Mark your calendars; the annual Image of Research Competition closing this week! The Image of Research Competition at Illinois State University invites graduate and undergraduate students to create or capture one compelling static image of their research to share with the public. This year, finalist Edcel Javier Cintron-Gonzalez centers the Latinx community in his submission.
When: Thursday, February 13, 4-6 p.m.
Where: University Galleries, 11 Uptown Circle
More information: Image of Research Competition | Office of Student Research | Illinois State
Cintron-Gonzalez is a proud Puerto Rican, scholar, and graduate worker who is pursuing a Ph.D. in English Studies and a graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. His studies focus on children and young adult literature, where he explores how children’s literature and media create space for both adults and children to talk about mental health, resiliency, activism, empathy, and healing. In his submission, where he looks at his reflection in a mirror that says “¡Pa’lante! You got this!” while wearing a sweater with the Puerto Rican flag, he emphasizes the power of seeing one’s own identity, culture, and struggles reflected on-screen or in print, as representation can affirm a sense of worth and belonging. His work highlights the importance of creating stories that promote transparency and the destigmatization of mental health, fostering more inclusive spaces where Latinx/e individuals, such as himself, are reminded that our identity, cultural background, and existence matter in the world. Please come out to see Cintron-Gonzalez and other students’ fascinating submissions.
