2024-25 Graduate Student Research Fellow Projects

Marjorie Justine Antonio

Master of Arts, History & Master of Library & Information Science
Faculty PI: Dr. Colleen Woods, Associate Professor of History

Research Title: "Keeping Ourselves Safe"

"My community-based research is in how to document and archive transnational grassroots Filipino activism in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia. 

From September 2024 onward, I worked with community activists in the organization of documentation and media from various protests, mass mobilizations, and political conferences -- ranging from the Brandon Lee Solidarity Speaking Tour, the national conference of the US chapter of the International Coalition of Human Rights in the Philippines in Washington, D.C., the Kabataan Magkaisa Conference in Los Angeles with Kabataan Alliance USA, to the commemoration of the 39th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolt in February, and most recently (and upcoming!) the May Day Action commemorating International Workers' Day. 

I've helped facilitate community conversations regarding finding best practices for conducting and archiving documentation and media among the region's grassroots progressive Filipino organizations, particularly with members of BAYAN DMV. 

In addition, I had the privilege to present my preliminary findings at the annual meeting of the Association of Asian American Studies in Boston, MA on April 18, 2025 as part of a panel entitled, "The Future of Asian American Community Archives" with my presentation "Transnational Filipinx Activist Community Archiving" which received such wonderful engagement for an 8:15AM session! Tomorrow, I am leading a workshop entitled "Stay Safe! A Workshop on Protest Safety and Care" as part of UMD's Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month which aims to introduce UMD students and community members to various ways one can take care of themself while participating in political mobilizations and social movement protests. 

I’m super grateful and thankful for the opportunity to do this community-driven, publicly-engaged research."  

Daniela Arias Gallego

Pursuing Doctor of Musical Arts—Violin Performance
Faculty PI: Dr. Irina Muresanu, Associate Professor of Violin

Project 1: Commission of a Violin Suite Inspired by Colombian Dances

The first project is a commission of a solo violin suite inspired by J.S. Bach’s sonatas and partitas, reimagined through the lens of traditional Colombian dance forms. Rather than using European dances as Bach did, this suite will feature rhythms and styles rooted in Colombia’s (my own) rich cultural heritage.

After months of research and outreach, I connected with Víctor, a renowned Colombian composer whose vision and artistry align beautifully with the spirit of this project. Many composers I approached were more focused on 20th-century European styles and were not interested in traditional Colombian music. Finding Víctor was a turning point! His enthusiasm and deep cultural understanding make him the ideal collaborator.

This project has opened a new dimension of my musical journey. Collaborating with a composer to help shape a work from the ground up is a new and enriching experience for me. In delving into these traditional rhythms, I’ve begun to envision a future in which Colombian music takes center stage in my performance career. The contract was finalized this week, and we will continue developing the piece over the summer. The final work will be delivered by October 17, in preparation for a professional recording.

Project 2: South American Repertoire for Violin & Guitar

The second project is a series of performances featuring traditional and classical South American repertoire for violin and guitar. This year, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with two talented guitarists: Fabio (Brazil) and Andrés (Colombia). Together, we've explored a wide range of works, including Piazzolla’s History of Tango and several traditional songs from our respective cultures.

Much of the work has involved sourcing appropriate repertoire, creating or adapting arrangements, and rehearsing extensively. This process has allowed me to expand my technical and interpretive range and deepen my connection to music across South American traditions.

A highlight of this project will be my second degree recital, taking place on May 6th at 8:00 PM in Leah Smith Hall. Half of the program will be dedicated to South American works for violin and guitar, including History of Tango, two Colombian Bambucos, and two Pasillos. This performance is a culmination of the creative exploration these projects have made possible.

Elizabeth Abena Osei

Pursuing Ph.D. in English
Faculty PI: Dr. Marisa Parham, Professor of English and and Digital Studies & Director, African American Digital & Experimental Humanities (AADHUM)

This fellowship has provided not only crucial financial support but also the encouragement and validation to pursue an ambitious, interdisciplinary project that merges storytelling, technology, and African cultural heritage.

In July 2024, I began development of Sankofa's Cosmic Adansikro, an interactive gamescape created using Twine software. While the project is still in progress, it has already become an integral part of my dissertation as a digital chapter, expanding the scope and accessibility of my scholarly work. The fellowship has given me the time and resources to explore this innovative format and refine the game's design.

In addition to its integration into my dissertation, I have shared Sankofa’s Cosmic Adansikro in several academic and pedagogical settings. I was honored to present a prototype during a feedback session hosted by AADHum and MITH, which you can read about here: Design Critique Presentation. The project was also featured in a University of Maryland news article titled “A New Generation of Doctoral Scholars Goes Beyond the Page”: UMD News Feature.

Furthermore, I had the rewarding opportunity to introduce the game to my ENGL 256: Fantasy Literature students, who tested and explored it during a class session. Their engagement with the work provided valuable insight into how interactive storytelling can foster both critical thinking and cultural reflection.

In the past year, I have also been fortunate to receive several additional honors that complement and extend this work:

• MLA Edward Guiliano Graduate Student Fellowship (2024)
• UMD Graduate Student Fellowship (2025)
• International Graduate Research Fellowship (2025), which will support my research residency this summer at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).

While at VUB, I will present Sankofa’s Cosmic Adansikro, lead workshops on game-based scholarship, and conduct archival research to further develop and enrich the project.

Erica Spear

Doctor of Musical Arts—Flute Performance
Faculty PI: Dr. Sarah Frisof, Associate Professor of Flute

Thanks to the Graduate Student Fellowship, I was able to participate in a meaningful residency with “Sound Impact” at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center (NVJDC) in throughout the year, but especially in March 2025. This residency allowed us to premiere three newly commissioned works by composers Daniel Pesca and Josanne Francis (who leads the new steelpan band ensembles at UMD) and collaborate directly with incarcerated youth to co-create original compositions. It was incredibly powerful for me, both artistically and personally. This experience really emphasized the importance of community and feeling seen, and how the arts truly have a place everywhere, for everyone. 

My research and work was to understand the role the arts can play in community-building, healing, and self-expression. Engaging with students at NVJDC reminded me that art truly belongs everywhere and to everyone, a mission of Arts for All. Through guided improvisation, singing, and compositional workshops, these young people (where they had a musical background or not) were able to find a creative voice and experience a moment of being heard and valued. Watching their ideas come to life and witnessing the premiere of their collaborative piece reinforced the transformative power of the arts.

This project, now moving into its final stages with professional recordings scheduled at The Clarice for the end of the year, has not only advanced my artistic practice but has also deepened my commitment to socially engaged performance. The experience directly informs my dissertation, which I’m currently in the middle of doing, which also explores interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement - particularly in a new project involving students from UMD’s dance department.