Sustainable Paper-Making, A Laurentian's World War II Scrapbook, and Sociopolitical Stickers: The Topics That Captivated Research Fellows This Summer
Every year, inquisitive students spend their summers at St. Lawrence, working alongside faculty mentors and diving deep into the topics that spark their curiosity. Whether in the studio or archives, summer research fellowships allow students interested in the arts and humanities to gain hands-on experience, create something new, and communicate their findings.
What can stickers tell us about the sociopolitical landscape in Spain? How can alternative materials help make papermaking more sustainable? What do archives of St. Lawrence’s past tell us about our present?
These are just a few of the questions our students asked this summer. They shared their discoveries, challenges, and valuable takeaways, as well as how they made the most of their extra time in the North Country.
Meghan Weldon ’25
Hometown: Victor, New York
Major/Minor: History major, Government minor
Project title: Remembering and Restoring World War II Registrar Helen Whalen’s Legacy at St. Lawrence
How would you describe your research to someone who is new to the topic?
Helen "Tommie" Whalen was the St. Lawrence registrar during World War II. She corresponded with as many enlisted Laurentians as she could, receiving an extensive collection of newspaper clippings, photographs, postcards, and more. These materials were transferred to a scrapbook which hadn’t been touched since it was assembled. Over the summer, I identified and inventoried all of the materials and worked on restoring the scrapbook.
What about this topic sparked your curiosity?
I am a history major, and wartime has always been of particular interest to me. The scrapbook provides firsthand accounts of the war and humanizes those involved in the conflict. When Special Collections and Archives Librarian Paul Doty first mentioned the scrapbook in the fall, I was instantly captivated by the idea of restoring such a valuable part of St. Lawrence's history.
Who was your mentor and what were the benefits of working closely with them?
Paul Doty was my mentor. He always said that this was my project, and he was there for support. This level of independence was extremely helpful. I was able to make tougher decisions and use problem-solving skills on my own. That is not to say that Paul didn’t play a tremendous role in this project, as he backed my decisions and offered guidance when needed.
Working this closely with a mentor has helped me absorb more knowledge about the archival process than I ever could have on my own and has deepened my understanding and appreciation of St. Lawrence's historical archives.
Was there a moment when you felt particularly challenged during your research? How did you overcome it?
Keeping the materials in good condition was a challenge. They are around 80 years old and have not been cared for properly in the time since. I was very careful and took extra time to handle everything properly, so it stayed in good shape. I also mended some damaged items with archival tape.
What do you feel you’ve gained as a result of doing research as an undergraduate?
I have been able to engage with and manage primary source materials first-hand, which is not common at the undergraduate level. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of historical primary sources and have gained insight into the precise nature of historical archive research and preservation.
What would you say was your greatest discovery? This could be something you learned about your research or yourself.
I learned that St. Lawrence has always been a close-knit community, even during wartime. In their letters to Whalen, enlisted men would often inquire about goings on around campus, ask about the well-being of their fellow enlisted classmates, and write about how much they miss campus. I think a lot of these sentiments about St. Lawrence remain true today.
What did you get to do on campus during the summer that you don't normally get to during the school year?
During the school year, it’s hard to find time to explore the North Country, but with my weekends and afternoons free this summer, I found a deeper appreciation for the area I live in for most of the year. I have hiked in the Adirondacks and explored some cool waterfalls in the area.
Enith Alejandra Altamirano Salazar ’24
Hometown: Cartago, Costa Rica
Majors: Art and Art History and Environmental Studies double major
Project title: Papermaking: A Multidisciplinary Look into Alternative Fibers
How would you describe your research to someone who is new to the topic?
This project originated at the intersection of both of my majors and focused on exploring alternative materials for papermaking—such as recycled paper scraps, cotton T-shirts, and plant fibers. By the end of the summer, I produced about 600 sheets. I worked with my faculty mentors to familiarize myself with the tools, steps, and practical aspects of the papermaking process. We hosted local papermakers in our studio, visited the Special Collections in ODY Library, completed water management calculations, and investigated using the paper we produced for related crafts like bookmaking and screen-printing.
What about this topic sparked your curiosity?
Though I have been interested in the arts and have had the chance to take a few courses in the department before, I just recently declared my art major. I had seen and heard wonderful things about the papermaking course from friends. As a rising senior with limited time to complete my remaining credits, this summer was key to making the most of what the arts at St. Lawrence has to offer.
Who were your faculty mentors and what were the benefits of working closely with them?
L.M. & G.L. Flint Professor of Fine Arts Melissa Schulenberg and Art and Art History Instructor Velma Bolyard. There is no doubt we have some great faculty at St. Lawrence who have dedicated a great part of their lives to mastering their discipline. The summer is a great time to get to know them outside of a typical semester. Sometimes when working with a supervisor, it feels like you’re solely following instructions. Working with a mentor feels more like a collaboration.
Was there a moment when you felt particularly challenged during your research? How did you overcome it?
Papermaking is a physically demanding process. The first few weeks, I wasn’t used to standing for the long periods of time it requires. I think it was important to be able to listen to my body as it changed with a more active routine, and I became more and more used to the day's structure. I also grew to understand how the papermaking craft, with all the water that’s involved, can be an opportunity to slow down and flow through the different steps at my own rhythm.
What do you feel you’ve gained as a result of doing research as an undergraduate?
The ability to choose the direction of my own learning outside of a formal semester’s curriculum was an important experience. It was rewarding to create a path with my dedicated mentors and see the progress of my own learning. The economic support of the fellowship and access to our studio allowed me the freedom to dive into a craft of my choice during a crucial time in my artistic and professional development. Furthermore, I have been offered opportunities to exhibit my work in the Brush Art Gallery on campus, which is already an important achievement.
What would you say was your greatest discovery? This could be something you learned about your research or yourself.
I believe learning about the cultural significance of paper and how we can extend the life of certain valued objects through paper was very important. We made discarded cotton T-shirts into paper—the potential to extend and transform the life of other important objects seems magical to me!
I also learned first-hand about the Japanese art of extending the life of kozo, mulberry bark paper, by transforming it into shifu, paper thread. I believe this is the epitome of the intersection of art and sustainability, and it’s stuck with me.
What did you get to do on campus during the summer that you don't normally get to during the school year?
Lots of swimming! Living in the townhouses with some great housemates allowed me to explore and cool off in some lovely local waterways. Plus, I really enjoyed cooking and gathering around fires from time to time.
Ellie Shaw ’24
Hometown: Marcellus, New York
Majors/Minor: Psychology and Spanish double major, Public Health minor
Project title: Political Parties and Organizations Through Sticker Propaganda in Contemporary Spain
How would you describe your research to someone who is new to the topic?
In collaboration with Cathy Tedford, the director of the Brush Art Gallery, I researched Spanish political parties and organizations through the lens of stickers. My aim was to better understand the power of art and how stickers, as a form of visual expression, can become potent tools for sociopolitical activism.
What about this topic sparked your curiosity?
This past semester I had the opportunity to study in Madrid, Spain, where I experienced the culture and sociopolitical environment first-hand. This gave me a great background into what I am now researching. Additionally, art is a great passion of mine. I love looking at and experiencing art, and stickers are a fantastic medium for understanding current events.
Who was your faculty mentor and what were the benefits of working closely with them?
Cathy is incredibly passionate about her work and strong in her field. Working together has helped me understand the multiple ways that I can work with art and see its connection to activism. Cathy has been a wonderful mentor in many ways, including teaching me how to catalog stickers and helping me become a better, more concise writer.
Was there a moment when you felt particularly challenged during your research? How did you overcome it?
Thanks to Cathy, the Brush Gallery has an awesome, abundant collection of stickers from all around the world, predominantly from Europe. Some of her Spanish sticker collection had been previously organized for her 2019 Paper Bullets Exhibition in Berlin. However, there were many more left unorganized. Though it was fun to see all the stickers laid out in the gallery, it was a meticulous process to group the stickers into corresponding organizations, political parties, or similar topics.
What do you feel you’ve gained as a result of doing research as an undergraduate?
I believe I have gained insight into the diverse perspectives, ideologies, and strategies that shape Spanish society by studying the stickers used by different political groups. As I analyzed the visual language employed by the parties and organizations, I also examined how stickers serve as reflections of societal values, political movements, and public discourse. In the process, I enhanced my ability to critically analyze sociopolitical issues, contributed to the broader conversation on activism, and made valuable contributions to our understanding of contemporary Spanish politics.
What would you say was your greatest discovery? This could be something you learned about your research or yourself.
Though I loved the work I did this summer, working on a computer for many hours at a time is not something that I wish to continue in my future career. I would prefer to be active as I work.
What did you get to do on campus during the summer that you don't normally get to during the school year?
I did quite a bit of bouldering at Glenmeal State Forest and in South Colton. It was a hot and humid summer, so I went swimming with friends at the town beach and Harts Falls as well. Being here over the summer allowed me to become more engaged and understanding of the Canton community.
