Art History Doctoral Student Jessica Weiss
"Being an IE mentor was an amazing experience. I mentored a senior undergraduate in Art History as she developed an independent research project, and we traveled to New York City to attend the major academic conference for our field. As a TA and AI, I have had many rewarding student interactions at the University of Texas. However because these classes were all introductory level, being an IE mentor was my first opportunity to interact with an advanced undergraduate major. The IE mentorship provided the structure for us to work closely together, more akin to the relationship I have with my advisor while working on my dissertation. I served as a brainstorming partner, sounding board, cheerleader, critic, and editor as my mentee moved beyond traditional undergraduate-level research towards truly independent analysis. I know that she will be an amazing scholar, and I am honored to have been a part of her journey."