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Mahsa Pakravan

LecturerLecturer, Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications, UNF Faculty

Mahsa Pakravan is a scholar, educator, artist, and interdisciplinary practitioner. She holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Alberta, along with an MA in Art Studies and a BA in performing arts.

Her academic work bridges ethnomusicology, sound studies, digital media, and cultural communication. Building on this foundation, Mahsa’s current teaching and research focus on digital storytelling, cultural representation, AI-mediated platforms, and community-engaged digital practices.

She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies shape voice, visibility, and belonging in diasporic and multicultural contexts. Her work also emphasizes university–community engagement through creative digital initiatives. At the University of Niagara Falls Canada, she initiated the Virtual Art Hive, an interdisciplinary platform that connects students, artists, and community partners to explore digital storytelling, AI-assisted creative practices, and culturally diverse media production.

Courses taught

Foundations of Digital Media, Intercultural Communication, Design and Tools for Digital Media, Interactive Communication, Digital Media and Commons, International Advertising , Research Methods in Digital Media, Data Analytics in Digital Media, Design Thinking and Digital Media

Areas of academic interest

Digital storytelling and narrative power, bias and cultural representation in AI-driven platforms, community engagement and public culture, diaspora, identity, and digital belonging

Areas of specialization

Cultural studies; faculty development; curriculum and course design; instructional innovation; and research-informed teaching in higher education. Focused on interdisciplinary pedagogy and digital media education, integrating theory and practice to create engaging and inclusive learning experiences.

Awards

Dec 2025, Toronto Arts Council Music Creation and Audio Recording.
Nov 2024. The Canada Council for the Arts application to the Concept to Realization component of the Explore and Create Program.
November 2024: Toronto Arts Council (Music Creation and Audio Recording)
March 2021: Toronto Arts Council (Music Creation and Audio Recording)
November2019: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
January 2018: Canada 150 Grant, The Learning Centre Literacy Association
March 2018: Canada 150 Grant, RagaMala Music Society
April 2012 Provost Entrance award, University of Alberta

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Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 7J7, Canada

Land acknowledgement

University of Niagara Falls Canada acknowledges that the land we gather on is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.

We commit to building relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.

Designated Learning Institute Number: O287430643972.

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