Humanities: Kirsten Bell '24/Take 5 '25

Major(s) and minor(s)Bell headshot

B.A. History, B.A. Classical Civilization

Minor in English Literature

Hometown

Oswego, NY

Areas of interest/focus in research

Medieval and Classical History

Historical Formation of Stereotypes around Witchcraft

Intersections between Magic, Religion, and the Occult

Gender/Women's Studies

Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted

History Department:

  • Research Assistant for Professor Brianna Theobald
  • Research Assistant for Professor Elias Mandala
  • Senior Honors Thesis research about the formation of the witch stereotype through medieval depictions of the ancient witch Medea under Professor Laura Smoller
  • Published/Presented research about the gendering of witchcraft under Laura Smoller
  • Historical research about race in Latin America under Professor Molly Ball

Seward Family Digital Archive:

  • Editor & Transcriber

Religion & Classics Department:

  • Independent Research about the Cult of Isis under Professor Nicholas Gresens

About me...

Hello! My name is Kirsten and I'm a senior majoring in History & Classical Civilization and minoring in English Literature. The focus of my history major is Cultural and Intellectual History, as I am fascinated with both of these aspects present in societies all over the world. I am also writing a senior honors thesis for the History Department about the stereotypes surrounding witchcraft through studying medieval literary depictions of the ancient/mythological witch Medea. I have experience in museum studies/archival work as well through my internship in the Library and Archives at the Memorial Art Gallery. I am also a Peer Advisor for the History Department where I give advice to undergraduates about doing a history major and connect students with faculty.

I am also a strong believer in the power of the arts and believe that art should be made available to everyone. I am the Editor-in-Chief of LOGOS, the art and literature journal on campus, and the Media Publicity Director for the Gallery Curation Committee on campus. I believe that art can have powerful emotional impacts on individuals, as well as the power to create social and political change. Additionally, in order to further pursue this passion I am doing a Take 5 in Studio Art and GSWS in specifically printmaking and photography!

How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?

It has inspired me to pursue a career in academia. It is fascinating to me how historical research can provide context for modern problems/phenomenons and I would love to make a career out of pursuing my passions. I wasn't aware that I could make a career out of studying things like magic and perceptions of witchcraft but with a career in history you can pretty much study anything that interests you!

Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions

Campus Groups:

  • Editor-in-Chief of LOGOS: UR's Art & Literature Journal
  • Media Publicity Director of the Gallery Curation Committee
  • Secretary of UR Celtic
  • UR Splash Undergraduate Teacher

Awards/Distinctions:

  • Lasch Fellow
  • History Honors Program
  • Dean's List all eligible semesters
  • Take 5 Scholar studying GSWS and Studio Art
  • Presented Research at the European & Eurasian Undergraduate Research Symposium at the University of Pittsburgh
  • 2023 Schwartz Discover Grant Recipient
  • 2023 Undergraduate Writing Colloquium Contest Finalist
  • 2022 Humanities for Life Grant Recipient

Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...

Irish Dancing with UR Celtic, studying at Starbucks, or hanging out with friends in the library!

Areas where I may be particularly helpful

  • Discover Grant app writing
  • Grant Writing
  • Humanities/Social Science Research Opportunities
  • Interview/Networking Skills

What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?

Don't let your major restrict your interest in research! As a History major I thought there weren't any opportunities for me but there most definitely are. Just because humanities/social science research might not look like "traditional" STEM research doesn't mean there aren't many opportunities available!

Email me at:  kbell19@u.rochester.edu