Tara Yazdanimotlagh contributes as a Work Study Student with the Cinema Iranica project. Currently, Tara is a Mechanical Engineering PhD student at the University of Toronto, delving into research that examines the physical-based modelling of solution droplets in solution precursor plasma spray. In addition to her academic pursuits in engineering, Tara has a passion for Iranian cinema, in particular, learning about Iran’s cinema history and developing her knowledge of the field.
“I have been a research assistant at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies since May 2022. In this role, I have collaborated with team members to upload scholarly articles by authors such as Pardis Minuchehr, Pedram Partovi, and Behnam Mansoor on the Cinema Iranica website. Additionally, I contributed to the Cinema Iranica Bibliography by sourcing Persian articles for the movie “Siavash dar Takhte Jamshid.”
Working at the Institute has been a profoundly enriching experience. I am particularly proud of mastering content development for the website. These experiences have underscored the significance of meticulous research and digital content management in enhancing accessibility and engagement with academic material.
My tenure at the Institute has been immensely beneficial. I have honed vital skills such as teamwork, content development, and research. These abilities have proven invaluable, allowing me to apply my expertise effectively in other professional settings. For instance, my enhanced content development skills have directly contributed to more engaging and impactful presentations in academic conferences.
Moreover, my experience at the Institute has significantly shaped my professional trajectory. It has deepened my understanding of Iranian cinematic studies, connected me with leading scholars in the field, and underscored the transformative impact of collaborative research on cultural understanding.
Overall, the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies is an exemplary institution, serving as a vital beacon of learning and community engagement. It fosters a profound appreciation for the cinema and humanities, and champions the critical examination and celebration of Iranian culture, making substantial contributions to both academic scholarship and cultural discourse.”