Presenting research
Author: Fernanda Alcantara | Majors: Political Science and Psychology | Semester: Spring 2022
Early April had the opportunity to travel to the Midwest Political Science Association’s Annual Conference in Chicago, IL. This was the first academic conference I had ever attended, so I was not sure what to expect, but it helped dramatically to have my thesis advisor/ mentor, Dr. Cuellar, also in attendance. This conference allows post-secondary institutions from the Midwest to attend, present their research, network, learn, and collaborate.
Over the three-day period, I had the chance to present my thesis research, network, and engage in thoughtful conversations about other people’s research. I presented my thesis research, which due to the extensive approval process the IRB required, was still being fielded at the time. Not having data and results to discuss, I focused my presentation on the background and motivation for my research, as well as my expected results and methods. My research focused on the intersectionality of identity formation, socioeconomic status, and transgenerational trauma in Latine youth. I wanted to focus on factors just as transgenerational trauma that is specific to Latines and immigrant experiences that might hinder their identity as Latines. I was placed on an environmental politics e-panel when presenting, which is not necessarily the sub-field of political science my research focused on. However, this was a great opportunity to ensure my research would be understood by individuals with little to no background in Latine-politics. Presenting my thesis research at an academic conference prior to my defense was the best practice I could have gotten, and something I highly recommend for future students. In addition to presenting my research on a panel, I received great feedback on the content of my presentation. While I was at a disadvantage by not having results to get commented on, the feedback I did receive was helpful. There was a great deal of receptions, my favorite ones were the minority mixer and the president’s reception, and not just because the food was extremely delicious. These receptions allowed me to connect with other attendees that I may have not gotten to talk to otherwise.
I was able to network with not only other undergraduate students, but also graduate students in all stages of their doctoral journey and professors from colleges across the nation (in the Midwest area). There were two realizations I came to when networking. The first is that I love Latine politics and intersectionality. It was an incredible opportunity to hold intellectual conversations with experts and leaders in Latine politics; I was able to put my knowledge to use in a way I had not been able to in a classroom setting. The second thing was that this experience reaffirmed my desire to pursue a Ph. D. Getting to hear from doctoral candidates in an academic and social setting gave me the best possible insight to what going to graduate school entails.
Another exciting aspect of attending the MPSA conference was getting to attend the Hispanic Caucus meeting. It was special to be in an environment where Latines had their own space to discuss issues that are important to us. This is something I had not gotten to experience on the University of Arkansas’s campus. At the meeting I attended, they were electing new officers for the caucus. As I watched the induction of the new executives, I could not help but wonder if years from now, that could possibly be me.
My experience at the conference would not have been the same without Dr. Cuellar, my mentor and thesis advisor. He played a large role in helping me prepare to present and editing my paper. Dr. Cuellar got his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, one of the top schools in the nation for Latine studies. He was able to introduce me to some important colleagues of his, some which I was in awe of getting to meet in person since I had only read their work. Dr. Cuellar also presented a chapter from his dissertation; getting to see my professor present his research was also an incredible experience. I have learned more than just how to present, write, and research from Dr. Cuellar. He has helped me better understand my role in academia as well as my Latine identity.
The funds provided to me by the Honors college allowed me to attend the Midwest Political Science Conference, where I gained not only the skills that come with presenting research at a national conference, but so much more. It reaffirmed my yearning to pursue a Ph.D. by giving me insight into what it would entail. I was able to make connections there that I know will be useful in my future of academia.