Ilya Vidrin

Professor innovating in the area of performing arts, ethics, and interactive media, Ilya Vidrin is an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, where he delves into the rich intersections of these fields. Raised in a Soviet refugee family in the United States, Vidrin's unique background has profoundly shaped his scholarly pursuits. His upbringing amidst cultural expectations, language barriers, and contrasting political ideologies has informed his research and artistic practice, which keenly examines social ethics in physical interaction, intimate labors of care, cultural competence, and social responsibility. Vidrin's academic journey is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and enhancing the human experience through the lens of performing arts and interactive media. His work is characterized by a thoughtful exploration of how these disciplines can inform and transform our understanding of ethics and social responsibility. As a Core Faculty member in the Institute for Experience Robotics, Vidrin is at the forefront of pioneering research that seeks to bridge the gap between technology and human interaction. In addition to his role at Northeastern University, Vidrin is the director of the Partnering Lab, a dynamic platform dedicated to investigating embodied ethics. This initiative reflects his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of how physical interaction can inform ethical practices and cultural competence. Through the Partnering Lab, Vidrin and his team explore innovative approaches to collaboration and communication, emphasizing the importance of empathy and mutual respect in all forms of interaction. Vidrin's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. In Spring 2024, he will join the Davis Center Visiting Scholar Program, an opportunity that will allow him to further expand his research and engage with a broader academic community. This prestigious appointment is a testament to his expertise and the impact of his work on the global stage. Through his research and teaching, Ilya Vidrin continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, challenging them to think critically about the role of ethics in the performing arts and interactive media. His work not only advances academic discourse but also has practical implications for how we understand and navigate the complexities of human interaction in an increasingly interconnected world.