The College of the Arts proudly announces its inaugural cohort of LAIKA Scholars and Faculty Fellows, chosen from among a competitive field of applicants.
The six students selected will receive a scholarship for the 2025-26 year, through a partnership between LAIKA and PSU’s College of the Arts established in 2024 to support students from diverse backgrounds and promote inclusive growth in the creative industries. The awards, which will cover a significant portion of the recipients’ tuition, will allow the group of students to receive mentoring and professional development opportunities through meaningful, hands-on interactions with LAIKA’s creative talent. The three faculty fellows will receive funding and time off from teaching to pursue their creative work, industry-specific expertise from LAIKA for curriculum development and opportunities to collaborate on future projects with shared interest.
This unique partnership is intended to build connections between the academic experience students receive at PSU’s College of the Arts and the creative industry, preparing students for the evolving film and animation fields and expanding pathways to careers in the creative fields. The LAIKA fellowship gives College of the Arts faculty the opportunity to elevate and expand their teaching strategies to better prepare students for careers in regional and global creative industries. The program includes students and faculty across all creative disciplines, from film and architecture to art practice and music, welcoming artists who will bring a diversity of thought and creative practice to the cohort. The pilot program will award six student scholarships and three faculty fellowships each year for three years.
“What a joy it is to partner with LAIKA to empower future creatives from a diversity of lived experiences,” said Leroy E. Bynum, Jr., dean of PSU’s College of the Arts. “I am immensely proud of this very first cohort of scholars and artists. Not only do these students and faculty have the extraordinary opportunity to interact with the incredible professionals at LAIKA, but through this partnership we will also benefit from the opportunity to craft innovative curriculum that will help prepare our students to move even more effectively right into the creative industry.”
The student scholars selected for this prestigious award are:
- Praveen Badu, B.A. in Architecture, expected graduation in 2027
- Abby Fox, B.A. in Theater Arts, minor in Art Practice, expected graduation in 2026
- Rosemary Gostovich, B.A. in Film, minor in Art Practice, expected graduation in 2026
- Haley Hsu, BFA in Graphic Design, minor in Advertising for Graphic Design, expected graduation 2027
- Catherine Olivares, B.A. in Film, minor in Advertising Management, expected graduation in 2026
- Xquenda Penrose, B.A. in Sonic Arts & Music Production, expected graduation in 2028
The following distinguished faculty members were selected as the inaugural group of LAIKA Faculty Fellows:
Alison Heryer, Sue Horn-Caskey & Charles F. Caskey Professor in Textile Arts & Costume Design, Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design
Known for her multidisciplinary design work in performance, fashion and art practice, Heryer was recognized by the selection committee for her integration of storytelling with emerging technologies and the potential for her fellowship to benefit not only students but also the broader university community through her work in digital skill development, 3D fabrication and smart textiles.
Stephen Lee, Associate Professor, Interactive/Experience Design, Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design
A designer and educator with deep experience working in brand, motion and interactive design, Lee caught the attention of the selection committee through his embrace of creative technology, passion for supporting those with diverse lived experiences, as well as his hands-on, experimental approach to learning to engage students with different learning styles.
J.J. Vazquez, Assistant Professor, School of Film An award-winning independent film director, esteemed educator and former U.S. Army National Guard member, Vazquez stood out to the selection committee for his strong alignment with LAIKA’s creative and technical vision, as well as his passion for building accessible, industry-relevant film curriculum.
“LAIKA is proud to partner with PSU,” said David Burke, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer at LAIKA. “Championing bold storytelling and visual innovation has always been at the heart of our work. Collaborating with educators and emerging artists helps ensure that the future of animation remains dynamic, original, and inclusive.”
This pioneering collaboration promises to not only elevate individual careers of PSU students and faculty, but also to shape the future of the creative industry in Portland.
Learn more about the LAIKA-PSU partnership.