Ahlam Muhtaseb, professor of media studies at CSUSB’s College of Arts and Letters, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab Summer Fellowship from Princeton University’s Department of African American Studies.

Alongside her former student, Naim Aburaddi, (M.A., ’22, communication studies), Muhtaseb will receive a $10,000 fellowship to further develop their collaborative virtual reality project, “Phoenix of Gaza.”

The fellowship, which supports projects that blend technology, storytelling and social impact, will help Muhtaseb and Aburaddi continue the work they began two years ago at CSUSB's xReal Lab. Their project, “Phoenix of Gaza,” utilizes immersive technologies to document life in Gaza and create a virtual space that captures not only the physical essence of Gaza but also the resilient spirit of its people.

Initially, the project was born out of Aburaddi's personal experiences, as he was unable to return to Gaza for several years and “yearned to relive his cherished memories,” said Muhtaseb.

The team sought to portray the complex and multifaceted reality of Gaza, focusing on the everyday lives of its residents, with the intent of capturing their happy moments and their resilience. The collaborative virtual reality project also highlighted the devastation experienced by many over the past several years in Gaza. Through virtual reality, they created immersive environments, utilizing 360-degree footage and 3D designs crafted in partnership with the xReal Lab team at CSUSB.

The support of the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab will enable Muhtaseb and Aburaddi to expand on this important work, using cutting-edge technology to tell stories that transcend borders. Their project website provides further insight into their innovative approach to capturing history and memory through virtual reality.