Abstract
Human trafficking is a phenomenon that lends itself to hands-on pedagogical practices and undergraduate research that, in turn, can create localised knowledge with anti-trafficking stakeholders. Research labs focused on human trafficking are one-on-one or small group applied research settings that build a bridge between the university and anti-trafficking stakeholders over multiple semesters. In this paper, I argue that one way of involving students in the anti-trafficking field is through research laboratories, like the Human Trafficking Research Lab (HTRL) at Millikin University. I explore how the HTRL develops pedagogical practices to enable students to work collaboratively with a faculty member and carry out the research process from idea to final draft. Multiple learning outcomes were found, including mentorship, a larger understanding of political science as a discipline, data compilation, presentation and critical thinking skills, and job or graduate school placement. I determined that the HTRL at Millikin offers students hands-on experience with community-engaged projects, including grappling with the ethical implications of knowledge production in social justice advocacy.
Highlights
Human trafficking is a phenomenon that lends itself to hands-on pedagogical practices and undergraduate research that, in turn, can create localised knowledge with anti-trafficking stakeholders
Research labs focused on human trafficking are one-on-one or small group applied research settings that build a bridge between the university and anti-trafficking stakeholders over multiple semesters
I argue that one way of involving students in the anti-trafficking field is through research laboratories, like the Human Trafficking Research Lab (HTRL)
Summary
The concept of research laboratories began in the late nineteenth century as industrial research laboratories or chemical labs in Germany and the United States (US), and expanded to electrotechnical labs mostly housed in for-profit companies.[5]. Students in the HTRL read and engage decolonised research, grapple with the legacies of transatlantic slavery, and work to not perpetuate human trafficking stereotypes. They work with organisations, businesses, and policy partners on their research agenda, focusing on different programme streams such as Data and Measurement, Communities and Society, Ecosystems and the Environment, Law and Policy, and Business and Economies.[8] Another prominent research lab is the Human Trafficking Center at the University of Denver, which began in 2002 and consists of ten students and seven faculty, evolving from a task force to a non-profit research and. 9 ‘Who We Are’, Human Trafficking Center at the University of Denver, 2020, retrieved 28 September 2020, https://humantraffickingcenter.org/who-we-are. This is the HTRL model, which is ideal at small liberal arts colleges such as Millikin University
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