Join FTVM in welcoming our two new Ph.D. students Kaelie Thompson and Joseph DeLeon!


Kaelie Thompson’s current work and research revolves around representations of gender in film and television. More specifically, she is interested in how such representations are informed by and potentially reform social and cultural customs. Kaelie also expresses avid interest in American and British period productions and adaptations such as Jane Eyre. In her spare time Kaelie embraces her Celtic heritage with Highland and Irish dancing as well as a love for all things Scottish, including bagpipes!



Joseph DeLeon’s work engages with amateur media production in the post-industrial city. His M.A. thesis research examined the discourses surrounding urban decline in Detroit and the transgressive media practices of Detroit’s urban explorers. He has previously taught English in a French high school.