The Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) organized a student workshop for George Mason University students on conducting research with vulnerable populations on March 25, 2026.
IIR Director, Dr. Lisa Gilman, led the workshop, which focused on three main areas: 1) goals of research and who benefits, 2) ethics and power relations, 3) anticipating risks and strategies to mitigate them. The event was attended by both students and faculty members. Dr. Gilman drew on her extensive experience of working with vulnerable populations, including women, LGBTQ+ people, military personnel, prisoners, immigrants, and refugees. The workshop also involved hands-on components, such as interview exercises and guided reflections from both interviewers and interviewees.