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2014 Graduate Profiles Julia Grummitt ‘11, M.A., History, Toronto, ONPresident’s Medal Recipient
Julia Grummitt’s Master’s thesis examined the work of repeat photographer Camilo José Vergara, who, since 1979, has provided an ongoing visual account of the stark demise of once-vibrant cities in post-industrial America. Julia’s research delved into questions about the visualization of socio-economic inequalities, dealing not only with the aesthetics of architectural ruin, but also considering how these images represent marginalized communities and the slow process of deindustrialization. Julia received the President’s Medal at Trent in recognition of outstanding academic excellence and achievement in the Master of Arts category. Having previously written about repeat photography in Canadian parks, Julia valued the opportunity to work on new landscapes during her graduate studies at Trent. “Over the past two years, I have become increasingly skilled at engaging with images and integrating economic and social history, not to mention American history, into the kind of culturally-oriented, interdisciplinary approach I tend to take,” said Julia. Julia’s research at Trent was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and an Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). She also received the Alan Wilson Entrance Award. While at Trent, Julia enjoyed close interaction with faculty, and remains deeply grateful for their invaluable support, and especially for the mentorship of her supervisor. “I’ve been very lucky to have such outstanding scholars as teachers,” she said. “I’ve really benefitted from the level of support at Trent for working across disciplinary boundaries.” In the fall, she will begin her Ph.D. in History at Princeton University, where she will continue to explore visual culture and landscape in 19th and 20th century North America. “I am looking forward to continuing my studies and becoming a professional historian,” said Julia. “Working as a teaching assistant helped me figure out that I want an academic career. Being in the classroom is truly one of the most rewarding and challenging ways to engage with, and learn about the past.” Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
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