Download PDF
General Education
University of Southern California
Completed General Education with a Business emphasis prior to Art Center College of Design
Education
Master of Fine Arts
University of California, Santa Barbara
Department of Art (Emphasis: New Media)
Research Assistant: Worked on a multidisciplinary project involving multi-user online public spaces. Coordinated and copy edited an international CD-ROM book project, Terminals 2.0
Thesis addressed the integration of advanced computer technology on photography, exploring how computers were redefining notions of identity, relationships, and sexuality.
Interactive Multimedia Development Program
Rochester Institute of Technology
Various graduate coursework completed in Information Technology
Relevant Work Experience
Sept 2017Present
Director / Co-Chair
Frameless Labs
Frameless Labs serves to bring attention to research, innovation and artistic creation in the fields of virtual and augmented reality. By providing symposia and an online space for the XR community to collaborate, Frameless Labs supports the growth of existing ventures and inspires innovations of new projects and technology.
Sept 2000Present
Professor - College of Art and Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
With a foundation in photography and digital imaging, Susan collaborates across campus developing interdisciplinary curriculum between the arts and computer science.
Sept 2015Present
School of Individualized Study Fellow
Rochester Institute of Technology
This RIT academic unit provides flexible individualized education pathways which supports the diverse needs of 21st century learners. As a SOIS Fellow, I advise students in the development of innovative interdisciplinary degrees.
May 2017Present
Executive Board Member
Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru)
Currently serve on the Executive Committee. Previous year: Inaugural liaison for RIT partnership with a2ru, a national organization that advances interdisciplinary arts and design research, curricula, and creative practice. Editorial Board Member on Ground Works is an online open-access compendium of exemplary arts-integrative research and practice, 2018-2021.
20132017
Chair, Advertising Photography Program
Rochester Institute of Technology
Accomplishments as Program Chair included:
- Successfully transitioned program from quarters to semesters
- Reorganized class schedules, meeting faculty and student needs
- Searched and hired three faculty, mentored new faculty
- Assessed and updated program curriculum
- Updated accreditation curricular tables
- Participated in development of new college degree audit
- With student services, cleared unresolved student issues and developed an efficient and effective system for future use
20132017
Board Director
Flower City Art Center
A community based not-for-profit that educates, encourages and inspires all people to create and enjoy the arts. Three visual arts programs are offered: Printmaking & Book Arts, Ceramics, and Photography & Digital Arts. They offer youth programs, classes and workshops, provide facilities to studio artists, and exhibit work in their galleries.
20082011
Advisory Board Member - Caroline Werner Gannett Project
Rochester Institute of Technology
Lecture series: Visionaries in Motion V - These 21st century innovators and scholars in the arts, sciences and technologies ask unasked questions. Our visionaries cross disciplinary borders as they court wildness, reframe problems, and take risks to change worlds.
Jan 1985Jan 2000
Commercial Photographer
Susan Lakin Photography (link: small sampling)
Freelance in Los Angeles and Australia.
Clients included: Sebastian, Adidas, Avon, Disney, Jurgensens International, Souther California Edison, Shape Magazine, Geffen Records, Harper's Bazaar, LA Times Magazine, California Business Magazine, Syncor, Bum Equipment, World Vision, Nordstrom, OCA Architects.........
Jun 1989May 1995
President
Hotop Photo Inc
Owned and operated a commercial photographic supply store located in Burbank, CA. As an Eastman Kodak Professional Stockhouse our clients included NBC Productions, Warner Bros Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Burbank Unified School District, Burbank Airport, City of Burbank, Farmers Insurance Co, Isgo Lepejian Photo Lab, The Lab Ciba, Gosch Productions, many Professional Studios, as well as the neighbor around the corner........
Selected Lectures/Presentations
2023
University Technology Showcase, Talk: Artist and Filmmakers Leveraging VR & AR for Social Impact
Imaging for XR Workshop 2023, Program Committee and Session: Medical Applications in Extended Reality
2022
Imaging for XR Workshop, Chair Session: State of VR Immersive Media Ecosystem & Surgical Telerobotics
LAVNCH & LEARN, Webinar: XR in the Classroom.
2021
6th Annual Frameless XR Symposium, Talk: Creating a Virtual Reality Experience in Service to a Non-Profit Agency.
a2ru National Conference - Sharing Stories: The Case for Art, Moderator: Storytelling Session / Presenter: Augmented Reality as a New Story Telling Medium
Beyond Zoom: Promise and Reality of XR Program, Presenter: Clarissa Street AR Experience: Revealing the Lost Architecture of a Historic African American Community.
2020
Frameless XR Symposium, Moderator, Public Interest Technology Webinar Session
Navigating Online Arts Instruction a2ru Webinar, Moderator, Educating Through Visual Arts, Engaging Through Distance
Lecture: Art & Emerging Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
2019
National Convening on the Integration of Arts, Humanities, and STEMM in Higher Education, Washington DC. Poster Presentation: SPCC Space Adventure Game
2018
InterAccess, softWEAR Residency: A Wearable Tech Discussion, Toronto, Canada
Greenland Under The Arctic Sky, Moderator and Organizer of interdisciplinary lecture and panel discussion, Rochester, NY
Frameless Labs Symposium, Chair for Cultural Heritage and Discoverability Panel, Rochester, NY
2017
Light & Sound Interactive Conference, Memorial Art Gallery Augmented Reality Project Presentation, Rochester, NY
VRTO Virtual & Augmented Reality World Conference & Expo, Interactive Music Experiences Course Demonstrations, Toronto, Canada
Crew 20/20 Research In Focus, Audience Interaction Between Music, Art, and Technology, Rochester, NY
2016
IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications, PULSE: An Infrastructure for Collection of Audience Heartbeats for Music Visualization, Sydney, Australia
Frameless Labs VR/AR Symposium, Organizer/Presenter/Moderator: AR/VR Panel Discussion and Exhibition, Rochester, NY
2015
Imagine RIT Creativity and Innovation Festival, Project 01X: Pulse, Rochester, NY
2014
TCC 2013 Worldwide Online Conference, Memorial Art Gallery Project, Hawaii
SPE National Conference, Please Take This Moment To Turn ON All Cell Phones, Baltimore, MD
2013
SIGGRAPH 2013 Conference, Exploring the Intersection Between Art, Music, and Technology, Anaheim, CA
SIGGRAPH 2013 Conference, The Collaborative Composite Image, MAG Project, Anaheim, CA
2010
Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography, Toronto, Canada
2008
Artist talks:
George Eastman House, Rochester, NY
Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY
2007
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester, NY
Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, NY
WXXI – Public Broadcasting Council, Radio interview: Interviewed by Brenda Tremblay
Awards
2022
FEAD Grant: Development of Augmented Reality in an Undergraduate Art Curriculum
Provost's T/A/D Course Design Grant: Extended Reality Survey
Provost's Learning Innovations Grant: CAD/CLA Introduction to Augmented Reality course
AdvanceRIT - Connect Grant: Clarissa St Augmented Reality Project
2021
AdvanceRIT - Connect Grant: Virtual Reality for Society for the Protection and Care of Children
2019
Facebook Unrestricted Gift: Two Surround 360 Cameras
2017
FEAD Grant: Blended Reality and SIGGRAPH 2017
2016
FEAD Grant: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Industry Outreach
2015
Provost's Learning Innovation Grant: Exploration Grant
Content Marketing and Gaming (Collaborator: Tona Henderson - Director, School of Interactive Games and Media)
2014
Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, Cultural Creative Collision Grant
2013
Finalist SPE Conference Award for Excellence in Historical, Critical and Theoretical Writing
FEAD Grant: SIGGRAPH 2013
2012
Provost's Learning Innovations Grant: Proof of Concept Program Award (Collaborator: David Halbstein - 3DDG)
Photography and Computer-Based Imagery: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Realistic Image Creation and Control
Provost's Learning Innovation Grant: Adaptation & Implementation Program Award (Collaborator: Joe Geigel - CS)
Exploring the Intersection of Art, Music, and Technology
2009
Center, Singular Image Curator's Choice, Santa Fe, NM
Cepa Gallery, Exhibition Award, Buffalo, NY
2008
New York Foundation of the Arts, Strategic Opportunity Stipends & MARK program, NYC
Print Center Council, Award of Excellence, Philadelphia, PA
2007
Memorial Art Gallery, Arena Group Award, Rochester, NY
2006
Center, Santa Fe Prize in Photography Nomination, Santa Fe, NM
Rochester Contemporary, Sibley Window Exhibition Award, Rochester, NY
2004
Rochester Institute of Technology, FEAD Grant, Rochester, NY
2001
Rochester Institute of Technology, FEAD Grant, Rochester, NY
1999
University of CA, Irvine, Intercampus Arts Fund, Irvine, CA
1998
University of California, Santa Barbara, Departmental Fee Award, Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Art Fund, Santa Barbara, CA
Artistic Practice
A transmedia producer, Susan Lakin is currently engaged with immersive technology and collaborates on community projects in the nonprofit sector.
Interdisciplinary Projects
A virtual reality project, Our Compass follows the story of the first child protection case in US history through the lens of contemporary survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The experience explores the effects of trauma and the positive outcomes that result when communities work together to support the most vulnerable in our society.
Film Festivals include:
Award Winner: Melbourne Independent Film Festival - 2022
Award Winner: Santa Barbara International Short Fest - 2023
International Children's Rights Film Festival - 2022
The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival - 2023
Red Dirt Film Festival - 2023
River Film Festival, Italy - 2023
Short.Sweet.Film Fest, Cleveland - 2023
Production Team:
Susan Lakin: Professor/Executive Producer/Director
Frank Deese: Professor/Co-Producer/Writer
Isabelle Anderson: Student/VR Illustrator/Animator/Sound Editing
Olivia Wilson-Luffman: Student/Sound Recording
Justice DeCroce: Creative Consultant
A web-based, interactive game produced at Rochester Institute of Technology for the Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC). Within the integrated structure of Professor Lakin's content Marketing and Gaming course, faculty and students from the College of Art and Design, Golisano College of Computer and Information Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts worked collaboratively to conceive and prototype this game. With internal funding, a faculty led student team crafted this child-centric animated game, meeting the goals of their pro bono client.
"We see this game as a way for children and families to connect to each other, connect to the agency, and learn about themselves all while having fun. We are so excited to have it in our 'play' toolbox."
Sarah Fitzgibbons, Vice President of Programs and Practices at SPCC
Game Production Team:
Susan Lakin: Professor/Producer
Isaac Kelman: Game Programmer
Gabe Levitt: Illustrator
Wesley Odell: Sound Composition/Design
01X: Digital Intersection of Music, Art, and Audience
The 01X Project is an ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration that utilizes digital technology to reinvent a live concert experience, breaking down traditional barriers to create an interactive visual and musical encounter. The 01X collaborative unites multiple partners with different perspectives, talents, and abilities in support of developing innovative projects.
01X Leadership Team:
Susan Lakin: Producer, Art Director, and Photographer
Joe Geigel: Technical Lead and Designer
Katie Verrant: Design Lead and Designer
The Nostalgia Project is a collaborative work between musicians, artists, computer scientists, and the general public. It draws upon web-based photo sharing, text messaging, and musical performance to explore the notion of nostalgia, merging visual images with music both responding to and affecting the other. Project Website
Susan Lakin - Producer
Joe Geigel - Technical Manager
Peter Ferry - Solo Percussionist
Matt Evans - Composer
Mitchell DeMarco - Technical Leader
Anna Clem - Videographer
Kimberly Sing and Yuqiong Wang - Web Designers
Karteek Mekala and Sergio Vargas - Web Programmers
David Bright Jr. and Jonathan Johnson - Audio Analysis Programmers
Nostalgia Project Performances by Peter Ferry
Hackathon Opening Talk and Performance, Cleveland, OH, September 6, 2015
Spectrum, NYC, September 6, 2014
Intetain, Int'l Conference on Intelligent Technologies for Interactive Entertainment, Chicago, IL, July 9, 2014
NYC Debut at Firehouse Space, March 29, 2014
SPE National Conference, Baltimore, MD, March 8, 2014
TEDx Performance, October 17, 2013
Art Awake, April 20, 2013
Artisan Works, April 14, 2013
Sound ExChange Orchestra Presents: All Eye and Ears, February 23, 2013
Fringe Festival, September 20 & 22, 2012
Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival, May 5, 2012
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, April 26, 2012
Collections
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Oakland Museum of California
Photography Museum of Lishui China
Griffin Museum of Photography
Selected Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
2020
Arts Center Gallery, Continuing the Dialog: The State of Photography II, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY
2018
William Harris Gallery, "nOmore" Sexual Assault Button, Rochester, NY
2015
Shandong University of Art and Design, China
2012
Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Behind the Wheel, Santa Barbara, CA
Art, Design & Architecture Museum, One Minute to Heaven, UC Santa Barbara, CA
2011
XL Projects Gallery, Stone Canoe Number 5, Syracuse, New York
2010
Koffler Center of the Arts, How Good Are Your Dwelling Places?, Guest Curator Cyril Reade Ph.D, Toronto, Canada
2009
Lishui International Photo Festival, Lishui, China
Channing Peake Gallery, Reflections and Projections, curated by Anette Kubitza Ph.D, Santa Barbara, CA
Working With Artists Gallery, Home is Where The Heart Is, Denver, CO
2008
Houston Center of Photography, Juror: Alison Nordstrom, Houston, TX
Memorial Art Gallery, 2008 Rochester Biennial, Rochester, NY
The Print Center, Juror: Joel M Smith, Philadelphia, PA
Peninsula Museum of Art, Waking Dreams, Belmont, CA
Silvermine Guild Art Center, Juror: Peter MacGill, New Canaan, CT
2007
Pingyao International Photography Festival, SPAS Exhibition, Pingyao, China
Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester, MA
Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Artemi, Buffalo, NY
Soho Photo, National Photography Competition, New York, NY
Kingston Gallery, New Art '07, Boston, MA, Photographic Resource Center, Juror: Jen Bekman, Boston, MA
Silvermine Guild Arts Center, Art of the Northeast USA, New Canaan, CT
2006
Fotografie Forum International, Winter Wondderland: Fantasy and Illusion, Frankfurt, Germany
2005
Rochester Contemporary, Appendix, Rochester, NY
2003
SPAS Gallery, Faculty Exhibition, Rochester, NY
2001
Gallery @ 49, New York, NY
1999
Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Grin and Bare It, Santa Barbara, CA
1998
University Art Museum, Site Work 1: Construction Site, Santa Barbara, CA
1997
Atkinson Gallery, Small Images 12, Santa Barbara, CA
Benham Gallery, A.K.A Photography, Seattle, WA
1995
The Art Gallery, LA Photography, Santa Monica, CA
Solo/Duo Exhibitions
2010
Gallery 44, Monitors, Toronto, Canada
2007
Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Site Specific @ The Sibley Building, Rochester, NY
Robert V Fullerton Art Museum, Harriett Mueller Gallery, San Bernardino, CA
1998
Santa Barbara Art Fund, Sustaining Loss, Santa Barbara, CA
Selected Publications and Exhibition Reviews
2022
Telling the story of the Society for the Protection and Care of Children using virtual reality, by Felícia Swartzenberg
2021
RIT transforms into XR playground for annual Frameless Symposium, by Aaron Garland
Faculty member develops co-op experiences specific to supporting nonprofit companies, by Michelle Cometa
2019
RIT News: Tigers make game used as a therapeutic tool for children and families, by Felicia Swartzenberg
2014
Intelligent Technologies for Interactive Entertainment, The Nostalgia Project
Jack Clapp , “Jake Reviews Sound Exchange,” Rochester City Newspaper, Sept 21.
City Newspaper Arts and Entertainment Staff, "Best of the Fest: 01X Project," Geva Theatre Nextstage, Sept 19/20.
2013
James Battaglia , “Art Comes Alive Through Augmented Reality,” Henrietta Post, March 21, 2013, A1,A10.
Jim Memmott, “A Century of Progress,” Democrat and Chronicle, March 24, 1A,19A.
“News, Materials: Metaproject 03,” Curve: The Industrial Design Magazine, May 30, Kate Jones.
“Metaproject 03,” Domus, June 5.
Jeff Spevak, “Geva, Garth Fagan Dance among groups earning Farash Grants,” Democrat and Chronicle
Nate Dougherty, “Farash Foundation Awards Grants to Arts Organizations,” Rochester Business Journal, Nov 27.
2011
Stone Canoe Number 5, A Journal of Arts, Literature and Social Commentary
2010
ESSE Magazine, Monitors by Gabrielle Moser
Toronto Star, Monitors by Peter Goddard
Akimblog, Monitors by Terence Dick
2009
In The Loupe: Photographic Resource Center at Boston University
2008
Handbook of Social Science Research Ethics, Visual Representation of People and Information: Translating Lives Into Numbers, Words, and Images as Research Data
The Print Center Catalog: Forward by Joel Smith, Curator of Photography, Princeton University Art Museum
Democrat and Chronicle, Fascinating Worlds by Stuart Low
Rochester City Newspaper, ART REVIEW: “3rd Rochester Biennial” Expressive invitation by Rebecca Rafferty Daily Messenger, A different kind of ‘Television Series’ by L. David Wheeler
The Oakland Tribune, International digital artists featured in Belmont by Bonny Zanardi
2007
Magenta Magazine, Television Portrait feature with text by Brian Clamp of ClampArt in NYCThe Photo Review 2007, Work from the Television Portrait series
In The Loupe, Exposure: The Annual PRC Juried Exhibition
Spectra ’07 National Photography Triennial
Catalog: Forward by Peter MacGill, Pres Pace/MacGill Gallery NYC
Pingyao International Photography Festival,Catalog: SPAS Exhibition, Pingyao, China
The Boston Phoenix, "New Art ‘07’ at Kingston Gallery" by Greg CookRochester
City Newspaper, ART: “2007 Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition” at MAG by Luke Strosnider
Democrat and Chronicle, "Time-space discontinuum in MAG exhibit" by Stuart Low
The Boston Phoenix, "PRC anniversary show" by Nina MacLaughlin
The New York Times, "Art of the Northeast USA, Ready for This Close-Up?" by Benjamin Genocchio
Almanac Weekly, "Around the world in 68 images" by Carrie Schapker
Portrait photo by Drew Swantak