The Team

iCamp takes pride in its passionate, experienced, and attentive team. This Academy success, is anchored by the hardworking and strong partners and staff that makes it all possible.

Dr. Laquana Cooke

Dr. Laquana Cooke is an Assistant Professor of Digital Rhetoric at WCU. She is a digital media scholar, instructor and designer whose work has been exhibited and presented at national conferences and game expositions. She has over 10 years of experience in developing and facilitating media and STEAM-based programs for nonprofits, secondary, and higher education sectors. In addition to directing iCAMP, Dr. Cooke serves as one of the project’s media experts on game design and development

Dr. Michael Burns

Dr. Michael Burns is an Assistant Professor of English with a specialization in Composition/Rhetoric and African American Rhetoric(s). Since 2015, he has served as the English Department Coordinator for the Academic Development Program. In his spare time, he edits kernel objects for his sons’ Linux machines.

Dr. Randall Cream

Brought to WCU with expertise in Digital Humanities and New Media, Cream has studied games for much of his career, designing and developing the Humanities Gaming Institute: Serious Games for Research and Pedagogy. Dr. Cream directs WCU’s Digital Humanities and New Media program and is Co-Chair of Interdisciplinary Media & Technology Group.

Dr. Jeremy McCool

Dr. McCool is an Assistant Professor of Digital/Global Media in the department of Communication and Media. With a background in radio, McCool’s research revolves around media technology, popular music, and cultural studies.  Additionally, McCool has published op-ed content on racial bias, media, and discrimination in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. He is also the co-author of a children’s book series called “McCool & McBride Books”, which aims to educate, empower, and inspire children with stories that feature Black lead characters. The series debut book, Princess and The Power of Melanin, was created to combat prejudice and uplift African American children. McCool was honored as one of Pittsburgh Magazine's '40 Under 40' honorees in 2021.

Earl Hopkins

Earl Hopkins is an award-winning features reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, covering arts, entertainment, and culture throughout the region. He’s also the co-host of the music review podcast Rap & Reason. Hopkins also is a freelance music writer who’s contributed album and concert reviews, music history guides, and Q&As for Billboard, Complex, MTV News, GRAMMY.com, UPROXX, SPIN Magazine, and other outlets.

Niger Miles

Niger Miles is a Director of Photography and Colorist and Executive Director of Storymarq Productions where he is the creative powerhouse with a highly technical and mastered skill set, from creative direction, comprehensive branding and design, to the full range of video creation, from filming, lighting and directing to all stages of post production and finishing. He is  based in Brooklyn, NY.