HOUSTON, Texas, December 6, 2019 - This semester, McNair Scholar Aria Springfield ’19 presented her research at two different conferences, most recently at Rice University’s National Student Leadership Conference in Houston, Texas. Her research deals with the Lost Cause Narrative and it’s perpetuation through historical tourism in Charleston, South Carolina.
Springfield was granted the opportunity to present research through the Mellon Mays Fellow Undergraduate Program, an academic fellowship for minority students with interest in humanities, to conduct research in preparation for a doctoral degree.
“Conferences such as this one allow me to become more comfortable in presenting research,” Springfield said.
Since becoming a McNair Scholar, Springfield has learned new skillsets that she feels will help her when in her graduate studies.
“There is a need for more black faces in this field, and I am grateful for the Mellon Mays Fellow Undergraduate Program in preparing me for that journey,” she said. “Obtaining my doctoral degree would be a win as a Black woman.”
Springfield is passionate about sharing her research at future conferences, all while networking with other fellows and university faculty and staff across the country.
Although she has many academic accomplishments under her belt, Springfield has no plans on stopping her grind. She is determined to be a professor and do her part to diversity the voices that tell our nation’s history.