Bio:

I am a first year PhD student. My research focuses on American cultural and material history, specifically women’s clothing from the late 18th century through modernity. I am interested in how politics, the economy, and major events have impacted fashion throughout history as well as how fashion has impacted women.

My undergraduate thesis “Beauty, Grace, Youth, and Vitality: How Gilded Age Sports Changed the Landscape of Women’s Fashion.” was completed under the advisement of Dr. Kevin Witherspoon and won the Barbara A. Jackson Award for best senior thesis. This paper examined the changes in fashion caused by women's increased participation in sports during the Gilded Age. It heavily focused on advertisements as a way to analyze evolving beauty standards and cultural expectations for women.

In 2023 I had the opportunity to work with the SCDAR to create a portion of the “The American Revolutionary War in South Carolina.” exhibit. My contribution to this exhibit included four doll size dresses, handmade by me, which depict what South Carolina women of varying socioeconomic statuses would have worn during the Revolutionary War. This exhibit allowed me to share my work with the public and show that fashion is an engaging way to help others understand the past.