Humanities & Social Sciences: Jay Kinde '25
Major(s) and minor(s)
B.A. in History; B.A. in English: British and American Literature
Minor in Digital Media Studies
Pronouns
He/Him
Hometown
Buffalo, NY
Areas of interest/focus in research
Public History and Archives
LGBTQ+ History with a Focus on Transgender Studies
ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é and General ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é History
Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted
Biology Department:- Ward Project Intern
- Senior Honors Thesis on Transgender Men in the United States, 1970s-1980s.
- Certified Tour Guide for Mount Hope Cemetery requiring historical research into the lives of those buried in the cemetery.
- Research on the LGBTQ+ History of the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é culminating in an online exhibit and presentation during Meliora Weekend '24.
About me...
Hi! My name is Jay and I'm a senior pursuing a history honors thesis on transgender men in the 1970s and 80s. I work in the library's Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation department. On the side, I also do lighting for events around campus. I love nature and history; I combine these interests as a tour guide for the Mount Hope Cemetery.
In addition to my research on campus, I am the Music Director for WRUR, U of R's student radio station. I love music and connecting with the local music/arts scene. My favorite local(ish) band is Muddle- a punk band from my hometown of Buffalo.
How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?
Pursuing research at the university has brought me to many wonderful archives and archival projects centering around LGBTQ+ History. In talking with workers and researchers in these spaces, I realized the potential of archives as a career path. Without the research experience and opportunities, I might never have connected so deeply with these library divisions.
Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist
- Schwartz Discover Grant Recipient
- Meliora Scholar
- Tanenbaum Scholarship Recipient
- Dean's List (all semesters)
- Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery Tour Guide
- WRUR Music Director
- President of the Undergraduate English Council
Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...
At the radio station!
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
- Humanities Research
- Connecting with Professors
- Starting research in an archive/library
- Figuring out what to research/how to research
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Passion is the only required skill for starting research. It is easy to develop skills while you research, everyone has to start somewhere so it is that drive and passion for a subject that can really help.
Email me at: jkinde@u.rochester.edu