Office of Undergraduate Research hosts congressional delegation

KENNESAW, Ga. | September 14, 2023

Twenty congressional staffers visited the Office of Undergraduate Research suite on August 31 to learn about Kennesaw State University’s research.

The congressional staffers were from Georgia representative and senatorial offices. They stopped by the OUR suite during their tour of the KSU campus and spent 15 minutes listening to presentations by Dr. Amy Buddie as well as two student researchers, Gabrielle Jones and Sahil Bardai.

The visitors included legislative assistants, legislative correspondents, senior advisors, representatives and outreach directors from the offices of Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8th District), Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11th District), Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-1st District), Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-3rd District), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4th District), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-6th District), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14th District), Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5th District), Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-6th District), Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12th District), Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-2nd District); and Georgia Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

Buddie gave an overview of what OUR provides for students and the accomplishments they’ve made.

Jones, a senior media and entertainment major, presented her research on a woman screenwriter’s efforts to diversify children’s television programming. Bardai, a senior biology major, presented his research on fear responses in pregnant women.

Jones said from research she’s learned soft skills such as communication, cost management and working on a team.

Bardai said that because of the research he’s done at KSU, he’s been able to travel to conferences and he’s prepared to move to medical school to become a surgeon.

“The Office of Undergraduate Research was thrilled to host the delegation,” Buddie said. “KSU is a leader in undergraduate research, and it's great that they got to see the space and hear from some of our top students about the impact that research has had on them.”

The congressional staffers also toured Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. On the KSU campus, the staff visited Prillaman Hall, the Buruss Building and the Convocation Center.

— Story by Victoria Tucker