Last week, students in the Center for Integrative Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University gathered to share their research at the department's annual Undergraduate Research Forum.
Held on December 5 in Berkey Hall, the event highlighted projects from students in the Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Research Capstone courses, offering them the chance to present their work to the Spartan community. As the culmination of a one- or two-semester project, students presented and discussed their research posters, strengthening their skills in public communication and critical inquiry.
This year’s forum featured a wide range of topics, from mental health and education to athletics and cultural identity. Students explored complex social issues through interdisciplinary lenses, demonstrating how their coursework connects to real-world challenges.
Senior Olivia Gubbins, an Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science (IDS) major, shared her poster, Still, Not Silent: Belonging and Community in Mid-Michigan Libraries. “I focused on rural and urban libraries,” she said. “I wanted to see how they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and if people were still checking out books or instead, becoming more interested in e-books. I also wanted to see how it impacted youth engagement and how people see themselves in the library.”
Through her qualitative research, Olivia found that public libraries still played an essential role as community-centered spaces that support connection, accessibility, and belonging. Her work highlighted how libraries function as modern “third spaces” (informal, neutral spaces) that adapt to community needs.
For Marah Dykstra, a senior and student-athlete, viewing her research through the interdisciplinary lenses of anthropology, history, and art helped her explore how local Indigenous art strengthens community resilience.
That same spirit of integration shapes her life beyond the classroom—balancing Big Ten basketball with an IDS degree has been a rewarding challenge. “As an athlete, everything has to be done by certain deadlines, and that structure works well for me,” she explained. Her research experience has sparked an interest in nursing, showing how IDS can open doors to diverse career paths.
Another IDS senior, Andrew Tripp, explored the “fantasization of socialization” and how movie streaming shapes the way young adults connect—or disconnect—with one another. His findings suggest that endless hours of on-demand entertainment can create an illusion of social engagement while reducing real-world interaction. His advice? Put down the phone, step away from the screens, and have a face-to-face conversation. “Authentic connection happens when we’re present with people, not just watching stories unfold on a screen,” he emphasized.
“This event is really a launchpad for students to share their ideas with the world,” said Eddie Boucher, Associate Director of the Center and event coordinator. “When they translate complex social issues into compelling visual stories, they gain confidence and discover the power of their voices. Every year, we see students leave here ready to make an impact.”
To see more photos from the forum, check out our album on Facebook.