UC Santa Barbara Undergraduate Wins Top Honors in UC Education Abroad Research Program

An English major from Folsom, Reynolds was selected from among 21 applicants who collectively represented a range of disciplines and study sites around the globe. Reynolds recently completed the United Kingdom immersion program at Queen Mary, University of London, where he studied Charles Dickens’ interpretations of the world outside of London. His careful reading of the author’s work and exploration of archival sources enabled him to address a topic often overlooked in critical discussions of Dickens’ representations of place.

Reynolds shares the top honor with Richard Hong, of UC San Diego, who conducted field research in Chiapas, Mexico. There, he explored how Central American emigrants have responded to the expanding Mexican police presence along the border with Guatemala. In addition, the following undergraduates received honorable mention awards: Melissa Schmitt, of UC Santa Cruz, for her investigation of zebra behavior in the African savannas; and Lisa Corsetto, of UC Davis, for her examination of the impact of Mexico’s poverty alleviation program in Oaxaca.

“We believe these students’ research exemplifies the kind of powerful learning outcomes from education abroad that the UC Education Abroad Program seeks to promote,” said Jean-Xavier Guinard, associate vice provost and executive director of the program.

Applications were reviewed for quality of research concept and execution, and innovative use of resources at the study site. The first-place winners will now participate in a national competition.

The UC Education Abroad Program partners with top-ranked universities and institutes in 35 countries around the world, offering more than 250 academic programs. Its mission is to help equip UC students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for work and life in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.