She holds an undergraduate degree in History from James Madison University, a master’s degree in Women’s Studies from San Diego State University, and Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Abetz’ research is informed by qualitative and critical approaches to communication, with a particular focus on the construction and negotiation of identity. Her work on emerging adulthood, dual-career couples, and mother-daughter relationships has been featured in numerous professional publications, including, Women’s Studies in Communication, the Western Journal of Communication, and Communication Studies.