Kryssi Staikidis

Dr. Kryssi Staikidis serves as Professor in the School of Art and Design Education within Northern Illinois University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. Her leadership extends through elected roles in national art education organizations and editorial boards of eight major journals including Studies in Art Education and Visual Arts Research.

• Ed.D. in Art Education, Teachers College Columbia University (2004)
• M.F.A., Hunter College, New York City (1991)
• B.S. in Anthropology/Art History, Columbia University

Her research centers on Indigenous Studies with focus on Maya Tz'utuhil artistic traditions, employing decolonizing methodologies where studio practice becomes research. Key themes include ethics of representation in collaborative ethnography, Indigenous knowledge sovereignty, and critical pedagogy. Her approach treats painting as collaborative knowledge production, exemplified by co-created works with Maya artists Paula Nicho Cúmez and Pedro Rafael Gonzalez Chavajay.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on Indigenous research sovereignty and decolonizing art education. Her work bridges visual art creation with academic scholarship, using collaborative painting as primary research method. Major publication trends show increasing emphasis on 'power with' leadership models and Maya pedagogical frameworks integrated into higher education.

• National Art Education Association National J. Eugene Grigsby Jr. Award (2015)
• National Art Education Association Western Region Higher Education Art Educator Award (2014)

As an active mentor, her collaborative approach to doctoral education emphasizes relationship-centered learning, evidenced by her 2016 publication 'With relationship at the centre: Shared mentoring as a transformative experience'. Her leadership in editorial roles for major journals indicates substantial research activity and funding support for scholarly initiatives. Professional engagements include keynotes at Syracuse University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of Waikato in New Zealand.