Kate Birdsall

Focused on real-world applications of writing and communication, Kate Birdsall serves as an Associate Professor and Director of The Cube at Michigan State University's Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures department. With over 20 years of project management experience and a decade dedicated to communications strategy, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her academic role. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in English from Michigan State University and an M.A. from The University of Akron, which have equipped her with a robust foundation in her field. Kate's research interests are diverse and encompass professional writing, project management, user experience, content strategy, and nonprofit communications. Her work often explores the intersection of these areas, particularly in how they can be applied to enhance digital spaces and improve usability. She is particularly passionate about publishing in digital spaces, where she seeks to innovate and improve the ways in which content is delivered and consumed. In addition to her research and teaching responsibilities, Kate is the managing editor of The Current, East Lansing's student-run arts and culture magazine. In this role, she is instrumental in fostering undergraduate engagement in experiential learning, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their skills in a real-world setting. Her leadership in this area underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. Kate's dedication to inclusive excellence and community outreach is evident through her involvement with the department's Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant and the First-Year Writing (FYW) Program. These initiatives reflect her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, as well as her belief in the transformative power of education. Her work in nonprofit communications further highlights her commitment to using her skills for the greater good. By developing effective communication strategies for nonprofit organizations, she aims to amplify their impact and support their missions. This aspect of her work aligns with her broader goal of using writing and communication as tools for positive change. Overall, Kate Birdsall's career is marked by a dedication to both academic excellence and practical application. Her work continues to influence the fields of writing, rhetoric, and communication, and her contributions to Michigan State University and the broader community are significant and ongoing.