Global Scholars to present research April 27

LAWRENCE — Covering diverse topics from around the world, seven seniors will present their internationally focused research at the Global Scholars Research Symposium this week. The event is the culmination of the Global Scholars program, which is in its 12th year.

The public is invited to attend the symposium, which will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 27 at the Burge Union, Forum A. A reception will follow the short presentations.

The symposium will highlight the seniors’ research on a range of topics, including women’s experiences during the Sri Lankan Civil War, depictions of moral honesty in Confucian texts, Chinese foreign policy and the production process of biodiesel and its global environmental impact.

The seniors presenting are members of the 2021 cohort of Global Scholars. As sophomores the group members were selected for their demonstrated interest in global and international studies and potential for continued high academic achievement and leadership. As part of the program, students participated in the semester-long seminar course Sociocultural Foundations of Mind and Experience taught by Glenn Adams, professor of psychology, and worked on research projects with an international dimension.

“We will be recognizing an exceptionally talented group of students who have persevered to complete international research projects despite several difficult years due to the pandemic,” said Elizabeth MacGonagle, director of the Global Scholars program. “I am impressed with their dedication, and I am excited to see the culmination of their hard work.”

The following are the Global Scholar students who will be presenting:

Dulani Hannadige, a global & international studies and sociology major with a minor in women, gender & sexuality studies, is mentored by Brian Lagotte, assistant teaching professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Center for Global & International Studies. Her research presentation is “Women’s Differential Experiences of the Sri Lankan Civil War.” Hannadige is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and her parent is Dinusha Kumarajeewa.

Virginia Hannahan, a philosophy major, is mentored by Brad Cokelet, associate professor of philosophy. Her research presentation is “Honesty: Confucian Insights for Contemporary Debates.” Hannahan is from Fairhope, Alabama, and her parents are Tommy and Bridget Hannahan.

Poonam Keshary, a molecular, cellular & developmental biology major on the pre-medicine track, and Miranda McDaniel, a psychology major, are mentored by Adams. Their joint research presentation is “Alternative Sources of Well-being: Evidence from Ghana.” Keshary is from Olathe, and her parents are Sudhira Keshary and Jyoti Raj Keshary. McDaniel is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her parents are Ross and Angela McDaniel.

Jimin Park, a global & international studies and political science major, is also mentored by Lagotte. His research presentation is “Social Identity Theory and Chinese Foreign Policy.” Park is from Topeka, and his parents are Sangyoub Park and Sunyoung Cheong.

Emma Russin, a civil engineering major, is mentored by Adams. Her research presentation is “Defining Water Resilience in a Rapidly Changing Society.” She is from Orono, Minnesota, and her parents are Mike and Catherine Russin.  

Marah Shulda, a chemical engineering major with a minor in global & international studies, is mentored by Susan Williams, Charles E. & Mary Jane Spahr Professor and chair of the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering. Her research presentation is “Biodiesel Production on an International Scale and Associated Environmental Impacts.” Shulda is from Shawnee, and her parents are Marlys and Brian Shulda.

More information can be found in the Global Scholars Symposium program.