Matthew Elfenbein
About
Dr. Matthew Ari Elfenbein is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies at Florida Atlantic University, where he has taught for over six years in various roles, including Visiting Instructor and Adjunct. A proud Owl, he earned both his B.A. and Ph.D. from FAU and has held numerous academic and leadership positions across the university throughout his academic and professional journey. His teaching and research are also shaped by his graduate studies at New York University’s prestigious Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies, at Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned his M.A. and served in multiple leadership roles.
Dr. Elfenbein teaches a range of courses in film and media studies, with a particular focus on Hollywood history, Disney studies, and screendance, especially as it relates to cartoon animation. He serves as Head of Communication for the Disney, Culture, and Society Research Network and leads Career Exploration initiatives within his department. He has also organized several graduate and professional conferences.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Elfenbein remains actively engaged in the FAU community and beyond. When not teaching, watching films, or visiting the library, he can often be found performing improv or supporting local film productions.