GLBL Student named Undergraduate Researcher of the Week!
Lois Akomeah: Political Corruption and Poverty in Ghana
If you are interested in conducting research of your own with UMBC faculty, submitting an application for Undergraduate Research Award funding, or plan to present at URCAD next year, visit https://ur.umbc.edu/home/getting-started-in-research/ for helpful information on how to get started in undergrad research, reach out to a faculty member you may have identified as a possible research mentor, or contact GLBL advisor, Grace Castle (castl@umbc.edu) for advice on first steps!
From Undergraduate Research's MyUMBC Group:
Lois is a Global Studies major, minoring in Africana studies, who will graduate in May, 2022. She is also a URA Scholar.
Title of your research project:
Political Corruption and Poverty in Ghana
Describe your project:
My research will be addressing the correlation between political corruption and poverty. I will be using Ghana as a model country in order to examine the common themes of political corruption throughout many other nations across the world.
Who is your mentor for your project?
My mentor for my project is Dr. Christopher Brown, Global Studies department. I met my mentor through my GLBL 401 independent research class. I chose Dr. Brown because of his prior experience doing research in Ghana.
How did you become interested in this project?
I am a Global Studies major and minor in Africana studies, therefore this project not only addressed my academic focus, but would also help me formulate my own approach to a global concept, such as political corruption and poverty.
What has been the hardest part about your research/what was the most unexpected thing about being a researcher?
The most unexpected thing about this research is discovering the many other factors that play a part in my research topic. I believe that in order for me to fully conduct this research, I will need to address far more things than I planned, such as infrastructure, ethnic conflicts, and etc. Yet the unexpected widening of my research has also played a role in my growing excitement in conducting a more holistic research and global approach to political corruption and poverty in Ghana.
What has been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding aspect of this opportunity is having the chance to directly come up with my own methodology in researching my topic. It has allowed me much mobility to construct this research in a culturally appropriate manner, which I believe is important in regards to forming a more holistic research approach.
How will you disseminate your research?
I will disseminate my research through a research paper and visual representations, such as videos of the interviews and pictures of the environment.
What is your advice to other students about getting involved in research?
I advise my peers to seek many opportunities in research. Research is a way to apply the many things you are taught in class and is also a way to come up with your own resolutions on topics you are passionate about.
What are your career goals?
One of my career goals is to open up a non-profit organization that will be located in many parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. This non-profit organization will cater to the black and African youth of the community by giving them an opportunity to participate in the liberal arts, such as dance, writing, and other creative activities. I believe the future of the Black diaspora is dependent on the youth, therefore the youth should have opportunities to cater to their many forms of potential.
Posted: July 14, 2020, 10:51 AM
