John Vanderhoef

John Vanderhoef is an Assistant Professor of Film, Television, and Media in the Communications Department at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He holds a PhD from the Department of Film and Media Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research focuses on indie media, digital labor dynamics, and critical analyses of gender, race, and sexuality within media production cultures.

Education:

• PhD in Film and Media Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara

Research Interests: Vanderhoef explores the intersections of neoliberalism and romantic individualism within indie game production, critiques commercial gaming paradigms through his experimental 'game poems,' and examines power structures in media industries. His work bridges academic discourse with creative practice, evident in his narrative games addressing themes like parenthood and existentialism.

Advising & Grants: No formal advisees or grants listed. His creative output includes short narrative games featured at festivals such as Slamdance DIG and the Hand Eye Society’s WordPlay Game Showcase.