Public Policy Students Sweep Research Awards

Bucknell Institute for Public Policy

Student researchers from the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy summer research program swept the awards in the Social Sciences and Humanities division of the sixth annual Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on July 27, 2016.

Elizabeth Wilkey '17 and Patrick Newhart '18 won the prize for Best Abstract and presented their project "A Geovisualization: 10,000 Years of Global Maize," which mapped the diffusion of maize production through history.

Louis Tobias '17 and Maggie Carlson '18 ("Dreamers: Immigrant Youth Fighting for Opportunity") and Amarachi Ekekwe '18 ("Black Women & Violence: Understanding Fear and Movement Amongst Black Women on Bucknell's Campus") tied for Best Poster Presentation in the division. Amarachi's project was also voted Audience Favorite.

These students were part of a group of sixteen Bucknell Institute for Public Policy Summer Research Interns and six Emerging Scholars. The interns are matched with faculty from economics, geography, political science, sociology and others to work on research projects. In the Emerging Scholars program, students propose interdisciplinary research projects which are in an early stage of development and work with faculty mentors; this program is jointly funded by the Institute, the Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment and the Provost's office. The Institute faculty also hold weekly workshops on developing research and professional skills for the students. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we have been able to increase opportunities for students to do research in the social sciences.

In Their Own Words

Students tell us what their summer research experience means to them.

Amarachi Ekekwe '18

"The best part of my experience hasn't come yet. I look forward to seeing the change that comes from my research and presenting my research to different members of administration."

Walid Abouraine '17

"I'm terrified to present in front of people, so presenting my work is always a challenge for me; however, this summer taught me the importance of staying focused. Getting through the Bloomsburg symposium made me believe myself even more and made me want to continue to do more research — even after my undergraduate career."

Maggie Carlson '18

"The best part of this experience was the relationships I formed and furthered with Louis [Tobias '17] and Professor Durden. Working with these two smart, driven and dedicated intellectuals has helped me see not only Bucknell but the world of academia in a different light."

Sabine Sellers '17

"I feel more secure and confident in my abilities as a student than I ever have before, and I have found an area that I could see myself pursuing in graduate school. I wish I could truly convey how thankful I am for the Institute's support, and I hope that many other students will also have the opportunity to learn and grow as I have."

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