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Three George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government undergraduates have had their research proposals accepted for presentations at two national political science conferences in the spring. More may be announced later in the semester.
Presenting research at a major conference is validating and inspiring for students at any level, but as an undergrad, such exposure to leaders in the field and other students enhances academic profiles, recognizes academic excellence, and creates important early networking experience.
“Few undergraduates advance a research project to the point of being able to present their work at a national academic conference,” said Associate Professor Jennifer N. Victor, the 2024 Pi Sigma Alpha mentor of the year award winner from the National Capital Area Political Science Association (NCAPSA) and director of the Schar School’s Democracy Lab Learning Community.
The experience is professionally beneficial for students, Victor said, because it introduces them “to the norms, traditions, and institutions of academia, which are typically reserved for faculty and graduate students who are active researchers.”
“These students,” she added, “under the guidance of Schar School faculty have advanced their work sufficiently and learned how to present and communicate it to others, in a manner that is equivalent to field experts.”
The conferences:
- The Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) annual conference is one of the largest gatherings in the field of political science. Historically, it averages more than 4,500 attendees from more than 65 countries, representing a wide array of research areas within political science. It takes place in Chicago, April 3–6.
- The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is a prominent event dedicated to showcasing undergraduate research across various disciplines. Attendance typically ranges from 3,000 to 3,500 participants, representing numerous states and institutions. It takes place in Pittsburgh, April 7–9.
The students:
- Public Administration senior Anna Garren has been accepted at both MPSA and NCUR for her research poster, “The Interplay of Policy Content and Institutional Dynamics in Legislative Behavior: Insights from Cosponsorship and Roll Call Networks."
- Ruthu Josyula, a government and international politics (GVIP) senior, also has been accepted at MPSA and NCUR for her poster, “Regional Connections with the Sangh Parivar and the Union Ministry."
- GVIP junior Charlie Ritter was accepted at NCUR for his poster, “Party Minority Impact on In-Party Financial Contribution.”