MyQuella Swogger

MyQuella Swogger, Senior, Fashion Merchandising

What do you research?

The effects poverty has on a student’s educational outcome in grades K-12.

How do you conduct your research?

I am currently in the process of beginning to conduct research with my faculty mentor, Dr. Linda Hoeptner-Poling. We interview students and staff members in public schools in North East Ohio as well as collect data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

How did you find this topic?

I feel like this topic found me. Because TRIO has been a major part of my life for the past six years. I was a part of the Kent State University Math/Science Upward Bound program in high school and am currently a part of the McNair Scholars Program here at Kent State University. The experiences in both TRIO programs are what fuel my passion to conduct the research behind this topic.

What are your research interests?

My research interest includes gathering both qualitative and quantitative data that supports illustrates the achievement gap between students who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds in North East Ohio.

How did you get involved in research at Kent State?

I got Involved in research here at Kent State by joining the McNair Scholars Program this past Spring semester.

What do you enjoy most about research?

One thing that I enjoy the most about research is that it allows you to not only learn more about your topic, but research also allows you to grow as a student and future professional who will make a positive difference in students’ lives in the future.

How do you think you have grown as a student and/or as a professional as a result of research?

I think I have grown as a student in many ways as a result of research. One way I have grown is by having a new perspective on what life would be like after earning a bachelor’s degree. A year ago I wasn’t sure if Graduate school was for me but now I can’t see myself stopping until I become Dr. Swogger within the next ten years.