Connie Bubash
Year in school:
senior
Major degree program/department:
English
Faculty mentor:
David Read, English
How did you get involved with undergraduate research?
When I realized I wanted to pursue graduate study in English literature, I asked my professors as well as the director of undergraduate studies in the English Department about what I could do to prepare for such an ambitious endeavor. Undergraduate research — specifically the Arts and Science Mentor Program, which is inclusive of students studying the humanities — was strongly recommended by all.
On what kinds of projects have you worked?
I have participated in summer undergraduate research through the Arts and Science Mentor Program. I researched the Italian Renaissance philosopher Giordano Bruno, looking at the presence of philosophy, science and religion in his literature.
Why is this experience so valuable to you?
It greatly expanded my knowledge of the area of literature I hope to pursue in graduate study. The close relationship I developed with my mentor helped me to improve my researching skills and, consequently, further prepared me for graduate study.
What advice would you offer to other students considering undergraduate research?
Go for it! If you are a hard worker and open-minded, you can have a life-changing experience. If you are uncertain of your interests or career path, undergraduate research will help you find direction. Even if you find out that conducting research is not what you expected or hoped for, at least you have the opportunity to discover this early on as an undergraduate rather than finding out too late.
