Howard is currently working on his practice PhD at the University of Westminster in Creative Media where he is researching the effect of technology on the creative aspects of Opera. His thesis is In Search of Gesamtkunstwerk – Technological Advancements of the 20th Century and their Effect on Opera. As a part of his research, he will be creating and producing a full length ‘Gothic Opera’ that is meant to be the ultimate mash up of opera, dance, and film, both in a classic sense and a modern feel. A mixture of classical, alternative rock music, classical ballet, modern dance, and a projected film narrative.

During Howard’s academic journey, he has received an MPhil from the University of Cambridge in Film and Screen Studies, and a BA in Film and Media from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Alongside his studies, he has been working as a writer, director, and editor for films and theatre. Also, with a passion for music, he has been involved in various rock bands and currently participates in a local choir. Before devoting all his time to academic and creative activities, he had a successful career as an engineer in the film and television industry working for NASA, Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, and at various post-production facilities in Hollywood and on various live concert and sporting events such as Woodstock 25^th Anniversary and Major League Baseball. Howard is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), a Fellow in the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and holds patents in computational cinematography.