Welcome!

Dear Members of the William & Mary Community, Visiting Presenters, and Guests: 

As I write this welcome letter for my third Graduate Research Symposium, I'm filled with profound appreciation and excitement. What began as a mission to rebuild this cherished event after the pandemic has blossomed into something remarkable. Each year, I have witnessed firsthand how this gathering strengthens our academic community and creates lasting connections.

I am delighted to welcome you to a celebration of scholarship that brings together an extraordinary group of junior scholars. The heart of this Symposium is rendered present in its interdisciplinary spirit -- where conversations between historians and biologists, economists and literary scholars, chemists and anthropologists -- come together to create unexpected insights and new possibilities for research.

Our program is rich with opportunities for learning and connection. We're thrilled to cap the first day of the Symposium on Thursday evening with a special GRS-edition of Journal Club, featuring dynamic lightning talks from 5:30-7 PM in the Tidewater Room. Join us for food, drinks, and invigorating discussion (please note that a government-issued photo ID is required to consume alcoholic beverages). 

This year, we are honored to host 72 graduate students who come from William & Mary's Arts & Sciences programs, alongside colleagues from across Virginia and beyond.  Our program also features 28 outstanding poster presentations, representing research from diverse disciplines and institutions. From UVA to the College of Charleston as well as George Mason University, the University of New Hampshire, and James Madison University among others, our presenters embody the dynamic and varied landscape of contemporary scholarship. 

We've also crafted two thought-provoking Lunch & Learn sessions for Friday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30. You can choose between "Gen AI: The Ethics of Use in Research" or "Beyond the Paper: The Hidden Curriculum of Conferencing." These pre-registered events will offer valuable insights into both emerging challenges and professional development in academia. 

None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of our William & Mary graduate faculty, staff, administration, and the A&S Graduate Studies Advisory Board. I owe special thanks to Dr. Sarah Glosson, whose guidance as Director of the A&S Graduate Center has been invaluable. I am also grateful for the dedication of Chasity Roberts as well as the GRS Organizing Committee, all of whom have worked very hard to make this symposium a reality. 

As we gather together this weekend, I invite you to embrace the spirit of curiosity that defines William & Mary's graduate community. Strike up conversations with presenters from unfamiliar fields, ask questions that challenge conventional thinking, and allow yourself to be inspired by the innovative research happening across the disciplines. 

 With gratitude, 

Jay Jolles, American Studies
GRS Organizing Committee Chair 

GRS Student Organizing Committee Members
Carly Barnhardt - American Studies - Communications Sub-Committee Chair

Kit Bauserman - American Studies
Jessica Brabble - History - Volunteer Sub-Committee Chair
Morgan Brittain - American Studies - Program Sub-Committee Chair
Jenn Browne - Anthropology
Justin Estreicher - History
Claudia Garcia-Mendoza - American Studies
Taylor Garrison - History - Members-at-Large Sub-Committee Co-Chair
Kathryn Gour - Psychological Sciences - Members-at-Large Sub-Committee Co-Chair
Victoria Gum - Anthropology
Aidan Lucas - Applied Science - Tech Wizard
Bryce Marin - Computer Science
Reid Pierce - American Studies
Pravin Sharma - Applied Science
Katy Telling - History