Current Research Projects:
"Garments of Devotion and Valor: Textiles, Tabards, and Trade"
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Part 1 – Fall 2024: Empires in Dialogue: Exploring Textiles, Devotion, and the Tabard in Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman Trade Routes
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Part 2 – Spring 2025: Hidden in the Fabric: Devotion and Identity in Spain and New Spain and Beyond
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Part 3: Threads of Valor and Cultural Collage - Ongoing
This cross-cultural study delves into the rich history of textiles, tabards, and trade from Byzantium through the 17th century. It offers insights into cultural and religious narratives by examining traditional embellishment techniques and modern designs. By creating cultural collages and assemblages, the project provides a holistic view of the tabard's evolution, highlighting its significance as a garment of devotion, identity and valor across different empires and faiths.
"Stitched Stories: Observations on Dress, Art, and Cultural Narratives"
Ongoing blog of research, writings and observations on ongoing projects,
"Antiracism and the Arts in Eighteenth-Century London: The Life and World of Ignatius Sancho"
Explore the intricate tapestry of 18th-century London through the lens of Ignatius Sancho (ca. 1729–1780). This research delves into the intersections of dress, class, and occupation, shedding light on Sancho's life and the broader societal context of his time. Through the examination of clothing and social status, this project reveals the complex narratives of race and identity in the arts during this vibrant historical period. http//sancho.rutgers.edu
“Castoffs: Identity and Memory.”
A transdisciplinary work and interactive workshop that combines ethnography, oral history, and visual arts.. Exploring memory and crafting identity through textile, ceramic and storytelling.
Past Research Projects
"Wandering Minds, Staged Discoveries: Exploring Indirect and Direct Research in Dramaturgy, Design, and Library Instruction” An examination of distinct methodologies in dramatic arts research and their partnership with libraries and librarians, contributing to the discourse on dramaturgic research methodology. This exploration highlights a nuanced, adaptive approach in a creative landscape and creative research methods.
To be published Spring 2025 Theatre Library Association’s monograph series, Performing Arts Resources
"Inclusive Inquiry: New Pedagogical Approaches in Theatrical Design and History Education"
As the inaugural recipient of the Mason Gross School of the Arts Grant for inclusive teaching, this research develops new inclusive approaches to the study of material culture and research methodologies, enhancing the pedagogy of costume, architectural, and decorative arts history.
“Cocktail Dresses:"
Exhibition writing on cocktail dress history for the exhibition "Flax: First Fiber of the Arts" A collaboration with the School of Theatre Fashion Archive , and the Center for Virtual/Material Studies at PENN State.