Maggie Hartman

Degree, Program, and date of graduation:
Degree in Public and Urban Affairs
Major Smart and Sustainable Cities, Minor in Community Systems and Engagement
Graduating May 13, 2021

Dates of working with the WGD Program:
01/19/21 – 05/5/21

In 50 words or less, explain your work associated with the WGD Program:
During my time with the WDG program, I worked with the Integrated Pest Management Innovation Lab by supporting ongoing research efforts regarding the gendered dynamics of pest management. I contributed to conference materials for the 2021 WGD Conference. I also participated in qualitative data coding related to individual interviews being conducted in Bangladesh through IPM IL, as well as conducted a literature review relevant to IPM practices in Bangladesh.

What has been the most exciting part of your experience, interesting discovery you’ve found, or connections you’ve made while working with the WGD program?
For me personally, the most exciting part of my research was gaining a deeper understanding of qualitative data collection methods, such as participatory research methods and developing individual interview structures. I also enjoyed learning more about qualitative data analysis through working on IPM IL’s data codebook. I feel that this experience of working with qualitative data will be incredibly beneficial as I begin to work in the field of community development.

What do you hope to do after graduating or what are you doing now?
After graduation, I hope to apply my minor, community systems and engagement, to community development related work, internationally.

How did your work with the WGD program influence your future?
My work with the WGD program confirmed my desire to work internationally within impoverished communities in order to provide citizens, especially women and minorities, with a platform to exercise their agency and to use their voices in an influential way.