Liz Grossman
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“[It was] the greatest journey of my life,” says Liz Grossman (C09) of her quarter abroad in Cameroon. With a little planning and persistence, the School of Communication senior earned a chance to extend that adventure a few more months.
Grossman had spent much of her time abroad during fall quarter 2007 completing an independent study project on Cameroonian youth and the Internet. By the time she returned to campus, she was “hooked,” she admits, on exploring international development. “I knew I wanted more.”
Determined to return to central Africa to continue her research, she sought the help of Professor of Sociology Wendy Griswold, who advised her to apply for an undergraduate research grant through the School of Communication.
Having received the grant, as well as a Newton Minow Fellowship from the communication studies department, Grossman was able to return to Cameroon during the summer of 2008 to carry out her proposed project, which addressed issues of the use and effectiveness of email communication within the country’s NGOs.
Grossman organized her summer project independently, staying with friends she had made during her initial stay in the country. Along with research in libraries and cultural centers, her work included conducting surveys and interviewing and observing NGO employees.
The project engaged most of her time, but Grossman also emphasizes the value of the interpersonal connections formed during her study. “One of my friends recently named his child after me,” she says, noting the strength of one particular friendship.
Back on campus, the communication studies and international studies double major participates in the African Student Association, where she is helping plan Africa Awareness Week, Afropollo, and the African Culture show. She continues her work with Professor Griswold and is looking forward to a career in international development, ideally with an African NGO.
“NU students are fortunate because we have so many fabulous professors here — it’s just a matter of taking advantage of their expertise,” Grossman says of the on-campus resources for undergraduate research. “Northwestern wants to see its students do great things, and professors want to make sure you take advantage of everything.”
Read more stories about Northwestern students and alumni.
Posted April 15, 2009.
