Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Symposium | 2024-2025

Silhouettes of Progress: Women’s Fashion Evolution, 1850–1910

Samar Dukmak is a 20 year old history major at MDC. Originally from Canada, Samar has Colombian roots and has been living in Hialeah since she was fifteen years old. She's also an advocate of environmentalism and is currently the president of Eco Club at Hialeah Campus. She first discovered her love of history at age 14 and decided to pursue it as her major at 16. She's taken a particular interest in fashion history and wishes to pursue it as a full-time career. Samar's motto for wanting to pursue is 'it's through the mistakes of the past that we learn what not to do in the future'.

The Art History of Wynwood

Breaking Barriers: How Basic and Operational Spanish Improves the Retail Environment

Maria Franco is a second-year student at Miami Dade College, majoring in Foreign Language. Originally from Colombia, she moved to the United States seeking opportunities to grow academically and personally. Her research interests center on operational language and the role of bilingualism in retail and service environments, especially in a Spanish-Speaking population like Miami. Her experience in translation and interpretation has helped her bridge language gaps, promoting effective and inclusive communication. She aims to develop her knowledge in language and cultural studies in order to help communities and organizations gain easier access to multilingual speakers. In her free time, she explores new languages, motivated by the belief that linguistic diversity assists in personal growth and mutual understanding. For the future, Maria is committed to projects that emphasize the value of bilingualism and operational language in creating accessible, inclusive surroundings.

Removing the ‘K’ out of K-pop: Will it Change the Tide?

The Digital Metamorphosis of Animation: Vincent Van Gogh and Ethical Frameworks in Contemporary Art Culture

Alessia Rossi is a Mass Communications and Journalism student at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. Her goal is to gain her bachelor's degree in journalism and a masters in entertainment in order to become a journalist in the industry. Alessia Rossi is nineteen years old and hails from the Dominican Republic. Since she was a little girl, she would go to the theater with her mother where would see orchestra plays, musicals, and ballet recitals, eventually becoming a Broadway actress for a time. These experiences made her passionate for the arts, writing, music, books, and K-pop. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta, she puts her heart into every word she writes, driven by her belief that journalism should be honest and transparent. She also hopes that her passion for the arts, music, and writing will transform her into a journalist who makes a difference in the world. 

A Who Cat Changed the Game: Charlie Christian’s Impact on Jazz Guitar

Andrew Taylor is a second-year Music major at Miami Dade College. He is a 4.0 student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Jazz, particularly Jazz electric guitar, captivates him, making it an easy choice to study Charlie Christian’s groundbreaking style. Andrew's passion for music and faith go hand in hand, as he regularly plays guitar at his church and writes worship music. He is also an Emmy Nominee, a recognition that further motivates him to bring his musical ambitions to life. Beyond performance, Andrew is deeply interested in the origins of Jazz and Ragtime and is eager to explore their historical roots. Looking to the future, he aspires to perform on major stages, creating and sharing music that glorifies God and reaches new audiences. Andrew's goal is to use his talents to inspire others, drawing people closer to God’s message and bringing joy through the beauty of music.

Echoes of Fear, Paranoia, and Power: McCarthyism in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Constantly Running Away: Miami's Modern Rock Music Scene

Luis Baez is a second-year student at Miami Dade College, majoring in the humanities with a strong passion for theater and social justice. Throughout high school and college, he has taken on numerous roles in musical theater and dramatic performances, exploring the power of art to convey complex social issues. Growing up in Nicaragua, a country deeply affected by political conflict and communism, Luis is inspired to draw connections between historical events and modern-day implications, which led him to research the themes of The Crucible and McCarthyism. His project seeks to uncover the parallels between oppressive systems and societal reactions to fear and control, reflecting his commitment to exploring narratives that advocate for awareness and change. Luis’s ultimate goal is to use his creative and academic skills to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the socio-political dynamics impacting individuals and communities worldwide. 

Literature That Changed the World

An Exploration of Tarot’s Journey: From Mysticism to Self-Help

Brendan Chuy is a 21-year-old second-year English literature major at the Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College. He is an editor in the campus’s literary magazine Metromorphosis and has been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa’s Beta Kappa Iota Chapter at Padrón Campus. Chuy is also a fellow in the Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research cohort and a member of the new Kendall Campus English Honor Society. Chuy was born in Miami to two parents who immigrated to Florida at a young age from Nicaragua and Cuba, bringing many stories of their countries and family history with them. This was the start of his love for stories, and with his passion and education, he pursues the ultimate goals of an MFA in Creative Writing and a career as a published author. This lifelong passion for stories in all their forms has grown into a deep love for storytelling and its power to move readers by sharing the lessons learned through its characters.