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Gregory Whited

Title of Program: Intersectionality and The Human Body

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

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Year: Junior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022

Description of Program: My College Scholars Program, Intersectionality and The Human Body,seeks to gain an understanding of many of humanity’s social categorizations and apply them to how individuals represent themselves in society. This major seeks to gain a greater understanding of the human identity through its interactions in society, combining fields including philosophy, sociology, psychology, and women and gender studies. My program also takes interest in how individuals modify their bodies in order to create a truer representation of their identity. Through my coursework, I seek to examine medicine’s purpose in allowing an individual to express their body. In this same slant, philosophy’s mind-body problem, focusing on the interconnectedness or lack thereof of the soul and the physical form, is examined through this intersectional, philosophical lens. Some themes explored throughout my studies include aesthetic experience, the pursuit of perfection, modification, and mind-body dualism.

Departmental Emphases: Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Women and Gender Studies, and Pre-medicine

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Harper (Philosophy) and Dr. Crystal McAlvin (Biology)

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. Between now and then, I plan to pursue some national scholarships and fellowships, especially in Italy.

Other Academic Interests: Italian and Art History

Study Abroad: During the summer of 2019, I studied abroad in Bologna, Italy. While in Bologna, I studied Italian language and culture. I hope to study abroad again the summer of 2021. 

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Chancellor’s Honors Program, Chancellor’s Honors Program Honors Council, Honors and Scholars Programs Ambassador, Leadership Knoxville Scholars, Sexual Empowerment and Awareness at Tennessee


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