Michelle Jones, an English Literature major, has been awarded a Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship! The Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship Program is designed to increase the pool of potential California State University faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages.
Following the sudden death of her father in her second year at Santa Rosa Junior College, Michelle had to make some pretty abrupt and drastic alterations to her transfer plans. Sonoma State’s location allowed her to remain living with her mother as they began to rebuild their lives. The immediate period following this loss was filled with immense uncertainty, but having Sonoma State to transfer to provided some security, some guarantee that her educational journey would continue. Michelle says she couldn't be happier with her choice to attend SSU.
Michelle's mentor, Dr. Chingling Wo, has provided invaluable support throughout this process. Dr. Wo "complicates and challenges my thinking, suggests routes of inquiry which are both personally fulfilling and academically lucrative, and is helping me to begin navigating the process of pursuing a career in academia."
After Michelle graduates in Spring 2022, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in English Literature with the plan to study the intersectionality of posthumanisim in social justice issues in 20th and 21st century American Literature. Michelle plans on being an English professor so she can highlight marginalized voices and expand the literary canon to include a broader range of perspectives and experiences.