Integration of Technology and Storytelling to Create a Visual Art Exhibit on Women's Health (2019-2020)

This Bass Connections project helped women learn about their own reproductive anatomy through a technology called the Callascope, a Duke-developed device that allows for self-exploration of female reproductive anatomy in an interactive and private way. This process of self-exploration coupled with women’s perceptions of their own bodies was the inspiration for a community art campaign that sparked conversations on female anatomy and women’s health. Through this participatory research framework, this project team created a platform through which to shift the narrative of shame and invisibility that surrounds the female reproductive anatomy.

The team completed an Expressive Writing for Sexual and Reproductive Health study through Zoom in Spring 2020. Participants learned how to use creative writing to explore personal experience and stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health topics. The objective of the study was to understand how creative writing can shift knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to reproductive health practices. This study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. John Evans. Results were presented by students Lucy Zheng and Shagun Vashisth in a poster session at the 7th Annual Solving the Campus Sexual Assault & Dating Violence Puzzle Annual National Conference: Navigating Power, Privilege, and Pleasure in A Changing World. The team drafted a manuscript for consideration.