IUP Asian Studies had 10 students present at the third annual Pittsburgh Asia Consortium Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Pittsburgh on February 21, 2015.
The Pittsburgh Asia Consortium (PAC) is a collaboration of academic and nonprofit organizations in and around the greater Pittsburgh area. PAC aims to foster greater knowledge and understanding about Asia by bringing together organizations with an interest in educating academics, students, and the community about Asia. Members include IUP, the University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, Saint Vincent College, Duquesne University, Carlow University, Grove City College, Chatham University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Washington & Jefferson College.
Student presenters included:
Ann Boccuti (Management): Evolution of the Chinese Family
Alexandra Conces (Religious Studies): The Revival of Historical Hindu Dancing
Peter Crivellaro (Anthropology): Demystifying Asia's Gender Imbalance
Amelia Eggan (Anthropology): Cambodia's Civil Society
Cody Golden (Anthropology): The Truth Behind Memoirs of a Geisha and its Depiction of Geisha
Daniel Hatooka (Management): Iraq and Indonesia: The Road to Economic Development
Kathleen Lackey (Political Science): Hezbollah Service Provisions and Group Endurance
Ellen Raum (Political Science): Cut Sleeves and Rainbow Flags: The History and Transformation of LGBT Rights in China
Jessica Vickers (Political Science): Dualistic Monotheism: The Zoroastrian Question
Joseph Yaure (History): Beards of Persia: The Evolution of Power, Masculinity, and Solidarity in Iran
Research and Presentation Experience
Before the conference, students worked with IUP faculty mentors to hone and develop their research papers. In addition, to ensure that was prepared for presenting in a conference setting, all participating students were asked to do a "practice" presentation in front of their colleagues and IUP Asian Studies faculty before the day of the conference.
The conference gave IUP students an opportunity to develop their own research, improve their writing and presentation skills, network with other students and faculty, and gain valuable experience.