ORLANDO, FL, May 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Jennifer A. Sandoval, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Sandoval has established herself as a leading expert in effective communication across differences and difficulties, with a particular focus on culture, identity, conflict, and the importance of context in healthcare and education settings. Her career at the University of Central Florida spans 14 years, during which she has made significant contributions to both research and teaching. Since 2018, she has served as an associate professor, teaching two to three courses per semester, advising doctoral and master's students, and conducting research to improve communication and mentoring in the geosciences. Dr. Sandoval also leads a program that develops undergraduate researchers to address complex place-based problems in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Her work further examines community engagement and storytelling about climate change, as well as leadership, communication and effective approaches to change management and conflict for leaders in nonprofit organizations. She is deeply involved in interviewing participants for research projects and meeting regularly with students.

In addition to her primary faculty role, Dr. Sandoval has held several key administrative positions at the University of Central Florida. From 2021 to 2024, she was the PhD program coordinator at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, overseeing curriculum development and student progress. She also served as associate director of engagement and retention from 2023 to 2024, focusing on strategies to enhance involvement and success. Between 2020 and 2023, Dr. Sandoval was assistant director of inclusive culture at the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, where she championed diversity initiatives. As a faculty fellow for inclusive excellence from 2019 to 2021, she worked to foster equity across the university.

Dr. Sandoval began her tenure at the University of Central Florida as an assistant professor from 2011 to 2017, laying the foundation for her ongoing commitment to mentorship and academic excellence. Prior to joining the university, she was a lecturer at California State University, Stanislaus for one year, during which she gained valuable classroom experience.

Her earlier professional journey includes serving as an associate at Packman & Associates from 2008 to 2012, where she applied her expertise in conflict management and communication. Dr. Sandoval was also an instructor at the University of New Mexico from 2007 to 2010 while completing her doctoral studies. During this period, she contributed as a research assistant and held a summer position at a consulting firm, further broadening her practical experience.

From 2004 to 2007, Dr. Sandoval taught courses at Pepperdine University, sharing her knowledge with undergraduate students. Her career began at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution as strategic projects coordinator from 2002 to 2005, where she developed skills in mediation and training that would later inform her academic pursuits.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sandoval has demonstrated a strong commitment to partnering with diverse organizations. She has secured funding from prominent entities such as the National Science Foundation, the Sloan Foundation and the Gulf Research Project at the National Academies, an achievement she regards as particularly meaningful due to its potential for significant impact. Additionally, Dr. Sandoval takes great pride in having graduated all of the graduate students she has advised over her tenure at the university, emphasizing mentorship as one of the most important roles for faculty members.

Her professional affiliations include membership in both the National Communication Association and the International Communication Association, reflecting her active engagement with leading voices in her field.

Dr. Sandoval's academic background is distinguished by a PhD in culture and communication from The University of New Mexico, earned in 2010. This advanced study provided her with a robust theoretical foundation that informs her research on communication across cultural boundaries. She also holds a master's degree in dispute resolution from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, awarded in 2003, which has equipped her with practical skills that have been instrumental throughout her career as a mediator and educator. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication and journalism from Pepperdine University, completed in 2002.

She attributes much of her success to the collaborative partnerships she has formed throughout her career. Dr. Sandoval values working within large interdisciplinary teams where diverse perspectives converge to create meaningful outcomes for communities, a philosophy that continues to guide her public-facing research efforts.

Beyond academia, Dr. Sandoval is civically engaged as a supporter of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., a volunteer with IDignity, and with various groups supporting students and immigrant communities in Central Florida, as well as local food banks.

Her dedication has been recognized through numerous awards including Outstanding Names in Instruction Teaching Award from the College of Sciences at University of Central Florida in 2025; Critical and Cultural Division Scholar Activist Award from National Communication Association in 2024; NSCM Outstanding Educator of the Year by Nicholson School of Communication and Media Advisory Board in 2023; Diversity Equity and Inclusion Faculty Award from College of Sciences at University of Central Florida in 2022; Excellence in Contribution to Inclusive Culture by Nicholson School of Communication and Media in 2022; Teaching Incentive Program Award from University of Central Florida in both 2021 and 2016; IntegrityStar UCF Compliance and Ethics Recognition for Promoting Diversity Equity and Inclusion by UCF Compliance and Ethics in 2020; NSCM Outstanding Service Award by Nicholson School of Communication and Media at University of Central Florida in 2019; Competitive Sabbatical awarded by College of Sciences at University of Central Florida in 2019; Leadership Award from Latin@ Faculty and Staff Association at University of Central Florida in 2019; Faculty Excellence Women's History Month Honoree by University of Central Florida in 2019; Advocacy Award from Latin@ Faculty and Staff Association at University of Central Florida in 2018; Women's History Month Honoree by Multicultural Student Center at University of Central Florida in 2018; Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by College of Sciences at University of Central Florida in 2014.

Dr. Sandoval's creative contributions include producing "Gulf Uncovered," a student-led podcast dedicated to exploring environmental challenges along the Gulf Coast through compelling storytelling, a testament to her commitment to public scholarship.

Born in California, Dr. Sandoval enjoys traveling, running her consulting business, salsa dancing, spinning for fitness and volunteering within her community. Looking ahead, she remains committed to advancing interdisciplinary collaborations that harness storytelling's power within communication research while continuing to mentor graduate students and pursue impactful research funding opportunities. She is focused on identifying work that will have lasting significance for both communities and students' lives.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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