Lauren Bollinger World CUR 2023 Spotlight
Lauren Bollinger
Senior, Art History, Psychology, Pre-Law major
Research Mentor: Carol Street
Research Project Title
"The Heart of a Revolution: Conversations Between Activists Olive T. Dargan and Rose Pastor Stokes"
Brief Project Description
"American writers and Socialists Olive Dargan and Rose Pastor Stokes advocated for women’s rights and fair labor practices in the early 20th century. Though their approaches to activism differed, they maintained a lifelong friendship based on unrelenting support for one another’s aspirations, illustrating how a mutual passion for social change improved the lives of individuals in their vastly different communities. Research utilizing personal correspondence, newspaper articles, and published writing from the Olive T. Dargan Papers, 1900-1966, in the University of Kentucky Special Collection Research Center and the Rose Pastor Stokes Papers, 1900-1993, at Yale University will demonstrate how different approaches to activism impact the success of a movement, using their relationship as the framework. This project will focus on the difference between rural and urban activism of the 20th century, providing unique insight into the different ways social justice can be adopted to encompass the needs of different types of communities."
I enjoy research because... "It allows me to step inside a completely different world and put together the pieces of another life."
What excites you most about attending World CUR?
"I am so excited about being surrounded by the beautiful landscape and the diverse group of people at the university."
What has been the most interesting aspect of your research experience so far?
"Having the opportunity to read the correspondence between the two women has been so interesting because of their eloquent writing that often made me get lost in their life stories and friendship."
How has undergraduate research impacted your college experience?
"Research has allowed me to get more hands on with my learning and to figure out how to creatively approach information in a way that lectures don't."
List 2 fun facts about you:
"I love to draw and I hope to live in Chicago one day!"