As I near the halfway mark of my final semester at GW, graduate school applications have helped me look back on my undergraduate career and understand the aspects of it that have made the deepest impressions on my intellectual and personal development. Upon this reflection, I have found that the research I conducted while in Namibia during the summer of 2017—what became my honors thesis this past spring—has been my most meaningful undertaking as an undergraduate.
I was in Namibia as a WorldTeach volunteer, teaching grades 4-12 ICT and English language. While there, I noticed the effects of the extreme drought the region had been experiencing since 2012. One of my close friends, a local geography teacher, helped me understand the climatic changes the area was undergoing. These conversations inspired what would become my honors thesis, which aimed to answer the following question: which factors lead to successful projects which seek to address climate change-related issues through mitigation and/or adaptation? To answer this question, I began anthropological field research, interviewing local farmers, community members, and government workers to understand their perspectives.
Upon my return to GWU, I participated in the year-long Elliott School Undergraduate Research Scholars program where I used my study in Namibia as the basis for my honors thesis: “Environmental Development and Sustainability in Southern Africa: A Case Study of Government-Led Drought Relief in Namibia.”
Through the Undergraduate Scholars program, my research became far more than I ever could have expected. I presented my research at symposiums at GW, Research Days, and I even had the opportunity to present my findings at the Midwest Political Science Association’s annual conference in Chicago. After working for a year on this project I was left with a paper I was proud of and that has inspired me to pursue further education and continue my research.
I realize that without this opportunity to write a thesis I may never have discovered my passion for research that helps us understand the complex social phenomena surrounding climate change. Knowing how important research has been to my undergraduate experience, I am now involved in an organization that seeks to support other undergraduates as they pursue independent research: the Student Research Forum. Through workshops, presentations, and symposia, the SRF empowers GW students to harness their research for academic and career enrichment.
If you are currently working on a research project as part of a thesis, capstone, or class or just for your own personal interest; if you are an underclassman who is thinking about starting research later in your academic career and wants to learn more about resources at GW; or if you just want to support your peers in their endeavors, there is a place for you at SRF.
If you are interested in learning more about SRF events, please fill out this form and visit our website.
Our first event of the year is a Research Roundtable, coming up on October 23. This Roundtable is an informal event where you can bring any project you have been working on in any discipline and seek advice and guidance from peers. Take this opportunity to prepare for final presentations of research papers for class, your senior thesis, or other projects you have been working on throughout the semester. You can also come to support your peers and hear about the incredible projects undergraduates are working on.
The event will be held at 7:15pm at the GW Innovation Center, Tompkins Hall Room M06. Sign up here.
If you would like to become even more involved with the SRF, we are still looking for new board members for 2018-2019. Joining the SRF board is a great way to gain leadership experience and become more involved in the undergraduate research community at GW. Underclassmen are encouraged to join. For more information please contact the SRF at gwusrf@gmail.com.
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University Honors Program Blog
Intellectual Omnivores Unite
