I Am a Researcher

Caine Jordan

Major(s): General Biology, History

College: Eleanor Roosevelt College

UC San Diego graduation year: 2015

Which research programs/experiences have you been a part of? 

• McNair Scholars Program

What is your research about?

I research the history of addiction, public health, and the law in the mid-twentieth century United States

Why and how did you decide to get involved in undergraduate research?

Veronica Bejar, former Assistant Director of the Undergraduate Research Hub, was instrumental in my decision to pursue undergraduate research. Veronica Bejar, Thomas Brown, some fellow McNair scholars, and professors Jeremy Prestholdt & Rachel Klein all encouraged me to seek out research opportunities. In addition, I was curious about the debates that shaped American historical memory.

What has been the most exciting/interesting thing you've discovered through your research?

African American communities advocated for drug addiction treatment as early as the 1950s. African American doctors also helped to create a public health program for drug addiction treatment.

What did you gain from this program/experience?

I gained a better understanding of how to conduct historical research, apply to graduate school, and present at research conferences. I gained research experience necessary for a competitive graduate school application.

What advice would you give to students starting research?

Expand your comfort zone. Take classes outside of your field.  Speak to professors about their research. New research avenues could reveal themselves!

What are your future plans?

I will be a President's Postdoctoral Fellow at University of California, Santa Cruz. (here is a link: Caine Jordan | PPFP)

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am indebted to the McNair Scholars Program. It undoubtedly changed the trajectory of my career.