Aliya Sarris

Aliya Sarris is from Southington, Connecticut, and came to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) to take on an ambitious triple major in political science, women’s and gender studies, and Spanish. She is also in the University Honors Program. Aliya asked her Spanish professor, Holly Cashman, to be her research mentor for the Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP), and she joined in helping with and building upon one of Dr. Cashman’s research projects. Aliya notes that Dr. Cashman was incredibly supportive throughout her research experience, through which Aliya learned that qualitative research requires an “abundance of patience,” especially when having to adapt to the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. With Dr. Cashman’s support, Aliya adapted to the situation, successfully met her goals, and was incredibly moved listening to the oral histories she transcribed: “I learned from my subject the power of individual stories and the importance of listening to those who have been historically silenced.” After completing her rigorous undergraduate career in May 2023, Aliya first and foremost intends to pursue her life goal of traveling. After that, she feels that, thanks to her time at UNH, she will be prepared to tackle any challenge head-on.