Michael Santoroski

Adrian Gillem recently travelled to the International Studies Association South Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC to present his research project, “Understanding Japanese Political Leadership Trends Post-World War II: Do the Leaders’ Personal Traits Matter?” For this project Adrian

“analyzed the premierships of three of the longest serving Prime Ministers in post-World War II Japanese history; focusing on their oratorical ability, political brinkmanship, ideology, and party-backing as markers of analysis.”

Adrian has done research over the course of three semesters here at Roanoke. Adrian decided to pursue research opportunities here after taking his Research Methods class in the Public Affairs department.

“Dr. O’Keef noticed my keen interest in comparative governing structures in East Asia, post-World War II. Following the course, she suggested I refine and narrow down my subject options, in pursuit of an independent study of some kind. This led to my current focus topic on Japanese political development trends post World War II, particularly on its so-called ‘leadership crisis.’”

Adrian’s faculty advisor was Dr. Andreea Mihalache-O’Keef and he

“worked quite closely with Professor O’Keef over the course of my research project. In fact, she was one of the key figures that assisted in me in successfully applying for a Gilman Scholarship, which supported a 4-month study abroad experience.”

This was Adrian’s first time presenting at a professional conference and he explains that it was an

“insurmountable experience that I will never forget. Presenting before a professor of a separate university is nerve-racking. But having that same professor critique a paper you have worked on for months is even more nerve-racking. Nevertheless, both experiences gave me confidence to pursue even more research opportunities.”

Adrian’s advice to students considering research opportunities is to

“find a professor you feel comfortable with and pursue every opportunity that professor gives you. If research is one of those opportunities, take it. It develops your presentation skills, gives you confidence, and builds your resume. If you plan on going to graduate school, undergraduate research is a good way of making yourself unique among a slew of other applications.”

For more information on the ISA Conference please visit:  https://www.isanet.org/Conferences/SouthCharlotte2013.aspx

Sarah Barb recently presented her research project, “Economic Development and Political Integration in China: The Migration of Han Chinese into Historic Tibet”, at the 39^th Annual Mid-South Sociological Association Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This is Sarah’s first year doing research and this particular project is her Honor’s project.

Sarah explains that this project is

“about population changes in Tibet and the Western provinces in China. Recent economic opportunities have caused the ethnic majority in China to move to Western provinces that were once part of Tibet.”

Sarah’s advisor, Dr. Daniel Sarabia, invited her to work on this project with him. She explains:

“It was really interesting working with Dr. Sarabia, I learned a lot about what sociology researchers have to do to get their ideas out into the academic literature and about how to get funding for research. We are still working on the research but we did a lot of work together on this research.”

After submitting the paper it was accepted for a paper presentation at this conference. This was Sarah’s first time presenting outside of a classroom and she states that it was

“exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I got a lot of feedback about my research and it was very helpful.”

Sarah’s message to students considering research opportunities:

“Roanoke College is a great place to do undergraduate research because the professors are very willing to work with students on projects, whatever department you are in.  Doing research is a great way to get course credit for something that you are already interested in and it looks good on a resume, especially if you plan on going to graduate school. It is a way to start sharing your ideas with the world, instead of feeling that you are not using the knowledge you have gained this far here at Roanoke.”

Samantha Garst recently travelled to the International Studies Association South Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC to present her research project, “Risky Business: A panel study of the effects of government policies on attraction of FDI in post-conflict countries.” For this project she

“aimed to give foreign government the policy-making tools to attract foreign capital when they needed it the most.”

Samantha started this research this past May in the Summer Scholars program. Dr. Andreea Mihalache-O’Keef was Samantha’s faculty advisor for this project and she explains that

“any time that I was experiencing trouble during the process, I felt more than comfortable going to her for help. It was interesting to have a question and be handed a book that would contain my answer. What helped me even more was that Dr. Mihalache-O’Keef would never give me out-right answers. She challenged me to critically think about my next steps—which gave me a plethora of ‘ah-ha’ moments throughout the summer.”

This was Samantha’s first time presenting her research and she felt that is was nerve-racking to present at an academic conference.

“I was worried about my paper being picked apart on small grammatical errors and to be asked questions I didn’t know the answer too. I was completely wrong. Presenting my research allowed me the opportunity to share my ideas to a group of people that were actually interested in what I had to say. Even more, I was given outside feedback on how to better improve my project for the future. It was more than helpful.”

Samantha’s advice to students considering research is to take the chance and research something that you love.

“Research is an extensive process and journey that seems to never end; ladled with many ups and downs. If you aren’t interested in what you’re researching, then you won’t enjoy one second of it. My advice, find what you love and delve into it. Don’t fear that you won’t have anyone to help. I’ve never had a professor at Roanoke College turn me away. Just put yourself out there. The skills that you will develop are irreplaceable.”

For more information on the ISA Conference please visit:  https://www.isanet.org/Conferences/SouthCharlotte2013.aspx