The project, titled “The Phoenix of Gaza XR,” is a collaborative virtual reality endeavor, which uses immersive technologies to document life in Gaza, was developed by Ahlam Muhtaseb, professor of communication and media studies, and her former student, CSUSB alumnus Naim Aburaddi.
Ahlam Muhtaseb (media studies) discussed the work of CSUSB alumnus Naim Aburaddi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Colorado, Mihaela Popescu (communication studies) was interviewed for a white paper on the impact of the metaverse, Stuart Sumida (biology) commented on the auctioning of dinosaur fossils, and Bob Miller (public administration, adjunct) is being considered for a vacancy on the Yucaipa City Council.
Debora Perez Torres, a communication and media studies professor, believes different lived experiences and environments are an asset to student education. By creating a safe environment for expression, Torres’ students feel empowered to celebrate who they are as individuals.
Ahlam Muhtaseb, professor of media studies, is the recipient of this prestigious National Communication Association award. According to Amy Aldridge Sanford, a member of the awards committee, “We consider the Scholarly Influence Award one for career achievement. It's awarded to the very best of senior communication scholars who've dedicated their research, teaching and service to social justice and activism.”
The Women’s Support Organization will honor Ahlam Muhtaseb (communication studies) with the 2024 Distinguished Woman of the Year award from Women Support Organization (WSO) on Saturday, March 2, when the organization celebrates International Women’s Day. In addition, her latest film, “36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime,” has been screen and honored at several international film festivals.
The Faculty Center for Excellence also begins the new academic year with an expanded new structure that unifies faculty support and professional development in one center.
The experiences of refugees who survived the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey will be shown in 360-degree immersive footage captured by the panelists at the April 18 event, which will be presented virtually.
The CSUSB xReal Lab team hopes to not only raise awareness, but also increase empathy with the refugees in an attempt to increase humanitarian aid.
Naim Aburaddi, communication studies major, is the Outstanding Graduate Student, and Ferris Strachan, liberal studies major, is the Outstanding Undergraduate.