Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic: Graduate Panel on the History of Pandemics
On October 21 2020, the Phi Alpha Theta chapter of the University of Texas at Austin hosted a virtual graduate student panel on the historicity of pandemics. The panelists included Alyssa Peterson, a fourth-year doctorate student whose research focuses on the relation between medicine and earthquakes in Jamaica, Diana Heredia-Lopez, a doctoral candidate working on the history of dyes and early modern commerce in the Americas, and John Carranza, a fifth-year doctoral candidate analyzing the contributions of American social movements of the 1960s and 1970s in prompting the production and circulation of sex education print media for people with disabilities.
Each panelist discussed the implications of previous pandemics and the history of science upon the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic today. Peterson brought up the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia, which she explained was a reflection on the current COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Peterson connected those that were able to leave Philadelphia so as to not get infected with those who were able to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carranza spoke about how COVID-19 has impacted voting access in Texas. Carranza also brought up the question of whether Texas’ state election code’s definition of disability could apply to voters wanting to avoid large crowds during voting season. Heredia-Lopex spoke about the challenge COVID-19 presents to the notion that the global south and tropical areas are uniquely infectious.
The discussion then turned to attending graduate school. Carranza explained that going straight from an undergraduate degree to a doctoral candidacy is not necessary, as he emphasized exploring career paths before choosing academia. Carranza also explained that upon receiving his doctorate, he will explore careers outside of academia. Peterson, who has a masters degree from Eastern Illinois University, said that gaining a masters degree before committing to a pHd is helpful in deciding if academia is the correct fit. Finally, Heredia-Lopez, whose undergraduate degree was in biology, said that exploring the cross-sections of disciplines can be helpful in deciding which path to go down, and helpful in writing a personal statement.
With an audience attendance of about twenty students, the graduate panel on understanding the history of pandemics was well-received. Phi Alpha Theta thanks all three panelists for speaking with the group. Both Past in Process and Phi Alpha Theta wish the panelists the best of luck with their research.
