Photo caption: Lungomare, Naples. 2022
Q: Tell us about your Fulbright experience. Where did you go? When? What did you do?
I was a Fulbright Scholar in 2022 in Naples, Italy. I did art-based research with the psychology department at University of Naples Federico II. With their help, I was able to conduct interviews with domestic violence survivors and their advocates, focusing on how the lockdowns affected them. I filmed only their mouths as they spoke of their personal experience to keep them anonymous. With the interviews collected, I presented an immersive video installation to the public at the end of my Fulbright time. Small monitors encircled a room in Castel Nuovo in Naples. As visitors entered the room, they heard a cacophony of voices. Only when they made a move to get close to a monitor did they then hear the individual’s story. The installation was accompanied by a panel discussion about the epidemic of violence against women in the region and beyond. Panelists included the Vice Rector of the university as well as Senator Valeria Valente.
Q: How has your Fulbright experience shaped your life and career? What skills, perspectives, or opportunities came from your exchange that still influence you today personally or professionally?
The Fulbright experience reinforced my perseverance and ability to constantly negotiate and adapt to environments that present themselves without losing my vision or creativity. I was also introduced to a number of important and powerful women in Naples, allowing me to partner with them not only on this project but on others afterwards as well. I was able to highlight the importance of working with those in other disciplines to reach a common goal and am currently a PhD student at University of Naples Federico II with the same department I worked with during my Fulbright. This was not something I had ever thought I would be doing and I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to continue my work to fight domestic violence by using the visual medium in conjunction with psychology.
Q: What does being part of the Fulbright alumni network mean to you?
Staying in contact with other Fulbrighters is of great importance to me. I want to learn about what others are doing in the world, potentially collaborate with others, to exchange ideas, and share experiences. It’s one of the most important communities I can be a part of right now.
Q: Is there someone you would like to recognize who made your Fulbright experience especially meaningful or relevant? This could be a mentor, colleague, host, or community member who left a lasting impression.
I would like to recognize and thank two people: Flavia Cavaliere and Caterina Arcidiacono. Flavia, also a Fulbrighter, was my first connection to Naples. She helped me feel at ease about this new city and welcomed me like a family member both before I arrived and during my stay. She helped me see Naples from the eyes of a local and to fall in love with it. Caterina was my advisor at the university and opened so many doors and opportunities for me that the project would not have happened without her help. She continues to help and work with me to this day. I am happy to call both of them friends.