By Sloane Barlow
This Friday, January 24, 2025 will mark the 8th annual Diversity Research Showcase, hosted by the Honors College.
From 1:30-4:40 p.m. at the MSU Union, the Diversity Research Showcase will feature a broad range of work focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion from undergraduate students university-wide.
This event is free to attend and open to the public. Students will give presentations which are then evaluated by two judges. The winners are announced at the concluding award ceremony.
Thanks to generous donations from program sponsors, monetary prizes from $150-$750 will be awarded to top presenters in the oral and poster categories.
Below is a preview of some of the research at this year’s showcase, which features over 60 students across 12 of MSU’s degree-granting colleges.
Analyzing enculturation through music
Lyman Briggs students Allison Doneth and Natalie Seitz, along with College of Arts and Letters student Yigit Akan, will present their group research, “Examining the Effects of Enculturation on Narratives and Interpretation of Music Excerpts”.
This study investigates how one’s imagination is impacted by cultural socialization, specifically in response to instrumental music.
By studying moments of cultural alignment and divergence in music-inspired stories, the group points toward an innovative model for linking specific structures and tempo in music to the kinds of stories people hear.
“I chose to participate in the DRS because the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion have historically not been celebrated by mainstream media,” said Doneth, who is also an Honors College student and Vice President of MOSAIC.
“To see Michigan State hosting an event like this, especially the Honors College, gives me hope for the future of research,” Doneth said.
Promoting inclusivity in voice technology
Xiangbo Cai, a College of Engineering and Honors College student, will be presenting his research titled, “Audio Data Acquisition and Transmission from PDM Microphone via Bluetooth and UART on nRF52840 Board”.
His project highlights how technology has the potential to foster inclusivity by integrating low-power design in applications like Siri and Google Assistant to account for diverse languages and accents.
This work addresses accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It also bridges cultural and linguistic gaps.
Cai was guided by his research mentor, Dr. Zhichao Cao, whom he had met through the Honors College’s Wielenga Scholars Program.
“Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be involved in innovating new ideas, inventions that could improve our world,” Cai said, “And, through this project, I hope to have taken the first step in doing so for many.”
Expanding sexual education
Sarah Fireberg of Lyman Briggs, along with Onyx Bromley and Amanda Bacon from the College of Social Science, will be presenting their group research, “Comprehensive Sex Education: Advancing Research and Support for LGBTQ+ and Non-Heterosexual Students”.
Their research aims to address gaps in inclusive sex education, with a focus on its impact on LGBTQ+ students and overall community health.
“We would like to thank the Honors College for giving us a platform and support to pursue this important work,” Fireberg said.
“We’re excited to continue this research by conducting focus groups to gather deeper insights and further advocate for comprehensive, equitable sex education,” Fireberg said.
Increasing diversity through research
Honors College Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Erika Crews is proud to be the primary coordinator of the 8th annual Diversity Research Showcase, providing an inclusive space for students to discuss their work with staff, faculty, students, and community members.
“In bringing together students from 12 different academic colleges, the Diversity Research Showcase highlights how advancing equity and inclusion is a shared responsibility, no matter the field of study,” Crews said.
“This multidisciplinary collaboration reflects the power of diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change and celebrates the innovative research happening across the university,” Crews continued.
Crews at the 2023 Diversity Research Showcase
Honors College DEIB Director Erika CrewsMedia Invitation
Press representatives are invited to attend the poster presentation and networking sessions of the Diversity Research Showcase on Friday, January 24 from 1:30-2 p.m. Please contact Melanie Brender at brenderm@msu.edu for details.