Social Scientists shined in this year’s Diversity Research Showcase

January 25, 2024 - Karessa Weir and Shelly DeJong

Students from MSU College of Social Scientists brought home a wide variety of awards at this year’s Diversity Research Showcase hosted by MSU Honors College. This annual university-wide showcase features MSU undergraduate student work or work in progress on issues of diversity that advance inclusion. 

Jerome Hamilton Jr., a Political Science junior, won first place in the oral presentation category for his research “Searching for Harmony in the Outdoors: An Exploration of Hunting and Fishing Participation in Michigan.” Jerome’s faculty mentor was Dr. Dan Kramer (Fisheries & Wildlife) 

Second place in the oral presentation category went to Psychology junior Evan Clerinx for their research “I Am Proud to Be Disabled: The Liberatory Power of Identity Construction for Those with Mental Health, Neurological, and Substance Abuse Conditions” with research mentors Drs. Stephen Rohs and Lucy Thompson.

Preliminary Research Awards were given to Nadiah Hasnol, Psychology junior, for the project “Exploring the Implications of AI in Plagiarism Detection Software for 

 International and Multilingual Students” and World Politics first year student Lowell Monis for “Intersectionality in the Halls of Power: A Comprehensive Study of Diversity in the United States Congress and State Legislatures” with Dr. Matt Grossmann (Political Science).

Finally, poster prizes were awarded to the following Social Science students:

• Nupur Huria (LBC Human Biology and Psychology, Honors College, 3rd year)
  • Factors Impacting Perceptions and Stigma Surrounding Menstruation: Michigan State University Perspective
  • Research mentor: Dr. Danielle Gartner
• Daviona Cross (Psychology, Honors College, 3rd Year)
  • Racial Prejudice and Discrimination in Health Care Among ​Pregnant African American Women
  • Research mentors: Jewelian Fairchild and Dr. G. Anne Bogat
• Darielle Kontcho (Psychology & African-American and African Studies, Honors College, 3rd Year)
  • Distress Associated with Psychotic-Like Experiences in Marginalized Communities
  • Research mentor: Dr. Katharine Thakkar
• Evamelo Oleita (African and African American Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies, 3rd Year)
  • If Nobody Got Us, We Got Us: Exploring Black Girls’ Spaces of Resistance Within Historically White Institutions
  • Research mentor: Dr. John Waller

“It was hugely enjoyable and rewarding to see so many students talk about their work with such deserved pride. The Honors College’s Diversity in Research Showcase is a celebration of the very best of the undergraduate experience: an inclusive gathering of students who are committed to using research to make our world more rational and humane,” said Dr. Waller, director of Social Science Scholars and professor of History.

Also presenting were Anthropology sophomore Sasha Franklin with “Second-wave feminism and the modern day 'TERF'”  and Psychology sophomore Surabhi Gangadkar with “Assessing accessibility: A comprehensive study of accessibility and Accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing medical professionals” both with mentor Dr. Waller. Criminal Justice senior Gabrielle Teachey presented “A study to determine the feasibility of Michigan State University investing in community development financial institutions.”

“It has been exciting to witness the Diversity Research Showcase reach new heights in its seventh year, including the highest number of applicants and strong support from co-sponsoring units. This speaks volumes about the dedication and enthusiasm of our students, faculty, and partners in fostering a thriving intellectual community. Here's to another year of celebrating excellence in research and innovation,” said Honors College Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Erika Crews, who co-led the event.

There were a record 49 student presenters across 34 presentations taking part in the showcase this year.