How to Turn GRA Data into Conference Proposals
Dr. Renee Jordan shares her journey of transforming GRA data into impactful conference proposals, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement, hands-on learning, and continuous improvement in research. Tune in to learn how to navigate the research process and develop your scholarship!
Welcome and Introduction
- Host: Dr. Renee Jordan, Black-Liberation.Tech podcast.
- Topic: Turning graduate research assistantship (GRA) data into conference proposals.
- Introduction to the NSF-funded AMAYS project: Acquainting Metro Atlanta Youth with STEM.
- Role of Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).
Joining the AMAYS Project
- Dr. Jordan's entry into the AMAYS project in June 2015.
- Discussion about preliminary doctoral seminar courses and advising conversations.
- Dr. Jordan's proactive approach to seeking opportunities and expressing interest in assisting with curriculum development.
Curriculum Development and Alpha Test
- Dr. Jordan's curriculum development work during the first year of the grant.
- Launch of the alpha test in summer 2016: Overview and activities involving MIT App Inventor.
- Importance of seeking and creating opportunities during doctoral programs.
Qualitative Research and Conference Proposals
- Role of qualitative research in the AMAYS project.
- Dr. Jordan's coursework in qualitative research and use of alpha test data for a research project.
- Emphasis on the importance of presenting during doctoral programs and engaging actively.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Participant observations and informal interviews.
- Importance of qualitative data in complementing quantitative data and informing project modifications.
- Use of qualitative data for providing updates to NSF.
Developing a Conference Proposal
- Using primary data collected during GRA for conference proposals.
- Integrating research interests and methodologies.
- Exploring Afrocentricity and Ubuntu philosophies and their impact on research approaches.
Permissions and Ethics
- Importance of obtaining permission from PI and Co-PIs for using data.
- Ethical considerations and ownership of data collected during research assistantships.
Crafting a Conference Proposal
- Process of developing a unique research focus within the AMAYS project.
- Example of exploring student interactions with technology beyond the program's scope.
Hands-On Learning and Feedback
- Benefits of working with primary data for hands-on research experience.
- Receiving feedback from professors, mentors, and colleagues.
- Practical application of research skills and enhancing learning experience.
Submission and Presentation
- Dr. Jordan's experience submitting and presenting her first single-author paper at AERA.
- Importance of family, friends, and academic community support during presentations.
Continuous Improvement and Growth
- Encouraging students to use research projects for scholarship development.
- Serving as a reviewer for conferences and journals.
- Reflecting on feedback for continuous improvement and growth as a researcher.
Closing Remarks
- Encouragement for students to engage in research actively.
