Jake Makela

Jake Makela is a 2024-2025 Self Memorial Scholar, pursuing a Ph.D. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas. He graduated from KU’s University Honors Program with departmental honors in both in English and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in December 2024. Jake received several awards for creative writing and research including The Brosseau Creativity Award in Writing from KU’s Spencer Museum of Art and The LGBTQ Studies Prize from KU’s Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. He also received The John F. Eberhardt Excellence in Writing Award as well as 1st place recognition for The Kenneth Rockwell Award and The Maxwell Nature Writing Contest from KU’s English Department. 
Throughout his undergraduate career, Jake served on executive boards in communications and outreach roles for several community service-oriented student organizations including KU Blood Drives and Health International KU. In 2024, he acted as Co-Director of kUnity Magazine, a queer and trans-centered creative student publication. Working a myriad of on-campus positions, Jake honed his communications and teaching skills with KU’s University Academic Support Centers, Writing Center, Institute for Policy and Social Research, and International Short Programs. Jake also served as an Editorial Intern with Transgender Studies Quarterly through KU’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department. In his graduate studies, Jake plans to continue research in Trans* Studies, invoking a trans-disciplinary lens through social and legal studies, auto-theory, creative writing, rhetorical analysis, and artistic exploration.