William Merrix, a linguistics and computer science student, spent six and a half weeks in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to learn about the role of language in politics. He conducted interviews and focus groups to learn more about the use of the local creole language Nouchi and how it helps people conceptualize political agency and human rights.
“We take language for granted. It’s just something we have, and we use it every day,” he said. “A lot of people I don’t think realize how impactful it can be in applications to social settings, to politics, to whatever field you’re studying. To go abroad and do rigorous academic research is really a privilege, and I’m really appreciative for that opportunity.”
Behavioral neuroscience student Nilaja Grant presented her research observing empathy-like consolation behavior in pre-adolescent mice. Her research was done as part of an Honors in the Major thesis project and funded by an IDEA Grant.
“I have learned so much. It’s incredible,” Grant said. “Stuff like this is not what you’d learn in an intro class. I got to dive more into the details of stuff that I’m interested in, working with a faculty member who’s just as interested in it as I am. I’m so happy I chose FSU because we have opportunities like this.”
For more information about undergraduate research opportunities, visit cre.fsu.edu.
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