Bridging Faculties Through Creativity and Professional Development 

Submitted by Dr. Aba Mortley, Professor, Esthethics 

In an inspiring display of interdepartmental collaboration, students from three distinct faculties - Esthetics, Media Arts Fundamentals, and  Health Care Administration - joined forces this term to create a vibrant community of learning and professional growth. 

Our talented Estheticians, engaged in the ESTH 43 – Makeup course, embarked on a journey to master various makeup styles, starting the term with a focus on professional looks. Recognizing an opportunity for cross-departmental synergy, Aba Mortley of the Esthetics department reached out to Jonathan Sugarman of Media Arts Fundamentals, Kellie Daniel and Ekta Singh from Health Care Administration, proposing an innovative collaborative project. 

The essence of this project was a unique exchange of skills and services. Esthetics students applied their newly acquired professional makeup techniques to Health Care Administration students, who received a professional headshot from the Media Arts Fundamentals students. This initiative not only provided practical experience but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among students from different fields. 

This collaborative venture proved to be a resounding success, with students expressing immense pride in both providing and receiving services from their peers. Despite initial uncertainties - with students unfamiliar with each other and the expectations of the task - the outcome was remarkable. Aesthetics students showcased their adaptability and skill in makeup application, swiftly making appropriate color choices for diverse skin tones and facial features. Meanwhile, the Media Arts students demonstrated versatility in adjusting their equipment and lighting techniques to capture the best shots of their new subjects. 

The project culminated in a series of professional headshots, eagerly anticipated by the Health Care Administration students for use in their LinkedIn profiles and other professional platforms. 
Special thanks are due to Jonathan Sugarman, Ekta Singh and Kellie Daniel for their instrumental roles in this endeavor. Sugarman generously adapted project delivery parameters to facilitate this collaboration, while Singh and her team swiftly organized promotional efforts, ensuring enough participants for this exciting project. 
  
This term's collaboration not only enriched the students' educational experience but also laid the groundwork for future interdisciplinary partnerships, highlighting the boundless potential when different faculties unite in pursuit of common goals.