Nile Sky Hammelman: UROP

Nile Sky Hammelman

Major: English - Literature, Language, Culture
Minor: Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
UROP: Fighting to Love, How Intimate Partner Violence Affects College Students
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Emily Gaarder, Department of Sociology/Anthropology

What do you think is unique about your major?
I feel as though many would-be students of English think that this major is too "old fashioned" or the only job outlet is to become a teacher. This is all false in my opinion, and in fact there are so many opportunities that an English major can provide to an array of individuals with different interests and skills. My love for both reading and writing spurred my decision to claim this as my major, but the emphasis with my specifically chosen degree form in Literature, Language and culture has allowed me to explore new ideas, creative formats, and people. I love the way history combines itself writings that influence many authors and appreciators in today's world.

How does your major fit into your life goals?
I would like to become involved with non-profit sphere, not a specific one but perhaps one that emphasizes helping women and/or the arts. Grant writing and program developing for these types of programs really interests me. 

What piece of advice would you give to a student considering your major?
Read all that is assigned to you, and once you discover new favorite authors, read all they have written! Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Munro and Marilynne Robinson have become some of my greatest literary heroes. Also, using the Writer's Workshop on campus has helped me with both brainstorming and drafting some of my most important papers.

How has the Undergraduate Research Opportunity (UROP) that you participated in enhanced or complemented the education you received in your major at UMD?
This opportunity has allowed me the chance to combine my minor, which is Women's Gender and Sexuality studies with my major. I was so excited to bring in my studies of IPV (Intimate Partner Violence), a variation of domestic violence, and how it affects college-age students, who I course interact with on a daily basis being in a University setting every day. My hope is that my formulating this type of guided workshop through my UROP research that I'll be helping my generation as well as my fellow peers in a small, yet vital way. 

What were the most valuable aspects of your UROP experience?
Being able to complete it on my own time has been immensely helpful since not only am I a full time student, but I also have two jobs. One of them is as a Women's Advocate on the weekends at Safe Haven -a local women's shelter. My research has allowed me to perform my duties there with a better understanding and also with a new level of empathy for my female clients. On that note, I've also found myself advocating for women outside of my work and studies -friends of friends who know of or are themselves experiencing abuse. These experiences have shown me that what I am doing with this UROP can make a lasting impact on someone else's life. 

Who was your faculty sponsor?
Professor Emily Gaarder has been my advisor for the entirety of this project. She was an early supporter for my interest and eventual passion in learning about domestic violence and helped me learn about Safe Haven's program before I became an intern there. Without her motivation and the multiple inspiring conversations we had together, this project could have never happened.