Alexis Casas is a first-year MA student and a Graduate Research Assistant at the Institute of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at GSU. With an expected graduation date of May 2024, Alexis is currently in the beginning stages of pre-production for her upcoming short Incongruous. In this interview, we talk with Alexis about her creative work and her first year at GSU.
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Alexis Casas, I am an alumna of San Diego State University where I achieved my bachelor’s of science in Television, Film, and New Media Production as well as Women’s Studies. I am currently a master's student at Georgia State University in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in WGSS?
As an aspiring filmmaker, the lack of representation and diversity both in front of and behind the camera are still prevalent in the industry. San Diego State University was actually one of the first institutions to begin collecting statistical data on women’s involvement within the film industry. The lack of women and other minorities who are able to voice their own truth in the field is very limited and being able to not only add to that with my own voice but being intentional with who I collaborate with is important.
What courses are you enjoying the most, or what topics in your classes have you found the most engaging?
This semester, my favorite class has been New Directions in Feminism with Dr. Daniel Coleman where we examined the human project. In this class, we went beyond the current scriptures of gender and race to identify what components define humanness through queerness, transness, animality, etc.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I am considering pursuing my Ph.D. and hopefully beginning to work at a job that integrates both WGSS and Filmmaking.
Any advice for prospective students considering a degree in WGSS?
Advice…when you feel like you are alone, please know that you aren’t. As we live our lives through different intersections, your work, your own voice, your perspective, and your ideas matter.
Tell us more about yourself- interests, hobbies, etc.
Some of my hobbies include cooking, writing, reading, singing, and dancing.