As a first-year doctoral student in information science and technology, it was important for me to attend the iConference to share my research with scholars across varied disciplines (e.g., education, public administration, sociology). This conference allowed me to see the emerging research topics relevant to the information science study and interact with program directors from other iSchools who are actively sharing employment opportunities that can further my development. My attendance positively contributed to Syracuse University’s overall presence at the iConference as one of its premiere and leading information schools.
This year, the iConference received 113 papers and accepted 39, which accounted for a 34.5% acceptance rate for papers. The 2014 iConference was my first peer-reviewed venue where I not only presented the findings of my paper ("Digital Inclusion for Migrant Millennials: Improving the ICT Landscape of Yakima Valley Schools"), but also led a session for interactive engagement ("Information and Marginality: Ethical Issues") alongside a handful of faculty from other iSchools around North America. The discussions I engaged in during the iConference added tremendous value and insight to my ongoing work in studying the digital divide for marginalized and underserved communities.
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