Meet Michelle Eisen, a 2022-2023 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Michelle is a Studio Art master's student with a concentration in Print Media and Photography.
Please give a short overview of your research.
My artistic and pedagogic research is centered around the marginalized experiences of queer women of color, integrating my experiences as Zambian-American transwoman to further the expression and representation of these issues, and to further equip art educators with the tools necessary to better teach marginalized art students.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
Kent State’s graduate Print Media program is one of few in the area that is woman-lead and features a woman of color in a leadership role.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
The expansive arts facilities and integration into the Cleveland art market.
What are your future goals?
My future goals include teaching at the college level to help further equip marginalized students, as well as establishing a printmaking co-op that would cater to BIPOC printmakers.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
This award demonstrates Kent State’s commitment to aiding disadvantaged students through direct action. This award will help me cover the costs associated with running a fine arts printmaking practice.