Retrieving the Social Sciences · UMBC Center for Social Science Scholarship

Ep. 18: URCAD ’22 w/ Avnee Sharma, Jess Sellner, Elyssa Lou, & Joshua F. Gray

May 2, 2022·32 min·3 clips

Ian Anson reveals why UMBC's undergraduate research projects are mind-blowingly awesome and not what you'd expect.

This episode of Retrieving the Social Sciences features host Ian Anson interviewing four UMBC undergraduates who presented research at the university's URCAD conference. The featured students are Avni Sharma, Eliza Liu, Jess Sellner, and Joshua Gray. Anson emphasizes the high quality and timeliness of these undergraduate research projects. Avni Sharma, a cultural anthropology major, investigated the experiences of South Asian American women navigating mental health care. Her research specifically explored the tension between Western therapeutic models and traditional cultural frameworks. Jess Sellner's project analyzed the language used in Maryland legislation concerning police reform and accountability. Eliza Liu conducted a study on the social and academic integration of transfer students within the UMBC community. Joshua Gray's research focused on public perceptions and media framing of urban forestry initiatives in Baltimore. Sharma's work highlighted how cultural stigma and family dynamics can create barriers to seeking mental health support. She discussed the concept of "model minority" stereotypes and their impact on help-seeking behaviors. Sellner's legislative analysis identified key terms and rhetorical strategies used to either empower or constrain police oversight. Liu's findings revealed specific challenges transfer students face in building social networks and accessing campus resources. Gray examined how local news outlets portray tree-planting programs, linking coverage to community engagement levels. A key insight was Sharma's observation that mental health discussions within families often prioritize academic success over emotional well-being. Sellner noted that legislative language frequently framed accountability measures as logistical burdens rather than ethical imperatives. Liu discovered that transfer students often developed unique strategies for integration that differed from first-year students. Gray found that media coverage emphasizing economic benefits of urban forestry garnered more positive public reaction than ecological arguments. The episode maintains an educational and celebratory tone, structured as a series of concise interview segments. Anson's hosting style is enthusiastic and supportive, aiming to showcase student achievements. Listeners interested in cutting-edge undergraduate research or specific topics in cultural anthropology, political rhetoric, higher education, or environmental communication would enjoy this episode. Those seeking deep dives into a single research methodology or lengthy expert debates might find the survey format too brief.

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