I graduated from UC in the spring of 2022 with a BA in History and Certificates in Historic Preservation, Museum Studies, and European Studies. In 2022, I won the Hilda L. Smith Prize for the Best Undergraduate Essay in Women’s History for my senior capstone, “Who Controls the Story of History?: Suffragettes in Edwardian England and the Fight to Control the Narrative of the Suffragette Movement.”

What are you up to these days?  

I am currently a History master’s student focusing on Public History at the University of Cincinnati. I am also the UC Band Alumni Association Historian & Archivist Governor.

What brought you to history at UC? 

I have always loved history and knew that I wanted to major in it in college. UC just seemed like the right fit for me personally and professionally. 

What did you focus on as a history student at UC?  

As an undergraduate, I focused on European history, specifically the United Kingdom. However, I also took courses regarding other European countries, along with a few American history courses. 

Did you have any favorite history courses? Which ones and why?

One of my favorite courses was Witchcraft and Religion in Colonial America with Dr. Erika Gasser. I think that my favorite courses have been the ones that take commonly treaded subjects and look at them from a new perspective. This department is excellent at that. 

What did you focus on in your capstone and why?

In my capstone, I focused on British Suffragettes and the difference in how they were perceived by the mainstream media versus how they perceived themselves. I chose this topic because I have always been extremely interested in the suffrage movements in both the US and UK. I am also interested in how people perceive themselves versus how others see them. 

What skills did you pick up from studying history that have served you well beyond your courses?  

I think that history courses really teach about thinking through problems from different perspectives. They also really emphasize making sure you check through all the details and leave no stone unturned. 

Have any advice for current students?

I advise current students to try to branch out and take classes on historical topics they know nothing about. They will gain so much from taking a class without already knowing much about its focus. The goal of college is to learn and grow. So, learn!