Teaching Experience:

09/04-09/06 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
Computer Art and Technology
Mercy College, White Plains, NY

Digital Animation I (MAYA) introduces technical and theoretical methods which are used to produce broadcast quality animation. Successful animation is accomplished through proper planning and procedure and, as a result, this course is modeled after the production pipeline [concept art> modeling> lighting> shading> animation> compositing]. As an introduction, all methods are taught through non character mechanical modeling with a focus on environmental design for animation.

Digital Animation II (3dstudio or MAYA)serves as a follow up to Animation I. Class lectures specifically covers modeling for character and facial movement as well as rigging, and animation techniques. Theoretical topics include edge looping for character modeling, articulation for animation, and an introduction to animation based upon reference material. This course is taught through an understanding of human anatomy and musculature and how these structures determine digital modeling and animation workflow. Students are asked to display a working knowledge of anatomy in order to create realistic and lifelike characters.

Game Design I is taught through a blend of various areas of emphasis dealing with game theory and cultural notions which makes play interactive, fun, and engaging. Students are asked to play, make and critique both digital and analog games.

In addition, students create 3d digital levels and implement these into a commercial game engines. Topics include modeling and shading for 3d games, digital lighting, and using 3rd party applications for cinematic cut scenes.

01/01- PRESENT ADJUNCT PROFESSOR,
MFA and BFA Computer Arts Department
School of Visual Arts, New York, NY

Coursework includes teaching various digital media techniques to undergraduates and graduates from the Computer Arts, Fine Arts, Film, and Graphic Design programs.

MFA Computer Arts, Thesis Advisement involves helping second year students prepare and develop the means to implement their thesis. My student's work has ranged from 2d and 3d animation to interactive installations with basic device control. Because the MFA program at SVA is driven by theory, my real interaction with students involves helping them develop a sense of how their projects worked within their theoretical framework and how this impacts production.

Game Design focuses on the basic techniques of game modeling and advanced methods for building game elements through a combination of techniques using both traditional 3d applications and commercial game engines. Interactivity and the technical issues involved in creating successful interactive graphics are covered.

3D Courses (3D Studio, Maya)include a broad overview of all aspects of 3d animation including modeling, texture painting, lighting (traditional and global illumination via Mental Ray), forward and inverse kinematic rigs, and animation. In addition, low poly modeling and game texturing have been covered as well as preparing models for export to video games.

Dynamic Media courses attempt to combine digital techniques using compositing to integrate various media through good aesthetic and design. To this extent, course work has included 2d match moving, 3d match moving, 2d/3d Integration, 2d and 3d particle systems and dynamics, color correction, television editing, motion graphic design, multi-pass compositing , and rotoscoping. All courses are taught through the use of design examples and are project based. A typical sequence includes in-class work evaluating the aesthetic and technical aspects of a various company or artist, followed by a technical demonstration of methods to accomplish a similar look.

Digital Fine Arts coursework includes classes that aim to expand student's aesthetic vocabulary with digital technology and use that knowledge toward the creation of a work of art. Attempting to recreate the studio environment, students build on solid creative conceptualization and learn how to apply color, light, and theory to digital projects. As a hands-on development course for design professionals, the classroom is structured to help students explore the connection between their vision and new technologies.

09/03- PRESENT ADJUNCT PROFESSOR,
Center For Advanced Digital Application, Master's Program
New York University, New York, NY

Coursework focused exclusively on 3d animation and compositing techniques.

Maya: Introduction to Modeling introduces a general overview of modeling techniques including polygon and subdivision surface modeling, followed by an introduction to NURBS modeling. In addition, class lectures specifically cover modeling for character and facial animation and non character mechanical modeling. Technical topics include edge looping, extruding for organic characters, lofting, patch modeling, and subdivision refinement.

Maya: Intensive Computer Animation & Visual Effects is a fast paced, intensive, 4 week course which deals specifically with theoretical and technical aspects of character development, from storyboards to postproduction. Class topics include basic production theory, production pipeline and workflow, followed by compositing and rendering theory. The aim of this class is to create seamlessly composited 3d animation.