How to Turn GRA Data into Conference Proposals

Dr. Renee Jordan shares her journey of transforming GRA data into impactful conference proposals, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement, hands-on learning, and continuous improvement in research. Tune in to learn how to navigate the research process and develop your scholarship!

Welcome and Introduction

• Host: Dr. Renee Jordan, Black-Liberation.Tech podcast.
• Topic: Turning graduate research assistantship (GRA) data into conference proposals.
• Introduction to the NSF-funded AMAYS project: Acquainting Metro Atlanta Youth with STEM.
• Role of Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Joining the AMAYS Project

• Dr. Jordan's entry into the AMAYS project in June 2015.
• Discussion about preliminary doctoral seminar courses and advising conversations.
• Dr. Jordan's proactive approach to seeking opportunities and expressing interest in assisting with curriculum development.

Curriculum Development and Alpha Test

• Dr. Jordan's curriculum development work during the first year of the grant.
• Launch of the alpha test in summer 2016: Overview and activities involving MIT App Inventor.
• Importance of seeking and creating opportunities during doctoral programs.

Qualitative Research and Conference Proposals

• Role of qualitative research in the AMAYS project.
• Dr. Jordan's coursework in qualitative research and use of alpha test data for a research project.
• Emphasis on the importance of presenting during doctoral programs and engaging actively.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Participant observations and informal interviews.
• Importance of qualitative data in complementing quantitative data and informing project modifications.
• Use of qualitative data for providing updates to NSF.

Developing a Conference Proposal

• Using primary data collected during GRA for conference proposals.
• Integrating research interests and methodologies.
• Exploring Afrocentricity and Ubuntu philosophies and their impact on research approaches.

Permissions and Ethics

• Importance of obtaining permission from PI and Co-PIs for using data.
• Ethical considerations and ownership of data collected during research assistantships.

Crafting a Conference Proposal

• Process of developing a unique research focus within the AMAYS project.
• Example of exploring student interactions with technology beyond the program's scope.

Hands-On Learning and Feedback

• Benefits of working with primary data for hands-on research experience.
• Receiving feedback from professors, mentors, and colleagues.
• Practical application of research skills and enhancing learning experience.

Submission and Presentation

• Dr. Jordan's experience submitting and presenting her first single-author paper at AERA.
• Importance of family, friends, and academic community support during presentations.

Continuous Improvement and Growth

• Encouraging students to use research projects for scholarship development.
• Serving as a reviewer for conferences and journals.
• Reflecting on feedback for continuous improvement and growth as a researcher.

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement for students to engage in research actively.