by Heather Hayes | Jan 26, 2026 | Alumni
MCVA alum Jackson Backburn ’25, marketing and publicity assistant for global cinema at NEON, an independent film production and distribution company, attended not one but three major award shows: the Critics’ Choice Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and the Golden Globe Awards.
Blackburn worked on publicity campaigns for “Arco,” “Sirât,” “It Was Just an Accident,” as well as “The Secret Agent,” a Brazilian film that has won several awards since 2025, including the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language. Among the four campaigns he worked on, NEON earned nine Oscar nominations.
Blackburn got his start at NEON as an intern in acquisitions and film partnerships. He earned his combined degree in communications, B.A., and communications and digital media, M.A., from Pace University.
by Heather Hayes | Jan 26, 2026 | Alumni
MCVA alum Carly Steet Mathias ’13, marketing and communications manager at Steet Ponte Auto Group, is a columnist for Mohawk Valley Living, a regional magazine. Bringing her auto industry expertise, Steet Mathias writes the “Drive of the Month” column, highlighting areas to explore in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Read her most recent column from the January 2026 issue here.
Steet Mathias earned her master’s degree in communications and digital media from Pace University.
by Heather Hayes | Jan 26, 2026 | Faculty
Employed MCVA alumni – please consider taking MCVA associate professor Mirjana Pantic’s survey. See Pantic’s message below:
Hello! My name is Mirjana Pantic, and I am a professor at Pace University, currently collecting survey data that examines how media professionals (e.g., journalists, editors, producers, photographers) are using AI at work. Participation is completely voluntary, and the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please fill it out and distribute it to your colleagues in the media who also might be interested in sharing their insights. If you have any questions, contact me at: mpantic@pace.edu
Survey link: https://pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bluu23NDDj0MP5Q
About the project:
The research project “How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Journalism” aims to explore how artificial intelligence is integrated into journalistic workflows and what impacts media professionals across the globe to adopt AI in newsrooms. Specifically, the research seeks to examine what AI tools journalists use in their day-to-day work and how these technologies assist them in media production. In addition, the study aims to investigate the perceived advantages and disadvantages of AI in enhancing journalistic efficiency. The overall goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving role of AI in journalism and its impact on professional practices. I am also hoping to use this knowledge to gain more knowledge about current AI practices in newsrooms and prepare our students for work in this new media envoronment.
For this purpose, I am collecting survey data from both domestic and international journalists. Due to the digital divide, I also want to investigate how factors such as language (native vs. non-native English speakers) impact the willingness to adopt these technologies as most of the AI tools are available in English.
Source: Mirjana Pantic
by Heather Hayes | Jan 26, 2026 | Faculty
F-Stop Magazine, an online photography magazine, reviewed MCVA associate professor Inbal Abergil’s latest body of work, “The Presence of Absence.” Abergil’s decade-long documentary body of work reveals the many layers of trauma, loss, grief, mourning, and healing in the aftermath of war. Read the review here.
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Department and Veterans Services hosted “The Presence of Absence: Life After Loss in the Aftermath of War — Artist Talk & Book Signing with Prof. Inbal Abergil.” Watch a recording of the event livestream here.
by Heather Hayes | Jan 26, 2026 | Opportunities
Working closely with various MCVA faculty and students, the intern will assist in the creation of department sports related content. Examples of projects the candidate might work on include filming, editing, podcasting, digital photography, both print and electronic writing (i.e. blog posts), conducting social media research, digital design/animation, and social media campaigns. This internship will provide the successful candidate with a true hands-on, real-world experience where he/she will be required to not only apply their classroom knowledge, but to think critically and strategically. The intern may also be exposed to other areas of the department and Athletics through interviews with athletes and coaches.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess audio and video technical skills, excellent writing skills and a strong interest in sports. Additional skills in photography, and digital design/animation are also of interest. Candidates must be able to work independently and as a member of a team, be highly motivated, detail-oriented, dependable, and responsible.
Location: The intern will work within the MCVA Department including the stage, audio studio, various classrooms and the media lab. Interns are also expected to attend campus sporting events and work in partnership with the Athletics Department.
Compensation: This is a non-paying, credit-based internship opportunity.
Timeframe and Schedule: 8-12 week internship, 12-15 hours per week
Reports to: Dr. Pulaski Behling; Assistant Chair Media, Communications and Visual Arts
Dr. Pulaski Behling will serve as mentor and supervisor for this position, but the intern may work directly with other members of the MCVA department, including Dr. Kate Fink. Dr. Pulaski Behling will meet with the intern to create a schedule with times and locations and to consult on projects.
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Pulaski Behling at mpulaskibehling@pace.edu.
