For example, Alexandra Lum examined the dual nature of lithium extraction, highlighting its economic and long-term benefits for the green transition while investigating environmental, social, and economic impacts. Through case studies in Chile and Portugal, she explored the impacts on ecosystems, water systems, and human communities. Using multi-criteria decision-making, she assessed policy options and developed sustainable solutions to navigate the complexities of lithium mining in the face of climate change and sustainable development.
“One of the most inspiring conclusions to draw from the symposium is just how promising this current generation of students is,” said Sylvia Tidey, associate professor in Global Studies and Anthropology. “Adhering to the future-oriented theme of the symposium, the students not only masterfully tackled difficult problems of global relevance but also offered us a glimpse of a better world yet to come. Just leave it to them.”
Students Showcase their Projects at Global Studies Annual Symposium
Students Showcase their Projects at Global Studies Annual Symposium
he Newcomb Hall Ballroom was bustling with over 300 student presenters as Global Studies celebrated Global Futures: A Global Studies Symposium last week. Students shared research on environmental sustainability and conservation; public health; global politics and economics; justice, identity and social movements; technology, surveillance and ethics; and engaging the global in Virginia. Projects like “Sand: A Quiet Crisis,” “Modern Caste Dynamics on Indian Business and Economics,” “Barriers to Societal Inclusion for Children with Disabilities in Rural Africa,” and more were on display.
While most participants were fourth-year students presenting their capstone theses, students from other Global Studies classes (and non-Global Studies majors) participated as well. The symposium that started in 2022 to bring together the Global Studies community has quickly become a much-awaited annual event.
“The 2024 Global Futures symposium showcased timely and rigorous student research that explored a rich range of pressing global challenges and proposed positive strategies for action,” said Phoebe Crisman, Director of Global Studies.
Students also got creative with re-imagining the poster presentation format and found ways to exceed its confines. For instance, in her project “Feast,” Naomi Suber addressed the intricate relationship between property rights, farming, and food insecurity through the art of poetry. To communicate her message stressing the need to amplify marginalized voices, challenge dominant narratives, and promote equitable access to land and food sovereignty, Naomi drew on the power of poetry. Her evocative poems added artistic depth to her project – and so inspired some audience members that they took them home.
“Perhaps more impressive than the sheer volume of students who participate in our symposium each year is the vast range of topics our students tackle. No stone is left unturned, no question is too great or too small," said Caterina Eubanks, Manager of the Global Studies Program.
The program also invited Laurent Berger, from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (Paris), to lecture on “Towards a Comparative Anthropology of Globalizations: Outline of a Research Program in Global Studies.”
The event concluded with an alumni panel and networking mixer. “The Global Studies faculty is so proud of the accomplishments of our students,” said Crisman.
More Information:
Global Studies
2024 Global Futures Symposium
