Name: Camille Edwards (she/her pronouns)
Major and current year at UCI: 4th year sociology and political science double major
Scholarships received: BLM Research Scholarship (established in 2021 to help social sciences undergraduate students leverage their research in advancing the understanding of Black experiences), Freshman Award from BLAC Gala, Dr. Joseph L. White Scholarship from the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Jack and Diane Peltason Scholarship, and Lindon Barrett Memorial Award
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

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Why did you decide to come to UCI?

I chose UCI after a campus visit because the campus aesthetic reminded me of Los Angeles. Initially I wanted to be a family law attorney and I knew law schools weren’t concerned about applicants’ undergraduate majors, so I chose political science because I enjoy studying comparative government structures. After I realized my research interests are more aligned with political sociology and sociopolitical theory, I changed my second major from criminology, law and society to sociology.

What activities have you been involved in as an undergrad?

I am currently the BSU gender and sexuality chair and a member of Pi Gamma Mu. In the past, I held various board positions within BSU and was a member of Pre-Law Society.

I am currently working on my political science honors thesis which is focused on exploring numerous iterations of how Black feminism is defined, its roots in womanism and connection to intersectional feminism, and how Black LGBTQIA+ people have been abandoned by these frameworks.

Who has played an important role in your life thus far and why?

My mom, who is a teacher, stressed the importance of education and has always supported me.

What unique life experiences have had an impact on who you are today?

My lived experiences as a Black woman have shaped how I move through the world.

Where can you most often be found on campus?

I’m usually in the Cross Cultural Center or the Womxn’s Hub.

What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?

Identifying my research interests and career path.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at UCI?

Being mentored by professors Willoughby-Herard, Harvey and Phoenix as well as becoming a Bunche Fellow.

When will you graduate and what do you plan to do after?

I will graduate in 2022 and I plan to get a Ph.D. in sociology.