Geography graduate student chosen as one of the 2019-2020 Graduate Civic Scholars
Nick Sokol, a doctoral student in the geography program, has been selected for the
2019-2020 Graduate Civic Scholars Program (GCSP) of the Graduate School at the University
of South Carolina. The program is an innovative professional development opportunity
for master’s and doctoral students who are interested in community and public engagement
and action-based research. GCSP provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research,
involvement in social justice initiatives, and an enhanced understanding of the role
of scholarship in addressing societal needs.
Program participants will gain first-hand experience in civic research and public
engagement and gain familiarity with theories of engagement while working closely
with experts on research projects to enhance the quality of life in South Carolina
and beyond. Scholars will be exposed to potential community partners and will learn
about some of the needs and opportunities present in the Midlands and across the state.
Over the course of the year, they will develop and hone their own community-based
research project, which they will present at the designated USC Research Day in 2020.