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Master of Arts Media, Culture, and Communication

The MA degree trains agile researchers to think critically from diverse perspectives about changing industries, technologies, and cultures. You will work closely with our diverse and renowned media studies faculty. Our research and curriculum foreground the study of global media and culture, digital media and new technologies, media history and theory, visual culture, race, and politics.

Degree Details

Official degree title.

Master of Arts in Media, Culture, and Communication

Your Academic Experience

Careers and alumni, is this program right for you.

While our department's graduate courses are primarily theoretical, the Media, Culture, and Communication curriculum is flexible, allowing electives from across the University to align with your personal academic and professional trajectories.

Media business at NYU Stern, media law at the NYU School of Law, interactive technology at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and media ethnography in NYU Anthropology are just some of the many elective options made available to you. We also offer graduate study abroad courses in Europe, Asia, and Latin America examining media in comparative contexts.

Situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, we capitalize on New York's media and cultural eminence. With frequent guest lectures and public events, MCC serves as an intellectual hub for visiting scholars, artists, activists, and media experts.

Graduates of MCC's media studies master's build careers as astute analyzers of the global media landscape. Alumni find themselves well positioned for careers at the intersections of media, culture, and tech — ranging from research to creative, strategy to policy. Those who pursue doctoral study enroll in top-tier PhD programs.

• You'll benefit from the MCC Alumni Network as a student, and be part of this vast community after you graduate.
• Our active MCC Alumni Council will invite you to events throughout the year.
• As a student, you can apply to our MCC Alumni Mentor Program .
• And in our MCC Alumni Masterclass series, you'll learn from alums of the program about the industry applications of your intellectual studies.

The MA in Media, Culture, and Communication offers a theoretical foundation for examining global media within political, social, and cultural contexts. We do not provide practical training in media production, publicity or marketing. MCC MA students can use some of their electives to enroll in such classes elsewhere at NYU, but those seeking a purely practice-based degree should consider applying to the School of Professional Studies' MS in Integrated Marketing  or MS in Public Relations , or Tisch's MA in Interactive Media .

Review our  FAQs  to learn more about our media studies degree program. 

Areas of Study

The MA program offers five research areas, which operate as guiding frameworks for intellectual inquiry across the Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read answers to questions commonly asked by prospective students of the Media, Culture, and Communication MA program.

Student Experience

Learn about the MA graduate student community in the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication.

MCC Internship Program

Media, Culture, and Communication undergraduates of Junior or Senior standing and MA students are eligible to intern for credit. Search our internship database of available positions.

Media, Culture, and Communication faculty research and teach on media topics spanning the globe — from East and South Asia to Western Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

MCC Alumni Mentor Program

Our mentor program pairs Media, Culture, and Communication alumni with Seniors and MA students.

Review our FAQs . If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected] .

Media, Culture, and Communication

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Published December 08, 2023

Media, Culture, and Communication Alums Do It All

Nathan Healy

Assistant Director of Content Strategy and Development

The Media, Culture, and Communication (MCC) major at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development isn’t your typical communications program. From its focus on the cultural dimensions of the media landscape to its five areas of study (global communication and media; visual culture and sound studies; technology and society; media industries and politics; and interaction and experience) that help students plan a unique path through the major, MCC affords students the freedom to investigate what they’re interested in and develop new passions along the way.

The result? Myriad career options and nearly limitless professional potential. But don’t take our word for it. Check out what these MCC alums have been up to since graduating from a program that is one of one.

Liz Una Kim, Class of 2012

Liz is a product marketer with a background in digital media and e-commerce and an obsession with how retail evolves both in real life and online. She currently works as a product marketing lead at Meta with a focus on innovating ad formats across Instagram and Facebook.

Liz was a founding member of Soko Glam’s proprietary skin-care line, Then I Met You, as well as BuzzFeed’s marketing team. She started her career in print editorial, producing fashion shoots for Vanity Fair and covers for the New Yorker . Liz is passionate about building diverse and equitable spaces and holds nonprofit donation–based office hours to guide aspiring professionals.

Jordan Cohen, Class of 2011

Jordan is an executive director of communications at the New York Times. In this position he oversees external communications for the paper’s stand-alone subscription products. For example, he contributes to the growth and subscriber engagement of Cooking, Games, and The Athletic.

Since joining the Times in 2011 as a communications assistant, Jordan has implemented communications and public relations strategies that emphasize the value of independent journalism and showcase the strength of the Times ’ subscription business to global audiences. Jordan has led publicity campaigns for a variety of initiatives, including the launch of the New York Times Audio app; the acquisitions of Wordle and Serial Productions; The 1619 Project and its various forms; and several award-winning film and television projects including Framing Britney Spears and The Weekly .

Yvette Pacheco, Class of 2006

Yvette is vice president of communications at BBC Studios. Her role has her leading a team of communicators who are responsible for raising the profile and visibility of the company’s portfolio in North America and Latin America.

Prior to this role, Yvette held a number of positions in the corporate and consumer communications fields at leading agencies and brands including Univision and NASCAR. Yvette was named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 2019 list and was recognized as a member of Cynopsis’ 2020 Top Women in Media.

Tobi Keunecke, Class of 2016

Tobi is a public relations (PR) and talent relations specialist with a background in entertainment and digital media. He currently works as a PR specialist at Netflix in London—with stints in Berlin and Amsterdam. There, he oversees and supports Netflix’s global film and documentary feature campaigns for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. These have included campaigns for All Quiet on the Western Front , The Deepest Breath , The Irishman , and the upcoming Rebel Moon .

Prior to Netflix, Tobi worked as a publicist across BuzzFeed’s entertainment and commerce divisions in New York City. He also gained experience during his time in the MCC program through PR internships at Fox Broadcasting Company, ID (public relations), Sony Music, and Warner Music Group.

Victoria Caña, Class of 2016

Victoria serves as a lead producer at Riot Games, developer of  League of Legends , one of the most played games in the world. She is also a cofounder of Cat Quartet Games, the studio responsible for Gladius .

In 2022 Forbes named Victoria to its 30 Under 30 list in Games. She was also named to the 2021 Game Awards Future Class, a group of individuals who represent the “bright, bold, and inclusive future for video games.”

Since joining NYU’s University Relations and Public Affairs Office of Marketing Communications, Nathan has been integral in helping the university strengthen its brand and share its value with the world. He enjoys uncovering and sharing the stories that hit audiences on a deeper level and guiding partners across the university toward more engaging and informative brand and storytelling experiences. Nathan has also worked as a teacher and academic counselor. He earned a BA in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and an MA in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University.

More from Nathan:

A Media, Culture, and Communication Major Seeks a More Inclusive Worldview

Chloe Xiang examines the gap between women in reality and the narratives of the people history and the media portray and uplift.

Let’s Talk Media: What is NYU’s Media, Culture, and Communication Major (MCC) All About?

Hear from an eclectic group of Media, Culture, and Communication students who are carving their own paths in and beyond the media industry.

Forbes 30 Under 30: NYU Alumni Stand Out

On this year’s Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, 27 NYU alumni were celebrated as the next generation of creators, innovators, and change-makers.

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• MS in Public Relations and Corporate Communication

Corporate and Organizational Communication Concentration

Concentration overview.

Corporate communication is a form of strategic communications that requires the acquisition of highly nuanced communications skills. Through this concentration, you will learn to communicate clearly and effectively across the organizational functions, while gaining a deeper understanding of strategic business communications, corporate accountability, and how to develop and execute a communications plan that supports the goals and objectives of a company or an organization.

The concentration prepares you for corporate communications jobs through required content that focuses on media relations management, business communications, and corporate communications skills. Electives explore the critical areas of investor relations, community relations and advocacy communications, government affairs, crisis communications, and reputation management. Corporate communications internships provide sought-after, hands-on experience.

Requirements

Concentration: corporate and organizational communication (required).

Students are required to take the following courses.

• PRCC1-GC1000 Theory, History & Practice of Public Relations 3
• PRCC1-GC1040 Managing Media Relations 3
• PRCC1-GC1050 Critical Business Skills for PR Professionals 3
• PRCC1-GC1060 Strategic Communication: Thinking, Planning, and Execution 3

Concentration: Corporate and Organizational Communication (Electives)

Students select three of the following courses or two of the following courses and one course from the public relations management concentration above.

• PRCC1-GC2100 Public Affairs: Public Opinion & Issues Management 3
• PRCC1-GC2110 Building Publics: Employee & Other Constituencies 3
• PRCC1-GC2120 Investor Relations 3
• PRCC1-GC2130 Community Relations & Advocacy Communications 3
• PRCC1-GC2140 Government Affairs 3
• PRCC1-GC2150 Crisis Communication 3
• PRCC1-GC2160 Reputation Management 3

Optional Courses

• PRCC1-GC4010 Experiential Learning 3
• PRCC1-GC3901 Internship 3
• PRCC1-GC3100 Special Topics 3

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is strategic communications and how does it relate to corporate communication.

Strategic Communications is a function and approach to public relations and corporate communications that acknowledges the important role of coordinating and integrating different communications across a range of touch-points and media in a way that’s aligned directly with broader goals and objectives.  The work starts with a clear understanding of the organization’s business, marketing and communications strategy, and the priorities of executive leadership.  Strategic communications is rooted in both an understanding of communication theory and the application of research insights, and seeks to find the most effective and efficient way to deliver messaging and engage the key stakeholders.

What types of corporate communications and strategic communications jobs are available?

Students with a degree that includes strategic communications typically go on to careers like Communications Manager, Research Associate, Public Relations Manager, Communications Strategist, Social Impact Manager, or specialty areas like social media.   Corporate communications careers include jobs like Senior Manager Internal Communications, Corporate Communications Manager and Executive Communications Director.

How does this concentration differ from a strategic communications degree?

NYU’s Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communication prepares students holistically for a professional career serving organizations and individuals to build and manage reputation, understanding, and engagement among critical stakeholders.  The skill sets required to do this well, and the academic underpinnings necessary, are broad-based and complementary.  The degree program we offer gives context to your learning in the areas of strategic communications, with a broader focus on disciplines like social media, media relations, crisis communications, advocacy, public relations consulting, global PR etc., in a diverse and inclusive environment.

VISIT THE MS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATION HOMEPAGE >

Education | NYU graduates stage pro-Palestinian walkout at…

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Education | NYU graduates stage pro-Palestinian walkout at Yankee Stadium commencement

The NYU Palestine Solidarity Coalition, a coalition of various student groups, had promoted an “autonomously planned” walkout  on social media, as the newly minted university president Linda Mills was scheduled to deliver her first commencement address.

Graduates in keffiyehs painted their hands red to protest Israel’s military action in Gaza and what they see as NYU’s complicity in failing to divest from the Jewish state.

“No graduation as usual,” the student groups said in an Instagram post.

As students walked out, Mills introduced a musical performance from “Wicked,” which involved many NYU alumni and she described as a story about two formidable forces at odds who ultimately unite, “appreciating that each offers the other something to learn.”

“Today, as we face a world of war and polarization, this is as important as ever — the enduring desire to be open to those most unlike us. And this is the lesson of Wicked,” the university president said.

Spokespeople for NYU did not immediately return a request for comment, but told a student newspaper the disruption was minimal.

“During a joyful 2 1/2 hours for 40,000 grads and guests, I observed a few passing moments of booing by a tiny fraction of the crowd,” NYU spokesperson John Beckman wrote in a statement to student newspaper Washington Square News.

“It had no impact on the proceedings, which carried on very well, and the overwhelming majority of the attendees seemed to enjoy the Commencement Exercises very much.”

Last week, about 20 pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the main campus library for a few hours at the height of final exams season, unfurling banners and demanding divestment.

University officials have twice summoned the NYPD to clear Gaza solidarity encampments, resulting in close to 150 arrests at NYU since April 22.

NYU’s main commencement came on the heels of a series of smaller graduations at Columbia University, after college officials cancelled the university-wide ceremony. While school-level celebrations have continued, some have featured disruptions and demonstrations, including a social work graduate who ripped their diploma folder in half on stage.

“They stayed strong. They just had tight security and said, the rest of the graduates is more important,” NYU graduate Zack said. “So I think it’s a credit to the president and the administration.”

For many of the undergraduates who finished their degrees this semester, Wednesday marked their first major graduation after many high school ceremonies were cancelled in 2020.

“We started during the pandemic. And so, we’re so happy to be having a graduation for real,” said Dakota Bobadilla, a drama major from San Francisco, whose family flew across the country for the ceremony.

“It’s a little scary going into the future,” another graduate, Ella Webb, said as she starts a job as a grant writer while she auditions in New York. “But I’m really excited to be here.”

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Multi-Omics Study Design & Data Integration Resource Staff

NYU Langone’s Multi-Omics Study Design and Data Integration Resource (MOSDIR) comprises a team of experienced scientists.

Huilin Li, PhD

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Jiyoung Ahn, PhD

Professor, Department of Population Health Professor, Department of Medicine Associate Director, Population Research, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center Director, Epidemiology and Cancer Control Program, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center

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2024 Graduate Leadership Awards

Twelve graduating students are recognized for their service and lasting contributions to graduate student life at penn..

Each year, the Penn honors student leaders who are graduating from Penn with two awards: the  President & Provost’s Honor for Developing New Initiatives in Graduate & Professional Student Life  and the  Dr. Andy Binns Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate and Professional Student Life .

This year, 12 graduating students are being recognized for their service and lasting contributions to graduate student life at Penn. Natalie Delgado, MSW, School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2); Mario Gallardo, MSMS, Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM); Emily Getzen (Ph.D., Biostatistics, PSOM); Michael Krone, JD/MBA, Penn Carey Law & the Wharton School ; Sparsh Maheshwari, MSNPL & MSSP, SP2; Gaurav Mangal, MSE, Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS); Gabrielle Newell, MSEd, Graduate School of Education (GSE); Maxwell Pisciotta, Ph.D., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, SEAS; Paradorn (Joe) Rummaneethorn, Ph.D., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, SEAS; Anusha Singhal, MBIOT, SEAS; Ananth Srinivas (Ph.D., Earth and Environmental Science, SAS); and Kaixi (Alex) Yang, I-MPA, School of Arts & Sciences .

The President & Provost’s Honor for Developing New Initiatives in Graduate & Professional Student Life award is presented to students who have initiated lasting new developments that have enhanced graduate and professional student life at Penn. The Dr. Andy Binns Impact Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate and Professional Student Life is presented to graduate or professional students who, upon their graduation from Penn, have significantly impacted graduate and professional student life through service involvement in student life initiatives or organizations. 

Read more at the Graduate Student Center .

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Hundreds of undergraduates take classes in the fine arts each semester, among them painting and drawing, ceramics and sculpture, printmaking and animation, photography and videography. The courses, through the School of Arts & Sciences and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in an art form in a collaborative way.

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The Empowerment Through Education Scholarship Program at Penn’s Graduate School of Education is helping to prepare and retain teachers and educational leaders.

‘The Illuminated Body’ fuses color, light, and sound

A new Arthur Ross Gallery exhibition of work by artist Barbara Earl Thomas features cut-paper portraits reminiscent of stained glass and an immersive installation constructed with intricately cut material lit from behind.

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Jay Starratt to step down as Dean of Libraries

Dean Jay Starratt, whose leadership since 2007 has helped define and realize innovation for the WSU Libraries system-wide, will step down as the dean of Libraries due to personal health reasons. He will return to his faculty position as a professor in the Libraries effective immediately.

Associate Dean Trevor Bond will assume the role of interim dean of Libraries immediately and will partner closely with Starratt over the next few months to ensure a successful transition.

“President Schulz and I are grateful for Dean Starratt’s leadership since 2007,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Elizabeth Chilton. “He has led the Libraries with integrity and a deep commitment to the profession. Dean Starratt has hired numerous talented colleagues and set high expectations for creativity and innovation.”

Bond has served as a member of Starratt’s leadership team since 2016, serving as associate dean for digital initiatives and special collections. He also serves as the director of the David G. Pollart Center for Arts and Humanities.

Bond received his Master’s in Library and Information Science with a specialization in Archives and Preservation Management and a Masters in Ancient History at UCLA. He completed his PhD in the Department of History at WSU. Bond is the author of Coming Home to Nez Perce Country: The Niimiipuu Campaign to Repatriate Their Exploited Heritage , a finalist for the 2022 Washington State Book Award for non-fiction.

Bond recently completed a series of grants funded by the Washington State Library in collaboration with the Nez Perce Tribe’s Cultural Resources Program. He has presented widely at professional conferences and published articles on WSU history, collecting, and enhancing access to special collections.

“Dr. Bond is a well-regarded leader, researcher, and instructor,” said Chilton. “Incoming Provost Chris Riley-Tillman and I value his deep knowledge of the WSU’s libraries enterprise and look forward to working with him to advance the Libraries throughout the WSU system.”

The Office of the Provost will launch a search for a permanent dean of libraries during the 2025 fall semester, with the intent of having the position filled by May 2026.

Classified staff receiving 3% general salary increase effective July 1

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Graduate Studies Honors the 2024 Postdoctoral Excellence Award Recipients

• by Graduate Studies
• May 15, 2024

Graduate Studies recently announced the postdoctoral scholars who have been awarded a 2024  Postdoctoral Excellence Award , including CMSI affiliate Garfield Kwan.

Offered by the  UC Davis Postdoctoral Scholars Association , this annual award recognizes the vital role that postdoctoral scholars play in maintaining excellent research, mentoring and outreach at UC Davis – and beyond. This year, four postdocs received the award, with the intent to expand the award to recognize more deserving postdocs in subsequent years. 

Each award comes with a certificate and a $500 prize.

Garfield Kwan

Dr. Garfield Kwan is a UC Davis Delta Science Fellow and postdoctoral researcher with Dr. Nann Fangue. Garfield is currently generating metabolic index models to determine viable salmon and smelt habitats across the San Francisco Estuary, while simultaneously examining fish physiological responses to post-wildfire ash exposure. Garfield has provided experiential learning opportunities to 11 UC Davis undergraduates, and he intentionally guides students to learn critical research techniques and to provide intellectual input for ongoing research.

Read more at grad.ucdavis.edu

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Biographies | Full Cast & Crew | Special Thanks

biographies

ASHLEY WREN COLLINS   (Director, Co-Producer) is a New York City- based director, producer, choreographer, actor and writer. She received her BA in English and Theatre Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and her MFA from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater School IATT at Harvard University.

Collins produced and acted in the feature film,  Chasing Taste , “Best Comedy” winner of the 2013 Burbank International Film Festival and the 2014 Manhattan Film Festival.  Chasing Taste  received distribution on Amazon and iTunes. Recent directing for the stage:  The Bedbug  at Medicine Show Theatre and the world premieres of  Gay Boy ,  I’m Mindful...of My Anxiety , The Chaos Theory of Now , and  Flak House: The Musical , all in New York City.

Collins is the author of several books and short stories and directs new works of BFA and MFA in Dramatic Writing candidates at NYU. She is the recipient of a writing fellowship from the Edward F. Albee Foundation. Her book with Russ Giguere,  Along Comes the Association: Beyond Folk Rock and Three-Piece Suits , will be published by Rare Bird Books in November 2019. The musical she co-created,  Mother Eve’s Secret Garden of Sensual Sisterhood , has been optioned for an off-Broadway production. Collins was also a participant in the 2015 Directors Lab at Lincoln Center Theater.

Collins joined forces with  Chasing Taste  screenwriter Lori Fischer and country star Phil Vassar to co-produce the short film,  i only miss you when i'm breathing .  i only miss you when i’m breathing  is Ashley's film directing debut. Lori Fischer and Phil Vassar also star.  i only miss you when i'm breathing  is inspired by the true story of country legend, Freddy Weller, and his wife Pippy. It also features original music from Phil Vassar and Freddy Weller.

LORI FISCHER (Screenwriter, Co-Producer, Role of Nora) is the 2008 New York University Harry Kondoleon Graduate Award in Playwriting recipient and a 2008-09 Dramatists Guild Fellow. She received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU.

Recent Theater Credits: Fischer’s drama  Petie  has been called a modern day classic and was recently produced by Theatre East in NYC. She co-wrote and starred in her musical  The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers  (published by Samuel French) at Capital Repertory Theatre and the Cumberland County Playhouse. Fischer also wrote and starred in her Off-Broadway musical  Barbara’s Blue Kitchen  (also published by Samuel French).

Screenwriting Credits: Fischer is a 2014 Independent Vision Award Nominee for Outstanding achievement in Screenwriting for her feature film  Chasing Taste .  Chasing Taste  was the Best Comedy Award Winner at the 2014 Manhattan Film Festival and the 2013 Burbank International Film Festival.  Chasing Taste  is now available on Amazon Prime and iTunes. More at www.chasingtastethemovie.

Fischer is an Adjunct Writing Professor at both New York University and Lipscomb University and has taught playwriting and acting for ten years to 4th and 5th graders through Queens Theatre in the Park and the Dramatists Guild Foundation’s New Voices Program. She wrote, co-produced and stars in the short film,  i only miss you when i’m breathing .

PHIL VASSAR  (Co-Producer, Composer, Role of Warren) is celebrating 20 years of chart- topping hits and is taking them on the road with his “Hitsteria Tour” in 2019. His reign of signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles, 15 Top 10 singles, and 27 Top 40 hits, including “Carlene,” “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Six-Pack Summer,” “When I Love You,” and many more.

Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in

1998 and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999.

Vassar continues to churn out incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can. Vassar recently starred, co-produced and composed original music for the short film,  i only miss you when i’m breathing .

MELISSA FORTE  (Editor) is an Associate Professor and the Chair of the Cinematic Arts department at Lipscomb University in Nashville TN, running both graduate and undergraduate programs in film and animation. Before moving into academics full-time, she worked in the Broadcast and Communications division of Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida. There she had the privilege of writing, directing and editing on a variety of projects. She also worked as a freelance editor for commercial work, animation and an education project with Warner Brothers Publishing. After earning her MFA in film at Ohio University, she moved into academics full-time while continuing to freelance in post-production.

P.J. SCHNEKEL (Director of Photography) from Three Hat Media combines a passion for the arts with an understanding of what generates success in today’s marketplace. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, P.J. has traveled near and far to creatively promote, produce, and present his passions. Select recent clients include: CMT, The NFL Network, PBS, Brown-Forman, Buzzfeed, Condé Nast, Big Loud Music, Geometry Global, Greenhouse Agency, Dollar General and many other professional editorials and A-list Musicians.

cast & crew

post production

Special Thanks

with thanks to

Melissa Forte and Lipscomb University Department of Cinematic Arts Robert and Helen Fischer Phil Vassar Hart Ace Hardware Metro Parks Matt Huesmann Productions

special thanks

Tom Amirante Charles Andrews Ken Bernstein Kelly Bickal Don and Lori Chaffer Frank Collins Janet and Robbi Fischer Rian Fischer Dianne Gray and Hospice and Healthcare Communications Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation Sylvia Hutton Ali and David Jones Erik Kritzer A and D Leake

Scarlett Lewis Beth Anne Musiker Hunter Paige Salon David Pelzner Nikki Rae Ricky Ritzel Francisco Roldan Ana Maria Rosado Ken Ross The Charmed Life – DeeDee Sackman Mary Anne Severino Karen Sternberg & David Ian Lee Barry and Holly Tashian Traci Toney Freddy and Pippy Weller

in loving memory of

Brandon Weller Kelli Allen Carmine Ambrosino Eric Fellman Austin Gray Jesse Lewis Drew Michael Ryan Jay Ritzel Sandra

And too many children, gone far too soon

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College of Communication & Information

Graduating PhD Candidate Jessica Barfield to Teach at iSchool

May 17, 2024 by Hillary Tune

As technology advances, new problems will always arise, both technical and societal. It is the latter that drew Jessica Barfield into the world of human-computer interaction (HCI). She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation this spring that delved into how humans are biased towards social robots depending on their perceived gender or ethnic identity, and she wants to continue that research as she begins her new role as an assistant professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Barfield is not only graduating with her PhD degree with a concentration in information sciences from the College of Communication and Information, but she is also the student speaker for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Graduate Hooding Ceremony.

“It’s really exciting. I’m excited and honored to represent the class of 2024. A lot of us started during Covid and that’s a special experience and bond that we all have together; we either started or were doing at least some of our PhD during Covid. Not only did we get through a PhD— arguably one of the hardest things we did to date—but we did it during Covid,” Barfield said.

It was while earning her master’s degree in business with a focus in marketing from the University of Wisconsin that Barfield began learning more about information sciences and HCI. At Wisconsin, she completed her coursework in her area of study early, so she was able to take courses in other areas of study, including some from the university’s iSchool (an iSchool is part of an international consortium of information schools dedicated to advancing the information field; UT’s School of Information Sciences (SIS) is also an iSchool).

“The iSchool had some courses that were really interesting, and I talked to faculty at UW about getting a PhD and what that route would look like, and they pointed me to the University of Tennessee,” she said.

During her time at UT, Barfield found her groove in research as she began looking at the roles social robots would have in the future and how human bias would play out in interactions with them. Social robots are not yet commonly used but are expected to someday provide services such as frontline workers in the service industry or caregiving for children or senior adults. They have a humanoid appearance, such as a human and expressive face and possibly arms. And, as the results from her research reveal, social robots are human looking enough that humans may have a bias against them depending on the perceived gender or ethnicity of the robots.

While Barfield is excited about her next move after graduation, she knows that more research in this area is necessary. She also wants to get more involved with community-engaged research and would like to work with more in-person studies. Because she started her research during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was limited in the type of research she could do with people on campus due to quarantine measures. 

“I definitely want to go deeper into what I’ve already done but also incorporate AI (artificial intelligence) and perceptions of AI when it comes to these robots that signal a gender or ethnicities,” she said. “I’m hoping I can help inform robot designers as to how robots should be designed to be more inclusive and particularly to make sure they are inclusive for a very diverse population of users.”

Barfield said the interdisciplinary nature of CCI’s PhD program appealed to her, and she’s taken full advantage of that by also taking courses in marketing and educational psychology. She credits her advisor and committee chair, SIS and Chancellor’s Professor Suzie Allard, with being a supportive mentor both academically and professionally throughout her time at CCI. 

“She’s really led by example and that’s something I really value about her. Of course, I’m also grateful for my other committee members, Jiangen He and Awa Zhu, and then Xiaopeng Zhou in mechanical engineering. All in all, I’m leaving Rocky Top with fond memories of my department and am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities UT has provided me,” she said.