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Innovative Research Project Draws on Medical Humanities, Studio Art

An innovative research project by graduating student Amiey Elsasser draws on medical humanities and studio art.

  • contact: Nalleli Zermeno
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Amiey Elsasser, the 2023 Outstanding Major Award winner for Medical Humanities, is graduating this May with a major in medical humanities and a minor in studio art.

Elsasser says her interest in Medical Humanities naturally sparked from her background.

“I had been a CNA for five years, and really loved medicine, really loved being a caretaker, but I'm also a very artistic student. They always tell you to look at what you love in your life and what you're doing in your life — how can I put them together?”

Elsasser combined her interests in medical humanities and studio art into a research project unlike any other: DERMA.

“DERMA: expressions in body paint post spinal injury” is a qualitative arts-based research study utilizing body paint, portrait photography, and narrative inquiry methods. This project is a convergence of art and medicine to show multiple perspectives by co-creating and viewing photographic portraits of people living with spinal cord injuries.

Elsasser’s project started as an assignment for class and grew beyond what she ever imagined. The story was covered by WOWT, and potential participants have been reaching out ever since.

“The Nebraska Arts Council came out to talk to me because I saw my pieces on Instagram. It just blew my mind, like how much that can spider web,” Elsasser said. “Seeing it get promoted and received so lovingly, and positively. It was the reinforcement to keep going.”

In November 2022 Elsasser was able to display her pieces at the BFA & BASA Student Exhibitions. On opening night of the gallery Elsasser was also awarded the FUSE grant to fund her research. The FUSE grant supports faculty-mentored undergraduate student research and creative activity.

“It just felt really surreal.” Elsasser said, “having that moment of quiet reflection time before the gallery opened where I just sat on the floor in front of these images with the amazing lighting — just to see them stand on their own hung up was amazing.”

Elsasser also was able to present her research at the American Art Therapy Association’s annual conference in Minneapolis.

Her advice for students: “Be curious! When it comes to education, a no isn’t always final. There's always a window that opens when a door shuts. Try for the opportunities you want because they won’t always be handed to you. Find the workarounds."

After graduation Elsasser plans to continue the DERMA project with new participants and exploring new mediums.