The Department of History is proud to announce one of its 2026 Mellon Research Scholars, Jorge Palomo! The Mellon Research Scholars Program supports student researchers in the humanities at UH through OURMA. Jorge is a History major who presented at the prestigious annual meeting of the American Historical Association earlier this year. His poster presentation at this national conference (pictured) analyzed the history of immigration to Houston. Now, Jorge is starting a new research project on music in Houston.
“My new research examines the history of the Spirit of Houston marching band, focusing on its impact on university school spirit as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Additionally, I explore the impact of music education on students throughout their high school and college years and why it is incredibly valuable.
I intend to pursue a career in public policy, beginning with work in government and ultimately attending law school to specialize in immigration law.
I majored in History because I saw it as the most interesting story ever told, with so many lessons we can learn for our present day. After studying the subject for two years, the one thing I have learned is that I still have a lot more to learn, as it's a subject that will never end, and will never stop producing interesting stories for us to study.”