FEB 2021: Engage the Immersive Future

7 min readFeb 17, 2021

FEB 2021: Engage the Immersive Future Explore the emerging fields of immersive AR & VR on March 10th View this email in your browser

Just like peanut butter and chocolate…we have Tech + Storytelling. And the Media Lab is super excited to share…that we’ve got a blockbuster virtual event coming up on March 10th. It will be live, it will be interactive, and it will be the maiden voyage of the Media Lab Exploratorium. It’s going to be great — so sign up right here — quick!

This newsletter is chock-full of great content, our amazing Annual Report, an open call for our next research project with The New York Times, and lots more. And for 2021 we’ve set the bar high. The NYC Media Lab’s mission is to stake a claim as Advocates for Innovation. As always, if you have an idea you think we can help with, don’t be shy.

Steven Rosenbaum
Executive Director
NYC Media Lab
steve@nycmedialab.org NEW & NOTEWORTHY [EVENT] Technology + Storytelling: Engaging the Immersive Future

Storytelling has always been a magical elixir of tools and voices. From cave paintings and campfires to radio, film, and television, each new tool has given way to new kinds of stories. And now, we’re excited to explore the emerging worlds of immersive AR and VR during our upcoming virtual event, Technology + Storytelling: Engaging the Immersive Future.

On March 10th from 10am to 3pm ET, the NYC Media Lab team will bring together creators, technologists, and filmmakers to share their cutting-edge work, as we explore the ever-changing methods of storytelling in an immersive world. Register for free here. [ICYMI] Watch NYC Media Lab’s 2021 Virtual Careers Panel

We all know that COVID has had a great impact on the job market. Specifically, how have the tech and media job markets changed? How can job seekers differentiate themselves in this new virtual environment? Has COVID created new opportunities that didn’t previously exist?

We answered these questions and many more during NYC Media Lab’s 2021 Virtual Careers Panel which we streamed live on February 5th. Career panelists included:

Noelle Silver, Founder of AI Leadership Institute
Karine-Frédérique Loriot, Associate Dean of Career Services at NYU Tandon
James Huerta, Executive Director of Creative Technology at Havas NY
Arnab Chakravarty (Moderator), Resident Researcher at NYU ITP

In case you missed it, you can watch the full livestream recording or quick, short clips — it’s all here! [OPEN CALL] The New York Times R&D: NLP & Computational Journalism

NYC Media Lab & The New York Times R&D team are seeking graduate-level university researchers to explore applications of natural language processing and computational journalism.

Selected researchers will work closely with members of The New York Times R&D team in semester-long research projects throughout 2021. Each researcher will be awared with a grant of up to $5,000 per semester.

DEADLINE: Rolling. Applications are reviewed on a semester by semester basis.
APPLICATION: To request an application, please email info@nycmedialab.org with “The New York Times R&D Application” in the subject line.

In Partnership With Verizon Innovative Learning, the GRX Team Developed the “Arts, Beats, & Tech” App

In partnership with Verizon Innovative Learning, the GRX team has developed the “Arts, Beats, & Tech” app — a featured Verizon 5G EdTech program we’re rolling out in schools this year.

“Arts, Beats, & Tech” is a creative collaboration app for desktop and VR. Developed by Alton Glass and John Junior, the app was created with the purpose of enriching educational goals as embodied by STEAM through the production of music and spoken word. There are even opportunities to teach a variety of subjects beyond sound and music, including basic physics, math, and entrepreneurship.

The goal of this VR and PC digital audio workstation application is to heighten the individual user’s creative and cultural awareness, collaboration and STEAM skills, and knowledge of world music.

The NYC Media Lab 2020 Annual Report Is Now Available

To say that 2020 was challenging would be quite an understatement. Despite the hurdles, the NYC Media Lab team was able to quickly pivot, moving all staff, operations, and events to a fully remote environment. Looking back, we’re thrilled to say that the results were truly remarkable.

The NYC Media Lab 2020 Annual Report serves as an impressive archive that thoughtfully showcases the people, events, prototypes, and corporate member projects that kept us engaged and inspired throughout an unprecedented year. From NewsLab and the 2020 Summit to the Combine and Verizon 5G EdTech pilot program, it’s all here. Have a look! NYC Media Lab Is Hiring!

Opportunity #1: Program Assistant (open to current NYU grad students)
We’re seeking a Program Assistant to support several upcoming projects that connect NYC Media Lab’s member organizations with university faculty and students. This includes several semester-long corporate innovation and prototyping projects that explore the future of creative tech and data science challenges.

The Program Assistant will report directly to the Director of Partnerships & New Initiatives and will assist the NYC Media Lab team with a range of programmatic and administrative tasks, including project support, research, and planning. We’re looking for candidates with a dedication to teamwork and clear communication. Learn more and apply here!

Opportunity #2: Temporary Operations Manager (3–6 month assignment)
The Temporary Operations Manager will support the NYC Media Lab in the administration and execution of programs for a 3–6 temporary assignment. Specific duties include: tracking and monitoring budgets and spending, liaising with NYU Tandon and NYU Washington Square administrative offices, and assisting NYC Media Lab program directors with planning and deliverables.

We’re looking for someone with AP, AR, and procurement system experience. Sound like you? If so, apply here! VIRTUAL EVENTS FEB 25: Black Entrepreneurs Who Are Making History

Hosted by the New York Public Library Business Center, “Black Entrepreneurs Who Are Making History” will be an ask-me-anything-style panel where virtual attendees will have the opportunity to listen to the life and business stories of Black entrepreneurs, and of course, ask questions.

Sign up and discover how these Black entrepreneurs are making history, and how they can help you and your business make history too!

FEB 26: The Economic Benefits of 5G

On February 26th, City & State and Crown Castle will present: The Economic Benefits of 5G. This webinar will address questions and concerns about 5G, including but not limited to, the technology necessary to make it a success, health and safety concerns, widely debunked conspiracy theories, and how the power of 5G can help New York in its post-pandemic recovery.

Topics for discussion will include the potential for revenue generation and job creation by investing in 5G, as well as the existing roadblocks — policy and otherwise — that are standing in the way of realizing these benefits. Register for free today!

PUBLIC INTEREST TECHNOLOGY CAREER FAIR

The NYU Public Interest Technology (PIT) Career Fair will be geared toward undergraduate and graduate students interested in creating a better world through technology in the public interest. In partnership with All Tech Is Human, it will be the first convening of its kind in the US, bringing together the country’s most talented students and leading researchers with organizations and companies who are at the forefront of creating responsible and accountable tech that serves the public interest.

The September 2021 event will be held in a blended format, vastly expanding its reach. If you’re a student, potential sponsor/partner, employer, or media partner, sign up to receive updates on the event schedule.

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NYC Media Lab connects media and technology companies with NYC’s universities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development. Visit our website or contact us at info@nycmedialab.org with any questions or comments.

FEB 2021: Engage the Immersive Future

Written by NYC Media Lab