Research-in-Progress Awards
RiP conference sessions are reserved for university (undergraduate and graduate) students’ presentations of their research studies. RiP sessions provide a formal presentation opportunity for university students who are engaged in research that is underway but is not sufficiently far along to submit for other MSERA submissions. The author of each accepted proposal will make either a 10-13 minute presentation in a research session or share their research within a round table RiP session. A general discussion will follow the presentation in both venues.
Proposals must include a brief working paper (maximum 1000 words) that provides an overview of the research in progress, describes the current stage of the project, and includes brief descriptions of the following elements:
• Research problem or objectives
• Theoretical or conceptual framework
• Research question(s) and relevant literature
• Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
• Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
• Preliminary or anticipated findings
• Scholarly significance or anticipated contribution to the field
• Anticipated progress or next steps prior to the Annual Meeting
(The section below will be updated based on feedback from AERA.)
For each element in the working paper, the reviewers will rate the proposal from a high score of 3 to a low score of 0 or “incomplete.” Descriptions of proposal elements used in completing reviews are listed below. The rubric used to assign a score for each proposal element follows the list of elements for a RiP proposal.
1. Research problem or objectives
The research problem or objectives are stated clearly and concisely and supported by the literature. The paper’s purpose is engaging and thought-provoking.
2. Theoretical or conceptual framework
The proposal strongly supports the study topic AND is based upon a thoughtful synthesis of the literature/theory most relevant to the topic and is supported with in-text citations.
3. Research question(s) and relevant literature
The Research questions are sound and explained in detail and are based upon a thoughtful synthesis of the literature/theory most relevant to the topic.
4. Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
All methods, research techniques, or modes of inquiry are aligned to the research questions.
5. Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
6. Preliminary or anticipated findings
7. Scholarly significance or anticipated contribution to the field.
Scholarly significance or anticipated contribution to the field is detailed and supported by relevant research.
8. Anticipated progress or next steps prior to the annual meeting.
Anticipated progress or next steps are outlined and make logistical sense.
9. Organization and Formatting
The paper is organized with well-constructed paragraphs and transitions. There are a few formatting, style, grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
The University Student Director and the University Student Advisory Committee Co-Chair annually recruit MSERA members to volunteer as proposal reviewers. Each proposal should receive a minimum of two reviews and a maximum of four reviews. The reviewers provide a score for each element included in the proposal based on the provided rubric.
After all proposals are reviewed, the final summary scores and percentages will be used by the University Student Director and the University Student Advisory Committee Co-Chair to recommend those proposals that should be accepted. The information will be shared with the Program Chair(s). The Program Chair(s) will provide the RiP summary scores and percentages along with the proposal authors’ contact information to the President of the MSERA Foundation.

2022 Recipients of the Research-in-Progress Awards
Angela S. Kuykendoll, University of Memphis
Bethany LaValley, University of Mississippi
Bob Jordan, Northwestern State University
Connar Franklin, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Jessica Lemoine, Northwestern State University
Keila Moreno, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Nathan Hite, Louisiana State University
Sabrina Stanley, University of Alabama
Tanya Wasmer, Northwestern State University
Tina Garrett, Delta State University
Distinguished Research in Progress Awards
Guidelines for Distinguished RiP Awards
Upon review of all RiP (Research in Progress) proposals, those eligible to receive a Distinguished RiP Award will be notified via email, which will include the RiP Award Application and instructions for completion.
Any Distinguished RiP Award Recipient must
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Be a current student at the time of the Annual Meeting
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Be sole or Primary Author
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Submit completed RiP Award Application and supporting materials by October 1, 2023
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Register for the Annual Meeting
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Attend Annual Meeting
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Present RiP (research not completed or successfully defended by the time of the Annual Meeting) in assigned RiP Paper Session or Roundtable Session.
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Be present at the MSERA Business Meeting on Thursday Evening.