Intern Insights: Humanities Research Lab Showcase
Humanities exploration through an intern's eyes
HRI Prindable Intern
I attended the Humanities Research Lab Showcase hosted by the Humanities Research Institute (HRI) that was part of Undergraduate Research Week 2024 . At this event, I got to hear about research projects conducted by undergraduate students of different majors in their Humanities Research Lab courses: History 202, taught by Professor Bob Morrissey and Spanish 232, taught by Professor Ann Abbott.
History 202: American Environmental History
The History 202: American Environmental History students presented about agricultural history at Allerton Park and the Oakley Dam Controversy. Many students utilized historical archives from Allerton to assist their research.
Brenden Crowson, a freshman in Computer Engineering conducted an interview with Eldon Franz to learn more about the Oakley Dam Controversy. He mentioned how interesting it was to talk to him, and how grateful he was for the opportunity as a freshman to learn from Franz and the class. Harley Schwarz was another freshman who gave a compelling presentation on local farmers’ take on the Oakley Dam. Furthermore, Josie Stanton, a freshman in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability gave an important overview of the Allerton Park and Oakley Dam Controversy. Finally, junior Sandra Garcia Lopez gave an insightful presentation on the Oakley Dam acting as a water source for Decatur. Her presentation highlighted the importance of environmental and political activism.
Spanish 232: Spanish in the Community
The students in Spanish 232: Spanish in the Community presented on their research surrounding unaccompanied minors. Maia Clifford, a Psychology student, like myself, presented on the mental health and scholarship of unaccompanied minors. Another interesting research project was presented by Ivon Guzaro Cruz, a freshman in Communications, and Hora Behnejad, a junior in Civil Engineering. They focused on unaccompanied Mayan minors from Guatemala and their migration and integration stories. Finally, Heidy Araujo and Natalia Rzepa presented on unaccompanied minors in the U.S.
It was interesting to see how students from the same class, conducting research on the same theme—could lead to unique research projects that have their own focus and results. It was also impressive to see much of this work done by freshman and sophomores, who are getting involved in research early in their academic careers. I learned a lot about the tragic stories of unaccompanied minors in the U.S. as well as a local environmental controversy through these insightful presentations by fellow undergrads.
By Hafsa Faruqi, David F. Prindable intern
