Student: Epiphany Knedler
Epiphany Knedler is a Master of Fine Arts student in the photography program. She aims to express her political views through photos.
Epiphany Knedler is an East Carolina University Master of Fine Arts student who has found a new passion at ECU — teaching.
Knedler is originally from South Dakota and graduated with undergraduate degrees in political science and photography. She had a love for both and knew that she wanted to learn more about photography so that she could achieve her goal of using photos to showcase her political thoughts.
Knedler made the huge move all the way to Greenville to continue her education at ECU. While in the MFA photography program, where students are allowed to teach undergraduate level courses, Knedler found an entirely new path to take in her career.
“My favorite part is watching the students grow, and when their faces light up when they get a roll of film that is perfectly developed,” Knedler said.
One of the benefits of being able to teach as a graduate student is that though you are still a student, you are treated and respected like faculty by the faculty, Knedler said.
Knedler still finds time to be involved in many other areas. Last year, she was the co-president of the Graduate Artist Forum and Photography Guild at ECU. Off campus, she was part of the Society for Photographic Education, Amnesty International and Pi Sigma Alpha.
Professor who influenced you the most: Sarah Sik, my undergraduate art history professor.
The one thing you cannot live without: Coffee!
What advice do you have for other students?: Ask faculty about resources you have through the school, like grants or study abroad. There are a lot of opportunities that are only accessible while you’re in school.
What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year?: There’s a bowling alley in Mendenhall!?
STATISTICS
College: School of Art and Design
Major: Photography
Age: 24
Classification/Year: Second-year Master of Fine Arts
Hometown: Vermillion, South Dakota
Hobbies/interests: Photography, reading, politics, embroidery, crocheting
Clubs and Organizations: Photography Guild, Graduate Arts Forum
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: Blackbeard Coffee
Favorite place on campus: The balcony outside of the gallery at Jenkins – it’s the best on sunny days in spring!
Favorite place to eat: Harvey’s
Favorite class: Alternative Photographic Processes
Favorite TV show: “Brooklyn 99”
Favorite band/musician: The Decemberists
Favorite movie: “Rushmore”
Favorite website: www.epiphanyknedler.com
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Professor of photography. Or a mailman.