Here is the recording of our Zoom meeting!
5/19/20 Research Panel Notes
20 participants
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Dr. Anu; Anuraj Dhillon
Joined Poly in 2018
Uni of Connecticut for PhD
Interpersonal: romantic partners + physiological responses
Dr. Brie; Dr. Aubrie Adams
3rd year at Poly
Digital comm and culture: anything that has to do with technology; tech + media/interpersonal
Dr. Conway; Dr. Conway-Silva
6th year at Poly
Uni of Arizona for Masters and PhD
Media coverage of politics, instability in politics and its manifestation in news and people’s perceptions
Use of new media for politicians and how journalists report
How journalists choose the sources they use in reform policy
Dr. Leslie Nelson
Joined Poly in 2018
Uni of Missouri of Masters and PhD
Family and Intergroup communication; stories and communication used
Diverse families
Dr. MLB; Megan Lambertz-Berndt
6th year at Poly
Intergroup/affinity groups
Sports communication + social identity
Organizational leaders in nonprofits + members of color
What has your research career path looked like and what inspired your interest in your chosen field of research?
Nelson: inspired my family/personal experience, research methods
Brie: met husband thru internet game; how people can create relationships over the internet, loved research methods, looked at potential career options → video game researcher
MLB: research supplements teaching, passionate about social justice and equity work in sports and everywhere; find something that you’re passionate about
Conway: family was extremely involved in politics and she helped out with campaigns as a kid; wanted to be/worked as a journalist; intro to research class helped transition from journalism to comms
Anu: NBA in business/marketing, inspired by professors research in romantic relationships, toolkit to help romantic partners with their communication perhaps continuing Gottman’s work
What is one key piece of advice that you want to share with students interested in pursuing research?
Nelson: talk to professors and faculty about getting involved and they’ll get pointed in the right direction
Brie: be persistent, there will be barriers no matter who you are, Dr. Brie had to take the GRE 3 times but there’s ways to overcome those barriers—reach out to faculty
MLB: also had to take the GRE multiples times; challenge norms, articles, and boundaries because they will be changing!
CS: talk to professors!!! When you reach a mental block when you feel like you can’t do it—you can do it!
Anu: never get scared of exploring; read more and participate more to identify your passions
Student questions:
Do you find it difficult to be a researcher on top of including your own life and workload?
Nelson: workload is attainable considering your circumstance; if you love what you do it doesn't feel like work
CS: there are mountains and valleys; the workload is an ebb and flow
Anu: it is okay not to have the balance at times, but that is okay!
Thoughts on staying in the same institution for undergraduate education?
MLB: expose yourself to different viewpoints; you will be showcased; this will be different for everyone
Nelson: did her research at the same institution; don’t have to deal with a transition and you already have the connections and resources; big continuity
CS: benefits of both; PhD is your most important work so think about where you want to thrive
Thoughts on imposter syndrome?
Brie/MLB: feels it everyday it tends to persists but we need to talk more about these things
CS: people assume that COMS are the greatest presenter but that’s not a universal truth! Make sure you're going to an institution that is supportive for you
Nelson: it is scary to present research, but use positive self talk!
MLB: find someone that is the most supportive to help you, doesn’t necessarily have to be someone that is in the same discipline as you
Research Opportunities for COMS Students
Connect with your professors!
Senior Project in Research COMS 460/461
Office of Student Research https://studentresearch.calpoly.edu/
CSU Student Research Competition
BEACoN is a program funded by the Office of University Diversity & Inclusivity to mentor diverse students across the Cal Poly Campus. It works to educate and empower underrepresented students as they aspire to successfully complete their education. The program also provides research mentoring opportunities for students.
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