Her research focuses on why people are interested in documentaries and how fans communicate and view each other in online spaces. She graduated with her Ph.D. in Media and Communication from Bowling Green State University in August 2017. In 2013, Julia received her MA in Digital Storytelling from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where she also grew up. She received her BS in Peace Studies and Communication Studies from Manchester University in 2011. Julia serves as the Managing Editor for the Popular Culture Studies Journal and is also the Graduate Student/New Professional Representative for the Midwest Popular Culture Association.