Julian Iliev

School of Interactive Arts and Technology doctoral student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

My background is in film and narrative storytelling. Film analysis and studies play a significant part in my personal and professional life and as such my research interests are often grounded in humanities.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

The interdisciplinary approach offered at SIAT inspired my initial interest in the program. I could marry my background in film and my interest in technologies and their implications. Furthermore, SFU offered the right combination of several factors - academic excellence, research opportunities, location and financial support.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I'm researching the nature of reality or do we live in a Matrix. However, there are different Matrixes - social, religious, political and technological.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

First and foremost I enjoy working on my research with my supervisors. I also enjoy working with other academics and teaching students. There are very talented teachers in SIAT in addition to being renowned researchers.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I'm the recipient of the Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship Award (GDES) for my PhD studies in SIAT. The scholarship has allowed me to spend more time on my research.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

The interdisciplinary approach in SIAT allows for experimentation and the merging of different disciplines, art practices and methodologies. This opens many doors to research, creativity and artistic expression.