Eight Politics & IR students present Summer Fellows research projects
Every summer, the Ursinus College Summer Fellows program offers scholarships and on-campus housing for students to conduct eight weeks of research under the supervision of faculty mentors. In 2018, eight students majoring in Politics or International Relations earned fellowships for this competitive program that funded 63 projects across campus. They worked with faculty mentors from May through July and presented their results at the annual Summer Fellows Symposium on July 20, 2018.
Anika Backelin-Harrison, who had recently returned from one year studying abroad in India and Great Britain, conducted research following up on her study abroad experience. Her project “Intersectional India” examined the connections between caste, feminism and development in contemporary India. A video of Backelin-Harrison discussing her research can be found here. Professor Rebecca Evans served as mentor for this project.
Cori Cichowicz conducted an original analysis of oral argument tactics in the U.S. Supreme Court, focusing on Neil Gorsuch’s first term. Professor Gerard Fitzpatrick served as mentor for this project.
Charlotte Rohrer analyzed cross-national data and conducted case studies examining the relationship between foreign aid and terrorism. Professors Johannes Karreth and Rebecca Evans served as co-mentors for this project.
Rosina Shipman examined the role of public transportation as a potential driving force of urban gentrification. This research was inspired by an internship with housing non-profit organization in Bremerton, WA. Shipman will spend the fall semester in Washington, D.C., studying and researching housing policy. Professor Ann Karreth served as mentor for this project.
Gregory Stryker studied how domestic politics across the European Union have shaped the course of Turkey’s accession negotiations with the EU. Stryker’s research was inspired by his study abroad and internship experience in Brussels. Professor Ann Karreth served as mentor for this project.
Roumaissaa Tailassane studied cross-national variation in immigration policies and their effect on immigrants’ attitudes toward their countries of residence. Tailassane analyzed data on policies and conducted in-depth interviews during her project. Professors Johannes Karreth and Rebecca Evans served as co-mentors for this project.
Chelsey Thomas, head delegate for the 2018-2019 Model United Nations team, collected and analyzed data on first-generation immigrants in higher education. Her project will continue with the goal of building a publicly accessible website with resources for first-generation immigrant students. Professor Jasmine Harris (Anthropology & Sociology) served as mentor for this project.
William Wehrs conducted an inquiry into the rise of political factions during the time period of 1789-1795. Professor Gerard Fitzpatrick served as mentor for this project.
The research papers summarizing the students’ work are posted at the UC Digital Commons and publicly accessible. The Department of Politics & International Relations congratulates all our Summer Fellows on their impressive work!