Student Historian Program

About the Student Historian Program

The Archives’ Student Historian Program provides undergraduate students at the UW-Madison the opportunity to conduct independent research with support from Archives staff. Working closely with a staff member, the Student Historian chooses a research topic that centers on a historically underrepresented campus community. The goal of the program is to empower students holding marginalized identities to document their own communities’ experience on campus. The program offers a paid position and Student Historians are tasked with two things:

  1. Research a topic related to a marginalized community on campus, and
  2. Share out their experiences and research findings in one or more ways.

To learn more about the Student Historian position, contact Program Director Cat Phan.

Current Student Historians

V Hernandez-White (2025-2026)

My name is V Hernandez-White (they/them) and I’m a junior, double majoring in History and Art History with a certificate in Material Culture Studies. I’m excited to be one of the University Archives’ Student Historians this year, where I can research and share the past, present, and future of trans and gender diverse students on campus. When I’m not studying or working my other role as a House Fellow in Gender Inclusive Housing, I enjoy making art, kayaking, and falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes.

Haleigh Smith (2025-2026)

Hello! My name is Haleigh Smith (she/her). I am a junior triple majoring in English, History, and Gender & Women Studies, with a certificate in Folklore Studies. In my position as a student historian with UW-Archives I am looking forward to researching queer resistance on campus, particularly during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Outside of my role, I enjoy reading, baking, and finding the best trivia in Madison.

Past Student Historians

Read about our past Student Historians and their research projects here.

Visit the Archives’ Student Historian YouTube channel to watch past Student Historians presentations.