PSIA Student to Conduct Research in Canada
Among the five 91ÁÔÆæ students selected to participate in the Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink program for summer 2024 is our very own Jessica Case. Jessica, a junior from Gainesville, GA, is pursuing a degree in International Affairs with a European concentration. At the University of Winnipeg she intends to examine how to counter disinformation and misinformation that is being spread about Ukraine within Canada. Her 91ÁÔÆæ mentors include Dr. Bibek Chand and Dr. Jon Miner.
The provides sophomores and juniors the opportunity to conduct 10-12 weeks (about 3 months) of fully funded research in Canada between May and August. 91ÁÔÆæ had one student take part in the program in 2023.
Jessica is excited about learning more about disinformation and misinformation because “it’s a topic that touches everything.” She highlights that she has always found disinformation fascinating, even outside of academics. When asked what prompted her to take on this research, she said “I work for a non-profit that hosts Model United Nations conferences and at one of these conferences, my committee discussed this topic after I had helped write the 20-page research background guide. Also, over the past year and a half, I, along with my research partner Nathanel Hines and with the help of Dr. Chand as our research mentor, investigated the political rhetoric used by different heads of state regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. When I was looking at applying for Fulbright Canada-Mitacs, I saw that they had a project that encapsulated both ideas, so I applied, and the rest is history!”
Her goal is to one day work for the United Nations or as a diplomat. She credits Drs. Chand and Miner with inspiring her as advisers for Model United Nations, of which she currently serves as president at 91ÁÔÆæ’s Dahlonega Campus.
“They want the best for me, and they constantly push me out of my comfort zone into new academic pursuits that will help me grow,” Case said.