My work is inspired by and built on many great thinkers throughout history, such as John Dewey, Maxine Greene, Elliot Eisner, Karen Barad, and William Pinar, among others. Their contributions have profoundly influenced my philosophy and approach to research, art, and teaching. I’m a trained artist and art educator, but I feel a sense of pressure to meet the expectations of traditional artistic excellence. On the other hand, I love art-making, and I benefit from it in my academic pursuits and in my personal growth. I think art-making for me it’s about engaging in a process of inquiry, reflection, and discovery. This process-driven art idea is central to my aesthetic practice (not the old ones), my research, and my teaching.
Below is my shorter vita. Full CV is available here.
Email: yszhao@uw.edu
Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences & Human Development, University of Washington (in progress)
Instructor of Record, EDSPE 304, Disability and Ableism in Education, University of Washington
Instructor of Record, EDUC 440, , Art, Education, and Climate Justice, University of Washington
Teaching Assistant, EDSPE 422, (Dis)ability, Education and Art, University of Washington
Course Co-Designer, EDUC 440, Arts, Education, and Climate Justice, University of Washington
Research Assistant, Toddler Talk Project, University of Washington
Research Assistant, Building Coaching Capacity Project, University of Washington
Research Assistant, KidsTeam, University of Washington
Master of Art Teaching, Maryland Institute College of Art
Master of Fine Arts, Academy of Art in Carrara
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Academy of Art in Carrara