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On September 28, 2023, senior Communication and Political Science major Sarah Minghini presented her research paper, “Duolingo Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report,” at the Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference. A Business Communication assignment sparked Sarah's inspiration for her research. She wanted to explore the diversity, equity, and inclusion practices of a Pittsburgh-based company. Sarah chose to focus on Duolingo, an educational technology company known for its language learning app. Her comprehensive review of articles and papers written about Duolingo’s DEI initiatives, including Duolingo’s own policies and public statements about its efforts, earned her a Research Award from ��������Ƶ’s Reeves Memorial Library.

“I learned so much about structuring and conducting research in the field of communication.” 

At the Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference, Sarah presented in front of a panel of communications experts, with five other students from different schools. This experience gave her a great opportunity to network with graduate students and other professionals in the field. 

 “The biggest learning from this research experience didn’t necessarily come from the research itself, but the entire process,” Sarah said. “I learned so much about structuring and conducting research in the field of communication.” 

At ��������Ƶ, Sarah is vice president of the MarComm Club; President of Model United Nations; and a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society. She interned in Volvo’s Corporate Communication division in New Jersey over the summer. 

“The liberal arts curriculum and my core courses have not only given me the skills and resources that I need to be successful,” Sarah said, “but they have also taught me how to think critically and creatively about the world.”