By Michele Hearn

I am DRPC Graduate Assistant Researcher (GAR) Michele Hearn, a graduate student in the Department of Literature and Languages in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts who is funded by the A&M-Commerce Presidential GAR Initiative. On April 17th, 2024, I presented a poster presentation at the Texas A&M University-Commerce (A&M-Commerce) Annual Research Symposium (ARS) in the Rayburn Student Center on campus. 

The ARS is organized by the Division of Research and Economic Development on campus. The event showcases the diverse and innovative research being conducted by undergraduate and graduate students at A&M-Commerce. Ultimately, the ARS provides a platform for students to present their work and engage with faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community in Commerce, DFW, and East Texas.

I presented a poster presentation featuring research from the ongoing study I am assisting with, “Understanding Privacy and Surveillance in Technical and Scientific Communication: A Study of Programs in Texas,” which is overseen by DRPC Advisory Board member, Dr. Charles Woods. This notable study delves into the critical issues surrounding data privacy and digital surveillance, particularly in the context of technical and professional communication (TPC) courses taught in Texas. The aim of the study is to raise awareness about the importance of fostering discussions on data privacy and digital surveillance in the classroom in Texas. The study, which is currently in progress, and features interviews as we seek to learn more about instructors’ values regarding data privacy and digital surveillance and how those intersect with programmatic and curriculum design, like learning outcomes. We also have some forward-thinking questions focusing on the future of teaching about data privacy and digital surveillance in Texas.

While I was not named as the winner of the ARS, my research presentation significantly contributed to A&M-Commerce’s commitment to creative discovery and dissemination of knowledge. Finally, reach out if you are a TPC instructor in Texas. We would appreciate interviewing you for this study!