Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby Research Faculty Mentor of the Month
Dr. Jeanmarie Rouhier-Willoughby is a Professor of Russian, Folklore and Linguistics, Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures & Cultures in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has worked at the University of Kentucky since 1994 and mentored many undergraduates.
“Working with students to pursue their particular interests, whether it is for an independent project or for a senior thesis is the best thing about being a mentor,” stated Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby. In the past year, she has mentored four undergraduate students. One of Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby’s mentees noted, “She has gone above and beyond both in and out of class to encourage and support undergraduates who are finding new interests and providing them a framework to produce meaningful work.” Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby encourages her students to attend seminars and extracurricular events relevant to their interests. She helps them review presentations, papers, research projects, and especially enjoys helping them with research theory and practice.
As an undergraduate, Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby joined a research lab and this experience proved to be transformative, "I had the opportunity to do a senior thesis myself that combined my interests in German language and literature and in English. I read Goethe's Dr. Faustus in German and wrote a thesis on that work under the direction of a professor of English. That experience was extremely valuable as I went on to graduate school and had to write my own thesis and dissertation." Her current research focuses on the religious revival in post-socialist Russia.
Due to Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby’s positive undergraduate research experience, she has a passion for mentoring undergraduate students. “The best thing is working with students to pursue their particular interests, whether it is for an independent project or for a senior thesis,” said Rouhier-Willoughby. “I especially enjoy witnessing their sense of accomplishment and their increasing expertise in their field. The work I have done with two students, for example, as undergraduates turned into the topics of their MA thesis or PhD thesis. That was particularly rewarding.”
For students considering undergraduate research, Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby looks for an inquisitive spirit, a sense of independence and willingness to do the legwork required for such a project. She offers these words of wisdom to students thinking about engaging in research: “First off, do it! Second, be aware that research projects often take unexpected turns, and researchers have to be prepared to switch gears and adapt to the situation.”
Thank you Dr. Rouhier-Willoughby for your unwavering support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your dedication as our Research Faculty Mentor of the Month.