W. Michelle Harris

W. Michelle Harris is an esteemed associate professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Interactive Games and Media. With a profound passion for digital media art, she leverages the power of code to engage in meaningful dialogues about her experiences and perspectives as a Black woman in American culture. Her innovative approach to art and technology has led her to create captivating interactive installations and produce dynamic live-mixed visuals for collaborative performances. Harris's work has been showcased at a variety of prestigious venues, including ACM SIGGRAPH, World Maker Faire, and INST-INT. Her art has also been featured in regional venues such as the Visual Studies Workshop, Gallery 74, the Baobab Cultural Center, Community Folk Art Center, Schwienfurth Memorial, and Squeaky Wheel. These exhibitions highlight her ability to blend technology and art in ways that challenge and inspire audiences. In addition to her exhibitions, Harris has collaborated with numerous artists and performers to create live-mixed visuals for performances. Her collaborations include working with Juanita Suarez, fivebyfive, Dave Rivello, and Reenah Golden. She has also been a consistent contributor to the Rochester Fringe Festival, where her work with BIODANCE has been particularly noted for its creativity and impact. At RIT, Harris is dedicated to educating the next generation of digital media artists and technologists. She teaches a variety of courses, including New Media Interactive Design, Algorithmic Problem Solving (I & II), Physical Computing & Alternative Interfaces, Independent Study, and Programming for Designers. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of technical skills with creative expression, preparing students to innovate in the rapidly evolving field of digital media. Harris's research interests are diverse and include algorithmic problem solving, digital media art, interactive installations, live visuals, alternative interfaces, and physical computing. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital media, inspiring both her students and her peers in the field. Through her art and teaching, she remains committed to exploring new frontiers in technology and culture.