WKU News

“The biggest thing that I am learning is that there is always more to learn,” says Campbell Lahman, a Fall 2026 Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grant recipient from Nashville, TN. A double major in Chinese and International Affairs, Lahman is redefining her undergraduate experience with her FUSE grant. 

Partnering with Dr. Timothy Rich of the Political Science Department, Lahman’s research expands on her existing interest in East Asia. This interest in the region sparked with her Chinese Language major, but Rich’s ongoing research in Korea allowed her an avenue to explore these interests further. In her own words, “It's [the research is] about authoritarian nostalgia in South Korea…people who have fond feelings for past authoritarian eras, but they maybe didn't even live in those eras or might be too young to remember them.” Lahman contributed questions for a survey Rich was composing, and it was then distributed in South Korea. Lahman is currently writing a paper based on these results. 

But this process has been more than just a chance to explore her intellectual interests; it has also been a chance for Lahman to grow as a student and to embrace her community. “I really would not be able to do any of the stuff that I've done, if it was not for the support of my community,” Lahman explained, “I've had other friends who've had FUSE grants or who were presenting at conferences, and they have talked to me about the process. They've invited me to see some of their presentations…I mean, they really were encouraging me every step of the way.” With this support in her corner, Lahman was able to feel more confident seeking research opportunities. 

Research has also shaped Lahman as a student. Between submitting questions for the survey, applying for FUSE, and interpreting results, the challenge of the research has allowed Lahman to understand more about her own abilities. “I think what I have also discovered is my own curiosity on subjects and my ability to look into those things,” she reflected. Balancing research and the other demands of undergraduate studies can seem daunting, but Lahman’s support network and passion for learning have greatly enriched her experience. 

The Mahurin Honors College (MHC) also played a role in Lahman’s understanding of undergraduate research. She reflected on how research was presented as an opportunity as soon as she entered the MHC. “I didn't really think that [research] was something I could do as an undergrad student, and I think that the Honors College has put me around other people who are also doing those things, which gives me more confidence to try it out for myself,” Lahman said. By being surrounded by a community that championed research, research became a reality for her undergraduate career instead of it being out of reach until graduate studies. 

Her advice? “First and foremost, talk to your advisor and talk to your professors. That was some advice that I got when I first got here, and it was absolutely life changing,” Lahman explained. Rather than thinking that professors “don’t care” or “are not going to be interested in helping,” Lahman expressed that these assumptions are incorrect about faculty. She advises students to reach out to the people around them, whether faculty or friends, to learn more about what’s possible with research. With support around her and curiosity still ahead in her journey, Lahman is excited to see where her FUSE project will take her next.