2026 Summer Research Internships
Nadim Al Nakhl, the Janet Lankton Research Internship
Nadim is a PhD candidate at McMaster University. The subject of his dissertation focuses on the effects of the Melkite Schism of 1724 on the iconography of the Antiochian Greek Orthodox Church and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the Levant. He has an Honours B.A. and an M.A in History from McMaster University, as well as a Minor in Classics.
His work as an intern at the Icon Museum and Study Center will focus on depictions of God the Father found in the Russian Icons collection at the museum. His interest in this project is to examine how icons can continue to be painted and venerated despite being theologically controversial, as depicting God the Father in iconography is prohibited by Orthodox doctrine. His hope with this project is to lay the foundation for future work on controversial iconography and how rigid doctrine need not be the norm in Orthodox icons.
Robin Shanabrook Sloan, High School Practicum Internship
Robin is a rising senior at Amherst Regional High School in Amherst, MA. He has traveled extensively in the post-Soviet republics and has an interest in the history of Eastern Orthodox icons during Soviet rule and after the fall of the Soviet Union. During his internship, he will use the collection to further his knowledge of traditional icon painting. He will be producing several pieces of writing, including a review of the Museum’s current exhibition.
As a John Barns Intern at the Icon Museum and Study Center, I had the invaluable opportunity to engage deeply with Byzantine and post-Byzantine iconography. My experience included hands-on work with a diverse collection of icons, and collaborating with a team of dedicated scholars. This internship not only enhanced my understanding of the historical and cultural significance of these religious artifacts but also honed my skills in archival research and curatorial practices. The mentorship and resources provided by the museum were instrumental in shaping my academic and professional trajectory in the field of art history.
My time at the IM+SC allowed me to explore new topics related to my interests in Russia and religion. I appreciated that the museums’ staff and administration treated the interns with respect, trusting us to handle items in the collection, and conduct research independently. This level of trust and access far exceeded my expectations. Input from the museums curator, Justin Willson, helped me organize my ideas and exposed me to fantastic scholars in the field.