M.F.A. in Visual Art with an emphasis in Printmaking

Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?

I attended IUPUI as an undergraduate and I loved the atmosphere and the community; I couldn’t wait to come back.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

My favorite academic accomplishment while earning my MFA would have to be being able to work on co-designing a public seating area for the Herron grounds. A generous gift from the Christel DeHaan Foundation made it possible that two others and I could make a permanent, creative mark on the IUPUI campus.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

The integration of the IUPUI campus into the bustling downtown setting is always a plus. I love the fact that you can go to lunch in a metropolitan setting and come back to study in the library within the same half hour. There is also something to be said about having so many business and internship opportunities so close by.

Indianapolis also possesses that classic midwestern charm in some areas while crossing over into a vibrant city in other areas. You get the privilege of experiencing the best of both worlds.

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

My body of work consists of 3 dimensional and 2 dimensional pieces that speak to the socio-political relationship between the Middle East and the West. Some of my latest work immerses audience members in engaging installations; these usually push viewers to open discussions regarding the buried, much more violent reality of the Middle-Eastern / Western dynamic.

I was honored to receive the position of Graduate Admissions Fellow at Herron School of Art & Design upon acceptance into IUPUI. It has offered an invaluable experience in higher education administration. It has also allowed me the opportunity to connect with incoming and prospective graduate students. The knowledge that I have gained through this appointment will be what allows me to open doors on a career in Arts Administration.

I was excited that I was able to join the Graduate Professional Student Government (GPSG) here at IUPUI this year. This has allowed me to be involved in university-wide decision making regarding student life on campus. Through this experience, I was able to get involved in the Faculty Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee as a student representative as well as attend Campus Arts Committee meetings. All three of these organizations do work for our student and faculty body that I am passionate about and so glad to be a part of initializing.