Christopher Joseph Mattingly World CUR 2023 Spotlight

Christopher Joseph Mattingly

Junior, Spanish Language and Linguistics major

Research Mentor: Carol Street

Research Project Title

"Sisterhood and Sanctity: A Reexamination of Colonial Mexican Femininity"

Brief Project Description

"My project focuses on a manuscript printed in 1732 by a woman named Manuela Cerezo. This manuscript details the first 100 years of history of the convent of San Jose and Santa Teresa located within Puebla, Mexico. I have analyzed this document from a linguistics and historical perspective to better understand the lives of the women of the convent and how they fit in with modern preconceived notions of historical femininity like the separate spheres model or biological essentialism."

I enjoy research because... "it develops within you the skills necessary to think critically and solve complicated problems."

What excites you most about attending World CUR?

"This will be my first trip outside of the United States, so I am very excited to see how other people live and the subtle differences between our countries."

What has been the most interesting aspect of your research experience so far?

"One of the most interesting aspects of my research is just how applicable it is to the situation that many people face today. By studying history we can determine in what ways have we progressed as a society, and how have we stagnated. Being able to pinpoint our shortcomings is the first step to solving greater issues faced by the public of today."

How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience?

"It helped me develop the executive skills necessary to do well in my academics, pushed me to go to graduate school, and helped me make some great friends along the way."

List 2 fun facts about you:

"I play the cello and I love Indian food! The spicier the better."