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Jordan Gallegos is a senior undergraduate student double-majoring in Spanish and History. She is researching the history of Colonial Peru and has been working to translate historic medical texts and hospital records from Spanish to English.

As a commuter student, Gallegos often struggled to feel connected and involved on campus. She knew about the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program but was uncertain if the SURE program was a good fit for her. Despite her uncertainty, Gallegos applied as a sophomore. Gallegos was partnered with Dr. Matthew Crawford, and together they developed a research plan. The research plan dictated what would be completed throughout the duration of SURE, and Gallegos credits the detailed schedule for easing any lingering anxiety she had about the SURE program.

Gallegos’ research centered on translating the Libro de enfermos from Spanish to English. The Libro de enfermos is an eighteenth-century handwritten book containing hospital records. Translating the text presented an enjoyable challenge for Gallegos, and she worked diligently to provide clear and accurate translations.

Apart from her research and work on translating medical records, Gallegos was also busy working on an essay detailing the history of Colonial Peru. Together, Gallegos and Dr. Crawford completed extensive research and wrote an essay on Colonial Peru that the Library of Congress will be publishing in the 2024 Latin American Guide and Handbook. Gallegos lists her publication by the Library of Congress as her greatest accomplishment thus far!

Gallegos is one of very few undergraduate researchers who complete humanities research. She noted that at times it was “awkward” being one of the only individuals actively involved in research in the history department, but she didn’t let that stop her from making the most of her time in the SURE program. Gallegos credits the SURE program and her time as an undergraduate researcher for increasing her involvement on campus, as well as providing the opportunity for her to be more present in her major programs.

Today, Gallegos is still actively researching, and her current research project is a continuation of the work she did in the SURE program. With guidance from Dr. Matthew Crawford, Gallegos has been examining an eighteenth-century article written by surgeon Joseph Torpas de Gamrrila in the Peruvian periodical Mercurio Peruano. The article discusses transgenderism and associated surgical procedures in Colonial Peru. Gallegos is hopeful her current research project will further knowledge about the history of transgenderism.

The SURE program and Gallegos’ experiences as an undergraduate researcher prepared her to explore future career paths. Gallegos emphasizes that there are “no downsides at all” to completing research as an undergraduate student. Her involvement as an undergraduate researcher opened doors for her future and created the opportunity for extensive personal growth.

Gallegos encourages all students to participate in undergraduate research, and to push aside any doubts and anxieties that might be keeping them from seizing the opportunities available to them!

-Written by Lenore Kohl