Andrés Buenahora
Which grant that you received do you want to talk about?
Summer URG
Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My SURG project entailed writing a dramatic play, centered around the topics of immigration, wealth inequality, and cultural perceptions of Colombians in upper-middle-class Eastern coast communities. This creative project required in-depth research into the history of immigration in the United States, financial and demographic trends among Colombian immigrant families, and the predominant factors that influence the socioeconomic statuses among those families, as it pertains to literature, film, and the historical and socioeconomic context of these issues.
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
As a Latino journalist and undergraduate at the Medill School of Journalism & Integrated Marketing Communications, I came across some prevalent data indicating both the rising rates of Latino immigrants to the United States and wealth inequalities among different groups. I began to ask myself questions such as why are Latinos continually stereotyped across the media? Why has there historically been a lack of Latino representation in the film and television industry? What is driving the discrepancies in cross-generational wealth and how is race rooted in these issues?
Despite the major presence of Latino immigrants in the United States, many migrant groups continue to be marginalized and mistreated. I was interested in subverting the stereotypical narratives we’ve seen in pop culture and examining subtextual elements of class and privilege through the lens of immigration in upper-middle-class Eastern coast communities.
Henry Godinez, who served as my faculty sponsor for this project, attended a performance of my debut play last spring, which I actually wrote through a 2022 SURG. I was already a fan of Godinez’ work in Latino theatre so hearing his praise and support for my writing was very inspiring, and it was an honor to work with him on my 2023 SURG.
What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I completed a 2022 SURG, writing a Latinx social justice play that was selected by an SPP Committee and produced by The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for The Performing Arts this past spring, with my 2022 SURG faculty sponsor and Tony Award Winner David Catlin serving as the faculty mentor for this production. After seeing the success of this project, I was inspired to pursue another SURG and write my next play, conducting research for it on topics such as discrepancies in cross-generational wealth and class.
Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Like any creative or artistic project, research will always have obstacles that arise, but learning how to overcome adversity has helped me gain invaluable skills and empowered me to grow as a writer, scholar, and human in profound ways.
I’m particularly grateful to the Office of Undergraduate Research for the amazing opportunities I’ve been able to pursue during my time at Northwestern.
Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Pursue what you’re passionate about and above all, WRITE! I’ve had the privilege of having some incredible mentors who have been integral to my intellectual, creative, and artistic growth, and have encouraged me to continue writing even after the grant period. I would recommend first identifying your area of interest to find the right mentor who can help you develop your passion project and refine your work through a SURG.
What would you name a boat if you had one?
Buena Hora
What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
New Girl
If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
Acoustic Guitar
What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
Up
What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
Volunteering at a food pantry with RUF friends or catching up with my sophomore year roommate on the way to a meeting for my Latin dance group, Dale Duro!