Anqi Li Wins the 2011 Prize for Best Undergraduate Work in Sexuality Studies

Li graduated in May 2011 from UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Chinese language, but she says her experience with the courses and faculty of the Sexuality Studies Program were the most rewarding personally and academically.

What courses had the most impact on your undergraduate career?

Two courses that influenced my development personally and academically: "Sex and Gender in Society" (SOCI 124) taught by Prof. Sherryl Kleinman and "American Sexualities" (HIST 358) taught by Prof. John Sweet.

I took both courses during my sophomore year. And four semesters later I still return to works I encountered in these courses when thinking about sexuality-related issues. This preparation enabled me to research and write my senior honors thesis on the uses of history in newspaper coverage and judicial records of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

What's next for you?

In fall 2011, I will begin law school at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law as a recipient of the Rogers Award, the highest merit award offered. I hope to use a law degree to pursue justice in the areas of women's/feminist and gender/sexuality issues—all areas that the Program in Sexuality Studies introduced me to as an undergraduate.