Sep 17, 2025

More than 15 new academic leaders and full-time faculty members have joined the Pratt community in time for the new academic year. Representing a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds, they share a commitment to excellence in teaching and research, and to shaping an inclusive environment that inspires inquiry, learning, and the creation of innovative work.

Leadership

A person smiles at the camera, wearing glasses and a dark blue cardigan over a red top. They have braided hair adorned with colorful beads and a necklace made of various beads. The background features soft greenery and blurred figures, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Dr. Vernese Edghill-Walden – Vice President, leading Pratt’s inclusion and belonging efforts

A professional-looking individual with a bald head and glasses is smiling slightly. He is wearing a dark blazer over a white collared shirt. The background is a light gray gradient, creating a clean and modern appearance.

Dr. Peter West – Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences 

A close-up portrait of a person with short, tousled hair, wearing a black T-shirt. They have a neutral expression and appear to be facing directly towards the camera. The background is a smooth gradient from light to dark gray.

Andrew Holder – Chair, Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design (School of Architecture)

A person with short, tousled brown hair and glasses is facing the camera, wearing a dark gray collared shirt. The background is a soft gradient from light gray to white. The person has a neutral expression.

Courtney Knapp – Chair, Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment (School of Architecture)

A person is smiling while standing next to a wooden surface and an American flag. They are wearing a bright pink floral coat with a high collar. Their hair is styled in a low bun, and she has earrings. The setting appears official, suggesting a professional or ceremonial context.

Monica Davis – Academic Director, Historic Preservation; Visiting Assistant Professor, Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment (School of Architecture)

Full-Time Faculty

A person with long, wavy dark hair is smiling softly, wearing a dark blazer and a patterned scarf. They are outdoors, with a blurred background of autumn leaves in warm hues of orange, yellow, and green.

Rahaf Alharbi – Assistant Professor (School of Information)

A person with short, textured hair and glasses stands outdoors, smiling. They are wearing a colorful shirt with a lemon and leaf pattern. The background features trees and greenery, suggesting a vibrant park setting.

Rhys Dreeszen Bowman – Assistant Professor (School of Information)

A person with short, dark hair and a salt-and-pepper beard smiles while wearing a dark green t-shirt. The background is a soft gradient from white to light gray.

José de la O – Associate Professor, Industrial Design (School of Design)

A person with short, dark hair and glasses smiles at the camera. They are wearing a black textured top over a collared, polka-dotted shirt. The background is a light gradient from white to gray, creating a soft, neutral setting.

Ari Elefterin – Assistant Professor, Industrial Design (School of Design)

A person with short, wavy blonde hair is smiling at the camera. She wears a black shirt and multiple gold necklaces. The background features abstract art in black and white.

Katherine Hubbard – Associate Professor; Faculty Director, MFA Program, Photography (School of Art)

A close-up portrait of a young person with curly, blonde hair and a neutral expression. They are wearing a light blue striped shirt and an apron with text on it. The background is softly blurred with hints of beige and green, suggesting a warm ambiance.

Bahareh Khoshooee – Assistant Professor, Foundation (School of Art, School of Design)

A smiling person with shoulder-length dark hair stands against a light gray background. They are wearing a colorful checkered shirt in shades of purple, red, and pink, with buttons down the front. They have layered necklaces and large earrings, and their makeup features blue eyeliner.

Natalia Nakazawa – Assistant Professor, Foundation (School of Art, School of Design)

A person with long, wavy hair and a warm smile gazes slightly to the side. They wear a sleeveless cream-colored top and layered necklaces. One of their arms displays a floral tattoo. The background is softly lit and neutral, enhancing their features.

Aanchal Saraf – Assistant Professor, Social Science and Cultural Studies (School of Liberal Arts and Sciences)

A person with short, dark hair and round glasses smiles slightly at the camera. They are wearing a black shirt with a zippered pocket. The background is a light gradient, transitioning from white to gray.

Munus Shih – Assistant Professor, Graduate Communications Design (School of Design)

A person with short, curly hair and glasses is standing against a light gray background. They are wearing a black blazer over a white T-shirt featuring a graphic design. The blazer has two pins attached: a yellow one in the shape of a musical note and another silver pin. They appear serious and makes direct eye contact with the viewer.

TLaloC– Associate Professor, Undergraduate Communications Design (School of Design)

A young person with long, wavy hair is facing the camera, with a slight smile. They are wearing a sleeveless, dark top, and the background is a solid gray. The image is in black and white.

Xinyue Lulu Yuan – Assistant Professor, History of Art and Design (School of Liberal Arts and Sciences)