Résumé/CV

Documentary Storyteller
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Academic Experience

Professor (2021 - present)

Within the Media, Communications & Journalism Department at Fresno State, I teach documentary storytelling and direct the Film and Media Arts program.

Associate Professor (2017 - 2021)

Assistant Professor (2012 - 2017)

Filmmaker-in-Residence

Negotiate the intersection of science and the humanities, with the goal of teaching how to visually communicate good science beyond the laboratory at the College of William and Mary.

PROFESSIONAL Experience

2009 - Present

National Geographic Expeditions

Teach immersive, hands-on photography and filmmaking workshops on-location around the world; create media content for National Geographic Traveler & Student Expeditions

2005 - 2012

Founder / Creative Director

Owner and creative director for media production house in Washington DC. Media creator and consultant for non-profit, government, private and corporate clients.

Education

MBA, Business Administration
Craig School of Business
California State University, Fresno

MFA, Film and Media Arts
School of Communication
American University

BA, Geology
Amherst College

Skills

Video Production
Photography
Post-Production & Editing
Curriculum Design
Public Speaking

about me

Jes Therkelsen is a storyteller and explorer. His documentary films have screened in international festivals and broadcasted nationally. Working with National Geographic Expeditions, he has photographed across six continents. He was the first Filmmaker-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary and now teaches at California State University, Fresno. When not creating or teaching media, Professor Therkelsen can be found in the Sierras, on his bicycle, or in a large, open sunny field.