Michael Lasater, professor of communications arts at Indiana University South Bend, received the Distinguished Research Award for 2007. He has been a member of the faculty of IU South Bend since 1993, and he was named a full professor in 2004.

He holds degrees in music from the Oberlin Conservator and the Juilliard School and spent more than a decade working as a professional musician.

Lasater received his doctorate in mass communications from Syracuse University. He has created a number of widely distributed documentaries on music and literature.

He has had seven solo exhibitions and screenings, 39 juried and invitational group exhibitions, and six other exhibitions and screenings.

He has produced, directed, written, filmed and edited five documentaries. He has received numerous prizes for his multimedia presentations from galleries and film festivals.

The research award winner receives $5,000 and must present a public lecture, performance or exhibition.