Honors student takes research to the national stage
India Cox, an Honors College junior majoring in Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, recently had the opportunity to present her research at a national conference. While at the conference, Cox was able to present her work and meet with other like-minded researchers and scholars. Read more about Cox's research, her time in Honors and more below.
Can you talk about your research presentation?
I presented my original meta-analysis, “The Effects of HTR1B, MAOA, and DRD2 genes with Neglect of Environmental Concurrence on the likelihood of Incarceration amongst Individuals with No Family History of Incarceration,” at the 33rd Annual University of Maryland-Baltimore County McNair Conference. While on this trip, I was pushed to network with people from all over the country who also attended this conference. I also visited John Hopkins and met a professor with very similar interests to mine who invited me to apply to their summer research institute, I hope to work with her in the future.
What did you gain from this experience?
This conference was one of the most impactful opportunities I have ever experienced in my life. I am forever grateful for the people I connected with, the community I gained, the knowledge I absorbed, and most importantly, the platform to be heard.
How do you feel Honors helped you?
Without Honors Research Writing, I would not have been pushed past my preconceived limitations. My mentor, Faye Prichard was truly my biggest supporter through all of this. Her patience, perseverance and consistency fueled my research motivations. I thank Honors for giving me the platform to be curious, but also feed me with helpful tools to answer my curiosities. I am so grateful to have worked with Faye before she retired.
I thank Honors for giving me the platform to be curious, but also feed me with helpful tools to answer my curiosities.
What advice do you have for younger students?
In this world today, people are discouraged for their opinions, capabilities and self identity and while there are many who stand with those values, I stand on the moral principles that all people are valuable and worthy of amazing things. If you have ever been told: “No," “You aren’t capable," “There’s no way," “You aren’t the right fit," “You aren’t enough," “This work isn’t needed," I’m here to tell you anything is possible and I’m a prime example.