Researcher of the Week: Amber Barnett

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 10:47:14 -0500

Meet Amber,
She is an Ancient Studies major and an URA Scholar. She is currently a student assistant in the Ancient studies office and a LRC tutor concentrating on the subject of Ancient Greek. She is also a member of Catholic Retrievers’ Music Ministry and occasionally assists the Ancient Studies Student Council.

How did you find your mentor for your research?

I was poking around on the website for my major, and saw the opportunity for an honors Ancient Studies degree. It involved writing a thesis, and my advisor recommended my mentor.

How did you know this was the project you wanted to do?

Before I researched a thesis, I had to read a whole selection of works. That selection included various ancient Greek tragedies, and the subject just seemed interesting.

Is this your first independent research project?

I did URCAD this year, so no.

Do you get course credit for this work?

Yes, the reading selection I did first counted as a course. The thesis writing also counts as a course.

How much time do you put into it?

It is a big investment. Most of my weekends go into my research (and so does any spare time I have during the week-days).

How did you hear about the Undergraduate Research Award (URA) program?

My mentor suggested it.

What academic background did you have before you applied for the URA?

I had (and maintain) a 4.0 GPA in my major, and have taken more classes that pertain to my research.

Was the application difficult to do?

Yes, it was difficult. It’s important for the application to look just right, and it took a very long time and a lot of effort.

How much did your mentor help you with the application?

My mentor was crucial in helping me with the application. He would proofread my work and make suggestions to make it better.

What has been the hardest part about your research?

The hardest part is finding time to work on it and managing to compose my thoughts.

What was the most unexpected thing?

Managing to find connections between Hecuba and Clytemnestra was surprising, so I guess the most unexpected thing was actually some of the results.

How does your research relate to your work in other classes?

My research is on Athenian Greek tragedy in the 5th century BC, and—as an Ancient Studies major—this period of time is part of what I learn about.

What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?

Start early, and make sure you’re interested in what you’re researching.

What are your career goals?

I hope to be a teacher someday and lay missionary.

Read her abstract here...