Research Roundabout Challenges Scholars to Present Research in Two Minutes

ATLANTA – Nearly 20 researchers from various Georgia State University programs joined the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies on August 23 for the Urban Studies Institute’s Third Annual Research Roundabout.

Unlike most traditional scholarly forums, the event requires researchers to present on their urban policy-related research projects in two minutes or less.

In addition to the compressed time format, researchers are permitted to provide the audience only one presentation slide.

“We organize the roundabout firstly because it is fun. It’s a great way to kick off the year and get a sense of what’s going on in different parts of the university through our affiliates and their colleagues,” said Laura Viilo, assistant director of the Urban Studies Institute.

This year’s presentations represented a wide range of themes related to regional and international urban issues and development.

For example, Fe Li – an assistant professor in the Urban Studies Institute – presented “USI Mobility, Accessibility, and the Health of Vulnerable Populations.” Robert Lloyd, an Urban Studies Institute doctoral student presented “Urban Transformations to Improve Sustainability, Resiliency and Quality of Life.”

Professors from the College of Law, Neuroscience Institute, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and Department of English – along with several professors and students from the Andrew Young School – made up the list of presenters.

As the researchers prepared to present, they were greeted by Jan Nijman, director of the Urban Studies Institute. Tracking the time of each presenter, Viilo alerted everyone when the two-minute period expired. Her use of a buzzer with an ear-piercing sound surprised some presenters and drew harmonious laughter and loud applause from the crowd.

The event, although filled with plenty of lightheartedness as colleagues observed who could successfully complete their presentation in less than two minutes, serves an important purpose in promoting research and scholarship.

“It is a very efficient and engaging way to learn about the work our colleagues at Georgia State University are doing,” said Nijman. “It can lead to collaborations and it furthers a sense of community among urban scholars at the university.” For more information about upcoming Urban Studies Institute events, please visit urbaninstitute.gsu.edu/events/.