Rachel Pitonyak

Rachel Pitonyak is a doctoral candidate in the department of Africana and American Studies department. She holds a BA in Sociology and Film and Media Studies from Mercyhurst University and an MA in Film and Media Study with a Secondary Concentration in Sociology from the University at Buffalo. Her dissertation research focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Hollywood Film Industry with a special focus on the Buffalo-Niagara region.

I chose the American Studies PhD program within the Transnational Studies department because it gives me the opportunity to explore my intersecting research interests.  Fellow students, as well as the faculty and staff are very friendly, know you by name, and show a genuine interest in your academic pursuits. - Rachel Pitonyak

*The Department of Transnational Studies is now called the Department of Africana and American Studies