As Houston weathered another sweltering summer, several University of Houston students had the rather “cool” experience of participating in summer research projects.
UH’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) supported these Coogs as they engaged in 10-week research experiences under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Among the students who were able to figuratively “hang 10” into new professional horizons was political science major Kamryn Webster. Her project addressed the topic of presidential proclamations.
“This interested me because of how little knowledge there is amongst the general public on this topic,” she said. "We hear about Presidents’ actions, executive orders, and proclamations, but not about the weight these documents and announcements hold."
Webster’s mentor, Professor of Political Science Brandon Rottinghaus, offered guidance in selecting this research topic. He also helped ensure the subject would be something within Webster’s area of interest and would support a 10-week research endeavor.
“Dr. Rottinghaus has been tremendously helpful in aiding me with the resources I need to conduct this research,” she said. “His point of view has also been great; a second set of eyes and opinion on things is crucial to research, and that is what he has given me.”
Another UH SURFer was anthropology and comparative studies major Jessica Murray. Inspired by feminist theory’s role within the Hebrew Bible, she observed how different biblical shape the interpretation of the words 'beauty' and 'beautiful' in the Book of Judith."
She particularly noted how translation choices could influence readers' understanding of female empowerment and male desire.
“Women's history and feminist theory have always sparked my interest,” Murray said. “It wasn't until I took Introduction to the Hebrew Bible with Dr. Caryn Tamber-Rosenau that I realized feminist theory could intersect with the Hebrew Bible. From there, I began looking into my favorite book of the Bible, the Book of Judith, and noticed that many scholars use it for feminist research. That discovery inspired me to explore the topic further through my own research.”
Murray is grateful for the opportunity to participate in SURF and to have been mentored by Tamber-Rosenau, assistant professor of Jewish Studies and Religious Studies. As a first-generation student, she credits the SURF experience for providing clarity on careers in academia and graduate school.
Murray and Webster joined 137 other SURF recipients who embarked on journeys of discovery from June through August. Each student selected for SURF receives a $4,000 scholarship and the opportunity to showcase their work during the spring Undergraduate Research Day.
SURF celebrates 21 years of supporting the academic aspirations of UH students. According to Ben Rayder, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Research, Major Awards, and Learning Abroad/Away, this fellowship complements UH’s commitment to student success and high impact research. The annual fellowship, he said, allows students to develop talents they perhaps had not previously realized.
"SURF is such an incredible opportunity for students to explore their passions and apply knowledge from the classroom to a real-world setting. Learning directly from faculty who are experts in their respective fields while contributing to UH’s status as a Carnegie R1 institution makes SURF even more valuable.”
More details on SURF are available on the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards website.