I love that Stony Brook is a tier one research university, and even in the humanities there are opportunities for hands-on research experiences. I received funding from a URECA research grant to travel to the Library of Congress over the summer, where I conducted archival research for my English honors thesis.

Looking through thousands of an author's personal documents has given me the opportunity to make real discoveries and contribute to the larger academic conversation around her work. Knowing I held things that she had held, someone I had spent so much time studying, was really a big moment.

Without the URECA funding, I wouldn't have had this amazing research experience! And I love how close-knit my department is. I have several professors who I've worked with many times, whether by taking their class or being their teaching assistant.

Having a close-working relationship with them has opened a lot of doors for me in terms of my own personal research and pursuits.