Anna Berthold

DIY video

Anna's primary interests centres around the ability of new media technology to foster cross-cultural exchange and stimulate development. Anna has joined iCommons as a fellow, to continue her current research on issues of transparency and accountability in open business models and transnational advocacy networks.

Anna received a BA in International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Southern California (USC). She also has certificates in International Humanitarian Law, International Tracing, and Relief and Development from the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Academy.

In addition to her background in international relations, Anna has nearly ten years of experience working with multimedia and digital technologies. In 2005, Anna founded ALaraB Productions, a company specialising in web and graphic design, 3D modelling, animation and videography. In January 2007, Anna became the Project Manager and Technical Producer of the Public Diplomacy and Virtual Worlds Project at USC's Center on Public Diplomacy. During this time she co-ordinated the iCommons Summit 2007 in Second Life.

Anna recently graduated from the Master of Public Diplomacy Program at USC, with a thesis project that includes an extensive quantitative analysis of cross-cultural interaction in virtual worlds and its impact on public diplomacy.