Honoring women’s history month by showcasing the power of interdisciplinary research across multiple fields

Rochester, New York – Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the invaluable contributions women have made across various fields, from science and technology to the arts and social sciences. At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), this celebration is taking an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together voices from diverse academic backgrounds to highlight research that intersects with gender, identity, and technology. The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) symposium, set to take place on March 28, stands as a testament to the growing integration of these themes into various disciplines.

One of the standout projects featured at the symposium is the research podcast “Star Stories,” created by filmmaker Ky’Johnna Jamison. Through her internship at the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Jamison has worked to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, particularly Black women in astrophysics. The podcast delves into the barriers these women face while pursuing careers in science, bringing much-needed attention to their struggles and triumphs.

The debut episode of “Star Stories” will feature an interview with Aomawa Shields, an esteemed astronomer and astrobiologist known for her work on small exoplanets. Shields’ journey in STEM has been fraught with challenges, from discrimination to systemic obstacles, yet she has persevered and thrived. Jamison hopes that by sharing Shields’ experiences, she can inspire young BIPOC girls to see themselves in STEM careers.

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“Directly addressing discrimination is the only way those issues can be solved. When we ignore it, it creates lasting issues for everyone. Not just those in marginalized groups,” said Jamison. “Positive media representation is essential to combatting discrimination against underrepresented groups and building empathy between communities.”

Beyond the podcast, the WGSS symposium will showcase a wide range of interdisciplinary research projects that connect gender studies with emerging technologies. Students and faculty from multiple colleges within RIT, including the College of Science, the College of Art and Design, and the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, will participate in discussions and presentations.

Shay Ryan Olmstead, a lecturer in the WGSS program and co-organizer of the symposium, emphasized the importance of these cross-disciplinary collaborations. “A major goal of our program is to demonstrate that WGSS is applicable to every major here at RIT. Developing the theme to include technologies was a no-brainer,” Olmstead said. “Student and faculty presentations connect WGSS with video games, computer science, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and many other technologies.”

One particularly compelling project at the symposium is a short film by first-year graphic design student Liam Olson, titled “Queer & Trans Identity through Social VR: VRChat.” The film examines the impact of virtual reality platforms like VRChat in providing safe spaces for gender exploration. Olson found that VRChat allows transgender individuals to express their identities freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.

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“Having a persona that’s private gives you a chance to learn about yourself and understand and progress with your identity as a whole without being judged,” Olson said. “There are people who want to present differently, but they feel intimidated by it. Places like VRChat allow for a zone where there is less judgment than there is in real life.”

Through interviews with VRChat users, Olson’s film explores both the benefits and potential drawbacks of virtual spaces in fostering queer and trans communities. His research aims to bring greater academic attention to the role of digital platforms in identity formation and socialization.

Another project delving into the intersection of gender and technology comes from third-year WGSS student Maya Gopoian Heatley. Using the popular video game Deltarune, Heatley explores how games can be analyzed through a “trans*” perspective. Her research suggests that games can be read in a way that challenges traditional notions of gender and identity, similar to how queer theory has been applied to literature and film.

“Getting a chance to present my research as an undergraduate student, and grow with the project, is very special. My plan is to go to graduate school and eventually become an academic in this field, so I’ll hopefully be doing more things like this in the future,” said Heatley.

These projects illustrate how the study of gender and sexuality can be applied to a wide range of disciplines, from film and media to astrophysics and gaming. Silvia Benso, professor of philosophy and director of the WGSS program, stressed the importance of fostering these interdisciplinary conversations. “Our historical times show us that we need to continue to highlight the immense contributions made by women and gender minorities to our social lives, past and present,” Benso said. “The reality and existences of human beings are multiple, pluralistic, and diverse. WGSS takes these pluralities of experiences into account and applies them to various areas of life and career paths. Complexity may be hard to handle, but it is not to be fought or eliminated.”

By embracing complexity and diversity, the WGSS symposium seeks to bridge the gap between traditional gender studies and modern technological advancements. The event, sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts’ Dean’s Office, will provide a platform for students and faculty to share their research, exchange ideas, and inspire future collaborations.

As Women’s History Month unfolds, initiatives like the WGSS symposium serve as vital reminders of the need to continue championing gender equity and inclusion in academia. Through interdisciplinary research and meaningful dialogue, RIT is fostering an environment where all voices can be heard, and all stories can be told.