Ariel Papas ’26 to Complete Research at Stanford through SR-EIP

Where are you and what are you doing currently?

I’m studying abroad in Amsterdam for a semester, where I have been taking courses on early modern literature, Dutch history, and an honors class on redesigning courses in higher education. I have also been eating many stroopwafels!

What can you do this summer thanks to the Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP) Leadership Alliance internship, and where will you be going? 

I was selected to complete research at Stanford University’s School of Humanities and Sciences on a historical topic I have been interested in for a while. My research goal is to understand how disability was perceived in early modern Europe, specifically during the witch trials. 

As someone with a learning disability, I am curious about how disability was seen differently in early modern Europe. Scholars like David M. Turner inspired me to look further into historical disability studies because he analyzes how disability was understood through a social-historical lens. With my research, I hope to highlight how complex our understanding and perceptions of disability have been throughout history and how they constantly change. It’s important to keep learning from the past so it can inform our present, which is why I love history so much.

What are you looking forward to the most? 

I am excited to read more literature and share my enthusiasm about research with peers. There's nothing like being with a group of people with the same dreams of getting a PhD as you. I am also looking forward to challenging myself and learning about research methods I have never used before. 

What specifically about this program appealed to you? 

I have to thank Ava Harvey ’26 for my interest in this program. After getting notice of her acceptance to the University of Chicago’s SR-EIP, she told me about the program. I knew I had to apply. 

What intrigued me the most was how it supported students who want a PhD. Applying for a PhD can be intimidating, and this program helps students. I also liked the Leadership Alliance’s message and thought it was an amazing opportunity I could not miss out on.

Tell us about the research you’ve done in your academic career and how it aligns with your career goals.

The research I will be doing this summer stemmed from Associate Professor of History Ellen Wurtzel’s Politics and Gender in Medieval and Early Modern Europe class in spring 2024. Since then, I have been steadily working on related research. I will also have the chance to develop this research further in history honors with Professor Wurtzel as my advisor, which I am very excited about.

I also did a private reading with Professor of Classics Chris Trinacty in fall 2024, studying how witches were presented in Classical Greek and Roman literature. At the end of the experience, I wrote a paper on how witches like Canidia in Horace’s Satire 1.8 are not funny even when posed to be; witches were often understood to be something to fear, not laugh at. This private reading also helped contextualize how witches were viewed during the European witch trials, which I am carrying forward into my history honors research.

What is your favorite thing about doing research?

Although this can be the most tedious part of the research process, I really do love brainstorming and reworking ideas. Taking as much time as possible to look into various sources to ensure I have a sound idea or thesis is the fun part for me.

What sort of mentorship have your Oberlin faculty mentors provided—and why has it been so valuable to you? 

I have known Professor Wurtzel since taking her Medieval and Early Modern European History survey in fall 2023. Even at the beginning of my sophomore year, she supported my interest in pursuing history. Professor Wurtzel challenges me and inspires me to keep asking questions. I could not ask for a better mentor. 

I also have to thank Assistant Professor of History Nicholas Bujalski for his guidance. His ideas and suggestions have often helped me understand sources from innovative perspectives. His reading suggestions have also helped me frame how I want to approach my research.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from your Oberlin faculty mentor (or mentors!)?

My favorite pieces of advice are “good research takes time” and “keep asking questions.” I always remember these two phrases when I’m stuck.

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