Summer 2026 Projects
“Of Whales and Men: Patagonian Encounters”: An Unpublished Book Manuscript by Sephardic Author Victor Perera (1934 - 2003).
Mentor: Gabriel Mordoch, Irving M. Hermelin Curator of Judaica
Number of Positions: 2
Mode: Hybrid
Victor Perera (1934–2003) was an award-winning Sephardic-American writer, journalist, and academic whose papers were donated to the U-M Library in 2002. This project focuses on preparing a book edition of his unpublished seventh manuscript — "Of Whales and Men: Patagonian Encounters" — which Perera was unable to complete following a stroke. The ideal student will be drawn to the intellectual challenge of the publishing process and the depth of Sephardic culture, as well as to the environmental journalistic side of Victor Perera’s prolific body of work. Responsibilities include conducting preliminary research on Victor Perera’s publications, compiling a timeline of Perera’s life, retyping the 125-page manuscript from the Victor Perera Papers collection, and creating endnotes.
Under close mentorship, students will gain valuable experience in:
- manuscript preparation
- editing
- archival research
- critical analysis and annotation
This process involves collaboration with various stakeholders, offering unique insights into publishing procedures. Students will develop a deeper appreciation for Perera’s perspective on Sephardic history, identity, and environmental activism. This is a rare opportunity to help bring an unpublished work to light, ensuring Perera’s legacy is meticulously curated for a wider audience.
Desired skills (not required): An interest in book editing and Sephardic culture and language, good typing skills, interest in environmental studies.
Paths to the plate: How Immigration Shaped Michigan’s Food Culture
Mentors: Autumn Wetli, Undergraduate Collections Coordinator & Consultation and Discovery Librarian
Number of positions: 2
Mode: Hybrid
This research project examines how immigration has shaped Michigan’s food landscape over time, exploring how various immigrant groups from around the world have influenced local cuisine and culinary traditions. As a member of the 2026 MLS cohort, you will conduct extensive primary and secondary research, gathering source materials and graphics to inform a future library exhibition. The research will include consulting with curators and librarians and engaging with different U-M Library archives including the Special Collections Research Center.
Students will learn to:
- navigate the university’s special collections
- work with historical newspapers and a range of secondary sources
- consult with experts across the library
You will gain skills in organizing data and writing research briefs that synthesize your findings. While the initial phase is research-based, there is potential to begin assisting with exhibition formation in 2026. Through this partnership, you will see firsthand how library expertise enhances research and contributes to public scholarship.
Desired skills (not required): Experience with research, a passion for history and experience and/or interest in the humanities.
International Atomic Energy Reports Review
Mentor: Paul Grochowski, Engineering Librarian
Number of positions: 1
Mode: In-person
The Art, Architecture & Engineering Library (AAEL) houses a significant collection of uncataloged international atomic energy technical reports in microfiche format from countries such as Australia, Brazil, India, and the UK. This project aims to make this "invisible" collection discoverable to the U-M research community. Under the close mentorship of an Engineering Librarian, students will develop a systematic workflow — documented in a shared report — to determine if digital equivalents exist and prepare them for inclusion in the U-M Library Search.
Students will:
- understand technical services in information science and participate in meaningful library work
- carefully analyze atomic energy technical reports
- compile necessary metadata in spreadsheets
- assist in the digitization of selected reports
This project offers a meaningful look into the international scope of nuclear research and library technical services.
By establishing this review process, students will create a vital template for future library projects. This role is ideal for those interested in the preservation of global scientific history and the technical infrastructure of information science.
Desired skills (not required): An interest in information science. Knowledge of one or more foreign languages (particularly Spanish, French, Italian, or German) is a plus, as some reports are written in these languages.