MACON — Four Mercer University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students recently presented at the 2024 Popular Culture Association in the South and American Culture Association in the South (PCAS/ACAS) conference in Greenville, South Carolina.
Ivana Opoku, a finance major, won the honorable mention award for Inclusive Scholarship for her presentation on her paper titled “Examining the Expression of Gendered Violence and Rage in the Black Body Through the Works of Audre Lorde and Kendrick Lamar.” The Inclusive Scholarship category included both faculty and graduate student submissions.
“Not only did I have the pleasure of being in the audience as scholars shared their revelatory research, I also had the honor of sharing mine to individuals who showed a true appreciation for my thoughts,” Opoku said. “I was exposed to so many ideas. I constantly found myself electrified by the discourse prompted by these topics.”
Allie Hodges, a theater major, presented, “From Poor Homes to a Poor Life: How the Case of Joshua Bishop Can Help Save Future Generations of Children.”
Mandia Roberts, a Global Health studies major, presented “Examining Ableist Perspectives of Disability: A Comparison Between Forrest Gump and Crip Camp.”
Roberts, a second-time attendee, said she was thrilled to attend the conference.
“It has given me the unique opportunity to present research that is truly important to me, while enhancing my knowledge and perspectives on American popular culture and its global implications,” she said.
Laila Siyam, a kinesiology major, presented her paper titled “Medical Television Shows and Their Fight Against Racial Disparities Within the American Health Care System.”
“Mercer’s commitment to supporting its students in their research endeavors and providing them with opportunities to share their research at conferences, such as the ACAS/PCAS, is something I am immensely grateful for,” Siyam said. “My experiences presenting at, and attending, this conference have not only helped me expand my knowledge but also helped me grow as an individual.”
All of the students participated in the University’s integrative studies (INT) program, where students wrestle with challenging questions from multiple perspectives. The INT courses challenge students to use their knowledge and skills to understand and address complex issues.
Dr. Kevin Cummings, professor of communication studies and theatre arts, said the INT program helped the students learn to write effectively on the topics that interest them, which helped them better prepare their presentations for the conference.
“One of the amazing benefits of integrative studies at Mercer University is the many conversations we begin with our first-year students in INT 101 that develop as they gain expertise in their major,” he said. “I am delighted to be a part of the program that helped them along the way and am incredibly proud of their work.”
Along with publishing two journals, the PCAS/ACAS meet annually to present and discuss ideas about popular culture, American culture and culture worldwide.
