Contact with general undergraduate research questions, or questions about any OUR program
Email: [email protected]
Educational background:
- B.A. in English, Classical Humanities (Latin), and Philosophy, Saint Louis University
- M.A. in English, University of Minnesota
- Ph.D. in English, University of Minnesota
Research Interests:
My research focuses on spatial perception and representation in literature from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. My work intersects with fields like architecture and geography because I'm interested in narrative descriptions of floor plans, maps, and landscapes. I'm especially interested in texts that emphasize the dreamlike, otherworldly, and surreal, and what these texts can teach us about the strangeness of existing as bodies in space.
My Advice for How to Get Involved in Research:
My experience with research as an undergraduate student started with a faculty mentor who suggested that I learn about archives at different libraries that might house materials related to my senior honors thesis on Oscar Wilde. My archival research inspired me to pursue a graduate degree and sparked my passion for undergraduate research.
Undergraduate students have so much to add to the academic conversations in their fields; through research, you can participate in knowledge creation while you sharpen your skills and learn more about your field. If you’re an undergraduate student considering research, I recommend brainstorming a list of areas of interest. Maybe these are interests you’ve had for years, or maybe they’re things you’ve just learned about. Pay attention to your own reactions—what ideas spark questions and connections and make you want to learn more? Find a faculty member who shares these interests, and come chat with us at OUR at any stage. We’re here to support you throughout the process!