Emily Neiswonger scans the Williams Center Multipurpose Room as she sets up a video camera to record the NASA/GLOBE student presentations.
A dual Film and Video Arts/Animation and Illustration major gained resume-building experience by documenting the experiences of over 20 international students during the NASA/GLOBE annual meeting.
Emily Neiswonger, a senior from North Tonawanda, NY, was hired by Lorikeet Creative, a top-tier video production agency based in Denver, CO, to videotape the international students during their stay. As a member of the four-person Lorikeet Creative team, Ms. Neiswonger recorded presentations they gave in the Williams Center’s Multipurpose Room along with B-roll footage of their overall experience.
NASA/GLOBE is an international science and education program. The theme of this year’s meeting, attended by more than 130 NASA/GLOBE representatives from around the world, was “The Year of Climate and Carbon.”
Starting out, the hardest part of any videography or photography gig can be your communication with the client. An event like NASA/GLOBE forces you out of your comfort zone. You have only one chance to capture the moment. You may have only one chance to nail that interview.” – Emily Neiswonger
The student contingent, which also included 18 students from the United States, was recorded engaging in various activities at SUNY Fredonia’s College Lodge, where the group was based and did much of their research. She also accompanied them on their trip to see Niagara Falls and soak up the experience of being close to the water and having fun at the Cave of the Winds. Also videotaped were visits to the New York Power Authority and a museum.
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Michael Jabot, who also serves as Deputy Director for Education for the GLOBE Implementation Office, sought a student to document the international students at the annual meeting, and Neiswonger was strongly recommended by Visual Arts and New Media Associate Professor Phil Hastings.
She was quickly on board when offered the opportunity.
“Working with NASA?! Helping film an international event?! Sign me up!” remarked Neiswonger, a candidate for B.F.A. in Film and Video Arts (FVA) and B.F.A. in Visual Arts and New Media (VANM): Animation and Illustration.
“As an art student, this is the kind of opportunity that is rare, and introduces you to working with some very smart and talented people,” Neiswonger remarked. She had never filmed an educational event like this one, so just being there and learning on the spot was a very valuable experience, she added.
“The connections I have made at the NASA/GLOBE conference have been incredibly authentic and fulfilling so far,” Neiswonger said.
“She's always impressed me with her talent, but also her determination and professionalism,” said Mr. Hastings, who’s known Neiswonger for three years. “This is why she was the first student I thought of when Mike Jabot reached out to me looking for someone to help shoot video for the NASA/GLOBE conference.”
An early goal Neiswonger set for the assignment was becoming more comfortable with her communication skills.
“Starting out, the hardest part of any videography or photography gig can be your communication with the client. An event like NASA/GLOBE forces you out of your comfort zone,” Neiswonger explained. “You have only one chance to capture the moment. You may have only one chance to nail that interview.”
Overall, Neiswonger found the NASA/GLOBE assignment to be an exciting experience. These annual programs are held around the world.
“I would say one of the coolest parts about participating this week is seeing how many individuals from so many different cultures around the world are all here for the same love of science and research. I have a love for traveling and knowing how far some of the participants have flown for this event is inspiring,” she said. “It's an honor to capture such a special time.”
Hastings believes Neiswonger taking on this assignment underscores how important the arts are on campus.
“Our VANM FVA students have the training and skills to work professional jobs like this while still in school. Oftentimes those not in the arts don't really understand how important creative out of the box thinking is. Our students bring talent and skill to the workforce,” said Hastings, who coordinates the FVA B.F.A. program.
