UMKC的核心是我们的校园社区. With lots of research opportunities, it’s easy to develop mentorship teams. And these rich relationships—our 动态的重奏曲—are some of our best success stories.
UMKC senior 维多利亚Dominguez is roughly three months away from her college graduation. 但他并没有顺利到达终点, she’s knee deep in a research project that will have lasting impact at UMKC.
“这幅壁画s in Haag Hall are really fascinating and not a lot of students I’ve talked to are aware that they’re here on campus,多明格斯解释道.
这幅壁画, 位于海牙大厅的二楼, 是西班牙艺术家路易斯·金塔尼拉在1941年画的. 金塔尼拉来到了UMKC的前身, the University of Kansas City (UKC) in 1940 to serve as its first artist-in-residence at the invitation of UKC President Clarence Decker.
“我的部分研究集中在博士如何. Decker broadened the academic scope of the university by bringing in displaced scholars like Quintanilla,多明格斯说.
There’s much more historical significance to these paintings than a casual glance reveals. Viviana Grieco博士., 历史学教授, had worked with Dominguez on a separate research project, and presented her with the opportunity to do an independent research project related to the murals. Dominguez was immediately intrigued, and the mentor relationship deepened.
“对我这个历史学家来说, the most interesting part is that President Decker was able to position this young and unknown university at the level of more prominent universities that were applying for aid through the Rockefeller Foundation, 引进流离失所的学者和科学家. This was during the depression and the university was only five years old at the time, so it was very impressive to get an artist of that caliber here. It was a huge win that deserves recognition,格里科说。.
这幅壁画 was painted to reflect the theme, “Don Quixote in the Modern World.“它描绘了许多人和动物, 但到目前为止, the identities of those depicted in the mural remain unknown.
维多利亚 says she’s spent hours combing through various sources, 在格里科的帮助下, 希望能认出壁画上的人. 她用过大学档案, 老年鉴, 看了一些特别的收藏, consulted the Rockefeller Foundation archives and the New York Public library to get information.
这幅壁画上有霍金博士的插图. 德克尔和他的妻子, 路易斯·金塔尼拉和他全家, Alexander Cappon who was part of the UKC English Department. 它包括工作人员、教授和学生. They’re all depicted in different images across the murals,多明格斯解释道.
Dominguez says she loves the spark that comes with each new identification and deeply appreciates the guidance and mentorship she’s received from Grieco throughout this process.
不仅是奥巴马博士. 格里科鼓舞人心，但她激发了我的全部潜力. I don’t think I would have done any of this research work if it wasn’t for her. She has helped push me past my comfort zone and challenged me to think more deeply about topics. This research opportunity has really enhanced my university experience,多明格斯说.
Grieco has been equally inspired by the fascinating project.
“我们玩得很开心. When we discover something new or a new detail that fits into the bigger picture of our research, 我们很兴奋. I enjoy getting immersed into her project and helping guide her.”
The pair has built a strong bond through working together on this project and they’ve noticed a few similarities between their work and the work of the muralist they’re studying.
“Our mentor/mentee experience parallels that of Quintanilla and UKC’s students. 尽管说得不流利, English Quintanilla was able to connect with the students on campus and work with them as subjects for his mural. Still today it remains true that these unique mentorship and student engagement opportunities can help students take the most out of their university experience,格里科说。.
Dominguez urges anyone considering research to take a chance and connect with a mentor who can serve as your guide.
“It’s one of the best experiences and opportunities I’ve had during my time here at UMKC. 如果你得到了一个研究机会, just take it because it’s vastly different from other coursework and research is a unique opportunity that could help you find passion and figure out what you want to do after college.”
She plans to present her research findings during Undergraduate 研究 Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City this spring. Dominguez hopes this project brings renewed attention and respect to this campus gem.
“The interest in these murals and the artist has faded and I really hope my research helps shed more light on both, because the artist’s work is a huge part of our university and I think a lot of students should know more about it.”
