Image of Research at Illinois State 2023 Competition

The Image of Research competition invites student researchers to convey their research or creative scholarship with a single, static image and to describe the connection of research to image in a 150-word abstract. Winners receive cash prizes.

Each year external jurors evaluate the entries based on visual impact, uniqueness, and the connection between image and narrative. This year’s jurors were Dennis French and Kirstin Smith. French is Illinois State University Emeritus Professor of Metals, specializing in jewelry design and fabrication. Since his retirement from Illinois State, French’s creative work has included functional sculpture and furniture. His wearable art and sculptures are found in collections across the country. Kristin Smith, an Illinois State alum, has spent the last several years as a copywriter for a Fortune 1000 company and now manages her own creative team in brand and advertising.

This competition is sponsored by the Office of Student Research, The Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Milner Library, and University Galleries.

Learn more about the winners