Understanding the Importance of Your Thesis and Beyond
Discussion led by Regan on the significance of crafting a thesis while also recognizing supplementary avenues for research.
Encouragement for students to think critically about where their research can lead after thesis submission.
Additional Research and Qualitative Data
Anisa’s progress on her thesis was noted, prompting the idea of continuing research post-submission.
Importance of qualitative data highlighted; Regan emphasized that qualitative insights would enrich Anisa's research.
Issues stressed with grad honor students where publication activity is often minimal post-thesis.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Mention of the value of study abroad experiences as a means to further academic and professional development.
Differentiation between 'study abroads' (international) and 'study away' (local).
Faculty's goal: to inspire students' dedication and application of study abroad experiences in their academic journeys.
Research Dissemination and Presentation
Ways to share research beyond traditional publications discussed:
Presenting at national conferences.
Utilizing Research Month at Howard for adding experiences to resumes or CVs.
Importance of oral versus written narratives in documenting experiences, especially missing representation from HBCUs in study abroad discussions.
Reflections and Autoethnographic Publication
Importance of writing reflections noted, as it leads to the possibility of autoethnographic publications, which intertwines personal experiences with academic research.
Students encouraged to attend conferences relevant to their research topics, e.g., environmental justice.
Concept of creating white papers discussed:
White papers serve to educate communities and can be distributed to schools and local organizations.
Potential for these documents to lead to paid presentations about personal study abroad experiences.
Grant Opportunities for Continued Research
Presentation on recognizing the possibility of securing grants to expand research endeavors, particularly with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Idea of hiring undergraduate assistants for community-based research was proposed, allowing for broader studies.
Building a Professional Development Portfolio
Importance of constructing a strong portfolio, incorporating all research activities, to reflect students' qualifications and contributions to academia.
Discussion of creating conferences as an innovative financial opportunity; potential to monetize research skills by organizing events.
Innovation in Research Methodology
Regan's innovative approach emphasized the concept of allowing participants (e.g., children of incarcerated parents) to share their narratives directly before being categorized or analyzed by researchers.
This approach challenges traditional structures where researchers often dictate the understanding of the subjects.
The idea of including images as part of research narratives to enhance storytelling and representation.
Challenges Within Research Communities
Acknowledgment of the emotional labor often extracted from participants in research contexts without appropriate compensation.
Insistence upon ensuring respect and recognition for participants' contributions, with compensatory measures included in grant proposals.
Conference as a Learning and Sharing Platform
Description of a digital conference organized by Regan focused on children of incarcerated parents and the importance of uplifting their narratives.
Diverse topics discussed during the conference, such as resilience, respect, and responsibility within the context of prison and incarceration.
Importance placed on community engagement and utilizing the research for societal good during conference discussions.
Legacy and Impact of Research
Encouragement to see the potential for personal thesis work to contribute meaningfully to broader social justice issues.
Regan's personal experiences and reflections emphasized as pathways to connecting personal stories to research objectives.
The role of faith and perseverance highlighted in overcoming the challenges faced throughout the thesis process and the subsequent research journey.
Final Thoughts and Connections
Regan emphasized that research should feed back into the communities frequented during study, advocating for a shift from extraction to support.
Students were encouraged to maintain connections to their narratives and responsibilities, ensuring that their work continues to impact future generations positively.
Recognition of emotional investment in research; students were urged to reflect on their roles as intellectual activists and advocates for change.