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'Only Connect' idea of Hmong collaborative research

Kang Bao Her is studying what helps Hmong students in school for a faculty-student collaborative research project and she's discovering more about who she is, too.

"I'm connecting with my community and getting to know more about myself," said Her, a Hmong woman who was born in the United States. "I'm learning a lot about research, but a lot about myself also."

Her is an education major who is working with Katherine Rhoades, an assistant professor in foundations of education, on a research project that studies obstacles Hmong students face in school and what things in school help them succeed.  

Her and Rhoades were one research team of three who were part of a presentation by Provost and Vice chancellor of Academic Affairs Ron Satz to the UW System Board of Regents education committee Thursday.

The presentation was aimed at showing the regents the importance and benefits of faculty-student research at UW-Eau Claire, Chancellor Donald Mash said. 

The project, which they began in 2000, has consisted of identifying what they want to learn and how to go about it, and then this summer, the duo began interviewing various Hmong teachers about what helped them succeed and what didn't in school.

Rhoades applied the university's office of research and sponsored programs and received about $6,000 for the project.

This past summer, Rhoades and Her began traveling to conduct in-depth  interviews with Hmong educators and future educators in Eau Claire and other Wisconsin cities, such as Stevens Point.

The theme for their project is "Only Connect," because they want want to make the connections between what works for Hmong education and communicate their findings, Rhoades said at the presentation.

Having adequate financial assistance is an important part of any research project, Rhoades said.

The experience is not only benefiting Her and Rhoades, but also the Hmong communities in Wisconsin.

"There is virtually almost no literature out there about Hmong education," Rhoades said. The team is hoping to present their research this year and publish an article in a scholarly journal.

Rhoades was thrilled to be involved in the presentation for the regents.

"It was wonderful to have a university that recognizes how important research is," she said. "It makes me feel that the work we're doing is highly valued."