DYSON DIGITAL DIGEST
WINTER 2023
Re-reading History: Students Curate Exhibit of Historical Newspaper Photos
This fall, Dyson students had the unique opportunity to curate the exhibit, Continued Relevance: News Photos from the George Stephanopoulos Collection, in the Pace University Art Gallery.
The Emmy Winner: Rachel Skopp-Cardillo ’20
Emmy Award-winning producer and third-generation alumna Rachel Skopp-Cardillo’s success is deeply rooted at Pace.
Podcasting, Filming, Editing: Students Are in on All the Action
From professional quality documentary production to in-the-field athletics coverage, students in the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts department on the Westchester campus are gaining valuable experience.
Profs Take an Innovative Approach to Interdisciplinary and Cross-cultural Teaching, One Film at a Time
Associate Professor Satish Kolluri, PhD, and Professor Joseph Lee, PhD, challenge students to explore complex themes of family, love, art, culture, and politics through Hong Kong and Bollywood cinema.
Biology Professor Receives NIH Grant to Study Therapy Resistance in Cancer Cells
Professor of Biology Nancy Krucher, PhD, has received a three-year grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study new methods to combat cancer cell development of resistance to targeted treatments.
Dean’s Message
Through only-at-Pace learning experiences, cutting-edge research, and hands-on academics that prepare our students to shine, this edition showcases just a few of the many examples of how Dyson is leading the way across disciplines.
Dean’s Message
Through only-at-Pace learning experiences, cutting-edge research, and hands-on academics that prepare our students to shine, this edition showcases just a few of the many examples of how Dyson is leading the way across disciplines.
Dyson Notes
Dyson Notes
Alumni News
Samantha Abarhami ’19, Communications, was hired as an account manager at SXM Media, working as part of the iHeartMedia podcast team.
Kat Agudo ’21’s (MFA Playwriting) production, REDD, at the Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend, Washington, has received a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America grant.
Amery Bernhardt ’17, MA Homeland Security, has been named the director of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Prevention.
Michael Blatt ’16, ASDS, is directing An Infinite Ache at The Little Red Light Theater, an off-off-Broadway theater that he co-owns.
Bethany Braun-Silva ’10, ASDS, hosted a satellite media tour for the Target 10th Annual Bullseye’s Top Toys List.
Chip Byers ’15, Theater Arts, was appointed to the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation Board of Directors by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Thom Caska ’09, Musical Theater, was appointed general manager of the Hilton New York Times Square.
Jada Clark ’22, Commercial Dance, is appearing in the national tour of Jagged Little Pill.
Sam Eaton ’14, Communications, was promoted to senior digital campaign specialist at Advance Media NY.
Justin Friedman ’13, Economics and Math, was recently promoted to vice president of data and analytics for the NFL.
Richard Fulco ’90, English, published his second novel, We Are All Together.
Madeline Grey DeFreece ’18, Acting for Film, Television, Voice-overs, and Commercials, is starring as Sasha in the upcoming film The Sixth Love Language.
Lara Heyhurst ’07, Musical Theater, played Missy Watkins and Peg in A Musical Christmas Carol at Byham Theater in Pittsburgh.
Mariah Jno-Charles ’18, Criminal Justice, was promoted to associate at Goldman Sachs.
Jess LeProtto ’20, Musical Theater, is in the ensemble of A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond musical on Broadway.
Adam J. Levy ’16, Musical Theater, performed as Prince Charming in Disney Princess: The Concert at the Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts.
Dena Mekawi ’15, MS Publishing, was named a 40 Under 40 awardee from the Arab America Foundation for her work in advocating for representation of the Arab community and other underrepresented communities in media and advertising.
Ajit Nair ’09, Political Science, became the inaugural division chief of appeals for the Office of Paid Family Leave in Washington, D.C.
Hillary Nappi ’05, Criminal Justice, became the first female partner at her firm, Hach, Rose, Schirripa & Cheverie, LLP.
Cameron Nies ’19, Musical Theater, is playing Freddie Mercury in We Will Rock You at the Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, Illinois.
Allison Phillips ’21, Digital Cinema and Filmmaking, is the creative coordinator for the Eastern Michigan University football team.
Trey Prothro Jr. ’14, MS Publishing, was named community communications and engagement assistant for the mayor of St. Louis.
Rachel Tringali Marston ’08, Communication Studies, was promoted to senior account manager at Pioneer Utility Resources.
Octavio Yattah ’19, Acting, has opened MCM Coffee on Fulton Street near Pace’s New York City campus in downtown Manhattan.
Faculty News
Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies Emily Bent, PhD, received a $33,000 multi-year training grant from the Feminist Majority Foundation for her project, “The Feminist Girls Project: Part II.” The Feminist Girls Project is a gender equality and human rights training program developed by Bent in collaboration with girl-centered nonprofit organizations engaged in advocacy at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The initiative builds off her research on girl activism and leadership at the United Nations, helping to prepare and facilitate opportunities for girls and youth to inform global processes for gender equality and human rights.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Art and Pace University Art Gallery Director Sarah Cunningham, MFA, was awarded a $20,000 New York State Council of the Arts Support for Organizations grant to expand support for artists and increase public awareness of the Pace University Art Gallery. The funding was received in the first year of eligibility based on the quality of the past three years of exhibits and events at the gallery.
Professor of Performing Arts Lee Evans, EdD, authored “Rhythmic Diminution and Rhythmic Augmentation” in Piano Guild Notes.
Professor of Public Administration Hillary Knepper, PhD, and Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Tiffany Henley, PhD, edited and contributed two chapters to Intersectionality and Crisis Management: A Path to Social Equity.
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physical Sciences Elmer-Rico Mojica, PhD, co-authored a paper titled, “Geographical and Entomological Differentiation of Philippine Honey by Multivariate Analysis of FTIR Spectra,” published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Anne Toomey, PhD, had her article, “Why Facts Don’t Change Minds: Insights from Cognitive Science for the Improved Communication of Conservation Research,” published in Biological Conservation.
Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physical Sciences Rita Upmacis, PhD, co-authored “Analysis of Sex-Specific Prostanoid Production Using a Mouse Model of Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition” in Biomarker Insights, along with her colleagues and undergraduate students.
Professor of Writing and Cultural Studies Adelia Williams, PhD, and Adjunct Professor Geraldine O’Neill co-authored “Lessons Learned: Pandemic Strategies for Teaching Language,” which was published in The New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers Journal.
Associate Professor of Communication and Media Studies Melvin Williams, PhD, is serving as co-editor of a special issue of Journal of Radio and Audio, focusing on Black radio, set to publish in May 2024.
Student News
The Pace Chemistry Club was honored as a “commendable” student organization and received a green chemistry award from the American Chemical Society.