Reflecting on Undergraduate Research: A Discussion with Teri Tillman '16
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Princeton University alumna Teri Tillman, who graduated in 2016 with a degree in Sociology and a certificate in American Studies, has found her passion for independent research during her undergraduate years. Her thesis, an interdisciplinary investigation into the purposes and functionality of cross-cultural racial parody, has not only given her the confidence and tools necessary to tackle future research papers, but also shaped her into a proactive professional and socially engaged individual.
Tillman's thesis compared Japanese American performances in blackface with African American performances in yellowface, utilizing gender theory, performance theory, and critical race theory to analyze plays, movies, music videos, and television performances with these kinds of acts. Her research provided her with a solid scholarly foundation that she carries into her current studies at Cornell Law School, where she is the academic chair for Cornell's Black Law Students Association, the co-president for Cornell's Sports & Entertainment Law Society, and a student associate in Cornell's Labor Law Clinic.
Tillman's journey into independent research was not without challenges. Narrowing down the thesis topic was initially a struggle, but she persevered and found a very important, yet underrepresented niche in academia. During her research, Tillman encountered performances that were examples of cultural appropriation and ridicule, as well as those that revealed the possibility for the reconceptualization and reterritorialization of minstrel traditions.
Tillman's adviser, Kim Lane Scheppele, played a crucial role in guiding her through the research process. Tillman also took advantage of Princeton's expansive resources to support her work.
The long-term academic, professional, and personal impacts of conducting independent research at Princeton are significant. Alumni interviews reflect how these experiences build confidence, resilience, and a lasting drive to contribute positively to society. Examples such as Wendy Kopp, who founded Teach For America based on her senior thesis proposal at Princeton, demonstrate how undergraduate research can directly translate into impactful professional initiatives and societal contributions.
Tillman's experience is just one example of how Princeton's undergraduate research experience shapes graduates not only as scholars but also as proactive professionals and socially engaged individuals, with long-term impacts that extend well beyond their time on campus. If Tillman could give herself one piece of thesis-related advice, it would be to be more diligent about meeting the deadlines she set for herself.
References:
[1] "Looking Back on Undergraduate Research" alumni interviews, Princeton University. [2] Various Princeton alumni interviews and career paths.
- Teri Tillman's senior thesis, an interdisciplinary investigation into cross-cultural racial parody, not only fostered her confidence for future research, but also equipped her with essential tools for education-and-self-development and personal-growth.
- Tillman's independent work during her undergraduate years at Princeton not only contributed to her academic achievements, but also propelled her into a proactive professional, shaping her into a leader in Cornell Law School and various student organizations.
- Pursuing independent research during an undergraduate education can profoundly influence a student's academic, professional, and personal development, as exemplified by Teri Tillman's journey, which imparted resilience, confidence, and a drive toward positive societal contributions.
