Support Anthropology & Sociology Student Research!

You can still give!

Thank you for your generous donations! Although this project has ended, you can still support our students. Please visit: usmfoundation.com/antsoc.  Note that you want to support Anthropology & Sociology Student Research under Additional Gift Info.

"Research to me means an opportunity--an opportunity to learn, grow, and share knowledge. It is a cycle of questions leading to answers and vice versa. Being exposed to research as an undergraduate allows me to be a part of a journey where scholars are seeking knowledge to help explain our world." (current student)

Student research is important. 

Students who engage in research experiences outside of class develop skills that make them more competitive when they apply for jobs or to graduate school. Students who participate in extracurricular research projects have the opportunity to:

• get real life research experience collecting data on-site
• refine communication skills while giving conference presentations
• build relationships and network
• do pilot projects in preparation for graduate work
• learn research skills that give them an edge in the job market

Alumni frequently tell us that doing research was key to their success after graduation.

“My journey as a researcher really began at Southern Miss. Those few years of research experience under the guidance of a devoted faculty were instrumental in laying the foundations of my academic career.”

"At Southern Miss, I had my first opportunity to conduct original research, and the experience was extremely valuable. ... The experience I gained in writing, constructing presentations and public speaking has been extremely helpful as I move forward in my career. " 

"The fact that I was given the opportunity to learn in the classroom as well as in the real world made all the difference. I was given the chance to take what I read in a book and apply it to situations in other aspects of my life."

However, doing research costs money. Whether it is money for travel to research sites or paying registration fees for conferences, many students find that due to their financial obligations and rising debt they cannot afford to undertake extracurricular activities like research. 

For example, last fall one student was unable to volunteer in a lab because she was working full time. With funding, students might take advantage of summers and spring breaks to do field research abroad or participate in a research-related internship. Some students can do data collection in their free time, but lack funds to pay for software necessary for analysis.  We encourage students to present at conferences, but have limited funds to help them pay for travel.                                

  This is where YOU can help. 

"When you fund student research, you allow a student to put into practice critical thinking skills, expand their research and give depth to their studies at The University of Southern Mississippi." (Alumnus)

Help the Department of Anthropology & Sociology help students take charge of their education and future through independent research endeavors: Choose a level, make a gift!