Research

Students are encouraged to pursue research projects in Sexuality Studies as part of their courses, through independent study, service-learning projects, study abroad, or other venues. The Director, Prof. Wilson (ara.wilson@duke.edu), can help guide you to relevant faculty, resources, or advising.

The SXL Certificate program will help students with applications for research assistance, for example, locating advisors and designing projects relevant to sxl.

Here is a list of Duke awards for research and travel.

  • The Dannenberg award is for students who have not yet declared a major  and offers $350 for expenses (not salary) to support a project designed with a faculty member. No deadline.
  • Deans Summer Research Fellowhips offer up to $2500 in living expenses (not pay) for 3 weeks of research under guidance of a faculty member. Next deadline 3/4/10.
  • URS Assistantship offers up to $400 for an undergraduate to act as research assistant to a faculty member on a  project unrelated to a course. Applications for 2010 spring awards will open in  01 January and close on 04 March.
  • URS Grants of up to $400 for Trinity/Pratt students enrolled in faculty-supervised independent study courses for research expenses. Deadline between end of drop/add and the break; Fall 09 deadline is 11/1/09.
  • More information on these opportunities at Duke can be found at the Undergraduate Research Support Office.

Undergraduate Travel Award

You can request up to $400 for travel expenses to a major conference to present a paper or poster. No specific deadline.

SXL Travel Award

In order to encourage SXL students to attend relevant events, present their research at conferences, or to take part in special projects where they can deepen their education in sexuality studies, the SXL program offers a limited amount of travel funding each year. This is awarded through an application process. The SXL travel award reimburses up to $300 of expenses.

Eligibility: Duke undergraduates currently enrolled for travel while enrolled. Application must be submitted before undertaking the trip. NO funding will be granted retroactively. We strongly encourage you to seek funding from Duke’s Undergraduate Travel Grant as well.

Deadlines: October 15, February 15 and May 15.

Application requires a cover letter and this form:  SXL Travel Application Form

Criteria:
•    First preference will be given to undergraduate students pursuing the Certificate or Program II in Sexuality Studies; second preference is to students enrolled in, or presenting work based on, SXL courses. Other students may apply for activities related to Sexuality Studies.
•    Travel must be related to the course of study in Sexuality Studies.
•    Preference is given to students who have not previously received support from the program.
Other research resources include the following:

  • Duke’s Library Sallie Bingham Center for Women’s History and Culture has a renowned collection focused on sexuality and gender. Staff have prepared guides for research on the following topics. They have a unique archive that keeps growing — so there is much understudied material to be explored in their collections. Archive librarians are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
    • Gay Pulp Fiction
    • History of Sexuality
    • Lesbian Pulp Fiction
    • Reproductive Rights
  • Service-Learning opportunities:
    • The Program in the Study of Sexualities has begun talking with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), headquartered in Washington, DC about potential internships and service-learning projects.
    • Professor Rebecca Bach’s course, Sociology 149.01: Sexuality and Society, includes a service-learning component.
    • SXL is exploring Dukengage prospects.
  • IRB: Students conducting research involving people are required to review the Human Subjects protocol to determine if the project needs review. See http://www.ors.duke.edu/irb/. In addition, if your research is based on human subjects you are required to attend a training workshop on IRB requirements.  Please contact Lorna Hicks regarding these workshops (lorna.hicks@duke.edu).