Ishmael Bonsu Nyame

ULG

What language did you study and why?
French – As a Ghanaian, my connection to the French language was established during my basic school education, where its use was strongly encouraged. During vacations, I delved into French literature, immersing myself in novels like “L’Enfant Noir” by Camara Laye and “Batuola” by René Maran. I also developed a deep appreciation for French-based sitcoms and West African musicians such as Serge Baynaud. This led me to a strong desire to improve my French-speaking, writing, and reading skills. Upon entering Northwestern University and pursuing a Journalism major, my career aspirations as an investigative journalist and researcher for the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) in West Africa became clear. This path necessitated a higher level of proficiency in the French language. It would enable me to delve into research areas like migration policies and allow me to fully immerse myself in the complex dynamics of French politics and its interactions with governments in West Africa.

What program did you attend and why did you choose it?
I had set my sights on enrolling in the Intensive French Language Program at the Cavilam Alliance Français in Vichy, France. The prospect of immersing myself in the heart of French culture, engaging with native speakers, and pushing the boundaries of my proficiency from an intermediate to an advanced level was deeply appealing. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when I faced challenges in obtaining a visa for France. This unforeseen setback forced me to reassess my study plan and explore alternative avenues for realizing my language learning goals. I explored online learning as a viable option. I enrolled with Alliance Francaise, Ghana, for their virtual French language program. This innovative platform offered a comprehensive curriculum that blended synchronous videoconferencing sessions through Zoom with interactive online modules hosted on the Canvas Instructure platform.

Describe your experience doing summer language study. Was it tricky? How do you think your language skills improved?
My summer language study experience in an online format was both challenging and rewarding. While it presented certain difficulties, it ultimately led to significant improvements in my language skills. The online format required self-discipline and autonomy. Navigating through the modules at my own pace demanded responsibility and time management. Virtual interactions via Zoom simulated real-life conversations, providing a diverse range of contexts for practicing spoken French. This challenged me to think on my feet, respond in real time, and build confidence in speaking a foreign language. There were moments of frustration and uncertainty due to technical glitches, connectivity issues, and the lack of face-to-face interactions. However, these challenges became opportunities for problem-solving and personal growth, teaching me to adapt, innovate, and persevere. Success in this unconventional learning journey hinged on my attitude and approach. I engaged with enthusiasm, actively participated in discussions, and sought opportunities for practical application of my linguistic skills outside the virtual classroom. I furthered my learning by participating in verbal practice sessions with tutors and engaging in conversation practice.

Did intensive summer language study change or solidify any of your future goals? If so, how?
Participating in intensive summer language study had a significant impact on my future goals. The challenges I encountered during this experience prompted me to reassess my approach to pursuing language proficiency and achieving my aspirations. It reinforced the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to turn adversity into opportunity.

As I look forward, my commitment to language proficiency remains steadfast. I plan to build on the momentum I gained during the summer by enrolling in both the Fall and Spring semesters at Georgetown University. My goal is to reach proficiency levels C1 and C2 in the French language, further refining my command of the language. This will enable me to qualify for graduate programs and participate in research projects, particularly in Francophone West African countries, where I will investigate migration-related issues. I have initiated an independent study program focusing on migration brokers facilitating migration from Ghana to Qatar, and I feel well-prepared to explore similar topics in neighboring French-speaking West African countries. My summer language study experience has solidified my determination to excel in this field and contribute meaningfully to the research and understanding of migration issues.

Do you have any tips or advice for students similar to you that are interested in pursing intensive language study?
If I were to offer advice to students similar to me who are interested in pursuing intensive language study, I would say it’s crucial to start by setting clear language learning goals. Choose a program that suits your goals and learning style, and if possible, immerse yourself in a location where the language is spoken for a real-world experience. Regular practice is key, so dedicate time daily to listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. Engage with authentic resources like books, movies, and music to gain exposure to real language usage. Actively participate in classes and don’t shy away from asking questions. Create a consistent study routine, be patient with yourself, and persist through challenges. Seek support when needed from teachers, tutors, or peers. Embrace the culture and traditions tied to the language, and remember to adjust your approach as you progress. Stay motivated, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the journey. If you have the opportunity, travel to a region where the language is spoken to put your skills to the test and gain real-world experience.

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
I could give a 10-minute presentation on “The framing of migrant workers in the media” This topic aligns with my interest and research knowledge, and I could cover fundamental concepts and their impact on various actors.

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
If my speaking voice were an instrument, it could also be likened to a viola. The viola’s slightly lower pitch and distinct timbre set it apart, just as my speaking voice can have its unique qualities and nuances.

Teagan LeVar

Summer URG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
This summer, I researched how light availability and species’ order of arrival into a plant community impacts the competition between plant species commonly found in seed mixes used in oak woodland restorations. The specific metric I used to represent impacts of competition was the growth rates of the twelve species in the experiment.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I love being out in nature, especially in the woods, and this research was aimed toward gaining knowledge to inform the most effective strategies for restoring damaged oak woodlands with seed mixes.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I’ve always loved science, and I feel that getting into research is one of the best ways for me personally to contribute to the world.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
There were definitely some tricky parts to the research, particularly figuring out how to move forward when things don’t go according to the original plan. By doing my research, I’m definitely better at adapting to changes, and I feel more confident in my skills as a scientist in general and being able to talk about scientific ideas.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
I would definitely say to take advantage of the resources offered by OUR. Also, I would say to reach out to any professors or researchers who you think work in a similar area to your interests. Even if you don’t know them, they will likely be willing to talk with you and offer help or advice for your research.

Olivia Pierce

Summer URG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
The goal of my research project was to develop an educational resource document that would equip musicians to perform Black & African works in a culturally appreciative rather than appropriative way. I developed this document through conducting archival research, holding one-on-one interviews with Black artists, and performing qualitative ethnographic analysis of performance venues and events in Minneapolis and Chicago. I then co-produced a performance in New York City with Keepsake House, a collective for independent artists, where I introduced a completed draft to performers and audience members to gauge the document’s accessibility and utility.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
In 2022, my high school choir reached out to commission a choral arrangement of my original song “X-RAY,” which centers racism and police brutality. When I traveled home to direct the choir which was primarily white, the students expressed fears of cultural appropriation. After discussing this with the director, we realized that we needed to equip the performers with an educational background and historical context to effectively portray the message of the music. This experience motivated me to create a resource that would equip musicians with the tools to perform Black cultural works in an appreciative rather than appropriative way.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
My experiences with the Emerging Scholars Program made me interested in pursuing research in general. I’ve found research in the humanities to be very engaging, from Musicology to Art History and Performance Studies. I have really enjoyed archival work as well as in-person interviews because I’ve been able to combine my personal passions and experiences with research, which makes my work more fulfilling and educational.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
The hardest part of my research has been adapting my findings to make them more accessible beyond the world of academics. This project taught me that vulnerability and authenticity allows you to build authentic connections with others and share what you’ve learned in a productive way.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
You can absolutely conduct creative research that is still academic. I would recommend collaborating with others, because this will allow you to learn from and connect with other people in your field.

Do you have a podcast/documentary/piece of shareable media related to your research?
The livestream to the Sankofa show can be viewed here! https://www.keepsakehouse.com/shows/sankofa

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
A harp

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
Sikulu and Harambe: By the Zambezi River

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
I saw somebody dressed as Perry the Platypus for Halloween!

Aspen Harter

Summer URG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
Through SURG I was able to continue conducting a project on acute stress and aggression through adolescence and adulthood. Previous work has shown that stress increases aggressive behaviors in adult male rats against non-threatening juvenile intruders during a social interaction test. The current study aims to investigate whether this stress-induced aggressive behavior is dependent on the age of the male (adolescence vs. adulthood) and the age of the intruder (juvenile or same-age). The project also uses two nearly isogenic strains that have been bred to express heightened/lowered stress reactivity or depression-like behavior. Through this model we are able to evaluate if the aggressive behaviors we are observing are due to genetic predisposition as opposed to a reaction to procedures.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I think aggression and anger-based emotions in humans are painted in a unfairly negative light. It evolved as an alert or protection system in our history, and is simply a biological response. That being said there are a lot of behavioral disorders were an un-acceptable amount of aggression is produced and can be harmful to that person and/or the people around them. By looking at how stress through development affects aggressive behaviors in those with a predisposition to stress reactivity (as well as in general) we might be able to understand more about what is actually going on and how to properly address it.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I’ve always been very curious about what makes a person themselves. For a while I was content just reading paper and learning about neuroscience and psychology in classes, but at a certain point the questions I was asking were being answered with “We don’t actually know” or “I don’t know if that’s understood yet”. I decided I wanted to join a lab so I could start answering my questions myself, and after the first few months there I just fell in love with the day-day life of the job as well. Truly at this point I do research because its just fun.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Research is fun. Research also sucks a bit. Especially in this last summer, a lot of research is facing the fact that a test didn’t work, or the results look different than expected. While that can be exciting sometimes, sometimes its also just defeating. Over the years that I’ve been doing it though I’ve learned how to get back up, figure out what might’ve gone wrong, and do it better the next time. It is a very tricky thing and there are a lot of things to consider all the time, but that’s the fun of it I think. I used to describe myself as efficient, but doing research has made me more careful and diligent too.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
I think everyone should spend time doing research. Its incredibly rewarding to get to pursue something that you are genuinely interested in. My biggest advice is to reach out to professors to get involved in their labs if you’re interested in their work! I think a lot of people find it scary, but the worst they can do is say no. Plus at Northwestern a lot of professors are here specifically to do research and are excited to engage with students interested as well.

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Miley Cyrus’s career

What was your favorite childhood story (written, spoken, or film)?
The movie Hoodwinked

Kaitlyn Hung

Jeffrey Yuan

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
Learngle: Addition of an Analytics Dashboard to a Study Resource for the Clinical Informatics Board Exam

Learngle is an educational resource for clinical informatics that healthcare professionals use to prepare for the Clinical Informatics Board Exam. As of the 2023 exam cycle, we have over 50 user subscriptions and a 100% exam success rate. Learngle has a rich array of features that all actively contibute to the automation of generation of the most upto date information, provide detailed user performance analytics, and the utilization of a comprehensive ML algorithm to determing the optimal inter-repitition interval for each item in our educational resources.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I initially became interested in my project when I found out about the field of clinical informatics. I had always wanted to integrate my interests in informatics and information theory with healthcare, and clinical informatics was my way to do so. I developed this project in order to increase the presence of this field, as with the evolving pool of technologies, understanding and implementing these resources are going to be critical for the future of patient care. This project serves to be an educational resource for healthcare professionals, whether it’s for their own personal education or for their preparation for the Clinical Informatics Board Exam.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I presented at the American Medical Informatics Association 2024 Informatics Summit. I found out about the conference through my lab at the Massachusetts General Hospital

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
It was a great experience to be at the conference and see all the work that is being done with all the new technologies and data that are available in the healthcare scene. The conference was 4 days long, with a keynote speaker, oral presentations, expert panels, and poster sessions every day, but everything was something new that I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t expect for everyone to be so open to having conversations with me and connecting me with their colleagues, as I was definitely the minority as an undergraduate in such a highly acclaimed conference.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
I had a 30 minute oral presentation and systems demonstration. This initially made me nervous as I was expected to fill up the whole 30 minutes, so I had written up a script that I was memorizing and had planned out every action that I would take during my presentation. However, after actually getting into the presentation, I found that I had begun ignoring my script and premade plans, making me feel more comfortable on stage as everything came out naturally and not as if I was reciting a speech or reading a script. I would recommend that you don’t write up a comprehensive script and only develop a rough outline of everything you want to cover. You are the expert of your research so just go up and enjoy the experience.

Daniil M. Ozernyi

Conference Travel Grant

Please provide the tile and a brief summary of your research/conference presentation.
See the titles of several presentations below; my research has to do with language assessment, second language acquisition, and generative syntax.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I have always been interested in language sciences, and so I try to maintain an interdisciplinary research agenda that explores many aspects of language, like language assessment, psycholinguistics, syntax, &c.

What conference(s) did you present at and how did you find out about them?
I was able to present the following papers or posters owing to the OUR conference travel grant:

Formalizing derivation and parsing components of minimalist syntax within first-order logic
[Paper] 第十届形式语言学国际研讨会 (ICFL-10), 清華大學, 北京.

Some remarks on sensitive periods and the methodological rigor of their examination
[Poster] International Joint Conference of APLX, ETRA40, and TESPA 2023.

On reliability of assessment and the use of rubrics to assess writing in a linguistic classroom
[Paper] 2023 Conference on Scholarly Teaching and SoTL in Linguistics (CoSTaSiL 23). July 2023, UMass-Amherst.

Multidominance in light of conflicting formalizations of minimalism and syntactic economy
[Paper] Workshop “How Many Mothers? Multidominance in Syntax”. UMass Amherst, June 24-25 2023.

DM Ozernyi, Haeun Kim, Taichi Yamashita, Suzanne Flynn. Validity and reliability of assessment used in second language acquisition studies
[Colloquium organizer] AAAL 2023. March 18.

Also, presentations for Midwest Slavic Conference, Okinawa chapter of Japanese TESOL, a few others; in the interest of space, I did not put their names here particularly because the work presented there was based on the presentations below.
Check the rest of Daniil’s conferences on his website!

What was it like presenting at a conference? Anything that you didn’t expect?
It is a great venue to present your work and connect with other researchers and get to know professors who will be reading your grad school application!

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in presenting at a conference one day?
I suggest that interested students submit their research. It can perhaps be difficult to submit for the first time, because of anxiety or impostor syndrome, but conference abstract submission usually provides an anonymous submission venue with relatively quick feedback and helpful comment from reviewers for the most fields. Indeed, it’s difficult to submit proposals that are theoretical; undergraduate students often do not have access to resources needed to run an experiment if they are not under a PI. Still, I strongly encourage students to submit!

Do you have a podcast/documentary/piece of shareable media related to your research? Post the link(s) to share here!
https://dozernyi.com, my ResearchGate profile https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniil-Ozernyi

What would you name a boat if you had one?
Styx

What is something that you could give a 10 min presentation on right off the cuff?
Pretty much anything to be honest, ranging from thin-layer chromatography to language and Ai to language teaching or any aspect of scientific study of language.

If your (speaking) voice were an instrument, what do you think it would be?
Oboe maybe? A violin? Idk.

What was a memorable interaction that you had on campus this week?
I had lunch with Sean Ebels-Duggan and we talked about Wittgenstein.

Ellie Garcia

SURG

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research project looked into whether acoustic prosody differed between individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and those with typical development. FXS results from an X-linked mutation of increase CGG DNA repeats in the FMR1 gene and is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including intellectual disability and deficits in communication. Prosody refers to the rhythm, rate, and intonation of speech, and therefore is very important for communication. FXS is the most commonly known genetic condition associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and while there is a wealth of research on prosodic abilities in ASD, there is not much for FXS. Wanting to address this research gap, I decided to focus in on the intonation of speech, which can be measured as the pitch of a person’s voice, and looked at how pitch variables compared between FXS and control participants for utterances with various communicative intents. Afterwards, I also looked at correlations between the pitch of FXS participants and FMR1-related genetic variations, hoping to gain a better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of FXS in relation to communication. I found that in certain speech contexts, individuals with FXS exhibited greater variation in their pitch than controls and there was a correlation between number of CGG repeats and pitch variation.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I initially joined my lab because I had a strong interest in neurodevelopmental disorders after volunteering at a summer camp for kids with neurodivergence and/or physical disabilities throughout high school. Through journal clubs in my lab, I learned about FXS, and being a neuroscience major, I was fascinated by the processes causing the disorder. I also have a strong interest in both preventative and early care/therapy, so I was interested in studying prosody in FXS and looking for possible genetic markers of atypical prosody, which could theoretically be used as a factor for identify those who may benefit from early speech therapy.

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I thought of research as a really great way to explore my interests more in depth! Additionally, it allows me to satisfy both my curiosity and my desire to feel like I’m contributing to something larger than myself. Knowing how much of an impact research findings make on policies, treatments, and people’s lives in general, makes it a really exciting opportunity to me.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
I think the hardest part of research so far for me has been getting through the “grunt” work. I initially had a very idealized idea of what research would be, and thought it be super exciting all the time. However, I quickly realized that a lot of it can be very repetitive and a lot of number crunching for statistics. Despite that, it is a super rewarding process in the end, and it was really interesting to me to see the end results of all the statistics and to interpret my findings. I definitely improved my patience and persistence and also grew in my critical thinking and scientific writing skills throughout my research project.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Figure out a topic or research area that you’re really passionate about when looking for labs to join. I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking up all the different research opportunities at Northwestern, but having an idea of what you’d be excited to do really helps to guide you in the process. Also, don’t be afraid to contact a bunch of different people, it never hurts to try to reach out!

What would you name a boat if you had one?
I would probably name it Dumpling, after my dog!

Naomi Aires