Digital Media CMS

Category: Alumni

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight – Paul Phan

    Meet Paul Phan, a 2016 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Paul’s career has flourished through his dedication to digital media, and today, he plays multiple roles as a Senior Software Engineer, an Adjunct Professor, and an entrepreneur.

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success.

    Drexel Experience

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success. His co-op mentor played a pivotal role in accelerating his growth, helping him gain skills and experiences that placed him years ahead of a typical new graduate.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Paul is a Senior Software Engineer at Dotdash Meredith, an Adjunct Professor in Drexel’s UXID program (formerly IDM), and the founder of his own digital software agency. Outside of work, he remains active in building websites and apps, mentoring students, and expanding his business.

    Advice to Students

    Paul encourages students to take pride in every project they work on—whether it’s a class assignment, personal project, or freelance work—because each one is a potential portfolio piece that can open doors. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, staying curious, and experimenting with new technologies. His key advice: “The more you put into your work now, the more it will pay off later.”

    Connect with Paul: LinkedIn Profile | Website

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight – Mike Carbone

    Meet Mike Carbone, a 2020 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Mike has made a name for himself in the tech industry, leveraging his design and engineering expertise to launch startups, run his own software agency, and contribute to cutting-edge customer engagement software.

    Mike’s most memorable project at Drexel was Pluto, a privacy-focused social network for iPhone and Android. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Drexel Experience

    As part of an extraordinarily talented team, Mike helped create a beautifully designed product that users loved. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Mike is a Product Engineer at Knock Labs, a New York-based software startup specializing in customer engagement solutions. In addition to his role at Knock, he runs his own software agency and builds startups, constantly pushing the boundaries of digital innovation. His ability to blend product design with engineering has distinguished him in the industry, allowing him to create impactful digital experiences.

    Advice to Students

    Mike encourages students to collaborate beyond the classroom, experiment with new technologies, and seize every opportunity that excites them. He emphasizes the importance of networking with peers and professors beyond coursework, as these connections can open doors to incredible opportunities. His biggest advice? “This is your time to experience as much as the university has to offer—don’t miss out!”

    Connect with Mike: Company Website | Personal Website | LinkedIn | Twitter/X: @MikeCarbone

  • Inspiration, Innovation, and Ice Cream

    We are thrilled to announce that Kristy Pron, an accomplished alumna of Drexel’s Digital Media program, has been appointed the Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2027. This prestigious appointment marks her second time leading the world’s premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, following her groundbreaking leadership of SIGGRAPH’s first-ever virtual conference in 2020.

    From Drexel to Disney: A Digital Media Success Story

    Currently serving as a Walt Disney Imagineer, Pron leads the media arts and pipeline team responsible for pre-visualizing attractions across Disney’s global theme parks. Her team creates real-time visualizations that enable creative iteration and show reviews before physical construction begins, showcasing the innovative intersection of technology and storytelling that defines modern digital media.

    Vision for SIGGRAPH 2027

    “Computer graphics is involved in practically every industry from film and games to theme parks, automotive, medical, and beyond,” Pron shared in her vision for SIGGRAPH 2027. “I want to foster connections between attendees in different communities to inspire collaboration and ingenuity in design and production.”

    The conference will take place in Anaheim, California, from August 8 to 12, 2027, bringing together thousands of professionals, researchers, and artists from around the world. With Pron at the helm, SIGGRAPH 2027 promises to showcase the endless possibilities that emerge when innovation meets imagination.

    A Legacy of Leadership

    Pron’s journey with SIGGRAPH began as a student when she first participated as a Student Volunteer. This experience launched a remarkable trajectory that has included roles as program chair, conference chair, and special projects chair. Her story exemplifies the opportunities available to Digital Media students who pursue their passions at the intersection of technology and creativity.

    Join us in congratulating Kristy on this exceptional achievement. Her continued success and leadership in computer graphics and interactive techniques inspire current and future Digital Media students at Drexel University.

    For more information about SIGGRAPH 2027 and opportunities to get involved, visit siggraph.org.