People

Dr. Emilia King: Studio Director

Emilia is an award-winning creator, educator and researcher who has a passion for growing things from the ground up. She is a faculty member in the CDMS program and has over 10 years of experience across TV, content creation, media innovation and executive leadership. Emilia is the co-founder of Pink Moon Studio, the production company behind the hit Frequency Podcast Network series, “Catch Him if You Can”. Prior to Ontario Tech, Emilia led a prominent media innovation incubator in Toronto. She advises on leading boards and juries and is a sought after commentator and speaker. Emilia’s superpower is turning lemons into pink lemonade.

Dr. Justin Rawlins: Interim Studio Director

Justin Rawlins is an academic associate professor in the CDMS program. He is also an associate professor in the Media Studies and Film Studies departments, and the Founder/Executive Producer of the TU Media Lab student media collective, at the University of Tulsa. He is the author of Imagining the Method: Reception, Identity, and American Screen Performance (University of Texas Press, 2024). Dr. Rawlins's research and teaching explore how creators and audiences make use of media in their everyday lives, and how mediated performance and identity form connective tissues within these communities that help them navigate their respective social experiences.

Arkyn Kornell: Studio Development Associate

Arkyn is a fourth-year student in the Communication and Digital Media Studies program with a diploma in public relations from Algonquin College. With a background in environmental education, sports mentorship and community activism, they strongly believe in helping students achieve their goals and vision, through a variety of creative strategies. Not lacking in audacity or zest, you can find Arkyn on random (usually nature or academic-related) adventures around Ontario. 

Shristi Paresh Jani: Associate Producer, Are We Tech*d podcast

Shristi is an alumni of the Communication and Digital Media Studies program, and has been with the Studio since its inception. There is nothing that Shristi isn’t willing to try and her dedication, resourcefulness, tenacity and entrepreneurial mindset have been a major asset to the Studio during its startup phase. Essentially a superhero, Shristi sees every challenge as an opportunity.