Mona Ahmed


Headshot of Mona Ahmed

Student Spotlight | Summer 2018

Major:  I am a double major in Journalism and Political Science with a minor in History.

Describe your work in a few sentences that we can all understand: I am analyzing Black and White newspapers’ coverage of the Rhinelander v. Rhinelander case to understand how biracial identity portrayal has evolved in the media and society.

Q: Who mentors your project?

A: Maryemma Graham

 

Q: What surprised you about doing research?

A: What surprised me the most about doing my research is just the vast resources that are available here at the University.  

 

Q: What did you find most challenging about getting involved in or doing your project? What advice would you offer to students facing similar challenges?

A: I would tell students to really pace their research project out. It is easy to get inspired and attempt to finish your research as fast as you can. But, that will only create a burn out. Research is a marathon, not a race.  Take time to set your research aside to come back to it in a week or two. This will help clear your mind and not feel overwhelmed and frustrated.

 

Q: What do you like most about your project?

A:  I like to think of my research as a puzzle. I feel like I am trying to find the pieces I need to complete the puzzle.  I am constantly finding newspapers (puzzle pieces) that I can use to support my research question (puzzle), which is exciting because it reinforces myself that I am on to something and that my idea isn’t far fetched. I also like analyzing newspapers because I see newspapers as a reflection of society at a certain place and time. So, it is interesting to read the language that journalists used during the 1920s.

 

Q: What advice would you give to a friend wanting to get involved in research?

A: Talk out your research ideas to your friends and mentors, this will help you create a research question to answer.  Pick a topic in something you are passionate about-- it will really help you stay invested in your project in the long run. My topic and interest stemmed from my own personal experiences as being biracial in the U.S.

 

Q: How do you spend your time when you're not working on your research?

A: I work for the University Daily Kansan as a correspondent and I volunteer at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.  I also like watching romantic comedies with my sisters.