School of the Arts award interdisciplinary research grants

LAWRENCE — The KU School of the Arts recently awarded four students nearly $6,000 in interdisciplinary research grants. The grants are faculty-mentored and will fund research and creative projects exploring a range of topics.

“We’ve known for a long time that the arts can transcend the barriers between different areas of study,” said Henry Bial, director of the School of the Arts. “We are proud to support students’ efforts to pursue their scholarship and creativity across the humanities and sciences.”

Students submit a research proposal focusing on one of the themes of Bold Aspirations, two supporting and recommendation letters from faculty members, and a budget. Applications are evaluated by the School of the Arts Student Advisory Board on the merit of the applicant's proposal, the applicant's academic record and a recommendation letter from the faculty mentor.

As part of the project, students must include a public component such as a performance, exhibition, screening or presentation appropriate to each project’s discipline.

Awarded once a year, the School of the Arts Student Interdisciplinary Research Grants provide support for original, independent creative and scholarly research.

Award recipients are listed below:

Patrick Clement, a senior from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, majoring in film & media studies: “7786-Burroughs, Wm. Print Project and Exhibition,” mentored by Luke Jordan, visual art, Tamara Falicov, film & media studies, and Catherine Preston, film & media studies.

Sydney Pursel, a graduate student from Columbia, Missouri, majoring in visual art: “Baxoje Language Community Arts Project,” mentored by Norman Akers, visual art, and Maria Velasco, visual art.

Shalinn Starkey, a junior from Osage City, majoring in film & media studies and creative writing: “The Alma of La Paz,” mentored by Madison Davis Lacy, film & media studies, and Margaret Jamieson, film & media studies.

Michael Wysong, a sophomore from Larned majoring in theatre performance: “Exploring Musical Theatre Song Cycles,” mentored by John Staniunas, theatre.

The School of the Arts is made up of the Departments of Dance, Film & Media Studies, Theatre and Visual Art.  As part of the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts offers fresh possibilities for collaboration between the arts and the humanities, sciences, social sciences, international and interdisciplinary studies. Visit the KU School of the Arts at sota.ku.edu.