Student Spotlight – MA Digital Media and Emergent Technology
Three UST alumni joined the MA program in Digital Media and Emergent Technology at Univ. of St. Thomas for Spring 2024, including Oscar Bayo, Dr. Brandon Green, and Giovanna Ramirez. Additionally, the graduate program has generated strong interest among undergraduate COMM students, and several outstanding COMM majors have submitted applications for early-enrollment once the 5th year dual degree (BA/MA) program is approved, including Rebecca Alcozer, Chaney Chiasson, and Abdullah Kenawy.
Featured Student Profiles
Giovanna Ramirez (’23) is passionate about content creation and digital media. She joined the program to gain skills for corporate communications, digital media production, and social media marketing, recognizing the need to stay current with technological advancements.
Giovanna on the Unmuted podcast set.
During her undergraduate study, Giovanna established herself as a student leader with the Unmuted podcast and Students Against Slavery team. She is also one of the first UST students to selected to join the prestigious Fox 26 internship program.
“I was going through the motions at the beginning of my Communication undergraduate journey. I went to class, participated, did the work, and did well in those classes, but I had no real passion or a clue about what I wanted to do once I graduated. Thankfully, due to the great guidance of passionate and knowledgeable professors, including John Butler, Pattie Shieh-Lance, and Dr. Wright, I also gained a passion for communication, production, editing, content creation, and project management.
I began to see a future within the field and beyond, and that led me to apply to the MA in Digital Media and Emergent Technology. I am now determined to pursue a career in content creation and digital media. In today’s fast-paced technological world, knowing how to navigate it is crucial to effectively connect and engage with others.” – Giovanna Ramirez
Oscar Bayo (BA) ’23, a tech enthusiast and U.S. Army veteran, is diving into the Master of Arts program in Digital Media and Emergent Technology as a gateway to learning the latest in digital media, from creating content to exploring tech trends.
Distinguished alum of the UST Veteran’s Success Center
With a strong foundation in such areas as Metaverse, eSports, and Digital Streaming, Oscar is ready to enhance his skills in multimedia production and emerging technologies, with the goal of becoming a college professor and helping others to find their own academic pathways.
“By completing the MA in Digital Media and Emergent Technology, it feels like I’m unlocking a toolbox full of versatile skills in a rapidly changing field. This program is my gateway to learning the latest tricks in digital media—creating awesome videos, exploring new tech trends, and mastering the use of digital tools.
During my undergraduate studies at UST, I cultivated a deep appreciation for technology through captivating courses like Metaverse, Media Management, and Documentary Production, led by inspiring professors like Dr. Wright. Most of my coursework centered on digital communication —a powerful tool that I aim to further enhance in the DMET program.” – Oscar Bayo
Dr. Brandon Green (Ed. D.) ’19 currently serves as the Director of Learning Technology for Ellucian at UST, shaping the future of education while remaining committed to community involvement.
Max Studios podcast w/ Dr. Green and President Ludwick
With a background in ethical leadership and technological expertise, Dr. Green has dedicated his career to advancing educational infrastructure and fostering student success.
Holding a doctoral degree from the University of St. Thomas, he has a wealth of experience in instructional design and information technology, and a demonstrated commitment to utilizing technology to facility strong outcomes in higher education.
“The skills offered by the MA in Digital Media and Emergent Technology are essential to my goal of positively impacting technology leadership in higher education. The program’s comprehensive curriculum will undoubtedly empower me to navigate the complex landscape of emerging technologies, enabling me to write impactful grants that can drive innovation in educational technology.
Having co-taught a Technology Leadership course alongside Dr. Wright during our Doctoral Program, the experience was not only enriching but also immensely successful, garnering high ratings from our students in course evaluations. This positive teaching experience has inspired me to delve deeper into the realm of digital media and emergent technology.” – Dr. Green
Rebecca Alcozer (COMM Major) is a dedicated junior at the University of St. Thomas, with a focus on Communications. She has a deep love for storytelling and a strong track record of leading impactful projects and managing media for diverse organizations.
Rebecca is a student leader of the Unmuted podcast and Students Against Slavery team, and she has distinguished herself as one of only 5 students selected for the prestigious Fox 26 team-based internship for Spring 2024.
“As a COMM major, it is clear that our employability stems from understanding and mastering the most relevant communication technologies. My objective is to master the art of digital communications and aid news stations in enhancing their visibility and monetizing their audience. The classes I’ve taken in Documentary Production, Virtual Engagement, and Project Management with Dr. Cesare Wright have proven to be the most beneficial in building skills for my career, and I hope to take that to the next level with the graduate program in Digital Media and Emergent Technology.” – Rebecca Alcozer
Chaney Chiasson (COMM Major) is a senior and student athlete, who has effectively balanced her studies with her role as the Team Manager for the UST Volleyball team.
Chaney interviewing a human trafficking victim for the Unmuted podcast.
In addition to her ground-breaking work as a student leader with the Unmuted Human Trafficking podcast and Student Against Slavery team, Chaney is currently completing the highly competitive team-based internship with FOX 26 News. Chaney aims to further enhance her competitiveness and position herself for a career as a media professional.
“As a Communication undergrad, I’ve been a part of many student-led projects where we have independently used professional equipment, given interviews, coordinated events, and networked with important people. For example, I have taken Project-Based Practicum (COMM 4361) with Dr. Wright twice now, and it has taught me more than all of my Core classes combined.
Chaney, Rebeccah, and Giovanna featured on “Breaking the Silent” podcast
As part of a podcast group that focuses on the fight against human trafficking, I’ve learned production skills, public speaking, and project management. We have hosted a women’s empowerment self-defense event, been on Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan (and more), developed a partnership with No Trafficking Zone, advanced new state and federal legislation, and most recently secured a huge internship opportunity at Fox 26 Houston, all because of this class! If the graduate program is anything like this class, I’ll be much more confident in my professional debut after graduation.” – Chaney Chiasson
Abdullah Kenawy (COMM Major), a senior undergraduate COMM major, is eager to join the MA program in Digital Media and Emergent Technology. He recognizes the growing importance of digital media in today’s world and hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how information is shared and perceived in the ever-evolving digital ecosystem.
Abdullah discussing the trafficking risks in esports and gaming.
Through multiple internships and applied projects, Abdull has gained practical experience in digital communication, marketing, content creation, and the entertainment industry. He contributes commentary on pop culture, gaming, and technology for the Unmuted Human Trafficking podcast, and is currently working on a campus safety and security project.
“As a freshman, I had a narrow view of the business world and assumed they only really needed communications/marketing to promote ideas and products. As I advanced in college I came to understand that marketing and communications are also essential to the internal functioning of companies – not just externally. I’ve been a team member on the Unmuted podcast for two semesters, and I interned StellarTeamMedia, where I gained insight into how post-production works for movies and TV shows. I even had the opportunity to write an audio description script for “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!” I believe the MA in Digital Media and Emergent Technology will help me to increase my value as an asset to any company.” – Abdullah Kenawy
Rebecca is a student leader of the Unmuted podcast and Students Against Slavery team, and she has distinguished herself as one of only 5 students selected for the prestigious Fox 26 team-based internship for Spring 2024.
