SHPRS students share their involvement in the Undergraduate Research Experience

The School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies places undergraduate students into research assistant opportunities when they apply to be part of the Undergraduate Research Experience (URE). 

Each semester, faculty members within the school offer research assistant positions to undergraduate students who want to learn more about research, want to gain experience in research, or who want to dive into a new topic. 

Both online and on ground students may be eligible to participate in a URE and many have benefited from their time as a research assistant.

Sydney Hott, an on ground sophomore who is majoring in history and sociology, was a research assistant for associate professor of history Curtis Austin for the fall 2022 URE. She worked on the San Francisco 8 project with Austin.

The project built upon Austin’s research surrounding a shooting incident in 1971 at the Ingleside Police Station that led to the death of an officer.

“Eight former Black Panther Party members were interrogated for the homicide, though there was a lack of tangible evidence,” said Hott. “Nearly 35 years after the shooting in 2007, these eight men were roped back into legal upheaval through a grand jury hearing. Ultimately, the judge dismissed the case with prejudice. Dr. Austin is investigating the existing evidence in the case and writing a book about it.”

As a research assistant, Hott read court testimony, listened to interviews from the eight men and their legal representation, offered edits and suggested what she thought happened on that day in 1971.

“It was extremely special being able to work that closely with a professor and learn about how research is conducted,” said Hott. “Dr. Austin was a very supportive mentor and having the opportunity to offer input on the book was amazing.

“I think everyone should try to be involved if they can. It’s a great opportunity to develop relationships with SHPRS faculty, learn something new and sharpen task management skills.”

Alexis Williamson, an online sophomore who is majoring in philosophy with a concentration in morality, politics and law, also worked on the San Francisco 8 project with Austin. 

Her duties included the same tasks as Hott, and she learned to sort through tough material and condense it.

“As an online student, I was thrilled yet nervous at first,” said Williamson. “Being the only online student in the group seemed daunting. But I was lucky to work with Dr. Austin and my fellow research assistants, who were so welcoming. 

She participated in meetings by Zooming in every week and felt the experience was the same as the on ground students’. 

“Being an online student can be challenging when you need hands-on experience, but this was precisely what I needed,” said Williamson.

Her experience in a URE helped teach her how to collect information properly and how to think critically about the data.

“The skills I learned by doing this are invaluable, and I would do it all over again,” said Williamson. “It is a fantastic opportunity to gain new skills while expanding your network. Especially as an online student, it gets you out there.”

UREs change each semester and are offered across the different disciplines within SHPRS. Opportunities are listed here, along with more information on how and when to apply.