“Things That Go Bump in the Night: An International Literary Conference on All Things Scary” was hosted by Anais Shelley, an English major from Danzey, Alabama, on Oct. 16-18.

Inspired by Shelley’s love for literature and passion for research, the conference saw 34 presenters from eight countries and featured two guest moderators, two special guests and 75 auditors. 

Shelley said that while she has participated in conferences before, putting one together was a brand-new experience, one that exceeded her expectations.

“I wrote my own paper that I presented for the conference, but what I found way bigger than that was creating a space for research, student research at that, to come together,” she said. “Seeing the presenters and auditors interact with each other, build on each other’s thoughts, and share resources was absolutely amazing. I can’t describe how it felt knowing that I would not have met any of these people if it weren’t for this event.”

During the conference, Shelley said that each paper presented offered a new perspective that caught her attention and showcased intelligent creativity. Following the event, she received many emails from all over the world, asking her to host the event again, to stay in touch and to partner with new projects.

“I have known since I started it that this event meant so much to me, but for dozens of people from across the globe to reach out saying how much it meant to them is something I still can’t even get my head around,” she said. “I have such a passion for research and education, and I really wanted to make this an event that was for students to have a safe place to share research. I knew how scary it was at my first conference, where there were so many people who had been researching for decades, had PhDs, and there I was with only my third or fourth ever research paper. I was terrified! So, I just went into this with the mindset that this was going to be a space geared towards sharing and learning, one where perfection wasn’t expected because it’s for students. And seeing that that was recognized and it mattered to those presenters left no doubt in my mind that this was worth every single second.”

Hosting the conference has also given her inspiration for her future and career path.

“This has brought home many of the things I already thought of for my career and personal goals,” she said. “I enjoy research, but I want things like this event to be part of my life and career. I am really committed after seeing this in action to pursue academia in a whole new way because of these kinds of opportunities for research.”

She shared that not only did she receive support from the English department, but that Dr. Ben Robertson served as her mentor through the planning process.

“The folks in the English Department really want to see students succeed,” she said. “Dr. Robertson was under no obligation to keep his eye on this event, but he did so with patience and generosity, and I think that really reflects how this department feels about both student activities and research.”

Having a mentor made a difference for Shelley, especially when learning about conference practice. She also encouraged students who are interested in organizing their own conference to ask questions. 

“It can definitely still be a student-organized conference while asking for help, and I encourage getting feedback,” she said. “When it came up in conversation, I always asked other faculty members if they saw something I needed to be doing differently, just because it never hurts to get another set of eyes on something. The professors here at TROY, at least in the English Department, really care. They really want to help. So, just ask.”