The College of Fine Arts is honored present the 2024 College of Fine Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor award to Hubbel Palmer of the Department of Film & Media Arts. 

Palmer's research and teaching are focused broadly on screenwriting. He has mentored undergraduate students’ research both through the Office of Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the Honors Colleges. He has numerous accomplishments his own creative work. Notably this year, Professor Palmer and writing partner Chris Bowan’s work, Ninety-Five Senses, was nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Animated Short Film.

Associate Dean for Research Rebecca Zarate notes “Artistic ways of knowing require a deep sense of understanding the meaning of transformative practices that re-imagine how we see the world. Arts research is at the core of this, and our arts expertise in research here at the U continues to drive and shape such expansions of understanding. Hubbel Palmer has shared his critical, creative lens and screenwriting expertise in critical transformative ways in his mentorship so that arts research doesn’t just stand for art’s sake and art alone. He has taught research excellence and ushered through student researchers who understand the power of transferring art making practices for the wider expansion of our understanding of the world and how in film particularly, people learn about the things which they had no idea about which contributed to vitality in human life. It is this reason that Professor Palmer is receiving this prestigious research mentor award from the College of Fine Arts.”

When asked how he has influenced their creative works, undergraduate students in the Department of Film & Media Arts said: 

“Working with Hubbel Palmer has not only improved my writing, story organization, and pitching skills, but given me a chance to dig deeper into an issue itself, finding more empathy for people that, on the surface, I’d tend to hate.”

“You can make something amazing, and you need to have the right outlets to have that work seen. Having a professor, like Hubbel, that has been through the experience is very beneficial.”

“Hubbel has made my undergraduate experience the joy that it has been, and I’m very thankful.”

“Hubbel has given me a wealth of industry knowledge, specific advice on self-marketing, and supported my undergraduate projects, giving me a knowledgeable, and kind insight whenever I’ve struggled as a student.”

Andrew Nelson, Chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts characterized Palmer as a "talented teacher who is beloved by his students. He exemplifies our Department’s commitment to supporting faculty filmmakers who then bring their real-world experiences into the classroom.”

Congratulations Hubbel Palmer!