C&I PhD Students Showcase Research at National Women's Studies Association Annual Conference in Detroit

The National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) annual conference in Detroit, MI, was held on November 14–17. PhD students: Amy Lyga (CaT), Lissa Surrette (CaT & Elementary Ed.), and EJ Burnley (Arts Ed.). Each presented thought-provoking sessions that reflect the diversity and depth of their research. Here are their presentations:

“And How Are You Defining Partnership?: Combatting Empire Dependency through Critical Connections and Collectivity”. Lissa Surrette, Amy Lyga, & Keitha-Gail Martin-Kerr explored the importance of critical connections in resisting colonial structures.

“Unsettling White Teacher Identity Development”. Amy Lyga examined the complexities of white teacher identity and its implications for education and social justice.

“The Guilt of Existing: A Poor White Girl’s Journey to Feminist Marxism and her Contradictory Existence in the University”. Lissa Surrette shared her personal journey into feminist Marxism and the contradictions she navigates as a poor white woman in academia.

“Scholar Mama: An Exploration of the ‘Scholar Mom’ Identity Using Arts-Based Research Methodologies”. Emily Jane (EJ) Burnley presented an innovative arts-based exploration of the 'Scholar Mom' identity and its intersection with academic life.