2020 Program Scholars
Meet the cohort of undergraduate researchers who participated in the 2020 REU program, investigating language and social mobility.
The 2020 cohort of REU scholars brought together undergraduate researchers from historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions across the country, all united by a shared curiosity about the role language plays in social mobility. Over the course of the summer program, these students engaged in hands-on research training that introduced them to the methods and practices of sociolinguistic inquiry. Working closely with faculty mentors, they learned to design research questions, collect and analyze language samples, and interpret their findings within broader social and educational contexts. This immersive experience gave each scholar the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a growing body of research on how linguistic choices shape educational outcomes and life trajectories.
A central theme of the 2020 program was exploring how language functions as both a bridge and a barrier in American society. Scholars examined how speakers navigate different linguistic registers and styles as they move through educational institutions, professional settings, and everyday interactions. Through interviews and careful analysis of natural speech, participants investigated the subtle ways that language reflects and reinforces social hierarchies. These research projects shed light on the complex relationship between dialect, identity, and opportunity, offering fresh perspectives on long-standing questions about language and inequality. The findings generated by this cohort contribute to a richer understanding of how linguistic practices intersect with race, class, and educational access in the United States.
Beyond the research itself, the 2020 program was designed to support scholars in their academic and professional development. Participants received mentoring in graduate school preparation, academic writing, and research presentation skills, all aimed at building confidence and competence for future careers in the linguistic sciences. Weekly workshops and collaborative discussions created a supportive community where students could share ideas, offer feedback, and refine their scholarly voices. The program also emphasized the value of public-facing scholarship, encouraging scholars to think about how their research might reach audiences beyond the academy. This holistic approach to undergraduate training reflects the program's broader commitment to diversifying the field of linguistics and expanding who gets to participate in shaping scientific knowledge.
The 2020 scholars represent an important step forward in the project's larger goal of increasing diversity within the linguistic sciences. By investing in undergraduate researchers from underrepresented backgrounds, the program helps build a more inclusive pipeline into graduate study and academic careers. The experiences and insights gained during this summer continue to ripple outward, as these scholars carry their training into new research opportunities, teaching roles, and professional paths. Their work demonstrates the value of bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the study of language, and it underscores the importance of creating accessible pathways into the sciences for students from all communities. The impact of this cohort extends well beyond a single summer, shaping both individual trajectories and the future direction of the field.
