Investigating how visual design and strategic storytelling shape the identity, perception, and economic
vitality of cities and towns.

Plus Public LLC
Community Brands Inventory
The City of YOU
Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio

Exploring the role of design in articulating institutional values, shaping student experience, and fostering community through cohesive branding in higher education.

Examining innovative methods and frameworks for teaching design that balance theory, creativity, and professional practice.

Portfolio Thoughts
Youngstown Design Works

Studying how interface design, usability, and user-centered research influence engagement and functionality across digital platforms.

Designing Mobile Apps for Education
App Design / Augmented Reality / UX Panel Discussion
URC Grant Touchjet Wave Test 2
URC Grant Touchjet Wave Test 1

Analyzing the convergence of visual, interactive, and narrative media to create cohesive, cross-platform design experiences.

OS Project Screen Test
OS Project Screen Test 2
OS Project Interactive prototype
OS Project 3D printed tablet design
OS Project Realized
Aurausma Test
Public Arts Opportunities Blurb Book

Studying the effectiveness of targeted, budgeted advertising across digital and traditional media to drive awareness, engagement, and conversions. 

Marketing Ecosystems on a Budget

Exploring data-driven approaches to understanding audience behavior, campaign performance, and market trends through both numerical and narrative insights.

Investigating how platforms, content, and audience engagement tactics influence brand presence, community building, and message amplification.

Storyteller Tactics
Blogging with High School Students

Analyzing emerging tools, platforms, and automation systems that enhance marketing efficiency, personalization, and decision-making.

Exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance creative workflows, audience targeting, and campaign performance in marketing and design.

The Keywork

Investigating the role of generative AI in shaping brand narratives, visual identities, and personalized content at scale.

Designing scalable, outcomes-driven learning experiences that empower professionals with practical, industry-relevant skills.

Exploring how tailored LMS platforms can leverage learner data to personalize instruction, track progress, and improve educational outcomes.

STUDY Learning Management System
STUDY at USDLA

Investigating how game-based mechanics and rewards can increase motivation, participation, and retention in both physical and digital classrooms.

Studying the use of near-field communication and augmented reality technologies to create immersive, location-based learning experiences. 

NFC tags in print posters

Exploring strategic initiatives that attract diverse student populations and support their long-term academic and professional success.

Pitt Business Backstory
Pitt Business Backstory (website)
The Oath (website)
The Explorers (website)
Recruitment & Retention with Melissa Hackett

Investigating how inclusive curriculum design can address diverse learner needs, promote equity, and ensure accessibility across educational experiences.

Designing interdisciplinary, future-focused curricula that align academic instruction with evolving industry demands in marketing and design.

Studying how artists and designers collaborate with communities to transform public spaces, foster identity, and stimulate cultural and economic vitality.

Bellevue Mural
INPLACE: Mahoning Avenue Archway
INPLACE: Shipping Container Bus Stop

Exploring how participatory art initiatives can foster dialogue, build trust, and strengthen community identity.

Investigating how human-centered design methodologies can address complex local challenges and drive equitable revitalization efforts.

Studying the use of narrative and design to amplify underrepresented voices and mobilize support for social impact initiatives.

Exploring how mission-driven, for-profit organizations can use service design principles to deliver social impact and community value.

Investigating models for experiential learning in which students manage real-world design studios that blend education with entrepreneurship.

Pop-Up Design Shops
Design Practices and Principles Conference

Analyzing how design, marketing, and cultural production can drive local economies, attract investment, and support small business ecosystems.

Youngstown Business Incubator Start Smart Series
Pop-Up Design Shops

RJ is President Emeritus of the American Marketing Association – Pittsburgh Chapter, where he helped shape the region’s marketing community with sharp strategy, relentless creativity, and a knack for making big ideas feel personal.

RJ currently serves as President of AIGA Pittsburgh, leading the charge to elevate design, foster community, and champion creative voices across the region with his signature mix of vision, wit, and intentionality.

RJ is a founding member of the IATM Advisory Board, where he helps guide the intersection of technology, art, and meaning with a future-focused mindset and a commitment to thoughtful innovation.

RJ serves on the board of PA Humanities, where he advocates for the transformative power of storytelling, culture, and human connection to shape a more thoughtful and inclusive Pennsylvania.

RJ is Vice Chair of the Advisory Board for the National Institute for Social Media, where he helps steer ethical, effective digital engagement with a sharp strategic lens and a deep belief in the power of connection.