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Five Reasons Your Students Should Present at ASA

Posted: March 26, 2023 by Esther Morgan-Ellis

Esther Morgan-Ellis is Associate Professor of Music and Assistant Director of Academic Engagement.

Early in March 2024, I took two undergraduates to the Appalachian Studies Association Conference to present collaborative research that we had undertaken in the Summer and Fall of 2023. It was my first time attending ASA. We ended up applying because the conference was conveniently located in Cullowhee, N.C., and we could make the argument that our research was connected with the region. It turned out to be the perfect venue! ASA is ideal for Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û undergraduates, and I would encourage you to promote it to any students who have research or creative activities ready to share. Here's why:

1. ASA is fully interdisciplinary. The field of Appalachian Studies has always been interdisciplinary. It includes scientists, historians, creative practitioners—anyone with an interest in or connection to the Appalachian region. A student pursuing any major at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û can find their place within the field and organization.
2. ASA is exceptionally inclusive. ASA is not just for professional academics. The organization and conference also include community leaders and professionals working in a variety of fields. Less than half of the presentations are "scholarly." Most speakers offer reports or reflections on their work in the region. Many of the speakers are students and/or young practitioners.
3. ASA is both big and small. The conference is big in terms of overall attendance. But a large number of concurrent sessions means that each presentation takes place in a small room in front of a small audience. This makes for a great first conference experience, since students will not find the environment intimidating.
4. ASA is close. Although the conference takes place in a different city each year, it is always in the Appalachian region. This means that it is almost always within driving distance from Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û, and it is never on the other side of the country.
5. ASA is an appropriate venue for most research. The field of Appalachian Studies is broadly defined to include a wide range of topics and methodologies. If research connects with the Appalachian region in any way, it can be presented at ASA. Are your students observing local turtles? Examining materials in local archives? Undertaking human subjects studies using local populations? Then there is a place for them at ASA.

With support from CURCA, your students can probably secure full funding for their trip to ASA, and there will certainly be other Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û faculty (and maybe students) in attendance. Check out the organization and think about the possibilities!

To learn more about the Appalachian Studies Association and for details on their next conference, visit: