Lexi Haddad

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

My thesis is a mixed-methods analysis of queer Arab women who migrate from the Middle East to the United States. This thesis is at the intersection of several fields of study including queer of color critique, queer migration, transnational feminisms and sexualities, and Middle Eastern studies.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I knew that I wanted to continue on my path of social justice studies after completing my interdisciplinary undergraduate degree at Mason. As a queer BIPOC woman with disabilities, I was called to a program in academia that would allow me to study various facets of my own existence while also learning about these identities within their scholarly fields. I knew I wanted to understand my own varying identities so that I could help others in the future.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

Honestly, I'm pretty proud of simply completing a Masters degree in a global pandemic while also experiencing my own health crises. However, I'm also very proud of how I've come to terms with my own identities as I've learned more about them through my research and studies.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

While the vast majority of my professors have been incredible, there is one that I must note individually.

Dr. Rachel Lewis has been the single most influential faculty member in my time as a graduate student at Mason. Her wisdom, guidance, research, and kindness continue to amaze and inspire me. I was so moved by taking her classes my first semester that I knew I wanted to ask her to be my thesis committee chair almost immediately. Her support during my continued health crises has been incredible and I cannot thank her enough.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Go easy on yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Write your thesis/complete a capstone project on something you are truly passionate about, even if it feels like it isn't "important" enough. If it's important to you, it's important work that matters.