Through my research, I developed strong critical thinking skills by designing and analyzing a study that explored how disability type, demographics, and question framing impact student attitudes toward disability accommodations and administrative burden. I used experimental methods, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and regression to isolate complex relationships and interpret sometimes contradictory patterns. For example, I analyzed why students might support both more accommodations and more administrative oversight — a tension that required me to think beyond surface-level data.
This project reflects my deep commitment to equity and inclusion. I focused on the experiences of disabled students and examined how ableism and structural barriers show up in peer attitudes and campus culture. My goal was to understand how identity shapes judgment, and how our institutions might unintentionally create additional burdens for the very students they aim to support. I hope this research contributes to more inclusive policies and a better understanding of how we can advance educational equity.
Throughout this project, I learned how to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. I translated my statistical findings into accessible insights for poster presentations, class discussions, and written work. I adapted my language for different audiences — from professors to peers — and worked closely with faculty to fine-tune how I framed and interpreted my results. This experience strengthened my ability to tell a compelling, data-driven story with real-world implications.
This research helped me grow as a scholar and as a future legal advocate. I took initiative to design a study that aligns with my interests in disability rights, education policy, and civil rights law. Along the way, I built technical skills in SPSS, deepened my understanding of ethics in human-subjects research, and developed greater confidence in my ability to lead an independent project. It confirmed my passion for work that combines analysis, advocacy, and structural change.