Dr. Susan T. Okonjo

Susan Okonjo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animation & Motion Graphics at International University Canada, where she teaches and mentors students across the School of Creative Media & Design. Her academic work focuses on 3D animation, examining how spatial modeling, rigging, and rendering techniques come together to create believable characters and environments for film, television, and digital media.

Throughout her academic career, Susan Okonjo has developed a teaching approach that builds technical 3D skills alongside artistic judgment, helping students understand both the software mechanics of 3D animation and the storytelling principles that make animated work emotionally engaging. She encourages students to think of technical tools as a means to creative expression rather than an end in themselves.

In her courses, Susan Okonjo draws on production case studies, 3D pipeline breakdowns, and current research in computer animation to help students build practical, industry-relevant skills. Students explore topics such as 3D modeling fundamentals, character rigging, lighting and rendering, and the collaborative production pipelines used in professional animation and visual effects studios.

As an Associate Professor within the Department of Animation & Motion Graphics, Susan Okonjo also contributes to curriculum planning that keeps pace with rapidly evolving 3D software and rendering technology. She works closely with colleagues across the School of Creative Media & Design to ensure that coursework reflects current industry-standard tools and production workflows.

Susan Okonjo places particular emphasis on helping students understand the collaborative, pipeline-based nature of professional 3D animation production, where modelers, riggers, animators, and lighting artists work together across different production stages. She designs coursework that simulates aspects of this collaborative workflow to prepare students for studio environments.

Recognizing that many of her students are working professionals studying online, Susan Okonjo structures her courses with detailed technical tutorials, accessible software walkthroughs, and consistent opportunities for project feedback. Her approach to online teaching emphasizes building a strong technical foundation that supports continued independent learning in fast-evolving 3D software.

Students who study under Susan Okonjo often highlight her ability to make complex 3D animation workflows clear and achievable. Her long-term goal as an educator is to help students develop the technical and artistic skills needed to succeed in 3D animation, visual effects, and motion graphics production careers.