Olivia Roberts

Title of Program: Interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies

E-mail Address: srp953@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Year: Sophomore

Anticipated Graduation Date: 2026

Description of Program:My program focuses on the varied cultural heritages of the Appalachian region and its influences on identity. My research looks at the historic effects of stereotyping of Appalachia and ways in which to challenge these misconceptions through preserving cultural heritage to promote healthy regional identities.

Departmental Emphases: History, English, Art History, Anthropology, Sociology

Faculty Mentor(s): Bill Hardwig

Plans After Graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After I graduate I would like to get a job as a Heritage Conservationist.This job could encompass various different positions depending on the location and organization. I would stay in Appalachia and continue to research new ways to protect our culture and find ways to gain public justice for the area. I could do this at places like the East Tennessee Historical Society, the Museum of Appalachia or the Highlander Center.

Other Academic Interests: Studio Art, Genealogy and Storytelling
Prior Enrollment at Other Colleges or Universities: East Tennessee State University

Study Abroad: I plan to travel to the various states that make up the heart of the Appalachian region, including Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Research Experiences or Internships: I am currently a Research Assistant for Dr. Morgan’s project Race, Pandemic, and Democracy, a qualitative survey experiment on racial inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part-time Employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Clubs- Painting and Drawing Club and Society of American Archivists. Hobbies- Researching Appalachian history, creating genealogical family trees and making artworks.