Hannah VanSyckel

What is your hometown?

Greenville, South Carolina

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Notre Dame?

Prior to enrolling at Notre Dame, I spent a few years in education, teaching Latin at the middle and high school levels. Before that, I spent two years abroad completing a graduate degree.

What obstacles did you overcome to attend Notre Dame?

It was challenging to figure out how best to move to South Bend as a married student whose spouse had to build a life here not attached to the university.

What do you research?

I work on grammar and education in the late ancient and medieval world, especially concerning but not limited to the Latin language.

Which Notre Dame clubs or activities do you enjoy?

Sorin Fellow with the De Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture

Do you live on campus or off?

off campus

What do you like to do in your spare time for fun? What hobbies do you enjoy?

I spend most of my free time hanging out with my dogs, keeping up with family and friends, watching movies, gardening, and baking.

How do you unwind after a long day of work?/How do you practice self-care?

When possible, hard work is most sustainable if I get to eat a delicious dinner and make sure I get enough sleep.

After you graduate, what would you like to do?

I'd like to teach at the university level.

Why did you choose Notre Dame?

The Medieval Institute is an incredible community of scholars who share a love for the Middle Ages and for interdisciplinary work. The faculty are very supportive and academically curious, and the administration seems to be committed to the MI's mission and success. There are also amazing funding resources for research opportunities.