Academic Degrees:

MFA: Master of Fine Arts, (Visual Studies, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology), 2025, The City University of New York, Hunter College, New York City

Ph.D.: Civil Engineering (Quantitative Risk Management using Advanced Statistical Techniques), 2013, The University of Akron - Akron, OH, USA

Teaching Experience:

Pace University, Hybrid, New York City, NY
Lecturer (Computer Science), 2023 – Present

• Instructed Introduction to Data Science, focusing on data visualization and narrative data storytelling.

• Taught Mathematical Foundations of Analytics, integrating design thinking and decision theory.

Independent Artist and Educator, Hybrid, New York City, NY
2013 – Present

• Engaged in freelance practice at the boundary of art and analytics, focusing on creative projects and educational activities, which include workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one courses.

Harrisburg University, Hybrid, Harrisburg, PA
Full-Time Faculty (Analytics), 2016 – 2023

• Instructed Functional Programming Techniques for Analytics, integrating creative coding practices within explorations of generative art.

• Taught Analytical Methods using case studies of interactive installations, demonstrating data analytics in societal action.

Columbia University, School of Professional Studies, Hybrid, New York City, NY
Adjunct Professor (Analytics), 2017

• Taught Analytics Frameworks and Methods, using interdisciplinary case studies, such as public art projects, to illustrate how creative perspectives enrich understanding in data analysis.

Speaker:

• Delivered a talk on the intersections of immigration, art, and technology, and discussed insights from my recent book at the Northeastern University, Boston Literary Club, 2024

• Delivered a talk on how connecting different fields of knowledge sparks innovation at the Annual Institute of Teaching and Learning and Student Success Summit, Pace University, New York City, May 2024.

• Delivered a virtual speech on the interaction of science, art, and technology to students at La Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá, Colombia, 2022.

• Engaged in Toastmasters International meetings in San Diego, CA, 2012. These sessions provided a developing environment for refining speaking and leadership skills.

Awards and Honors:

• National top student award, Iran, 2001.

• Received university honors as an exceptional student, earning a place in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad's interdisciplinary Dual Degree program, 2001.

• Fully funded Ph.D. scholarship, The University of Akron, OH, 2009-2013.

Books and Essays:

• “I Had to Tell Someone I Was Here” | Personal essay collection on immigration and identity, Khane Publication, Tehran, Iran, winter 2024 (ISBN: 9786229037003).

• “The Train on Which We Hopped” Twenty short essays on immigration, Dastan Publication, Tehran, Iran, winter 2018 (ISBN13: 9786004811200).

• “The Fare” Selected short story in Bahman annual short story contest, “The Wedding Is Over” book by Daf Publication, Tehran, Iran, winter 2018.

• “Persona” An essay collection on Andy Warhol works, Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art @Tehran.Moca, Tehran, June 2021.

• “228” A photo book curated by Siva Shahbaz & Elnaz Amini, Silk-road Art Gallery, Tehran, June 2018.

Selected Exhibitions:

• “228” Curated by Siva Shahbaz & Elnaz Amini, Silk-road Art Gallery, Tehran, June 2018.

  “Five Photo Award” Selected as the third-place winner and curated by the group of juries led by Lili Golestan, Saless Gallery, Tehran, June 2020.

  “The Great Escape” Curated by Tim Hodge, Float Magazine, Online, November 2020.

  “Telephone” A collaborative multidisciplinary art project interconnected work of almost 1000 artists in 73 countries, Online, April 2021.

  “My Park Moment” A group photo show celebrating people loving their favorite parks, collaboration between Photoville and the Partnership for the Presidio, San Francisco, September 2021.

  “SVACE” A group photo exhibition curated by the division of continuing education at the School of Visual Arts, collaborated with Photoville, in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the annual Art & Activism events series, Brooklyn, New York, September 2021.

  “Under the Sun and the Moon” A group photo show curated by Roula Seikaly and Jon Feinstein, Humble Arts Foundation, Online, September 2021.

  “ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA” VOL.2 A group photo exhibition organized by Dab Art Gallery, Los Angeles, December 2021.

  “Emotions - 2021” A group photo exhibition organized by Gallerium, Biafarin Online Exhibition, January - February 2022.

  “Of All My Mistakes” Solo exhibition organized by EV Gallery, New York City, January - February 2023.

  “Global Citizen” An annual platform for young artists to showcase their talent and drive action on the world’s most pressing issues, Central Park, New York City, September 2023.

  “Silence/d” A group photo show curated by Sanam Samanian, Bridge and Tunnel Gallery, Brooklyn, New York City, November 2023.

  “MFA Performance Showcase” A live performance by Marvin Brown and Ali Motamedi, Bertha and Karl Leubsdorf Gallery, Hunter College, December 2023.

Professional Affiliations:

• Kaarnamaa Institute of Art and Visual Culture, Author and Instructor, 2023 – Present

• Digital Storytelling Lab, Columbia University School of the Arts, Member, 2023 – Present

• ACAW (Asia Contemporary Art Week), Educational and Curatorial Program, Art Associate, 2019

• Red Cross America, Photographer and Videographer, 2017

• AIAP San Diego, Civil Rights and Social Action, Member (Board of Directors), 2012 – 2013

Residencies:

• Faculty Fellowship for Social Change through Entrepreneurship, Helene and Grant Wilson Center, Pace University, 2024-25

• Social Practice Actionist Fellowship (Mellon Foundation Funded Art & Social Justice Initiative), City University of New York, 2024-25

• ITI Fellows Program, Image Text MFA, Cornell University, Summer 2022