On April 3, 2009, four students from the History and Political Science Department presented 10- minute summaries of their research papers at the 17th annual Clement S. Stacy Undergraduate Research Conference on the Campus of Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, IN.

Gary Brumbelow, Social Studies major, researched "President Kennedy and Excomm: An Examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis from Inside the Top-Level Meetings." "Gary’s paper was outstanding and carefully researched," Professor Brian Strayer said after guiding Gary through the process of writing and researching the subject. Professor Marcella Myers, who attended the conference with the students, commented that Brumbelow had a difficult audience since the Chair of the Political Science Department at Purdue Calumet was the moderator of the session and this subject was within his area of specialty. "Gary acquitted himself very well, and was able to give good answers to all the questions he was asked." she said.

Thomas Hartman, History major, examined "The Indian Policy of Ulysses S. Grant: Origins, Goals, and Effects." Dr. Gary Land supervised Hartman’s research. "I was very pleased," he said. "Thomas did a thorough analysis of primary sources on a neglected topic." "Thomas Hartman’s presentation went very well," Myers said. "I was unable to remain for the questions after the presentations, however."

Political Science major Ana Tolentino presented "Trade Liberalization and the Theory of ‘Unequal Advantage’: Evidence of Disproportionate Gains for Less Developed Countries." "Ana’s session was well attended and her oral presentation was well-organized," Myers commented. "She had some lengthy questions from the audience, but was able to summarize them and give a reply. She handled herself very well."

And Tybee Wall, a Political Science major, presented her paper on "Water Shortage: An Issue of Water Availability or Lack of Water?" "Tybee’s presentation used Power Point," Myers said, "and she did an excellent job. She had some methodological questions as well as several other questions from peers, which showed their interest."

"We are very proud of the quality of undergraduate research from these students," Dr. Land, chair of the department, commented. "Presenting at such conferences provides our students with invaluable experience for both graduate school and careers. They have all done an exceptional job."