Congratulations to Oregon State University History and Philosophy of Science’s newest MA Graduate, Kathleen McHugh!
On March 15th, McHugh successfully defended her thesis, “Early Adventures of a Home Economist: Ava B. Milam’s Integration of Science and Home Economics at Oregon Agricultural College, 1911-1921.” Committee members included head advisor Marisa Chappell, as well as historians Jake Hamblin, Cari Maes, and Stacey Smith. Bradley Boovey served as Graduate committee representative.
In her thesis, McHugh argued that “Milam integrated scientific principles into home economics curriculum, creating domestic, gendered spaces that allowed women to practice science. These spaces contributed to new forms of womanhood, predicated on ideas of scientific management and domesticity.”
Oregon Digital
McHugh’s defense took place as a hybrid presentation with both in person and Zoom attendees. McHugh says this allowed her friends and family from across the country to attend, while still allowing her the experience of a face to face defense.
Of her experience in the HPS graduate program, McHugh says she is grateful for faculty who advocated for graduate students and who pushed her to be the best historian and grad student she could. McHugh has an exciting spring and summer ahead. She is busy applying for jobs in the public history field and has a number of conferences at which she will present in the coming months. McHugh is also working to publish parts of her thesis in academic journals.
Congratulations, Kate!
CATEGORIES: Graduate Students