From Uncertainty to Excitement: A First-Time Presenter’s Tale
I was unable to determine if it was excitement or nerves fluttering around my stomach as I took a couple of steps back and gazed. Hung before me were hours of research, ten redrafts, and a pinch of tears, all condensed into one 36’ by 48’ poster. It was the first time my colleague Maya and I were presenting our research at a conference. We had both been nervous and unsure of what to expect when presenting. However, as we shared our research on climate change, excitement eclipsed fear. Each person we interacted with had a unique perspective, providing us with valuable insights for advancing this research. For example, one person was interested in why we chose our hypothesis, and this sparked a conversation about how women are often more heavily affected by climate change.
Poster sessions turned out to be our favorite part of the convention: the buzz of conversation, the reflective gloss of freshly printed posters, and the sight of curious attendees moving from one poster to another. Walking through rows of posters and talking with the presenters was like exploring a rich garden of knowledge. I was in awe at the diversity of research topics and inspired when I learned presenters’ motivations for exploring those areas.
Conferences like Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) help foster connections, exchange knowledge, and advance impactful research. I encourage you to submit your research to conferences. The rewards of these experiences extend far beyond the presentation of findings: They lie in the connections made and the knowledge exchanged. For more information about SPSP, visit their website at SPSP.org
Cameron has been a member of the Interactive Measurement Group since the Fall of 2022. During their time in the lab, Cameron has become the computer coordinator, plant caretaker, and Monday chair. Cameron also led two poster teams. Cameron graduated in the Fall of 2022 with a BA in psychology. They are passionate about advocacy and plan to pursue a master’s program in special education.