Meet the Artists and Designers Who Support the Department of Design Media Arts
Every year, the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture (UCLA Arts) welcomes more than 250 new students. Their academic journeys are supported not only by faculty but also by dedicated staff, many of whom are UCLA alumni and practicing artists—continuing the university’s long tradition of professional artists nurturing emerging talent. These staff members are essential to our community, bringing the curriculum to life and helping students transform their boldest ideas into reality.
Across all four degree-granting departments—Architecture and Urban Design, Art, Design Media Arts, and World Arts and Cultures/Dance—staff provide the foundation that enables students and faculty to push artistic boundaries. They are experts in their fields—managing theaters, maintaining studios and shops, guiding students through technology and production, ensuring programs run seamlessly, and fostering inclusive environments where skills and creativity develop together. Their knowledge and care create the environment in which students can take risks and realize their creative visions.
“Our staff work tirelessly to support our faculty, students, and each other,” said Interim Dean Lionel Popkin. “They consistently exceed the bounds of their individual roles to take care of our community. I am immensely grateful for their commitment and dedication.”
Throughout this academic year, we will highlight their impact through a series of stories, honoring the staff whose dedication fuels the collaborative spirit that defines UCLA Arts and empowers the next generation of artists, architects, designers, performers, and scholars.
In the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA), five staff members—all of whom are artists and designers—mentor students from their first year through to commencement: Gareth Walsh, Israel Gutierrez, Jonathan Cecil, Laurie Macdonald, and Sofia Staab. Together, they foster inclusive environments where students learn core skills in their respective areas, while also engaging in experimentation and exploration. They preserve institutional memory and provide continuity across students’ academic journeys, playing a vital role in building student confidence. Over time, these staff members come to know students deeply and are integral to the UCLA Arts experience.
Meet the Artists and Designers Who Support the Department of Design Media Arts
Gareth Walsh M.F.A. ‘07
Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) Supervisor
(Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
As the supervisor of the Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) space, Gareth Walsh M.F.A. ‘07 helps students and faculty bring ideas at the intersection of art and technology to life. Walsh provides hands-on technical guidance and creative problem-solving for installations that range from immersive projections to interactive sculptures. He mentors students as they move from learning how to set up a projector to independently producing complex installations, fostering both their confidence and technical fluency.
“As a practicing artist, I’m able to share and apply the knowledge I’ve developed over the years—both from my own practice and from working with so many talented students and faculty,” Gareth said. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working directly with students and faculty on hands-on installations. In this role, I see so much growth from students. In their first year, some students don’t know how to set up a projector or audio system. Three years later, they’re creating immersive installations that integrate multiple technologies.”
Collaborating closely with faculty and fellow supervisors, Gareth helps maintain a studio culture built on curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration. His leadership also extends beyond the department through his role in UCLA’s XR Initiative, where he contributes to campus-wide explorations of virtual and augmented reality. Walsh’s work not only supports the next generation of media artists but also keeps him deeply engaged in the evolving dialogue between art, technology, and innovation. As a media artist, Gareth’s work explores perception, challenging people to “pause and reconsider how they see the world around them.”
Israel Gutierrez
Print Lab Supervisor
(Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
Israel Gutierrez serves as a technical mentor and creative support specialist, bridging the gap between artistic vision and hands-on production. With a background in fine arts, sculpture (including large-scale sculptures), and design, Israel brings a wealth of experience that spans painting, fabrication, 3D modeling, and industrial design. He supports students across a wide range of projects—from digital sculpting and printing to bookbinding and fabrication—helping them translate their ideas into tangible works.
“One of the best things about this department is that we can rely on each other and lean on one another’s expertise,” said Israel. “We all share ideas and coordinate to figure out the best way to support students. The students are fortunate to have access to such a diverse and skilled team.”
Beyond his technical expertise, Israel plays a key mentorship role, guiding students through conceptual development, safety practices, and professional networking. His collaborative approach creates an environment where students have access to an extraordinary range of knowledge and resources. His work embodies the department’s commitment to creative exploration and community building.
Jonathan Cecil M.F.A. ‘12
Technology Labs Manager
(Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
Jonathan Cecil M.F.A. ‘12 oversees the smooth operation and long-term planning of the department’s labs while fostering innovation and hands-on learning for students. Working closely with lab staff, he helps manage the fabrication and electronics labs, specializing in digital fabrication, 3D printing, and electronics.
“The students' approach to making art is always fresh and unexpected—it’s like being exposed to a different kind of art every day,” said Jonathan. “As a practicing artist myself, seeing how students think and create keeps me sharp. The nature of the program is all about staying current with technology, and students are often the first to discover new tools or techniques. In a way, they’re like co-researchers who keep the whole ecosystem evolving.”
With a background in software-based and sculptural art, Jonathan guides students as they bring complex, interdisciplinary projects to life—whether through coding, interactive installations, or sculptural works that integrate movement and technology. An alum of the department, he brings a unique perspective to his role as he has seen the program evolve over the years. His depth of knowledge as a mentor and artist ensures students and faculty can realize their ambitious, boundary-pushing ideas.
Laurie Macdonald
Fabrication Lab Supervisor
(Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
Laurie Macdonald provides carpentry and fabrication support. He teaches students both the fundamentals of woodworking and advanced fabrication techniques. Beyond instruction, Laurie plays a key role in creating a welcoming environment, ensuring the Fabrication Lab is a place where exploration and experimentation are encouraged. He collaborates closely with students across all levels—from first-years learning basic shop safety to advanced students developing complex, multi-part projects.
“For newer students, I provide safety orientations and technical instructions. It’s fun to start from scratch, make a cut, and see immediate improvement. The tactile experience of working in the shop—touching and shaping materials—is exciting,” said Laurie. “For students with more experience, I combine technical expertise with critical thinking, supporting their artistic visions. It’s rare for people to have hands-on experience with wood and materials, so passing that knowledge on is rewarding.”
With a background in furniture design and both narrative and experimental filmmaking, Laurie brings a unique perspective to his role, supporting both technical execution and conceptual refinement. Over time, Laurie witnesses students grow and helps them develop confidence in their artistic practice.
Sofia Staab ‘18
Technology Assistant
(Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
Sofia Staab ‘18 manages the department’s technology infrastructure, supporting both students and faculty in using computers, software, and specialized equipment like VR headsets. She helps students take their projects from concept to installation, guiding them through technical challenges such as debugging, running programs locally, and installing complex works in gallery spaces.
“Seeing students go from not wanting to touch a tool to rolling up their sleeves, making mistakes, and not being discouraged is amazing,” said Sofia. “They gain the toolkit to troubleshoot and solve problems independently. I experienced the same transformation when I went through the program, and it was a game-changer for me. DMA does a great job deconstructing what it means to be technically capable while also being an artist.
As an alum of DMA, Sofia brings firsthand understanding of the student experience, combining technical expertise with empathy and mentorship. She enjoys helping students develop confidence in their skills. Sofia is also an active game designer, bringing her passion for storytelling, illustration, and gameplay into both her personal work and her guidance of students.
Header image: From left to right, Laurie Macdonald, Jonathan Cecil, Gareth Walsh, Israel Gutierrez, and Sofia Staab. (Lucza Brewer / UCLA Arts)
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