AUS students earn best paper award for migration studies at international colloquium

The study of migration patterns is often dominated by economic analyses, but a recent paper by Mohammad Amaan Siddiqui and Manal Nadeem, international studies students at American University of Sharjah (AUS), has received the“Best Undergraduate Student Paper” award at the BITS Pilani International Humanities and Social Sciences Student Research Colloquium. Their work challenges the conventional wisdom that economic opportunity is the sole driver of migration patterns. 

Their award-winning paper for the public policy workshop, "Deconstructing Dichotomies: Exploring Contemporary South Asian Emigration to the UAE Beyond Economics," reveals that factors like religious freedom, safety and a desire for proximity to home significantly influence South Asian migrants' decisions to make the UAE their home, not just a transit point. The paper was supported by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Undergraduate Research Grant and supervised by Dr. Neha Vora, Professor of Anthropology in the Department of International Studies at AUS. 

Siddiqui and Nadeem are not just scholars, but also vibrant participants in university life. Siddiqui, a Rhodes Finalist, balances his research with roles as a tutor and Student Editor of INScription, a newsletter issued by the Department of International Studies. Nadeem, a COP28 UAE Youth Climate Delegate and the Editor-in-Chief of the AUS Wellbeing Economics Club blog, brings a unique perspective to her studies and extracurricular engagements.

Siddiqui shared his motivation for diving deep into the non-economic factors of migration. 

"We started with a question that challenged the existing migration discourse about South Asians, which is heavily skewed towards economic factors. As we peeled back layers, real stories of human desires and needs emerged, guiding us to findings that could reshape how migration policies are crafted and understood," he said.

Nadeem reflects on the emotional depth of their research. 

"Each interview was a revelation, adding depth to our understanding of migration as a complex tapestry of human experiences and decisions. Presenting our research has been both a privilege and a profound responsibility. The accolade we received is not just for us, but for the voices we represent," she said.

The journey of discovery for these two young scholars is far from over. Following their presentation at the AUS Innovation Expo on May 6, their work took center stage at the Department of  International Studies Colloquium on May 8. They are now preparing for the Gulf Migration workshop at the prestigious Gulf Research Meeting at the University of Cambridge.

Looking forward, Siddiqui and Nadeem aim to have their insights published in a respected academic journal and to continue their inquiry into intra-Gulf migration. They will also participate in the "Evolving Expressions of Belonging in the UAE" panel at the Middle East Studies Association's Annual Meeting in 2024, alongside notable academics Dr. Bethany Shockley, Dr. Michael Ewers and fellow student Sarah Zahaf.

"Supporting our students through initiatives like the CAS Undergraduate Research Grant program is a priority for us. Siddiqui and Nadeem's success is a testament to what can be achieved when talented students are given the resources and support to pursue their academic inquiries. Their work is an excellent example of how institutional support can help translate innovative ideas into impactful research," said Dr. Yuting Wang, Head of the AUS Department of International Studies.

Managed by the CAS Dean's office, the CAS Undergraduate Grants Program invites full-time undergraduate students in good standing to partake in independent research as well as scholarly and creative endeavors, guided by distinguished professors from the college. To date, the CAS Undergraduate Grants Program has awarded 26 projects, of which 15 were individual research works and 11 were group projects. For more information on the College of Arts and Sciences,  its programs and research initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/cas.