Ahndraya Parlato

Ahndraya Parlato is a Senior Lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Art and Design, specializing in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences. She holds a BA from Bard College and an MFA from California College of the Arts. Parlato maintains an active research profile in fine art photography, exploring themes of motherhood, mental health, mortality, and visual storytelling through both solo and collaborative projects.

Her research focuses on:

• Psychological dimensions of image-making
• Narrative structures in photographic memoirs
• Intersections of personal trauma and artistic expression
• Ethical considerations in photography
• Experimental book publications

Parlato's publications exhibit strong thematic continuity in exploring human psychology through visual media, with recent works increasingly focusing on maternal experiences and grief narratives. Her interdisciplinary approach combines photographic practice with critical writing.

Awards and honors include:

• 2024 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship
• Residencies at Light Work and Visual Studies Workshop
• Grants from Light Work and NYFA
• Nominations for ICP Infinity Award, Paul Huf Award, and SECCA Award

She teaches graduate courses including Photography Independent Study, Studio Core II, and Thesis Development, guiding MFA candidates through advanced artistic research and exhibition preparation.