research
the impacts of forced migration on armenian embroidery
principal investigator, june 2026 – june 2027
this master’s research project/paper examines how forced migration during the armenian genocide impacted armenian embroidery styles and techniques. through research-creation and archival analysis, and with the lens of decolonial theory, this research addresses a gap in understanding armenian embroidery not as stagnant and frozen in time, but as a living and changing aspect of armenian culture. questions guiding this research study include: what were armenian embroidery styles and techniques like during the ottoman empire, before the armenian genocide? how did forced migration during the armenian genocide impact armenian embroidery styles and techniques? how are those impacts reflected in armenian embroidery today?
art and activism in west asian diaspora communities living in canada
principal investigator, january – june 2026
the purpose of this study was to gather information about the arts and activism in west asian diaspora communities in canada. the principal investigator interviewed five study participants and then analyzed the findings of these interviews, resulting in an academic report and conference presentation. the research was guided by the following questions: how does being a member of a cultural diaspora in canada create a “third space” category outside of being canadian or being a member of the originating community? how do members of west asian diaspora communities participate in the arts in canada? how does this participation relate to political activism? how can art and activism be a mode for cross-cultural solidarity among members of west asian diaspora communities in canada?
this research was supported by faculty supervisor dr. monique tschofen and approved by the research ethics board of toronto metropolitan university.