MSU PLS students shine in the 6th annual university-wide Diversity Research Showcase

January 19, 2023

Four undergraduate researchers from Political Science were awarded prizes at this year's research showcase, hosted by the MSU Honors College.

Jerome Hamilton Jr., Political Science-Prelaw sophomore; Nel Robinson, Political Science and African American & African Studies sophomore; and Sharmila Suresh, Economics junior, won the first prize for the poster competition.

Their research was titled "Television News and the (Mis)Representation of Cocaine and Opiod Users: A Systemic Study of NBC Nightly News." Their research mentor was Dr. John Waller, director of the College of Social Science Scholars program.

Additionally, Political Science-Prelaw sophomores Jonah Cumings and Josie Danielkiewicz won third place in the oral presentation catagory for the same research with Dr. Waller.

The 6th Annual University-wide Diversity Research Showcase held at the MSU Union featured nearly 50 students presenting their research that ranged from increasing mobility accessibility to delving into issues of diversity in rural elementary education settings.

“Thank you to our presenters and attendees for joining us…This year, the Diversity Research Showcase featured students representing 12 different colleges, and more than $3,000 in prizes were awarded to our student researchers,” said Erika Crews, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Coordinator and Academic Advisor for the Honors College.

“It was wonderful to see so many from the campus community join us to support the outstanding work these students are doing locally and globally in their efforts to advance equity and justice.” Crews added.  

The event was sponsored by Undergraduate Research, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Social Science and James Madison College.