Ph.D. Candidates from Indonesia in the United States Working on Strategic Research in the Social Sector
Bincang Karya (Bianka) was back with the theme of Social Sciences on Tuesday (06/21/2022). In this online activity, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States said, “Social Science experts have played an active role in contributing to overcoming the social problems faced by Indonesia today, especially during the difficult times like now due to the pandemic that hit globally.”
“Pandemic also has a huge psychological impact, one of which is anxiety. This is where Psychology, as a branch of social science, is needed. Psychologists help people overcome the anxiety that arises during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Ambassador Rosan. The Ambassador added that Social Science experts also help the government make the right policies to reach all levels to realize people’s welfare.
The activity led by Rizanna Rosemary, a lecturer in the Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala was also attended by the Director of Scholarships of the Indonesia Endowment funds for Education (LPDP), Dwi Larso. Dwi said that a multidisciplinary approach in social science plays a role in understanding the multidimensional social problems such as poverty, unemployment, equal opportunity, crime, child abuse, racism, and malnutrition.
“The study of social sciences makes us an efficient citizen of the democracy and also helps us to solve practical issues in our daily lives,” added Dwi. While the Educational and Cultural Attaché (Atdikbud) in Washington, DC., Popy Rufaidah said that, “It is hoped that in the future there will be many collaborations, both education and research in the field of Social Sciences with the participating universities today”.
A Ph.D. Candidate in Social Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Whinda Yustisia, presented her research on the topic of social cognition and emotion in a political context. In her research, Winda explores how the emotions of anger and fear can increase support for religious-based violent extremism, especially when people feel that they know the justification for violent jihad. “The word ‘feel’ is here to emphasize that this is just subjective perception, not factual knowledge,” Winda said.
Meanwhile, Fairuziana Humam, a doctoral student in Community Well-Being at the University of Miami, shared her experience during her doctoral study as well as shared her research plan that would focus on the mental health of Muslim groups. “I will investigate how mental health can be promoted and intervened using practices that are familiar to Muslims,” Fairuz said.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Prabu Wibowo, a candidate for a Ph.D. in the field of Communication Science, Florida State University presented his dissertation research related to open health sciences research data repository. Prabu examined how researchers in the health sector open and share their research data with the public. “The significance of this research is a collaboration of health research data, improving health services, quality of diagnosis of disease, and early detection of a disease,” said Prabu.
Also invited was R. Scott Tindale, Graduate Program Director for the Applied Social Psychology Program, Loyola University Chicago. In his presentation, Scott introduced the various research areas of his colleagues in the Applied Social Psychology Program which includes intergroup relations and prejudice, emotion and cognition, political psychology, self-and self-esteem. Meanwhile, Scott focuses his research on ethical decision-making and advice-taking.
Scotney D. Evans, Acting Director of Community Well-Being Doctoral Program, University of Miami also participated in the event. Scotney gave an overview of the University of Miami and the programs they offer, especially information related to the Master of Community and Social Change, and the doctoral program in Community Well-Being. “We focus a lot of our training and programs on classroom action research, participatory methods, community-based participatory action research, participatory evaluation and methodologies, and many similar approaches,” explained Scotney.
Meanwhile, Stephen McDowell, Dean of the College of Communication and Information, Florida State University, in his presentation, shared several alumni successes from the School of Communication, School of Information, and School of Communication Science & Disorders. “We have an excellent range of programs at the Center for Global Engagement to welcome and integrate international students as well as many student organizations that allow students from different groups to connect with others from their country,” said Stephen.
The Bincang Karya (Bianka) webinar, which is a collaborative activity between the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, DC with the Indonesia Endowment Funds for Education (LPDP) and the Council of Rectors of the Indonesian State University (MRPTNI) is planned to be held until early of July. Watch the recording of the live broadcast of the 39th of Bincang Karya (BIANKA) webinar in the field of Social Sciences can be accessed on the official Atdikbud USA Facebook page with the link https://bit.ly/fb-watch-bianka39