Where are you from?
I am from Portland, OR. I have lived all over Portland, as well as the suburb of Beaverton.
What drew you to history and religious studies as your fields of study?
I have always been drawn to those two subjects since childhood, especially history. When the time came to decide what I wanted to focus on in college I found the choice easy. The story of humanity is endlessly fascinating, and the ideas that drive that story are fascinating as well.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College?
My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I have had great instruction and numerous opportunities to improve my craft as a scholar, including classes, research opportunities, and conferences. I also appreciate the employment opportunity I received from the HC.
Have you started your honors thesis? If yes, what’s the topic and/or focus of your research? If not, are you considering any ideas so far?
I am in the process of deciding what to sink my teeth into. So far I have been reading The History by Herodotus and my project will involve that work in some way. The History is the oldest surviving narrative history book from the Mediterranean region. It details the formation of the Achaemenid Persian Empire and their war with the Greeks. While clearly biased and not always reliable, Herodotus is one of our few literary sources on the Achaemenid Persians and an indispensable tool when it comes to studying them. I hope to put Herodotus into conversation with the material culture that has been found surrounding the Achaemeids, particularly in regard to material culture of a religious nature to help further enlighten us about the early years of Zoroastrianism.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
My absolute favorite so far has been Hellenistic Greece with Dr. Kevin Osterloh. I have also enjoyed Medieval Slavery with Dr. Rena Lauer, Christianity in Africa with Dr. Trina Hogg, and Islamic Civilization with Dr. Matthew Lynch.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
My next step will be graduate school. I hope to eventually obtain a Ph.D. in Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
When it comes to the HC I would say the thesis process is particularly helpful in that it is asking me to do what I will be required to do in grad school: design my own research project under the direction of a professor and complete it. I know it is not the same as a Masters Thesis, but there are many similarities. As for CLA, I cannot stress enough how important the attention and guidance of my professors has been, especially the four listed above. Through them numerous opportunities have arisen to further my education, and with luck even my career.