Reflecting on my semester in lab

As the semester, along with my time at Millikin, comes to a close, I am able to reflect upon my internship in the Human Trafficking Research Lab. I have been fortunate to experience many different endeavors which have helped with both personal and professional development. 

My favorite part of interning in the lab has been working on presentations within the community. I have learned a lot about trafficking while co-presenting with Dr. Dean. We have presented for the P.E.O. Chapter at Millikin University, to Decatur Public School District 61 high school leaders, to Millikin nursing students, to Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center, and to Decatur Public School District 61 security staff. I hope to continue presentations after I graduate and to collaborate with the research lab. I reached all of my presentation goals set at the beginning of the semester, aside from connecting with the Decatur Police Department, which I hope to have the opportunity to do down the line.

I have also had the privilege of taking part in a large research project, sifting through over 40,000 arrest records. The adjudication data that I reviewed helped me to understand trafficking in reference to our judicial system, and how most cases with elements of human trafficking are overlooked at the time of arrest or charged under a lesser statute than trafficking. This tells me we need additional policy to train and fund education for police in the trafficking realm, along with protection and advocacy for victims/survivors who would like to file charges against their perpetrators. 

In addition to the quantitative data I reviewed, I analyzed qualitative data which I had not done prior to working in the lab. I took part in drafting a Final Community Assessment for the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Taskforce in reference to responses from its members on satisfaction of the task force and various service provision elements for those members serving victims/survivors of trafficking. I also worked to proofread our final document and am looking forward to adding it to my portfolio. 

Aside from learning how to better review and input, write up, analyze, and explain data, I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals through events like trainings, the A21 walk at which I hosted a Human Trafficking Research Lab table, Welcome Days for new students at Millikin, being interviewed by radio personnel, and human trafficking panel events hosted by Dr. Dean. It is good to know that there are others fighting for this cause and that I have collaborative options to engage in future projects with. I have also joined the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Taskforce and anticipate learning a great deal from its members. I will have better networking opportunities and an increased understanding of how to serve clients in my future role as a mental health counselor.

Overall, my time in the lab has provided a wealth of knowledge and opportunity, ranging from community outreach to networking to research. It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Dean who has studied trafficking for many years. I have developed professionally in a unique way during my internship and know my time at the lab greatly influenced my growth

​Diana J. Terneus

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