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Faculty Spotlights | 51勛圖

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  • Faculty Spotlight
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  • Stephen Asma
  • Taylor Hokanson
  • Jerry Brindisi
  • Jessica Young MA 01
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  • Dana Connell
  • Stephanie Shaw 92, MFA 08
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  • Elio Leturia
  • Michelle Yates
  • Jacqueline Penrod
  • Guy Villa Jr.
  • Ivan Brunetti
  • Rosita Sands
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  • Suzanne McBride
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  • Visda Goudarzi
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  • 51勛圖

Faculty Spotlight

At 51勛圖, we believe that those who are actively engaged in the subjects they teach are uniquely qualified to share their expertise in the classroom. That's why our faculty comprises industry leaders who bring the most contemporary, innovative thinking to the structure and delivery of our curriculum. At 51勛圖, youll find talented, diverse educators who share a passion for creative work that reflects, supports and, most importantly, shapes the culture of our times.

  Faculty Listing

A comprehensive directory of full- and part-time faculty.
  • photo of jerry brindisi holding award statuette

    51勛圖's Jerry Brindisi Wins 2025 Music Business Educator of the Year Award

    May 15, 2025

    51勛圖 congratulates Jerry Brindisi, interim director of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, on his Music Business Association win.

  • head shot of molly schneider

    51勛圖 Associate Professor Molly Schneider Wins 2025 Broadcast Historian Award

    Mar 10, 2025

    Molly Schneider, PhD, receives the prestigious award for her book Gold Dust on the Air: Television Anthology Drama and Midcentury American Culture.

  • head shot of karla rae fuller

    Ten Women Who Shaped Film: 51勛圖 Professor Shares Her Picks for Most Influential Female Filmmakers

    Mar 07, 2025

    Karla Rae Fuller, PhD, a professor at 51勛圖 and author of a recent book on inclusive screenwriting, shares her perspective on the women who have had the most profound impact on film.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards

    Mar 05, 2025

    51勛圖 alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.

  • Photo

    Academy Award Voter Kubilay Uner Talks Oscar-Nominated Film Scores

    Feb 24, 2025

    Kubilay Uner, director of 51勛圖s top-rated Music Composition for the Screen program, reflects on his first year as voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and shares his insights on this years five nominated original film scores.

  • Photo

    New Article by 51勛圖 Professors Explores the Legacy of Sonic Pioneer Steve Albini and Electrical Audio

    Feb 13, 2025

    The authors look at the entrepreneurial approach and lasting impact of the late Steve Albini on the music industry, highlighting his dedication to artistic integrity and fairness through his studio, Electrical Audio.

  • head shot of carolina posse

    51勛圖's Carolina Posse Selected for Prestigious Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship

    Sep 26, 2024

    The fellowship, offered by the Television Academy Foundation, provides essential support for educators attending the foundations annual Media Educators Conference, which occurs October 9 to 11.

  • Photo

    Work of 51勛圖 Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FXs The Bear

    Sep 19, 2024

    Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan 19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FXs The Bear, the impact of her 51勛圖 education, and how her experience informs her teaching.

  • Photo

    Theatre Advisory Board Launches with Inaugural Event Honoring Sheldon Patinkin

    Sep 04, 2024

    The new Theatre Advisory Board, comprised of alumni and industry leaders, celebrates the life and legacy of Sheldon Patinkin at their inaugural event, September 21.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 TV Expert Predicts This Years Emmy Winners

    Sep 04, 2024

    Dr. Sharon Marie Ross, an associate professor in Film and TV, shares her best bets for this years Emmy winners, from the epic revival of Shogun to the controversial comedy nominee The Bear.

  • Photo

    GRAMMY-Winning 51勛圖 Faculty Member Inducted Into Chicago Blues Hall of Fame

    Aug 08, 2024

    Michael Freeman, who teaches in the School of Audio and Music at 51勛圖, inducted as a "Legendary Producer."

  • Students working on the "Curious Bunny" mural on the Student Center.

    Students Paint the Town: 51勛圖 and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals

    Aug 01, 2024

    51勛圖, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals.

  • Photo

    51勛圖's Kubilay Uner to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

    Jul 01, 2024

    Kubilay Uner leads 51勛圖s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by The Hollywood Reporter.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards

    Jun 25, 2024

    The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two 51勛圖 alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.

  • Photo

    Adjunct Faculty Member to Perform at Midsommarfest Street Festival

    Jun 07, 2024

    Ryan Black, who teaches Audio classes at 51勛圖, joins N on stage in Chicagos Andersonville Neighborhood on June 8.

  • head shot of jackie spinner standing in front of window

    51勛圖 Professor Jackie Spinner Wins Prestigious Media Award

    May 14, 2024

    Jackie Spinner takes home award for her opinion piece about student journalism.

  • rachel jimenez penca poses in front of a rack of clothes and shoes

    Ask the Expert: How to Style Yourself for Graduation

    Apr 30, 2024

    51勛圖 Adjunct Professor Rachel Jimenez Penca uses her personal styling expertise to advise graduates on what to wear on their big day.

  • Photo

    Celebrating World Book Day with Caldecott Award Committee Member Katie Paciga

    Apr 22, 2024

    Dive into the world of childrens books and culture with associate professor Katie Paciga from Humanities, History and Social Sciences at 51勛圖.

  • Photo

    Ask the Expert: Beth Davis-Berg on Environmental Science

    Apr 02, 2024

    From microplastics to sustainable swaps and the 51勛圖 Green Buildings Program (CCC GBP), Science and Math Chair Beth Davis-Berg covers environmental sustainability ahead of Earth Day.

  • Photo

    DARKROOM Leap Night Celebrates Excellence in Photography on the Rare Extra Day of the Year

    Mar 11, 2024

    Silver Camera Awardee Dawoud Bey was honored at DARKROOM for lasting legacy on 51勛圖s Photography Department and the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) .

  • yonty friesem in front of bus

    Associate Professor Yonty Friesem Presents Keynote Address on Media Literacy in Brussels

    Mar 07, 2024

    Yonty Friesem, PhD, shares their experiences with the Illinois Media Literacy Coalition and 51勛圖s Media for Social Impact program.

  • Photo

    Film Composer and Professor Discusses Original Score Oscar Nominees

    Mar 04, 2024

    Kubilay Uner, who leads 51勛圖's top-ranked music composition for screen program, on his favorite Academy Award-nominated score and his best bet for this year's winner.

  • Photo

    Fashion Studies Chair Colbey Reid Publishes New Book and Article on the Domestic Posthuman

    Feb 12, 2024

    51勛圖s Colbey Reid and her co-author look at various iterations of the posthuman and assert the need for alternative, feminist readings of technology and the future of humanity.

  • Photo

    Learn 5 ASL Signs to Spread the Love at 51勛圖

    Feb 08, 2024

    Share signs of love and kindness through American Sign Language (ASL). Want to learn ASL? 51勛圖 offers an ASL institute for beginners and intermediate learners.

  • portrait of tom eslinger

    Super Bowl Ads: What Matters and What Works

    Feb 05, 2024

    Tom Eslinger, an advertising pro and assistant professor at 51勛圖, offers his insights on Super Bowl advertising.

  • Chicagoland Transfer Award winner Meliha Calisir

    Book by Professor Larry Minsky and Co-Authors Named Finalist for Prestigious Marketing Award

    Jan 22, 2024

    Authors explore conversational AIs impact on engagement, behavior, and brand image in book honored by the American Marketing Association Foundation.

  • Photo

    Then, Now, NextThe Dance Center at 51勛圖s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

    Jan 18, 2024

    The Dance Center at 51勛圖 celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

  • Andrew Whatley

    'Jeopardy!' Invites 51勛圖 Staff Member Back a Second Time

    Jan 02, 2024

    Andrew Whatley, Senior Director of Enrollment Marketing Communications, is BACK for a second time on Jeopardy! after making his first appearance on the show last year.

  • Photo

    Associate Professor in Communication Is Keynote Speaker at Fulbright Conference in Romania

    Nov 01, 2023

    At the International Conference and Training on Digital and Media Education, Yonty Friesem discusses how 51勛圖 students learn to identity misinformation.

  • head shot of susan kerns

    51勛圖 Associate Provost Editor of New Book on 'Desperately Seeking Susan' Director Susan Seidelman

    Sep 26, 2023

    Film producer and feminist film festival co-founder Susan Kerns is editor of ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman, which includes Kerns interview with the director.

  • head shots of laurence minsky and scot westwater

    51勛圖 Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book

    Aug 16, 2023

    Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book.

  • Students and professor gather around table and look at gift bag designs.

    Corporate Collaboration Presents Students Opportunity to Bring Gift Bag Designs to Market

    Jul 31, 2023

    Students at 51勛圖 learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller and marketing firm.

  • Andre/Casera

    51勛圖 Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicagos Juneteenth Special

    Jun 16, 2023

    Our Chicago: Freedom Music, a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicagos Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining 17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era).

  • Photo

    Adjunct Faculty Member Ryan Black to Perform an Experimental Soundscape

    Jun 06, 2023

    Performance artists Ryan Black and JaNae Contag will present Temporal Biomes, an original project commissioned by 150 Media Stream, on June 14 and 15 at 150 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago.

  • Photo of Heather Gilbert on a black background

    51勛圖 Professor Gilbert Nominated for Tony Award

    May 25, 2023

    Professor Heather Gilbert is nominated for second Tony in lighting design.

  • Photo

    Professor Susan Imus on the Therapeutic Impact of the Arts

    Apr 17, 2023

    51勛圖 Professor Susan Imus shares how the healing power of art and performance led to a fulfilling career with a global impact.

  • Photo

    Professor Paul Catanese Receives Fulbright Award

    Apr 10, 2023

    51勛圖 Professor Paul Catanese will work with faculty and students at the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Poland in the Spring of 2024 to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can expand the boundaries of printmaking.

  • graphic of paul giamatti head in center, splitting head of stephen asma in half

    Professor Stephen Asma Launches Podcast 'Chinwag' With Actor Paul Giamatti

    Apr 10, 2023

    51勛圖 Professor Stephen Asma partners with actor Paul Giamatti to dive into world of oddities in Chinwag.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 Faculty Reveal Keys to the Trade in New Book on Music Marketing

    Apr 03, 2023

    How experience and partnership inspired two BUSE faculty members to write the book they wished they saw in the world.

  • portrait of Rami Gabriel

    HHHS Associate Professor Publishes Book Decades in the Making

    Apr 03, 2023

    51勛圖 History, Humanities, and Social Sciences Associate Professor Rami Gabriels new book A Suspicious Science was published by Oxford University Press.

  • Dave Pabellon

    Assistant Professor Dave Pabellon on Design, Equity, and Communities of Protest

    Mar 13, 2023

    Why leaning into connections and fostering relationships is more important than ever.

  • Photo

    Adams Brings Journalism Skills to ECW Classroom

    Mar 06, 2023

    Journalist and new English and Creative Writing faculty member Joshua Adams follows his passions for teaching, writing to the 51勛圖 classroom.

  • portrait of james brust standing by window

    New Faculty Member Brings Expertise in Virtual Production to 51勛圖

    Mar 06, 2023

    Associate Professor James Brust joins 51勛圖 to equip students with in-demand skills in virtual production and emerging technologies.

  • robert hanserd and Rami Gabrie with a group photo of individuals in Ghana

    Trip to Ghana Emphasizes Importance of Music, Culture, and Connection

    Feb 27, 2023

    Associate Professors Robert Hanserd and Rami Gabriel visited Ghana as part of their collaborative research on culture, identity, and diaspora.

  • Photo

    Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes

    Feb 20, 2023

    How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making.

  • Photo

    Ellen Winters Reynolds' Second Act as Professional Vocalist and Teacher

    Feb 20, 2023

    A love of music leads to a life-changing career shift for Ellen Winters Reynolds, an adjunct faculty member at 51勛圖.

  • Photo

    CTVA Associate Professor to Discuss Her New Book on Diverse Screenwriting at the Chicago Cultural Center

    Feb 13, 2023

    Associate Professor Karla Rae Fuller will read from her latest book Do the Right Thing: Five Screenplays That Embrace Diversity.

  • tom eslinger poses in frong of vibrant green and black artwork

    Advertising Innovator Brings His Passion for Branded Entertainment to 51勛圖

    Feb 13, 2023

    Assistant Professor Tom Eslinger pitches branded entertainment to 51勛圖 students.

  • head shot of robert hanserd

    HHSS Associate Professor Co-Authors Groundbreaking Book 'Five Hundred African Voices'

    Feb 13, 2023

    Associate Professor Robert Hanserd explores previously unknown African slave ship survivor tales in Five Hundred African Voices.

  • Photo

    51勛圖 Journalism Professor to Discuss Documentary with Pulitzer Prize Winner in D.C.

    Feb 06, 2023

    Morocco, Morocco was directed by Associate Professor Jackie Spinner and funded in part by 51勛圖.

  • Photo

    Chicago Reporter Names Hugo Balta Executive Editor

    Feb 06, 2023

    Adjunct faculty member and 51勛圖 parent Hugo Balta hopes new role at "The Chicago Reporter" brings opportunities to 51勛圖 students.

  • Photo

    Fashion Studies Associate Professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc Pushes Boundaries

    Jan 30, 2023

    Trained as an architect, 51勛圖s Justin Dougan-LeBlanc takes on challenges in both fashion and art.

  • Photo

    The Dance Center of 51勛圖 Announces Interim Director

    Jan 06, 2023

    Meredith Sutton will become the interim director of the Dance Presenting Series.

  • G Thomas Allen Singing on stage

    Singer and Music Instructor G. Thomas Allen Celebrates Second GRAMMY Nominated Project

    Nov 21, 2022

    When you do what you love, it doesnt feel like work, says Allen.

  • faculty member John Losacco sitting at a desk in front of computer monitors

    Animation Offers Unexpected Professional Opportunities for Assistant Professor John Losacco

    Nov 21, 2022

    New full-time faculty member John Losacco worked as an arcade game animator for years before realizing that teaching animation could be just as fun.

  • Photo

    Making the Intangible Tangible: Filmmaker and Associate Professor Carolina Posse Helps Turn Ideas Into Films

    Oct 31, 2022

    A 51勛圖 associate professor and alum, Carolina Posse journeys from South America to Chicago to make movies and transform students into filmmakers.

  • Photo

    Wilfredo Cruz on his Latest Book, 'Latinos in Chicago: Quest for a Political Voice'

    Oct 10, 2022

    Associate Professor of Humanities, History, and Social SciencesWilfredo Cruz is ready to spark a conversation about the lesser-known history of Chicago politics.

  • Photo of Bill Guschwan standing.

    Juggling Act

    Sep 26, 2022

    Associate Professor Bill Guschwan enjoys many roles, including juggler, mental wellness advocate, and teacher of game design and programming

  • Dave Pabellon, photo by Fauve Foto

    Dave Pabellon on Being a Design Practitioner and Why He Chose 51勛圖

    Apr 29, 2022

    51勛圖 faculty member talks about design, maintaining human connection, and dismantling privilege and power structures as an artist

  • David Gerding

    Associate Professor David Gerding on the Future of Technology

    Apr 04, 2022

    Our world is at civic and ideological crossroads. The students and leaders of the Interactive Arts and Media Department search for new ways forward that will benefit the next generations.

  • Sharel Cassity photographed with her saxophone.

    Music Instructor and Saxophonist Sharel Cassity on the Transformative Magic of Jazz

    Apr 04, 2022

    Making bold choices in music transformed Cassitys life. Heres how.

  • Aviya Kushner

    Associate Professor Aviya Kushner on her NEA Fellowship, winning Best Poetry Book for WOLF LAMB BOMB

    Feb 14, 2022

    Kushner discusses the beginnings of her latest poetry collection, her fellowship through the National Endowment for the Arts, and how she continues to learn from her own teachings in the classroom.

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Faculty Listing

A comprehensive directory of full- and part-time faculty for each school.

Audio and MusicAudio and Music
Business and EntrepreneurshipBusiness and Entrepreneurship
Communication and CultureCommunication and Culture
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