Michael Huang is a PhD Student at the Department of Political Science and 1 of 12 Graduate Students who was awarded a Conference Travel Grant by CEAPS in 2026. From March 22nd to March 25th, Michael used his Conference Travel Grant to visit Columbus, Ohio to attend the International Studies Association Conference to present his project "Aid, Protest and Persuasion: Strategic Public Diplomacy in Foreign Assistance." Here is a Q&A segment from CEAPS' interview with Michael Huang:

Q: What does this opportunity mean to you personally and academically?

Attending the International Studies Association Annual Convention is both personally meaningful and academically transformative for me. As a Ph.D. candidate working on the political economy of foreign aid and public opinion, this opportunity allows me to situate my research within a broader international scholarly community and receive direct feedback from leading researchers in international relations.  Academically, presenting my work at ISA 2026 will help refine my dissertation, particularly my core argument about how trust in foreign aid donors is formed and how it shapes political accountability in recipient countries. Engaging with scholars working on related topics—such as development, international organizations, and public opinion—will sharpen my theoretical framework and improve the rigor of my empirical strategies. It also provides an invaluable opportunity to learn about cutting-edge methods and emerging debates that I can incorporate into my research.  Personally, this opportunity represents an important step in my development as a scholar. It allows me to build professional networks, form potential collaborations, and gain visibility in a field where intellectual exchange is central to growth. As someone committed to producing policy-relevant research, I see ISA as a space where academic insights connect to real-world challenges, reinforcing my motivation to contribute meaningfully to both scholarship and practice.

Q: What is your research or project about, and how would you explain it to a general audience?

My research studies how people in developing countries form trust in foreign aid and the countries that provide it. While governments and international organizations invest billions of dollars in aid projects—such as infrastructure, education, and health programs—these efforts do not always translate into public support or political benefits. I am interested in understanding why.  In simple terms, I ask: when a road, school, or energy project is funded by a foreign donor, do local communities recognize who provided that support—and does it change how they view both their own government and the donor country?  To answer this, I combine data on where aid projects are located with survey data that captures people’s attitudes and experiences. For example, I study whether people living near aid-funded projects are more likely to trust certain countries, feel better about government performance, or reward politicians in elections. I also examine the role of media and information—since people often learn about aid indirectly, through news coverage or political messaging, which can shape perceptions in important ways.

Q: What was the best part of your conference and travel?

The most valuable part of my conference travel to the International Studies Association Annual Convention was the opportunity to engage directly with other scholars in meaningful, in-person conversations. While presenting my research was important, the most impactful moments often happened outside of formal sessions—during panel discussions, Q&A exchanges, and informal conversations with researchers working on related topics.

Q: Do you have any additional comments about your experience?

I am very grateful for the support that made this opportunity possible. Attending the International Studies Association Annual Convention not only strengthened my current research, but also contributed meaningfully to my professional development as I prepare for the next stage of my academic career.