Jordyn Ives
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Adam Simon
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences / LSA
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 6 (3:40pm – 4:30pm)
Authors: Jordyn Ives
Abstract
While we are well aware of the fact that there has been a myriad of research and publicizing done on Human Trafficking in Nigeria, our research is unique because it is driven by community voices and is tightly based on a clear relationship between the University of Michigan and the Nigerian-based organization International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since the project mentor and leader Adam became acquainted with IOM during a summer school program in Nigeria, he has cultivated a relationship with IOM that is based on their needs, with the UROP team taking a supporting role. All involved students are passionate about making a global difference- whether it be through working with Geographic Information Systems GIS) or interviewing survivors- which is why this project is so multidisciplinary. For this project, the end goal is to create a website that is an educational tool for Nigerian audiences to learn about the danger of human trafficking. The website will include interviews with survivors, a database of trafficking routes in Nigeria, and information about causes and potential solutions to the issue. Students spent the first semester compiling data, and are spending the second semester developing the website using GIS, compiling survivor interviews, and ensuring that the direction of our project is in line with IOM’s long term goals. Additionally, a team of UROP students participated in the UM Social Innovation Challenge to pitch for funding, which would allow for a student to spend the summer developing the comprehensive GIS database and ensuring that it is complete to the highest standard. This was an added component of the project but enabled team members to create a long term plan for the project, and to understand how entrepreneurship and innovation intersect with social justice and non profit work. While our work is not complete, we hope that our website ultimately saves the lives of Nigerians and makes an impact. This was an opportunity for students to use their skills and UM’s resources to make a difference, and the process provided a unique learning experience for everyone involved.
