Meet Our Graduate Team

Jessica Augier

Associate Director of Parsons Graduate Admission

Contact: [email protected]
Degrees Earned: MFA Painting/Printmaking, New York Academy of Art; BFA Studio Art, East Tennessee State University 
When Not at Work: Make art, hike, bike, swim, whitewater kayak, ski, scuba dive, jump out of planes, run obstacle course races, and ride all of the roller-coasters. 
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Coney Island (because roller-coasters)

Sam Byron

Director of Admission, College of Performing Arts

Contact: [email protected]
Degrees Earned: MFA Playwriting, School of Drama, College of Performing Arts, The New School; BA Writing and BA Drama, Ithaca College 
When Not at Work: I take time for creativity and spend time outside if I can - oh, and binge-watch The West Wing.
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Pizza Loves Emily in Brooklyn. It's what pure happiness would be if it suddenly manifested as a hipster pizza restaurant that also served wings and the best freakin' cheeseburger in New York City.

Mike Fakih

Senior Director of Enrollment and Admissions, Parsons Paris

Contact: [email protected]
Degrees Earned: MPA, Sciences Po Paris 
When Not at Work: Meet my friends, exercise, eat, visit museums and/or exhibitions. At times, I love just sitting on my couch!
My Favorite Spot in New York City: When I am in NYC, I like hanging out at The New School, actually, and around Union Square and Greenwich Village. In Paris, where I am based, I have countless favorite spots, especially around the central districts in the second and tenth districts of the city.

Merida Escandon Gasbarro

Senior Director of Admission for Liberal Studies, Social Research, and Professional Studies 

Contact: [email protected]
Degrees Earned: MS Health Policy Analysis, Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment, Schools of Public Engagement, The New School; BA English Language Arts, Hunter College CUNY; BS Clinical Laboratory Science, Pace University 
When Not at Work: I enjoy exploring different neighborhoods, strolling in one of the many glorious parks in my home borough of Queens, and tending my small garden. I'm growing loads of lavender, basil, and mint this year. 
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Shore Boulevard in Astoria Park is my favorite spot in NYC. Here, you take in views of Hell Gate and RFK Bridges, Randall's Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It's just a beautiful place at any season.

Sam Graudins

Title: Assistant Director of Parsons Graduate Admission
Contact: [email protected]

Degrees Earned: BS Communication Studies, Emerson College
When Not at Work: I love hosting outdoor film screenings, taking long road trips, eating good food, looking at the tops of things, and learning as much as I can!
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Transmitter Park in Greenpoint at dusk, with a good book and a hot cup of coffee

Molly Horan

Title: Associate Director of Admission, Parsons Executive Education
Contact: [email protected]

Degrees Earned: BFA Drama, NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Parsons Executive Education offers numerous engaging courses and programs for executives. To learn more, visit our website or contact me directly. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Dustin W. Liebenow

Title: Senior Director of Parsons Admission
Contact: [email protected]

Degrees Earned: BFA Fine Arts, Pratt Institute
When Not at Work: I work on my art practice, spend time with family, visit antique stores, and explore new places.
My Favorite Spot in New York City: I love the Frick Collection and going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as any great coffee shop.

Grace Shields

Title: Assistant Director of Graduate Admission 
Contact: [email protected]

Degrees Earned: MFA Creative Writing (Fiction and Nonfiction Writing), The New School; BA Humanities/Liberal Arts, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
When Not at Work: I like to read, spend time with friends (preferably with food, preferably al fresco), travel, go on walks with my partner and dog, sit under a tree, be near the ocean, and write.
My Favorite Spot in New York City: The Coney Island boardwalk. I love to grab a hotdog at Nathan's, set up a blanket on the sand, maybe catch a ride on the Wonder Wheel, and stroll out to the end of the pier. While I'm there, I'll pop into the New York Aquarium and go to the Shark and Stingray exhibit, where there is a Shark Tunnel. I highly recommend staying at the beach for the sunset and watching the lights of Luna Park twinkle on.

Noelle Timmons

Title: Assistant Director of Parsons Graduate Admission 
Contact: [email protected]

Degrees Earned: MFA Painting, New York Academy of Art; BFA Illustration + Drawing & Painting, Laguna College of Art + Design
When Not at Work: Get outside to enjoy the sun and camp, hike, or run. I might paint in my studio or host my figure drawing meetup. And there's always time for new plant-based recipes and dog walks at the beach.
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Guevara's! (This is not a paid promotion.)