By Jordan Beaubois, News Editor
(Left) Professor Roger Durham, (Back Left) Aiden Butler, (Forward Left) Ethan Tennant, (Center) Emily Bissett, (Back Right) Grace Wilson, & (Forward Right) Jenna Daschke all in attendance at the MIPSA Conference at Saginaw State University Campus. Photo by Professor Durham
Over this Fall Break was the annual Michigan Political Science Association (MIPSA) conference where some of Michigans’ brightest minds convene to present their works involving political science, international relations, and various other political topics. The conference was hosted and took place at Saginaw Valley State University. Aquinas College had four students, one graduate, and one Professor of Aquinas attend this conference; Students Emily Bissett, Aiden Butler, Ethan Tennant, Grace Wilson, Aquinas Alum Jenna Daschke and Professor Roger Durham.
Wilson did her presentation on The International Refugee Regime: An Analysis of Ukrainian Refugee Treatment in Poland, Germany, and Russia. Wilson is a senior majoring in Political Science and International Studies with current applications sent out to law schools. Her presentation outlines the role of democracy in influencing the actions of nation-states, especially in how it relates to the treatments of refugees. “A great way to meet more political scientists in the area… Sharing ideas allows for greater collaboration as well as the creation of new ideas and projects. I am glad I was able to attend and present,” said Wilson.
Tennant conducted his presentation on Guatemala in Periphery: the 1954 Coup d’État and the Guatemalan Civil War. Tennant who is also a student of Political Science and History, and he has a particular interest both in local politics and Latin America politics. Aquinas Graduate of Political Science and International studies, Daschke demonstrated her topic on Unpacking American Exceptionalism: Exploring Its Influence on College Students’ Global Literacy. Bissett brought her expertise on Insular Areas of the United States: The Case of Guam and Dependencia to the floor of the conference. Finally, Butler presented the crowd his topic on, The Setting Sun: An Analysis and Solution Regarding Japan’s Future to the conference. Professor Durham provided his service as Chair during some sessions and participated in roundtable discussions at the event.
Not only is MIPSA a titular conference for all those intrigued, involved, or enveloped by political science and international relations, but it also serves as a catalyst of minds innovative and experienced for one week a year. Its informative design continues to prove invaluable to those who participated.
The Saint 