Film & Visual Culture

Thesis Topic: Empathy for the Evil: How Culture Influences Audience Empathy Toward Morally Ambiguous Characters

Supervisor: Dr Bárbara Barreiro León (lead supervisor) and Dr Silvia Casini (second supervisor).

Educational Background: I hold a bachelor's degree in visual communication and an MFA in Digital Arts & Animation from Pratt Institute in New York. My thesis film won Best in Show in the department that year, and it went on to screen at several international film festivals.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? I study morally ambiguous characters, the messy, complicated ones who make you question your own values. I examine how audiences empathise with characters who act immorally and how culture and personal beliefs shape those reactions. For my PhD, I’m taking a sharper, more focused look at how the West labels certain characters as “villains,” and how othering, Orientalism, and identity influence who we empathise with, and why our empathy can be a bit selective.

In my personal creative work, I blend poetry with visual art, creating complex characters and stories inspired by my culture. A big part of my practice is challenging the narrow Western portrayals of Arab women that usually portray them as either the “virgin maiden” or the “belly dancer.” I’m here to create adventurous, layered, unapologetically real Arab female characters who break that mould.

What do you do outside of academia? Cooking, drawing, and running (I will always try to race you, and I will mostly cheat). I also take long walks around Aberdeen to clear my mind or pretend I’m the main character in a moody indie film.

I’m also owned by a cat, Mr Fox. I say “owned” because he absolutely runs the household. He’s currently pursuing a PhD in Sleep Studies: he specialises in purring, loafing, and dramatically slapping my face at 5 a.m. to demand breakfast. A very dedicated scholar, I must say.

Why did you choose to study in Aberdeen? My research digs into how stories construct immorality while still making us care, and Aberdeen offers the perfect environment to explore those questions. The interdisciplinary vibe here is incredibly inspiring, and the chance to work closely with people from so many backgrounds instantly drew me in. Plus, I wanted a change after years in big cities, and Aberdeen felt exactly right.

What is your favourite part of studying and living in Aberdeen? Honestly? The community. I’ve lived in big cities most of my life, but here it’s easy to form real friendships. I will happily bake something at night and walk it over to a friend’s place in my pyjamas. We share meals, vent about research, and celebrate each other’s small wins. I’m especially proud of the PGR community I helped build and lead as President, which has become a supportive, lively space for PhD students across all disciplines.

How do you think your experience in Aberdeen will prepare you for the future? Being surrounded by people from different fields, cultures, and perspectives is shaping me in the best ways. Aberdeen has made me more empathetic, curious, and open-minded, qualities I need as a researcher, teacher, and storyteller. My time here, inside and outside academia, is helping me grow into someone who can understand the world (and its characters) with more nuance, compassion, and a little bit of humour.

Contact Info: I always love to hear from others about their concerns, questions, or requests for support regarding the university PGR community. Find me here https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/l.alzahrani.24 or email me at l.alzahrani.24@abdn.ac.uk

Thesis Topic: Representing Belonging: Exploring Formation, Aesthetic Strategies, and Cultural Representation in Chinese Diaspora Documentaries

Supervisors: Dr Alejandra Rodríguez-Remedi (lead supervisor) and Dr Calum Waddell (second supervisor).

Educational background (BA, MA, etc.): I hold a BA in Translation and an MA (Hons) in International Multimedia Journalism.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? My current research focuses on Documentary Studies, particularly the Chinese Diaspora Documentary and the concept of Diaspora Aesthetic.

What do you do outside of academia (hobbies, personal interests, etc.)? I enjoy photography, traveling, and immersing myself in different cultures around the world.

Why did you choose to study in Aberdeen? I chose Aberdeen because of the strong alignment between my research interests and the expertise of my supervisors. Additionally, the slower pace and comfortable lifestyle in Aberdeen appealed to me as an ideal environment for focused study.

What is your favourite part of studying and living in Aberdeen? I truly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that allows me to concentrate deeply on my research with minimal distractions. I also value the supportive relationship I have with my supervisors. One of my favourite moments is walking to get coffee or bubble tea while listening to music everyday - simple yet fulfilling moments that allow me to enjoy time with myself.

How do you think your experience in Aberdeen will prepare you for the future? My time in Aberdeen has been invaluable. It has given me the space to connect with the academic environment in the UK, refine my research focus, and engage in meaningful academic activities such as reading, writing, and attending workshops. The comfortable lifestyle here has helped me gain clarity about my future path in academia.

You can read more about Huaying’s research here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/h.dai.24

Thesis Topic: Parasocial Contact and LGBTQ+ Acceptance - Investigating the Role of Media and Culture in Advancing Rights and Challenging Prejudice

Supervisors: Dr Bárbara Barreiro León (lead supervisor) and Dr Katya Krylova (second supervisor).

Educational background (BA, MA, etc.): MA in Producing at The New York Film Academy, and BS in Entertainment Business at the Los Angeles Film School.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? I'm particularly interested in how authentic representation of queer-identifying communities and individuals in television influences social attitudes and acceptance through the application of contact theory and the development of parasocial relationships with the characters being portrayed. Currently, I am working on the literature review and refining my proposal, with hopes to begin gathering data later this year.

What do you do outside of academia (hobbies, personal interests, etc.)? First and foremost, I’m a dad to two amazing little boys, so that takes up a good amount of my energy! Outside of parenting and research, I keep my creative side active as a published children's author and video producer. When I do get some downtime, I love traveling the world and finding great food and wine.

Why did you choose to study in Aberdeen? My family and I have always dreamed of living and working in Scotland, so that guided our initial search. However, the decision ultimately came down to the programme. Out of everywhere I applied, the University of Aberdeen’s Film and Visual Culture concentration was the ideal fit, as it uniquely aligns with both my research interests and my background as a creative producer.

What is your favourite part of studying and living in Aberdeen? After living in California for nearly a decade, I’ve really come to appreciate the change of pace and the fresher air here. The locals have been incredibly welcoming, which made the transition easy. But honestly, the best part is living so close to the sea and having so much history—and so many castles—to explore with my boys.

How do you think your experience in Aberdeen will prepare you for the future? I’ve spent years working in production, relying largely on creative instinct. My time at Aberdeen is helping me back those instincts with rigorous data and theory. By understanding the sociological impact of media, not just the mechanics of making it, I’ll be better prepared to create and lead projects that are both entertaining and socially impactful.

Thesis Topic: Valuing Young Audiences: how children value and experience live theatre and dance and why it matters

Supervisors: Dr Jo Vergunst, Professor Andrew Gordon, Belinda McElhinney (Imaginate - industry partner).

Educational background (BA, MA, etc.): MA (Hons) English Literature & Theatre Studies; MLitt Theatre Studies - both University of Glasgow.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? I am broadly looking into professionally-made theatre and dance for children, and the child audience member - how the young audience values and is valued in this sphere, how this manifests, and what effects it has. It's a lot about connections, power dynamics and mutual respect. I'm finding that adults listening and paying attention to children's interests results in high quality, engaging and wide-ranging work and experiences for everyone involved.

What do you do outside of academia (hobbies, personal interests, etc.)? I love to walk in our local woodland, especially if I can catch the sun through the leaves. Also it rather goes without saying that I adore many kinds of theatre and dance, both as a spectator and from a professional point of view.

What has been your favourite part of doctoral research? Being able to follow my interests really keenly, and record some of the wonderful work that's happening in the field - and spending time with my primary informants has been great: children and performance-makers are wise and so much fun!

You can read more about Siân's research here: https://www.imaginate.org.uk/artists/projects/phd-valuing-young-audiences/

Thesis Topic: My research focuses on how Nigerian filmmakers integrate West African cosmologies, folklore, and myths into speculative fiction genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror. I explore how these films engage with cultural, socio-political, and postcolonial themes, contributing to both Nigerian cinema and global genre storytelling.

Supervisors: Dr Calum Waddell (primary supervisor) and Dr Silvia Casini (secondary supervisor).

Educational background (BA, MA, etc.): I hold a BA (Hons) in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and a Master of Literature in Film, Visual Culture, and Arts Management, attained at the University of Aberdeen. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Film Studies at the University of Aberdeen.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? I’m particularly interested in African cinema, speculative fiction, African folklore, postcolonial theory, and cultural studies. My current work focuses on Nollywood’s growing engagement with science fiction, fantasy, and horror, analysing how these films challenge dominant narratives and create space for indigenous knowledge systems.

What do you do outside of academia (hobbies, personal interests, etc.)? Outside of academia, I enjoy strength training at the gym, watching psychological thrillers and mystery series, and exploring my faith. I also love discovering new music and spending time with friends and family.

Why did you choose to study in Aberdeen? Aberdeen stood out to me because of its supportive academic environment and the opportunity to work with a supervisor who specialises in African cinema. The city’s quieter pace also felt like an ideal setting for focused research.

What is your favourite part of studying and living in Aberdeen? One of my favourite parts of studying and living in Aberdeen is the sense of calm and focus the city provides. It’s a peaceful place with beautiful coastal scenery and historic architecture, which makes it easy to stay grounded and concentrate on research. Plus I’ve come to enjoy the local cafes and nature walks that offer a nice balance to academic life.

How do you think your experience in Aberdeen will prepare you for the future? My time in Aberdeen is helping me grow as an independent researcher while building confidence in my academic voice. The critical thinking, academic writing, and public engagement skills I’m developing here are equipping me for a career in higher education and the creative industries.

Thesis Topic: Generative AI in Visual Art Practice: Rethinking Creativity, AI Ethics and Human-Machine Relationship

Supervisors: Dr Silvia Casini (lead supervisor) and Dr Bárbara Barreiro León (second supervisor).

Educational background (BA, MA, etc.): I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from China and an MSc with Distinction in Cultural and Creative Communication from the University of Aberdeen.

What are your research interests/what are you currently working on? My ongoing PhD project examines aesthetics, creativity and knowledge production in generative AI visual art practices through arts-based visual research approach.

What do you do outside of academia (hobbies, personal interests, etc.)? In daily life, I enjoy films, social media and news articles, as well as literature, creative writing and calligraphy.

Why did you choose to study in Aberdeen? I completed my Master’s degree at UoA, impressed by its inclusive atmosphere and friendly people. My supervisory team’s expertise provides constructive guidance for my research. These factors led me to continue my PhD studies here.

What is your favourite part of studying and living in Aberdeen? The city’s gentle pace helps me concentrate on research, while its granite architecture provides distinctive aesthetic experience.

How do you think your experience in Aberdeen will prepare you for the future? The knowledge, research experience and publications from my PhD journey will form the foundation for my career, whether in academia or in creative fields such as curating or AI filmmaking.