Graduate Student Presents at Conference on Interdisciplinary Studies
Published: December 16, 2019 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University graduate student, Erin Flores, was recently given the opportunity to present a project at the Association for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) 41st Annual Conference hosted by the University of Amsterdam.
The AIS conference is an annual event that allows for interdisciplinary students and professionals to network, share, and learn about the impact an interdisciplinary studies degree can have on the world as a whole. Flores, along with fellow Master of Interdisciplinary Studies student Ashley Tyler, presented research they had conducted on mosquitoes in Cedar Breaks National Monument.
“We spent the summer months collecting data on what mosquito species are present at high elevations by Cedar Breaks National Monument, when they're active, and if they had the potential to carry disease,” said Flores. “At the AIS Conference, we discussed how this project that is biology-based at its core needed to incorporate principles from the public administration, communication, and leadership disciplines to be successful.”
Flores grew up in a small town on the coast of Washington. After graduating from SUU with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a chemistry minor, Flores decided to continue with her work at SUU and pursue a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.
“I was interested in getting an interdisciplinary masters so I could learn about multiple disciplines,” Flores explained. “To be successful in any area you need to utilize interdisciplinary ideas and it was very appealing to have a degree that emphasized this connection. You have the ability to take parts of multiple disciplines that interests you and will be most beneficial to your career and goals.”
“Erin’s an outstanding MIS graduate student as is Ashley,” said Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis, MIS program director. “It was great seeing them present their research at an international conference. It is also an honor to do so. They earned that spot, being selected and invited, and did an outstanding job while there. Doing so gives one not only credibility and confidence, but recognition in the field. I’m super proud of both Erin and Ashley for not only representing SUU, but our MIS degree program and their role in the research world.”
As she continues to pursue her graduate degree, Flores expressed her gratitude to her family for their support, as well as thanking the faculty of the MIS degree for the individual attention and assistance she has received throughout her time in the program.
“My biggest supporter and encouragement throughout my degree has been my husband,” Flores said. “If it wasn't for his and my dad's support I might not have even looked at doing a graduate degree.”
SUU’s Master of Interdisciplinary Studies is a nationally ranked program that offers focuses in a variety of areas for students who have varied interests and ambitions. Students have the opportunity to craft the entirety of their 30 credit degree to best suit their career goals. Learn more about the MIS program at SUU.
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