Buddhism Students Present Research to the State Department through Diplomacy Lab
News
SUMMARY: Ten students in Dr. Christina Kilby's REL 488: Buddhism in the Modern World research capstone in Global Religions and Cultures presented their original research to the U.S. Department of State on Thursday, November 21. Their research on the role of Buddhism in environmental defense in Southeast Asia is a Diplomacy Lab project that connects undergraduate research to real-time State Department priorities.
On November 21, ten students in Dr. Christina Kilby's REL 488: Buddhism in the Modern World capstone presented their original research to the U.S. Department of State.
The students’ research analyzed how Buddhism impacts environmental defense in southeast Asia. They also made recommendations on steps the Department of State could take to prevent and reduce harm against people who engage in environmental activism. 45 Department of State personnel from posts across the world attended the presentation online and the recording will be shared with more than 1,000 others.
The students’ work is a product of Diplomacy Lab, a partnership between the Department of State and U.S. colleges and universities whose students conduct research in direct response to Department of State needs and priorities. JMU's Global Religions and Cultures major provides a variety of exciting opportunities for students to present original research to professional stakeholders and create career pathways.
Deborah Klepp, Senior Advisor on the Environment at the Department of State who mentored Dr. Kilby’s students in this Diplomacy Lab project, praised their presentation as “spectacular.” Other Department of State personnel said the presentation was “as professional and polished as they come” and “one of the best we’ve ever seen.” Several personnel shared job, internship, and fellowship opportunities with our students, encouraging them to consider careers in public service.
