Grinnell in London: An Experience on the Queen Mary Module

Grinnell is partnering with Queen Mary because of the reputation of its teaching and campus life, as well as the different perspective on London and the UK that students gain from Queen Mary’s location in London’s East End. Alex Odom ’16 shared highlights of her experience at Queen Mary as part of the program in fall 2014.

By participating in Grinnell-in-London, Alex was able to do research to complete her two years as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. The fellowship provides underrepresented minorities support on a path to a career in academics. Her research project compared the British and American civil rights movements and minority women’s roles. Alex appreciated having access to the entire campus with the library and study spaces at her disposal. The Queen Mary course, Race in the United States, was a highlight and enlightening on the British perspective on American history.

Alex was inspired to build on her experience in London when she learned that a Mellon Mays fellow at another institution had received a Fulbright award to study at Queen Mary. Alex has now accepted a Fulbright award to complete a master’s degree in history at Queen Mary and has deferred acceptance to a nationally ranked Ph.D. program in history in the U.S.