Daniel Shafer
Professor, Film & Digital Media, Graduate Program Advisor
Education
B.A., Telecommunication and Film, University of West Florida
M.A., Communication Arts, University of West Florida
Ph.D., Mass Communication, Florida State University
Background
Dr. Shafer was born in Burlington, Vermont on December 31st, 1978. He attended high school at Open Bible Christian School in Valdosta, Georgia, and graduated in 1997.
His research interests are in the area of media effects, particularly new video game technology such as Virtual Reality (VR) and its' psychological and physiological effects. He also studies issues of morality and media, especially how we enjoy narratives featuring antihero characters.
Dr. Shafer teaches Media and Society, Media Programming, Business of Media, and History of Radio and Television. He also works with graduate students interested in media research.
Dr. Shafer enjoys playing with his sons, Drew, Logan and Jackson, and spending time with his wife, Deborah. He lives in Waco near China Spring. He also enjoys television, movies and video games, as well as Tae Kwon Do and swimming. His favorite TV show of all time is 24, his favorite films are The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Book of Eli, and his favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien.