Sabrina Shade

Why FSU?

The three main areas that attracted me to Florida State University are its Carnegie Research 1 institution status, the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program, and the robust concentration in Public History. After meeting with faculty from the Department of History, I knew I could find my voice in the field and explore research interests important to me.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I have been a steward of history for some time, and through my journey of learning and deepening my understanding of events that have shaped the world, I couldn't recognize myself in what I was learning. Therefore, I wanted to continue my studies to expand research in spaces and narratives that are lesser known. I aim to attract more minorities to the field of public history by establishing a research group geared to recruit historical interpreters.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

The foundation of my research reaches back to when I started this journey as an undergrad to tell those stories that need to be told. My research/work is to build and expand the scholarship of narratives to give a more resonating account of events, people, and spaces. I cherish the opportunities to share these discoveries of unforgotten histories and the connections we find in everyone's story.

Career aspirations

History and teaching go hand in hand with me. From this journey, I aspire to become a contributing scholar to teach public history in higher education. Later, I would like to establish a research group assisting communities in uncovering histories long forgotten and recruiting minorities to become public historians.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

You will be amazed at how rewarding collaboration with fellow cohorts and professors develops your aspirations in what you are striving to become. Stay confident of where you are headed. Remember, the scholars you are studying under once began where you are.

Accomplishments during graduate career

The accomplishments I am most proud of are: Department of History Ph.D. Assistantship (2023), FAMU Feeder Fellowship (2023), Margaret Ausley Fellowship (2023), McKnight Doctoral Fellowship (2023), Federal Internship with South Florida Collections Management Center, Everglades Dry Tortugas, National Park Service (2021), and FAMU Graduate Feeder Scholar (2022). Additionally, I graduated Summa Cum Laude (master's degree, 2021) and published an article for the National Park Service, titled "They Toiled in Bondage and Freedom: The Lives of Enslaved African Americans at Fort Jefferson, 1847-1863."