerism, and Academic Service
Angelina has been actively engaged in leadership roles and volunteer activities that align with her scholarly interests in gender, sexuality, and social justice:
- President of the Graduate Student Advisory Council (2022–2023) and Rhetoric Representative (2021–2023) at the University of Iowa, indicating significant leadership within her academic community.
- Editorial Assistant and Artist for the Prison Writing Project (2021–Present), reflecting involvement in socially engaged academic initiatives connecting university writing communities with incarcerated individuals.
- Collective Member for Social Media at Tell Magazine (2021–Present), a peer-reviewed online publication associated with Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, highlighting expertise in digital communication and advocacy.
- Advocacy roles include participation in Planned Parenthood’s Leadership Advocacy Group and ongoing involvement with civil rights-oriented organizations such as Survivors Agenda and Open Heartland.
She also regularly contributes as a reviewer for several academic organizations, including:
- National Communication Association (since 2020) for divisions related to Education and Activism & Social Justice
- Rhetoric Society of America (since 2024)
- Cultural Studies (since 2023)
This reflects her recognized expertise and active participation in shaping scholarly discourse.
Research Interests and Scholarly Contributions
Angelina’s research and scholarly presentations focus on the intersections of rhetoric, trauma studies, feminist and queer theory, social justice, and activism:
- Participation in key academic conferences such as the National Women’s Studies Association, Rhetoric Society of America Summer Institutes, and National Communication Association events.
- Presentation topics include sexual violence rhetoric, queer theory, trauma disruption in rape culture, feminist rhetorics, and the commodification of social ideals in literature.
- Engagement with digital storytelling and critical rhetorical methodologies demonstrates a blend of traditional and innovative research approaches.
Online Presence and Professional Network
Angelina has a LinkedIn following of 204 followers and maintains 202 connections, indicating a moderately active professional network primarily concentrated in academic and social justice circles.
Her activity includes engagement with and appreciation for gender and sexuality studies departments at other institutions, demonstrating an interest in collaborative academic environments.
This comprehensive profile situates Angelina Malenda as a highly accomplished and actively engaged scholar whose expertise bridges communication studies, gender and sexuality, social justice advocacy, and community engagement. Her demonstrated leadership, extensive service and peer-review roles, alongside current and upcoming research projects, position her as a key influencer in feminist and rhetorical academic spheres with strong ties to the University of Pennsylvania and University of Iowa.
