Georgetown 海角论坛 Students Shine at Global Social Research Symposium
Four students from the Georgetown University 海角论坛 of Arts & Sciences presented at this year鈥檚 Global Social Research Symposium.
The symposium, which offers a platform for undergraduates to showcase original research, brings together different programs and initiatives from across the university, like the Education & Social Justice Fellowship (ESJ). Administered in partnership by the and , the ESJ Fellowship sends students abroad and to domestic locations for three weeks each summer to conduct interviews at Jesuit-led institutions.
Last summer, Viktoria Hengelbrok (CAS鈥�23), spent three weeks in Lisbon, Portugal at the nonprofit Funda莽茫o Gon莽alo de Silveira, or FGS. The organization is dedicated to addressing inequalities within Portuguese communities by developing global citizens and promoting care for the common good.
鈥淚 gained valuable experience in qualitative research methods, while also learning about the ways that FGS is working towards addressing inequalities in a variety of educational contexts,鈥� says Hengelbrok. 鈥淭his experience challenged me to grow as a researcher, and also encouraged me to think critically about the ways in which we contribute, both individually and on a societal level, to the injustices around us.鈥�
Hengelbrok, a senior majoring in justice and peace studies with a minor in psychology, also looked at the impact of the Ditadura Nacional and Estado Novo dictatorships, which lasted in Portugal from 1926 until 1968, on the country鈥檚 education system.
Lots of Laidlaw Love
Georgetown鈥檚 inaugural class of also attended the symposium. Three of the four fellows who presented were 海角论坛 students: Ren茅e Clark (CAS鈥�24), Dami Kim (CAS鈥�24) and Cade Spencer (CAS鈥�25).
From left to right: Cade Spencer (CAS鈥�25), Dami Kim (CAS鈥�24), Syed Kumail Zaidi (SFS鈥�24) and Ren茅e Clark (CAS鈥�24).
Through a partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, the sponsors passionate, motivated undergraduate scholars who conduct independent research in their areas of interest.
Kim, a junior double majoring in history and philosophy with a minor in classics, created the , an online compendium of the abolitionist鈥檚 most important writings.
鈥淚nspired by Douglass鈥檚 commitment to learning, the Frederick Douglass Anthology serves as a resource to study his works as a key piece of American literature,鈥� says Kim. 鈥淚 wanted to create a resource for educators that makes his most prominent works accessible online, specifically designed for research and writing in history classrooms.鈥�
The anthology not only provides the text of many of Douglass鈥檚 works, but includes important historical context alongside newspaper excerpts, a timeline of his life and links to additional primary sources on Douglass.
Spencer, a sophomore double majoring in government and English, conducted a critical policy analysis of Texas dyslexia law. As a native Texan and dyslexic student, Spencer had a personal stake in his area of research.
鈥淢y research experience empowered, enriched and impassioned my collegiate education journey,鈥� says Spencer. 鈥淚t was truly a gift to explore the very policies and laws that supported my educational journey in the Texas public education system.鈥�
The symposium was co-hosted by the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs and the Center for Research and Fellowships.