Jana Kent is a third-year doctoral student focusing on family and identity communication. She is interested in researching topics related to transracial adoption and adoptee identity development.  Jana's long-term goals include continuing as a higher education instructor and furthering research on transracial adoption. 

Jana received her B.A. from Boise State University and her M.A. from the University of Cincinnati. She currently teaches Comm 1200--Public Speaking. Jana was awarded the University of Cincinnati Excellence in Teaching Award for her achievements in the classroom as a master's student. At Mizzou, Jana received the Outstanding Graduate Instructor award for the Department of Communication.  

Jana currently serves as a member of several committees in the Department of Communication. Jana was also elected as the 2022-2023 Graduate Student Liaison for the Association of Communication Graduate Students executive board. She hopes to continue to create positive change for graduate students in her department.