Intensive Course Leaders
Multidisciplinary Scholar and Creative Artist
Edward received an M.Phil and Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University with a concentration in Diplomatic History and International Law. He earned an M.A. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and has a Certificate with Distinction in European Law from the University of Leiden, a Certificate with Distinction in Management of International Organizations from the University of Geneva, and a Certificate in Molecular Neuropharmacology from the California Institute of Technology. Edward is a member of the California Bar Association. He composes music, does photography, and drawing.
Edward M. Roche
Dean of Admissions |Prof. Dr. Edward M. Roche, Ph.D., J.D. Multidisciplinary Scholar and Creative Artist
Opening & Closing Ceremony Host
Currently teaching and advising at NYSFA.
Richard Jochum holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Vienna, where his dissertation on coping strategies in contemporary philosophy received distinction. He also earned an MFA in Sculpture and Media Art from the University of Applied Arts Vienna, along with advanced degrees in philosophy, theology, political science, and German literature from the University of Innsbruck.
His scholarly interests include artistic research, socially engaged art, and new media art education, with a focus on studio-based teaching in higher education. Dr. Jochum is a long-standing faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he teaches media art and education. His academic practice bridges theory and hands-on research, encouraging students to explore the intersection of art, society, and emerging technologies.
As Lead Instructor of the NYSFA Advanced Certificate Program, Dr. Jochum brings decades of international academic experience and a deep commitment to advancing creative education in contemporary art and media.
Richard Jochum
Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University
Lead Instructor, NYSFA Advanced Certificate Program
Dr. Richard Jochum is a Columbia University professor specializing in media art, artistic research, and art as social practice. At NYSFA, he leads the Advanced Certificate Program, sharing his global academic expertise with emerging creatives.
Kaveri Kaul is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and educator. A Harvard University alumna and Fulbright Scholar, she has taught at Columbia University, the City College of New York, and the School of Visual Arts. Her work, known for exploring identity, migration, and cultural memory, has been screened at major festivals including Telluride, DOC NYC, Rotterdam, and the Havana Film Festival, and exhibited at institutions such as the Kennedy Center and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
As part of NYSFA’s distinguished speaker series, Ms. Kaul was invited as a guest professor to speak on “AI, Cultural Memory, and the Future of Multicultural Narratives.” Her lecture highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way stories are told, and how diverse cultural voices must be actively preserved and elevated in this digital age.
Kavery Kaul
Kaveri Kaul is an award-winning filmmaker and writer, known for her documentaries exploring culture, identity, and migration. A Fulbright Scholar and graduate of Harvard University, she has taught at Columbia University, City College of New York, and the School of Visual Arts.
She was invited by the New York School of Fashion and Arts (NYSFA) as a guest professor, where she gave a featured talk on AI and multiculturalism, examining how emerging technologies are shaping the future of storytelling and cultural expression.
Sibel Deren Guler is a researcher, designer, and educator in the Technology and Art Certificate Program at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Based in New York, she has led technology-driven projects and interactive workshops across the globe. Her mission is to design accessible, human-centered tools that reimagine how we interact with the world.
Her work has been featured in major platforms such as The New York Times, BBC, Wired, and the INDEX: Design to Improve Life Awards. She is the founder and CEO of Teknikio, an award-winning line of educational technology kits, and a co-founder of FatcatFablab, a community makerspace.
In addition to her work at Columbia and Parsons, Deren is also the author of Crafting Wearables: Blending Technology with Fashion. She will soon bring her expertise to NYSFA as a guest instructor for the Advanced Certificate Program, where she will guide students in creative technology, wearable design, and innovation-driven thinking.
Silel Deren Guler
Deren Guler
Educator & Designer in Creative Technology
Incoming Guest Instructor, Advanced Certificate Program at NYSFA
Deren Guler is an award-winning designer and educator at Columbia University and Parsons School of Design. She is joining NYSFA to lead advanced workshops in creative technology and wearable innovation.
Kiril Hristov is an accomplished artist and illustrator whose work has been featured in galleries across Europe, North Africa, and the United States. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, he developed a passion for art and film from a young age and studied at the National School of Fine Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts, where he earned his Ph.D. in Fine Art.
He has exhibited individually and in group shows in Bulgaria, Greece, Algeria, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, and the United States. In parallel with his artistic career, Hristov served as an art director and taught creative studio design for brands such as GAP and Old Navy in San Francisco.
In addition, he has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in California. Now at NYSFA, he brings a global perspective to courses on illustration, design thinking, and studio development.
Kiril Hristor
Kiril Hristov
Art Director
Kiril Hristov designed and
taught creative studio
development, including GAP
and Old Navy, in San Francisco
and other brands. He also
taught courses in Fashion
Institute of Technology-
Illustration Department in New
York and in Fashion Institute
of Design & Merchandising in
California.
In the 1990s, Charlie Zhu began a global journey exploring museums and galleries, which deepened his passion for classical oil painting and European and American sculpture. He has since dedicated himself to the collection, study, and restoration of these works.
Professor Zhu earned his degree in Arts and Crafts Design from Nanjing University of the Arts. During his studies, he actively participated in national and science-themed art exhibitions, earning third prize and recognition for outstanding achievements.
He previously taught at Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai Campus, and now serves as the chairman of the Global International Film Festival in San Francisco. As Associate Dean of Admissions at NYSFA, Professor Zhu brings his cross-disciplinary background in fine art, visual media, and fashion into his teaching and leadership, shaping the next generation of global creatives.
Ai Min Zhu
Associate Professor & Associate Dean of Admissions, NYSFA
Specialist in Oil Painting Restoration
Charlie Zhu is a multidisciplinary artist and educator with expertise in painting, photography, film, and exhibition design. At NYSFA, he leads research in oil painting restoration and classical art studies.
Aneta Genova, Associate Teaching Professor at Parsons School of Design, was invited as a guest professor at the New York School of Fashion and Arts (NYSFA). In her special lecture titled “The Future of Fashion: Exploring the Synergy Between Digital Fashion and AI,” Professor Genova shared her expertise in accessory design, fashion technology, and creative innovation. Drawing from her experience in both academia and industry, she inspired students and faculty with cutting-edge insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming the fashion landscape — from virtual prototyping and smart textiles to AI-generated design processes.
Her lecture was part of NYSFA’s Global Fashion Innovation Series, which aims to connect students with world-leading thinkers and practitioners in fashion, art, and technology.
Aneta Genova
was invited as a guest professor at the New York School of Fashion and Arts (NYSFA), where she delivered a special lecture on the intersection of digital fashion and artificial intelligence. With over 20 years of industry and academic experience, she brought cutting-edge insights into how emerging technologies are reshaping fashion design, especially in the realm of accessories and digital product innovation.
Rudy Bundini is a multi-talented American who has left a lasting impact across fashion, film, sports, and real estate. He was named Male Model of the Year by the International Modeling and Talent Association and has represented elite brands including Nike, Armani, Versace, Calvin Klein, Roger Dubuis, Philipp Plein, and Hennessy.
His acting credits include a lead role in The Beautiful Grind New York, a cameo as “Beach Man” in James Wan’s Furious 7, and appearances in music videos alongside stars like Ariana Grande. He has also featured on The Real Housewives of New York and Younger.
Beyond the runway and screen, Rudy is a former heavyweight boxing champion, having won gold at the Azerbaijan International Tournament. At NYSFA, he brings his industry insights and charisma to the classroom, guiding students in modeling, stage presence, and professional development.
Rudy Bundini
Award-Winning Model & Actor
Instructor of Modeling and Stage Performance, NYSFA
Rudy Bundini is an internationally recognized model and actor, known for his dynamic presence on runways, in film, and on television. At NYSFA, he teaches modeling and stage performance, drawing from his diverse experience in the industry.
2 Weeks Intensive Training Course
Discover the New York School of Fashion and Art's Specialized Intensive Course in Partnership with Columbia University
Experience the captivating world of fashion and art with the renowned New York School of Fashion and Art, in collaboration with Columbia University. Immerse yourself in a dynamic, short-term course designed to ignite your creativity, refine your skills, and connect you with industry leaders. Join us for an unforgettable journey in the heart of New York City.