Kehinde “Kenny” Aruwajoye (MALS, General Liberal Studies) was awarded the 2025 Byam Shaw-Brownstone Thesis Excellence Award for his thesis, Floating Signifiers: AI, Semiotics, and the Crisis of Meaning in Music.
What do you consider your hometown and how has it shaped who you are today?
I consider Owo, a small indigenous town in Ondo State, Nigeria, my hometown. It’s truly been instrumental in shaping who I am today, particularly in how I view and appreciate people. The unique environment of Owo instilled in me a deep sense of connection and understanding towards others.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what was it in?
I earned my undergraduate degree in political science from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.
Tell us about your thesis: what is it about? What inspired you to pursue this research?
My thesis investigated the evolving landscape of music interpretation and listening in the context of AI music generation. A core argument was that AI-created music lacks the inherent narrative and historical depth present in human-made compositions.
Unlike songs crafted by musicians and artists from their personal experiences and emotions, AI music challenges us to re-evaluate our traditional modes of listening and forge new ways to connect with these novel sounds.
My deep love for music was the primary inspiration for this research, particularly as I also create music on my laptop. This passion is profoundly connected to my father, who taught me about music and with whom I share a special bond through it, even though I haven’t seen him in ten years.
Music reminds me of the joy he finds in a favorite song, and this personal connection made me acutely aware of the potential threat AI poses to human-centered music. I wanted to call attention to the aspects of music that AI might jeopardize and explore how we can preserve its inherent human essence.
What does it mean to you to receive the MALS thesis award?
This MALS thesis award means a great deal to me. It’s a significant recognition of my efforts and a testament to the idea that hard work and critical thinking pay off.
More importantly, it’s a shared accomplishment with all the people who supported me throughout my academic journey. I dedicate this award to my host parents, Chris Drew and Katie Martin, my partner, Molly Comrie, and to everyone who has played a significant role in my journey thus far.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
Dartmouth stood out to me as a highly prestigious school, and I am very grateful and lucky to have been accepted. My decision was largely driven by the opportunity to pursue my degree in an environment where I could learn directly from and collaborate with top-tier faculty.
What’s one challenge you faced in graduate school, and how did you overcome it?
Perhaps surprisingly, writing was a significant challenge for me in graduate school. I often struggled to put my ideas into the right context, even when I had a clear understanding of what I wanted to convey.
This changed dramatically after taking a research methods class with Professor Milich. That class provided me with invaluable strategies for dissecting complex ideas: understanding precisely what to say, how to phrase it, and where to integrate details so that my arguments flowed seamlessly and readers could follow my reasoning without confusion.
I also owe a significant debt of gratitude to my independent study and thesis advisor, Professor Regine Rosenthal. Her unwavering commitment to excellence pushed me to achieve my best in every meeting, and I am truly thankful for her guidance, her invaluable teachings, and her remarkable mentorship.
What’s next for you—and what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter?
Currently, I’m immersed in job applications, and I’m incredibly excited about what’s next. I genuinely believe that no matter the role I secure, I’m equipped with the skills and mindset to overcome any challenge that comes my way. I’m most looking forward to applying my abilities and continuing to grow in a professional environment.
What is your favorite place or activity that you like best in the Hanover area?
My favorite place on campus is definitely the MALS office. It’s where I get to connect and chat with the wonderful staff of the department, and those interactions have always been a highlight for me.
