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DocuSign Envelope ID: 17FD95EB-B331-47B7-938C-49C2A49A7089 <br /> Project/Program Minorities are so underrepresented in science that the federal <br /> Summary government has enlisted specific grants to help institutions increase <br /> the diversity among their biomedical research programs. Many <br /> institutions have established programs like The Initiative for <br /> Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) to support the number of <br /> underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Belonging tells the <br /> story of individuals who overcame stereotypes, socio-economic <br /> difficulties, and history to pursue advanced degrees in biomedical <br /> research. The purpose of this project is to share the reality of what is <br /> still a biased scientific culture. The individuals within the portraits are <br /> brilliant, creating change, and pushing the boundaries of science. <br /> However, what they experience and feel is different, and that is the <br /> central tenant of this project. The outcome is a raw, thought- <br /> provoking body of work, meant to bring awareness to the various <br /> disparities in our scientific community. <br /> The scientist within the portraits are asked introspective questions <br /> about their experience as scientists while being photographed with <br /> an analog camera. Due to darkroom printing size restraints the <br /> portraiture pieces will be printed by Rim Rock Print Studio on <br /> Hahnemuhle fineart archival paper (24"x24"). Personal <br /> stories/feelings relevant to the project's focus will be hand-written on <br /> exposed scientific x-ray film and framed using the cassettes required <br /> to process such film. Additionally, the portraits will be accompanied <br /> by gelatin silver fiber-based photographs hand-printed by the artist, <br /> which are cohesive and supportive pieces to the underlying theme. <br /> The photographs will be framed at Frame Warehouse - Durham, NC. <br /> It will take 3-4 months to complete the portrait series, 2-3 months for <br /> supporting gelatin silver prints, and 1 month for mixed media x-ray <br /> film piece. Importantly, this work has an established supporting <br /> venue scheduled for March of 2020 at The Arts Center in Carrboro, <br /> NC. Barbara Troyler (FRANK Gallery) has shown interest in <br /> supporting this work and recommended it be submitted to CLICK! <br /> Photo Festival 2020. UNC's IMSD program has also shown interest in <br /> showcasing the work in a public setting on UNC's campus. The artist <br /> will also work with IMSD of UNC Chapel Hill to contact national cancer <br /> research organizations such as American Association for Cancer <br /> Research (AACR) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) <br /> to inquire about having this series displayed at annual conferences. <br /> Importantly, this funding mechanism would help support framing <br /> cost, materials for printing, and a potential exhibition workshop with <br /> Barbara Troyler. <br /> This body of work will serve as an educational tool for the science <br /> community to foster change and promote awareness of such <br /> disparities. Moreover, this effort will help bring public awareness to <br /> the great minds who contribute to improving healthcare decisions. In <br /> conclusion, I hope this series reminds everyone, directly or indirectly <br /> associated with this collaborative effort, that we are all human beings <br /> and our contributions to improving healthcare are far beyond our <br /> race, religion, creed, color, or sexual orientation. <br />