The Feminist and Gender Studies Department is delighted to share that Lauren Hough (FGS ’22) will be attending the Master’s Program in Critical Studies at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) starting this fall. Pacific Northwest College of Art is the leading professional arts and design school in the Northwest. It describes itself as the “heartbeat of learning and experimentation in Portland’s vibrant cultural ecosystem” and is dedicated to “spark[ing] curiosity and sharpen[ing] skills so students can build creative careers anchored in innovation, justice, and civic imagination.”

The MA in Critical Studies at the Pacific Northwest College of Art “merges theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping students to critically analyze and impact societal structures in politics, culture, economics, and ethics.” The program “is distinguished by its focus on applying critical theory in real-world contexts. Students engage in internships and comprehensive thesis projects, allowing them to apply their learning in professional environments and delve into specialized research topics.”

As part of her studies, Lauren is interested in thinking about the ethics and politics of care, debility/capacity, ecological bodies, and interspecies relationships, as these are mediated by intersecting modalities of power such as racism, ableism, imperialism, colonization, capitalist exploitation, and more. When asked to reflect on the significance of this new chapter of her life, Lauren shared that she is “most looking forward to building on the interdisciplinary training” that she received at CC as she explores new modes of inquiry and knowledge production alongside art students, faculty, and practitioners at PNCA. She is most grateful for “the mentorship and support of the FGS faculty as well as the patience and care of her close friends and family.”

Congratulations, Lauren. We are so proud to know you, and to see you exploring new creative and critical avenues of inquiry in your beloved state of Oregon!