Professor recognized for advancing interdisciplinary arts and innovation

Susan Lakin, professor in RIT's College of Art and Design, is among the leaders advancing interdisciplinary initiatives and emerging technologies in the arts at RIT.

She is the director of Frameless Labs — the university’s consortium and symposium dedicated to research, innovation, and artistic creation in extended reality — and an active member of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru), a network of higher-education institutions focused on promoting arts-integrated teaching, research, and practice.

In November, Lakin was recognized for espousing the values that define those organizations, receiving the a2ru Vanguard Award for Outstanding Service. The honor recognizes a history of outstanding service to a2ru’s mission and its member network. 

Since RIT became an a2ru member institution in 2017, Lakin has served as an a2ru intermediary and editorial board member for a2ru’s peer-reviewed journal Ground Works, and is currently an executive committee member.

“Receiving the a2ru Vanguard Award is especially meaningful because it comes from an organization I hold in the highest regard,” Lakin said. “Their leadership in arts-integrated research, curriculum development, and artistic practice has been a source of community and support for the interdisciplinary work I have championed throughout my academic career. This recognition highlights the critical role interdisciplinary approaches play in education and research.”

Lakin’s a2ru service also includes recruiting and supporting RIT students for a2ru’s Emerging Creatives Student Summit.

"I have relied heavily on Susan’s expertise, compassion, and vision to help lead the network for a2ru,” said Maryrose Flanigan, executive director of a2ru. “On behalf of the staff and the network I am so happy to confer this award to Susan.”

Lakin received the award while RIT hosted the a2ru national conference Nov. 14-16. The event was held in coordination with the ninth annual Frameless Labs XR Showcase, which spotlights the role art plays in the field of immersive technology through demos and presentations by those at RIT and others in higher education. 

“The timing was particularly significant, as the overlap between the themes and core goals of both events created a natural synergy,” Lakin said. “This collaboration not only highlighted the exceptional interdisciplinary work in the VR/AR space happening at RIT but also allowed us to feature contributions from other a2ru partner institutions.”

For Lakin, the award illustrates a career-long commitment to infusing collaboration and cutting-edge workflows into her practice and teaching, which includes providing experiential learning opportunities for students.

“While the journey has been rewarding, it has also included the need to defend this work and advocate for its recognition,” Lakin said. “a2ru has been a lifeline throughout, providing a supportive network of like-minded individuals who champion the arts in education, research, and practice. This acknowledgment serves not only as a validation of my efforts but also as a source of renewed energy in continuing this important work."