Exploring the Roots of American Higher Education with Ellie Martin

A conversation with Tristan Cabello

In the first episode of our "Emerging Scholars" podcast series, we were delighted to feature Ellie Martin, a recent graduate of the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program at Johns Hopkins University. Ellie's research delved into the philosophy and history of the elective system in American higher education, with a particular focus on the transformative presidency of Charles William Elliott at Harvard University.

I then had the pleasure of inviting Ellie to share her research journey in a new podcast titled "Conversations with Emerging Scholars." During our discussion, Ellie revealed how her curiosity about the purpose of general education and the structure of college degrees, sparked by her work in admissions for an honors college, led her to this fascinating topic. She also offered valuable advice for aspiring researchers, emphasizing the importance of starting early to have a clear direction from the outset. Ellie's insights underscored the significance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering new perspectives. In a candid and engaging conversation, Ellie demystified the research process, often perceived as daunting by students, and reminded aspiring scholars of the importance of enjoying the journey.

You can listen to the podcast here.