Research | Katherine Chen

PhD Researcher

Arizona State University, Media Arts and Sciences, PhD

Ephemeral Echoes is a research-based interactive installation that explores the fragile interconnection between humans and marine ecosystems. Using TouchDesigner, Kinect Azure, and RealSense, the system visualizes marine organisms as dynamic point clouds that fragment or reassemble in response to human input. Through keyboard and MIDI interaction, each gesture becomes an act of destruction or restoration—revealing humanity’s dual role in ecological processes.
Influenced by deconstructivist architecture, Japanese Metabolism, and Moholy-Nagy’s light experiments, the work transforms architectural concepts of fragmentation and transformation into an audiovisual environment. By dissolving and reconstructing digital marine bodies, it invites reflection on ecological vulnerability, human agency, and the aesthetics of impermanence.
As a form of generative media research, Ephemeral Echoes investigates how interactive visualization can evoke emotional and ethical awareness, expanding the role of human-computer interaction from control to contemplation.

Audiovisual Cosmic Journeys is a research-based audiovisual system investigating how real-time generative processes can mediate sensory and emotional experiences. The system uses MIDI-driven parameter mapping and audio analysis to translate rhythm and frequency into dynamic particle behaviors and material transformations.
Through the aesthetic lens of cosmic visualization, the work explores how sound-driven visual coding enables reflective interaction—bridging human-computer interaction, perception research, and generative media art. The project contributes to studies in affective interaction and audiovisual cognition, proposing a framework where real-time systems become instruments of sensory inquiry and aesthetic exploration.

A comparative study of motion-tracking systems and their aesthetic, philosophical, and experiential implications in interactive art.
This research examines how different motion-tracking technologies—Kinect, Leap Motion, and MediaPipe—shape the aesthetics and embodied experience of digital art installations. Through three interactive systems, the study explores how gesture becomes both a creative interface and a philosophical act, revealing distinct modes of engagement between human motion and generative media.
The Kinect-based work (Cosmic Dance) transforms full-body movement into cosmic-scale particle phenomena; the Leap Motion project (Oceanic Requiem) maps hand gestures onto GPU particle-fluid systems that visualize oceanic fragility; and the MediaPipe installation (Digital Impermanence) uses ML-based hand tracking to modulate generative geometries representing transient digital forms.
Drawing on theories of embodied interaction, Zen impermanence, and performative interfaces, the research situates motion-tracking art as a space where technology mediates reflection on human presence and ecological interconnectedness.

DePaul University, College of Computing and Digital Media

Conducted archival research on the history of pioneering Hong Kong studio Shaw Brothers, analyzing phases from the 1920s rise to the 1980s decline
Reviewed scholarly sources and primary documents to examine the studio's shaping of martial arts films and the contributions of influential directors
Evaluated innovations in genre, technology, and distribution that allowed Shaw Brothers to dominate Hong Kong cinema and influence global films
Presented research synthesizing findings at the graduate symposium on Asian film history

Analyzed the impact of blockbusters and indie films on the modern film industry.
Explored studio strategies for global appeal and the role of narrative and character diversity in film success.
Investigated adaptation and localization strategies of international hits for different markets.

Conducted extensive research on cinematic story structure, analyzing conventions of the hero's journey, three-act structure, sequencing, and narrative arcs
Wrote 8+ comprehensive script coverage evaluating strengths and weaknesses of original screenplays and television pilots submitted by peers
Completed in-depth critical analyses of over 50 narrative feature films spanning various genres, plot, character development, tone, movements, and eras of cinema history
Piloted and executed 20+ film production projects, including short films, documentaries, and music videos, applying research into cinematic language

Conducted a literature review on the evolution of copyright laws, various intellectual property theories, and media piracy, with a focus on the Chinese context
Utilized a questionnaire survey targeting college students in China. Employed frequency analysis, crosstab, and correlation in SPSS for data assessment.
Uncovered a correlation between lower moral judgment and positive attitudes towards piracy.
Emphasized students’ diverse awareness and attitudes towards copyright law and piracy behavior.

Conducted a detailed comparative analysis of Bergman and Bresson's cinematic styles.
Focused on their unique approaches to actors’ performances, cinematography, and thematic elements.
Utilized film analysis software for comprehensive data examination.
Concluded both directors prefer natural performances with varying attitudes towards improvisation and cinematography techniques.

Analyzed Billy Wilder's film style and why he is considered an auteur.
Explored his use of a cynical tone in film noir, sardonic humor in comedy, and his touch on social taboos under strict censorship.
Analyzed films such as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, The Lost Weekend, The Apartment, and Some Like It Hot to support the research.
Concluded that Wilder’s films show cynicism in film noir and satire in comedy, forming his personal film style and establishing him as an auteur.

Conducted a literature review on the use of color in "Red Sorghum," focusing on the application and significance of the color red in the film.
Analyzed "Red Sorghum" to collect data on the use of red as the main tone, the combination of environment color and prop color, and the symbolism behind these color choices.
Explored the profound meanings behind the use of colors in the film, including the representation of nationalization, the release of emotion, and the shaping of character figures.
Concluded that the use of color in "Red Sorghum" serves multiple purposes, including setting the film's tone and atmosphere, narrating the story and character emotions, and highlighting the breakthroughs and heritage of color functions in the film.