David P. Tierney is a communication and media researcher interested in the ways culture, technology, and storytelling intersect. My work explores how meaning is made, challenged, and circulated—whether through public narratives, digital platforms, or everyday conversation. I’m especially drawn to questions about identity, belief, and the social impact of media in both online and offline spaces.
This site is a home for my writing, creative projects, and ongoing inquiry into communication’s role in shaping the world around us. Whether you’re here to explore ideas, connect professionally, or collaborate on something new—thanks for stopping by.
Recent Experience
Adjunct Professor, Ramapo College of New Jersey (2024-Present)
Instructed undergraduate courses in media literacy, public speaking, and intercultural communication at Ramapo College. Designed and delivered curriculum that critically examined communication theories and practices, fostering students’ analytical abilities and cross-cultural competencies through rigorous discussion and applied learning.
Creative Director, Hawthorne Christian Academy (2025-Present)
Designed and taught upper school media arts courses including Yearbook, Media Literacy & Production, Directing the Documentary, Broadcast Communication, Intro to Cinema Studies, and dual-enrollment Public Speaking. Served as yearbook advisor, managing budgeting and enhancing student learning experiences. Led content creation and oversight for Hawthorne Christian Academy’s social media platforms, ensuring alignment with branding and supporting student-run accounts.
Director of Marketing & Development, Bergen Christian Academy (2021-2025)
Led strategic marketing and development initiatives at Bergen County Christian Academy to enhance community engagement and enrollment growth. Directed brand positioning, managed outreach campaigns, cultivated donor relationships, and coordinated fundraising efforts to support the school’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Education
Master of Arts in Media, Culture, & Communication
New York University, New York, NY
Explored the intersections of media, technology, and society through critical theory and cultural analysis. Concentrated on how media influences identity, ideology, and global communication, while engaging in advanced coursework and independent research.
Master of Education in Teaching & Learning
Earned a Master of Education in Teaching & Learning, emphasizing the integration of innovative instructional strategies and educational technologies. Specialized in designing learner-centered environments that promote critical thinking, engagement, and media literacy across diverse student populations. Committed to advancing effective and inclusive pedagogical practices that support student growth and development.
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication
Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ
Gained a strong foundation in persuasive messaging, media writing, and campaign planning. Focused on how communication shapes public perception across digital and traditional platforms, with hands-on experience in both academic and applied settings.
Skills
Nonprofit Marketing & Campaign Strategy
Experienced in crafting mission-driven marketing initiatives for educational and faith-based nonprofits. Develops campaigns that align storytelling with organizational values, engages target audiences, and drives meaningful action across digital and print channels.
Creative Content Creation
Skilled in producing high-quality visual and audio content across platforms, including video, photography, podcasting, and social media. Combines creative storytelling with technical proficiency in editing tools and production workflows to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences. Experienced in managing content calendars, directing on-set shoots, and maintaining brand consistency across formats, with a strong focus on mission-driven messaging and educational or nonprofit settings.
Instructional Expertise
Applies student-centered teaching methods grounded in media and communication theory, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness in both secondary and higher education classrooms.
Interests
Documentary Filmmaking + Visual Storytelling
Documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling serve as vital tools for examining the intersection of media, culture, and society. Through this medium, I explore how narratives shape cultural identity and influence public understanding of complex issues. By combining critical analysis with creative expression, documentary work enables deeper engagement with the social forces that drive communication and meaning-making.
Digital Media + Cultural Communication
Digital media profoundly shapes how cultures communicate, interact, and evolve in a rapidly connected world. My focus lies in analyzing how online platforms influence cultural identity, social norms, and the spread of ideas across diverse communities. By studying these dynamics, I aim to understand the role digital communication plays in fostering both connection and division in contemporary society.
Media + Technology in Educational Contexts
Media and technology are transforming educational environments by reshaping how knowledge is shared and experienced. I explore how digital tools and media platforms enhance learning, foster critical thinking, and support diverse communication styles among students. This intersection of media and education offers opportunities to create more engaging, inclusive, and effective pedagogical approaches.
Community Involvement
Committed to active community engagement through volunteer work and service initiatives that support educational and faith-based organizations. Passionate about fostering connection, mentorship, and outreach to strengthen community bonds and promote shared values. Dedicated to leveraging communication skills to contribute meaningfully to local and broader communities.
