Three Michigan State University students have earned the Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Award for their research projects.
The award builds the body of work authored by students that supports the ideals of inclusive excellence through topics of inclusion, diversity and marginalized populations, building from the university’s Project 60/50.
Student research papers and creative projects completed in 2016 and submitted by MSU members of the Honors College, James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College or the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities were considered.
First prize was awarded to James Madison College and Honors College senior Leon Hister for his project, “There is Nothing Civil about It: The Ties between Black Radicalism and Education.”
Second prize was awarded to James Madison College and Honors College senior Heidi Kurniawan for her project, “’America’s Best Idea’ Not for All Americans: Why Our National Parks Are So White.”
Third prize was awarded to Residential College in the Arts and Humanities senior Erin Paskus for her project, “I Break Chains All By Myself: An Exploration of Womanist Ideologies in 'Lemonade.'”
The students will receive their awards during the All-University Excellence in Diversity Awards program on Feb.13.
“We were fascinated with the various approaches students are using to research and advance inclusion within the collaborating colleges, on campus, in the community and throughout humanity,” said Kevin Brooks, academic specialist for diversity and civic engagement for RCAH. “We express our gratitude to the students who submitted their research papers and creative projects for this competition, as well as for their contributions to advancing the university’s ideals of inclusive excellence and ongoing conversations surrounding Project 60/50.”
The MLK Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Award was created in 2010 to highlight the ways in which MSU students follow King’s legacy, using their critical and creative skills to understand and re-envision the world.