Hello, and nice to have you here!
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It was the Thanksgiving break of 2021, and I decided to rearrange the entire place for a photoshoot. The sofa was right in the middle of the living room, the wall behind me was dirty, and my roommate's cat was in complete shock by the chaos. Why did I do all that? I have no idea. I just knew I was driven by a creative spark and wanted to capture myself as the professional I aspired to be: imaginative, thoughtful, approachable (and with a camera in my hands)
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My name is Luíza, and I am a communications specialist, digital educator, media researcher, and digital storyteller, but I’m also a daughter, sister, girlfriend, global citizen, dog, and cat lover, and someone who enjoys dancing in front of the mirror.
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Foremost, I’ve been exploring the sociological effects of digital media applications —especially when it comes to our uses of emerging mobile technologies of photo and video sharing and their impact on our lives. I like to explore this subject through scholarly research and initiatives in educational development, visual arts, and filmmaking.
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My goals? Many. But most importantly, to advance digital media literacy through education and the power of digital storytelling. I strive to bring a human and meditative touch to my work, offering people a chance to stop and reflect on the world beyond the constant flow of digital connectivity.
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Whether it’s creative direction, education consulting, or hands-on work, I blend academic insight with real-world experience to help individuals navigate through the outcomes of our meditated digital lives.
EDUCATION:
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2024 - (M.F.A) Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media Design
In addition to a Graduate Certificate in Media Studies and Digital Humanities (MSDH) - University of Connecticut
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2020 - (M.A) Master of Arts in Media & Communications
Pennsylvania State University
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2018 - (B.S) Bachelor of Science in International Relations
The Pontifical Catholic University/Brazil
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GUEST SPEAKER/CONFERENCES:
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2024 - UConn's School of Fine Arts Faculty Retreat - Guest Speaker presenting a seminar in AI for Educational Perspectives. ​
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2024 - GET SEEDED! UConn Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) - Third place award (U$ 500.00) for pitching project; "Teach, Visuals, Engage"
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2023 - UConn's Annual Women's Advanced Conference, Workshop Teaching Digital Citizens - Performance & Design for the future of digital learners.
Conference website.
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2023 - FESTURIST Connection/Brazil - Digital Media Expert for Webinar panel on the current cultural trend of Digital Nomads.
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2023 - Simmons University - Invited professor for Lecture on Social Media Effects.
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2023 - UConn Department of Engineering - Invited professor for Lecture on "Finding your Digital Presence" as a STEM major.
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2021 - TEDx TALK
Disconnect it All! A Kind Reminder to Observe and Feel.
Link to Video here,
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2021 - Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) - Digital Media expert for Webinar Video in the Digital Age, 2021.
Know More - Video in the Digital Age
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2018 - 3MIN Thesis Presentation - Third Place award for Penn State University's contest 3 Minute Thesis Presentation, 2019
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ART EXHIBITIONS/FILM FESTIVALS:
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2025 - SPE Media Film Festival - Official Selection for Short/Experimental: Digital Moments, Liquid Experiences.
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2024 - East Village New York Film Festival - Official Selection for Short/Experimental: Digital Moments, Liquid Experiences.
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2024 - UConn's MFA Thesis Exhibition - 2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition
DIGI-PHERNIA. https://dmd.uconn.edu/2024mfashow/
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2023 - LOFT Artists Association - From a Certain Point of View; Juried Photography Exhibition for Digital Moments, Liquid Experiences.
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2023 - Arts Worcester - The Eleventh Annual One, Video-art installation for Digital Moments, Liquid Experiences - A visual immersion.
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2022 - The Bushnell of Performing Arts Center - A meditative Love Story, 9-screen Video-art installation.
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PUBLICATIONS:
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2020 - Thesis Publication - Digital Moments, Liquid Experiences, A visual Analysis of our uses of Smartphone Photography, 2020
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