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The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences covers many topics, such as literature, communications, world history, philosophy, psychology, and more. In many cases, courses are deliberately geared to the interests and pursuits of DigiPen students and often serve as a source of inspiration for student game projects. The department’s faculty bring an extensive humanities background in English, literature, the law, and an appetite for and thorough understanding of today’s rich media landscape.

Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Directory


Department Faculty

T Shanthina Mary Ravindran

Department Chair
Principal Lecturer

T Shanthina Mary Ravindran received her Bachelor of Laws at the University of London followed by a Master of Education-English Language degree at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Before joining DigiPen (Singapore) as a full-time lecturer, Shanthina taught part-time at the Institute as well as at other educational institutions, including the National University of Singapore and National Institute of Education. She currently teaches composition, graphic novels, research reasoning, argument, and intellectual property law.

Shanthina also lists reading and writing as her chief pleasures outside of the workplace. When it comes to her teaching philosophy, she tries to live by the following quote from William Arthur Ward:

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

T Shanthina Mary Ravindran teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Kirby Chua

Adjunct Lecturer

Kirby Chua has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Santo Tomas and a Master of Arts in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.

Kirby is the director of Grace Counselling Centre and has an interest in counseling and psychotherapy (clinical psychology) along with personality and abnormal psychology.

As an adjunct lecturer at DigiPen (Singapore), Kirby teaches topics related to psychology. He enjoys interacting with his students and learning from them.

Kirby Chua teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation.

Mohamad Sufian Bin Jumahri

Adjunct Lecturer

Mohamad Sufian Bin Jumahri holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Nanyang Technological University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education.

Sufian brings over 20 years of professional experience to the classroom, including almost 10 years as an educator with the Ministry of Education (MOE). For his dedication and commitment to success, he won the Outstanding Contribution Award three times starting in 2013, then in 2015, and finally in 2018. Prior to teaching, Sufian started his career in the media industry which included a stint at CNN International.

Sufian currently has teaching appointments in Singapore Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and DigiPen (Singapore) where he empowers his students with life skills in topics like effective communication and career preparation. His hopes to inspire people of all ages to become lifelong learners.

Mohamad Sufian Bin Jumahri teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Gnanamary d/o Thorarajoo

Adjunct Lecturer

Gnanamary d/o Thorarajoo holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Innovation from Singapore Management University.

Drawing upon her expertise in creative design leadership and project management, Gnanamary has taken on professional roles ranging from module coordinator at LASALLE College of the Arts to program coordinator at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology Centre.

Gnanamary has also refined her skills in interdisciplinary curriculum design and teaching at both diploma and degree levels during her adjunct lecturing stints at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and DigiPen (Singapore).

Through her extensive teaching experience, Gnanamary believes in continuously adapting instructional methodologies and incorporating creatively diverse classroom activities to engage and inspire her students.

Gnanamary d/o Thorarajoo teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Game Design, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

Bisharat Banu d/o Syed Masood

Adjunct Lecturer

Bisharat Banu d/o Syed Masood holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with Management from Singapore University of Social Sciences and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Nanyang Technological University.

With over 20 years of experience, Banu has instructed a diverse range of courses encompassing academic and technical writing, library research, and critical thinking, as well as presentation and communication skills. Banu’s extensive teaching repertoire spans institutions like DigiPen (Singapore), National University of Singapore, Curtin University, Nanyang Technological University, and various polytechnics.

Banu is also proficient in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to both international students and government officials from ASEAN countries.

As a passionate educator, Banu is committed to helping students develop the critical skills and interest needed to be lifelong learners.

Bisharat Banu d/o Syed Masood teaches the following degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation, Bachelor of Arts in User Experience and Game Design, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Interactive Media and Game Development.

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