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M.S. IN COMMUNICATIONS

Concentration: Journalism Innovation

Degree Award Date: May of 2024

M.S. in Communications: Text
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I'm currently pursuing a Master's in Journalism Innovation at Syracuse University with a specialization in multimedia. My coursework has been a dynamic journey, covering various aspects of modern journalism. I've delved into web and mobile story production, data-driven journalism, emerging media platforms, and content management.

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This program has equipped me with the skills needed to stay at the forefront of journalism in today's digital age. I've learned how to harness the power of new mobile and social media trends to engage and inform audiences effectively. Additionally, I've gained the ability to acquire, analyze, and visualize data in a journalistic context, adding depth to the stories I tell.

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Furthermore, the program has exposed me to cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality, 360 video, sensors, and drones, which are shaping the future of journalism. These emerging tools allow me to enhance the stories I cover in innovative and immersive ways. Sharing what I've learned with my colleagues and helping organizations stay ahead of emerging trends will undoubtedly contribute to mutual growth and success.

M.S. in Communications: Headliner

EMERGING MEDIA PLATFORMS

In this course, I learned how to identify, scrutinize, test, and utilize new technologies in a journalistic setting. The broad technology categories I explored included virtual reality, 360 video, aerial drone videography, structural data capture, sensor journalism, and AI-enabled chat bots.

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PERSONAL PROJECT

M.S. in Communications: Portfolio

DATA-DRIVEN JOURNALISM

I explored how to use data to discover, enhance, and back news stories. I learned the ropes of finding and manipulating data sets, and I even gained the skills to craft my very own data sources to supercharge my reporting.

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PERSONAL PROJECT

M.S. in Communications: Portfolio

WEB & MOBILE STORY PRODUCTION

I took a creative, hands-on course that focused on strategies for rethinking and reinventing the editorial experience for digital audiences. I learned about creating journalism for evolving media forms while building my portfolio and storytelling skills.

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PERSONAL PROJECT #1

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M.S. in Communications: Pro Gallery
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PERSONAL PROJECT #2

Flavor on Wheels - Final Project

Flavor on Wheels - Final Project

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INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA)

Immersion 


During my program in the online M.S. in Communications and Communications Management programs, I had the opportunity to participate in two weekend-long immersions. These event-filled weekends took place on the Syracuse University campus and in U.S. and international cities that offered a variety of topical themes.

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M.S. in Communications: Portfolio

GROUP PROJECT

In 2002, Halley Berry became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Leading Actor. However, it's notable that Black actors have often been nominees rather than winners, with many winning in the Best Supporting Actor category instead of Best Lead Actor.

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Throughout the history of the Academy Awards, only 17% of all nominees have been women, and a mere 6% were people of color. Shockingly, women of color represented less than 2% of nominees. But how did we arrive at this disparity? To understand, we need to delve into the history. The genesis of the Academy can be traced back to Louis B. Mayer, who secured exclusive screening rights for the controversial film, 'The Birth of a Nation,' which glorified the Ku Klux Klan's history. Recognizing the industry's potential for immense profit, Mayer founded The Academy to maintain control over the upper class and prevent actor unionization.

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Fast forward to today, and the Oscars, once a celebration of achievement, have transformed into an event critiqued for their systemic racial and gender practices. Social media, especially Twitter, provides an open platform for viewers to voice their opinions, giving rise to the #OscarsSoWhite movement. This highlights the severe lack of diversity in the Academy's leadership and membership, contributing to the ongoing underrepresentation of minority nominees and winners.


The Academy responded to the #OscarsSoWhite boycott by announcing policies, including onscreen diversity requirements as part of their RAISE (Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry) platform. However, these efforts require greater accountability. We recommend the establishment of a committee to monitor and assess the effectiveness of these initiatives annually.

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Another solution is to foster a culture of inclusivity and transparency through multimedia. We propose that the Academy create an annual multimedia publication that facilitates a direct dialogue between moviegoers and the Academy. This open forum can address questions about nominated films through various multimedia formats, increasing viewer engagement and ratings.

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In conclusion, these steps can guide the Academy toward promoting a culture of inclusivity within the organization.

M.S. in Communications: Text
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