WashU History undergraduates are finding new ways to deepen their research and share their work with the wider community.
How I chose my major: Calvin Crossland
Senior Calvin Crossland found a balance between passion and practicality by pursuing majors in economics and history, two disciplines that help him understand how the world works and how it came to be. As a Living History Scholar and working with Tim Parsons, a professor of history and African and African American studies, Crossland conducted original research on the role of British East African colonies during World War II. Together, they produced a podcast series exploring the discrimination and mistreatment experienced by men serving under British colonial authorities. His thesis focuses on the Flying Tigers of World War II, also known as the First American Volunteer Group, a group of American pilots who flew combat missions defending China against Japan before the United States officially entered the war.
How Classics changed Nicole Spangler’s view of American history
Nicole Spangler, a senior majoring in history and classics who received a Beinecke Scholarship to support her graduate studies, always enjoyed digging through a library archive or researching online. As a Living History Scholar during her sophomore year, Spangler was able to pursue her own original historical research for the first time. Her project focused on 19th-century social reform. She studied the Missouri School for the Deaf in the aftermath of an 1880 ban on sign language in schools, examining how social reform intersected with broader questions of race, religion, and disability. She was particularly interested in the ways religiously motivated reform efforts affected working-class people, especially juveniles.
Student Spotlight: Vincy Zhou, 2026 Asian American Studies Research Award Winner
Together with the History Honors Thesis Award, this award supported five weeks of research in San Francisco for Vincy Zhou. The experience allowed Zhou to build relationships with community members and work extensively with archival materials. These sources now form the foundation of Zhou's thesis.
Undergraduate Research Symposium: Hear from Lulu Ingham
History student Lulu Ingham shares her experience presenting original research at WashU's Undergraduate Research Symposium. Interested in African history and French studies, Ingham explains the value of sharing research with the campus community. She also encourages fellow students to conduct independent research and take advantage of opportunities to present their work.
A one-of-a-kind first year: Inside WashU’s Ampersand Programs
History alumnus Conner Yamnitz reflects on his experience participating in WashU's Ampersand Programs during his first year. The article highlights how these programs allow students to explore academic interests and engage with new perspectives. His experience illustrates how early participation in a focused academic community can help shape a student's undergraduate journey.
Undergrad Francisco Perez organizes lecture at Missouri Historical Society
Francisco Perez helped organize a lecture at the Missouri Historical Society:
"The opportunity to join MexStl.org, an organization founded by WashU students to uncover the history of Mexicans in the city, came out of the blue in one of my history courses. I just so happened to be classmates with the organization’s founders, Jade Pita del Prado (Class of 2025) and Jonah Zachs (Class of 2025), when they pitched me the organization’s community-driven mission to explore the region’s history; I eagerly accepted." - Francisco Perez
Q&A with Living History Scholars
Meet the 2026 Living History Scholars, Calvin Crossland and Jennifer Ong; Crossland created a podcast series exploring East African experiences during World War II, while Ong produced a documentary about commemoration at Bellefontaine and Greenwood cemeteries in St. Louis. In this Q&A, the students reflect on their research processes and the lessons they learned along the way.
The Living History Scholars Initiative supports undergraduate projects that connect historical research and community engagement. Applications for Spring 2027 are due November 13, 2026.
Explore undergraduate opportunities
These stories highlight the many ways WashU students can pursue original research, work across disciplines, receive support for summer projects, and share their discoveries with others. Whether you are considering an independent research project, looking for funding, or exploring opportunities to connect your academic interests with the broader community, there are many ways to get involved.
Explore the Department of History to learn more about undergraduate programs and opportunities:
Living History Scholars Initiative (if you want to learn more about the Living History Scholars program, we will have an informative online Q&A session on October 29, 2026 - learn more)
