Name: Fernanda Rubi

Major: Majoring in Political Science, Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication, and Communication Studies

School Year: Senior

Hometown/Country: Managua, Nicaragua

Fun Fact: My two sisters and I share the same first name (Maria)

My Research

I Participated in a small-group independent study, advised by Dr. Mariano Magalhães, of democratic student representation in higher education in Sweden – meaning I traveled abroad to conduct my research! Research spanned from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023, with a visit to Sweden in Spring 2022.

“What was very unique about this project was that…we got to interview people. I had to be more careful….pay more attention to details. I know that…the things that I’m doing outside of the classroom…[have] bigger consequences” – Rubi

Pre-Research Impressions

“I have this idea that the research faculty do is something impossible. I was like, ‘Oh, it’s just so professional…I’m gonna graduate, and I won’t be able to do this type of research.’ But I [have since] realized that it’s something attainable” – Rubi

Skills Learned From Undergraduate Research

• Boosted confidence in writing for a specific audience
• Importance of reviewing and revising your work
• Attention to detail

Takeaways

“Through the project, I confirmed my passions…When I was looking at possible job opportunities…I know that [they] are going to be a great fit, because obviously, I’ve done research for two years now.” – Rubi