HUMANITIES Conference Highlight | Natalia Lopez
Natalia Lopez
Program of Study: Humanities Bachelor of University Studies - Latina/o/x Studies
Conference/Event Name: Southwestern Social Sciences Association (SSSA pronounced Triple-S A)
Name of project/research: Examining Differences in Opinions on Air Quality Policy in Salt Lake County
Q: What drew you to this conference/presentation?
A: It was recommended by my professors as a great way to get introduced to attending conferences and it was fully paid for by my research program (HAPPIEST).
Q: What are you passionate about? Did this conference/presentation correlate with that interest?
A: I'm passionate about learning. I love a variety of subjects, but I'm really interested in the interdisciplinary study of Latinos in the United States.
Q: How well have the classes you’ve taken prepared you for this conference/presentation?
A: The classes I've taken certainly helped but it was SPUR and HAPPIEST, my summer research program that really helped me with presentation skills.
“I've always been a good public speaker, but I'd never presented my own research before I did the summer research symposium here at the U and I learned it's a lot easier than it seems. You already know what you're talking about, the hard part is knowing when to stop.”
Q: What career development skills have you gained from this opportunity?
A: I think communication skills are honestly the biggest thing I've developed in this research opportunity; I used to be so scared of sending an email and now I write several a day.
Q: Is there a specific project/assignment you worked on that lead you to this opportunity? If so, what was it?
A: I just got lucky in being selected for SPUR/HAPPIEST, which then led to my current Wilkes Scholar Award to continue the research. A special thank you to my mentors Sara Grineski and Tim Collins for giving me this opportunity
Q: Have you faced any obstacles or challenges during this conference/presentation If so, what?
A: Just the road bumps of doing something for the first time. I've had several moments where I realized I messed something up and had to do it all over again.
Q: Is this something you would do again?
A: Absolutely, and I'm excited to continue my research work through SPUR again with Dr. Ed Muñoz.
“Know what your goals are, don't be afraid of writing and find people who will be in your corner no matter what."
Q: How did you apply for this opportunity? Walk us through the process please!
A: It was originally though the SPUR application, which was several short papers about me, and some letters of recommendation. For the conference it was just an abstract submission.
Q: What has been the biggest take-away from this experience?
A: Research is something I want to pursue in the future!