Deborah's research project focuses
on U.S. immigration policy and practice and its impact on
criminal aliens of Caribbean descent. She is reviewing legal
research and the analysis of official data on crime statistics
and immigration.
Please describe your UROP project.
We are using empirical data collected through taped
face-to-face interviews and the analysis of legal documents to explore
relationships between crime and immigration policy. I am doing extensive legal research, literacy reviews and analysis, database searching,
interview transcription, and data entry.
How did you get involved in research?
I always wanted to do research, but I never looked for opportunities. I first
heard about programs in the place for students by visiting the Office of
Research and speaking to Andre Louis. He mentioned the UROP program and this
project and I've been hooked since.
How has participating in research impacted your education?
Being involved in research has given me an appreciation for how to gain new
knowledge. The material I've learned in class was helpful, but getting hands-on
experience really gave me the extra boost I needed. I am now able to view
learning in a night light. Now I get to see all the work that goes into
producing the material I see in a textbook or the articles I read in a journal.
I can now say that I'm in the small and select group of students who have really
done research!
What has been the most satisfying aspect of your research experience?
The time I've spent doing research has done wonders for me. It has helped me
figure out who am I and what I can do. One the very first day of my project, I
was scared out of my mind. But over time, I became more and more comfortable
with the work and I got a great deal of encouragement from my faculty sponsor
and the Research office. What started off as a frightening and difficult process
of first getting started wound up being an amazing experience.
What are your future plans? How has participating in research helped you in
preparing for those future plans?
My future plans are to get an advanced degree in Social Work. Doing research has
put me one step closer in the pursuit of that dream.
What advice would you give to students interested in being involved in
research?
Every student should make it a priority to do
research, no matter what field you're studying. There are plenty of
opportunities available at UM-Flint for students who really want it. But it's
going to fall in your lap. You have to also put in the work. Stop by the
Research office, talk to faculty, do the work! If you have an area you're
passionate about, you will find plenty of resources to help you. Take advantage!
