Find Academic Supervisors

Alejandro LecunaView profile

Professor

• Integrated Design
• Strategic Design
• Speculative Design
• +10 more

Alejandro Lecuna is a Professor at the Department of Design , Anhalt University of Applied Sciences , where he serves as Director of the Bauhaus Innovation Lab and Head of International Affairs. He is also Program Director for the Master in Intermediales Design , currently transitioning into a Strategy and Innovation Master program. His academic affiliations span institutions including HTW Berlin, Hasso Plattner Institute, Oxford University, and Tecnológico de Monterrey. Role: Professor, Director of Bauhaus Innovation Lab, Head of International Affairs Institution: Hochschule Anhalt (Anhalt University of Applied Sciences) Department: Department of Design (Dept. 4 DESIGN) Location: Bauhaus Campus, Dessau His research and teaching focus on Integrated Design, Strategic Design, and Future Design , integrating speculative methodologies with environmental, technological, and societal foresight. He emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of innovative design frameworks. His work bridges analog and digital domains, with applications in user experience, storytelling, and strategic innovation. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on design methodology, speculative futures, and collaborative innovation . His work explores how design can navigate uncertainty through tools like the Idea Arc and Future Archeologies, contributing to both academic discourse and practical applications in sustainability and team dynamics. He is an active member of the Fachbereichsrat (Faculty Council) and contributes to academic governance. His industry experience includes leadership roles at Frog Design, Meta Design, Scholz & Friends, DDB , and Takeoff Technologies , working with clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Adidas, and Coca-Cola, and collaborating with prominent film directors. His recent research initiatives include the Future Archeologies project, presented at HICSS, and speculative design workshops with Constructlab and the Hasso Plattner Institute. He is currently leading the transformation of the Intermediales Design Master program into a forward-looking Strategy and Innovation program, reinforcing his commitment to evolving design education for future challenges.

• Film Studies
• Media Industry Analysis
• Cinema Futures
• +3 more

Darren Fisher is an Associate Professor and Discipline Lead for Film, Screen & Creative Media at Bond University's Faculty of Society & Design. His research focuses on film industry dynamics, media policy, and screen adaptation challenges. He has contributed expertise to over 30 media engagements since 2015, analyzing topics like Marvel-style franchise expansion, AI's impact on filmmaking, and global tariff policies affecting production economics. Notable contributions include cross-media analysis of James Bond's multiverse potential, critiques of Gen AI limitations in creative industries, and explanations of Trump-era film tariffs' implications. His 2018 Greg Coote Scholarship reflects recognition for screenwriting excellence. Fisher actively connects academia with industry through internship programs and participates in major film festivals like Sci-Fi London. His work bridges theoretical research with practical industry trends, maintaining focus on cinema's evolving formats and cultural storytelling. Recent projects explore post-pandemic cinema survival strategies and challenges in adapting complex literary works like Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.

Heide SolbrigView profile

Lecturer

• Comics
• Memoir Comics
• Journalistic Comics
• +2 more

Heide Solbrig is a Visiting Lecturer and Coordinator for Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). She holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of California, San Diego, where her dissertation explored the history of motivational film under co-advisors Robert Horwitz and Lisa Cartwright. She also earned an M.F.A. (field unspecified in source). Her academic and creative work bridges comics, media scholarship, and visual narrative. Her research focuses on memoir and journalistic comics , particularly examining generational experiences like growing up during the 1970s divorce era. Her comics have been featured in Filmmaker Magazine, literary journals, and anthologies. She founded the Boston Comics Workspace (2012–2018) and is an original member of the Graphic Memoir Collective. She teaches art, comics, and media studies across Boston-area institutions. No awards, grants, or student advisement details are available in the provided source material.

Yuxiao MuView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Photography
• Interdisciplinary Art
• Memory and Identity
• +7 more

Yuxiao Mu is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Photography & Filmmaking and Foundation Departments at the Kansas City Art Institute, where she teaches digital photography and related courses. She previously served as an Adjunct Professor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), where she also earned her MFA in Photography. Her academic journey began with a BFA in Photography from LuXun Academy of Fine Arts in China. She is currently based in Kansas City, MO, and is an AICAD Post-Grad Teaching Fellow. Her educational background includes: M.F.A. in Photography, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2023) B.F.A. in Photography, LuXun Academy of Fine Arts, China (2020) Certificate, AICAD’s BIPOC Academic Leadership Institute (2024–25) Certificate, Adult Mental Health First Aid USA (2023) Yuxiao Mu’s research and artistic practice centers on memory, emotion, storytelling, and familial connection. Her interdisciplinary work spans photography, video, printmaking, and painting, often involving multigenerational collaboration. Projects like Phoenix at Sundown explore dementia and identity through cross-continental visual narratives, while Letter to my father bridges emotional and temporal distances. Her practice is deeply rooted in personal narrative, cultural heritage, and the tactile qualities of printmaking and archival media. Her recent exhibitions and publications reflect a consistent engagement with themes of memory and identity. The artworks in her portfolio reveal a trajectory focused on emotional resonance, intergenerational dialogue, and the fragility of human connection. She frequently integrates sound, such as her grandmother’s humming, to deepen narrative depth. Her transition from student to educator underscores a commitment to both artistic innovation and pedagogical mentorship. Her scientific and artistic awards include: Kansas City Art Institute Faculty Development Grant (2025) AICAD Post-Grad Teaching Fellowship (2024–2025) Shortlisted for Radius Photobook Workshop Scholarship (2023) Yuxiao Mu has taught courses such as Digital Photography: Post-Production, Inside the Camera, Visual Language, and Time (focusing on video, sound, animation, and bookmaking). She has also contributed to academic administration as Graduate Programs Administrator at MassArt. She co-founded 100,000,000 Art Space in Kansas City, where she engages in curation and community programming, including juried competitions and collaborative events. Her work has been featured in Visual Atelier8, CAI Magazine, Rogue Magazine, Our Culture Magazine, and Al-Tiba9, among others. She is actively involved in artist residencies and curatorial projects, including an upcoming residency at Casa Lü Parque in Mexico City (2025). Her lab or creative space emphasizes tranquility, natural light, and tactile engagement with materials, supporting a reflective and immersive artistic process.

John McMullanView profile

Lecturer

• Digital video production
• New media technologies
• Medium theory
• +6 more

John McMullan is a Lecturer at Murdoch University specializing in Screen Production , with particular expertise in digital two-dimensional moving images. He combines academic research with extensive production experience in music videos, documentaries, and science-fiction filmmaking. Education : Doctorate from Murdoch University (2016) His research explores: YouTube as a communication medium Spatial montage techniques New media technologies Participatory video production AI's impact on Indigenous cultural representation Recent publications focus on AI image generators' problematic representation of Indigenous cultures, highlighting issues of: Cultural flattening Technological colonialism Ethical AI training datasets Key Achievements Nominated for Best Editing (International) for experimental short film 'Date' Named in 'The Aussie List 2019' for emerging feature scriptwriters Producer/director of award-nominated virtual-set short film 'Cyron' Director of Indigenous documentary 'OurStory: Six Sisters of the Stolen Generation' His work frequently intersects with Indigenous communities through projects like: Synergies – Walking Together, Belonging to Country Indigenous fathering project with UWA researcher Len Collard

Glen StasiukView profile

Lecturer

• Indigenous Studies
• Media Studies
• Cultural Representation in AI
• +3 more

Glen Stasiuk is the Academic Program Chair of Screen Production, a Lecturer, and Senior Indigenous Researcher at Murdoch University, focusing on the intersection of culture, knowledge, and media. His work explores Indigenous narratives through filmmaking and academic research, with a particular emphasis on addressing technological misrepresentation and cultural homogenization. Education: Business Degree from Edith Cowan University, Bachelor of Arts from Murdoch University, and Doctor of Philosophy (2014) examining culture and media. His research interests include the ethical implications of AI in Indigenous representation, technological colonialism, and reclaiming narrative sovereignty. He advocates for collaborative strategies between AI developers, Indigenous communities, and governments to ensure cultural specificity and respect. His article highlights concerns about AI-generated imagery diluting Indigenous identities and proposes solutions such as ethical guidelines, nuanced training datasets, and education for AI users. His work has been recognized with Western Australian Screen Awards. 2003 WA Screen Award for Best Documentary for The Forgotten . 2014 WA Screen Award for Outstanding Achievement in Feature Film – Factual for Wadjemup: Black Prison – White Playground . He has also received research funding from the Australian Research Council (2010–2015) and collaborates with John McMullan on AI ethics and Indigenous cultural preservation.

Nicola WaughView profile

Lecturer

• Film Production
• Film Theory & Criticism
• Film Promotion
• +6 more

Nicola Waugh is a part-time Lecturer in the Art + Film Department within the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt. She serves as Communications & Marketing Lead for CAHSS and teaches FILM 260. Based in Arcata, California with professional connections to Calgary, Canada, Waugh bridges academic instruction with professional film production and strategic communications work. Her educational background includes: M.A. in Communication and Culture from Toronto Metropolitan University/York University B.A. (Honours) in Communications from University of Calgary Waugh's professional focus spans film production, theory, criticism, promotion, and festival strategy. Her creative work demonstrates deep engagement with documentary filmmaking, particularly projects highlighting Indigenous stories and cultural preservation. She has produced award-winning narrative and documentary features distributed internationally, with recent works addressing climate change, Indigenous language revitalization, mental health, and socio-economic challenges. Her films have been featured in numerous international festivals including Vancouver Film Festival, Calgary International Film Festival, ImagineNATIVE Film Festival, and Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian's Native Cinema Showcase. Waugh's filmography reveals consistent thematic concerns across both narrative and documentary formats. Recent works show increasing attention to environmental issues while maintaining her commitment to authentic community storytelling. Her 2025 experimental short Climate Control explores the intersection of climate crisis and generative AI, while her 2023 documentary A-t'i Xwee-ghayt-nish (Still, We Live On) documents language revitalization efforts with the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. As a communications specialist, Waugh has developed strategic communications plans for University of Calgary, Visit Eureka, Cal Poly Humboldt, Berkeley Disaster Lab, and California Center for Rural Policy. She has extensive experience with film festivals and artist-run centers including Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers, Calgary Underground Film Festival, and Reel Asian Film Festival. She is the co-founder of LUMA Quarterly, an online film and media art publication. Her professional activities include: Co-owner of Calgary-based Kino Sum Productions (2017-23) Producer of multiple award-winning films distributed internationally Strategic communications planning for educational and non-profit organizations Collaborative work with Indigenous communities on cultural documentation projects Film programming and criticism through various festival and publication venues

Mark DeChiazzaView profile

Research Fellow

• Theater
• Filmmaking
• Choreography
• +4 more

Mark DeChiazza served as the Edward T. Cone Visiting Fellow in the Humanities Council and Department of Music during Fall 2022. His academic appointment involved teaching MPP 219: Opera Performance while maintaining an active artistic practice that bridges musical performance with interdisciplinary design. DeChiazza's research explores the integration of theater, film, and spatial design within musical contexts, focusing on how collaborative frameworks transform audience engagement. His work investigates site-specific installations and multimedia productions that deconstruct traditional performance boundaries, often involving composers in co-creative processes to generate innovative presentation formats for musical works. His creative output has been presented at major international venues including Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lincoln Center, John F. Kennedy Center of the Arts, Guthrie Theater, Singapore International Festival of Arts, and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, demonstrating significant cross-disciplinary impact in performance studies.

Manolya Kavakli-ThorneView profile

Associate Professor

• Virtual Reality
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Augmented Reality
• +4 more

Dr. Manolya Kavakli-Thorne serves as Associate Professor and Honorary Professor at Macquarie University's School of Computing, specializing in advanced human-computer interaction systems. Her research bridges virtual reality, augmented reality, and gaming technologies with practical applications across diverse domains including healthcare, film production, and transportation safety. Her primary research interests focus on: Virtual reality systems design and implementation Human-computer interaction paradigms Augmented reality applications in real-world contexts Computer game mechanics and serious gaming Gesture recognition systems for 3D modeling Generative adversarial networks for image synthesis Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward practical implementations of immersive technologies. Her work demonstrates increasing focus on real-world applications of virtual production systems in filmmaking, gamification for behavioral change, and medical applications of VR/AR technologies. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects computer science with psychology, engineering, and creative industries. Dr. Kavakli-Thorne has secured significant research funding through 15 projects including the Centre for Elite Performance Expertise and Training (CEPET), Virtual-Reality intervention platforms for Cerebral Palsy patients, and Mobile Augmented Reality Systems (MARS) Design. Her collaborative approach is evident in projects spanning lifeguard performance enhancement and virtual reality dome systems development. Her laboratory work centers around immersive simulation environments, virtual production studios, and mobile augmented reality systems. Current research directions include refining generative AI applications in medical imaging, developing more intuitive multi-modal interfaces for 3D modeling, and expanding the use of serious games for safety-critical training scenarios.

Ľubica VoľanskáView profile

Researcher

• Historical Anthropology
• Biographical Research
• Family Studies
• +2 more

Ľubica Voľanská (Herzánová) is a Researcher at the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology , Slovak Academy of Sciences, with a focus on historical anthropology, biographical research, and intangible cultural heritage. She holds an Mgr. (1999) and PhD (2005) in Ethnology-History from Comenius University , Bratislava. Key Research Themes : Family dynamics, aging studies, post-socialist transformation, and cultural memory. Projects : Co-coordinator for the COST Action IS1402 Ageism (2014-2018), contributor to UNESCO heritage initiatives, and leader in digital education projects like InovEduc. Her publications analyze aging through autobiographical texts and explore the interplay of family networks in shaping post-socialist trust systems. She has also co-edited works on comparative ethnography, including Nerodinná rodina na Slovensku (2007) and Veci a vecičky (2006). Awards include the V4 Young Researcher Award (2008) and the NSS Prize for conference organization (2008). Scientific Awards : V4 Young Researcher Award (2008) NSS Prize for Organizational Activity (2008) She contributes to international collaborations with institutions like the University of Vienna, UNESCO, and the Österreichisches Ost- und Südosteuropa-Institut. Her work bridges academic research with public engagement, including exhibitions and digital archives.

• Immersive Visualization
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interface Design
• +8 more

Volker Kuchelmeister is a Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), working as lead immersive designer at the UNSW felt Experience and Empathy Lab (feel). He has established and directed leading media-art research labs including the ZKM Centre for Art and Media Karlsruhe Germany - Multimedia Studio; UNSW iCinema Centre Media Lab and the UNSW National Institute for Experimental Art - Immersive Media Lab. Kuchelmeister is an expert in presence, embodiment and place representation for immersive applications. His research spans immersive visualization, human-computer interaction, interface design, new media in the performing arts, cinematography, interactive narrative, experimental imaging, and spatial mapping. He explores how immersive technologies can transform understanding of memory, dementia, urban environments, and cultural heritage through projects like EmbodiMap VR, InSight AR, and waumananyi: the song on the wind. His recent work focuses on using immersive technologies for health applications, particularly dementia care and mental health. Projects like The Visit VR demonstrate his commitment to using immersive experiences to foster empathy and understanding of complex health conditions while exploring new forms of documentary and therapeutic applications. Dr. Kuchelmeister has received numerous awards for his work, including: Originality and Impact Award at the 25th ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology (2019) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research from UNSW Art & Design (2019) Gold IDEA Award for International Design Excellence (2009) Silver Medal at the Interactive Media Design Review (2001) Kuchelmeister has collaborated as Chief Investigator on multiple Australian Research Council, Australian Council for the Arts and University grants totaling over AUD 1.5 million. He has been a Senior Research Associate on groundbreaking immersive visualization projects and is a Co-Inventor of key iCinema technologies including AVIE (Advanced Visualization and Interaction Environment), iDome, and Spherecam 360º video capture system. These platforms have been deployed across twelve sites globally and generated $6.5 million in commercial sales. His immersive experiences, interactive installations and experimental video projects are exhibited internationally in prestigious venues including Centre Pompidou Paris, The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston, ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Powerhouse Museum Sydney, and Museum Victoria. He has collaborated with renowned artists including Robert Lepage, Saburo Teshigawara, Liz Lecompte and The Wooster Group, and William Forsythe.

Kirril ShieldsView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Genocide Studies
• Human Rights
• Holocaust Narratives
• +3 more

Kirril Shields is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Political Science & International Studies, University of Queensland, and Director of Education at the Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Genocide Studies and Prevention , lectures on genocide history and humanitarianism, and consults for the UN Office on Genocide Prevention. His work spans Southeast Asia, focusing on hate speech prevention and human rights abuses. His research integrates genocide studies, Holocaust narratives, and political propaganda, often analyzing cultural and historical dimensions through Australian literature. Collaborations with organizations in Southeast Asia and prior roles at the World Bank and WHO highlight his practical engagement in global governance. Key trends in his publications include critical examinations of Holocaust representation, ethical pedagogy, and the intersection of literature with atrocity prevention. His work bridges academic inquiry with policy-oriented outputs, such as hate speech legislation reports.

Cindy StillwellView profile

Professor

• Experimental Filmmaking
• Analog Film Processes
• Environmental Film Studies
• +6 more

Cindy Stillwell is a Professor and Program Director of the MFA in Science & Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University's School of Film & Photography within the College of Arts & Architecture. She is also affiliated with the Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West and was previously a member of the University Film and Video Association from 2005 to 2023. Professor Stillwell earned her M.F.A. in Film from New York University in 1996 and her B.F.A. in Photography from the University of Georgia in 1991. Her work focuses on human and nonhuman relationships within the natural world, with particular attention to flora and fauna. She specializes in analog filmmaking techniques including hand processing super 8 and 16mm film, cameraless motion picture processes using cyanotype animation, and eco-processing techniques that utilize plant-based developers foraged on-site. Her recent creative output shows a strong trend toward environmental observation through alternative film processes, with numerous works exploring botanical subjects through hand-processed film techniques. She has created a distinctive body of work that bridges documentary, experimental, and personal essay forms, often incorporating mixed media approaches that blend film, photography, and painting. Emmy Award Nomination (2016) E. B. Craney Broadcasting Award (2016) Best Experimental Documentary, BZN International Film Festival (2021) Multiple artist residencies at MacDowell Colony, Ucross Foundation, and Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Selections at Sundance Film Festival, Museum of Modern Art, and international festivals worldwide Professor Stillwell actively mentors students through the MFA program she directs and maintains an active production schedule with numerous current projects including the 'Forget Me Not' series of flower films and 'Mojave Dreams,' an experimental documentary about Joshua Trees in the Mojave desert. Her work with Hybrid Media, LLC demonstrates her commitment to both artistic practice and practical film production. She leads the 'Forget Me Not' project, which involves growing a 'developers garden' of plants used to create eco-friendly film developers, and continues to explore the intersection of art, science, and environmental observation through her filmmaking practice.

Maya LivioView profile

Assistant Professor

• Climate and Sustainability
• Environmental Equity and Justice
• Media Technologies
• +7 more

Maya Livio is Assistant Professor of Climate, Environmental Justice, Media and Communication and Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking at American University. Her work bridges environmental studies, media theory, and digital technology through an intersectional feminist and justice-oriented lens. Dr. Livio's research examines the contact zones between ecosystems and technological systems, with particular focus on media technologies used for biodiversity conservation. Dr. Livio's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Colorado-Boulder, an MA from the University of Amsterdam, and a residency at Caltech. Her professional experience extends beyond academia to include curatorial work at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Media Archaeology Lab, where she developed expertise in environmental media and digital justice. Dr. Livio's research interests center on climate and sustainability, environmental equity and justice, and the intersection of media technologies with ecological systems. She examines how tools like camera traps, digital twins, and AI for conservation operate within complex social and ecological contexts, with particular attention to issues of power, access, representation, and Indigenous sovereignty in conservation efforts. Her work challenges conventional approaches to environmental technology by applying intersectional feminist perspectives that highlight the importance of community knowledge and Indigenous sovereignty in conservation efforts. Dr. Livio's recent scholarly output demonstrates consistent productivity across multiple venues, with publications spanning academic journals, conference proceedings, and art catalogs. Her work shows a clear trajectory toward examining the ethical dimensions of environmental technologies, with increasing focus on avian conservation, queer ecology, and feminist approaches to data and technology. Greenberg Faculty Fellowship (2023-2025) Airlie Research & Innovation Award (2023) Caltech-Huntington Art + Research Residency (2023) Creator Development Fund from New Music USA (2022) INSITE Fund from RedLine Contemporary Art Center and Andy Warhol Foundation (2019-2020) Dr. Livio actively mentors students through research projects and has served as co-PI on grants that support collaborative knowledge production. Her approach to supervision emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and justice-oriented research practices. She has been involved in organizing symposia and workshops that create spaces for feminist and critical approaches to media technology and environmental studies. Currently, Dr. Livio is leading several significant projects including a feature film and paper on AI for avian conservation through queer ecology, a multimodal research project on camera trapping in Los Angeles, and a book on digital conservation. She also serves as curator for 'Data Rich, Dirt Poor,' a museum-wide exhibition at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (2025-2026).

Cat DaleView profile

Professor

• Screenwriting
• Filmmaking
• Narrative storytelling
• +5 more

Cat Dale is a Professor at Montana State University where she works with students in film production. She is an accomplished writer and filmmaker whose narrative projects focus on institutional trauma and gender perceptions. Her career combines academic teaching with active creative production. Her research and creative interests span: Historical storytelling with emphasis on women's experiences Narrative exploration of institutional trauma Gender perceptions throughout American history Western genre storytelling with feminist perspectives Adaptation of historical figures and events into compelling narratives Dale's creative output shows a consistent trend toward historically grounded narratives that examine power structures and marginalized voices. Her work often features strong female protagonists navigating restrictive social systems, blending meticulous historical research with contemporary relevance. She demonstrates particular expertise in transforming under-explored historical moments into compelling cinematic narratives that resonate with modern audiences. Her notable achievements include: Winner of ScreenCraft Pilot Launch for MOUNT PLEASANT Multiple award-winning short films (WILDCAT, RUBBER & GLUE, TOUCH) Participation in The Black List & Studio Canal CANNESFILM UNLIMITED residency Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist recognition Montana Big Sky Film Grant recipient As an educator, Dale brings her active professional experience into the classroom, mentoring the next generation of filmmakers while continuing her own creative development. She serves as a script reader for major festivals including Austin Film Festival, providing students with insights into professional screenplay evaluation standards. Her current development slate includes feature projects WILDCAT, OBSCURE, PLAIN, & LITTLE, and CLARA BOONE, demonstrating her ongoing creative productivity alongside her academic responsibilities.