�԰�����

Last summer, �԰����� senior Ollie Bowen ’24 conducted a Mellon Initiative Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship alongside psychology professor Elaine Wong, Ph.D. Although Bowen is a biochemistry and molecular biology major, �԰�����’s interdisciplinary nature allowed them to explore their interests in the humanities and social sciences. 

Bowen's research project originated from their genuine concern for the Asian American student population at �԰�����. Bowen's resulting paper, “Prevalence and Impact of the Model Minority Stereotype on Asian American Students at a Small Liberal Arts University,” has recently won the . ASIANetwork is a consortium of 140+ colleges in North America and beyond that promotes education about Asia within the liberal arts. Bowen's paper will be published in ASIANetwork Exchange, the consortium's peer-reviewed journal. 

Hear from Bowen about their project!

What does it mean to you to receive this award, and how will it spur you forward in your future endeavors?

I am so incredibly honored to receive this award, and I'm still taken aback by the fact that my paper was chosen! I am very passionate about Asian American studies. I'm hoping to become a high school or middle school teacher after graduation, and I know how much of an impact teachers have on their students. I want to be able to be a role model for my students, and being aware of the model minority stereotype, as well as other microaggressions and stereotypes, will allow me to better understand and help my students.

Remind us a bit about your research. What was your favorite part of conducting it and/or writing your paper?

My research looks into the effects of the model minority stereotype on Asian Americans at �԰����� through the use of focus group interviews and grounded theory coding. I spent the summer of 2023 interviewing students, analyzing the transcripts, and writing my paper. My favorite part of conducting the research was definitely being able to connect with the focus group participants. I loved listening to all of their stories and experiences. Being able to create the kind of welcoming environment where they felt comfortable sharing their stories meant a lot to me, and I was touched that I could relate their experiences to my own.

You are a biochemistry and molecular biology major, but you conducted humanities/social sciences research. Was undergraduate research or interdisciplinary studies part of your decision for choosing to attend �԰�����? 

Yes, definitely! I love how interdisciplinary �԰����� is; I have a huge variety of hobbies and interests, and I wanted to pick a school that would match that. I've been able to take so many different classes that have opened me up to so many experiences that I wouldn't have had at other schools. I'm very grateful that I had the opportunity to conduct research that was seemingly unrelated to my major. I believe that no matter how different two subjects may seem, they're all useful and related in some meaningful way. I will definitely carry my research experience with me into the future!

What are your plans for after graduation?

Right now, I am planning to take a gap year to travel and give myself time to prepare for the future. I'm hoping to return to �԰����� for the Masters of Arts in Teaching afterward! I want to teach either high school or middle school science.

Any other thoughts?

I am so grateful to Dr. Elaine Wong for approaching me about this research opportunity and for helping me grow throughout my years at �԰�����. I wouldn't have been able to receive this award without her help!