Madeleine Stout

Why FSU?

I chose FSU because my friends who went here all had great experiences, the professors are so encouraging, and I would be able to work with Dr. Maxine Jones and Dr. Michael Creswell.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I knew after completing my MA in history at Villanova University that I would want to pursue a PhD. During my year off after the MA I realized I missed learning, being in the classroom, and doing research.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on the perceptions and experiences of African American women in the USSR in the 1930s. It grapples with ideas about race, gender, and United States relations with the Soviet Union. One of the big impacts for my research is bringing women's voices to the front in the conversation surrounding African Americans, the Soviet Union, and the longer Cold War period.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

Oh gosh, there are a bunch! History professors from my undergraduate years encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree, My friends have always listened and offered advice when I am stuck. My advisors Dr. Jones and Dr. Creswell have always talked through ideas and roadblocks.

Career aspirations

Ideally I would like to teach at a small liberal arts college in order to inspire future generations of students. However, working as a researcher for the government has been a goal of mine too. 

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

It takes a village to make it through graduate school. Be open to help and advice from professors and your fellow graduate students.

Accomplishments during graduate career

While this did not happen here at FSU, having an article published during my MA is something I am super proud of. Here at FSU the fact I have passed my comprehensive exams and prospectus are huge achievements because they show how much my committee believes in both my ability as a historian and my research.

New York Public Library Short Term Research Fellowship (2025-2026)

University of Illinois Research Laboratory Associateship (2024 & 2025)

Granville L. Larimore Endowment for Excellence in Arts and Sciences (2025)

Association for Slavic, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies Travel Grant (2024)

Dean's Award for Doctoral Excellence (2023-2025)

Harold Baumgarten and Samuel M. Gibbons Greatest Generation Fellowship (2020-2025), 

Organizations you are part of at FSU

History Graduate Student Association (HGSA), Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS).

Hobbies outside academics

Spending time with my cat, painting, and shooting pool.