Students participate in pre-doctoral institute

First-year GSLIS students Karen Barton and Tracy Drake participated in this year’s Summer Pre-doctoral Institute (SPI) at the University of Illinois. SPI is a campus-wide orientation program that accepts incoming graduate students from U.S. populations that are underrepresented in campus graduate programs. During the eight-week program, students enroll in an independent study, participate in a series of research-based seminars, and work with faculty members from their departments.

Barton and Drake presented their research at the SPI Symposium on Friday, July 27. Barton presented, “Perspectives and Preferences of Black and White Youth: Gauging Interest in Multicultural Literature,” while Drake discussed, “In Search of Soul: The Social Responsibilities Roundtable and the American Library Association’s Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice 1969-1984.” Barton and Drake are advised by Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Rae-Anne Montague and Professor and Associate Dean Linda Smith, respectively. At the end of the institute, Drake received the “Outstanding SPI Fellow” award for her participation in the program.

“In addition to providing Karen and Tracy with the opportunity to work on meaningful research topics with experts in the field, the SPI program provided ample opportunities to develop friendships across disciplines and gain a sense of the broader Illinois community,” said GSLIS LAMP Coordinator Amani Ayad, who acted as a mentor for Barton and Drake during the program.