Conferences and Publications
Andrea Meluch
ameluch1@kent.edu
Tom Ballinger
tballin1@kent.edu
Outline
•Conferences – Andrea
•Publications – Tom
•Discussion
Getting Started with
Conferences
• Plan your meeting.
– Check program online ahead of
time.
– Figure out travel
arrangements.
• Conference Theme:
• Learn.
• Present research.
• Network.
• Department Activities.
• Pre-conferences and workshops.
Conference Networking
• Business Cards.
• Start small (regional-level) and remeet people at larger conferences.
(national/international).
• Join Sections/Divisions and attend
their business meetings.
• Plan with your advisor regarding
introductions.
• Mentoring Programs.
Getting Involved and Presenting
• Do your research before submitting.
– Deadlines.
– Conference Theme.
– Requirements (e.g., abstract or
paper, length limits).
• Types of Involvement.
– Presenter (individual paper/abstract
session).
– Panelist.
– Poster Presenter.
– Discussant or Respondent.
– Moderator.
– Roundtable Participant (good
opportunity for new scholars).
How to Make the Most of
Your Conference
Presentation
Tips for Conference
Presentations
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Be enthusiastic about your topic.
Try to avoid using distracting gestures.
Speak loudly, without shouting.
Speak slowly.
Have a clear introduction, body, and
conclusion.
Define your terms.
Explain your research without
overwhelming the audience with too
much information.
Do not cut out important facts.
Use PowerPoint and other visual aids
appropriately.
Final Tips for Surviving
Conferences
• Do not try to attend every session.
• Take breaks throughout the day.
• Use the restroom prior to start of
session.
• Wear layers.
• Bring Band-Aids and other essentials.
• Eat and drink lots of fluids.
• Try to get some sleep.
• Take notes during presentations.
• If you want to sightsee, arrive early
or stay late.
Travel Funding Options
Kent State University Options:
● Graduate Student Senate (GSS):
o Domestic Travel Grant (50% student incurred
expenses up to $350; presenter preference*).
o International Travel Grant (up to $1500 student
incurred expenses; competitive award*).
o Research Award*
● Departmental Grants / Support.
● Student Organization Grants.
Other Options:
● Conference Travel Awards.
● Graduate Student Volunteering at Conferences.
30th Annual Kent State
University Graduate
Research Symposium
Friday, April 3, 2015
Academic Publishing
• Why is it important to
publish?
• To share your research with
academic peers.
• To enhance your academic
and professional résumés.
• To obtain tenure (Becker,
2007; Maddux & Liu, 2005).
What counts as a publication?
• Journals
– Research Articles
– Literature Reviews
– Book Reviews
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Proceedings
Books
Magazines
Newspapers
What about publishing in the
public sphere?
How do I know which
publication route is best
for me?
• Explore the journals in your field.
• Consult with your advisor and
peers.
• Assess a journal’s impact factor.
• Look at the submission guidelines.
• Collaborate with others.
Where to start?
• You need to have an original idea,
method, response, argument,
perspective, etc.
• Research what others have done and
what hasn’t been done yet.
“Make it a practice to regularly read many
published research reports. Reading published
research reports of others will inevitably
provide many ideas for additional research”
(Maddux & Liu, 2005, p. 56).
Research Design
• Decide which methodology/approach
will best answer your research question.
• There are benefits and drawbacks to
using all different types of
methodologies (e.g. quantitative vs.
qualitative).
– Mixed-methods
• Experiment with different
methodologies and writing styles for
class assignments.
Writing
• Academic publications use
formulaic writing.
• Structure and organization can be
found by reviewing publications
and talking to faculty.
• Use the required writing style
(e.g. APA, MLA).
• Think of a concise, telling title.
• Keep track of your references.
• Discuss writing early on when
working with multiple authors.
The Submission Process
• Check publisher’s website for
topics covered, specific
formatting guidelines,
deadlines, writing styles, and
image preparation.
– Keep in mind blind review.
The Submission Process
• Check publisher’s website for
specifics.
• Consult the editor with brief,
but specific questions.
• Submit manuscript in
publication’s desired format
(e.g. electronically through
publisher, email to editor).
• Include all materials (e.g.
complete manuscript, cover
letter, ISBNs of books
reviewed).
Feedback
• Rejection
– “The decision was difficult and we
regret to inform you…”
• Revise and Rewrite/Resubmit
– “While the reviewers were
supportive of your paper they had
specific concerns and based on their
feedback we have concluded that
your work should be revised and
resubmitted.”
• Acceptance
– “Congratulations, your article has
been accepted!”
What should I do while
waiting for a response?
• Depending on your field it may be
appropriate to acknowledge on
your CV that you have a
manuscript under review.
• Be patient.
• Continue research, stay curious.
• Do NOT submit identical
manuscripts to multiple
publications at the same time.
Publication Trajectory
Version
1
2
3
4
5
Timeline
Activity
Spring 2015
Defend dissertation/thesis - raw material for article or first draft of article
written.
Summer/Fall
2015
Submit article, either directly from or rewritten version of
dissertation/thesis, to conference as individual paper.
Spring 2016
Present conference paper.
Summer 2016
Rewrite based on comments from respondents at conference.
Summer/Fall
2016
Submit to Journal A.
Fall 2016
Journal A rejects at editor’s desk without forwarding to reviewers.
Winter 2017
Rewrite based on Journal A editor’s comments.
Spring 2017
Submit to Journal B.
Summer 2017
Journal B invites major revise and resubmit.
Fall 2017
Submit revised version based on Journal B reviewers’ comments.
Winter 2018
Journal B accepts manuscript with minor revisions.
Winter 2018
Rewrite based on Journal B reviewers’ second round of comments.
Spring 2018
Published (online first, then months later in print).
Adapted from Tracy, 2013
Complex Conversations in Academia
Academic Rejection
Complex Conversations in Academia
Authorship
Questions?
Thank you and stay in touch!
References
Conferences
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Brann-Barret, M. T. Cape Breton University Communications.
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Kamler, B., & Thomson, P. (2006) Helping doctoral students to
write, Routledge: New York
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KSU GSS Website: http://www.kent.edu/graduatestudies/gssawards
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Rugg, G., & Petre, M. (2010). The unwritten rules of PhD research
(2nd ed.). Open University Press: Maidenhead
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Smith, T. L. Tips for Attending Professional Conferences.
Publications
•
Becker, H. S. (2007). Writing for social scientists: How to start and
finish your thesis, book, or article. Chicago, IL: The University of
Chicago Press.
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Maddux, C. D., & Liu, L. (2005). Publishing research findings: Some
suggestions for junior faculty.International Journal of Technology
in Teaching and Learning 1(2), 55-62.
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Tracy, Sarah J. (2013). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting
Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact. Malden, MA:
Wiley-Blackwell