Rachel Besara Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Digital Humanities Lab accepting project proposals for 2026-2027

September 29, 2025 by Reynolds College

Missouri State University’s Digital Humanities Lab (DHL) is now accepting project proposals to be funded during the 2026-27 fiscal year. Financial and technical support is available for innovative research projects that will be showcased through the DHL website and in annual events hosted by the lab.

Those interested in applying or wanting more information can visit the DHL website. The website provides information about the proposal process, the project proposal form and other FAQs.

DHL is accepting proposal applications through Nov. 16, 2025.

About the DHL

The DHL, which opened in Fall 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) and the Missouri State University Libraries.

Headquartered in the lower level of the Duane G. Meyer Library, the DHL provides resources and guidance for faculty and students to create digital scholarship projects.

The DHL offers multiple hardware and software resources commonly used in the humanities. These include computer workstations, photography and video equipment, scanners, drones and image editing, data analysis and design software packages.

Contact information

For questions related to the lab, contact DHL Faculty Advisory Committee co-chairs RCASH Associate Dean Dr. Jason Jolley and Library Associate Dean Rachel Besara.

Visit DHL

Photo by Kevin White/Missouri State University.

Digital Humanities Lab now accepting project proposals

February 14, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Digital Humanities Lab (DHL) is now accepting project proposals for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

“We are excited to be able to offer financial and tech support for innovative research projects,” said Dr. Heidi Backes, associate professor of Spanish and one of DHL’s original founders. “These will be showcased through our website and in annual events hosted by the lab.”

Those interested in applying or wanting more information can visit the DHL website. The website provides information about the proposal process, the project proposal form and other FAQs.

DHL is accepting proposal applications through March 10, 2025.

About the DHL

The DHL, which opened in Fall 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) and the Missouri State University Libraries.

Headquartered in the lower level of the Duane G. Meyer Library, the DHL provides resources and guidance for faculty and students to create digital scholarship projects.

Contact information

For questions related to the lab, contact DHL Faculty Advisory Committee co-chairs RCASH Associate Dean Dr. Jason Jolley and Library Interim Dean Rachel Besara.

Reynolds College and University Libraries to open Digital Humanities Lab Fall 2024

August 29, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University will have a new Digital Humanities Lab (DHL) beginning Fall 2024, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH) and the Missouri State University Libraries.

Located in the lower lever of the Duane G. Meyer Library, the DHL will provide resources and guidance for faculty and students to create digital scholarship projects, according to RCASH Associate Dean Dr. Jason Jolley.

A ribbon-cutting opening ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in the lower level of Meyer Library.

The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Using technology to study cultures and societies

According to Jolley, the term “digital humanities” reflects an interdisciplinary approach to studying the humanities using digital tools and technologies. Subjects as wide-ranging as literature, languages, history and philosophy can all benefit from digital humanities research.

The primary goal of digital humanities research, he added, is to learn more about human societies. “Digital humanities scholars use computational methods to analyze, visualize and interpret cultural artifacts and texts,” Jolley said. “By employing techniques such as text mining, data visualization and digital mapping, digital humanities projects provide new insights and perspectives on human culture and society.”

Digital humanities scholars also use complex tools in their research, Jolley explained. Examples include high-resolution digital cameras, virtual reality systems for immersive historical experiences, scanning technologies and 3D modeling.

“These tools enable researchers to capture, analyze and present humanities data in innovative ways, making research more accessible and engaging to broader audiences,” he said.

Finally, in another use for digital humanities, research can be shared through online archives, interactive exhibits and open-access publications.

Missouri State’s new DHL will offer all these resources to students and faculty throughout the university community.