School of Communications Faculty and Staff

Eric W. Rothenbuhler is Dean of the School of Communications and a professor at Webster University. From 2010 to 2012, he served as the Associate Dean of the Scripps College of Communication and Professor of Media Arts and Studies at Ohio University. Rothenbuhler also served as the Director of the Media Studies MA program at New School University from 2001 to 2004 and as a faculty member at the University of Iowa from 1985 to 2001, as well as Texas A&M University from 2004 to 2010.

He is the author of “Ritual Communication (1998, Sage)," co-editor of “Communication and Community (2001, LEA)," “Media Anthropology (2005, Sage)" and the four-volume “International Encyclopedia of Communication Theory and Philosophy (2016, Wiley Blackwel)." Rothenbuhler is also author of over 70 articles, chapters, essays and reviews on media, ritual, community, media industries, popular music and communication theory.

Sverdrup, SV201
Phone: 314-246-7615
Email: erothenbuhler@webster.edu

Aaron AuBuchon is a film and video producer, editor, director and motion graphics artist as well as being a film and television scholar and historian. His areas of interest and expertise are the horror genre, genre media in general, fandom studies, client video production and physical media special features. He is interested in and writes about the phenomenology of film and video, and emotions and film, as well as being heavily interested in film form. He has contributed to the recent books “Euro Horror” and “The Pictorial History of Hammer Horror” and is currently working on a book about the French director Jean Rollin. He is a staff writer for several magazines including We Belong Dead from the U.K. and Midnight! Magazine where he writes a column on special features included with physical media releases of horror films by boutique labels. He also edits and produces special features for boutique labels and under the imprint Discover the Horror, a podcast and social media entity he co-hosts. He also provides commentary for physical media releases of films.

As associate dean, AuBuchon’s interests and responsibilities are the maintenance of the curriculum and related academic issues across the school as well as issues surrounding the supportive technology used to deliver the highly specialized curriculum of the School of Communications.

Classes taught: FLST 1000: Film and Television Appreciation, FTVP 1400: Graphics and Effects, FTVP 2300: Edit and Color, FTVP 3500: Production House, FLST 3160: Topics: Genres and Fandoms, FLST 3160: Topics: Grave Tales: Horror in Media and Culture.

Sverdrup, SV213
Phone: 314-541-6330
Email: aubucaar@webster.edu

Susan Napoleon was the executive assistant to the Orange County, Florida fire chief for six years prior to joining Webster University. As assistant to the dean, she manages strategic initiatives and supports the development of relationships with alumni and business professionals. She is an invaluable resource for the faculty, staff and students of the School of Communications. She was the recipient of the 2014 Staff Member of the Year Award.

Sverdrup, SV201
Phone: 314-968-7154
Email: susannapoleon19@webster.edu

Linda Jakob completed her BA at Webster University and MBA at Maryville University. With many previous years in higher education, Jakob joined Webster University in the fall of 2020.

Sverdrup, SV201
Phone: 314-246-7830
Email: lindajakob@webster.edu

Shannon Lehnbeuter holds a BA in Communications and an MBA with an Emphasis in Human Resources. With extensive experience in strategic communications across the military, government and private sectors, Lehnbeuter has also owned and operated a small business and served as a consultant for small businesses and nonprofits applying public relations, marketing and operational expertise.

These diverse roles have shaped her commitment to developing the next generation of communicators. As the Internship Director at Webster University’s School of Communications, Lehnbeuter is dedicated to guiding students as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to the field. She believes that hands-on learning and mentorship are invaluable, working to bridge the gap between education and industry.

Sverdrup, SV113A
Phone: 314-246-7614
Email: slehnbeuter@webster.edu

 

Sverdrup, SV113E
Phone: 314-246-7783
Email: brianschrage@webster.edu

Carl Nappa is a seasoned producer, engineer and educator with a wealth of experience in the music industry. Nappa started his career in his hometown of Boston before moving to New York City to engineer at the renowned Hit Factory Recording Studios. During his tenure at the Hit Factory, Nappa refined his craft through collaborations with legendary artists, engineers and producers.

Nappa has played an integral role in the success of 39 gold, platinum and multi-platinum records, with two achieving prestigious diamond awards. Nappa’s engineering, mixing or producing credits on records have accounted for over 85.5 million records sold in the U.S. alone.

A fateful meeting and collaboration with artist Nelly evolved into an enduring 15-plus-year professional relationship, initially as his recording engineer and later as executive director and co-creator of the sound engineering and music business school, Vatterott College ex’treme Institute by Nelly in St. Louis, Missouri.

Following the closure of the ex’treme Institute in 2018, Webster University in St. Louis appointed Nappa as a full-time Artist in Residence in 2019. By 2022, he assumed the role of chair of the Audio Aesthetics and Technology program at the School of Communications on the Webster Groves campus. In 2016, Nappa founded The Saint Louis Recording Club, his recording studio in St. Louis, enabling him to contribute to a diverse array of musical projects, from producing and mixing Grammy-nominated albums to nurturing emerging recording artists.

In 2023, Nappa embarked on a new venture with the establishment of his independent record company, Chain of Rocks Records. The label focuses on promoting and distributing promising St. Louis artists such as WISEMARY, Hazmat, The Ricters and Freddy VS. For two decades, Nappa has been an active Recording Academy voting member and is currently serving as the president of the Recording Academy’s Memphis chapter. His multifaceted career underscores a commitment to excellence, education and the continuous advancement of the music industry.

Classes taught: AUDI 1130: Audio Technology Practicum, AUDI 1111: Two-Channel Recording, AUDI 1121: Signals and Systems, AUDI 1630: Sound Design for Media, AUDI 2110: Professional Development 1, AUDI 2230: Intro to Music Recording, AUDI 2845: Critical Listening, AUDI 3230: Music Recording, AUDI 3150: Advanced Audio Editing, AUDI 3150: Advanced Mixing, AUDI 4110: Professional Development 2, AUDI 4930: Sound Recording and Engineering Capstone, AUDI 4931: Audio in Media Arts Capstone, MDST 4950: Internship and NPRO 2500: Audio Storytelling.

Sverdrup, SV215
Phone: 314-246-7147
Email: carlnappa@webster.edu

Before joining the staff of the School of Communications at Webster University, Judy Connolly spent 20 years at Fleishman Hillard where she was the go-to person for project management and administrative tasks. She began her career there as an administrative assistant. She was promoted to the position of marketing coordinator and later to senior marketing coordinator. Prior to working at Fleishman Hillard, she was executive assistant to the president of Downtown St. Louis Inc. Connolly earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

Sverdrup, SV211 Suite
Phone: 314-968-5935
Email: judithconnolly93@webster.edu

Prior to joining the faculty at Webster University as a visiting assistant professor, Casey Hunter had been an adjunct faculty member with the School of Communications for more than nine years. He has also been a managing partner with Spectra Audio Systems for more than 20 years. Hunter has a long track record of success as a sound designer, audio engineer, production manager and tour manager in music, theatre and special events. Hunter earned a BA in Jazz Studies with an Emphasis in Commercial Music from Webster University and is working on a MA in New Media Production, also at Webster.

Sverdrup, SV231
Phone: 314-246-7654
Email: caseyhunter74@webster.edu

Gary Ford is an associate professor in the School of Communications at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he teaches courses in strategic communications and media studies and serves as chair of the Communications and Journalism Department.

Ford earned a BJ in the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri in 1974, the Master of Arts in Business Management from Webster University in 1988, and a graduate certificate in Corporate Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 1990. Professional achievements include founding Ford Communications LLC, and working at Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Mallinckrodt, Inc., Pfeiffer + Company, Southwestern Bell Corporation, Mayo Clinic/Mayo Foundation, and The Kansas City Kansan.

Classes taught: PBRL 2100: Fundamentals of Strategic Communications and Public Relations, PBRL 2920: Writing for Public Relations, PBRL 4920: Public Relations Campaigns, MDST 1050: Writing for the Media, PBRL 5322: Public Relations, PBRL 5465: Crisis Management Communications and MEDC 6000: Seminar in Media Communications.

Sverdrup, SV212
Phone: 314-246-8632
Email: fordg@webster.edu

Before joining the staff of the School of Communications at Webster University, Judy Connolly spent 20 years at Fleishman Hillard where she was the go-to person for project management and administrative tasks. She began her career there as an administrative assistant. She was promoted to the position of marketing coordinator and later to senior marketing coordinator. Prior to working at Fleishman Hillard, she was executive assistant to the president of Downtown St. Louis Inc. Connolly earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

Sverdrup, SV211 Suite
Phone: 314-968-5935
Email: judithconnolly93@webster.edu

Dorian Hunter Davis is program facilitator for the Media Studies major. Before joining Webster University, he taught communication studies at American University and journalism at Marymount Manhattan College and Seton Hall University.

Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from New York University, a Master of Arts in Journalism from The City University of New York and his PhD in Communication from American University.

Classes taught: MDST 2100: Media Literacy, MDST 2500: Professional Development for Media Careers, MDST 3100: Social Media Strategies and Tactics, MDST 3300: Media Law, Ethics and Policy, and MDST 4200: Media Research

Sverdrup, SV240
Phone: 314-968-5931
Email: doriandavis39@webster.edu
Personal website: Dorian Hunter Davis

As a playwright, Peter Hanrahan has had plays read, workshopped and produced with various theatre companies, including the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. His play, "Prize Inside" was published in "The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2007" (Smith & Kraus). As a working screenwriter, he has written and rewritten numerous scripts. He also has several original screenplay projects in development, including The Lowlands, which is in pre-production with actors John Leguizamo and Alfred Molina.

Hanrahan placed among the top 30 entrants in the Nicholl Fellowship Competition, and he has written for television for NBC and the Discovery Channel. He lived in Los Angeles for many years, where he worked as one of two in-house Story Analysts for the United Talent Agency. Hanrahan earned his BA in English from Washington University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He later received an MFA in Playwriting from Rutgers University.

Classes taught: SCPT 3110: Script Analysis, SCPT 3150: Topics: Selling Your Work to Hollywood, SCPT 3300: Writing the Short Script, SCPT 3500: Writing Screenplays for Film, SCPT 4500: Advanced Scriptwriting and SCPT 4700: Professional Development in Scriptwriting

Sverdrup, SV218
Phone: 314-246-7527
Email: peterhanrahan95@webster.edu

Scott Jensen is finishing 27 years at Webster University and 39 years of teaching. He is the creator and coordinator of the BA degree in Sports Communication, along with Speech Communication Studies courses. He is one of Webster’s faculty athletic representatives to the NCAA and former director of Webster’s Speech and Debate Program. Jensen teaches a variety of sports communication courses, along with speech communication courses. He also created and teaches a Global Cornerstone Seminar on Competition and the Shaping of Identity, along with two Keystone Seminars — Political Activism and Sports, and the Democratic Process. He has also served on several Webster faculty and university committees. Jensen is active in professional development activities, annually publishing and presenting scholarly research. He has several book chapters, journal articles and conference presentations in areas such as critical culture and sports, youth and family sports, competitive forensics and debate, communication pedagogy, and the art of teaching.

Jensen has been recognized locally and nationally for his teaching, scholarship and service. He received Webster’s highest award for teaching, the William T. Kemper Award. He is also one of only four individuals to be inducted into the Pi Kappa Delta Hall of Fame while actively coaching collegiate speech and debate (Pi Kappa Delta is the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate forensics and debate honor society). Pi Kappa Delta has also awarded Scott Jensen the John Shields Award for Service, the L.E. Norton Award for Scholarship, and the E.R. Nichols Award for Outstanding Teaching. The Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri has recognized him with their Wayne Brown Award for Outstanding Teaching and the Loren Reid Service Award.

Among his contributions to the Webster community is the 2023 Student Athletic Advisory Council Appreciation Award, presented by Webster’s student athletes. His service and leadership includes past president of Pi Kappa Delta, the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri, and the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities. He directed Pi Kappa Delta’s national tournament for 15 years and recently completed a term as editor of their refereed scholarly journal. He founded the Central States Communication Association’s Sports Communication Interest Group and served two terms as their chair and conference program planner.

Scott is married and has four children, along with one granddaughter. He is a lifelong fan of sport with a special place in his heart for Cubs baseball. His best adult years were spent coaching and cheering on his kids as accomplished athletes, dancers and musicians. Highlights of his professional life include collaborating with his wife in forensic and debate coaching, hosting and directing some of the largest forensic tournaments in the country, and co-authoring a number of articles and scholarly presentations. Scott and Gina Jensen share a place in Pi Kappa Delta’s Hall of Fame as two of the four members inducted while actively coaching. Jensen recently entered his 60s but has no plans to retire any time soon. There is too much joy in the collaborative teaching and learning he shares with students who become friends and colleagues after they leave Webster.

Sverdrup, SV221
Phone: 314-968-7439
Email: jensensc@webster.edu

Joy Leopold's research interests include digital news, civic participation and acts of resistance, including protests and organizing for social change. She has worked as a staff writer, as well as a freelance writer. In 2010, Leopold received a BA in Print Journalism from the Manship School of Journalism with a minor in Philosophy at Louisiana State University. She continued her education with a Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the College of Business at University of Texas at Dallas in 2012. She then earned her PhD in Journalism and Media Management from the University of Miami in 2018.

Leopold taught courses at the University of Miami while completing her doctoral degree. She joins the School of Communications at Webster University as a visiting assistant professor of media communications teaching news production and media ethics courses.

Classes taught: JOUR 3300: Newspaper Production Workshop and MDST 2200: Ethics in the Media

Sverdrup, SV228
Phone: 314-246-8269
Email: joyleopold40@webster.edu

Trish Muyco-Tobin has been a journalist and writer for print, radio and television for 30 years, covering some of the biggest local and national news stories over the decades, including the Great Flood of 1993, the 1999 Papal Visit to St. Louis, presidential campaigns and elections, and the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing and 9/11 terror attacks. As a working journalist, she is currently the editor-in-chief at Gazelle Magazine, a fashion, community and lifestyle publication and online resource for smart, savvy and successful women. Her monthly columns include The Trish Set, Meet Me Travels and The Melting Pot. She is also the host of Gazelle Media’s The Stir, a monthly podcast featuring conversations with a veritable Who’s Who of trailblazers in St. Louis and beyond – all known leaders in business, philanthropy and society. She also served as the editor-in-chief of Ladue News in St. Louis. Under her leadership, Ladue News strengthened its focus on promoting local charities and nonprofits, encouraging diversity, and highlighting the stories of those who make St. Louis a better place for the entire community.

As a broadcaster, Muyco-Tobin served as morning drive news editor for KMOX Radio, and as senior news editor, reporter and anchor for KTRS Radio. She also was executive producer for the Contact Radio Program, which aired on more than 425 stations across the country and around the world. She is the recipient of numerous awards in broadcasting during her 10-plus years in radio, including: Gold World Medal (New York Festivals), Top Radio Winner (MADD Media Awards), Air Award for Radio Excellence, and two Excellence in Media International awards.

Muyco-Tobin was recently honored with the prestigious St. Louis Press Club Catfish Award in recognition of her contributions to the field of communications and to the Press Club. She is also the proud recipient of the 2014 Salute to Women in Leadership Award in Media by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for promoting diversity in media and in the community at-large. She has served as a proud board member for the St. Louis Press Club and Friends of Character Plus, as well as a member of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ board of directors and the Radio Arts Foundation's Advocacy Council.

Muyco-Tobin received a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in Spanish from the University of Missouri.

Classes taught: JOUR 1030: Fundamentals of Reporting, JOUR 2170: Multi-Media Editing, JOUR 2171: Multi-Media Editing Lab, JOUR 3150: Topics in Media: Broadcast News, JOUR 3300: Newspaper Production Workshop, JOUR 4390: Magazine Production and MDST 1160: Communications for Media Professionals

Sverdrup, SV113B
Phone: 314-246-7844
Email: trishmuycotobin@webster.edu

Before joining Webster University, Sung Eun "Stella" Park taught advertising courses at the University of Southern Indiana at Evansville. Her research interest is in the visual aspects of advertising with topics related to public service announcements, health and big data. Her peer-reviewed publications can be found in several scholarly journals including Health Communication, Journal of Advertising Education, and Journal of Promotion and Management. Park earned a BA in Advertising from The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, a MA in Advertising from The University of Texas at Austin, and a PhD in Advertising from The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.

Classes taught: ADVT 1940: Introduction to Marketing Communications, ADVT 4190: Advertising Research, ADVT 4200: Media Planning, Buying and Selling, ADVT 5100: Strategic Principles of Advertising and Marketing Communication, ADVT 5321: Advertising Decision-Making and MDST 4200: Media Research

Sverdrup, SV230
Phone: 314-246-7630
Email: sungeunpark@webster.edu

Barry Smith's longest and most recent assignment was director of Sales and Marketing Communications. In this role, he oversaw all wholesaler-directed communications, including Anheuser-Busch’s wholesaler conventions, excellence programs, Busch satellite network video production studios, wholesaler Internet portal and weekly email newsletters. Prior to A-B, Smith worked for Frankel & Company, 1989 Ad Age Agency of the Year. He was the senior account executive for McDonald's Corporation. He oversaw new products marketing and promotional activities and national rollout of youth promotions, such as Happy Meals. Smith received a BBA in Management from Roosevelt University in Chicago and an MBA from DePaul University, also in Chicago.

Classes taught: ADVT 2550: Creative Strategies for Advertising, ADVT 4040: Advertising Production and ADVT 5321: Advertising Decision-Making

Sverdrup, SV214
Phone: 314-246-8629
Email: barrysmith70@webster.edu

Julie Smith has been teaching in the Webster University School of Communications for more than 17 years, and at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for 10 years. She received her BA in Communication and Public Relations from the University of Tulsa in 1990 and in 1997, she earned a Master of Science in Mass Communications, from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Smith's book, "Master the Media: How Teaching Media Literacy Can Save our Plugged-In World," has helped make her a widely sought-after speaker at local, national and international conferences and workshops.

Classes taught: MDST 2100: Media Literacy, MDST 4110: Digital Media and Culture and RELG 2401: Religion and Media Culture

Sverdrup, SV227
Phone: 314-246-7086
Email: juliesmith05@webster.edu

Chris Sagovac's artistic work spans many disciplines, from animation and filmmaking, to proficiency in several fine art mediums. His work has been exhibited worldwide in galleries, film festivals and street art exhibitions. Sagovac is a practicing mail artist, abstract painter and independent comic book creator. Sagovac earned a BA in Media Communications and the MA in Fine Arts, both from Webster University.

Classes taught: ANIM: 1000 Animation I, ANIM 2010: Experimental Animation, ANIM 3020: Story Development, ANIM 3040: Comic Book Creation, ANIM 3150: Topics: Advanced Experimental Animation, Advanced Animation Studio, Animation Dailies, Rotoscoping Workshop and Animation Festival Management, ANIM 4010: Character Design, and ANIM 4620: Senior Overview

Sverdrup, SV235
Phone: 314-246-4223
Email: csagovac@webster.edu

Sharon Turner is the department representative for the Media Arts Department in the School of Communications and the primary logistics coordinator for the School of Communications summer camps. Turner is also the communications chair for the Webster Staff Alliance where she helps keep staff informed about various news and issues within Webster University’s home campus and the extended campuses. Before joining the staff of the Webster University School of Communications in 2017, Turner spent more than 25 years at various higher education institutions, including Washington University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and the St. Louis University School of Nursing.

Sverdrup, SV238 Suite
Phone: 314-246-6924
Email: sharonturner55@webster.edu

Christopher Aaron is a visual storyteller whose films have premiered at international film festivals such as the St. Louis International Film Festival, French Quarter Festival, In the Palace International Film Festival, Brussels Independent Film Festival, ASIFA Animation Conference and Festival, and the Isle of Wight Film Festival. His work has shifted into interactive modes of storytelling, including video games and XR. He is the recipient of industry awards for production, editing, 3D animation, and VFX. He maintained a media production company that developed media for a wide range of clients including Discovery, Fremantle and Relativity Media.

Sverdrup, SV246
Phone: 314-246-7784
Email: caaron94@webster.edu

Juraj Bohus received his MA in Cinema and Television from the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Bratislava, Slovak Republic and his MFA in Cinema from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Bohus was an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before coming to Webster University.

Classes taught: FTVP 3150: Topics in Film, Television or Video Production: Czech New Wave and FTVP 3210 Advanced Cinematography

Sverdrup, SV242
Phone: 314-246-3322
Email: jurajb@webster.edu

Mike Breault spent five years at TSR, working on D&D and AD&D role-playing games as well as board games. After a ten-year stint as a freelancer, working for tabletop and digital companies all over the world, he started a nine-year run at Volition in 1999, working on FreeSpace 2, several Red Faction games and The Punisher. He later worked at Raven Software, Ubisoft Montreal, 38 Studios and Zenimax Online. His most recently published games were The Elder Scrolls Online in 2014 and its Imperial City expansion in 2015. To date, he's worked on a total of 130 games — 90 analog and 40 digital. Breault is developing several board games as he finds time from his academic duties.

Breault earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics with minors in math and astronomy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, a Master of Education in Instructional Design from the American College of Education, and completed four years of graduate study in Astrophysics doctoral program at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Classes taught: GAME 1000: Analog Game Design, GAME 1500: Intro to Video Game Design, GAME 2100: Games Studies, GAME 2200: Narrative Design I, GAME 2300: Analog RPG Design, GAME 2400: Digital RPG Design, GAME 3150: Special Topics in Game Design: Narrative Design II, GAME 3550: History of Video Games, GAME 3650: World Design and GAME 4620: Senior Overview

Sverdrup, SV233
Phone: 314-246-3323
Email: michaelbreault50@webster.edu

During the past seven years, Matthew Burton's passion for game development and design has led him to create and publish 10 titles in the iOS and Google Play app stores. Building on his Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems degree (Maryville University, 2013) Burton self-published several games and mobile apps, which have been featured on IndieGame and in Stuff magazine. In 2016, Burton was hired by Pixel Press in St. Louis as a software developer, where he fine-tuned his skills by working with clients such as Mattel, Cartoon Network and Disney/Star Wars. He played a key role in the development of the educational software program Bloxels, which won the New York Toy Fair "Toy of the Year," and was featured in articles by Kotaku and Polygon. Burton's experience with Pixel Press was instrumental in creating an opportunity for him to share his knowledge of game design, coding and production with the Game Design program at Webster University.

Classes taught: GAME 1500: Introduction to Video Game Design, GAME 3000: Video Game Design I, GAME 3650: World Design, GAME 4500: Video Game Design II and GAME 4600: Video Game Production

Sverdrup, SV226
Phone: 314-246-7515
Email: matthewburton@webster.edu

In addition to teaching, Julia Griffey works as a web and interactive designer and developer. She is the director of e-commerce for St. Louis-based manufacturing company, Nomax Inc., and has created websites for many other educational and corporate clients. She is also the principal of Animocation, a company that creates educational, interactive, movement-driven exhibits. Her work is currently featured in the Children's Museum of the Highlands in Sebring, Florida; Linda's Playhouse in Peachtree City, Georgia; Monterey County Youth Museum in Monterey, California; Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum in Santa Maria, California; Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, Vermont; Museo Del Nino in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Hands On! A Child's Gallery in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Griffey earned a BS in Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, a MA in Apparel Design from Cornell University and a MFA in Design from the Massachusetts College of Art.

Classes taught: INTM 1600: Introduction to Interactive Digital Media, INTM 3150: Special Topics: Interactive Content Development for Marketing and Public Relations, INTM 4620: Senior Overview, and MEDC 5600 Introduction to Interactive Communications

Sverdrup, SV216
Phone: 314-246-8643
Email: juliagriffey93@webster.edu

Josh Johnson is a filmmaker, VFX supervisor and VFX artist with over 17 years of experience in the film industry. In 2023, he was voted into the Visual Effects Society (VES), a prestigious global honors society for professionals in the film industry. He has worked on 26 feature films thus far. Some of his feature film credits include “Rich Hill” (2014 Sundance grand jury prize winner), “A Ghost Story” (A24: 2017 Sundance), “The Long Dumb Road” (Universal Pictures: 2018 Sundance), “Native Son,” shot by Oscar-nominated Matthew Libatíque (A24, HBO Films:  2019 Sundance and Critics’ Choice nominee), “Duplicity” (Universal Pictures), “One & Two” (IFC Films: 2015 Berlin and SXSW) and “Omniboat” (2020 Sundance). He also worked on the Emmy Nominated HBO documentary “Abortion: Stories Women Tell.” Most recently, he worked on “Acidman” (2022 Tribeca), Disney’s “Hocus Pocus 2,” “Plan C” (2023 Sundance), and “Blood for Dust” (2023 Tribeca).

Some of Johnson’s commercial credits include Samsung, Converse, Microsoft, Taco Bell, MTV, Smithsonian, and music videos for Lil Nas X and Sia. In addition, “Monument,” a short film he co-directed, recently won best showcase film, best drama and best VFX at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and was one of eighteen short films selected for the Nantucket Film Festival. His work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Variety, Indiewire, VFX Voice Magazine, No Film School, 3D World Magazine and Nerdist. He graduated with his MFA in filmmaking from Vermont College of Arts in October 2021. He has presented and demoed at SIGGRAPH, NAB and SXSW, helped create a Mars exhibit at the St. Louis Science Center, and served as a Cinereach creative Visual Effects advisor.

Sverdrup, SV229
Phone: 314-246-7541
Email: joshuajohnson@webster.edu

Originally from a rural, college town in Western Pennsylvania, filmmaker Natalia Kaniasty has lived in multiple corners of the United States. As a first-generation American, she enjoys turning her lens on themes and characters that reflect the overlapping influences impacting her distinctive personal experiences. Her short films have screened and earned awards at festivals domestically and abroad.

She worked on multiple feature productions in the New York independent film scene, including assisting filmmaker Todd Solondz and playwright/actor Tracy Letts. Kaniasty entered the Hollywood studio system as a director’s assistant on Warner Bros.’ tentpole film, "Ocean’s 8." Following its release, writer-director Gary Ross invited her to Los Angeles to work alongside him in development and production.

In addition to teaching filmmaking, Kaniasty has taught university courses in theatre and acting for the camera, as well as coached actors in New York and Los Angeles. She previously worked in arts education and advocacy at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Kaniasty continues to split her time between St. Louis and Los Angeles. She holds an MFA in filmmaking from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Sverdrup, SV219
Phone: 314-246-2427
Email: nataliakaniasty@webster.edu

Zachary Kaufman is a visual storyteller whose work explores the generational inheritance of land, values and socioeconomic status. Kaufman is also interested in collaborative projects that benefit vulnerable populations. He graduated with a BA in Journalism from San Francisco State University and served as photo editor for the Bay Area Multicultural Media Academy.

Kaufman is an alumnus of The Associated Press Diverse Visions, Eddie Adams and Mountain Workshops, and worked as a staff photojournalist on the West Coast for 10 years. His images have been published by Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and others. In 2022, he earned his MFA in Photography from Indiana University (IU) Bloomington with a research focus on the cultivation of empathy through visual media. Most recently, Kaufman served as the communications and media consultant to the IU Prison Arts Initiative, an effort that offers arts education to incarcerated populations in Indiana.

Sverdrup, SV217
Phone: 314-246-2429
Email: zacharykaufman@webster.edu

Michael Long is an award-winning animator and filmmaker whose works have been shown at film festivals and cultural venues across the United States and abroad. A native St. Louisan, he has taught animation production courses at Webster University for most of his career. He is a board member of ASIFA-Central, the local chapter of the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation and hosts their lively monthly Zoom meetings.

Long earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts in Media Literacy from Webster University. He also studied animation, history, acting and radio drama at the University of California, Santa Cruz for two years and English literature, writing and drawing at UCLA for two years.

His interests include film, television, and animation history, St. Louis history, storyboarding, film editing, radio drama, literature, and classical sport fencing. He has lectured in Vienna on animation and magic, performed magic in Japan and Thailand, and is a member of the Society of American Magicians. When asked, he will gladly tell you how all these interests are connected and contribute to making a fully animated life.

Classes taught: ANIM 1010: Animation II, ANIM 1040: Storyboarding, ANIM 2000: Advanced Animation, ANIM 3150: 2.5D Animation, EPMD 2000: Introduction to Adobe Animate and FLST: 2070 History of Animation

Sverdrup, SV220
Phone: 314-246-5926
Email: michaellong37@webster.edu

Seda Tuzun Canadinc is a visiting assistant professor at Webster University. Her teaching and research stand at the intersection of virtual and physical environments, and she specializes in augmented reality (AR), computational design, 3D modeling, parametric modeling, building performance simulation and optimization. Her dissertation research focuses on markerless AR technology applications in assembly and its usability, for which she was awarded the ARCC King Student Medal in 2024. She is a co-inventor of the Multi-3D-Models AR Registration method (US provisional patent application # 63/506,007) and served as an entrepreneurial lead in her team in the NSF-funded I-Corps Teams program 2022-2023 for customer discovery of AR assembly instructions.

Tuzun Canadinc taught computational methods in architecture at Texas A&M University for two years while working on her doctorate degree. She co-published and presented peer-reviewed papers at international conferences and served as a reviewer. Dr. Tuzun Canadinc holds a Master of Arts degree in Radio-TV-Cinema, where she studied space usage in movies within a single space. She earned both MS and PhD degrees in Architecture from Texas A&M University. She has extensive professional experience in architectural (and interior) design, including concept development, construction documentation, and proficiency in 2D drawing and 3D modeling.

Classes taught: GAME 2600: Game Art

Sverdrup, SV232
Phone: 314-246-7958
Email: stuzuncanadinc@webster.edu

Kristina Richards is an alumna of Webster University's Anthropology Department. She has worked with the University of Illinois Archaeological Research Program studying pre-Columbian Mississippian cultures, authoring two papers on the studies. Her passion for art led her to nonprofit work at Craft Alliance, where she focused on contemporary art and artists.

Richards' background in photography and experience at the Missouri History Museum, the University of Illinois and Craft Alliance, prepared her for her role as Director of Webster University's Kooyumjian Gallery. There, she is dedicated to supporting established, emerging and student artists, amplifying diverse voices and fostering community engagement.

Sverdrup, SV238 Suite
Phone: 314-246-7673
Email: krichards00@webster.edu

Joe LaMonica joined Webster University in 2011 as part of the Walker School of Business and Technology. In his time at Webster, he has moved through several different units, with the most recent being Information Technology, prior to joining the School of Communications.

For several years, LaMonica and his team were responsible for the University's event Audio Visual services, University livestream and classroom Audio Visual services. He has worked with the Department of Athletics to help found the Gorlok Sports Network, a student-led group that provides streaming services for Athletics competitions and events.

He came to the Media Center to spend more time working with students and faculty. He has a passion for technology and its effective design and implementation. He's been involved in AV design for countless University projects, including the University Center and Interdisciplinary Science Building.

LaMonica has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Louis University, and a Master of Educational Technology from Webster University. In his spare time, he loves to travel to new countries, enjoys cooking and is a voracious consumer of audiobooks.

Sverdrup, SV107
Phone: 314-246-7656
Email: josephlamonica55@webster.edu

 

Sverdrup, SV107
Phone: 314-968-7484
Email: lindsalo@webster.edu

Prior to coming to the Media Center, Greg Landrum was an advertising/commercial photographer for almost three decades and an adjunct professor of photography at Webster University for 17 years. He is an expert in digital workflow from image capture to final output utilizing Adobe Light Room, Photoshop and Capture One software. Experienced in all facets of photography including large format cameras and darkroom work. Landrum holds a BFA from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Sverdrup, SV107
Phone: 314-246-7004
Email: gregorylandrum44@webster.edu

 

Sverdrup, SV107
Phone: 314-246-6967
Email: jameswolz98@webster.edu

Bryan Pantazo graduated from Webster University with a BA in Audio Production and a minor in Media Communications. As an audio engineer, Pantazo has worked with the St. Louis Symphony, Chamber Music Society of St. Louis and works out of several recording studios in and around the St. Louis area.

Pantazo is a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he worked with aviation electronics. He has since put this technical background to work as an installation and repair technician for the audio production community, including installation of the new recording studios here at Webster University.

Pantazo brings this background and experience to the Media Center to ensure that the equipment for our students use is in top working condition.

While not in the shop or the studio, Pantazo can be found playing the guitar around town, on a campground enjoying the outdoors or somewhere on the water with a fishing pole in his hands.

Email: bryanpantazo63@webster.edu

 

Webster Hall, WH223a
Phone: 314-246-7525
Email: timmekar@webster.edu

 

Webster Hall, WH219
Phone: 314-968-7485
Email: richardbauer18@webster.edu