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Since childhood, Sarah Hampton has dreamed of visiting Ireland. This summer, her dream will come true.
Sarah, a University of Minnesota anthropology major in the class of 2007, will participate in a research project in Tulsk, Ireland, where she will dig up fossils and examine ancient bones alongside her anthropology professor.
Sarah's professors, along with the advising staff at the College of Liberal Arts, have supported her on her incredible academic journey. This journey has taken her well beyond the classroom, and across the Atlantic.
Before leaving for her exciting trip, Sarah shared some details about her upcoming trip and previous undergraduate research experiences to show some of the benefits that real students are gaining from participating in real academic research.
Q: Will you be doing any traveling or other activities while you're conducting research in Ireland?
A: Yes. I'm actually flying into Ireland a week early so that I can explore Dublin and the peripheral areas. I plan on visiting as many tombs, castles, and cathedrals as I can cram into one day!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about conducting research in Ireland?
A: Ireland is one of those places that I have wanted to visit since I was a child. I've had a longstanding fascination with Celtic lore and medieval history, and Ireland is rich in both areas. I can hardly believe I'm getting paid to do work there.
Q: Why was the location of Tulsk, Ireland chosen for your research?
A: Tulsk is ideal for [our research.] It was a seat of one of the last great dynasties of Ireland, the O'Conors, through the 14th Century, in a part of Ireland that held out the longest against Anglo-Norman occupation. Tulsk was later fortified and occupied by the British under Queen Elizabeth I. It should provide a great opportunity for examining cultural shifts all in one location. It's also home to the remains of a 15th-century Dominican abbey and an earthen mound. We'll also be housed in one of the ancestral residences of the O'Conors--a fact about which I can't complain!
Q: How has being involved in undergraduate research enhanced your academic career and professional goals?
A: Involvement in undergraduate research has forced me to really think about what interests me, what problems I face regarding a specific topic, and where I should turn to learn more about what I'm studying. Scouring dozens of articles in order to prepare a single research paper has made me a more critical reader, too.
Working around the anthropology department on projects that I find fascinating has also enabled me to form great friendships with the faculty and fellow students who I find inspirational....The faculty have a true passion for what they're working on. It's infectious, and it makes me think, "Yeah, I could do this for a living too."
Sarah was recently awarded the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship, which will fully fund her graduate school education after her graduation from the University of Minnesota.
Want to learn more?
-Chelsy Quiram
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