Kyra Norman
Can you give a summary of your Summer Fellows Research?
My Summer Fellows Research was centered around how black creatives have used the horror genre, specifically films and literary texts collectively called “Horror Noire,” to contend with the communal traumas caused by psychological warfare and nonconsensual scientific experimentation. To address this, I closely watched and critically analyzed films such as “They Cloned Tyrone” (2023), directed by Juel Taylor, and “Get Out” (2017), directed by Jordan Peele. I also read and analyzed scholarly literature, notably Robin R. Means Coleman’s “Horror Noire: A History of Black American Horror from the 1890s to Present” (2023). The films and texts were looked at through a lens that used an interdisciplinary approach that combined historical analysis, Cultural Theory, media studies, and Black Feminist Theory. I highlighted how “Horror Noire” portrays the complexities of black trauma.
How did the Summer Fellows Research experience impact you and improve your skills? What are your overall takeaways from the experience?
Being in Summer Fellows made me more aware of time management and work balance, helped me critically analyze my work, and overall, led to improvement and character development. Since I am an English major, I was already skilled at analyzing literature, but being in Summer Fellows sharpened my skills even further. I was pushed to think more deeply and engage with the texts in ways I hadn’t before, particularly by considering broader social, historical, and theoretical contexts. The interdisciplinary nature of the program also expanded my perspective, encouraging me to incorporate insights from other fields into my literary analysis.
What are your future plans?
I aspire to be a Public Relations Specialist using the critical thinking and analytical skills I’ve honed as an English major. My background in literature and film analysis has given me a strong foundation for understanding narratives, communication, and audience perception, all of which are essential in the field of public relations. Through my experience in the Summer Fellows program, I developed a keen ability to manage time effectively and critically evaluate my work, which will be invaluable in the fast-paced and dynamic PR industry. In public relations, I’m particularly drawn to the idea of shaping narratives and crafting messages that resonate with diverse audiences. The power of storytelling, something I’ve explored deeply through my studies of literature and media, plays a crucial role in building relationships and managing a brand’s image. I believe my ability to analyze how stories are constructed and received will help me anticipate public reactions and develop strategies that are both creative and effective.
