Megan Fox


Headshot of Megan Fox

Student Spotlight | September 2016

Department: Double major in English and Global & International Studies

Describe your work in a few sentences that we can all understand: I’ve been researching Shakespeare’s evolving relationship with popular culture by specifically examining the Victorian’s reactions to the third murder mystery in Macbeth. 

Q: Who mentors your project?

A:  Jonathan P. Lamb

 

Q: What surprised you about doing research?

A: How quickly my assumptions were proved wrong! I had a definite research question and hypothesis going into my research, and all the evidence pointed at something completely different. But it changed the scope of my project, and allowed me to explore things that I wouldn’t have originally, so it was worth it. 

 

Q: What did you find most challenging about getting involved in or doing your project? What advice would you offer to students facing similar challenges?



A: One thing to be aware of is that research takes a lot of time and personal commitment. It isn’t like a class where you’re held responsible if you don’t do your homework. The key is to budget your time and set reasonable goals for yourself - mentors can be a fantastic help with this! 

 

 Q: What do you like most about your project?

A: How, no matter how far removed my research is from the present day, I can see elements of myself in the people that I study. The Victorian reactions to Shakespeare’s Macbeth are very similar to people’s reactions to Harry Potter today. It’s fun to see how people stay the same.

 

Q: What advice would you give to a friend wanting to get involved in doing research or creative work?

A: Do it! It’s a fun and rewarding experience to learn about something you’re interested in and passionate about. And talk to people about it - working through your ideas and explaining them to multiple people will help give you a clearer, specific idea of what you want to do and how you want to do it. 

 

 Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not working on your research?

A: I love to read, cook, and (when I have the money) travel. When I don’t have the money, I’m probably at a friend’s apartment watching Netflix.