In 2014, members of the NYUAD Oral History Project collected 26 oral histories from members of the NYUAD community to become part of an historical archive documenting the origin and growth of our institution. The goal of the project was the preservation of memories related to the early days of NYUAD. To that end, we sought out people with interesting and unique knowledge of the creation of NYUAD and its first year of operations. Our interviewees included people who were essential in forming and nurturing the very idea of NYUAD, some of the first-hired faculty and staff, and students from the class of 2014. We gained invaluable insight on life in Sama Tower, operations at the DTC and Mussafah facilities, and how people have adapted to life in Abu Dhabi. We also explored what it meant, on an individual level, to be part of the creation of a research university in the Middle East.
This project was documented visually by the CDS. A portable black screen and lighting was used to create a professional and dramatic feel to the recordings and to keep it clear of any distractions. We wanted the audience to be able to connect with the memories of the early member of the NYUAD community.
2 Sony FS700 and Metabones Speedbooster adapters were used with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens and a Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens in order to give a variety of shots. The recordings were then transcribed by Jessica Posada in NY.
The recordings are currently held in the CDS and being prepared for viewing and archiving.