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global traveler| tech+culture+art|

landscape architecture| tech sociologist| visual artist| writer
Elizabeth Ulanova works at the intersection of tech, culture, and art. Based in Boston, she is at Harvard University Graduate School of Design for her 3 years professional master's degree (M.L.A, Landscape Architecture) on a full Harvard Dean's Merit Scholarship. She is a graduate of both the University of Cambridge with her research master’s degree (M.Phil, Sociology of Media and Culture) where she was awarded a Twining Egginton Prize, and of Columbia University with her bachelor’s degree (B.A, Visual Arts, Magna Cum Laude) with great distinction. As a sociologist she has conducted original research in new media such as the impact of social media technology on romantic relationships, and as a visual artist - has exhibited original film and kinetic art in both New York and England. California-born, Elizabeth is a New Yorker at heart, and has lived in both Asia and Europe.

Elizabeth has a lifelong love for travel and has visited countries on 5 continents. Professionally, she has held positions at startups and international organizations, such as national president for The Ivy League Council and co-head of the US expansion of Project Access International (New York). Prior to Columbia, Elizabeth developed digital startups as the first-ever entrepreneur-in-residence for a biotech foundation (Boston), worked in business liaison, journalism, and corporate education (China), and studied Mandarin Chinese, after finishing high school early (California). Her favorite hobbies include urban latin dance, watching cooking shows, TED talks, and theatre. She is the proud mom of two rescue pitbulls, Brave and Skylar.
My Work
The linear narrative throughout my research and artistry is the integral practice of cerebral storytelling - unconfined by subject or medium.

With a varied focus on 'tech + art + culture', I both interweave as well as introspect the spaces between digital technology, visual art, and cultural sociology. Presently my attention is concentrated within landscape architecture - a nexus in which we design constructions that allow people to connect to themselves, to each other, and to their environment. I am currently exploring the preservation and reincarnation of memory in both digital and physical formulations. This ranges from exhibiting memory through technological and artistic means to re-imagining the architectural function of modern burial grounds. Concept-driven, my practice will also include critical elements of visual installation, bio-inspired design, and sustainable development.
Select Research
"The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships"
a 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.

2019 - 2020
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"
"Clashings of Art, Culture, and Technology in a Digital Anthropological World"
A 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.

Exhibition: Leroy Neiman Gallery, December 2018, Manhattan, New York.
Completed: January 2018 - December 2018
Current Positions
2019-2020 / 2020-2021

For past positions and full resume, please refer to Linkedin
For Linkedin Profile (click here)
England-based. California-born. Globally-educated. Professionally experienced in multidisciplinary industries, non-traditional, and internationally traveled. Currently working and studying at the intersection of visual art, cultural sociology, and media technology.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
master's Degree
master in landscape architecture - m.L.A, Dean's merit scholar
2021-2024
3-year professional degree program MLA I in the #1 ranked landscape architecture graduate program in the USA.
•Honors: A full Harvard University Dean's Merit Scholarship for top-ranked incoming students at the GSD that covers 100% tuition
•Activities: Loeb Fellowship's Loeb Collaboratory
University of Cambridge
master's Degree
master of philosophy - m.phil, sociology of media and culture
2019-2020
Research-based master's degree in Sociology. The Cambridge Department of Sociology is #1 ranked in UK league tables. Postgraduate at Downing College.
Master's Thesis: "The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships" (Supervisor: Dr. Rikke Amundsen)
Honors: The Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Twining Egginton Prize, Downing Graduate Conference (Select Research Presenter), Downing College MCR-SCR Seminar (Select Research Presenter), Downing College Twining Egginton Exhibition (Select Art Exhibitor), Downing College Cedar Tree Exhibition (Select Art Exhibitor), Seton Cavendish Bequest Grant
Activities: Downing College MCR, Cambridge Tap and Jazz Dance Society, Cambridge Technology and New Media Research Cluster, Cambrovision. Initiated the creation of the first-ever art studio for students use at Downing College (first student beta user), and the first student to propose an art residency.
Columbia University in the City of New York
BAchelor's Degree
Bachelor of arts - b.a, VisUal Arts, MaGna Cum Laude
2016 - 2019
3.86 GPA, FIRST CLASS
Honors: Magna Cum Laude (High Honors/Great Distinction), Dean's List, Leadership Service Award, Senior Thesis Stipend Award, Senior Thesis Studio, Independent Study (Department Chair, Matthew Buckingham), Tuition Scholarship, Junior Marshall Selectee, Spectator Senior Profile
Senior Thesis: "Clashings of Art, Culture, and Technology in a Digital Anthropological World" (Advisors: Matthew Buckingham, Nicola Lopez, Serra Victoria Fels)
Activities: Ivy Council National, Ivy Council Steering, First Generation Student Advisory Board, Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor, Ivy Policy Conference, Ivy Leadership Summit, Spring Gala Design Co-Chair, Apollo Society, One For The World, Latin Dance
Courses Taken: Visual Art, Art History, Architecture, Global History, Literature, Ethnomusicology, and Biological Sciences. Additional courses: Chinese Language and Literature (Chongqing University), and Social and Computer Sciences (Harvard University)
Researcher, Visual Artist, and Filmmaker
(New York City, England, California)
2016-Present
•Columbia University (2016-2019), University of Cambridge (2019-2020), Harvard University (2021-2024)
•originally written research in cultural history, sociology, new media, art history, film history, ethnomusicology, and marine biology
•originally produced, written, directed, and edited short films & video projects
•original mixed media, kinetic art, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, and installation projects
(see projects section below for details, conference presentations, and artistic exhibitions)
FLIP National
(New York City)
director of technology
2021-2021
FLIP National unites the efforts of stakeholders in solving problems facing first-generation and low-income students through its dual mission to promote equal opportunity by a) building supportive, sustainable student-led on-campus communities and coordinating the development of initiatives that provide direct support to these students, b) serve as a catalyst to increase public awareness, discussion, and c) bring about policy changes that prevent so many students from accessing opportunity in education.
Project Access
(New York City, HQ in London, UK)
Co-head of us expansion
2018-2019
A global London-based non-profit, tech-enabled startup focused on education with 20+ international country teams and partnered with top universities and companies (ex: Cambridge, Oxford, Mckinsey, etc)
•co-led the American expansion as a social entrepreneurship startup after years of Project Access' global success in bringing students to the UK
•strategy, partnerships, product and business development, tech, and marketing for the overarching American operation
•highlights include: launching PA-USA from Rockefeller Center, co-founding 5 Ivy League campus teams, and PA-USA research task force; partnership with Wharton GRC; and training mentees in Vienna.
Ivy Council
(New York City)
former national president emeritus, national president of technology, Columbia head delegate, IPC director of technology
2017-2019
•Former National President (2018), National Vice President of Technology (2017-2018), Columbia Head Delegate (2017), and IPC Director of Technology (2017). Elected from regional conference director to national president in 1.5 years.
•Led executive efforts for Ivy Council National that oversaw all 8 Ivy League chapters, annual conferences (Ivy Policy Conference, Ivy Leadership Summit, IVC-NYC Speaker Series, IVC-NYC Retreat, etc), philanthropy, publication, and international ventures including 30 officers and 1,300 members.
•Created first-ever streamlined online and digital presence, brokered strategic partnerships (Eastern Economic Forum,etc), implemented national marketing, operational campaigns, and policy. Led Columbia IVC's highest enrollment year, oversaw IVC's shift to a leadership organization, and restructured internal infrastructure.
Select Current Projects
Landscape Architecture Designs
2021 - Present
Original designs, in response to studio projects at Harvard Graduate School of Design MLA I.

Ongoing projects:
Ecology of Plants, Fall 2021
Representational "Galaxy", Fall 2021
Project City Hall Plaza, Fall 2021

List of Projects:
Project Material Logic: Meta-Marble Courtyard, Fall 2021
Project Traffic: The Street Pool, Summer 2021

Exhibitions:
Fall 2021 - Piper Auditorium, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Boston, MA
Independent Art Projects, Productions, and Exhibitions
2016 - Present
Originally produced, written, directed, and edited original short films & video projects, as well as original mixed media, sculpture, painting and kinetic art installation projects.

Notable projects include: "Fake" (Short Video), "Remember" (Short Film), "Voices" (Short Film), "Connection"(Short Film), "Human Wifi"(Sculptural Kinetic Installation), "Cracked"(Sculptural Kinetic Installation), "Screens" (Sculptural Kinetic Installation), "Body" (Sculptural Kinetic Installation), Patere (Silkscreen Printmaking and Photography).

Ongoing projects:
“Process in Black” in collaboration with Anna Stevens, 2021
"Notebook Poetry", 2021
"Sensory" A Collection of Fluid Acrylics, 2020
Exhibitions:
2020/21 - Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England (Covid Canceled)
2020 - Virtual Exhibit, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
2020 - Battcock Lodge, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
2018 - Leroy Neiman Gallery, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York
2018 - Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York.
2017 - Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York.
2016 - Prentis Hall, Columbia University, Manhattan, New York.
Notebook Poetry
2021 - Present
Originally written and composed poetry.

My first love in life was actually writing. From the age of 9 years old, while traveling with my dad - I would often find myself introverted into a corner handwriting poetry into my notebooks, or typing fiction novels into my dad's laptop. Recently, I've been a revival of this practice, scribbling into my digital notebook - of sentences that represent fragments I consider worth transcribing.
Select Videos & Art
“I began making art for the first time in 2016. So far it has been an interesting journey..." - Eli
2018 - 2020:
Elizabeth Ulanova Official
Portfolio

Visual Art, Film and Mixed Media

See Full Portfolio Here
2020:
"Sensory: A Collection of Fluid Acrylics"
2020:
"Minerals: A Collection of Abstract Oils"
2018:
"Clashings of Art, Culture, and Technology in a Digital Anthropological World"
Full Thesis Series
"Connection"
Conceptual Short Film
2018

As a part of "Clashings" series
"Voices"
Conceptual Short Film
2018

As a part of "Clashings" series
"Remember"
Conceptual Short Film
2018

As a part of "Clashings" series
"Cracked"
Kinetic Sculpture and Video Installation
2018

As a part of "Clashings" series
"Body"
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
"Fake"
Conceptual Art Video
2018

As a part of "Self-Portraiture" series
2017:

"Self-Portraiture: Patere"

"Narratus"
Mixed Media
2017
"Patere"
Photography and Silkscreen Printmaking
2017
"Zane"
Conceptual Short Film
2017
2016:

"PenPairs: A Meaningful Connection"
Select Writings
For academic papers please view my academia and for poetry please view my medium
Select Press
Leroy Neiman Gallery Exhibition
Columbia University
2018
Columbia Daily Spectator
The Eye Feature
"Elizabeth Ulanova Is Where Art Meets Technology Meets Axe Throwing"
2019
Columbia Daily Spectator
University Commencement Edition
"Senior Profile - Elizabeth Ulanova"
2019
University of Cambridge
Downing College MCR-SCR Night 2020
University of Cambridge
Cedar Tree Exhibition 2020

Downing College Cambridge
University of Cambridge
The Mr and Mrs Geoffrey Twining Egginton 2020 Exhibition

Downing College Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Downing College Cambridge Graduate Conference 2020
University of Cambridge
Downing College Cambridge Graduate Conference 2020
Social Media

Instagram
Linkedin
Academia
Vimeo
Medium
Twitter
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Select Past Projects

COLUMBIA STUDIOS:
Architecture & Mixed Media Studios
Fall 2016:
1. Design Futures Studio Project 1: "Energy Calendar"
COMPLETED
2. Design Futures Studio Project 2: "Wearable Resume"
COMPLETED
3. Design Futures Studio Project 3: "Interventional Device"
COMPLETED

Spring 2017:
1. Intro To Arch Studio Project 1: Perception, What is Outside on the Inside, What is Inside on the Outside
COMPLETED

Fall 2017:
1. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 1: "A Day In My Sandal"
COMPLETED
2. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 2: "Depressions of Love"
COMPLETED
3. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 3: "Constructions From Nature"
COMPLETED
4. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 4: "Human Body By Tape"
COMPLETED
5. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 5: "Surrealist Image"
COMPLETED
6. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 6: "Self Portrait
COMPLETED
7. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 7: "Collectibles"
COMPLETED
8. Mixed Media Studio:
Project 8: "Final Project: Narratus"
COMPLETED
COLUMBIA STUDIOS:
Fine Art : Painting & Drawing Studios
Spring 2017:
1. Drawing Studio Project Part 1: "Patere" - Photography in Black and White
COMPLETED
2. Drawing Studio Project Part 2: "Patere" - Drawing in Charcoal and Watercolor markers
COMPLETED

Summer 2017:
1. History Class: Masterpieces of Western Art
COMPLETED

Fall 2017:
1. Drawing II Studio
A. Plant Based Study Project
COMPLETED
B. Human Vertebrae Project
COMPLETED
C. Metamorphosis Project
IN PROGRESS

2. Painting I Studio
A. Vogue Replica
COMPLETED
B. Paint From Imagination
COMPLETED
C. Self Choice Painting
COMPLETED
D. Self Portrait Painting
COMPLETED
E. Painting from Nature Painting
COMPLETED
F. Trip-Tych Painting
COMPLETED
G. Final Large Studio Painting "Impressions"
COMPLETED
G. Final Medium Studio Painting "Ochre"
COMPLETED

Spring 2018:
1. Paint From Imagination 'Escape'
COMPLETED
2.Paint From Imagination 'Void'
COMPLETED
3.Paint From Imagination 'Calm Down'
COMPLETED
COLUMBIA STUDIOS:
Film Laboratories & Video Studios
Fall 2016:
1. Fiction Film Lab: Short Film "You"
COMPLETED
2. Fiction Film Lab: Short Film "Park"
COMPLETED
3. Fiction Film Lab: Short Film "Dodge"
COMPLETED
4. Fiction Film Lab: Final Original Short Film "Zane" COMPLETED

Fall 2017:
1. Beginning Video Studio:
"Fake" : A Conceptual Art Video
COMPLETED
2. Beginning Video Studio:
"After Suicide" : A Documentary
COMPLETED
3. Beginning Video Studio:
"Facets" : A Narrative
COMPLETED
4. Beginning Video Studio:
"Remember" : A Short Conceptual Film
COMPLETED

Spring 2018:
1.Advanced Video Studio:
A. "Voices"
A World Where Our Thoughts Can Be Heard
COMPLETED

Fall 2018:
.1"Connection"
A World Where Our Emotions Subside"
COMPLETED

.2. "Screens"
COMPLETED

.3. "Body"
COMPLETED
COLUMBIA STUDIOS:
Fine Art : Printmaking & Sculpture Studios
Summer 2017:
1. Printmaking Silkscreen Studio:
A. Black and White Original Photography Print
COMPLETED
B. 2 Color Original Text Print
COMPLETED
C. 3 Color Original Print (Hand-drawn)
COMPLETED
D. 3 Color Original Print (Digitally-drawn)
COMPLETED

Spring 2018:
1. Sculpture 1 Studio
A. WoodWork Sculpture
"Elements"
COMPLETED
B. Plaster + Projection Mapping Sculpture
"Cracked"
COMPLETED
C. MetalWork Sculpture + Projection Mapping Installation
'Human Wifi'
COMPLETED

Fall 2018:
.1"Looney Tunes'
COMPLETED
Ivy Council Technology Projects
Spring 2017 - Early Fall 2018
Ivy Council Executive Board Technology Relaunch:

1. Main IVC Website

2. Year-Round IPC Website

3. Year-Round ILS Website

Past:
Ivy Policy Conference 2017 Website

Penpairs.org
A Meaningful Connection
Tackling social isolation and loneliness for persons of all ages and backgrounds - Penpairs connects the world as virtual penpals through a global social network.

Project Timeline: Spring 2016 - 2018

WorstRomance.com
It Can Always Be Worse
Your real life stories of THEE worst breakups, dates, hookups, rejections, and pick-up lines.

Project Timeline: Spring 2016 - 2018
StartupGrave.com
Where Startups Go To Die (Properly)
Give your failed startup a proper funeral or have a stroll in our lovely graveyard.

Project Timeline: Spring 2016 - 2018

global traveler| tech+culture+art| landscape architecture| tech sociologist| visual artist| writer

My Work

Select Research

"The Influence of Social Media on Modern Romantic Relationships"

a graduate SOCIOLOGY research thesis conducted at the University of Cambridge, department of sociology. supervisor: dr. rikke amundsen

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

Current Positions

2019-2020 / 2020-2021

For past positions and full resume, please refer to Linkedin

For Linkedin Profile (click here)

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

master's Degreemaster in landscape architecture - m.L.A, Dean's merit scholar2021-2024

University of Cambridge

master's Degreemaster of philosophy - m.phil, sociology of media and culture2019-2020

Columbia University in the City of New York

BAchelor's DegreeBachelor of arts - b.a, VisUal Arts, MaGna Cum Laude2016 - 2019

Researcher, Visual Artist, and Filmmaker(New York City, England, California)

2016-Present

FLIP National

(New York City)

director of technology2021-2021

Project Access(New York City, HQ in London, UK)

Co-head of us expansion2018-2019

Ivy Council(New York City)

former national president emeritus, national president of technology, Columbia head delegate, IPC director of technology2017-2019

Select Current Projects

Landscape Architecture Designs

2021 - Present

Independent Art Projects, Productions, and Exhibitions

2016 - Present

Notebook Poetry

2021 - Present

Select Videos & Art

“I began making art for the first time in 2016. So far it has been an interesting journey..." - Eli

2018 - 2020:

Elizabeth Ulanova Official

Portfolio

Visual Art, Film and Mixed Media

2020:"Sensory: A Collection of Fluid Acrylics"

2020:"Minerals: A Collection of Abstract Oils"

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

"Human Wifi"

2017: "Self-Portraiture: Patere"

"Narratus"

"Patere"

"Zane"

2016: "PenPairs: A Meaningful Connection"

Select WritingsFor academic papers please view my academia and for poetry please view my medium

Select Writings

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

Select Press

Leroy Neiman Gallery Exhibition

Columbia Daily SpectatorThe Eye Feature

Columbia Daily SpectatorUniversity Commencement Edition

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Social Media

Contact

Select Past Projects

COLUMBIA STUDIOS:

Architecture & Mixed Media Studios

COLUMBIA STUDIOS:

Fine Art : Painting & Drawing Studios

COLUMBIA STUDIOS:

Film Laboratories & Video Studios

COLUMBIA STUDIOS:

Fine Art : Printmaking & Sculpture Studios

Ivy Council Technology Projects

Spring 2017 - Early Fall 2018

Penpairs.org

A Meaningful Connection​

It Can Always Be Worse​

Where Startups Go To Die (Properly)

global traveler| tech+culture+art|

landscape architecture| tech sociologist| visual artist| writer

master's Degree
master in landscape architecture - m.L.A, Dean's merit scholar
2021-2024

master's Degree
master of philosophy - m.phil, sociology of media and culture
2019-2020

BAchelor's Degree
Bachelor of arts - b.a, VisUal Arts, MaGna Cum Laude
2016 - 2019

Researcher, Visual Artist, and Filmmaker
(New York City, England, California)

director of technology
2021-2021

Project Access
(New York City, HQ in London, UK)

Co-head of us expansion
2018-2019

Ivy Council
(New York City)

former national president emeritus, national president of technology, Columbia head delegate, IPC director of technology
2017-2019

2020:
"Sensory: A Collection of Fluid Acrylics"

2020:
"Minerals: A Collection of Abstract Oils"

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

2017:

"Self-Portraiture: Patere"

2016:

"PenPairs: A Meaningful Connection"

Select Writings
For academic papers please view my academia and for poetry please view my medium

Columbia Daily Spectator
The Eye Feature

Columbia Daily Spectator
University Commencement Edition

A Meaningful Connection

It Can Always Be Worse