Megan Damini is a second year communication studies student in the School of Journalism and Communication. She attended the Undergraduate Research Panel as part of the Carleton Communication Graduate Caucus 11th Annual Conference ‘Play/Rewind’.
The Power of Research and the Inspiration of Undergraduate Students
Students in the third or fourth year of their undergraduate study were given the chance to present their extraordinary research. This is a great way to recognize the undergraduate work and simultaneously offer a look into what a graduate school program would look like. Professors nominate undergraduate students who they believed have excelled in their research projects to present their work. The students then turn that research into a conference paper, through proper coaching, before presenting it to gain the full conference experience.
The chair of the Undergraduate Research Panel, Professor Ira Wagman, greeted the audience with a warm welcome. He spoke to the development of the panel and how it can contribute to their education and careers. Students and professors sat in the audience eager to hear what the five students on the panel had been working on.
The undergraduate students research ranged from indigenous identity to mediated reputation to methods of activism. Carleton student Erik Stolpmann presented an interesting idea regarding the relationship between the New French Extremity film movement and the history of France, and how it communicates a lesson regarding memories of suffering. Erin Abbott, another Carleton Student, challenged hegemonic black masculinity in contemporary hip-hop music by using examples such as popular artist, Drake.
The Undergraduate Research Panel concluded with a question period where the professors and other students in the audience could ask for clarification to extend their understanding of each student’s research, as well as offer suggestions or thoughts.
This event is inspiring in that it motivates undergraduate students to pursue their own research when moving up in their years of study. It was intriguing and made one think about the questions and challenges regarding communication in society today. This opportunity also allows students to develop their own research questions and gain valuable insight from colleagues. It is a wonderful forum to participate in, and a great way for students to sample a future in research.
Thursday, March 10, 2016 in Ambassadors, Communication and Media Studies, FPA Research Series, News
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