Roy

Please briefly summarize your research.
I’m really interested in community archives and participatory storytelling/archival work that takes place in queer communities! Last summer, I worked with Professor Rodriguez at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Humboldt Park, Chicago, where a community archive project is underway to collect materials from multiple eras of political activism, resistance, and community formation in the Puerto Rican neighborhood known as Paseo Boricua. This summer, I’m working on creating an oral history and multimedia archive of the experiences of queer Asian Americans in the Boston area, where I am originally from. I will be interviewing queer Asian people from different walks of life, focusing specifically on feelings of isolation, community, and political/social involvement. I am also hoping to collect some materials and media that will serve as an archive of queer objects. The aim of my research is to promote the sharing of queer wisdom and sites of belonging.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I have always found it hard to restrict my interests into one category! And I think it’s cool that we’re becoming more used to seeing people combine different sources of knowledge and deconstructing what is a “hard science” or “humanity” or whatever. I’ve been inspired by a lot of knowledge-synthesizing fields like queer ecology or Black geography, which are reshaping how we think about the laws that govern our bodies and relations.

How has it been working with faculty to transition from an assistant position to a more independent role?
My faculty advisor was really determined to help me succeed at my own project and so my transition from assistant to independent role was very smooth. I was able to use a lot of skills and foundational knowledge that I gained from working for the PRCC archive to think about what roles a community archive might play in a queer and Asian space. Working closely with Prof. Rodriguez has helped me navigate building my own project without feeling overwhelmed.

What’s been your favorite part about being in a cohort with other scholars?
I love the community that we have and I love how passionate and empathetic everyone in my cohort is. It makes me feel much more confident in myself and reassures me that my research is valuable!

Do you have any tips or advice for first years similar to you who are interested (but maybe hesitant) to apply for a 15 month long program?
There is flexibility! A lot of stuff can happen/change in 15 months and that’s okay! You can still do the program. And you don’t need to confine yourself to the same research that your professor/mentor is doing! Also, finding a place to stay over the summer and taking care of yourself can be intimidating, but Chicago is an amazing place to be and there are a lot of fully furnished apartments you can sublet around campus!

Favorite bathroom on campus?
Willard – double shower curtains!

What is your most useless talent?
Keeping a long Duolingo streak