Yihang Liu '19 Attends the Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference​​​​​​​.

Mini-Grant recipient, Yihang Liu '19, shares her experience attending the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Annual Conference.

The Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Annual Conference, one of the largest political science conferences in the country, was an amazing opportunity to learn what new research projects are being conducted around the world and to receive feedback for my own project. The conference featured many paper panels and poster session across a variety of topics, and I was able to listen in on presentations on perceptions of trade, public opinion, methodology in Asia, machine learning, and immigration attitudes. It was exciting to learn about topics that I was not very familiar with. In addition, since many scholars presented works in progress, it was a great opportunity for me to think critically about the projects and to ask questions and make suggestions. It felt like I was able to contribute somewhat to their research projects, and participating in a discussion with graduate students and professors really pushed me to think and analyze research projects at a high level.

I was also able to get feedback for my own project at the conference. There were six panelists who presented their projects in our undergraduate ePanel on immigration attitudes. I was able to draw a lot of inspiration from other panelists’ projects that I am currently implementing to improve my own paper. For example, hearing about another student’s work on media portrayal of immigrants inspired me to also examine whether immigration policy preferences differed by individuals’ proximity to the southern border. After each pair of presenters, the chair of the panel brought the entire group and audience together to ask questions and provide comments. The discussion was extremely welcoming and supportive, which provided an open and friendly environment for critical questions and constructive suggestions. We were able to share papers and bits of information that we each knew about our specific topic, which was helpful for me to think about immigration topics in other aspects, such as gender and intersectionality, as well.

I also exchanged contact information with panelists and other presenters and to keep in touch about other research developments. One student presenter in another session, for example, examined the different reasons individuals of different ages immigrate. Her research provided some interesting insights into how I can supplement the literature surrounding a project I am working on about geographic mobility.

The MPSA conference allowed me to learn about new developments in various fields and improve my own research. It introduced me to many new groups, individuals, ideas, and methodologies that I could not have gathered on my own.

-Submitted by Yihang Liu '19, Rockefeller Center Mini-Grant Recipient 

The Rockefeller Center's Mini-Grants program funds registration fees for students attending conferences, as well as the costs of bringing guest speakers to Dartmouth. The views and opinions expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Rockefeller Center or constitute an endorsement by the Center.