Emily Skidmore

What are your current research interests?

Broadly, my research interests are U.S. women's and gender history, and the history of sexuality. I am currently working on a book project about the history of breastfeeding—or more specifically, the history of advice given to new parents about breastfeeding. I'm interested in tracking the ways in which this advice changes over time, and I use this advice lit as a barometer for the social expectations of what it means to be a good parent.

What types of outreach and engagement have you been involved with?

I have been the faculty advisor for student groups, such as the Gender and Sexuality Association (GSA), one of LGBTQIA student groups on campus. I am also the founder of the Texas Tech Women's History Month Lecture Series, which sponsors events on our campus discussing women's history, and they are all open to the wider Lubbock community.

Why did you choose this field?

I have always love History, but never imagined I'd become a professional historian. It wasn't until I was an undergraduate that I began to see a path for myself. I became a historian because I developed a passion for learning (and teaching) the histories that are seldom told.

How do you define good teaching?

Good teaching makes you question things that you previously took for granted, and in so doing, helps hone your critical thinking skills. Good teaching opens doors, and introduces students to new perspectives and new experiences.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

The day I received the first hard copies of my first book; being able to see and hold the thing I'd worked on for eight years, that was probably my proudest moment.

How do you integrate research and outreach into teaching?

I use examples from my research in my classes whenever possible; I love to share my work with my students as a way of showing them that I'm not only their teacher, I also am active in the field that I am teaching them about.

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