Research Interests
My research focuses on the evolving intersections of animation, creative and immersive media practices. I am particularly interested in real-time and virtual production for animation, immersive animation authoring and tools, immersive and interactive storytelling, the role of ethical AI within creative productions, creative industries education and employability, art–tech for education and well-being, and experimental media art and cultural/creative practice. I welcome opportunities for postgraduate supervision, co-publication, collaborative grant applications, innovative projects, and external engagements aligned with these areas.
Research Approaches
Practice-oriented <> Industry-informed <> Interdisciplinary <> Education-focused
The Emergence of Zahhak
Inspired by the story of Zahhak from the Shahnameh, several scholarly analyses of this tale, and an original piece of music, Avazkhani (feat. Ferdowsi Ensemble) by Shahram Nazeri.
This animation is an original artwork produced as part of the practice-based methodology for my PhD research.
Rostam and Esfandiar
An interpretation of the Rostam and Esfandiar tale from Shahnameh
This animation is an original artwork produced as part of the practice-based methodology for my PhD research.
Awards & Grants
2022- Emru Townsend Travel Grant for 33rd Society for Animation Studies Annual Conference, $500​​
2021- Maynooth University HEA COVID-19 Fund, €6166.68​​
2020- ASIFA-Hollywood’s Animation Educators Forum 2020 Scholarship, $2700​
2018- John & Pat Hume Postgraduate Research Scholarship for Media Studies PhD Program, Maynooth University, €40000​​
2016- Emru Townsend Travel Grant for the 28th Society for Animation Studies Annual Conference, $500​​
Publications
Journal Paper
Astani, M. 2025, Pushing the Boundaries of Animation Production in Immersive Formats: A Case Study of Quill, Virtual Creativity (under review).
Journal Paper
Astani, M. 2025, Beyond Representation: Reimagining Shahnameh in Abstracted Forms of Animation, Animation Studies Journal, vol. 19 (forthcoming, December).
Thesis (PhD)
Astani, M. 2022, An Analysis of Iconic and Pure Abstractions in Animated Adaptations of Shahnameh, National University of Ireland Maynooth. [Access link]