Bloomer awarded James Marshall Fellowship

Dr. Peggy Ann Bloomer, assistant professor of Art & Design at Central Connecticut State University, has been awarded the highly competitive James Marshall Fellowship from the University of Connecticut’s Archives & Special Collections. The fellowship supports innovative research and creative work utilizing the renowned Northeast Children’s Literature Collection.

Dr. Bloomer’s project was recognized for its originality and scholarly significance, particularly in its engagement with archival materials related to visual culture, photography, and storytelling. Her work explores the evolving role of images—from early photographic processes to contemporary digital and AI-driven forms—in shaping knowledge, perception, and communication.

As part of the fellowship, Dr. Bloomer will conduct on-site research in UConn’s archives and collaborate with collection specialists to further develop her interdisciplinary research–creative practice. The project contributes to her ongoing work at the intersection of design, media studies, and the humanities, while also enriching her teaching and student engagement at Central.

This award highlights Central’s continued commitment to faculty excellence, research innovation, and the integration of creative practice with scholarly inquiry.