Andy Acosta is a Ph.D. student in the Rhetoric, Media, and Publics program, advised by Dr. Moya Bailey. His research interests include mad studies, Hip Hop studies, gender & sexuality studies, and race & ethnic studies influenced by activism. Specifically, he is researching suicide-themed Hip Hop songs and albums, emerging rap styles, and Norteño rap albums. Andy has an M.A. in Communication Studies from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB); a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Social Advocacy from California Polytech State University, Humboldt (Cal Poly Humboldt); and two A.A.s from Cabrillo College, one in Communication Studies and another in Liberal Arts & Sciences with an emphasis on Interdisciplinary Studies. He has been teaching since 2018 and has taught at various institutions, from Hispanic Servicing Institutions (e.g., CSUSB, Cabrillo, and San Bernardino Valley College) to prestigious R1 institutions, such as Northwestern. Specifically, Andy taught public speaking, interpersonal communication, and shadow internships designed to teach grad students how to teach public speaking. His passion for teaching began at a young age while his research interest developed at Cal Poly Humboldt, and he has presented at numerous international, national, and regional conferences. Andy is part of Dr. Bailey’s research lab, Digital Apothecary. andy.acosta@u.northwestern.edu