In June, Royster fellows from UNC-Chapel Hill joined their international colleagues in attending the annual Royster Global Conference, held this year at King’s College London. 11 UNC-Chapel Hill students and 10 international students from King’s College London, University of Tübingen and Kristiania University College participated in discussions, panels, presentations and workshops focused on the theme “Beyond the Research: Communities & Knowledge Equity.”
A Student-Led Program
Royster Global is completely student-driven, with the conference’s theme and components decided by its participants.
“I love the fact that it is student-led, and everyone has a chance to share their research or topics that interest them,” said Lily Chen, a doctoral student in nursing and first-time Royster Global participant. “There is so much potential to collaborate with UNC students and other affiliated universities.”
This year’s theme hit the mark on addressing issues facing today’s graduate students. “I really connected with the theme this year,” said Tori Ekstrand, the Royster distinguished professor. “To the extent we are with each other doing research with communities, it’s incredibly relevant in terms of what is going on in higher education and in the world.”
A keynote presentation by Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, vice president (international, engagement & service) at King’s College London, on “Purpose-Driven Knowledge in Service of Society” was a highlight for many participants. “The keynote address by Dr. ‘Funmi Olonisakin was super enlightening,” said Emmanuel Amoako, a doctoral student in the UNC School of Social Work. “I was challenged and yet inspired to think differently about how I approach my research and scholarship.”
Alongside more technical topics related to student research, there were also components of the conference geared toward navigating the challenges of graduate education. “I was moderating a panel discussing Ph.D. life, and the authenticity and vulnerability of each and every panelist made the discussion so real,” said Chen. “Their wisdom on self-care was so helpful. It reminds me of what Royster is about—student and whole person centered, not focusing just on academics but on the emotional aspects of our being.”
Broadening Global Perspectives
The Royster Global initiative grew out of a desire to address the opportunities and challenges that graduate students face in a rapidly changing global context. The conference sought to answer questions around how graduate students could engage in international partnerships and collaborate on projects with international importance.
One goal of Royster Global has been to foster connections between students that extend beyond their graduation. “One of our students who participated in a conference a couple of years ago and had now graduated was still involved with Royster this time in London,” Emma Bishop, partnership manager of global engagement at King’s College London explained. “I think that’s a really good example of how students take those connections with them even once they’ve left the universities, and that’s ultimately what we want. We want to also see the ripple effects among faculty and departments as well.”
Ekstrand echoed the goal of an enduring connection to Royster Global for participants. “Each time, we’re trying to bring into the fold more graduate students from partnership institutes. Many of them are returning year after year,” she said.
Lasting Connections All Around
Out of all the feedback received regarding this year’s conference and Royster Global overall, the most resounding benefit mentioned was lasting connection—connection to the other Royster fellows, connection to alumni from UNC and partnership institutes, and connection to the research and impact that drives the educational engine of opportunity forward.
“I could not be more glad to be involved in such a multi-disciplinary community that challenges me to explore diverse ways of conducting research,” Emmanuel Amoako said. “The connections I made with fellow Royster Fellows have left a great impact on me, fostering not just professional relationships but friendships that will last.”
“The Ph.D. experience can isolate us in our own disciplines,” said DiCassio. “The Royster Global program allows me the opportunity to create meaningful interdisciplinary relationships that we get to bolster each year that we are here together.”
“Wanting to be inspired, get connected globally, have fun, and the opportunity to learn? Come to Royster Global,” said Chen. “I am so grateful for the opportunity.”
The Royster Global team expressed gratitude for partners from Carolina for their role in the 2024 event.
“This year’s Royster Global Conference would not have been possible without generous contributions from UNC Global and the Institute for the Arts & Humanities,” said Laura Pratt, assistant director of development at The Graduate School. “Thanks to their valued partnership, our students were able form connections with new global colleagues that will endure throughout their graduate career and beyond.”