Graef awarded Erickson grant

Anna Graef, a junior pursuing a BFA in art with a focus in ceramics, has been named as a recipient of the 2019 Rodney A. Erickson Discovery Grant for her work with a traditional Japanese ceramic glaze technique.

The grant program, named in honor of Penn State's seventeenth president, supports undergraduate student engagement in original research, scholarship and creative work under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Graef is one of 78 recipients in 2019.

Graef's research will focus on Shino, a highly specialized Japanese glaze, composed primarily of ground local feldspar and a small amount of local clay, that dates back nearly five centuries.

Under the supervision of Shannon Goff, associate professor of art in the Penn State School of Visual Arts, Graef's research will analyze the American adaptations of Shino glaze and examine their differences and similarities.

"I'm very excited to receive this grant and I'm looking forward to conducting my research alongside of Shannon," Graef said.

The research will also focus on creating the glaze using less traditional ingredients and the changes that occur based on different firing techniques.

Graef began her undergraduate studies at the University of Vermont and transferred to Penn State for the 2018-2019 academic year. In addition to her ceramics work, she is also pursuing an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology.