Hello
Dr. Phylis West (Johnson) is a futurist, author, creator, and educator who has been deeply involved with digital media, virtual worlds, and emerging technologies since the turn of the century. As a media scholar/practitioner dedicated to learning and playing with what is out there, her passion is ensuring the digital future is equitable and diverse so everyone can participate in its development. She has mentored numerous students who now work professionally in the metaverse industry.
Currently, Dr. West Johnson teaches future-focused courses at the university level, including MCOM118 Metaverse, Society and World-Building, MCOM215 Media Visionaries, and a specialized graduate AI course for mass communications students. Her latest co-authored book, How Women Conquer the Metaverse (2026), was released in October and chronicles the groundbreaking women who have built and shaped our virtual future. She hopes to launch a related podcast in January 2026.
Meanwhile, she is working on a environmental book (Fall 2027/Spring 2028) that investigates the impact of technology on society and climate variability. She underscores the importance of ensuring a balance between reality and virtuality. More on that in the future.
My Story
I embrace technology and believe it can be shaped to empower humanity, but not if we sit on the sidelines. Virtual experiences are very much real, lived moments. Life is increasingly mediated and socially driven. Consider ways to challenge yourself to connect to ideas outside your sphere of comfort. Be willing to experiment, learn and embrace what was once thought impossible. Jump in, and be willing to immerse yourself fully. Then you will be more likely to engage your audience and help create a meaningful future, guiding technology, rather than being led by it. I teach my students new technologies by encouraging them to learn first by experimenting and being playful. For instance, it might be best to demonstrate what I mean. Please let me introduce you to my alter ego.
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