Bachelor of Fine Arts Art Practices

During her time at CU Denver, Bella Briganti studied emphases in drawing, painting, and illustration. Keen to develop her skill in scientific illustration, Bella sought out an independent study with a Visual Arts faculty member who has experience in the field. Prof. Melissa Furness describes Bella as “diligent, curiously creative and talented” and as being “a natural leader, lifting others up with genuine interest and curiosity.” Over the course of her studies, Isabella traveled to Florence, Italy and Manti, Utah, thus expanding her artistic horizons. Bella also worked in the Emmanuel Art Gallery on the Auraria campus. “I treated my schoolwork as portfolio development at the same time as degree seeking, which made it easier to stay motivated and serious about my classes,” Bella explains. Her diligence and motivation led Bella to exhibit her work in 11 exhibitions during her time at CU Denver.

Master of Science Media Forensics

Erika is an active duty member of the U.S. military as well as being a graduate of the National Center for Media Forensics. Erika specializes in mobile phone forensics in her active duty with the military. During her time in NCMF, Erika wrote “The Search for Truth: Android Phones and Screen Captured vs Camera Created Images.” Faculty members Catalin Grigoras and Cole Whitecotton say Erika’s research is important, affects law enforcement across the country, and will likely lead to ongoing research. Erika says a valuable lesson she’ll take away from her studies in NCMF is “to always analyze every item of evidence from as many perspectives and with as many tools as possible because crucial information may be lost otherwise.”

Bachelor of Fine Arts Film & Television

Eric proved his work ethic during his Film & Television classes at CU Denver. He honed his skills at filmmaking—particularly in editing. Film faculty member Eric Jewett describes Eric’s editing of the student short film Invoking a Saint as “a masterful job that saved the film.” Through his editing, Eric was able to clarify the meaning of the film and articulate that meaning to the audience. Jewett believes Eric will represent Film & Television at CU Denver well in whatever line of work he picks up. For his part, Eric says he was motivated to work so hard in his classes due to the realization that “not everyone who wants to or will do well in college has the resources to go to university, and thus I feel that those of us who are lucky enough to go have a duty to do their absolute best and make the most of the opportunities afforded to us.”

Bachelor of Science Music

Despite settling in Denver during the pandemic, Verena Fuentes quickly became a highly visible performer both on the CU Denver campus and in the Denver community. An international student from Mexico City, Verena has shown leadership in her classes and among her peers. Professor Larry Kaptain, PhD says Verena eagerly participates in her classes and is diligent in her studies in Music & Entertainment Industry Studies. Throughout her time at CU Denver, Verena could often be seen fronting the ensemble Voz de la Clave or performing on her own at a gallery event or concert. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television

Bachelor of Science in Recording Arts

Faith Giles gained a reputation for being a determined, disciplined, and dedicated student during her time in MEIS. “Faith consistently dove into our study of electronic music history,” writes Senior Instructor Todd Reid, “even when exploring the more esoteric, avant-garde directions this music took in its early years. She researched and presented a wonderful overview of electronic music in the 2020s and even composed a very interesting and involved electronic music composition.” Faith plans to work in sound for gaming or film/television sound after graduation. According to her professors, Faith’s drive to excel will surely lead her to a bright and promising future in the music industry.

Master of Science, Recording Arts 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Graphics & Animation

Jaylen Dunbar is graduating with a bachelor of fine arts in computer animation and a minor in leadership studies. In addition to excelling at his studies in the Digital Animation Center (DAC), Jaylen was also a part of the University Honors and Leadership Program, which led him to engage in volunteer work at the Denver Rescue Mission and the Colorado Historical Society. While a student at CU Denver, Jaylen worked in the Office of the Chancellor where he produced and edited video content to promote the University’s strategic planning efforts. Senior Instructor and Program Director of the DAC, Jeremy Brown, describes Jaylen’s leadership skills this way: “Jaylen leads by doing. He never asks anything of his teammates without also doing the work himself. Jaylen leads with empathy. He listens to his teammates and finds solutions through consensus. Jaylen leads through perseverance. He and his team have faced numerous challenges and setbacks but Jaylen always comes back to the table ready to try a new approach.” Jaylen’s professors look forward to seeing what he will achieve after graduation.