When UL Lafayette history major Shydee Johnson graduates next year, she will continue her academic career into a Ph.D. program. After that, her goal is to become a professor of history.
СAPPI chose to study history because this gives me the opportunity to acquire an understanding of people, societies, change, and how societies are shaped through time,СAPP she said. СAPPWith this I hope to contribute information that will allow the growth of knowledge as it pertains to history.СAPP
Shydee is also working on her minor in geography.
СAPPI chose geography as my minor due to its close intertwined relationship with history,СAPP she said. СAPPThis is best described by W. Gordon East: СAPPIn studying the physical setting to history, one can understand the strands from which history is woven.СAPPСAPP
Research Experience
Shydee is getting plenty of experience with historical research and preservation at UL Lafayette. She was previously part of the Reflections of Hurricane Harvey exhibit in the and now she is a research assistant on campus.
СAPPI am currently in a research assistantship with Dr. Liz Skilton for the history program,СAPP she said. СAPPThe research of the Recent Louisiana Disasters Project includes interview transcription and collecting data from businesses, museums, and other places in the south. Interview topics include the 2015 Grand 16 theater shooting in Lafayette, the 2016 flood, and others.
СAPPA few colleagues and I are gathering information in order to document the effects of COVID-19 on these sites,СAPP she said. СAPPThis is important because it will contribute to future studies and funding. I enjoy contributing to the scholarly field and giving the locations a voice.СAPP
Making Her Mark
As part of the , Shydee has put in over 20 hours of community service and she has received scholarships through the program. But thatСAPPs not the only way she has been involved on campus.
СAPPIn addition, I am a member of and play rugby for UL Lafayette, LSU, and Louisiana Lagniappe,СAPP she said.
Shydee has learned a lot of useful skills from being involved on campus.
СAPPSome of these include leadership and management qualities, digital skills, professionalism, advanced communication, and self-motivation,СAPP she said. СAPPThe history and geography department has taught me scholarly independence, critical thinking, and problem solving.СAPP
ShydeeСAPPs favorite part about studying here, though, is the campus.
СAPPI believe a beautiful, welcoming campus is the backbone of an enjoyable academic career,СAPP she said. СAPPFrom the century-old oak trees to Cypress Lake, the wildlife brings the СAPP to life.СAPP
