The Team
iCamp takes pride in its passionate, experienced, and attentive team. This Academy success, is anchored by the hardworking and strong partners and staff that makes it all possible.
- Dr. Laquana Cooke
- Program Director
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Dr. Laquana Cooke is an Assistant Professor of Digital Rhetoric at WCU. She is a digital media scholar, instructor and designer whose work has been exhibited and presented at national conferences and game expositions. She has over 10 years of experience in developing and facilitating media and STEAM-based programs for nonprofits, secondary, and higher education sectors. In addition to directing iCAMP, Dr. Cooke serves as one of the project’s media experts on game design and development
- Dr. Michael Burns
- Audio Production
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Dr. Michael Burns is an Assistant Professor of English with a specialization in Composition/Rhetoric and African American Rhetoric(s). Since 2015, he has served as the English Department Coordinator for the Academic Development Program. In his spare time, he edits kernel objects for his sons’ Linux machines.
- Dr. Randall Cream
- Game Development
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Brought to WCU with expertise in Digital Humanities and New Media, Cream has studied games for much of his career, designing and developing the Humanities Gaming Institute: Serious Games for Research and Pedagogy. Dr. Cream directs WCU’s Digital Humanities and New Media program and is Co-Chair of Interdisciplinary Media & Technology Group.
- Dr. Jeremy McCool
- Video Production
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Dr. McCool is an Assistant Professor of Digital/Global Media in the department of Communication and Media. With a background in radio, McCool’s research revolves around media technology, popular music, and cultural studies. Additionally, McCool has published op-ed content on racial bias, media, and discrimination in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. He is also the co-author of a children’s book series called “McCool & McBride Books”, which aims to educate, empower, and inspire children with stories that feature Black lead characters. The series debut book, Princess and The Power of Melanin, was created to combat prejudice and uplift African American children. McCool was honored as one of Pittsburgh Magazine's '40 Under 40' honorees in 2021.
- Prof. Jesse Piersol
- Video Production
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Professor Piersol brings her expertise in filmmaking, production, writing, and networking to the project. She primarily teaches Public Speaking at WCU, and also works with local production company Something’s Awry Productions.