Laura Ingouf is an MSU undergraduate, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in anthropology and history, has a passion for linguistics and noted the challenges related to conducting research across language barriers. Ingouf’s training and travel were funded by two MSU undergraduate research fellowships.

Ingouf in 2019  received a $4,000 stipend to join the Fish for Zambia team in the summer to assist with data analyses at MSU. “I’m excited about the work I will be doing in Zambia and at MSU this summer because it will provide me with experience conducting my first anthropological field-based research,” said Ingouf. “This will give me the opportunity for hands-on learning that will prepare me for future fieldwork.”

“Although Laura only began work with us as an SSRC intern in February, she is the kind of student that hits the ground running and operates at a level far above what one would expect from an undergraduate,” said Ragsdale. “One of the benefits she will bring to the project is producing blogs over the two weeks of fieldwork that will be enlightening to wide audiences about the importance of research for development to address global food security and engage youth in generating livelihoods to help sustain themselves and their families.” 

Ingouf travelled with the team to Zambia for two weeks in June 2019 to assist with training workshops and with implementing surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. Upon returning, she worked the remainder of the summer at the SSRC assisting with data analyses to help the PIs and co-PIs with reaching project goals. Ingouf stated her interest in the Fish Innovation Lab project stemmed from its focus on international development and food security and how these are influenced by cultural and social norms.

“I think the work of listening to the people affected so that we can tailor our efforts to benefit them is extremely important, and I’m glad to participate in that effort by helping to conduct focus groups and interviews in Zambia,” she added.