Jay Seidel

Jay Seidel is a Lecturer in the Department of Journalism & Public Relations at California State University, Long Beach, with over 20 years of experience in journalism and teaching. He specializes in multimedia storytelling and integrating emerging technologies like drones and virtual reality into journalistic practices. Seidel has a diverse professional background spanning journalism, military service, and community engagement.

• Bachelor’s in Journalism (CSULB)
• Master’s in Communications (CSU Fullerton)

His research focuses on the intersection of technology and journalism, particularly through drone usage and immersive media. Seidel is an FAA-certified Drone Pro and AUVSI TOP UAV Instructor, actively promoting drone safety and education across Southern California. He previously served in the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard as a combat engineer and photojournalist.

Before academia, he worked for publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Popular Hot Rodding, and published a hyperlocal community newspaper in La Habra, California, for six years.