Julie Lord ’21

Working alongside Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies Courtney Cain, Lord continued Cain’s research about the role of pageantry in diaspora building between Haiti and Chicago. She also worked on a journal article to be published.

Q. How do you think the Richter experience will impact your future?
A. This is the first time in my life I have conducted research. I believe this experience will help me develop critical thinking skills, which are essential in today’s society.

Q. What’s it like working one-on-one with a professor?

A. Instead of just completing assignments for a professor, we collaborate together. It’s a team effort where my professor and I can exchange ideas for the project to get closer to the end goal. At the same time, the work is independent, where I do not have daily assignments; instead, I have a bigger assignment to complete by the end of the Richter program.

Q. What was your favorite part of the Richter Scholar program?
A. During this experience, I discovered that I like exploring history, a field I do not usually study and research. Additionally, I am glad to have met new scholars I did not meet throughout the year. Making new friends is always great.

Q. What did you learn about yourself this summer during the Richter Program?
A. I learned that I should take more advantage of the resources available to me and explore more subjects besides my major and minor. For example, I just explored the archives and I now know fun facts about the school.

—By Sangjun Hornewer ’20