Reflecting on College Research Experiences: An Interview with Teri Tillman '16

Each winter, our blog will be featuring interviews with Princeton alumni, straight from their respective academic departments, regarding their experiences writing a senior thesis. This year, the series continues from its seasonal tradition. In the case of this article, it is set in Loo...

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2025 August 31 . 3:48 PM

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Reflecting on University Research Experiences: Discussion with Teri Tillman Class of 2016

Reflecting on College Research Experiences: An Interview with Teri Tillman '16

Teri Tillman's Independent Research at Princeton: A Deep Dive into Cross-Cultural Racial Parody

Teri Tillman, a current student at Cornell Law School, made a significant impact during her undergraduate years at Princeton University. Her senior thesis, an independent project, was an interdisciplinary investigation into the purposes and functionality of cross-cultural racial parody.

The focus of Tillman's thesis was unique, delving into comparisons between Japanese American performances in blackface and African American performances in yellowface. This niche in academia is underrepresented, making her research a valuable contribution to the field.

Tillman's adviser was Kim Lane Scheppele, and her thesis involved theoretical and sociological texts. She found that using materials from her courses helped her get a better grasp on which parts of her research were most significant to her.

In her research, Tillman analyzed a variety of forms of entertainment, including plays, movies, music videos, and television performances. She utilized Princeton's expansive resources, employing gender theory, performance theory, and critical race theory to dissect these acts.

Some of the performances Tillman analyzed were examples of cultural appropriation and ridicule, while others revealed the possibility for the reconceptualization and reterritorialization of minstrel traditions. Her thesis aimed to shed light on the complexities and nuances of cross-cultural racial parody.

If Tillman could go back to her senior year, she would advise herself to be more diligent about meeting the deadlines she set for herself. However, researching and writing her thesis gave her confidence and tools for future research papers.

While specific details about the long-term impacts of Tillman's independent research at Princeton are not readily available, general knowledge suggests that such experiences foster critical thinking, deep subject mastery, and skills in problem-solving and communication. They can lead to enhanced career opportunities, academic advancement, and the ability to undertake complex projects independently. Tillman's senior thesis, had details been available, might exemplify these outcomes by demonstrating rigorous scholarship and personal intellectual growth.

For those interested in learning more about Tillman's experience and its long-term impacts, consulting Princeton's archives, senior thesis repositories, or alumni publications directly may provide valuable insights.