Biographical Sketch
Lucas (Noach) Dzmura is is an independent researcher, an information- and instructional- design consultant, a teacher and a writer.
Mr. Dzmura is a recent graduate (MA, Jewish Studies, 2007) of the Center for Jewish Studies of the Graduate Theological Union. He focused on Gender, Sexuality and Rabbinics; his thesis is titled, "Androgynos, Intersubjectivity and the Performance of Gender."
He spent 2006-07 in Israel courtesy of the Haas-Koshland Award sponsored by the Jewish Community Endowment Fund in San Francisco, California.
Teaching Experience
Gender Changes in Isaac Bashevis Singer's short story Androgynous. Nehirim: A Spiritual Initiative for GLBT Jews. Spiritual Retreat, Walker Creek Ranch, Marin County, CA. March, 2008.
Toward Awareness and Activism: The Emerging Community of Transgender Jews. Staff Education Seminar, Progressive Jewish Alliance, El Cerrito, CA. March 2008.
Gender Variance in Mishnah. Nehirim: A Spiritual Initiative for GLBT Jews. Spiritual Retreat, Elat Chayyim, Accord NY. April, 2006.
_____________________. Keshet Ga’ava Mini-Conference, World Congress of GLBT Jews. World Pride, Jerusalem, Israel. August, 2006.
Autobiography and the Sources of the Creative Imagination.
__________. Guest Lecture for Dr. Gabriella Lettini. Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley, CA. Graduate Theological Union. Spring, 2006.
Instructional Systems Design Models and Methods.
Software Engineering Institute. 1999 – 2002
Recent Publications
"Changing Sex, Changing Gender." Sh'ma, December 2007.
Although I prefer my original title, "Manners Equivalent to Men," the sensationalistically titled: "My Struggle as a Sex-Change Man" appeared in the Jewish Chronicle (UK) on June 1, 2007. If you take the trouble to register for a six-day free trial you can see a .pdf version online that allows you to see the article as it appeared in print, with an ... interesting ... illustration.
“Four Gemstones: The gravity-well of a non-binary doorway made from cursed wormwood” Jewish Mosaic: Torah Queeries. Parasha Nitzavim. 2006. (Link takes you to the index page -- look for Noach Dzmura under Authors)
“Aliyah: Trans(Per)forming Jewish Ritual.” Zeek: A Jewish Journal of Thought and Culture. May 2006.
“Transphobia and Transphobic Violence” FTMI Newsletter. (Spring, 2005) Download the PDF (scroll down on page to find the "free Lou Sullivan Memorial Issue").
“Who Knows What Evil Lurks” in GenderQueer: Voices from Beyond the Sexual Binary Edited by Joan Nestle, Riki Anne Wilchins and Clare Howell. Alyson Publications. 2002. Available through Amazon and at fine bookstores everywhere.
“Identity and the Pattern of Creation” JVoices: Transforming Jewish Thought
Professional
Member of the Technical Staff Acquisition Support Program, Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA (2002 –2007). (Director: Brian Gallagher)
In this position I served as a consultant in communications (organizational knowledge management) and instructional design, both internally and at multiple customer sites. Participated in design and planning for multi-site program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Instructional Designer Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA (1999 –2002) (Supervisor: Jon Gross)
Based on input from Subject Matter Experts (SME's), I used my knowledge of Instructional Systems Design (ISD) to create CD-ROM, web-based and traditional classroom instruction for training programs for the Software Engineering Institute's proprietary process improvement products for all levels of training.
Curriculum Specialist Richland College in Dallas, Texas (1991-1995) (Supervisor: R Brent Kesterson)
As a curriculum specialist, I developed and documented new technical and continuing education programming for a community college and conducted workshops in instructional design techniques as part of a faculty development program. During my tenure, I led development teams for a Travel and Tourism program and a Multi-Media Technician program.
Administrative Coordinator (1988-89) AIDS Education &Training Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Supervisor: Daryl Graham.
Residence Manager (1987) Persons with AIDS (PWA) Coalition of Dallas. Mike Merdian (ED) and Daryl Moore (Pres) cofounders. History of "A Place for Us".
Education
MA in Jewish Studies. August 2007.
Graduate Theological Union, Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies, Berkeley, CA
MA in Biomedical Media Development. 1990.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. TX
BPh in Interdisciplinary Studies concentration in Biomedical Communications. 1985. Miami University, Oxford, OH
Art Shows
Celebrating Our Queer Spirit. First Unitarian Church, Pittsburgh, PA. June, 2003.
True-Spirit. AmericanBoyz Conference, Washington, DC. Feb, 2002.
Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and the Spirit. Unitarian Universalist Church, Ellsworth and Morewood Streets, Pittsburgh, PA. May, 1999.
Collaborators: Exhibits from the Museum of Inner History. March 5-28, 1999. Brewhouse SPACE 101, 2100 Mary St. Pittsburgh.
A Twisted Valentine. Women’s Work Gallery, 130 S. 18th St, Pittsburgh. February 13 -- March 14, 1998.
Celebrate the Healing Spirit. Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. Annual group show. Pittsburgh, November, 1997.
Volunteerism
Advisor to Steering Committee. World Congress of GLBT Jews. Jerusalem. 2006-07.
Secretary, Board of Directors. Persons With AIDS Coalition of Dallas. Dallas, TX. 1987.
Member. AIDS Coordinating Committee of the AIDS/ARMS Network. Representing “A Place for Us/” Dallas, TX 1987.
Awards and Internships
Intern to Rabbi Benay Lappe "Trans Alla That" Talmud Course. Aug 07.
Haas-Koshland Award One year in Israel. $15,000. 2006-07
Seminar Leader Internship Residency Teacher Training Series, UTSWMC
Television Production Intern Dallas Area Hospital TV Network, UTSWMC
Medical Illustration Intern University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
Corporate Comms. Intern Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine