Three Howard College students recently presented original research at the Mid-South Sociological Association (MSSA) Meeting in Nashville, gaining valuable professional experience and contributing to meaningful discussions on social issues.
The MSSA Meeting is an annual event that brings together sociologists and students from across the Southeast, supporting professional development and fostering connections within the field.
Under the mentorship of Theresa Davidson, professor of sociology, the students’ presentations addressed critical topics, underscoring Samford’s commitment to academic rigor and community engagement.
Senior Mary Baker presented her research on “Gendered Fear of Crime,” exploring how gender influences perceptions of safety.
Senior Katie McGinley examined “The Relationship Between Individualism and Mental Health,” shedding light on mental health trends in individualistic societies.
“MSSA was a great opportunity for me to meet some of the sociology community in the Southeast,” said McGinley. “I feel more learned and prepared from having attended. It was a great opportunity!
Senior Shaun O’Neil shared his findings on “Acculturation vs. Religiosity of Latinos in the U.S.,” investigating the role of faith within cultural adaptation processes.
“The conversations we shared as sociologists with students and professors cultivated academic networking and interdisciplinary collaboration within sociological disciplines," said O’Neil.
Each project sparked engaging discussions with peers and faculty, highlighting the relevance of these issues in today’s society.
“The MSSA gave students the opportunity to share their original research with an audience of peers and sociology faculty,” said Davidson. “Their presentations generated important questions and animated discussion. They also had the opportunity to network with other sociology students and learn about all the exciting student research that is happening across the South.”
In addition to her mentorship, Davidson was honored at a special reception recognizing her leadership and contributions to the MSSA community. Her dedication to student success and her commitment to advancing sociology education have made a lasting impact.
