Staff
Maria DeRoche
Program Coordinator, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Maria DeRoche began her role as program coordinator for the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in March 2024. She is also a master's student at the Manship School of Mass Communication. Originally from Prairieville, Louisiana, DeRoche obtained a B.A. in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in promotional management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2022. Previously, DeRoche interned for Louisiana Folk Roots, a nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating Louisiana's traditional cultural expressions. She worked as a graduate assistant for the Reilly Center from January 2023 – March 2024.
Moumita Roy
Graduate Assistant, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Moumita, originally from Bangladesh, is a graduate student in the MMC Program at the Manship School and a graduate assistant at the Reilly Center. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Marketing Mix Practices, she has a keen interest in Strategic Health Communication, Media Communication Research, and Emerging Communication Technologies. Her dedication to her research earned her 1st place in the 2024 LSU Graduate Research Conference in the Business and Mass Communication Area. Besides her research, she is actively involved in several student organizations, including the LSU Student Government, where she served as the Director of International Student Affairs. Her dedication to the LSU community earned her the "LSU Unsung Hero Award 2024."
In Bangladesh, Moumita built a five-year career in corporate communication, branding, public relations, and digital media management. Her exceptional work earned her the 'Wonder Woman' award in 2020 and a spot in the 'Young Women of the Year Award 2021' organized by WLPGA. Additionally, she is an award-winning food photographer and a national-level debater.
Tabitha Langley
Intern, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Tabitha is a second-year student in the School of Architecture at LSU and an intern with the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs since October 2023. She is a Louisiana native from Bossier City, Louisiana. Tabitha is majoring in architecture with minors in architectural history and construction management. She is set to study abroad in Paris in the fall of her fourth year. Tabitha hopes to find ways incorporate the issues that the Reilly Center explores into better designing physical spaces for all people.
After graduation, Tabitha plans to spend time traveling to study different cultures and their perspectives on social issues and the built environment. During that time, she plans to receive her license and later put into practice designing spaces with consideration of her work with the Reilly Center.
Emily Pope
Intern, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Emily Pope began interning for LSU's Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in October of 2023. She is originally from Alexandria, Louisiana and studies Computer Science in the LSU College of Engineering. Emily anticipates graduation in May 2027. Following graduation, Emily hopes to gain new experiences by travelling the world!
Julia Russell
Intern, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Julia Russell joined the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs as an intern in June 2024. She is currently a second-year undergraduate student majoring in mass communication with a concentration in digital advertising. Russell is passionate about leveraging her skills in digital media to transition into the field of UX design. With a keen interest in user experience and digital innovation, she aims to blend creative storytelling with practical design solutions to enhance user interactions across various digital platforms.
Hannah Egan
Intern, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
222A Journalism Building
[email protected]
Hannah Egan began interning for the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in June 2024. Originally from Roswell, Georgia, she is currently studying biology in LSU's College of Science as well as minoring in dance in LSU's School of Dramatic Arts. Egan hopes to study abroad and is planning to graduate in May 2027.
Ryan Leccese
Intern, Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs
122 Journalism Building
[email protected]
Ryan Leccese began interning for the LSU Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs in August 2024. He is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia and is majoring in General Business with plans to graduate in May 2025.