Meet Our Graduate Team

Mariana G. Arias

Assistant Director of Graduate Admission

Contact: [email protected]
Degrees Earned: PhD candidate, Anthropology, NSSR; MA Anthropology, NSSR; BA Media Studies, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City
When Not at Work: I enjoy exploring the city with family and friends, going for walks, visiting museums and parks, and attending concerts. I also love reading fiction and working on my PhD dissertation. Whenever I can, I like to travel and meet new people and experience new places, foods, and stories.
My Favorite Spot in New York City: Queens and its food scene from around the world!

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)

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.

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.)