The UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications is pleased to announce that 21 industry professionals have joined The Experience Lab as professionals-in-residence for the spring 2022 semester.
The Experience Lab is a college-wide program that provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience from their first semester in college. In the Experience Lab, students work four to six hours per week in one of the college’s media outlets or agencies. Program areas include Buoy, Heartland, KRNU, Nebraska News Service, Nebraska Nightly and Unlimited Sports.
“We believe students should do from day one,” said Shari Veil, dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “The Experience Lab provides students the opportunity to put their classroom learning into action beginning in their first semester.”
Nebraska media outlets and agencies volunteer the time of their employees to provide guidance and feedback to Experience Lab students each week during the semester. In addition to engaging with students, the professionals-in-residence are able to observe students in action and recruit the best talent for their organization.
The spring 2022 professionals in residence are:
- Brandon Aksamit, director of sports content, News Channel Nebraska
- Shaun Cummins, senior technical director, KLKN-TV
- Ryan Dobesh, studio/remote production supervisor, Nebraska Public Media
- Randy Essex, former executive editor, Omaha World-Herald
- Griffin Gale, creative director, Maly Marketing
- Matthew Hansen, editor, Flatwater Free Press
- Randy Hawthorne, product manager, Nelnet
- Nathan He, marketing data coordinator, Swanson Russell
- Derek Hernandez, director of brand and content, Mentor Collective
- Dale Johnson, news director, KFOR Radio-Alpha Media
- Jordan Lambrecht, founder and managing partner, Pixel Bakery
- Mikel Lauber, director of news, 10/11 News
- Keri Mesropov, president and chief talent officer, TRG Arts
- Kelley Peterson, VP & nonprofit creative director, KidGlov
- Beau Poehlman, video production supervisor, Ameritas
- Mary Kay Quinlan, associate professor emeritus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Gentri Shopp, talent development marketing coordinator, Nebraska Department of Economic development
- Mike Tobias, senior producer, Nebraska Public Media
- Jon Vanderford, executive producer and host, KOLN/KGIN TV
- Andrew Ward, morning anchor, KLKN-TV
- Matt Wynn, executive director, Nebraska Journalism Trust
“The feedback and connections that professionals-in-residence provide to our students are invaluable,” said Jill Martin, assistant professor of practice and Experience Lab co-director. “They ensure students are up on the latest trends and skills in the industry.”
To learn more about the College of Journalism and Mass Communications Experience Lab, please visit https://journalism.unl.edu/experiencelab.
