Ryan '20 Presents at Pi Sigma Alpha Student Research Conference

Emily Ryan ’20 became the first Emmanuel student to represent the College at the Psi Sigma Alpha 2020 National Student Research Conference held February 14th to February 16th.

The national political science honor society’s annual conference takes place at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to present their research projects spanning a range of topics within the field of political science. The conference also gives students the chance to work with graduate students from schools in the area who serve as discussants and panel chairs during the conference.

Ryan’s paper, “Demise in Damascus: The Syrian Economy,” combined her majors in international studies and economics, and was first presented at the Northeast Political Science Association in November 2019 as a part of a panel on Syria comprised of Emmanuel students. With the encouragement of Professor of Political Science Lenore Martin, she submitted her paper to Psi Sigma Alpha and was selected to participate in this year’s conference.

Ryan had the opportunity to present her work on an international studies panel, during which she presented her findings and answered questions from both a discussant and members of the audience. The discussant’s area of expertise was Middle Eastern studies.

The weekend provided students with a chance to network with other members of the honor society and leading researchers in the field.

“Both the experiences at the Northeast Political Science Association and the Psi Sigma Alpha conference are two amazing things I can add onto my resume,” said Ryan. “They have been a great confidence booster heading into graduation this spring, and both experiences have made me even more excited for my professional career.”

Ryan '20 Presents at Pi Sigma Alpha Student Research Conference

Emily Ryan ’20 became the first Emmanuel student to represent the College at the Psi Sigma Alpha 2020 National Student Research Conference held February 14th to February 16th.

“I’m really excited and honored to be the first Emmanuel student to attend this conference. It has opened a new door for me in terms of fostering an interest in research and writing in this style.”