JIVE

Dr. Heriberto Arambula

Dr. Heriberto Arambula is an independent researcher, military veteran, and a Pat Tillman Scholar. He's deeply interested in improving schools, enhancing school safety, and addressing military veterans' challenges as they transition to civilian life. His journey started with the events of 9/11, leading him to a Baghdad deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom II, shaping his commitment to supporting veterans in their post-military transition.

Heriberto holds a B.A. in history and political science, an M.A. in teaching, and a master's in business tailored to veterans' needs. He earned his Ph.D. in Education from Texas State University, where he focused on trauma and social integration among Central Texas veterans. Beyond academics, Heriberto actively engages in meaningful initiatives that aim to preserve veterans' stories through various mediums. He's collaborating to create a digital exhibition for veterans with the Alkek Library at Texas State.

Kristin Van Diest

Kristin Van Diest is the Digital Publishing Librarian at Texas State University. She earned a BA in English Literature from Eckerd College, a MS in Library Science from University of North Texas, and a Graduate Certificate in Archival Management from the University of North Texas.

In her role as Digital Publishing Librarian, she focuses on preservation, access, and discoverability of scholarly works published through our institutional instances of Open Journal Systems, Omeka, and others. She works closely with campus and community partners to promote research visibility and digital publishing platforms. She specializes in digital publishing initiatives, open access publishing, digital exhibits, metadata, and scholarly communications.

Jessica Dunn

Jessica Dunn is a dynamic leader that creates win-win partnerships across campus and throughout Texas. She is a military Veteran, US Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), and current PhD Student in the TXST Adult Professional Community Education (APCE) program. She is the Director of the University Business Ambassador Program that helps research centers move through their operational chokepoints through interdepartmental strategic engagements. Jessica spearheaded the McCoy College of Business Graduate Programs Mentorship Program in 2022, assisting students with professional development while providing a platform that allows TXST Alumni to give back through knowledge sharing. She additionally spearheaded the Lifecyle Partnership Committee at TXST in 2022, which remains strong under the Experiential, Career, and Community-Engaged Learning Center. Additionally, she has years of experience as a business management professor at Linn Benton Community College and Assistance Professor of Military Science while at Oregon State University.

Jessica holds a B.S. in speech communications, and a master's in business administration. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, APCE, from Texas State University. She is currently researching women Veteran identity and how adult education theories could assist Veterans with positive reframing of identity. She is enthusiastic about Veteran initiatives, and you will find her involved throughout the campus, Texas, and in Washington D.C. in supporting Veterans.

Dr. Khoi Nguyen

Dr. Khoi Nguyen is an expert in emerging technology. He has dedicated his career to elevating the stories of under-represented communities using immersive and emerging technology.

Dr. Nguyen holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. He has won numerous awards and grants for his work in computational science and immersive technology. He is currently building and innovating on the Alkek Laboratory for Immersive Arts and Sciences (ALIAS). In it's ambition, ALIAS will house the largest collection of immersive stories of under represented communities in the world.

Kira Wright

Kira Wright is the YouStar Studios Supervisor at Texas State University. She is a storyteller and educator with several years of experience producing informative and Emmy-winning media. Her joy comes from making complicated material accessible to all audiences. Currently, she is the project manager for the audio, video, and virtual production studios in the new Alkek Laboratory for Immersive Arts and Sciences (ALIAS). She also teaches several video and audio editing workshops in Alkek One backed by NASA’s micro-credential program. Kira earned a BA in Converged Broadcast Media from the University of North Texas. Before becoming an educator, she spent several years as a news producer in multiple cities across the country.

Harley Miller

As an expert digital artist and innovative 3D designer with over 12 years of experience across diverse industries, Harley Miller brings a unique blend of creative prowess and detailed insight to every project.

Earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art Design and Animation, Harley has honed his artistic skills to create visually captivating digital content that engages audiences. His journey in various sectors, including freelance, oil and gas, department of defense, and higher education, has fostered a holistic approach to problem-solving and project execution.

Outside the professional realm, he is an avid enthusiast of gaming and 3D printing. This passion for interactive media and technology further fuels his creative process, enabling him to stay at the forefront of innovative digital art techniques and trends. His naval aviation background has instilled in him a deep appreciation for attention to detail, an attribute that reflects prominently in his meticulous and engaging digital creations.