The Project Pod program was launched to fill in the gap in high school personal development projects and teach motivated students the needed skills to make portfolio-quality works to develop their own ideas, showcase their work, and help change the world.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
The Project Pod programs are designed for 9th to 12th High School students who are interested in pursuing personal development projects in the areas of design, architecture, video production, and filmmaking. Students will develop the critical skills required to create noteworthy projects that display a depth of work. This program will be offered in the 2022 Summer Session from 06/12 - 07/25.
Marian Chen
MARIAN CHEN, PROJECT ADVISOR
Marian Chen holds a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA School of Art and Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Analysis from the University of California, Irvine. Her academic studies awarded her the honor of Cum Laude upon graduation and induction into the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society in liberal arts and sciences.
In architectural practice, she has worked on large-scale projects such as hospitals, cancer centers and school master plans. Her time with the renowned firm Hodgetts and Fung specializing in museum designs allowed her the unique experience of shaping exhibitions at the Temporary Contemporary (now The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA) for a curated show featuring prominent artists such as Cindy Sherman, Ed Ruscha, and Dennis Hopper.
In recent years, Marian has taught a variety of subjects to high school students including: Architecture Studio, Visual Arts Studio, Mural Art, Makers’ Lab, and Global Studies. In addition to teaching, she has advised and supported students in developing their portfolios for submission to college. She is a hands-on educator who is passionate about engaging, ideating, and creating with her students.
Aaron Ashby
AARON ASHBY, PROJECT ADVISOR
Aaron Ashby Romero is a Black-Thai American writer, director, and producer. His mission is to connect people from diverse—even clashing— cultural backgrounds and life experiences through thought-provoking, emotionally-compelling, and context expanding stories.
At the tender (read: totally normal) age of 18, he left the comforts of his bunk bed and went to Los Angeles on a full-ride scholarship to the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
After producing a series of multimedia art shows in South LA, Aaron turned to virtual reality production to develop an artistic practice that combines his experiences in filmmaking, art installation, and community building. Aaron has created commercial and narrative content in North Carolina, Los Angeles, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Aaron has produced and directed virtual reality short films with Sony Pictures, Jaunt Studios, Strivr Labs, and Baltu Technologies. His work has been featured at Sundance Film Festival, ArtShare LA, and all major virtual reality platforms. In addition to writing and directing, Aaron leads creative writing and filmmaking workshops for K-12 students.
