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Behavioral Science Students in the Spotlight
National conference features human trafficking research from Wilmington University
Human trafficking is a global problem with a local face. Three Wilmington University behavioral science students who have studied its impact in the mid-Atlantic region are hoping to raise awareness of the issue with their research at a conference this week.
Master's student Kimberly Colder and bachelor's students Laurie Guinard and Kaitlin Meinhaldt will present papers they've written on responses to human trafficking at the Eastern Sociological Society's annual meeting, scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown from February 23 to February 26.
The organization's 2017 conference, which focuses on the theme of "The End of the World as We Know It?" is attracting attention from and featuring presentations by academic researchers nationwide.
"It's a great professional opportunity for Wilmington University students," said Dr. Johanna Bishop, director of behavioral science programs. "It lets them play in the big leagues and position themselves a little ahead of the curve."
It also shows the opportunities the university offers its students, she said. "This fulfills our mission. Wilmington University offers educational experience that is rooted in practice."
Colder, Guinard and Meinhaldt collaborated on "Exploring the Dark Side of the World As We Know It: A Descriptive Case Study of Human Trafficking Awareness in A Mid-Atlantic State," a paper that probes the public awareness — or the lack of public awareness — of the growing social problem.
In "News Made, News Ignored, and News Noted: How News Reports of Human Trafficking Have Influenced Public Awareness," Colder and Guinard review how the issue has been covered by the region's mass media. And in Meinhaldt's "Religion, Rescues, and Rehabilitation: Faith Based Organizations & Human Trafficking," she demonstrates how recognition of and response to the issue has frequently become a job for non-governmental groups.
The three students arrived at human trafficking awareness as a topic for academic study through Dr. Bishop's July 2016 symposium on the issue, for which they'd volunteered to help with registering attendees, organizing events, moderating panels, and ultimately assisting Dr. Bishop with research projects for credit.
"They really demonstrated, over and over again, that they were capable of undertaking this," said Dr. Bishop, who submitted abstracts of their papers to the Eastern Sociological Society for consideration. "They all have their own different perspectives and talents. That's what made this team work so well. Plus, their work was so good, and they were ready to present it."
It's still a brand-new experience for these students, though. "I think we are all a little nervous, but very excited nonetheless," said Guinard. "Dr. Bishop has given the three of us an amazing opportunity, and I'm sure I speak for us all when I say that I hope we live up to her expectations."
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.