Learning to Lead Through Research: Samyiah’s Journey
Approximately 22% of graduating seniors participate in research during their college journey, (U.S. Department of Education, 2021). For many, this opportunity not only strengthens academic skills but also allows them to contribute new perspectives to societal issues. Among this percentage is one of our scholars, Samyiah Bryant-Taylor, whose study, “Contact and Cooperation: How Prior Interactions Shape Interracial Team Dynamics,” gave her the opportunity to explore questions that matter not just in the classroom, but in everyday life. By examining the intersections of psychology, communication, and group behavior, Samyiah shed light on how prior contact can shape collaboration, trust, and overall team success.
Samyiah completed this project as part of a 10-week research internship, where she worked closely with a mentor, conducted experimental analysis, and gained hands-on experience that prepares students for graduate school. Alongside academic growth, the program also supports students financially, offering a $2,500 stipend to help them dedicate time and focus to their research.
When asked what inspired her to choose this topic, Samyiah credited her mentor, Dr. Chantrey J. Murphy, professor in the Department of Sociology, who has spent years researching how people work together in group settings. By drawing from Dr. Murphy’s data and connecting it with her own personal interests, Samyiah was able to design her project in a way that examined both existing literature and new possibilities.
Samyiah reflected that this project pushed her to grow as a student by requiring initiative and discipline. “Students are quick to take shortcuts on assignments,” she shared. “But this research required me to do the opposite. There was no skipping the readings or putting work aside. I had to take my time and fully engage with the data.” Through this, she not only gained confidence but also developed a skillset she now proudly highlights on her resume.
In the future, Samyiah sees her research making a difference in both educational and workplace environments. In schools, (particularly predominantly white institutions), she hopes findings like hers can create more comfortable spaces for students to better understand their peers, moving from competition toward collaboration. In business settings, she envisions applications in organizational psychology, where research like hers can inform efforts to build more balanced, inclusive, and cooperative workplaces.
For students considering researching themselves, Samyiah’s advice is to start early. She encourages students to explore opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), the McNair Program, and departmental labs, emphasizing that mentorship is key. She mentions how minorities should especially use their voices in these resource spaces because with the right mentor and support, your research can impact society, helping create more equitable and inclusive spaces.
