Cynthia Stohl
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Growing up in New York City, my undergraduate degree is from Buffalo State (where I met my husband, also a professor at UCSB) and my MA and PhD are from Purdue University in Indiana. I have two wonderful daughters and the most adorable granddaughter in the world! My favorite activity is hiking, whether it be in the hills of Santa Barbara, the mountains of Colorado, or the hilltop towns of Tuscany.
Research Interests
My research and teaching focus on the relationship between globalization and the ways we communicate interpersonally, in small groups, and in and across organizations (both corporate and non-profit). I am especially interested in how new communication technologies are changing our social networks and our collective actions.
Teaching Style
The best people to really answer this question are my students. But here is what I try to do. I try to be organized but flexible, have open discussions as well as focused interaction, expect a lot from students but provide lots of support for their efforts. The subtitle of a book I wrote, Connectedness in Action, epitomizes what I try to do in all my classes. I encourage students to make personal connections with the subject matter, with one another, with our community, and with the world at large. The key to teaching and learning is being connected.
Idea of a Good Time
The best times are when I am with family and good friends, eating good food, talking and listening, laughing with and loving the people who are with me.
Most Important Thing to Learn at College
Learning is a lifelong process. The "facts" you take away from school are just the beginnings. The most important thing is learning how to learn, to discipline your curiosity while maintaining your creativity, your compassion, and your spirit.
Advice for New Students at UCSB?
Take advantage of the opportunities available. Interact with people unlike yourself, make new friends and work with interesting colleagues. Take classes that are challenging. Study abroad, spend a quarter in Washington DC in the UCDC program. In other words, get out of your comfort zone!
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