The PaceDocs Team focuses film on the craft of barrel making

For the first time, documentary premieres in English and Spanish

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Pace University’s documentary film team – PaceDocs –premiered “The Cooper: Crafting the Soul of the Cask” on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

For the first time ever, PaceDocs will be premiering a documentary in both English and in Spanish. The English version premiered at the Jacob Burns Film Center while the Spanish version will debut in Montilla and Cordoba, Spain on May 13.

The documentary was produced by Dyson College of Arts and Sciences Professors Maria Luskay and Lou Guarneri, and Pace University’s documentary film team.

The PaceDocs team collaborated with José Buendía Picó, a well-known Spanish musician and composer, to provide the music to an audiovisual story. Pico has won 14 composition awards.

“The Cooper” is an exploration of the art of cask making, also known as cooperage. Its rich history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of wooden containers used for storing and transporting liquids found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 2690 BCE in Egypt. The type of cask and the type of wood used in winemaking can significantly influence the taste, aroma, and characteristics of wine in Spain, as in other winemaking regions around the world.

The documentary was filmed in the Andalusian region of Spain, specifically Montilla-Moriles over the course of several weeks.

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“The PaceDocs team, under the leadership of Professor Maria Luskay, has once again produced a professional, fascinating and timely film,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “ ‘The Cooper’ is another great example of the hands-on experience that uniquely captures the tradition and rich history of cask making. I marvel at the consistent excellence and talent in this program and am impressed by this group of filmmakers.”

The documentary is the focus of the popular class, “Producing the Documentary”, which is part of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University’s highly regarded film program that requires students complete a full-length environmentally themed documentary within 14 weeks. During the process, students learn teamwork, problem-solving, research, and organization, along with technical skills such as lighting, sound, camera work, interviewing, and other real-life lessons necessary to complete a film.

“Sharing this immersive experience with our students is incredibly rewarding and educational for all that are involved,” said Professor Luskay, a faculty member with the department of media, communications, and visual arts. “In addition to filming on-location in Spain and learning about difficult cultures, our team was tasked with producing, filming, and editing a professional quality documentary on the tightest of timelines. The lessons and the memories will no doubt last a lifetime and serve them well in their professional pursuits.”

A blend of graduate and undergraduate students, they were moved by the experience of working on and producing a film of professional quality.

“I wore many hats on the documentary, but one of them was story producer,” said Lilah McCormack, a digital journalism major from Dexter, Maine. “I worked a lot in the editing room, making sure the editing was aligning with the story we wanted to tell. I was scheduling folks to be in the editing room and I did some graphic design with making the poster. I also made the trailer that debuted on Youtube.”

McCormack said there were challenges that had to be met as well. “The biggest challenge I faced was managing my time. It was a big undertaking, but I expected it. There was also the short time frame we had to edit and finalize the whole documentary. It was run and gun from the time we got back from Spain, but we did it.”

Nathan Spano, a digital cinema and filmmaking major from Delran, New Jersey, agreed there were challenges. “Post-production was our biggest challenge,” he said. “There was a time crunch and we had very specific deadlines. We had tech check and then notes to run through.”

“While we were filming, setting up interviews was hard because you had to be in and out and make sure audio quality was right and everything was set right with the cameras. It was a such a learning experience for me and I think it is a great opportunity for students in general.”

For Eric Ducos, a film and screen studies major from Woodside, Queens, the weather was a bit challenging. “It was raining the whole week and that is unusual for Montilla,” he said. “It is usually dry and hot and the sun is always out. We had to do a lot of adapting around those circumstances. We had to move a lot around and move interviews indoors.”

Fiona Torres Moino, a film and screen studies major from Buenos Aires, had a much-needed skill on set. “I am a native Spanish speaker and most of our subjects spoke only Spanish,” she said. “In the hotel and in post-production, I needed to do a lot of translation. One of the biggest challenges was the Spanish accent was very strong. Even though I am a native Spanish speaker, it took me a while to get used to the different dialect and words they use. It was a big challenge, but it worked.”

“The Cooper” continues a proud tradition of producing high quality, meaningful, and award-winning films. In recent years, Pace filmmakers have produced documentaries around the globe focusing on a number of topics, including the farm-to-table food movement in France (2023); how oysters depend on the ebb and flow of tides (2022); the importance of bees as pollinators in our food supply (2021); the impact of earthquakes in Hawaii (2019); the endurance of the people of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2018); Cuba at a cultural crossroads (2016); reviving Curacao’s coral reefs (2015); as well as many other poignant films.

“Dyson College’s student filmmakers have produced another moving documentary that delves into the important and fascinating history of cask making,” said Tresmaine R. Grimes, dean, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education, and interim dean for the Sands College of Performing Arts. “The students learn and perfect their craft while educating us all. I am so moved by the talents of this team and the compelling film they have made. Congratulations to them and Professors Luskay and Guarneri for another impressive PaceDocs production.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

In the heart of New York City, amid the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, Shubham Harishchandra Madhavi ‘24, a graduate student at Pace’s Seidenberg School, is making waves in the fight against climate change. His recent victory in the Project Planet USA contest, securing a $15,000 grant, has propelled his innovative concept into the spotlight, igniting hope for a greener, more sustainable future.

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Through Project Planet USA, an initiative spearheaded by Speedemissions and The Front Yard at Pace University, students and faculty were encouraged to submit their concepts, innovative ideas, or solutions aimed at addressing climate change for a chance to win a cash grant in the amount of $15,000, plus professional mentoring, public relations, and network connections.

So, what does it take to win?

Shubham's winning concept is as ingenious as it is ambitious: bio-bricks harvested from plastic that has made its way into the ocean. These special bio-bricks would be designed to restore coral reefs while combating the looming threat of climate change. “My winning concept revolves around the creation of bio-bricks harvested from ocean plastic, which have the remarkable ability to convert CO2 into coral-restoring nutrients," Shubham explains. “This innovative approach not only addresses the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans but also contributes to the restoration of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems threatened by climate change.”

With the support of the grant and accompanying mentoring, Shubham envisions tangible impacts rippling across oceans and coastlines worldwide. "By removing ocean plastic and converting it into bio-bricks, we directly mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems," he says. But his vision extends far beyond mere mitigation. These bio-bricks, infused with the power to convert CO2 into coral-restoring nutrients, hold the potential to reshape entire ecosystems, bolstering biodiversity and fortifying coastal communities against the ravages of climate change.

“This innovative approach not only addresses the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans but also contributes to the restoration of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems threatened by climate change.”

The grant's resources offer Shubham a network of support—including mentorship—in his quest to bring his proposed idea into fruition. Professional mentoring promises guidance in navigating the turbulent waters of project management, while public relations support amplifies his message, rallying support from partners and funders alike. Network connections pave the way for collaborations, opening doors to a world of opportunities previously beyond reach. "Leveraging the grant's resources is crucial for enhancing the impact and reach of my project," Shubham asserts.

But Shubham's ambitions extend far beyond the confines of the grant period. His long-term goals are as vast as the ocean itself, encompassing the scaling up of bio-brick production, the expansion of the project to distant shores, and the integration of his innovation into existing reef restoration efforts. "Establishing partnerships with local communities, businesses, and governments" is key to sustaining impact, he emphasizes.

As Shubham charts a course towards a greener tomorrow, his journey serves as a beacon of hope in a world besieged by environmental crises. Through unwavering determination and boundless innovation, he proves that even the mightiest challenges can be overcome, one bio-brick at a time.

On Friday, April 26, students from Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems experienced a day of inspiration and innovation at Google's New York City office. The visit, which featured a series of lightning talks, a facility tour, and extensive networking opportunities, was part of the school’s commitment to experiential learning, and Pace’s priority of enhancing educational experiences through real-world exposure.

The day was hosted by Tequila Lamar, an advocate for Education for Social Impact, who facilitated the engaging sessions that offered students firsthand insights into the tech industry. Highlight speakers included Vahid G., who shared his intriguing journey into technology and artificial intelligence, and Frankie Lamar, who discussed his path from a diverse background to finding success in the tech industry, and Toby Kovacs, who illustrated how a passion for sales can lead to substantial career achievements.

Students were especially excited to interact with professionals working in what many consider their dream job environment. "Being with students as they explored one of their absolute dream offices was a gift. As they get to interact and dream big about their futures, I absolutely get to do the same," reflected Katie Todd, Seidenberg’s Assistant Dean of Strategy and Engagement and the co-director of the school’s newly founded AI Lab.

The event was not only a chance for students to glimpse the inner workings of a leading global tech company but also served as a bridge between academic theories and practical, impactful tech applications.

As Seidenberg continues to facilitate these transformative experiences, its students are increasingly equipped to enter the tech field not just as participants, but as innovators and leaders.

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Associate Professor of History Michelle Chase, PhD, has been selected as a Periclean Faculty Leader by Project Pericles and has received a $4,500 grant from the organization to create a new humanities course that incorporates a community-initiated project.

Project Pericles is an organization that focuses on voter education and is a longtime partner of Pace University’s Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR) and the Pace Votes program. The course supported by the grant also must incorporate voter education through discussion of relevant civic issues.

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With the grant, Chase launched HIS 134: Modern Latin America this spring, a course that satisfies Pace’s civic engagement requirement. Through the course, Chase and her students are partnering with a local nonprofit, the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA), an organization dedicated to advocating for social justice throughout the Americas, focusing specifically on Latin American migration to the United States, and U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America.

“I am thrilled about this grant because it gives my students an opportunity to explore in a hands-on way what it means to be an active historian and to contemplate ways that scholarship can intersect with community engagement,” said Chase.

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Students in the course combine the academic portion—studying recent history of Latin America—with civic engagement, exploring significant events in Latin America through NACLA’s archives. The archives, located in Washington Square, include photos of Fidel Castro speaking at a rally in Cuba, protests in Puerto Rico, agricultural projects in Mexico, and more.

“The entire class has been able to fully submerge ourselves into the NACLA’s work and try to live through what they were capturing,” said Ana Cristina Armstrong Matta ’26, History. “I’m from Puerto Rico so when I found a few archives that focused solely on my home, it was so special.”

The goal of the course is to curate an online exhibit for NACLA, with students carefully selecting photos to highlight significant events and photographic works.

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Chase and Armstrong Matta also presented on the course at an event hosted by CCAR entitled Leading with Civic Engagement: Faculty Info Session on Community-Engaged Work in Civic Engagement Courses on Friday, April 12.

“It is a very eye-opening course when looking at the actions of the U.S. towards Latin American,” said Armstrong Matta. “It’s a really great experience to not just have in class discussions, but to get to see the work and even contribute to NACLA’s mission.”

Om Gaikhe (MS in Data Science ’24) is a committed senior at Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Om blends rigorous academics with active campus engagement, delving deep into software development and innovative technologies. His journey started with an early interest in programming and led him to specialization in artificial intelligence. As a student who is always participating in hackathons, contributing to research, and mentoring peers, Om embodies the collaborative, ambitious spirit of the Seidenberg community, aiming to make a significant impact in the tech industry.

What initially attracted you to Pace University, and how has the school lived up to your expectations?

Shortlisting the right universities for me to study away from home was a crucial step, especially coming from a business & finance background. Not only did I want to learn more about tech, but I also wanted to be able to apply the knowledge I had consumed before. What really attracted me to Seidenberg was the flexible electives that I could choose as I proceed with my education. Data Science has multiple applicability in the real world, but Seidenberg offered more concentrated electives around multiple fields including MBA, Finance, Marketing, Information systems & Economics. It suited just right with what I was seeking.

Can you describe a class or project at Pace that was particularly impactful for you? What made it stand out?

A class at Seidenberg that deeply impacted me was my capstone class, inspired by a paper I co-authored with Dr. Christelle Scharff and our team, titled “AI Strategies: National Strategies and Regulations.” This project, which won the Best Paper Award at the RII 2024 Research and Innovation Forum in Ravello, Italy, involved developing an AI-driven chatbot that used BERTopic and Llama 2 models to streamline literature reviews for machine learning projects. What stood out was not only the advanced technical skills I developed but also how the project transformed my approach to research. The chatbot, which handled a database of over 1.7 million machine learning publications, not only enhanced research efficiency but also inspired users by making vast amounts of information easily navigable. This capstone project was a major milestone in my academic career, showcasing how technology can revolutionize traditional academic practices and highlighting the transformative potential of intuitive AI in academic research.

How have your experiences outside the classroom, such as in clubs or sports, enhanced your education at Pace?

Representing Pace Esports team the Lapis Blus, was a splendid experience full of fun, teamwork, challenge, and healthy competition. It really helps me connect with people learning different tracks of careers. I made a few friends, we played, we won, we lost, overall, it was a good place to be in.

What has been your favorite moment or memory from your time at Pace so far?

One of my most memorable experiences at Pace occurred on an eventful day when New York City experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake. I was part of the organizing team for the Google Women Techmakers event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day at Seidenberg. Despite the unexpected shake-up, the event was a great success. Adding to the thrill of the day, I had the opportunity to take the stage and present a paper I co-authored, titled “Inclusion Ethics in AI: Use Cases in African Fashion”. It was both a scary and thrilling day, packed with learning and unique experiences. My friends & I always have a good laugh about that day!

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Pace University?

There will be a time when things may feel overwhelming and that’s okay. Ask for help; you will find that help will always be given to those who ask for it. My advice for any prospective student would be to remember that college/university is all about the process of learning and growth. It’s a process and you must be in love with it, so that one takes initiative to work on it. Be grateful for small victories along the way and trust that there are better times ahead if you stay on the course.

Can you share a story about a professor or staff member at Pace who has significantly influenced your academic journey?

My academic journey at Pace has been profoundly influenced by the mentorship of Dr. Kaleemunnisa and Dr. Christelle Scharff. Dr. Kaleema first recognized my potential during my initial year at Seidenberg. Her guidance was crucial; she encouraged me to seek help and introduced me to Dr. Scharff, who has been instrumental in my development. Under Dr. Scharff’s mentorship, I evolved as a research and graduate assistant, making significant contributions to the fields of AI and ML. Together, we co-authored the paper "AI Strategies: National Strategies and Regulations". Dr. Kaleemunnisa's encouragement to seek help when facing challenges and Dr. Scharff’s patient mentorship opened doors to numerous research opportunities and inspired me to embrace them fully. Their support has been invaluable in shaping my academic path.

How do you engage with the Pace community and the wider environment of New York City in your studies or extracurricular activities?

Volunteering! I think that’s been my go-to way to give back to the Seidenberg community. Helping me with gaining extra knowledge and wisdom from people across the world. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Opportunities in Africa Summit, and it was an experience to remember. The perspectives I learned, life-stories I heard, and the networking goes a long way. Probably one of the best ways to attend conferences without breaking your wallet as a student!