Presenting my thesis project at the Midwestern Political Science Association Conference

Author: Annabel Brooks | Major: Political Science, Psychology | Spring 2024

I just graduated from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in political science and psychology. I conducted research in the department of political science under Dr. Patrick Stewart. This past semester, I posted the study online, analyzed results, and successfully defended my thesis. In the next few months, I will begin applying to grad schools where I hope to earn my Ph.D. and go into academia.

My mentor, Dr. Patrick Stewart, introduced me to facial coding and urged me to earn a facial coding certificate. Facial coding became a major component of my project which I hoped to include elements of both political science and psychology. My project investigated how facial behavior, self-reported mirth, and political ideology influenced the propagation (sharing) of political internet memes. I had help from my mentor, committee members, peers, friends, and individuals in other departments on campus. Findings were largely non-significant and failed to support that mirthful facial behavior, self-reported mirth, and political ideology predict the propagation of political internet memes.

While the data did not reveal consistent trends with the sharing of political internet memes, I learned a lot about humor, facial behavior, memes, and most importantly, the research process. I learned about the challenges that are inherent to the research process like having constraints in time and money as well as lapses in communication. I also learned more about myself, and which methods of organization and work-life balance worked and which did not work.

In April as I was wrapping up research, I attended the Midwestern Political Science Association Conference in Chicago. I was able to experience my first conference and connect with undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-docs. Over the next year, I will continue to work on this project with Dr. Stewart and colleagues with the hopes of publishing in an academic journal. With the support from the Honors College for this project, my resume will hopefully help me stand out from my peers and I will be able to earn a spot in a Ph.D. program next year.