Meet Emerson Narciso ’26

Where are you from and what is your background?
I am coming to the University of San Francisco from Orlando, Florida where I received my bachelors degree in Art History. As a dual citizen, I’ve had the unique opportunity to live in various parts of the world, which has given me a rich, multicultural perspective to contemporary art. Through this, I have pursued professional and personal efforts to communicate and bring forth different ongoing issues through the lens of exhibition design and curation. I’ve engaged in these efforts by supporting various museums and galleries across Orlando, and by curating multimedia art events at different venues throughout the city, all with the clear intentions of celebrating and promoting the diversity in the local arts communities across the state of Florida.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
When I applied to Museum Studies, I carefully considered the necessity to further my education and desires to be involved within discussions of contemporary art. In doing so, I believed it was a necessary step to further my education within a city that offers some of the finest institutions in the nation on this matter. Deciding to pursue my studies at USF was clear due to the exceptional caliber of its students and the vibrant arts community at the heart of San Francisco. I believe this is the ideal place to gain the knowledge and experience needed to contribute meaningfully to the field and enact positive changes.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean’s Scholarship has been instrumental to my efforts to pursue a graduate degree at the University of San Francisco. Having relocated from Orlando, Florida, I’ve faced significant challenges with the cost of living and tuition in San Francisco. Receiving the Dean's Scholarship is not only an honor that brings tremendous pride, but also reinforces my confidence that I am on the right path for my academic future.

What are your career ambitions?
My career ambition is to become a museum curator. I believe that the essence of a museum’s impact lies in the stories told through its exhibitions. Curators lay the foundations for the conversations held in the public realm. And as we progress through the information age, it's becoming more apparent that museums have become a place for geopolitical and conceptual conversations. My experiences and personal upbringing provide the foundational framework for sparking constructive discussion through artworks and its visitors. Ultimately, I believe that the curator is essential to defining how museums adapt to and influence modernity, and in understanding their evolving role in a rapidly changing world.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
Something interesting about me is that I love playing Magic The Gathering. The artworks and mechanics in that game are very complex and I savor the interactions between cards and players. I’m always open to meeting new people to play with!