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Information For Students

Student Experiences

Emily Fischer - Communication

Emily's Project - "Graffiti and Public Space in Seattle"

Emily Fischer pictureThe project focuses on an investigation of graffiti and how it transforms public space in Seattle, as well as how graffiti artists and the public view the communication medium of graffiti.

When, how, & why did you get involved in research?

I first became interested in undergraduate research when I took a class that happened to fit my schedule during the spring quarter of 2005. The class is facilitated by Giorgia Aiello and Irina Gendelman and is called "The Urban Archives Project". As soon as I got involved, I was hooked on research!

Doing an undergraduate research project for my honors thesis in communication was the best decision I made as an undergrad. I was exposed to so many valuable things that I would not have otherwise been able to experience. I believe it is important for everyone to do some sort of intensive research project as an undergraduate - the benefits are tremendous and the sense of accomplishment is wonderful.

What advice would you give to other student?

Go for it! Undergraduate research is the best experienece you will have - it teaches you things no other class could.

Future Plans

Work for one year to pay off loans, travel a bit, then attend the Communication Masters and then Ph.D program so that I can become a professor of communication at a university.

Acknowledgements

There are my co-researcher Sarah Rosenfeld of course. And David Silver, Valerie Manusov, Giorgia Aiello, Irina Gendelman.

Awards and Honors

  • Mary Gates Research Scholar
  • Department of Communication Scholarship

Conferences

  • The UW Undergraduate Research Symposium