“Emma’s research contributes to examining how fiction and mainstream media not only reflect public attitudes but influence them.” – Waltraud Maierhofer, Professor, German

• Hometown:  Crystal Lake, IL
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Professor Waltraud Maierhofer
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? I will graduate in May 2022 with a double major in German and Communication Studies, a minor in English, and a certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives.
• Please describe your research: I am researching media and literature representations of reproductive justice and abortion across both Germany and America, in an effort to understand how both countries handle such a topic.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? Women rely on reproductive health for their overall wellbeing, and therefore exploring and comparing how both countries handle such a topic may allow us to improve reproductive rights in our own country.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I was inspired to start researching after I completed a course titled: Contraception Across Time and Cultures with Professor Maierhofer during my third year at the University of Iowa.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Research has allowed me to pursue a personal passion project, as well as become more involved in both my German and Communications majors, as my research connects to both!
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? I will be a full-time corps member through Teach for America upon graduation, teaching special education to 7-12 graders in Colorado.

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