• culture + art + tech + design

     

    artist | researcher | designer
    traveler | storyteller | writer

     

     

  • Elizabeth Ulanova, based in Cambridge-Boston, works at the intersection of culture, art, tech, and design. Academically, Elizabeth graduated from Columbia University (B.A., Visual Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Leadership Service Award), and the University of Cambridge (M.Phil, Sociology of Media and Culture, Twining Egginton Prize). She then attended Harvard University Graduate School of Design (M.L.A., Landscape Architecture Candidate) as a full-tuition Dean’s Merit Scholar and Harvard Joint Center For Housing Studies CSFP Fellow before co-founding Girls In Research in Spring 2024 as the CEO. G.I.R is the world's first global, virtual, research and tech incubator for high schools girls, currently active with scholars on 5 continents. Outside of G.I.R, Elizabeth's design research centers on the revitalization of underutilized landscapes such as utilizing play equity as a design intervention and approaching cemeteries through integrative regenerative ecosystems that challenge traditional burial practices. Elizabeth was awarded 3 consecutive Harvard Spark Grants from Harvard Innovation Lab for her work on Recess that utilized active play as a tool to foster community, connection, and resilience.

     

    A passionate artist and writer, Elizabeth's artistry is deeply influenced by fluid, psychological storytelling. As a survivor of domestic violence, a neurodivergent child of colored immigrants, and a first-generation American, her first love in life is the art of crafting dialogue. As an artist, her artistic practice is described as ‘fluid memory,’ and she has exhibited original artworks in New York, England, and Boston. Elizabeth's artwork ranges from abstract sculptures and fluid paintings to conceptual video installations, graphic renderings, and live-spoken poetry, making tangible the intangible emotions one experiences. Eager to push beyond conventional limits, Elizabeth initiated her independent study at both Columbia and Harvard and helped initiate the first student art studio at Downing College, University of Cambridge. As a sociologist, Elizabeth undertook research in the realm of new media communication, specifically exploring the influence of social media on contemporary romantic relationships.

     

    California-born, Elizabeth is a New Yorker at heart and has lived in Asia and Europe. Elizabeth has a lifelong love for travel and has visited countries on five continents. Professionally, Elizabeth has held management positions at tech startups and education NGOs, such as National President for The Ivy League Council and Co-Head of the US Expansion of Project Access International (New York). After finishing high school early in California, she worked professionally while studying Mandarin Chinese in China, before working as the first-ever entrepreneur-in-residence at a biotech foundation (Boston). Elizabeth is a proud mom of two adopted pitbulls, Brave (deceased), and Skylar, and can often be found driving with her dog.

  • Resume

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    For past positions and full resume, please refer to my Linkedin 
    Interdisciplinary Experienced, Internationally Educated, Versatile Artisan
  • Projects & Research

     

    Girls In Research is the first, global, virtual, research & tech incubator for high school girls.
    Girls In Research (GIR) is redefining the landscape of education and innovation as the world’s first fully virtual, global research and tech incubator for high school girls. Launched in May 2024, GIR is a pioneering ed-tech platform that empowers the world's most ambitous, young female scholars with the tools, mentorship, and community to develop original, groundbreaking, university-level research projects. Through elite 1:1 mentorship with top 1% global researchers and world class virtual programming, GIR is cultivating the next generation of innovators and leaders. In just months, GIR has attracted applications from over 50 countries, empowering girls to break barriers in STEM and research, regardless of geography or age. With active scholars in 28 countries and a mission to scale globally, GIR is poised to become a transformational force for young female scholars worldwide, fostering a future where their ideas can shape industries and inspire change.
     
    Ideated April 2024 -> Launched May 2024 Internationally -> October 2024: Active Scholars in 28 Countries, Applicants from 50+ Countries
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    Not Just For Kids: An Inquiry Into The Foundations, Benefits, and Design Interventions Of Play Equity For Adults

    Advocating For the Fundamental Right to Play For Adults and the Creation of Playful Spaces As A Holistic Design Approach For Urban Well-Being

    September 2023 - December 2023

    Independent Study

    HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN

    This scholarly inquiry undertakes an exploration of the paradigm of ‘Adult Play Equity’, challenging prevailing notions that restrict play to the domain of childhood. Through an analysis of its definition, importance, and inherent characteristics, the paper illuminates the profound advantages that play confers upon adults, spanning realms such as mental health, physical vigor, and social-emotional development. The investigation extends across varied dimensions, from individual wellness to the broader arenas of society and urban landscapes, offering nuanced perspectives on the promotion, sustenance, and integration of ‘Play Equity’ into communal frameworks as a strategic design intervention for future cities. The paper culminates by underscoring the potential transformative impact of ‘Play Equity’ on adult lives and fervently advocating for its formal acknowledgment as an inalienable human right. Moreover, it underscores a notable gap in research concerning the significance of play in the context of adults, emphasizing the abundance of existing research in this domain specifically tailored to children. Consequently, this research study advocates for the imperative necessity of further scholarly investigations and practical design interventions aimed at fostering equitable opportunities for play for all ages.

    Advisors: Karen Janosky and Belinda Tato, Harvard University

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    "PlayScape Renewal: Transforming Rumney Marsh Landfill and Nahant Garbage Dump Into A Public Space For Natural Play"

    December 8, 2023

    LANDSCAPE architecture CORE IiI STUDIO FINAL REVIEW PRESENTATION

    HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN

    This project envisions the conversion of underutilized landscapes marked by landfills and garbage dumps, exemplified by locations such as Rumney Marsh and Nahant, into vibrant public spaces seamlessly harmonizing sustainability and playfulness across environmental, physical, and social realms. Rather than crafting a literal playground, the project's aim is the remediation of these sites, cleansing them and enhancing accessibility to allow visitors to freely navigate both the land and water, encouraging spontaneous and instinctual play. Even a former passive and unwelcoming landfill can metamorphose into an active ground for play. Drawing inspiration from the visionary architect Elger Blitz's concept of a world replete with active playscapes, this endeavor challenges the conventional demarcation of play areas. Instead, it embraces a design philosophy that eschews prescription, unlocking a realm of possibilities where sustainability and playfulness converge, fundamentally redefining the potential of suburban spaces. In doing so, it extends a compelling invitation to individuals of all ages to rediscover and reconnect with their innate inclination to engage in playful interactions with the landscape

     

    Advisors: Alex Wall, Harvard University

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    "Fluid Memory"

    Aug 18 2023 - SEPTEMBER 15 2023

    Solo art residency exhibition 2023

    Industry lab, Cambridge Massachusetts

    "Fluid Memory" emerges as an alchemy of artistic expression curated by Elizabeth Ulanova with the gracious patronage of the Industry Lab. This art exhibition serves as the ecological culmination of Ulanova's growth as an artist morphotically, academically, and deeply within introspection. Fluid Memory stands as a wayfarer to Ulanova's journey of deep love and heartbreaking loss, unrelenting death and small moments of everyday courage - transposing those intangibles, those wistful moments of a surprised laugh or the silent pause of a gazing breath into a tangible artwork. This odyssey became a psychological bridge within the 'play' of art-making, etching the realms of self-discovery, discordantly resonating with the surrounding cosmos, and intricately binding the experienced sensory.

     

    Curated by Justice Mcdaniel, Industry Lab

    Recess

    2023

    Recess: Social Fitness Through Childhood Play

    Recess is a social fitness startup that reconnects adults with the joy of childhood play through 1-hour, outdoor game sessions designed to make new friendships naturally. Participants get to experience playground favorites like Capture the Flag and Dodgeball, reliving the fun of “recess time” in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. Unlike traditional fitness classes, bars, or dating apps, Recess builds community and movement through the simplicity of play, offering a playful escape and a social network that welcomes everyone—no athleticism required. Guided by the slogan, “Hey Siri, How Do I Find Friends After College?” Recess emphasizes play equity and promotes connection through fun and fitness.

     

    Advisors: Harvard Innovation Lab, and Harvard University Graduate School of Design

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    Project Re(Generation): A Cemetery For The Future

    April 26 2023

    Landscape Core II Studio FInal Review presentation

    Harvard Graduate School of Design Landscape Architecture

     

    “Where there is life, there is death, but where there is death, there is also life.”

     

    Life does not cease to exist after death, rather, death is a crucial stage of the regenerative life cycle for every life force on our planet. Project Re(Generation) places regenerative ecosystems as the technical foundation for our cemetery by both its novel interring sequence of biodegradable garment body suits (filled with mushroom spores for mycelium production) as green, toxin-neutralizing entombments for those below ground, to the visual, curated experiences of the vegetative canopy above ground as heliophilic biomarkers philosophically nodding to process of decay, decomposition, and ultimately the growth of new life springing from the past life that has passed on. Giving way the keyholders to the next generation of lives to restore, renew, and revitalize the ecosystems that we experience.

     

    Advisors: Craig Douglas, Harvard University

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    "Alchemy: Between the Past and Magic"

    Dec 14 2022

    Independent Study FInal Review presentation

    HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN

    alchemy: a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.
     

    Inspired by the traditional craftsmanship of Chinese artistry, “Alchemy: Between the Past and Magic” embeds the ancient philosophies of the intellectual sisters of painting, poetry, and landscape.

     

    Through contemporary compositions between the magical realism of nature and the organic connections of timeless materiality, “Alchemy” probes its own conceptual process through inquisitive methodology and visual abstraction.

     

    Advisors: Ed Eigen, Gary Hilderbrand, Harvard University

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    "The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships" 2019-2020

    GRADUATE SOCIOLOGY RESEARCH THESIS CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY. SUPERVISOR: DR. RIKKE AMUNDSEN

    The role of social media technology has had a profound influence on modern romantic relationships in the past decade. This dissertation critically reviews empirical literature from the field of new media studies (situated within the broader field of media and communications) that focus on the heightened impact of social media usage in the beginning to maintenance stages of romantic relationships. Moreover, gaps in the current literature are explored, such as limitations in the demographics and romantic relationship stages that are analyzed for data collection. For example, the paucity of published literature regarding how social media affects relationships past once users meet their partners is examined. Furthermore, this review questions the scope and focus of existing empirical case studies as well as highlights the importance of literary representation and the cruciality of diversity in this emerging field. It is important to note that this research is focused specifically on social media (such as Facebook), however, this does not exclude dating websites and applications (such as Tinder) that utilize social media profiles within its algorithms. Ultimately, future research must become more invested in inclusivity, namely who and what is represented both topically and empirically, to allow for more insightful exploration into this burgeoning research area regarding the influence of social media on modern romantic relationships.

     

    Advisor: Rikke Amundsen, University of Cambridge

     

    Conference Presentations:

    • October 2020: Downing College, University of Cambridge, Downing Graduate Conference 2020 (Select Research Presenter) - "The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships"
    • January 2020: Downing College, University of Cambridge, MCR-SCR Seminar Night (Select Main Research Speaker) - "Social Intimacy in an Age of Tech-Inspired-Culture"
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    "Clashings of Art, Culture, and Technology in a Digital Anthropological World" 2018

    STUDIO-BASED THESIS COMPOSED OF A SERIES OF ORIGINAL SHORT FILMS, KINETIC ART INSTALLATIONS, AND ACADEMIC INQUIRY. CONDUCTED VIA BOTH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY VISUAL ARTS HONORS SENIOR THESIS I (ADVANCED VIDEO) & SENIOR THESIS II STUDIO AS WELL AS HONORS INDEPENDENT STUDIES. PROJECTS SUPERVISED BY MATTHEW BUCKINGHAM (DEPARTMENT CHAIR), NICOLA LOPEZ (DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR), SERRA VICTORIA BOTHWELL FELS, AND SONDRA PERRY.

     For my theses at Columbia University, I created original short films and installations that showcased alternative universes set in the immediate future. These storylines were centered around the modification or mediation of human behavior through fictional technology. For example, “Voices” critiqued the nature of internal transparency and surveillance within society, through the lens of a fictionalized world that mandates its citizens to wear telepathic brain microchips. Likewise, “Remember” focused on the subjective role of memory through the apparatus of glasses that record and playback every one of life’s moments. The goal of these projects was to present the sociological questions that inevitably arise when technology and culture overlap. Hence, I wanted audiences to digest my hypotheses in an engaging, visceral manner (through media) while I visually critiqued our human behavioral and cultural patterns. In my last thesis film “Connection," I focused on social interactivity and the role of self-medication through the framework of bioengineered pills that induce apathy. Live installations that included the utilization of video projection, sculpture, and paintings, such as “Cracked”, “Screens”, and “Body”, were also produced as tangible mixed collages that sought to create said dialogue in the physical sphere. In conclusion, I did not seek to predict the future, but rather to continually analyze and synthesize the influence of technology-inspired-cultures and culture-inspired-technology.

     

    Advisors: Nicola Lopez, Serra Bothwell Fels, Matthew Buckingham, Sondra Perry, Columbia University

     

    Exhibition: Leroy Neiman Gallery, December 2018, Manhattan, New York.

  • Visual Art, Landscape Architectural Designs, and Short Films

    My newest artworks are always first found on my instagram

    2024

    "Privilege"

    An Original Poem

     

    Performance: "Boston Voices" By Napkin Poetry Review, Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, Jan 25, 2024

    2023:

    "PlayScape Renewal: Transforming Rumney Marsh Landfill and Nahant Garbage Dump Into A Public Space For Natural Play"

    Harvard GSD Landscape Architecture Core III Studio Final Review

    2023:

    Swan Song

    A Conceptual Art Video

     

    Sidewalk Video Gallery, Fountain Street Fine Art, Boston, Massachusetts, Nov 2-29, 2023

    2023:
    ''New Language: Contemporary Abstraction", National Juried Group Exhibition

    Gallery 263, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Oct 12 -Nov 4, 2023  

    2023:

    "Fluid Memory",

    Solo Residency Art Exhibition

    Industry Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Aug 18-Sep 15, 2023 

    2023:

    Project (Re)Generation: A Cemetery for the Future

     

    Landscape Architecture

     GSD Core II Studio

    2022:

    Alchemy: Between the Past and Magic

     

    View Full Series Portfolio Here 

     

    View Series Reel Video Here

    2018 - 2022:
    Elizabeth Ulanova Official
    Portfolio

     

    Visual Art, Film and Mixed Media

    See Full Portfolio Here

    2021:

    Process on Palka: In Collaboration with Anna Stevens

     

    See Series Video Above

    2021:

    "Galaxy"

     

    See Series Portfolio Here

    2020:
    Sensory: A Collection of Fluid Acrylics

    See Full Series Here

    2018:
    Clashings of Art, Culture, and Technology in a Digital Anthropological World

    See Full Series Here

    2018:

     

    "Connection"

    Conceptual Short Film

    Columbia University Visual Arts Senior Thesis

    2018:

     

    "Voices"

    Conceptual Short Film

    Columbia University Visual Arts Senior Thesis

    2018:

     

    "Remember

    Conceptual Short Film

     

    Columbia University Visual Arts Senior Thesis

  • Past Collections

    Project Synthesis: A Park to Recover
    Herter Park

    2021

    Project PPE: Protest, Protect, Empower: A Plaza for Protestors,

    2021

    Project Meta-Marble: A Courtyard to Reflect

    2021

    Project Street Pool: A Street of Access

    2o21

    Minerals

    2020

    Conceptual Short Film

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Conceptual Short Film

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Conceptual Short Film

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Kinetic Sculpture and Video Installation

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Kinetic Sculpture and Video Installation

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Human Wifi

    Kinetic Sculpture and Performance Installation

    2018

     

    As a part of "Clashings" series

    Conceptual Art Video

    2018

     

    As a part of "Self-Portraiture" series

    Narratus

    Mixed Media

    2017

    Patere

    Photography and Silkscreen Printmaking

    2017

    Zane

    Conceptual Short Film

    2017

    PenPairs: A Meaningful Connection

    2016

  • Writings

     

    For academic papers please view my academia, and for poetry please view my medium

  • Exhibitions and Presentations

     

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    Exhibitions and Performances
    • 2024 - "Boston Arts and Culture: Fay Chandler Emerging Art Exhibition", Boston City Hall Galleries, November 18 to December 27, 2024. Curator: City Of Boston, Mayor's Office
    • 2024 - "In Celebration Of AAPI Heritage Month", CultureHouse Union Square, Somerville, MA, May 8th - June 9th, 2024, Curator: Stephanie Irigoyen
    • 2024 - "Boston Voices", The Napkin Poetry Review + Soho House Boston, Laisun Keane Gallery, Boston, MA, April 25th, 2024, Curators: Caroline King and Laisun Keane
    • 2024 - "In Pursuit of Well-Being", Group Art Exhibition, Industry Lab, Cambridge, MA, March 29 - April 12, 2024. Curated by Zoe Kurstritz
    • 2024 - “March Outspoken Saturdays” Boston GBH BPL TV Filming Studio - Poetry & Spoken Word. Curator: Amanda Shea
    • 2024 - "Boston Voices", The Napkin Poetry Review , Abigail Ogilvy Gallery, Boston, MA, Jan 25th, 2024, Curators: Caroline King and Courtney Jacobovits
    • 2023 - "Swan Song", Sidewalk Video Gallery, Fountain Street Fine Art, November 2-29, 2023. Curator: Marie Craig
    • 2023 - "New Language: Contemporary Abstraction", National Juried Exhibition, Gallery 263, Cambridge, Massachusetts, October 12 -November 4, 2023. Jury and Curator: Daniela Rivera
    • 2023 - "Fluid Memory," Solo Artist Residency Exhibition, Industry Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, August 18 - September 15, 2023. Curator: Justice McDaniel
    • 2023 - "Harvard University Graduate School of Design Studios & Seminars Spring 2023" (For STU1112), Druker Design Gallery, Cambridge, Massachusetts. April 2023.
    • 2022 - "Alchemy: Between the Past and Magic," Solo Independent Study Exhibition (For ADV9201), Gund Hall, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts. December 2022. Reviewers: Gary Hilderbrand and Ed Eigen
    • 2021 - "Design Award 2021 Exhibition" A + D Architecture and Design Museum, Los Angeles, California (In Collaboration with Anna Stevens as writer for Steven's "Palka" exhibit).
    • 2020 - "Twining Egginton 2020 Exhibition" Heong Gallery, Cambridge, England (Covid Canceled). Jury and Curator: Vicky Ambery Smith
    • 2020 - "Twining Egginton 2020 Exhibition" Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England (Virtual Exhibit). Jury and Curator: Vicky Ambery Smith
    • 2020 - "Cedar Tree Exhibition" Battcock Lodge, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England. Jury and Curator: Vicky Ambery Smith
    • 2018 - "Fall 2018 Senior Thesis Presentation", Leroy Neiman Gallery, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York. Curator: Nicola Lopez and Serra Bothwell Fels
    • 2018 - "Fall 2018 Visual Arts Department Exhibition" Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York. Curator: Nicola Lopez
    • 2018 -"Spring 2018 Visual Arts Department Exhibition" Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York. Curator: Nicola Lopez
    • 2017 - "Fall 2017 Visual Arts Department Exhibition" Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York. Curator: Nicola Lopez
    • 2017 - "Spring 2017 Visual Arts Department Exhibition" Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York. Curator: Nicola Lopez
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    Presentations and Press
    • 2024 - "Girls In Research: Demo Day", A Global Research Symposium: From Multimodal Deep Learning Models to Replicating Lotus Hydrophobicity", November 9th, 2024
    • 2024 - "Girls In Research: Demo Day", A Global Research Symposium: From Nutrition Dense Food Powders to The Impacts of Quantum Physics on Morality, August 11th, 2024
    • 2024 - "Women Founders Entrepreneurship Panel for Dana Hall Summer Entrepreneurship Program, Harvard Innovation Lab, June 17, 2024, Curator: Peter Gladstone
    • 2024 - "Play Equity Beyond Childhood: Designing for Adult Well-Being in Urban Environments", Design Research Forum, Harvard Graduate School of Design, April 18, 2024
    • 2023 - Press, Summer 2023 Fellows, Harvard University Joint Center For Housing Studies
    • 2023 - Lecture: Artist Show and Tell: Elizabeth Ulanova, Industry Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts
    • 2022 - Lecture: "On Zhang DaQian and Alchemy: Between the Past and Magic", Independent Study Exhibition, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
    • 2022 - Guest Lecture, "On Chinese Cultural Implementation, Desecration, and Exportation", HIS 4141: Histories of Landscape Architecture I: Textuality and the Practice of Landscape Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
    • 2021 - Press, Notable Alumni, Alumni Notes, The Owl Magazine, Columbia University
    • 2020 - Lecture, "The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships", Downing Graduate Conference, Downing College, University of Cambridge
    • 2020 - Lecture, "Social Intimacy In An Age of Technology Inspired Culture", MCR Seminar, Downing College, University of Cambridge
    • 2019 - Press, "Elizabeth Ulanova Is Where Art Meets Technology Meets Axe Throwing", The Eye Feature, Columbia Daily Spectator, Columbia University
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    Harvard GSD Landscape Architecture Studio Designs

    Core MLA studio designs

    Original architectural designs in response to studio projects at Harvard Graduate School of Design MLA I.

    • 2023 - "Fall 2023 Core III Studio Final Studio Review", Gund Hall, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Spring - December 2023
    • PlayScape Renewal: Transforming Rumney Marsh Landfill and Nahant Garbage Dump Into A Public Space For Natural Play, Fall 2023
    • Supervisor: Alex Wall

     

    • 2023 - "Spring 2023 Core II Studio Final Studio Review", Gund Hall, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Spring - April 2023
    • Project Re(Generation): A Cemetery for the Future, Spring 2023
    • Supervisor: Craig Douglas

     

    • 2021 - "Fall 2021 Core I Studio Final Studio Review" Gund Hall, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts
    • Project Synthesis: A Park to Recover, Fall 2021
    • Supervisor: Pablo Perez Ramos
  • Social Media

    Instagram

    Instagram

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    Linkedin

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    Academia

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    Vimeo

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    Medium

  • Press

    Harvard University Graduate School of Design

    2023

    Harvard University Graduate School of Design

    2023

    Harvard University Graduate School of DesignTitle

    2023

    Harvard University Graduate School of Design

    2022

    University of Cambridge

    Downing College Cambridge Graduate Conference 2020

    University of Cambridge

    The Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Twining Egginton 2020 Exhibition

     

    Downing College Cambridge

    University of Cambridge

    Cedar Tree Exhibition 2020

     

    Downing College Cambridge

    University of Cambridge

    Downing College MCR-SCR Night 2020

    Leroy Neiman Gallery Exhibition

    Columbia University

    2018

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