Faculty — Media Studies, Photography and Game Design

Francesco Arese Visconti, PhD, is an Italian and Swiss visual communication scholar, photographer and professor at Webster University Geneva. He serves as head of the Media Studies Program and deputy academic director while directing the Webster Center for Creativity and Innovation. Arese Visconti's research explores the intersections of migration, identity and photographic representation. His recent book, "The Invisible Diaspora" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), examines 21st-century Italian migrants in Switzerland's Arc Lémanique region.

His work, exhibited throughout Europe, focuses on migrant communities' sociocultural narratives. Notable exhibitions include the Swiss Pavilion at EXPO 2015 in Milan and the National Museum of Italian Emigration in Genoa (2024). His research encompasses African immigration in Switzerland and the Italian-Chinese community in Prato, Italy.

Arese Visconti, recipient of the William T. Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching, is a member of several academic and professional organizations. He is also a trained archaeologist.

Degrees

• PhD in Photography, University of Westminster, UK
• MA in Archaeology, University of Florence, Italy

Affiliations

• Member of The Image Research Network
• Member of Spectrum - Photography in Switzerland
• Member of the Professional Photographers' Association of Switzerland (SIYU)

Books

Arese Visconti, F. (2024). “The Invisible Diaspora — Rethinking Photographic Portraiture of 21st Century Italian Migrants on the Arc Lémanique area” (London: Palgrave Macmillan).

Arese Visconti, F. (2015). “We, Prato (Prato: Edizioni SUI), pp. 76.

Arese Visconti, F. (2015). “Hidden Identity — The Italian-Chinese Community in Prato” (Florence: Aiòn Edizioni), pp. 84.

Arese Visconti, F. (2012). “New World — Stories of African Immigration and Integration in Switzerland” (Florence: Aiòn Edizioni), pp. 96.

Chapters in Edited Volumes

Arese Visconti F. (2020). Possible in Photography. In Glăveanu V.P. (Ed.), “The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible.” Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.

F. Arese Visconti, and J. Sandholm-Bark. (2018). “Enabling effective assessment through collaboration.” INTED2018 Proceedings. ISBN: 978-84-697-9480-7

B. Wiggins, S. Leahy, K. Jenkins, J. Smith, F. Arese Visconti, T. Young, and B. Srisupawat. (2017). “International Podcast Project: using podcasts to enrich and enhance experiences in international education.” INTED2017 Proceedings. ISBN: 978-84-617-8491-2.

Exhibitions

2024 Jan. “La diaspora invisibile. La migrazione italiana del XXI secolo sull'arco lemanico: un ritratto fotografico,” Galata Museo del Mare — Museo Nazionale della Emigrazione Italiana, Genoa, Italy. Solo Exhibition.

2023 Jan. “Rethinking Photographic Portraiture of the 21st Century Italian Migrants on the Arc Lémanique Area,” London Gallery West, Harrow on the Hill, U.K. Solo Exhibition.

2022 June “Rethinking Photographic Portraiture of the 21st Century Italian Migrants on the Arc Lémanique Area: A Preliminary Look,” Creativity Week, Webster Center for Creativity and Innovation, Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland. Solo Exhibition.

2019 Nov. “Migration Stories,” Centre des Arts Ecolint, Geneva, Switzerland. Solo Exhibition.

2018 June “Rendering the Invisible Visible — Photographs of Italian Cultural Identity in 21st Century Switzerland,” Creativity Week, Webster Center for Creativity and Innovation at Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland. Solo Exhibition.

2017 Sept. “The Future We Want,” on the Quai Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland. Collective Exhibition.

2017 June “Between Here and There,” School od Media, Arts and Design of the University of Westminster, London, UK. Collective Exhibition.

2015 Sept. Ten photographs of “Generational Shifts — Italian Migrants in Switzerland after World War II,” Swiss Pavilion at the EXPO, Milan, Italy. Solo Exhibition.

2015 Apr. “Hidden Identity — The Italian-Chinese community in Prato,” Kent State University, Florence, Italy. Solo Exhibition.

2015 Jan. “We, Prato,” Grütli Theatre, Geneva, Switzerland. Solo Exhibition.

2014 Jan. “Morocco — A journey to the south,” Contemporary Art National Gallery Mohammed Drissi, Tanger, Morocco. Solo Exhibition.

2012 Nov. “New World. Recent immigration and integration in Switzerland from Africa,” Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland. Solo Exhibition.

2011 Apr. “Kodachrome. End of the Run: Photographs from the Final Batches,” May Gallery, Webster University, St. Louis. Solo Exhibition.

2007 July “Archaeology and Environment,” Public Library, Paros Island, Cyclades, Greece. Solo Exhibition.

2006 Apr. “Neighbours” included in “Florence — Four perspectives,” Regional Arts Commission Art Gallery, St. Louis. Solo Exhibition.

2006 Apr. “Architetture davanti all’obbiettivo — Fotografie sull’opera di Giovanni Michelucci,” School of Architecture, Washington University, St. Louis.

2005 Sept. “Architetture davanti all’obbiettivo — Fotografie sull’opera di Giovanni Michelucci,” Italian Institute of Culture, Copenhagen, Denmark. Solo Exhibition.

2005 May “Architetture davanti all’obbiettivo — Fotografie sull’opera di Giovanni Michelucci,” Fiesole, Italy. Solo Exhibition.

Email: faresevisconti71@webster.edu

          USPP

Peter Carson combines experience in law, journalism and education with expertise across media and nonprofit sectors. He has practiced tort litigation and served as a reporter and editor for publications in the United States and Switzerland. Carson worked in community investment at a major Houston nonprofit, focusing on social impact and resource allocation.

At Webster University Geneva, Carson manages academic advising and student success while teaching. He helps students navigate academic challenges and align educational goals with career development, drawing from his interdisciplinary background to provide practical guidance.

Degrees

• JD, University of Denver, USA
• BA in Political Science and International relations, Ohio Wesleyan University, USA

Affiliations

• Member of the Ohio State Bar Association
• Member of the Colorado Bar Association

 

Email: petercarson43@webster.edu

Zuzana Hevler is a journalist, editor and media specialist with experience across Central Europe, the U.K. and U.S. She studied journalism and media studies at Charles University's Faculty of Social Sciences in Prague, with additional training at Loughborough University and in New York.

Hevler has written for major publications including Hospodářské Noviny, The Prague Post (an English-language weekly) and the Czech daily Zemské Noviny. She also contributed to Československý Šah magazine. Since 2007, she has worked with International Geneva on initiatives connecting journalism with global diplomacy and cultural dialogue.

Degrees

• MA in Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV), Charles University, Czech Republic
• BA in Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences (FSV), Charles University, Czech Republic

Affiliations

Journalist for Denik N

Groundbreaking Referendum and Billion-Dollar Costs: Swiss Approve 13th Pension, March 4, 2024.

Zelensky Criticizes Putin in Davos: Once Again Urges Swiss, Who Promise Peace Conference, Jan. 16, 2024.

Watches Worth Hundreds of Thousands to Tens of Millions: Left a World-Renowned Watch Company and Started His Own in a Room, Nov. 4, 2023.

Swiss-Alps-Zermatt: Glaciers Melting Faster Than Expected, Surprising the Swiss. Only Some Snow-Capped Peaks Might Be Saved. Oct. 7, 2023.

Zelensky's Attempt to Convince Hesitant Swiss: Standing Ovations and a Few Walkouts. June 15, 2023.

Swiss Leopards Gather Dust: Will Bern Send Tanks to Ukraine? Arms Companies Await Permission, Public and Parliament Divided. June 7, 2023.

"It’s Important to Fulfill Dreams You Had as a Child," Says Mystery Author Michaela Klevisová. April 26, 2023.

Swiss Dismantle Air Defense Missiles Despite Not Needing To: Criticism Arises, Could Have Sent Them to Ukraine. March 15, 2023.

"For Russia, It’s a Case of Let the Chips Fall Where They May," Says the Highest-Ranking Czech Diplomat at the UN. March 13, 2023.

Email: zuzanahevler@webster.edu

Cem Koker is a full-stack developer and systems architect with expertise in network infrastructure, web technologies and game development. He co-founded a Swiss IT services company and led software projects for the United Nations. His eight years of Unity development include creating traditional games, VR experiences and therapeutic gaming solutions for Swiss clients. At GreenCross Studio, he developed rehabilitation applications for physical therapy. Koker now works at One Fox Studio, combining video editing with advanced web development.

Degrees

BSc in Business Information Technology, HES Geneva (University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland)

Affiliations

Founder, Indiedevs — a Swiss network and hub for independent game developers

 

Email: cemkoker@webster.edu

Lisa Manolache creates 3D art and specializes in video game development. She manages the complete pipeline of 3D asset creation, including props, weapons and detailed environments. She adapts to specific concept art and predefined styles while maintaining consistency throughout production. Manolache combines traditional fine arts principles with modern game development, bringing artistic depth to digital environments. She translates creative vision into interactive assets that enhance game design.

Degrees

• BA in Visual Arts, Faculty of Art and Design, Timișoara, Romania
• BA in Game Art and 3D Animation, SAE Institute Geneva (affiliated with Middlesex University, London)

Affiliations

Member, Indiedevs — a Swiss network and hub for independent game developers

Email: lisamanolache@webster.edu

Anne-Laure Oberson, PhD, combines philosophy, photography and curatorial practice, focusing on contemporary art and image theory. Her research explores the quantum nature of images, electronic imagery's cognitive impact and synchronicity. She studies how machine learning affects visual cognition and artistic creation through generative image-making models.

Oberson directs an international art residency program and teaches contemporary philosophy. She has contributed to books, exhibition catalogs and scholarly articles in philosophy, art history, photography and critical theory. Her book "I See. Do You? Thinking Seeing" (Atropos Press) examines how metaphysical, technological and psychological frameworks shape visual perception.

She holds a doctorate in philosophy, art and critical thought from the European Graduate School and studied art history at University College London.

Degrees

• PhD in Philosophy, Art and Critical Thought, European Graduate School, Switzerland
• BA in History of Art, University College London, UK

Fight Back! in “The Struggle for Digital Images, An Agonistic Perspective of New Media Floods,” ed. Béatrice Joyeux-Prunel et al., upcoming.

Anne-Laure Oberson. Making Sense of AI Generated Images in the Process of Imagination, in “From Hype to Reality: Artificial Intelligence in the Study of Art and Culture,” ed. Eva Cetinić, Darío Negueruela del Castillo, 2024, Hertziana Studies in Art History, vol. 03, 2024.

Towards a New Imag(e)ination, in “A Piece of Artificial Intelligence,” ed. Flussera Robionica, Postdam: University of Applied Science, 2024.

From visibilities to images: can AI models offer us a look beyond the invisible? Mundus imaginalis: Philosophical lucubrations towards an imaginary approach to the question of synchronicity, in “Quantum Psyche 2,” ed. Giuliana Galli Carminati et al., Genève: KDP Independant Publishing Platform, Feb. 2021.

“La fièvre - ce facteur trop humain,” in Markiewick&Piron, PFH*, Luxembourg: Centre national de l'audiovisuel, March 2020.

“The fourth meaning of the image: Flusser's invitation to envision the world,” Flusser Studies, vol. 29, Feb. 2020.

Œuvres en devenir — devenir d’une œuvre. L’an-archive de Bujar Marika, in Dayer, C., Schurmans, M.-N. & Charmillot, C., “La restitution des savoirs : un impensé des sciences sociales?,” Paris: L'Harmattan, April 2014.

“I see. Do you? Thinking seeing,” New York, Dresden: Atropos, Feb. 2013.

View a complete list of publications.

Email: annelaureoberson@webster.edu

Glenn O'Neil, PhD, specializes in evaluation, communications and advocacy, with evaluations conducted in more than 50 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. He supports international organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), evaluating programs in media, development, civil society, youth, human rights, humanitarian response and health.

As team leader, O'Neil develops evaluation methodologies including surveys, indicators and theories of change. He assesses communication strategies, advocacy efforts and rapid-response programs.

O'Neil trains professionals in media, advocacy, communication strategy and evaluation methods for United Nations agencies, NGOs, universities and professional associations. His approach combines evaluation expertise with practical training for international audiences.

Degrees

• PhD in Social Research and Methodology, London School of Economics (LSE)
• MSc in Communications Management, Universita’ della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
• BA in Social Sciences, La Trobe University, Australia

Affiliations

• Co‑founder, Geneva Communicators Network — a volunteer-run platform for communications professionals in the Lake Geneva region
• Founder, Owl RE — consultancy and training in communications evaluation

O'Neil, G. (2022). Communication Monitoring and Evaluation in the Non-profit Sector. In Gonçalves, G. & Oliveira, E. (Eds.) “Routledge Handbook of Non-Profit Communication.” New York, NY: Routledge. p.104-114.

O'Neil, G. (2020). Measuring and Evaluating Audience Awareness, Attitudes, and Response. In V. Luoma-aho & M.J. Canel (Eds.) “Handbook of Public Sector Communication.”  New York, NY: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 405-416.

O'Neil, G. & Bauer, M. (2018). “Pathways to Use of Communication Campaigns’ Evaluation Findings Within International Organizations,” Evaluation and Program Planning, 69, 82-91.

O’Neil, G. (2013). “Evaluation of international and non-governmental organizations’ communication activities: A 15-year systematic review,” PR Review, 39(5), 572-574.

Email: glennoneil78@webster.edu

     

Rémy Petkantchin, PhD, combines physics and Monte Carlo development with expertise in computational modeling, video game programming and neuroscience. He contributed to the Blue Brain Project at EPFL, modeling mouse brain simulations. Petkantchin has developed and published two video games and holds professional accreditation from Epic Games.

Since 2025, he has worked as a Monte Carlo developer at CERN, focusing on particle physics simulations. He also competes in water polo at the national level.

Degrees

• PhD in Numerical Modeling and Ischemic Stroke Treatment, University of Geneva / EPFL, Switzerland
• MA in Physics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

Berchet, A., Petkantchin, R., Markram, H., Kanari, L., 2025. Computational generation of long-range axonal morphologies. Neuroinformatics 23, 1–23.

Petkantchin, R., Berchet, A., Peng, H., Markram, H., Kanari, L., 2024. Generating brain-wide connectome using synthetic axonal morphologies. bioRxiv 2024

Petkantchin, R., Raynaud, F., Boudjeltia, K.Z., Chopard, B., 2024. A Blood Flow Modeling Framework for Stroke Treatments, in: Heifetz, A. (Ed.), High Performance Computing for Drug Discovery and Biomedicine. Springer US, New York, NY, pp. 369–381. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3449-3_17

Petkantchin, R., Raynaud, F., Boudjeltia, K.Z., Chopard, B., 2023a. A Blood Flow Modeling Framework for Stroke Treatments, in: High Performance Computing for Drug Discovery and Biomedicine. Springer, pp. 369–381.

Petkantchin, R., Rousseau, A., Eker, O., Boudjeltia, K.Z., Raynaud, F., Chopard, B., 2023b. Characterizing fibrinolysis under flow conditions: a simplified mesoscale 3D model.

Petkantchin, R., Rousseau, A., Eker, O., Zouaoui Boudjeltia, K., Raynaud, F., Chopard, B., 2023c. A simplified mesoscale 3D model for characterizing fibrinolysis under flow conditions. Scientific reports 13, 13681.

Petkantchin, R., Padmos, R., Boudjeltia, K.Z., Raynaud, F., Chopard, B., 2022. Thrombolysis: Observations and numerical models. Journal of biomechanics 132, 110902.

Latt, J., Malaspinas, O., Kontaxakis, D., Parmigiani, A., Lagrava, D., Brogi, F., Belgacem, M.B., Thorimbert, Y., Leclaire, S., Li, S., 2021. Palabos: parallel lattice Boltzmann solver. Computers & Mathematics with Applications 81, 334–350.

Email: remypetkantchin@webster.edu

Dusan Petkovic, PhD, specializes in media technologies and post-production across four continents. His projects have earned recognition at the Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, BAFTA and Daytime Emmy Awards. He develops post-production processes for documentary and narrative storytelling, combining anthropological perspectives with technical innovation.

Degrees

• PhD in Media Technologies and Innovation, Greenwich University, UK
• MA in Visual Anthropology, Free University of Berlin, Germany
• BA in Film and Television, Dutch Film and Television Academy, Nederlandse Film en Televisie Academie, The Netherlands

 

Email: dusanpetkovic@webster.edu