Presenting about Social Nesting at NEEPS
Author: Jenna Thomas | Majors: Psychology, Biology | Semester: Spring 2024
My name is Jenna Thomas, and I’m majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. My research investigates how traits impact social nesting, which is the degree to which individuals desire to associate with close friends and family during pregnancy. The specific traits I considered were the need to belong, the need for power, and anxiety, and we examined social nesting in both the pregnant women and the fathers. Ultimately, this work aims to build upon previous research and inform future studies regarding the social dynamics within the transition to parenthood.
During a recent trip to Niagara Falls, New York, I had the opportunity to present my research at the 18th annual conference of the Northeastern Evolutionary Psychology Society. I created a poster highlighting the key findings of my research, alongside several other university students, to a diverse group of psychologists from around the country. The conference provided a platform for me to receive valuable feedback on my research and to gain insights into the work of other researchers in the field. Many psychologists from different universities encouraged me to analyze my data to explore potential correlations between social nesting in men and women. This feedback will assist me in strengthening my research and approaching the transition to parenthood from different perspectives. Many psychologists also raised theories regarding my results and pointed out limitations that I had not previously considered, which will greatly assist me in presenting my research in the future.
The trip significantly contributed to my professional development, allowing me to refine my presentation skills and deepen my understanding of my research as I engaged in discussions with fellow researchers. This experience will benefit me as I prepare to write and defend my thesis next spring. Additionally, I expanded my professional network by connecting with psychologists, creating potential collaborations for future research. Beyond networking, I had the chance to form relationships with several other students, and I was able to exchange ideas and insights with these students that will help me as I move forward with my research These interactions not only enriched my academic experience but also provided valuable insights and knowledge that will inform my future work.
While presenting at a conference can be daunting, it is encouraging to see how many psychologists and other students are interested in your work. The anxiety I began the poster session with quickly dissipated as I had the chance to share my research and answer meaningful questions about my findings. Winning an award from the Feminist Evolutionary Psychology Society for my poster was an unexpected honor and validation of the relevance of my research. I would encourage fellow students not to be discouraged by nerves when presenting at conferences, as the experience offers opportunities for growth and refinement of research projects. This can lead to an improved chance of having your research published in an academic journal. Additionally, thorough preparation, including checking the weather of the conference location, can contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Looking ahead, I am focused on completing the data analyses for my thesis, which explores the relationship between oxidative stress and opposition during conflict resolution. I aim to develop a new poster presentation based on this research to share at future conferences and aspire to present my thesis as a talk at next year’s Northeastern Evolutionary Psychology Society conference. I am grateful for the invaluable experience gained during my time in New York, and I am eager to apply the feedback received to further enhance my research and defend my thesis next year.