Researcher Spotlight

Library staff members are routinely impressed by the work done by Stonehill’s student researchers. “Researcher Spotlight” will be a regular feature of the library’s monthly newsletter. It will introduce you to some of these researchers and provide you with some information about the intriguing work they are doing. In this installment you will meet Reilly Johnston, ‘23. Reilly is using his experience as a member of the Skyhawks cross country and track teams, an education studies major, and advocate for student-athletes to inform his Education Studies capstone project. That project will explore student athletes’ contributions to the larger community. As part of his research, Reilly used education and multidisciplinary databases to search for scholarly articles on his topic as well as statistics from the NCAA and other sources.

Would you like the Library Newsletter to feature your research? We would love to hear from you. Email librarydeskgroup@stonehill.edu.

 

Name: Reilly Johnston 

Hometown: East Providence, Rhode Island

Class Year (undergraduate): 2023

What are you working on?

I am working on my research project for my Education Studies capstone class.

What is your topic?

My research project focuses on student-athletes, specifically on how they are more involved in the community than just through their athletics and academics. 

Why does this topic interest you?

As a student-athlete, and as a representative on the Stonehill, Northeast 10, and NCAA DII Student-Athlete Advisory Committees, giving student-athletes a voice and highlighting their contributions to the community that are often not recognized is something that I find especially important. This research project gives me an opportunity to explain how student athletes are just as valuable to the community off the field as they are on. 

Can you give us examples of some student-athlete contributions to the community we might not be aware of? What have you and your teammates been involved in?

We have many student athletes involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). With representatives from all our men's and women's teams, the Stonehill SAAC organizes and participates in a variety of community service initiatives. We continually work with the Stonehill Athletics department, Make-A-Wish, and Team Impact.

What is the most interesting or surprising thing you have learned from your research to date?

One of the most interesting things I have learned from my research is how little research has been done on student-athletes in relation to community service.

What types of library resources have you used?

I have used many of the reference books for prior research projects, and I have also received help from the librarians firsthand. 

How have the library resources shaped your research?

The resources that the library offers have allowed me to develop my research skills, which have all contributed to my academic performance and the success and thoroughness of my research. 

What is the most interesting source you have used during your research?

I think that the most interesting source would be the librarians themselves. They have helped guide me along with my research and have proven to be more helpful than any book I have used. 

Do you have any advice for fellow student researchers?

My advice would be to use your resources, and if you don’t know where to start don’t be afraid to ask! The librarians are here to help, and they will point you in the right direction for your research and give you the guidance that you need!