Mia Kivel is a PhD Student specializing in modern and contemporary Ainu art. In particular, she is interested in exploring the connections between precolonial Ainu artistic traditions and the work of modern Ainu artists, as well as the lingering effects of colonialism and racial discrimination on reception of modern and contemporary Ainu art. Mia holds an MLitt in Art History from the University of Glasgow as well as a BS in Art History with a studio focus from Kendall College of Art and Design.