Fairmont State Humanities Students Receive Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The Department of Humanities at Fairmont State University has awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships to Alexis Gray of Newell, WV and Kaden Lhotsky of Bridgeport, WV.

Gray, a double major in English and Spanish, will work with faculty mentor Dr. Laura Harbert on a project titled "Big Tech in West Virginia: How Communities Are Responding to Proposed Data Center Projects." The journalism-based project will include qualitative analysis of public records, news stories and policy documents related to proposed data centers in the state, as well as interviews with community members in areas where projects are planned.

"This fellowship will enhance my critical thinking skills as well as enrich my ability to conduct research" and "prepare me for a professional career," Gray said.

Harbert, assistant professor of English, said Gray's project is "deeply rooted in the fundamental question of the humanities: What is it like to be human? Her work will shed light on this question in communities where data centers are proposed."

Lhotsky, a double major in Spanish and business management with a concentration in economics, will work with faculty mentor Dr. Laura Guglani on a project titled "The Role of Latines in the West Virginia Economy." The primarily ethnographic project will contribute to research on the role of Latines in West Virginia and the broader U.S. economy.

"The interviewing and analysis skills I develop during this project will provide experience that fits with my majors, Spanish and economics, and get me accustomed to the business world," Lhotsky said.

Guglani, associate professor of Spanish, said the project "has strong potential to contribute to the broader field of research and to help the community, as there has been very little investigation of this type in West Virginia and it will bring awareness of the importance of the Latine community in our state."

The fellowships provide students with financial support and the opportunity to spend six weeks conducting research under the close supervision of a faculty mentor. In addition to publishing or presenting their work in discipline-specific venues, fellows present their research at the university's annual Celebration of Student Scholarship.

The Department of Humanities has awarded summer research fellowships for more than 15 years.

Dr. Donna J. Long, chair of the department, recognized faculty mentors for supporting students through the program.

"Every summer, faculty mentors enthusiastically work closely with students, providing them with valuable experience and helping them hone research and writing skills," Long said.

Through their fellowship projects, Gray and Lhotsky will gain hands-on experience conducting original research while contributing new insights on issues shaping communities across West Virginia. Their work reflects the University's commitment to supporting student scholarship, fostering meaningful faculty-student collaboration and preparing graduates to make thoughtful contributions in their professions and communities.