VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver student Janie Black has been awarded the 2012 Student Research Excellence Award. Black, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in women’s studies earlier this month, was selected for the $300 award based on research she conducted for her paper, “Lascivious Pilgrims: Sexuality and Sexual Laws in the British Puritan New England Colonies during the 17th Century.”
Awarded annually by the 91ԹϺ Library, the purpose of the award is to recognize excellence in undergraduate research that demonstrates evidence of significant inquiry using the library, its resources and collections.
Black’s paper was an assignment in a history writing course. Her subject matter was sparked by an early American literature class.
“The focus of my assignment was to use secondary works—encyclopedias, books and journals,” said Black. “I found that recorded primary sources were easier to find than secondary sources. A lot of what I learned about sexuality in 17th century New England was derived from court cases.”
Black plans to attend graduate school to study public history/museum studies. She likes local history and plans to stay nearby after earning her master’s degree.
Karen Diller, associate library director and chair of the award-selection committee, said Black’s paper and an accompanying essay displayed a sophisticated understanding of the library research process and an excellent introduction to the subject matter of sexuality in 17th century New England.
For more information about the 91ԹϺ Library, the Student Research Excellence Award and how to apply, please visit
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Karen Diller, 91ԹϺ Library, 360-546-9179, diller@vancouver.wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu