Laura’s research advice: “Take the time to get to know the archivists. Building a relationship with the people who assist you can make a significant difference in the research process. Introduce yourself, explain your project, and always express gratitude for the support they provide in accessing materials. Their knowledge of the collection is often invaluable, and a respectful relationship can open unexpected pathways in the archive.”
Laura’s dissertation explores the Chinese immigrant experience and cultural identity in Colombia between 1903 to 1980. It investigates the racial dynamics of immigration discourses, the spaces of belonging, and the complexities of identity formation.
What libraries, archives, or sites do you plan to visit in summer 2025 for your research?
Archivo General de la Nación de Colombia.
What documents/artifacts are you hoping to examine during this archival research?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs collection houses records of passenger entry to Colombian ports between 1910 and 1945.
Are you receiving any research funding or grants for your summer work?
Neal Ira Rosenthal Travel Award and History Department Award for Research and Conference Travel.
What makes the experience of doing archival or site-based research meaningful to you?
Archival research is meaningful to me because it allows me to connect deeply with my research and with the histories I seek to tell. The experience of being in the archive—reviewing documents, reading, and quickly making sense of what I encounter—is intellectually enriching. I appreciate the quietude of the archival space, interrupted only by the soft rustle of turning pages. Although archival work is physically and mentally demanding, after leaving the archive, I know that I have made meaningful progress in my research.
