As work on the thesis progressed, the relationship between Derber and Adam grew. Adam said that they would spend two or three hours a week discussing the ongoing research. "We would just spend several intense intellectual hours," Derber said. "It was her basic frame and idea and she was very open to some concerns I had."
"He was a really good listener," Adam said, "but then also would critique my work very well. There is incredible resistance to undergraduates getting too much of an ego about their own work."
Nevertheless, as they became increasingly serious about the research, Derber told her not to doubt herself and offered words of advice: "I know it is really rare [that an undergraduate be published], but your work is really good, regardless of your age."
Derber said that his previous experience publishing his work led him to consider the possibility of Adam's thesis being published. It was a long shot. Undergraduate research rarely receives any particular acclaim and is almost never granted a publication deal.
"It just sort of evolved into this draft of a book," Derber said. "I could see ways in which this thesis could evolve and turned into a book."
Adam said that even with the possibility of publication, it was her enthusiasm for the work that continued to motivate her.
"It was such an intense and exciting project … it was wonderful," she said. She said that she remembered thinking, "It would be great if this were published, but even if it's not, it's a great writing workshop."
The combination of Adam's enthusiasm and hard work and Derber's insight and experience began to bear fruit over the summer - book-shaped fruit. She said that she spent most of the summer continuing her research and writing six days a week. Adam said that the support Derber provided during this time was very important. "He never let me doubt the importance of the work," she said. "My age didn't diminish what I was talking about."
2008 Woodie Awards
