Natalie at the Nakalele Blowhole on Maui
What is a fun fact about you that most people here don’t know?
-"I’m a classically trained soprano! I’ve performed in professional choral, opera, and musical theater productions. One of my favorites is Sweeney Todd!"
Where would you love to travel to next?
-"Iceland has long been on my travel list!"
What movie genre is your favorite?
-"I love thrillers with unreliable narrators!"
Meet Natalie Andreas
Full name and title you would like us to use
-"Natalie Bidnick Andreas; most students call me “Professor Andreas” in class."
What do you currently do at UT?
-"I’m an assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Communication Studies. This term I teach CMS 341 - Digital Communication, CMS 337K - Working Virtually, and CMS 367 - AI in Strategic Contexts"
Where are you from?
-"I’m originally from Garland, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. I’ve lived in Austin for about 12 years now and am here to stay."
How and when did you decide to work in communication?
-"I decided to work in communication as an undergrad at Southern Methodist University (SMU). I wanted a major that combined my love for conversation and writing - and communication was perfect!"
What’s one of the most memorable things that happened during your Undergraduate Years?
-"Facebook launched as a platform during my undergraduate years! I vividly remember how “exclusive” it was to receive an invitation as a college student. I remember being one of the first Texas college students to get access. I factor this story into many of my lectures here at UT."
What’s one of the most memorable things that happened during your Graduate Years?
-"I earned my Master’s degree while working a full-time corporate job that required me to travel. I remember finishing so many projects and papers on airplanes, in taxis, and even in a Las Vegas casino!"
What are you proudest of?
-"I’m really proud of working toward big picture goals during difficult times. During the pandemic, I wrote, pitched, and published my first textbook while pregnant with my son and quarantined with my husband and daughter. When my son was an infant, I decided to start completing a doctoral degree, while continuing my teaching and consulting. When faced with a challenge, my response is often “What more can I do?” (Obviously, I’m very thankful to my family and support system for making this possible.)"
Where is your favorite place in Austin? (Can be restaurants, activities, parks, etc.)
-"My favorite place in Austin is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! It’s such a meditative place where the whole family can roam free."
If you could go back in time, what’s one piece of advice you would give to yourself?
-"I would tell myself to slow down more! There’s plenty of time to rush and hurry through life. When possible, take time to observe the world around you and take in everything without headphones or devices. It’s truly restorative."
What’s one piece of advice you would give current students?
-"Stay curious! Today’s student is (understandably) focused on achievement, but life is about finding ways to enjoy the journey, too. If you stay curious, the world becomes a more delightful place."