The Honors Fellow discussed her research on the use of information and communication technologies to promote refugees’ integration.
Elon University senior Caroline Perry presented her Honors thesis at the 2017 International Conference on Information Systems in Seoul, South Korea.
During the “Social Inclusion and Innovation in a Digital World” session, the Honors Fellow presented “The Use of ICT to Promote Refugees’ Integration” to leading academics and scholars in the information technology field. Perry’s thesis explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs), including platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, impact refugees’ integration.
Perry, the only undergraduate student presenter, attended the Dec. 10-13 conference with her thesis mentor, Associate Professor Haya Ajjan. They attended presentations from researchers around the world and panel discussions about the future of information systems and technology.
“I am so inspired after going to this conference because I was able to see the fascinating and in-depth research that is being conducted all around the world,” Perry said. “I learned so much about advances in the technology field and the many and varied implications they have on our global community. Moreover, I was able to hear criticism of my research and discuss methods to improve and expand my current research to be even more impactful in the community of information system researchers.”
While in South Korea, Perry and Ajjan visited local sites including the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the N Seoul tower and the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
“Seoul is one of the leading technology capitals in the world—the headquarters for Samsung and Hyundai were just a few miles away from where I was presenting,” the international business major said. “I can’t think of a more appropriate place to have a conference on information systems!
“Our tour guide said that about 500 North Koreans come to South Korea every year as refugees. This information made me realize that my research can reach far outside the boundaries of the United States where I am conducting it.”