Destiny Kiddoo's work sits at the intersection of applied linguistics, rhetoric and composition and digital communication ethics. She studies how people and institutions navigate online spaces, with particular attention to identity, resistance and the responsibilities of communicators in increasingly digital environments. Her research is informed by interdisciplinary training in linguistics, business writing, ethics and pedagogy.
As an instructor, Destiny emphasizes clarity, accessibility and student agency. She designs learning environments that support diverse learners, foreground rhetorical awareness and connect writing to real-world contexts. Her broader professional and community experience continues to shape her commitment to ethical communication and inclusive, community-centered practice.
A conversation with Destiny
Why did you choose your major, or what draws you to your discipline?
I was drawn to applied linguistics and rhetoric because I've always been fascinated by the ways language shapes people's experiences, identities and access to power. Studying communication, both in digital spaces and in everyday interactions, allows me to explore how individuals and institutions use language ethically, persuasively and responsibly. My discipline gives me the tools to examine not just what people say, but why they say it, how it affects others and how communication practices can be made more equitable. I'm motivated by the belief that thoughtful, ethical communication can strengthen communities and create more inclusive environments, both inside and outside the classroom.
Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of.
One of the most meaningful projects I've worked on was my involvement with Girls Rock! Des Moines, a nonprofit that empowers girls, gender‑expansive youth and trans youth through music and creative expression. I developed and led workshops focused on leadership, confidence‑building and collaborative music‑making, and I created lesson plans and activities that supported students' growth both as artists and as individuals. I also contributed to grant writing and organizational materials that helped sustain and expand programming. This work deepened my commitment to community‑centered education and showed me how creative spaces can foster empowerment, identity exploration and a sense of belonging, which are values that continue to shape my teaching and research today.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Applied Linguistics, East Texas A&M University, in progress
- Master of Humanities, Rhetoric and Composition, Tiffin University, 2025
- B.A., Music, with English Emphasis in Technical Writing, William Penn University, 2023
Professional Background
- Instructor of English, William Penn University, 2025-Present