Master Instructor

About

  • Find Me On:

    linkedin

  • Office Hours:

    MW 10:00-11:00 TTh 11:00-12:00 Other times by appointment.

  • Role:

    Faculty

  • Position:

    • Master Instructor

  • Concentration:

    • Visual Communication, New media, Graphic Design, Data Visualization, Motion Graphics, UI/UX Design, Non-Linear Storytelling

  • Department:

    • Journalism & Media Communication

  • Education:

    • M.A. Multimedia, Interactive Design & Video Game Production

  • Curriculum Vitae:

Biography

I have been in the creative and design field for over 20 years. One of my passions is sharing my experience and knowledge and that's why I started teaching. I believe that regardless of where my career takes me, I will always teach. August 2020 was my 20th teaching anniversary, and August 2021 was my 10th year at CSU.

My studies include a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Journalism from Technólogico de Monterrey in Mexico City, an M.A. in Multimedia from California State University East Bay, and an M.A. in Interactive Design and Video Game Development from Savannah College of Art & Design.

I started teaching at CSU East Bay right after my grad school and then got a tenure-track position at Cañada College in Redwood City in the Multimedia Art department where I stayed for almost 10 years until I moved to Colorado and started teaching at CSU here in Fort Collins in 2010. The JMC Department offers a wide range of teaching opportunities for me in some of my favorite fields.

I live here in Fort Collins with my husband Peter, and my eleven-year-old daughter Sabine, Luna dog and Sage cat. I love technology, creativity, camping and picnics by the river, cooking and gardening, and I do a lot of crafting and art.

Courses

  • JTC 427 Motion Graphics

    Theory and practice of motion graphics integrating animation and design principles, as well as visual storytelling using storyboards, camera composition and scene sequencing techniques. Main tools used for the class will be Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Prerequisites: JTC 211.

  • JTC 211 Visual Communication – Face to Face and Online

    In this class we will learn the basics of a few tools commonly used in visual communication. We cannot cover all the tools but will expose you to ones that are versatile across channels. This is not a design class, but rather a communication class where the goal is to develop effective communication around a specific theme and topic. We will learn the fundamentals of visual communication theories as they apply to computer media, especially the Internet.

  • JTC 417 Information Graphics

    Introduction to the basics of data visualization through the use of charts, graphs and other visual elements through the effective weaving of the story behind it. Adobe Illustrator® and other applications to add interactivity will be utilized in the production of compelling, clear and effective infographics and infoposters appropriate for both print and digital delivery. Key design and production processes, as well as best design practices will be covered through illustrative hands-on projects.

  • JTC 517 Advanced Information Graphics

    This course is graduate-level course covering the basics of data visualization using charts, graphs and other visual elements using effective visual storytelling. Adobe Illustrator® and other applications to animate and add interactivity will be utilized in the production of compelling, clear and practical infographics, data and information visualizations appropriate for both print, research posters, and digital delivery. Key design and production processes, as well as best design practices will be covered through illustrative hands-on projects

  • JTC 460 Senior Capstone

    This course is designed to help you prepare yourself for the job market in your field of expertise. The process will involve perfecting your resume and cover letter strategies, and creating a strong portfolio by selecting and refining the work you have completed in previous classes and/or professional gigs. The main challenges will be to focus your materials and efforts, as well as create and polish your professional identity to the point where you can present yourself in a cohesive and strong manner to potential employers. You will also create some new and original materials to strengthen your portfolio.