Will Kertzman

Pronouns: they/he

Will's current research focuses on the relationship between popular American films that depict apocalyptic narratives and the political reality of things like climate change policy and action.

Will Kertzman is an incoming PhD student in Media Studies at the University of Virginia whose research focuses on the relationship between apocalyptic narratives in popular media (film, television, popular culture) and broader cultural anxieties concerning potential future catastrophes. Prior to returning to school to pursue a doctoral degree in media studies, they spent time working for various historical institutions in New York State, including the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance and the National September 11th Memorial and Museum. In their time at UVA, Will has served as a teaching assistant in media studies and data science, as well as serving as a research assistant on the university-wide Gun Violence Solutions Project with a particular focus on documentary filmmaking's role in addressing both the causes and consequences of gun violence. Will now serves as an assistant manager and research assistant in the Sloane Lab at UVA. 

Research areas: film, popular culture, apocalyptic imaginaries, American politics

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in History, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, United States, 2022

Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States, 2026