Lori Danielle Barcliff Baptista
Email Address: baptista@uic.eduCollege: Architecture and the Arts
Department: Theatre and Music
Secondary Department: Art History
Title: Director, African American Cultural Center/Adjunct Asst. Prof, School of Theatre & Music; Faculty Affiliate, Museum & Exhibition Studies
Office: 209 Addams Hall
Phone: 312-413-2705
Webpage: https://aacc.uic.edu/
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program:Yes
Research Interest:I conduct archival and applied research that examines the relationships between culture, aesthetics, and everyday life. My research focuses on how members of Immigrant and migrant communities use aspects of material and expressive culture - especially food, nature and religious iconography - to honor, validate or convey their sense of connectedness to multiple places or traditions. I am most interested in how members of marginalized communities use innovative or creative practices to improve their quality of life. I am looking for students interested in conducting research on the history of the African American Cultural Center, the Center's arts-based programs and initiatives, and the history of campus and community based programs and organizations related to the Black experience at UIC.
Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10
Qualifications of a Student:-Sophomore or higher standing with a strong academic record -Ability to work independently and as a member of a team -Any major with an interest in African-American or African-Diaspora culture, education, visual and performing arts, social justice-Experience or interest in interdisciplinary, archival, ethnographic or participatory research methods-Organized and detail-oriented with exceptional writing and multi-tasking skills -Familiarity with Excel, wordpress preferred
Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:Working under the direction of the AACC Director, student researchers will conduct literature reviews, interview actors involved in the process of establishing the Center, identify, access and log archival materials, and participate in asset mapping exercises and creative activities – such as participatory photography, storytelling, arts making and performance.Student researchers will contribute to the writing of an historical overview for the Cultural Center website and other social media outlets. These materials will be adapted into a number of formats that can serve as the basis for scholarly publications, presentations, documentary film, exhibitions and to engage stakeholders in the work and mission of the AACC.Student researchers will present their research in a public forum. They will also be acknowledged and credited for their work.
