Laci Burton '25
BA English Honors
Minors in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Writing and Rhetoric

On her major:

I didn’t realize this at first, but my choice to major in English really grew out of my desire to understand people, culture, and society. I also have a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, which ties back to that same urge to address aspects of society and systems of power that influence our lives. Additionally, I have a minor in writing and rhetoric. I came to this minor through working at the Stony Brook Writing Center, and this has really helped me refine how I use my voice in the most articulate and effective way possible. 

Favorite Class:

Some of my favorite courses have been my advanced research seminars. The first research centered course I took was WRT 381: Advanced Analytic & Argument Writing with Dr. Sara Santos, where I started the initial work towards my honors thesis. I also love my WGSS research seminar with Dr. Liz Montegary, where I have been able to apply the skills I developed throughout my thesis work in another context. These classes gave me the opportunity to do a deep dive into areas of interest and hone my ability to independently produce higher level scholarship, which proved to me just how dedicated I am to this kind of work. 

Interests and accomplishments:

My biggest accomplishment is my SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, which is the highest honor that can be awarded to a SUNY student. I received this award in part because of the archival work that I conducted at the Library of Congress (LOC) under my URECA grant, which is another highlight of my undergraduate career. At the LOC, I was able to work with thousands of Shirley Jackson’s primary documents. This work was part of my English Honors thesis examining the subversive nature of Shirley Jackson’s paranormal fiction, and my archival findings played a huge role in shaping the trajectory of that work. My opportunity to work with Jackson’s documents also opened up an interest in wider archival studies, which I intend on pursuing further in graduate school. 

Plans for post-graduation:

In the fall I am pursuing a master’s degree in English from the University of Vermont! 

Favorite SBU memory:

One of the most memorable aspects of my time at Stony Brook has been my role as a tutor in the Stony Brook Writing Center. This job has provided me with a platform to grow in so many ways. I have also made incredible connections, both professionally and personally. I met some of my closest friends at the Writing Center. I also wouldn’t have two of my biggest mentors, Dr. Sara Santos and Dr. Jennifer Albanese, if not for working at the Writing Center. This community has supported me through so much, and working at the Writing Center has shaped my academic and career trajectory. 

Parting thoughts: 

I want to extend my deepest appreciation for the mentors that guided me through this journey. I want to thank Dr. Susan Scheckel, Dr. Sara Santos, and Dr. Jennifer Albanese in particular. Their endless support paved the way for me to accomplish everything that I did here at Stony Brook, and I will forever be grateful for their guidance and encouragement. I also want to thank the entire English department for being such a supportive home for the last four years.