Augustana student, Christina Kunkel, conducts summer research project

2013 Jul 25

This summer nine Augustana College students are participating in full-scale scientific research projects under the guidance of their faculty advisors, gaining experience to utilize in graduate school and careers after college. Each summer research project is funded through an Augustana Summer Student Research Fellowship.

A Peru, Ill. , student, Christina Kunkel is working alongside Dr. Wendy Hilton-Morrow, associate professor in the communication studies department. Kunkel is a senior majoring in English.

Christina Kunkel is participating in a project that will provide her direction as to whether critical media analysis may be the area of research she would like to pursue. Alongside Dr. Wendy Hilton-Morrow, Kunkel’s project involves the investigation of how women in positions of power are being portrayed in the high fantasy genre in contemporary media. She is conducting an in-depth analysis of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones in order to consider what stereotypes and social norms are being represented and reinforced to large audiences, focusing on the construction of gender, femininity and power relations within the hegemonic context of the show. “Kunkel will come away from the summer with an exceptional example of undergraduate research that should make her a top candidate for graduate programs,” said Dr. Hilton-Morrow.

For a photo of Kunkel, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418763/

To encourage students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and engage in hands-on practice, Augustana College provides students of all disciplines opportunities through the Summer Student Research Fellowships. The program encourages research or artistic projects under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may apply for a maximum stipend of $3,000, plus additional funding for project expenses. Students' contributions to these projects can inspire them to conduct even more cutting-edge research in their later years of study, and also direct them to the post-graduate field of study they would like to pursue.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.