USD’s Social Sciences Inaugural Inquiry Showcase Sparks a Dynamic Exchange of Ideas

On Saturday, April 25, the inaugural Social Sciences Inquiry Showcase took center stage at the University of San Diego, turning a quiet weekend morning into a high-energy celebration of undergraduate discovery. More than 30 dedicated student scholars from across the six departments of the social sciences gathered to share their work, transforming the Learning Commons Room 107 into a vibrant hub of insight that drew more than 60 attendees from across the campus community.

The event represented a collaboration between six departments: Anthropology, Communication, Ethnic Studies, Political Science and International Relations, Psychological Sciences, and Sociology. By moving beyond traditional paper presentations, the showcase offered a mixed-format look at how we understand our world, featuring poster sessions, multimedia digital stories, and formal oral presentations. A full schedule with the titles of all the presentations can be viewed here.

“The human experience is far too complex for a single lens,” said David Syring, Professor and Chair of Anthropology and a lead organizer for the showcase. “By celebrating everything from digital narratives to data-driven posters, we empower our students to bridge the gap between rigorous inquiry and powerful storytelling, revealing the richness of the human condition.”

A Multi-Sensory Approach to Research

The showcase was designed to mirror the professional world of social science research. In two sessions, students engaged in poster sessions, explaining nuanced qualitative data and complex statistical models to visitors. “Participating in the organization of this showcase helped me understand the importance of providing the opportunity to showcase work from all disciplines,” said Alli Branch, a psychology major. Branch served on the organizing group to provide a student perspective on planning. She also presented her honors thesis research as a poster. “Every single presenter captivated my attention since I am rarely exposed to work outside of psychology,” she said. “I loved learning about exciting concepts within the social sciences as well as having the chance to present my work to people with a variety of expertise.”

In other sessions, multimedia pieces highlighted the modern evolution of the social sciences. Students used digital storytelling to breathe life into their data, a format that is becoming increasingly vital in an age of digital communication. In addition, other students delivered 12-minute oral presentations on their projects, offering the chance to hone public speaking and critical thinking skills in front of a live audience.

Celebrating Excellence

The showcase concluded with the announcement of Superior Awards. Supported by funding from the participating departments, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Associate Dean Jillian Tullis, PhD, through the Biomedical Ethics minor program, six students were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Each awardee received a $100 gift card in recognition of their scholarly achievement.

“Presenting my research at the Social Sciences Inquiry Showcase was an extremely validating experience,” said oral presentation awardee Deondré Guignard. “When doing research, especially on a deeply personal subject, it can be hard to gauge how the research will be viewed when removed from the personal connection. This opportunity not only strengthened my confidence in my understanding of the project, but also affirmed the value others can find in it.”

A Community Effort

The success of the showcase was the result of months of planning by a dedicated working group of faculty and students. Faculty members involved with the planning, included: Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations Evan Crawford, PhD; Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences Danny Forster, PhD; Chair and Professor of Sociology Thomas Riefer, PhD; Professor of Communication Susannah Stern, PhD; Chair and Professor of Anthropology David Syring, PhD; and Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies Jessica Tjiu, PhD. Student representatives included: Allison Branch, a psychology major; Valeria Ruiz Escalante, an anthropology major; and Jocelyn Yam, a neuroscience and ethnic studies major. Working together, the faculty and student planning committee ensured the event was inclusive, interdisciplinary and supportive of student success.

For those in the audience, the event was more than just a series of presentations; it was an invitation to look at the world through different lenses.

“It was intellectually stimulating to see what our peers are doing with their academic experiences,” said Taylor Newton, an anthropology major who presented a poster. “And it was really nice to have a space dedicated to social sciences because we haven’t really had that before.”

Looking Toward Next Year

As the inaugural Social Sciences Inquiry Showcase came to a close at 2 p.m., the sentiment among attendees was clear: this is only the beginning. The event successfully fostered a unique interdisciplinary dialogue, proving that whether through a digital story, a data-heavy poster or a compelling speech, the social sciences are essential to navigating the complexities of the human experience in the contemporary world.

Organizers hope to see more student work on display next spring. Whether a first year student just beginning to ask big questions or a senior finishing a thesis, there is a place for your voice at the 2027 showcase.

Students are strongly encouraged to talk to faculty mentors and professors about how to begin their own research journeys and present findings at next year’s event.