Empire State University Prioritizes Student Health Through Partnership with TimelyCare 

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Empire State University is proud to announce its partnership with TimelyCare, a virtual health platform, to provide students with access to free and equitable virtual mental health and medical care. Students can access the platform online and receive 24/7 care with a wide range of virtual care options from a diverse list of licensed physicians and counselors. This collaboration allows students to access services in all 50 states at no cost and without the barrier of traditional insurance, which is even more critical today due to rising healthcare costs. 

This partnership augments SUNY Empire’s growing list of support services and programs for students, all aimed at meeting basic needs to ensure students can achieve their educational goals. Between emergency grants, the virtual food pantry, and other initiatives such as the textbook affordability program, SUNY Empire’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible education shines through. 

TimelyCare will allow students to access services such as a crisis line, mental health counseling, on-demand emotional support, medical care, health coaching, faculty and staff guidance, peer support, and self-guided wellness tools. 

“The Office of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Student Health Advisory Committee, is excited to be partnering with TimelyCare to expand the range of services available to our students,” said Libby Tsibulsky, director of health and wellness programs. “We encourage all students to take advantage of these valuable resources to support their wellbeing and academic success.   

“TimelyCare is honored to partner with Empire State University’s incredible team to address the growing need for accessible, high-quality mental health and medical support,” said Luke Hejl, CEO and co-founder of TimelyCare. “By combining our team-based approach with the expertise of campus professionals, we can provide the unique care that campus communities need to thrive – academically, emotionally, and personally. Together, we are creating a brighter, healthier future for students and educators, while fostering environments where well-being is a foundation for success.” 

Students can visit timelycare.com/Empire or download the TimelyCare app and register using their Empire State University email address.  

Get to Know Gina Torino, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Gina Torino, Ph.D., is dean of Empire State University’s recently formed College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Here, she shares details about her career path, goals for the new college, and passion for mentorship.  

What inspired your career path? Did you always want to work in academia? 

Initially, I didn’t see myself in academia. Frankly, I didn’t even know what a Ph.D. was growing up—I thought doctors worked in medical offices. My inspiration really came from my professors in sociology and psychology who opened my eyes to the possibility of working in academia. That curiosity eventually led me to earn my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Columbia University. It was through that journey that I realized I could combine my interest in understanding human behavior with teaching and mentorship.  

You began teaching at SUNY Empire in 2010. When and why did you transition from teaching to a leadership role?  

My transition was gradual and driven by a desire to serve the university community on a broader scale. I started as a unit coordinator at our Staten Island location, then moved on to become a department chair in psychology and human development and eventually stepped into the dean role. I saw the dean position as a unique form of service to the university—an opportunity to use my skills as a psychologist in new ways. Instead of working with individuals one-on-one, I could apply my understanding of human development and organizational dynamics to support faculty and shape the educational environment for our students. 

As dean of the new College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, what’s one of your first-year goals? 

One of my primary goals is the creation of pathways from undergraduate to graduate programs within our new college. In addition, I would like to create new academic pathways that directly meet workforce needs. Specifically, I am spearheading the development of a new master’s program in counseling, which aligns with my own background as a licensed psychologist and addresses a critical need in the mental health field. Additionally, we are working on launching new microcredentials. These short-term, skills-based credentials will allow students to upskill quickly in specific areas of social and behavioral sciences, enhancing their employability and career progression. 

Prior to being appointed dean, you served as interim dean for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. What have you learned from your time in that role that you’ll be applying to your current work? 

Serving as interim dean taught me just how multifaceted this university is—there are so many moving parts and things to know to keep the institution running smoothly. The biggest lesson that I have learned, however, has been the importance of understanding and respecting others. My research background focuses on microaggressions, cultural competency, and racial identity, and I apply those lenses to my leadership. Creating a culture of respect and inclusivity is not just a theoretical concept for me; it is a practical necessity for a thriving academic environment. 

What excites you most about your job? 

I am most excited about the generative aspects of the role: mentoring new faculty and creating new programs. Mentorship is a passion of mine—helping colleagues navigate their careers and ensuring they have the support to be culturally competent educators is deeply rewarding. I’m also energized by writing grants and contributing to workforce development. Empire State University has a strong commitment to upward mobility, and I enjoy creating programs that give our students tangible skills to advance in their careers and support their communities. 

Five-Minute Feature: Laurie Stanley, Assessment Specialist for the Office of International Education

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Get to know the Empire State University community through this rapid-fire interview series that bridges professional accomplishments and personal interests. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The unique people behind the work. Five minutes—starting now!

What led you to your career path?

My career in education was accomplished at two institutions of higher learning—first at Skidmore College for 30+ years, and now at Empire State University for 15 years.  I started out in the academic advising area at Skidmore, then moved over to the non-traditional side of education in the University Without Walls program.  From there, I moved to the Skidmore non-traditional master’s program.  I fell in love with non-traditional education and my work in various positions with adult students who were seeking to improve their lives through a college education.  I took the offered early retirement option from Skidmore in 2010, and soon after, the opportunity to continue working with students in Empire’s Center for International Programs became the second half of my career in this field!

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire?

I must admit my favorite thing about SUNY Empire are its people—certainly working with and learning about our students around the world has given me great pleasure and an education of its own.  Beyond that, I am grateful to have met, and now work with such dedicated and collegial staff here in Saratoga and overseas.  I consider myself lucky to have made some wonderful friends both locally and abroad since working here.  I’ve worked at many jobs over many years and Empire’s international education staff is by far the top group of people I’ve worked with!

What’s one moment in your career you’re especially proud of?

Starting up the master’s program at Skidmore in 1992.  This was an opportunity to have a large impact on a new graduate-level, non-traditional program geared toward non-traditional students in upstate New York—the only master’s program at Skidmore—and I was thrilled to be part of its initiation.

If you could instantly speak any language, which would it be?

I’d love to speak Greek—so I can converse with my good friend in our Athens office in her native tongue.

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?

Tortola, British Virgin Islands—one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Earns Degree at Empire State University

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Mariela Lombard first began dreaming of earning a college degree nearly three decades ago. Now, at the age of 52, the New Yorker has finally earned her bachelor’s degree at Empire State University. 

“It was very emotional,” she says of crossing the stage at the winter 2025 commencement ceremony in Albany. “It felt like an accomplishment.” 

Lombard’s path to graduation began in her home country of Argentina, where she initially considered becoming a physical therapist or a veterinarian. After moving to the U.S. in 1997, though, her plans were put on hold.  

“I immediately started working as a photographer for a newspaper, and life became so busy,” says Lombard, whose photos have been published in Time, Newsweek, and The Wall Street Journal, among other media outlets. “I didn’t have time for that.” 

After many years on the job, the opportunity to attend college finally presented itself in 2021, when Lombard started working for Spectrum News NY1. There, the longtime journalist was eligible for tuition assistance if the degree she pursued was relevant to her role as a planning editor.  

“I started the job in October and by December, I was applying to SUNY Empire,” she recalls, noting that she ultimately enrolled in the cultural studies program with a concentration in journalism. “It seemed like it was my path.” 

Lombard says she chose SUNY Empire based on the recommendation of a colleague who’d told her about the university’s credit for prior learning and work experience. She also valued that she could continue to work full-time while taking courses at her own pace. This year, while completing her degree, she won a New York Emmy with her team for a Spanish-language news special. 

“The flexibility this university gives allows you to study on your own time and at your speed,” Lombard says. “I’m grateful for that.” 

She’s also grateful for her mentors who helped her navigate her program since she began taking classes in January 2022. With their guidance, Lombard became the first person in her family to earn a degree offered in the English language—a fact that makes her particularly proud. 

Now that she has her degree, Lombard says she is open to exploring new career options. 

“Life has so many opportunities,” she says. “Going to Empire State University gave me the power to think about doing other things and improve myself. And I’m all about that.”  

Empire State University’s Most Notable Moments of 2025 

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This year marked SUNY Empire’s fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, the launch of many programs and initiatives designed to remove barriers to education for students, and expanded academic offerings. Read more about some of our best moments of 2025 below.  

January 

Empire State University launched the Spanish BBA program, SUNY’s first Spanish-language online degree program.  

February 

OAA and ITS collaborated to launch the Student Chromebook Pilot Initiative, which helped 912 eligible students gain affordable access to technology critical to their academic success this year.  

March 

Our Associate Degree Initiative launched, awarding a valuable credential to eligible bachelor’s degree-seeking students to help them advance their personal and professional goals. 

April 

Thanks to the Textbook Affordability Initiative, textbook costs for students were reduced by $5 million.  

May 

The inaugural Doctor of Education program graduated its first cohort. 

June 

Nine new academic programs were announced for the fall semester, giving students access to a wider range of academic offerings.  

July 

As part of a strategic restructuring, five new colleges launched: 

  • The College of Arts and Sciences, led by Dean Ju Kim 
  • The College of Business, led by Dean Julie Gedro 
  • The College of Education, led by Dean Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs   
  • The College of Health and Human Services, led by Dean Carol DeNysschen 
  • The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, led by Dean Gina Torino 

August 

Eight Empire State University nursing students received SUNY’s inaugural Healthcare Educator Scholarship, out of 12 total recipients SUNY-wide.  

September 

Empire State University’s enrollment increased for the fourth year in a row, with new student enrollment increasing by 12% and overall student enrollment increasing by 9%. 

October 

A significant expansion of the military grant program was announced, extending education benefits to undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans. 

November 

The virtual food pantry filled a critical need for students during the SNAP benefit shortage, with the Student Government Association allocating an additional $35K in funding to support the student body.  

December 

The Empire State University Foundation acquired Clarke House, a historic 1832 Greek Revival property located in Saratoga Springs, to serve as a venue for donor cultivation, alumni gatherings, community engagement. 

Five-Minute Feature: Jeremy Qvick ’22, Winter 2025 Graduate

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Get to know the Empire State University community through these special-edition Five-Minute Features celebrating our Winter 2025 graduates. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The diverse stories, achievements, and dreams of the students crossing the stage. Five minutes—starting now! 

Meet graduate Jeremy Qvick ’22, who is receiving a Master’s in Adult Learning. 

How has your experience at Empire State University shaped who you are? 

Before Empire State University, I wrote a couple of books about consciousness studies, meditation, and self-development. The books became pretty big in Finland, so I was able to go and give lectures, workshops, and seminars. And then I realized that I wanted to take it to next level. I wanted to create what I call the academic backbone: scientific thinking, clear observation, all those good things that you might not get otherwise. I don’t believe there is another school where I could do what I was able to do here, which means that I could really craft my own path. 

What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire?  

The open-mindedness of my professors. They want to follow me where my learning is, where my questions are, instead of imposing their views of how I should learn. This gives me a feeling of humanness and connection. 
 
Where and how did you find community at SUNY Empire?  

I went on a half-year journey around the US from Finland to find a school because I did not want to make a compromise. At the end I found Empire State University in the backyard of my American friends in Saratoga Springs who were supporting my studies, so it was quite a journey. 
 

What’s a first-day assumption you made that ended up being inaccurate?    

I thought online schooling would be more dry and more outside directed. I thought my studies would unfold in terms of, “check this goal, check that goal.” And for me it was much more.  

What are your future plans?   

I will begin to do the work which I’m now doing as my final project. I’m able to combine the learning I’m doing with my coming profession. I am studying adult learning, so my final project is about how to bring adult learning into social media. How can one experience deep learning in a TikTok video? This is my ultimate goal. 

VMRC Launches New Professional Development Series for Faculty, Staff

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Empire State University serves over a thousand military-affiliated students—more than any other school in the SUNY system. Now, a new initiative aims to prepare more faculty and staff to support this unique population of learners. That’s the goal behind UNITE, a professional development series created by the Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC).  

“The hope is that it helps integrate a wider contingency of the university into military and veteran programming because the more support and understanding we have, the better our students are going to feel,” says Desiree Drindak, director of the VMRC.  

Launched this fall with backing from the university’s Special Projects Fund, the program centers on five pillars: Understand, Nurture, Inspire, Transition, and Empower. Participants must engage in events and/or trainings related to each. To satisfy requirements for the “Nurture” pillar, for instance, participants must attend panel presentations on military student success and funding. The “Understand” pillar, meanwhile, includes training in mental health first aid. 

Overall, the program—which takes about 15 hours to complete—is designed to be flexible. There are in-person and virtual options to help address scheduling challenges, plus a variety of ways for participants to work through each pillar. 

“It’s mostly set up like a choose-your-own-adventure,” Drindak says of the curriculum, which encourages participants to explore and report back on local resources for active military and veterans. “It’s meant to let people delve into things they’re interested in learning about and give them a wide range of opportunities.” 

Open to all faculty and staff, the program currently has 40 participants, but Drindak notes that more enrollees—including those with military affiliations—are welcome.  

“I think actually it’s valuable to have people who are connected to the military community participate because they bring that voice to the table when we’re in conversation,” says Drindak, a military spouse. “Every person’s experience is going to be different. A child of a veteran is going to bring a different perspective than a military spouse or a military member. I think all those voices are important to help our community learn more about supporting our military families.” 

As a UNITE participant, Jacob “JayJay” Johnson offers one such voice. The graduate recruiter/admissions coordinator, whose father (among other relatives) served in the military, says the program has been “incredibly meaningful” for him.  

“Each part of the journey has shaped my understanding in a different way,” Johnson says, noting his participation in events like Honoring Our Heroes. “Along the way, I’ve seen how dedicated we are to supporting both current military and veteran students and their families through flexible learning options, knowledgeable staff, and a genuine commitment to making sure they feel valued and understood. Altogether, these experiences have given me a richer perspective and a profound respect for the communities we serve.” 

How University Photographer Joe O’Dea’s Calling Came Into Focus

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This excerpt is taken from “A Deep Dive with Joe O’Dea, University Photographer” Read the full version.

Behind most images and employee headshots found on Empire State University platforms is one talented individual: University Photographer Joe O’Dea, who joined SUNY Empire two summers ago. Much like the art of photography, something about the university clicked with him right away.  

Winter light leaks through the window in four slanted quadrants behind O’Dea. To his left, a six-piece grid arrangement of commencement photographs shot by him. In them, cap-wearing graduates smile—he has captured one of the proudest days of their lives.

Irigoyen: Can you tell me about where you’re from and what your upbringing was like?

O’Dea: I was born in Huntington, New York, on Long Island. My family moved to Western Massachusetts when I was young, about a year old, so really, all my memories are of Massachusetts. It was a very rural area on the border of Vermont.  

It was almost a survival of the fittest scenario, socially speaking. There were a bunch of loud New Yorkers, so everyone was constantly talking over each other, and you had to learn your times to interject and say something funny to get noticed. It was altogether a good experience.  

The humorous undertone in O’Dea’s voice gives dimension to the unruliness of overlapping voices in a conversation. With it comes a strong sense of endearment for his family.

Irigoyen: What were some of your early interests or hobbies?

O’Dea: Music was always a huge one for me. One of my biggest musical influences was my oldest sister, Christi. She used to order CDs through the mail. She had hundreds of them in her room. We would often listen to them—or she would listen to them—and I would absorb some of her musical interests, kind of through osmosis, and learn about music through her.

Though music had a steady presence in his upbringing, O’Dea sees his family’s quippy humor as an equally influential factor.  

Irigoyen: Would you say you’ve always been drawn to visual expression and storytelling?

O’Dea: I used to draw quite a bit when I was younger, that was the early days of exploring some of that artistic side. I also always loved film and TV, and really enjoyed the art in those mediums. I remember being an early teen, and one thing I was drawn to was music videos. I love music videos, and I have hundreds of favorites.

Irigoyen: What about photography first drew you in?

O’Dea: I kind of stumbled into photography, which was nice. It was a fun way to be introduced to it. I was going on a road trip across the country, living in Texas at the time, and heading to California and through the West. I bought a camera to play around with and learn how to use.

I would go into a nature trail by my apartment at the time, take photos and listen to Simon and Garfunkel. It clicked with me right away—I love to do it.

What’s great about photography is when you’re in the zone with it, you become so focused on the thing that you’re photographing, and you get into a bit of what people call a flow state. You lose touch with yourself in a way that puts you in the moment. That feeling was very stimulating.

Irigoyen: My next question is: how would you define the role of a photographer?

O’Dea: In some ways, photographers are like documentarians … but what I’ve learned over time is that the photographer’s role is to be an active participant in the scene.

I’ve found—specifically with event photography where you’re photographing a lot of people and they’re moving around—that the ways in which you interact with people really changes the scene. You are just as much a part of it as the things you are photographing.

It’s a process of give and take, working in both directions. I don’t think you can ever take the photographer out of the scene. The kind of energy that you put into the situation alters the energy that you get from it.

Irigoyen: So, how did you formally get into photography as a career?

O’Dea: I completely fell in love with photography. I was working in restaurants and interning at nonprofits in Austin, Texas. After work, I would close the restaurant up and go to 6th street—the big party street of Austin. I would head there with my camera at night, take photos of whatever I could find out on the street, and throw my photos up on Instagram.

People were giving me positive feedback, and as a nonprofit intern, I was offered a couple of opportunities to go shoot some events for them. At some point, my sister sent me a Facebook page called “Humans of Austin,” which was similar to “Humans of New York,” who would go around taking photos of people in New York and interview them. A couple of graduate students in Austin started their own version of it.

I eventually began to work with them. I’d go out on the street, take photos of people in Austin, and do interviews with them. I learned all sorts of things from people. They have this amazing ability to surprise you in so many ways with things you would never have known about them. It was a great opportunity to peer behind the curtain into people’s lives.

I would take someone’s photo first, then interview them, and then take photos afterwards. I found that the images I would get after the interview were so different from the photos beforehand.

Irigoyen: It’s interesting how that illustrates what you were saying before about having a positive disposition when you interact with a scene, and how that can impact what you get when you photograph someone.

O’Dea: Absolutely. After that, I found a job posting for a place called Chive Media Group for a photographer’s assistant position, so I applied. I became the head photographer there, but that was years later.

Irigoyen: I’m assuming you’ve taken thousands upon thousands of images, but if you have a favorite, can you describe it for me?

O’Dea: When I was working at Chive Media Group, we did a piece on a man who ran a neon light business. He had created a neon sign for an area on the top floor of our workplace, so we went there to take photos and videos of him. It was a place out in the hills in Texas, very far from where we were based, kind of like a warehouse or a large shed, which was his workshop. I loved all the gritty textures, and the lighting coming from all the neon lights, which we supplemented by adding a couple of lights. He, as a character, was also so cool.

Irigoyen: What do you wish people knew about your work as a photographer?

O’Dea: How difficult a good headshot can be. It’s satisfying when you do get what you’re looking for, but it’s a difficult thing to do.

That being said, please feel free to come by and get your headshot taken during Annual Meeting … I’m always happy to update headshots if you want to come to different sessions. Sometimes we don’t nail it the first time, but hopefully, we’ll get something that you really love.

Irigoyen: What is your favorite photography tip?

O’Dea: One of the biggest things for me with photography is overcoming social anxiety, or fear that someone will reject what you’re doing, and immersing yourself as much as possible in the scene. Try to push yourself past those social limitations.

A Deep Dive with Joe O’Dea, University Photographer

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Behind most images and employee headshots found on Empire State University platforms is one talented individual: University Photographer Joe O’Dea, who joined SUNY Empire two summers ago. Much like the art of photography, something about the university clicked with him right away. 

Winter light leaks through the window in four slanted quadrants behind O’Dea. To his left, a six-piece grid arrangement of commencement photographs shot by him. In them, cap-wearing graduates smile—he has captured one of the proudest days of their lives. O’Dea, who is in a polo shirt, rectangular glasses, and headphones, leans slightly to one side in his office chair.  

Irigoyen: Can you tell me about where you’re from and what your upbringing was like?

O’Dea: I was born in Huntington, New York, on Long Island. My family moved to Western Massachusetts when I was young, about a year old, so really, all my memories are of Massachusetts. It was a very rural area on the border of Vermont.  

I enjoyed living further away from things; it was all I knew at that point. You knew your neighbors well; it was a close-knit community. I had some good friends growing up. I also lived a couple of doors down from my grandmother’s house, which was the central hub everyone would come to. There were always people going in and out of her house unannounced. It was a fun, vibrant, and sometimes hectic social situation.

In some ways, it’s funny—it was almost a survival of the fittest scenario, socially speaking. There were a bunch of loud New Yorkers, so everyone was constantly talking over each other, and you had to learn your times to interject and say something funny to get noticed. It was altogether a good experience.  

The humorous undertone in O’Dea’s voice gives dimension to the unruliness of overlapping voices in a conversation. With it comes a strong sense of endearment for his family. The conversation shifts to sibling dynamics. O’Dea shares that he experienced being both the youngest sibling and an older sibling, as his youngest brother was born after he turned 15.

Irigoyen: What were some of your early interests or hobbies?

O’Dea: Music was always a huge one for me. One of my biggest musical influences was my oldest sister, Christi. She used to order CDs through the mail. She had hundreds of them in her room. We would often listen to them—or she would listen to them—and I would absorb some of her musical interests, kind of through osmosis, and learn about music through her. Back in the day, she used to ask me, ‘who does this song?’ as trivia, so I got good at recognizing different musical artists.

I have some vivid memories from when I was fairly young of sitting in my room with my boombox listening to the “Beatles’ Greatest,” or “Odelay” by Beck—one of my first CDs. I came from a fairly musical family. My grandmother was a professional singer in New York, so music was a big part of the atmosphere.

Though music had a steady presence in his upbringing, O’Dea sees his family’s quippy humor as an equally influential factor.

O’Dea: Eventually, I started playing the guitar and got into music more as a hobby. I play the piano as well now, and I’ve done that for a good number of years. I don’t read sheet music; I mostly play by ear, so I’ll look up YouTube videos … I love improvising music.

Irigoyen: I’m curious, what’s your favorite song to play right now?

O’Dea: One song I love playing is “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead.

Mentioning the rock band veers the conversation into a musical tangent. O’Dea explains that the “Paranoid Android” arrangement he plays is by Josh Cohen, a New Zealand pianist. 

Irigoyen: Would you say you’ve always been drawn to visual expression and storytelling?

O’Dea: I used to draw quite a bit when I was younger, that was the early days of exploring some of that artistic side. I also always loved film and TV, and really enjoyed the art in those mediums. I remember being an early teen, and one thing I was drawn to was music videos. I love music videos, and I have hundreds of favorites.

Irigoyen: Maybe it’s not possible to choose one favorite, but if you can, what was your favorite music video, or your favorite film?

O’Dea: One of my favorite movies, which I love, is “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” I enjoy it visually, but it’s more the storytelling that’s interesting to me. I’ve been getting into Charlie Kaufman movies recently. I like his writing style. The reason I would say it’s one of my favorite movies is because it’s something I can watch over and over again. Another one I love is “Midnight in Paris” by Woody Allen.

The reference spurs a discussion about what makes a film have a compelling atmosphere. In the case of “Midnight in Paris,” a combination of lighting, color grading, music, and other elements help construct—and maintain—a sense of longing and nostalgia that feels familiar to viewers, and permeates every scene.

O’Dea: I think what I like about both those movies is that, to some degree, they both have interesting romantic stories or ideas behind them. There’s something about that that’s in some ways sweet, in some ways melancholic—but it’s ultimately interesting. I love the idea of films being meta and having multiple levels in them. Both of those movies nail that in interesting ways.

Irigoyen: What about photography first drew you in?

O’Dea: I kind of stumbled into photography, which was nice. It was a fun way to be introduced to it. I was going on a road trip across the country, living in Texas at the time, and heading to California and through the West. I bought a camera to play around with and learn how to use.

I would go into a nature trail by my apartment at the time, take photos and listen to Simon and Garfunkel. It clicked with me right away—I love to do it.

What’s great about photography is when you’re in the zone with it, you become so focused on the thing that you’re photographing, and you get into a bit of what people call a flow state. You lose touch with yourself in a way that puts you in the moment. That feeling was very stimulating.

I nod. This is a feeling that many creatives know and chase after.

Irigoyen: It’s interesting to get so captivated by something that you forget what you’re even doing in the moment. My next question is: how would you define the role of a photographer?

O’Dea pauses briefly to consider the question.

O’Dea: That can be a complicated question because there are many answers to it. In some ways, photographers are like documentarians. They are there to capture a scene at a very specific moment in time. There’s a lot of power in that, but what I’ve learned over time is that the photographer’s role is to be an active participant in the scene.

I’ve found—specifically with event photography where you’re photographing a lot of people and they’re moving around—that the ways in which you interact with people really changes the scene. You are just as much a part of it as the things you are photographing.

It’s a process of give and take, working in both directions. I don’t think you can ever take the photographer out of the scene. The kind of energy that you put into the situation alters the energy that you get from it.

Irigoyen: It’s almost like a two-way mirror—I hadn’t thought of it that way. So, how did you formally get into photography as a career?

O’Dea: I completely fell in love with photography. I was working in restaurants and interning at nonprofits in Austin, Texas—I thought I was going to work in the nonprofit sector.

After work, I would close the restaurant up and go to 6th street—the big party street of Austin. I would head there with my camera at night, take photos of whatever I could find out on the street, and throw my photos up on Instagram.

People were giving me positive feedback, and as a nonprofit intern, I was offered a couple of opportunities to go shoot some events for them. I did it for free—I figured, if I offer to do this, I’ll get better at it and gain access to photograph more of the things I am interested in.

At some point, my sister sent me a Facebook page called “Humans of Austin,” which was similar to “Humans of New York,” who would go around taking photos of people in New York and interview them. A couple of graduate students in Austin started their own version of it.

I eventually began to work with them. I’d go out on the street, take photos of people in Austin, and do interviews with them. I learned all sorts of things from people. They have this amazing ability to surprise you in so many ways with things you would never have known about them. It was a great opportunity to peer behind the curtain into people’s lives.

I would take someone’s photo first, then interview them, and then take photos afterwards. I found that the images I would get after the interview were so different from the photos beforehand.

Irigoyen: It’s interesting how that illustrates what you were saying before about having a positive disposition when you interact with a scene, and how that can impact what you get when you photograph someone.

O’Dea: Absolutely. After that, I found a job posting for a place called Chive Media Group for a photographer’s assistant position, so I applied. I was wildly unqualified, but I did well in the interview and got the job. I spent all my time looking at YouTube videos and taking photos to learn as fast as humanly possible because I felt I didn’t know enough about photography at the time. I became the head photographer there, but that was years later.

Irigoyen: I’m assuming you’ve taken thousands upon thousands of images, but if you have a favorite, can you describe it for me?

O’Dea asks for a moment to scroll through his online portfolio before he settles on an image and begins telling the story behind it.

O’Dea: When I was working at Chive Media Group, we did a piece on a man who ran a neon light business. He had created a neon sign for an area on the top floor of our workplace, so we went there to take photos and videos of him. It was a place out in the hills in Texas, very far from where we were based, kind of like a warehouse or a large shed, which was his workshop. I loved all the gritty textures, and the lighting coming from all the neon lights, which we supplemented by adding a couple of lights. He, as a character, was also so cool.

My grandfather was a carpenter; he used a lot of hand tools and had his workshop in the basement. I love watching people in the process of making things. I thought it was a cool shot—I like that one a lot.

Irigoyen: What do you wish people knew about your work as a photographer?

O’Dea: How difficult a good headshot can be. I wish every single headshot that I took was an absolute home run, but if I’m honest, it’s a very hard art to refine. I work hard to make them as good as I possibly can, but there are so many elements that go into it—the lighting, the setup, the angle, and the expression you’re getting from the subject. It’s satisfying when you do get what you’re looking for, but it’s a difficult thing to do.

That being said, please feel free to come by and get your headshot taken during Annual Meeting. We set up every year, and for some of our other university events as well. We try to use every opportunity to get updated headshots for people, and I’m always happy to update headshots if you want to come to different sessions. Sometimes we don’t nail it the first time, but hopefully, we’ll get something that you really love.

Irigoyen: Next question: what is your favorite photography tip?

From his mental repository of photography knowledge, O’Dea carefully selects what to share.

O’Dea: When you’re adjusting the levels of a photo while editing, I’ve found it can be helpful to turn the photo black and white when doing that. That way, you’re only looking at the tones of the image, and you’re not being bogged down with the color.

Other than that, one of the biggest things for me with photography is overcoming social anxiety, or fear that someone will reject what you’re doing, and immersing yourself as much as possible in the scene. Getting over the fear of talking to someone, asking to take their photo, or putting a camera in someone’s face—obviously with respect—that’s the other tip. Try to push yourself past those social limitations.

Irigoyen: What is your favorite thing to talk about?

O’Dea: I went to college for anthropology, so I very much see humans as animals. I feel like people lose touch with that, and through all of our endeavors, we are slowly relearning that the things that connect us with nature are the things that are healthiest and best for us. I’m trying to live in a way that is more connected with our roots—it’s something that I find to be increasingly important.

Irigoyen: Last one—what is your advice for aspiring photographers?

O’Dea: For me, I found that it was useful to offer to photograph things for free. In the beginning, it gave me the opportunity to go places and take photos of people, or events, or artists—just all sorts of random projects that people wanted. It’s a nice way to build your skills.

Five-Minute Feature: Taylor Allen, Winter 2025 Graduate

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Get to know the Empire State University community through these special-edition Five-Minute Features celebrating our Winter 2025 graduates. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The diverse stories, achievements, and dreams of the students crossing the stage. Five minutes—starting now! 

Meet graduate Taylor Allen, who is receiving a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.  

How has your experience at Empire State University shaped who you are?   

SUNY Empire has made me more confident, focused, and resilient. It helped me discover my strengths and take control of my education and future. 

Who supported you on your educational journey? 

My advisor, Noor Syed, supported me throughout my entire program by offering consistent guidance, clear feedback, and encouragement at every stage. She helped me navigate coursework and stay focused when challenges came up. Her expertise and genuine investment in my success made a significant difference and helped me grow both academically and professionally. 

What are your future plans?   

My end goal is a position as a Behavior Specialist in a school setting where I can support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth. 

What kept you motivated as you pursued your degree? 

I stayed motivated by focusing on the future I wanted—both for myself and the people I hope to support in my career. I want to make sure every student has the support they need to be successful. 

What is a good resource for fellow students?   

The SUNY Empire library is an excellent resource because it provides access to research databases and e-books.