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Although Toqa’s only in her second year, she’s accomplished some amazing things! She is collaborating with her professor, Dr. Chance York, on a number of research projects that explore media selection and media effects and how latent genetic traits help us explain how we interact with and use media and technology.

Additionally, Toqa is exploring her own research interests. She studies the genetic and social antecedents of technology use. In particular, she is interested in the transmission of these behaviors from parents to children through genetic and social pathways, and the interaction between those pathways. To that end, she is using a variety of genetically informative twin, adoption and molecular data to examine how latent traits are linked to behavior.

Toqa’s inspiration for her academic pursuits come straight from home. Her parents moved to Akron from Egypt in 2006 to obtain their doctoral degrees, and they brought Toqa along for the ride. As she says, “I am inspired by their journey and their hard work. It has been my dream to become a doctor like them.” Their experiences, combined with her own as a Muslim-American, are the sources of her academic interests.

Although Toqa is making leaps and bounds in the realm of technology and communication, she still finds time for herself. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the many parks and trails across Ohio, drawing Arabic and English calligraphy, and learning new languages.

Toqa also really loves �鶹ӰԺ State. When asked about her favorite part of KSU, Toqa immediately cited her experience within the College of Communication & Information. She says, “I feel like I truly belong here! Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, especially my advisors and classmates. They are always helpful and supportive of my research endeavors and guide me to excel academically and professionally.”

Well, the College of Communication & Information—and �鶹ӰԺ State as a whole—are more than happy to have you, Toqa! Best of luck to you!

For more �鶹ӰԺ student and alumni spotlights, follow the Division of Graduate Studies on , and or visit our website for information on graduate student services, awards and virtual events.