CANTON – Six St. Lawrence University faculty members representing the Canadian Studies, Global Studies, Economics, and World Languages Cultures, and Media departments recently presented research at conferences and published papers in scholarly journals. 

Cynthia Bansak

Charles A. Dana Professor of Economics Cynthia Bansak recently published two papers in high-powered journals. 

The first, titled "The impact of Secure Communities on the labor market outcomes of immigrant women," was published in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. The paper assesses the labor market effects that the Secure Communities immigration enforcement program between 2008-2014 had on foreign-born women. 

The second paper, titled "The Gendered Impact of In-State Tuition Policies on Undocumented Immigrants' College Enrollment, Graduation, and Employment," was published in the Journal on Migration and Human Security. It assesses the impact of policies offering in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented immigrant youth. 

Gisele El Khoury

Director of the Language Resource Center and Arabic instructor Gisele El Khoury presented a paper at the Middle East Studies Association (MESA), held Nov. 11-16. 

Her paper, titled "Utilizing Graphic Novels and Films to Teach Arab and Middle Eastern Studies in the Classroom," emphasizes the educational power of integrating graphic novels, such as Riad Sattouf's The Arab of the Future, Magdy El Shafee's Metro: A Story of Cairo, and Coleman Nye's and Sherine Hamdy's Lissa: A Story about Medical Promise, Friendship, and Revolution, alongside films like Yomeddine and The Nile Hilton Incident, to teach complex socio-cultural themes. 

By showcasing these mediums' ability to evoke empathy and foster critical thinking, El Khoury highlighted creative pedagogical approaches that prepare students to become informed and globally aware citizens. 

Four Professors Participate in Canadian Studies Conference 

The Middle Atlantic and New England Council for Canadian Studies (MANECCS) held its biennial conference Nov. 7-9 in Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Associate Professor and Chair of the Canadian Studies Department and Archie F. MacAllaster and Barbara Torrey MacAllaster Associate Professor in North Country Studies Neil Forkey serves as MANECCS president and organized the conference that included over 50 participants. 

Frank P. Piskor Professor of Canadian Studies Joseph Jockel and Associate Professor of Global Studies Jayantha Jayman were panelists for a session on Canada, NATO, and the War in Ukraine. Adjunct Professor of Global Studies Alison Jenkins Jayman delivered a paper on comparative health insurance among Ontario and New York women. 

The organization greatly appreciates the sponsorship of St. Lawrence University for this event. The next MANECCS conference will take place in 2026 in Lake Placid.