Josh Meltzer

Josh Meltzer serves as Associate Professor in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences within Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Art and Design. He teaches core courses including Photojournalism Capstone (PHPJ-401/402), Community Journalism (COMM-280/PHPJ-280), and the NYC Photojournalism Trip (PHPJ-366), emphasizing immersive multimedia storytelling.

His educational background includes a BA from Carleton College and an MA from the University of Miami. Meltzer's research centers on documentary photography addressing urgent social crises, particularly the opioid epidemic and refugee experiences, blending journalistic rigor with visual artistry.

Meltzer's creative output demonstrates consistent engagement with high-impact social issues through exhibitions like Beyond Addiction, Reframing Recovery (2019) and publications in The New York Times. His work prioritizes ethical representation of vulnerable communities while advancing documentary techniques across still, video, and audio formats.

Key recognitions include:

• NPPA Educator Award (2020) from the National Press Photographers Association
• Exhibitions at Parsons School of Design and Taubman Museum
• Ongoing collaborations with Special Olympics since 2022

Meltzer actively involves students in funded projects, from Special Olympics Winter Games coverage to eclipse documentation. His NYC Photojournalism Trip provides direct industry access, while community journalism courses develop student portfolios for professional publication. The 2025 Special Olympics project exemplifies his commitment to real-world student engagement.

Though no formal lab exists, Meltzer leverages RIT's photographic infrastructure and community partnerships to create dynamic learning environments where students produce publishable work for major outlets and exhibitions.