SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Lawrence Technological University undergraduate student Carter Schroeder recently presented original research examining acid-attack violence around the world at the 2026 International Studies Association Conference, one of the leading global gatherings for international affairs scholars and researchers.
Schroeder presented the research project, titled “Acid-Attack Violence around the World,” in collaboration with Jessi Hanson-DeFusco, assistant professor, Humanities Social Sciences and Communication, LTU College of Arts and Sciences. The presentation examined patterns, causes and long-term impacts of acid-attack violence worldwide while also exploring the importance of survivor advocacy, global data collection and international awareness efforts.
The research was shared with an international audience of scholars and researchers representing institutions, including Harvard University, George Mason University and Yale University. The annual ISA Conference brings together experts in international relations, political science, human rights and global policy from around the world.
For Schroeder, presenting at the conference marked an opportunity to showcase the impact undergraduate researchers can have in addressing complex global issues.
“Our research got great feedback, including that it was one of the first ever datasets to be put together on acid attacks,” Schroeder said. “Researchers hearing our presentation were glad this topic of acid attack, a really under-analyzed form of violence, is finally getting noticeable attention and solid data. It was a great experience to get to meet various scholars from various schools and disciplines at the conference, and having the opportunity to show off our respective work in front of academics and practitioners.”
Being able to present this research, alongside scholars from leading institutions around the world, showed Schroeder how important undergraduate research can be.
“I gained valuable insight into researching skills and abilities, along with getting to know how to interact with professionals in the academic world,” he said. “It reinforced that students can play a meaningful role in advancing conversations about global human rights issues and helping bring greater awareness to overlooked forms of violence.”
Schroeder also serves as a volunteer research assistant for CERESAV, a nonprofit organization dedicated to studying and raising awareness about acid violence and related gender-based violence worldwide. Through the partnership between LTU and CERESAV, Schroeder has helped analyze a first-of-its-kind global research database documenting all known acid-attack cases around the world.
The database was compiled through the work of more than 75 LTU student researchers, representing one of the most comprehensive efforts to document acid-attack violence on a global scale. The initiative has helped identify trends, regional patterns and gaps in reporting tied to acid violence cases across multiple countries.
The research collaboration also reflects LTU’s emphasis on experiential learning opportunities that allow students to participate in meaningful research with real-world implications.
“Presenting this research at ISA was an incredible opportunity to contribute to an important international conversation,” Schroeder said. “Working alongside Dr. Hanson-DeFusco and the CERESAV team has allowed me to better understand the human impact behind the data and the importance of continuing this research. It was rewarding to represent LTU and share research that can help inform awareness and future policy discussions.”
Hanson-DeFusco said the project demonstrates the value of undergraduate research opportunities and LTU’s commitment to hands-on, globally focused scholarship.
“Carter’s work reflects the kind of meaningful, interdisciplinary research our students are known for producing,” she said. “This project has brought together students, faculty and nonprofit partners to help build a deeper understanding of a form of violence that often goes underreported around the world. Opportunities like this demonstrate how undergraduate students can make meaningful contributions to international research conversations.”
CERESAV’s research initiative seeks to improve global awareness, data collection and policy discussions surrounding acid violence and survivor advocacy. LTU students involved in the project assist with researching, documenting and analyzing acid-attack cases from around the world as part of the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to better understand the scope and impact of the issue.
For more information, visit ceresavusa.com.
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU, which offers communication training programs of the former Specs Howard School, and LTU’s growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.