Ana Herruzo Named Chair of Applied Computer Science at Woodbury University

Ana Herruzo, a designer, programmer and architect working at the intersection of art, technology and architecture, has been named Chair of Woodbury University’s Applied Computer Science Department in the School of Media, Culture & Design (MCD), the university announced today.

Throughout her career, Herruzo has focused on the marriage of lighting, audio and video with the physical environment, materials and human interaction.  Synthesizing disciplines, she has created spatial experiences for such wide-ranging applications as art installations, live music events, film, robotics, and architecture.  A recipient of multiple industry awards, she is co-founder of the art collective NaiveLaser, and interactive agency Virtulabs performing creative and technical direction for diverse projects.

Prior to forming her own practices, Herruzo was a partner of the ZULOARK Design Collective, engaging in public interventions and innovative architecture.  She joined renowned creative studio Obscura Digital in 2011 as an Interactive Engineer, where she led and collaborated on the development of art installations and large-scale stage shows.  She holds a Masters in Design Research in Media-Art from SCI-arc and a Bachelors and Masters in Architecture from ETSAM in Madrid.

“Woodbury’s Applied Computer Science program reflects a heightened emphasis on technology within a creative context,” Herruzo said.  “We provide the students with the necessary tools to be active creators and developers of the digital age.  Students become proficient in technical skills but also benefit from a strong emphasis in design and are able to explore new forms of media within a social and cultural framework.”

“Ana’s skills and experience directly address the fusion of computer science theory and application – the sweet spot of our program,” said Sue Vessella, Dean of the School of Media, Culture & Design.  “We place students in a position where they have essential context for the work they’re doing.  Under Ana’s guidance, Applied Computer Science will zero in on the important approaches, skills and projects that prepare students for the types of jobs they’re interested in, whether in gaming, the entertainment industry, theme parks, virtual reality or any other creative discipline.”

The Applied Computer Science program is a hybrid design/technology degree focusing on emerging digital practices by working with interactive environments, experiential design and human interaction. With a strong foundation in computer science, visual arts and critical thinking, students pursue creative projects using cutting-edge technologies.  The program represents a new and inclusive approach to computer science, emphasizing real-world applications and skills that make Woodbury graduates stand out.

The Applied Computer Science curriculum seeks to transform students from passive end-users to active agents of technological change.  The department’s Virtual and Augmented Reality tools give students the opportunity for hands-on experience with the latest devices in the field (e.g., HTC Vive, Microsoft Hololens).   The department provides access to new technologies and platforms, and brings professionals from across the world to campus as lecturers and mentors.

Woodbury’s School of Media, Culture & Design is a dynamic school with the special mission of educating the next generation of creative professionals.  It offers eight undergraduate degrees in the fields of animation, applied computer science, communication, fashion design, filmmaking, game art and design, graphic design, and psychology.  Students are encouraged to explore the areas between and around these disciplines as they develop their personal vision and professional paths (https://woodbury.edu/program/school-of-media-culture-design/).

About Woodbury University

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. The university ranks 15th among the nation’s “25 Colleges That Add the Most Value,” according to Money Magazine, was voted “Best Graduate School” in the Los Angeles Daily News 2018 Readers Choice Awards, and is a 2018-19 College of Distinction. Woodbury was a finalist for the General Community Service Award, a part of the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll recognition program. With campuses in Burbank/Los Angeles and San Diego, the university offers bachelor\\’s degrees from the School of Architecture, School of Business, School of Media, Culture & Design, and College of Liberal Arts, along with a Master of Business Administration, Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture. The San Diego campus offers Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture, Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees, as well as a Master of Science in Architecture, Real Estate Development. Visit woodbury.edu for more information.