Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has been turned upside down, and Sam Stelnicki went into detail during her presentation describing some current events from around the globe.  France deemed bakeries a necessity given their impact on the economy and in the French citizens’ daily lives.  Vladimir Putin postponed the referendum that would have decided whether or not he could be in power until 2036, and also included in the referendum were gay marriage rights among other things.  The Netherlands which is home to one of the world’s largest flower growing/selling industry is struggling due to the pandemic because flowers bring in $6.7 billion in profit each year to the country.  Most of the flowers are wilting and being composted because people are not out like usual this spring buying them from vendors.

U.S. prisons are also struggling to contain the virus because there is no way for the prisoners to social distance.  Because of this, talks about releasing the more vulnerable prisoners are under way along with restricted visitation becoming a possibility.  The Hungarian Prime Minister has been granted universal power for fighting the coronavirus, so he does not need parliamentary approval for any of his decrees.  Also, anyone who gives false information publicly about the coronavirus is sentenced to five years in prison.  In Turkmenistan there has always been severe censorship enforced, and that has not stopped with the coronavirus.  The government has not reported any cases, but there are rumors saying otherwise.  In addition, saying the word coronavirus is illegal now and citizens can be arrested for wearing face masks and talking about the pandemic.  Also, Sub Saharan Africa is experiencing a recession because of the pandemic.  Their total losses for the year are predicted to be around $37-79 billion, and they don’t have adequate healthcare systems to handle the economic strain.

Everyone everywhere is being affected by the coronavirus in some way, and it is the greatest global threat this world has faced for many decades.  As of today, over three million people in the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, so this current events discussion relates to international affairs in every way imaginable.

Joselle Carrillo talked about her research experience at The University of *ichigan through the Summer Research Opportunities Program to further her knowledge in psychology, her major.  She said the perks of her position were getting paid, networking for graduate school, assisting with hands-on clinical work, waived GRE fees, and free practice tests for the GRE.

Joselle talked about how research allows you to delve deeper into a field of study you are interested in, and how it allows you the opportunity to build meaningful student and faculty connections.  She also said that research can provide clarity for post-undergraduate plans, and it can make you a stronger applicant for graduate and professional school.  Pursuing summer research can allow you to dedicate more time to your work since you will not have classes to worry about.  In addition, starting in the summer will help you get you more familiar with lab/research methods if you decide to join a lab during the following academic year.

The most popular research opportunities are research through an outside program like the summer research opportunities program Joselle participated in or research in an OSU lab on or near campus.  Doing research in an OSU lab gives you more flexible hours and the chance at a longer-lasting position as well as it provides an opportunity to build connections with faculty and graduate students, but it is usually unpaid.

Joselle also gave some tips for when applying which included reaching out to the writing center and the Dennis Learning Center for help with our personal statements and resumes.  She also said to ask for a letter of recommendation at least six weeks in advance and from a professor we have at least had two or more meetings with, so they can write a strong letter.

Joselle’s presentation relates to international affairs because research does not just apply to the city or country it is being done it but rather all around the world it can have an impact.  Many researchers get advice and work with people from many different countries, and someone can do research in any part of the world.  The opportunities are limitless, which makes research exciting.  Overall, this presentation was very helpful, and I look forward to pursuing research the following year.