Semarang, May 30, 2025 – The Psychology Study Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) once again organized a public lecture to broaden students’ academic horizons, particularly for second-semester students enrolled in the Social Psychology course. The event carried the engaging theme “Sharing Experiences of Conducting Research in Community Settings” and featured international guest speaker Associate Professor Tiffeny Jimenez, Ph.D., from National Louis University, Chicago.
This lecture was part of the program’s efforts to introduce students to real-world practices of community-based social research, delivered directly by an expert with extensive global experience in the field. In her presentation, Prof. Tiffeny shared field experiences on how to conduct social research that is ethical, impactful, and responsive to community needs.
Moderated by Zivora Rifqa Aqila, the event took place from 08.00 to 10.00 WIB. The participants were not only attentive but also highly engaged in discussions, showing great interest in community research, particularly in the context of social intervention and data-driven advocacy.
Students demonstrated strong involvement throughout the lecture. Prof. Tiffeny delivered her material using a dialogical approach, encouraging participants to understand the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and sustainability in conducting social research. Her international insights broadened students’ perspectives on understanding community dynamics from a global lens.
The session was enthusiastically hosted by MC Devina Dhiyaelhaq, who also shared her reflections afterward:
“For me, this was not just about being an MC, but an opportunity to learn directly from such an inspiring figure. Prof. Tiffeny taught us that research is not only about numbers and data but also about standing up for humanity.” — Devina Dhiyaelhaq
Devina further expressed that being part of the event left her deeply inspired by both the participants’ enthusiasm and the depth of the lecture. “Many of my peers were still discussing community research ideas after the event and even started looking for potential topics they could explore early on,” she added.
This public lecture provided valuable experiences not only academically but also in terms of international exposure. Students gained insights from a foreign lecturer while also realizing the importance of cross-cultural academic networking and psychology’s role in driving social change.
The Psychology Study Program at UNNES remains committed to organizing contextual and inspiring learning activities like this, as part of its mission to strengthen students’ competencies and character.
