In the spring of 2024, the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere launched the Alexander Grass Scholars Undergraduate Research Program, made possible by the generous support of the Alexander Grass Foundation. Our inaugural cohort consisted of 19 students, including freshmen, sophomores, and Juniors, whose research interests and backgrounds spanned the humanities and humanistic social sciences, such as history, political science, linguistics, and philosophy.
Over the summer, this cohort participated in a foundational course aimed at introducing humanities research skills, both traditional and digital, through project-based learning and hands-on collaboration with faculty, graduate mentors, and community project leaders. Through these experiences, students not only developed their research capabilities, but also forged meaningful connections within their community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of public humanities, and emphasizing the importance of preserving and interpreting cultural heritage.
MEET OUR 2024 GRASS SCHOLARS
Jehlia Andrew
Year: Junior
Majors: Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Analysis, African American Studies
Minor: Sociology of Social Justice & Policy
“I am most excited to work alongside faculty members within and outside the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere and conduct my very first independent research project!”
Cecilia Aragon
Year: Freshman
Majors: Natural Resource Conservation
“I am most looking forward to developing the skills I need to pursue my research interests in anthropology under the guidance of knowledgeable and experienced faculty.”
Adler Cristello
Year: Sophomore
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
“I am excited to learn about the ethics of researching and displaying memorial objects, given their implications on both the local and global levels.”
Liam Degnan
Year: Freshman
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Educational Technology
“As a Grass Scholar, I am excited to be a part of a community of students dedicated to learning how to understand and improve the human condition.”
Melanie Delgado
Year: Junior
Majors: Linguistics
Minor: Spanish, Arabic Language and Literature
“As a Grass Scholar, I look forward to expanding my knowledge of sociolinguistics and contributing to the field through meaningful research and engagement alongside others.”
Jace Digby
Year: Junior
Majors: Philosophy
Minor: Classics
“I look forward to connecting with the Grass Scholars Program community and enhancing my research abilities in the humanities!”
Madison Durand
Year: Sophomore
Majors: English
Minor: French
“As part of the first cohort of Grass Scholars, I’m most looking forward to contributing research to a new program and meeting other students who are also passionate about the humanities!”
Fiona Garber
Year: Sophomore
Majors: Anthropology
“I am most looking forward to understanding how to conduct an independent research project as well as meeting other students and faculty with similar academic interests as me.”
Alanis M. González Maldonado
Year: Junior
Majors: Agricultural Education, Communication
Minor: Event Management
“I am most looking forward to developing and polishing current research projects and developing as a student and researcher!”
Jarom Gordon
Year: Junior
Majors: Philosophy, Economics
“What I’m most looking forward to about being a Grass Scholar is the opportunity to learn from skilled mentors and peers about how to make my own research more positively impactful.”
Sophia Guarnieri
Year: Freshman
Majors: Philosophy
“While the prospect of a research project is intriguing, what I anticipate most is the chance to cultivate a mentor-mentee relationship and establish meaningful connections with peers.”
Jayla Harper
Year: Junior
Majors: Psychology
Minor: African American Studies
“I am most excited to learn about conducting research within the humanities and meeting everyone on the team!”
Wiley Johannesmeyer
Year: Junior
Majors: History
Minor: Business Administration, Urban and Regional Planning
“I look forward to engaging with a community of motivated and curious scholars, as the diverse perspectives and collaborative atmosphere will expand my research skills.”
Tristan Krammel
Year: Sophomore
Majors: English
Minor: Education Studies
“As a Grass Scholar, I am looking forward to learning more about topics I am unfamiliar with and contributing my unique perspective.”
Mia Martone
Year: Junior
Majors: Classics
“I am most looking forward to our research presentation in the fall where I’ll be able to both share a project I’m deeply passionate about and listen to the presentations of my peers who have also been able to pursue their interests.”
Rachel Nuyten
Year: Junior
Majors: Linguistics, Spanish
“I am most looking forward to engagement and collaboration with the Gainesville community!”
Em Petlev
Year: Freshman
Majors: English, History
Certificate: Legal History
“I am most excited to learn about the research process in the humanities as well as gain a faculty mentor to help me with further research and exploration into working in the humanities.”
Fiorella Recchioni
Year: Sophomore
Majors: Political Science
Minor: Mass Communication Studies
“I am most excited to learn about the research process in the humanities as well as gain a faculty mentor to help me with further research and exploration into working in the humanities.”
Majors: Public Health
“As a Grass Scholar, I am so excited to conduct research that allows the sciences and humanities to merge together and to meet the other scholars!”
Independent Project Spotlights
Each year, the Alexander Grass Scholars Program culminates in independent research projects that reflect the diverse interests and interdisciplinary training of our scholars. Below are a few featured spotlights—click each to view the full poster and learn more about their work.