In an inspiring move to bolster arts and humanities, nine faculty members are set to enhance their creative endeavors in fields ranging from film to journalism, thanks to the Arts and Humanities Initiative (AHI) funding.
Introducing the 2025 Standard Grant Recipients
Constantine Bakopoulos, Associate Professor, Cinematic Arts, CLAS
Intense: A Short Film
Constantine Bakopoulos has crafted “INTENSE,” a minimalist psychological horror short film delving into how emotional needs can skew perception and reality. The AHI grant will facilitate the film’s principal photography and post-production, paving the way for a festival-ready piece. Moreover, Bakopoulos is working on a model to establish a small production pod within the department to foster student creativity.
Laura Conway, Assistant Professor, Cinematic Arts, CLAS
Motion Sickness: Documentary Film
Laura Conway’s debut feature-length film, “Motion Sickness,” intertwines personal narratives with scientific advancements towards a Huntington’s disease cure. Thanks to AHI support, Conway will document the story of the pioneering gene therapy trial for Huntington’s disease, completing her film’s production.
Laura Gede, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Cinematic Arts, CLAS
One Long Arm Blind – Feature Film
“One Long Arm Blind,” directed by Laura Gede, explores Bubbly Creek’s history and community on Chicago’s Southside. AHI funding will allow Gede to document ecological and community changes over a year using 15mm film. This project not only contributes to the festival circuit but also enriches sustainable filmmaking techniques taught at UI.
Kate Hinshaw, Assistant Professor, Cinematic Arts, CLAS
Imperfect Water
Kate Hinshaw’s “Imperfect Water” addresses water contamination issues affecting millions, focusing on North Carolina’s DuPont watershed. The film bridges documentary filmmaking with environmental and disability studies. Utilizing 16mm film and a unique water processing technique by David Gatten, the project will create a 15-minute sample with AHI’s support to seek further funding.
Elizabeth Oakes, Professor of Instruction, School of Music, CLAS
Exploring The String Quartets of Beethoven and Dvořak in Cultural Context
Elizabeth Oakes will lead UI student quartets to Prague, studying Beethoven’s and Dvořák’s works. Funded by AHI, this reverse pilgrimage mirrors Dvořák’s Iowa visit, offering students insights into the cultural and historical context of these compositions.
Kaia Olsen, Professor of Practice, Cinematic Arts, CLAS
InTween – An Experimental Narrative “4DGS” Volumetric Imaging Project
“InTween,” led by Kaia Olsen, is an experimental narrative utilizing 4D Gaussian Splatting (4DGS) to explore identity and transformation. AHI funding will help Olsen transform his research into a complete visual narrative.
riel Sturchio, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Photography, CLAS
I See You See Me: Iowa City Chapter
riel Sturchio’s “I See You See Me” photography project engages LGBTQ+, nonbinary, and disabled individuals, providing photography training and self-representation opportunities. With AHI support, the program will expand to Iowa City and include an undergraduate research fellowship.
Newell Ann Van Auken, Associate Professor of Instruction, Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, & Cultures, CLAS
Translating Cinderella
Newell Ann Van Auken’s “Translating Cinderella” aims to compile an anthology of contemporary Cinderella tales from around the world, including previously untranslated stories from Asia and the Middle East. AHI funding will assist with translation expenses.
Bingbing Zhang, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, CLAS
Sifting Through the AI Slop: Folk Theories of AI Slop and Associated Consequences
In a world increasingly influenced by AI, Bingbing Zhang examines how journalists and social media users perceive “AI slop.” AHI support will delve into the social, cultural, and ethical implications of AI communication.
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