Even if your path changes along the way, everything that’s happened before still counts and shapes what’s coming next.”
Bridgette Hulse
PhD Candidate in the Department of Anthropology
Bridgette Hulse is a PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Her research involves understanding historical connections through graffiti found in cathedrals. By exploring these often-overlooked inscriptions, she hopes to uncover insights into how everyday people engaged with religious institutions.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
I use graffiti in cathedrals to understand how people in the past relate to religious institutions and their buildings. Graffiti provides a window into history that is often left out of the historical record; it is a form of writing that is accessible to a wide variety of people and does not require extensive schooling or a strong grasp of literacy to create. So, with graffiti, I am able to see how average people moved through the past.
What do you find both rewarding and challenging about your research and/or work?
Graffiti is a very tricky material to work with. It is often impossible to date, difficult to read, and tough to capture in an image. However, this means I have the chance to think deeply about the theories I use in my work and how I can creatively use archaeological methods to better understand my material.
What books are on your bedside table?
The first three books of the Dune series. I'm fascinated by Frank Herbert's worldbuilding, but I am especially intrigued by the way he portrays fascism through a budding dictator's eyes. I think his overall message—in his words, that charismatic leaders should come with a warning label—is both an incredible angle for a story and a deeply important cautionary tale.
What inspires you?
Storytelling—I love talking about my work, but I especially love thinking of creative and fun ways to expose a wider audience to archaeology. I grew up doing theater and speech competitions, and I occasionally take improv classes when I have the time. I'm excited at the idea of combining performance and education, and I think that there is a lot of opportunity for people doing public academic work.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I am working on my first article for publication! It is about some older archaeological theories that I think need to be revisited. For anyone outside the field it's not terribly exciting, but I am delighted at the prospect of contributing to the field.
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
I thought I would always be an academic—but that changed the closer I got to graduating, and became more aware of the pitfalls of the academic job market. I found myself falling in love with Chicago, and with a strong hesitancy to leave. In the end, I've decided to apply primarily to non-academic jobs and am looking forward to my career change once I graduate. Even if your path changes along the way, everything that’s happened before still counts and shapes what’s coming next. The PhD has been an incredible experience, and I am so excited to see what comes next.
Publish Date: August 20, 2024
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