The History Graduate Student Association (HGSA) sponsored a Roots of Contemporary Issues (RCI) conference. Students with top research projects in History 105/305 from Fall semester were invited to present their research to current students and community members (including, naturally, moms and families). Prizes were awarded for the best papers, supported by the George & Bernadine Converse Historical Endowment. Presentations were well attended and inspired spirited discussion. Members of our faculty volunteered their time to moderate and judge the panel discussions. The organization and mentoring for this event was led by HGSA, including Brian Stack, Jason Hogstad, Calen Rau, Karl Krotke-Crandal and Renee Torres. Following is a summary of the event:
Best Overall Presentation
- Adam Whittier (Digital Technology and Culture, Tri-Cities), “A Vehicle for Change,” which discussed the automobile’s impact on twentieth-century American social structure.
“Best of Panel” winners
- Antony J. Randolph (Food Science and Human Nutrition), “The Impact of Oil on Azerbaijan during the Late 19th Century and Early 20th Century.”
- Adarrah Opachan (Business Administration), “The Systematic Oppression of the Modern Woman,” which focused on late nineteenth-century France.
- Precelia Derricks (Neuroscience, Psychology, and History triple major), “Israelis v. Palestinians: The Holocaust, Religion, and the Western World.”
Congratulations to the undergraduate students, as well as the graduate students who successfully organized this event. Finally, a warm thanks to all the faculty who volunteered: Ken Faunce, Karen Phoenix, Charles Weller, Raymond Sun, and Lawrence Hatter.