An MTSU media professor whose latest work is designed to help children overcome cultural ignorance and prejudice was the guest on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Professor Rodrigo Gomez

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Rodrigo Gomez, an assistant professor in the Department of Media Arts, first aired Feb. 25 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and online at www.wmot.org. You can hear their conversation above.

Gomez, who teaches classes in animation in MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment, is venturing into printed character generation for the first time with “Milly & Roots: The Headscarf,” a children’s book he wrote and illustrated.

The main character, Milly, is frightened when she sees her school friend’s mother for the first time. The woman wears a headscarf that covers her nose and mouth.

To address her fear, Milly goes on an underground journey with a carrot and a potato, who she hopes will help her get to the “root” of her questions.

Although Gomez is a newcomer to children’s literature, he is coupling it with his main creative talent.

“The intention is to make it a whole series,” Gomez said. “I have the animated episode going to animation festivals, so that gives it a little bit more recognition worldwide.”

Before joining the MTSU faculty, Gomez worked for Mattel/Fisher-Price as a producer and director of animated cartoons for children and produced corporate videos and commercials.

You can watch a brief introduction to Milly’s world below.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.

Milly and her grandma learn and play in their rooftop garden in this illustration from MTSU animation professor Rodrigo Gomez’s new children’s book, “Milly & Roots: The Headscarf.”