My interest in the Digital Scholarship Summer Research Fellowship stems from my curiosity about the world, my major and interests, and my desire for research experience. I love the concept of research and sharing discoveries, so I found a way to begin my research journey. This fellowship will introduce me to research methods and execution in a low-stakes, educational environment that I can then draw from in my later experiences at Bucknell. As a rising sophomore, digital scholarship is also the perfect first step towards understanding and pursuing my major. Being in the management school means data visualization is a crucial aspect of my education, and as a Markets, Innovation, and Design major, the creative, design-oriented aspects of this program are infinitely exciting. Finally, I have a strong passion for learning about the ethnic and geopolitical history of Russia and Buryatia. Having an opportunity like this to delve deeply into my interests without worrying about grades or other classes—education for the sake of education—is like a dream come true. I want to utilize this research opportunity to its fullest extent by diving into the learning material, having great group discussions, and passionately producing a project that will facilitate learning for both me and my audience.
For my research project, I will be analyzing the unique history of the ethnic peoples of the Republic of Buryatia in Russia. Having grown up in this region, the people and culture of Buryatia hold a special significance in my life. Very little of this region’s history is taught in the United States, so it is my desire to educate unfamiliar audiences with this project. I will be researching how the Buryat language, culture, and way of life have declined over time into near dissolution. I’ll be diving into their history from pre-settlement to present day, looking at the effects of colonization, communism, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Utilizing various data visualization tools, I will make maps and timelines showcasing this history in a clear and accessible format. I want this to be a very creative project full of cultural images and art that will capture an audience and keep them engaged and connected to the beautiful history of the Buryats.
In terms of what I hope to learn through this fellowship experience: First, I want to learn how to build and connect big ideas. I believe the deeper patterns beneath my topic are incredibly relevant to what has happened and is currently happening to native populations all over the world. I will use my thorough analysis of the decline of Buryat culture to understand the everyday experiences of people who are facing similar issues. Additionally, I want to take on an activist lens through my project. So much has been done already to reclaim and reestablish Buryat language and cultural traditions, but it hasn’t proven to be enough just yet. I would like to combine what I learn through my own research with the ideas I hear from my fellow researchers, so that I can absorb their activist projects and learn methods of taking action. Overall, I’m excited to join a wonderful group of scholars in learning the basics of research, and I’m very thankful for this unique opportunity to explore my interests.
– Aaron
