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In 2022, I was looking for a local, accessible conference for my research students and found IASS. It seemed like a great opportunity for students to complete their first conference presentation at a smaller-sized, geographically accessible conference. I had two students present research work in 2022 as posters. In anticipation of their presentations, the students were anxious and intimidated. After presenting, they both expressed how it turned out to be a great experience! They felt that everyone at the conference was “so nice”, and they were put at ease. They also expressed that by having to explain their research to others, they became better at explaining their research. One of those students went on to present two research projects at APA.

Due to the positive experience in 2022, I encouraged students to submit to the 2023 IASS conference. In 2023 we had another two students from Taylor University presenting research, and again, they expressed that it was a growth experience for them, and they were glad to have attended and presented. Both years, all attendees from Taylor found sessions where they learned about topics of personal and/or career interest. I hope to regularly have students submit to present at the IASS conference as it has turned out to be a consistently beneficial and accessible experience for them.

James Thomas, who retired from Indiana University Northwest, now spends his time doing philanthropic work. Jim contributes his time to the local food bank as well as international home construction work with Food for the Poor.