Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the custom-facebook-feed domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /export/NP/L/staging.web.faa.illinois.edu/secure/illinois-faa/web/wp/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the acfe domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /export/NP/L/staging.web.faa.illinois.edu/secure/illinois-faa/web/wp/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Art History student featured as HRI graduate fellow - School of Art & Design
Skip to content
Home page
School of Art & Design

Art History student featured as HRI graduate fellow

May 6, 2025

Sharayah L. Cochran (Art History) is a 2024–2025 Humanities Research Institute (HRI) Graduate Fellow. She was featured on the HRI blog in an interview where she discusses her research project which examines the injurious potential of documentary photographs.

Sharayah Cochran

“Dangerous Photographs”: The Power of Images in Shaping Narratives of Appalachia

Sharayah L. Cochran, a 2024–2025 HRI Graduate Fellow in Art History, is investigating the often-overlooked dangers of documentary photography in shaping narratives about Central Appalachia. Her research challenges how images—especially those depicting poverty and industry—can reinforce harmful stereotypes and support corporate interests. Grounded in personal connection to the region and informed by interdisciplinary collaboration, Cochran’s work calls for a more critical look at how we see and use photographs.

Learn more about Sharayah’s project through her full interview on the HRI website: “Dangerous Photographs”: The Power of Images in Shaping Narratives of Appalachia.

The HRI Campus Fellowship Program supports a cohort of faculty and graduate students through a year of dedicated research and writing in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

Art & Art History

Share this story

Cookie Settings