Andrew Buchanan, assistant professor, in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT), arrived to the Purdue Polytechnic in 2018. He is developing new courses and teaching both introductory and graduate-level classes.
In 2004, Dr. Buchanan received his bachelor’s degree in industrial design and began his career with animation software in Sydney, Australia. Through that work, he was inspired to continue his education on that subject in Melbourne, Australia, at RMIT University, where he received his master’s degree in 2007, followed by his Ph.D. in Creative Media in 2017.
Buchanan moved his work to the United Arab Emirates in search of a new place to pursue his passion. During his three years there, he worked to support the growing industry as an assistant professor and head of an animation program at a national women’s university.
This work in animation education sparked an interest to study and teach the topic globally, and ultimately landed him at Purdue.
Buchanan describes a university as not a place but, rather, a group of people. From his perspective, the faculty in the CGT department are positive, approachable and generous with their time. After working in many other areas of the world, he appreciates that the level of intellectual engagement among faculty and students at Purdue hold rare opportunities for learning and growth.
Purdue originally caught his eye after being ranked as one of the top animation schools in the country. Now, as a faculty member, he wants to ensure that it stays at the front edge of the industry. He teaches animation, visual design and history of animation technology courses, and he is interested in talking to students about his plans for the development of a short film. In the future, he would like to start an international residency program for animators, in which participants would be given housing, instruction and studio space to develop and create projects.
His best advice for a student in animation is to seize the ability you have to create projects and show your work. This opportunity for exposure and experience in the industry is something that. Buchanan is passionate about helping students achieve as he starts this new chapter of his life at Purdue.