Government

Session I

Allison Chabala, "Antiquated or Admissible: Exploring Virginia’s Voting Policies for Felons"

Recently, several U.S. states have eased their restrictions that formerly kept felons from voting. But not Virginia – Virginia is one of the very few states that permanently disenfranchise felons unless their rights are restored by the governor. This project seeks to explore what factors have led to Virginia having the most stringent policy in the country on this subject, and to explore what has kept Virginia from emulating models set by other states in recent years. Additionally, this project will explore how the state's gradual transition towards being a ‘blue’ state may impact this policy. This project will examine socio political institutional factors, as well as historical factors, starting from the Reconstruction era. The final product will be an analytical paper, and the research will be compiled from a literature review and from reading Virginia’s relevant legislative history and judicial review. The final product will be salient for lobbyists and interest groups, and will provide insights for litigators that are currently trying to change Virginia’s disenfranchisement policy. 

Student Major(s): Government

Advisor: Dr. Jackson Sasser

Jack Connor-Scharf, Ryan Healy, Nadia Khan, and Meghan Savage, "American Bosnian Collaboration Project"

The 2025 ABC Project explores how incorporating music-based learning, in addition to our existing literature-based teaching methods, affects the development of intercultural competence (ICC) skills, attitudes, and knowledge amongst Bosnian youth. We used a mixed methods approach to measure the effect of combining music and literature-based pedagogy, using student surveys, co-teacher reflections, and researcher observation of chorus classes as our instruments for measurement. The 2025 ABC Project recently concluded, so we are still in the process of analyzing the data and can offer only preliminary findings. We anticipate that literature-based teaching will prove to have a stronger role in increasing ICC levels this year than music-based teaching, highlighting some areas for growth and restructuring in the design of the music lessons. As this was our first attempt to involve music in the project, the suggestions and constructive feedback emerging from our research will shape the continued efficacy of the project. 

Student Major(s)/Minor: Jack: Biology; Ryan: Government, History; Nadia: International Relations and Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies; Meghan: Middle Eastern Studies

Advisor: Dr. Paula Pickering

Eryn McKendree and Lydia Poulos, "How Do ENGOs Respond to Democratic Backsliding"

In countries experiencing democratic backsliding, state and state-affiliated actors employ several strategies and create an environment of “shrinking civil space” to target NGO networks. Current literature suggests that NGOs employ a wide range of response strategies, including: disbanding, widening their agendas, narrowing agendas in order to avoid being targeted, etc. Although scholars have devoted attention to the study of response strategies of NGOs, comparatively little attention has been granted to ENGOs and how they specifically respond to stresses from democratic backsliding.

The Republic of Georgia exemplifies how ENGOs navigate challenges posed by democratic backsliding. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party has intensified its anti-NGO stance, framing them as agents of Western influence that undermine Georgian sovereignty. This rhetoric culminated in the passage of the controversial Foreign Agents Law, mandating that NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as “acting in the interest of a foreign power.”

Through the analysis of the language used by a prominent ENGO in Georgia in their publications along with supplementary interviews, we find that ENGOs in Georgia have increased their political commentary and activity in response to democratic backsliding. The results of this case will add to current theory regarding how ENGOs respond to democratic backsliding. 

Student Major(s)/Minor: Eryn: Government and Environmental Policy, Lydia: International Relations Major, Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies Minor

Advisor: Dr. Daniel Maliniak

Mariam Robindolph, "The Shades of Injustice: Racial Inequity in U.S. Incarceration Across Sates​"

This project explores the question: Why has the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act contributed to different levels of racial inequality in incarceration across U.S. states such as Louisiana, California, and Maine? Using a comparative case study approach, the research examines how specific provisions of the law, such as mandatory minimums and “three strikes” sentencing, were adopted and enforced differently across these states. Quantitative data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau are used to track incarceration rates and racial disparities, while qualitative sources, including case studies and policy reports, will provide contextual analysis. Louisiana, with one of the highest incarceration rates and severe racial disparities, contrasts with Maine’s low levels of inequality and California’s moderate disparity levels. The findings will show how state-level policy environments mediate the effects of federal legislation. These insights could inform more equitable criminal justice reforms moving forward.

Student Major(s): Government/Psychology

Advisor: Dr. Seshagiri Rao Harish

Chloe Smith, "Consociationalism’s Impact on Lebanon and Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Protests"

All countries are a mixture of ethnicities and religions, some more than others. Consociationalism is a form of powersharing government to help bridge the differences between groups and create a united government. Lebanon implemented it after the Lebanese Civil War, giving political power to each of the 17 religious groups (Malley). However, the most recent protests in 2019 were against the sectarian divide (Breaking). Bosnia & Herzegovina implemented consociationalism after the Bosnian War in 1995, with protests in 2014 against the government (Stroschein)(Kurtović). This project will explore the question of ‘How did consociationalism motivate the 2014 and 2019 protests in BiH and Lebanon, respectively, but also hinder their success?’. This project will compare the cases of Lebanon and BiH by analyzing primary and secondary sources, including official agreements, legislation and local media. A series of podcasts will be created to convey the research to a general audience, guaranteeing that anyone can understand the question without prior knowledge.

Student Major(s): International Relations and Economics

Advisor: Dr. Paula Pickering

Eryn McKendree, "How do ENGOs Respond to Democratic Backsliding"

In countries experiencing democratic backsliding, state and state-affiliated actors employ several strategies and create an environment of “shrinking civil space” to target NGO networks. Current literature suggests that NGOs employ a wide range of response strategies, including: disbanding, widening their agendas, narrowing agendas in order to avoid being targeted, etc. Although scholars have devoted attention to the study of response strategies of NGOs, comparatively little attention has been granted to ENGOs and how they specifically respond to stresses from democratic backsliding.

The Republic of Georgia exemplifies how ENGOs navigate challenges posed by democratic backsliding. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party has intensified its anti-NGO stance, framing them as agents of Western influence that undermine Georgian sovereignty. This rhetoric culminated in the passage of the controversial Foreign Agents Law, mandating that NGOs receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad must register as “acting in the interest of a foreign power.” Through the analysis of the language used by a prominent ENGO in Georgia in their publications along with supplementary interviews, we find that ENGOs in Georgia have increased their political commentary and activity in response to democratic backsliding. The results of this case will add to current theory regarding how ENGOs respond to democratic backsliding. 

Student Major(s):Government and Environmental Policy 

Advisor: Dr. Daniel Maliniak 

Session II

Lana Altunashvili, "Exploring the Responsibility to Protect: Origins, Consequences and Manipulative Uses"

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is an international norm established in the early 2000s to prevent atrocity crimes such as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature, this research explores the origins of the norm, its practical uses such as the Libya case in 2011, as well as its manipulative uses employed mainly by Russia since the 2010s. Though the norm is widely recognized, its use has been limited precisely due to its misrepresentation and misuse as a tool of propaganda. This has contributed to the growing anti-Western sentiment. Understanding how philanthropic principles like R2P are distorted into ideological tools could help grasp the perceived reality of foreign nationals and aid officials in potentially improving foreign relations.

Student Major(s):International Relations

Advisor: Dr. Daniel Maliniak

Addison Dempsey, "Workers of the World Unite:  Union Participation and the Political Power of the Labor Force"

This research highlights the political power of labor unions through both financial and grassroots operations to determine which is the most efficient use of labor resources. A combination of case studies and data analysis were used to compare methods of political actions that are successful for labor unions. Through data visualization, it can be seen that that business is far outpacing labor in terms of financial capacity. Because of this discrepancy, unions need to focus on their unique advantage, grassroots organizing. Case studies are used to highlight areas where labor and business have conflicted and what strategies were used by the prevailing group. The strengths of labor unions, through the power of their membership, is contrasted with the financial power of business organizations. This research concludes that labor unions find their strength and ability to oppose often conflicting business interests through their use of their members, not through financial means.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Government Major, Data Science Minor

Advisor: Dr. Mark Deming

Jazmine Klinedinst, "Understanding IEP Obstacles and Strengthening Advocacy for Special Needs Students" 

This project asks: What challenges do families face in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and how can special needs advocates help overcome them? An IEP is a plan created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need at school. Research shows that parents often struggle with complex procedures, unclear discipline rules, technical language, and cultural or language barriers. These obstacles can leave families feeling unprepared or powerless in meetings that directly affect their child’s education. Special needs advocates, individuals trained to support families during the IEP process, help parents understand their rights, prepare for meetings, and ensure schools follow the law fairly. By improving communication and balancing power between parents and professionals, advocates increase equity and strengthen educational opportunities. The findings highlight advocacy as a key strategy for ensuring student rights are protected and educational needs are fully met. 

Student Major(s)/Minor: Psychology Major, Kinesiology Minor

Advisor: Dr. Jackson Sasser

Emma McCarthy, "Cultural Diplomacy: A Case Study of the K-Pop Industry and Its Political Significance"

This project will explore the political significance of the K-Pop industry from a cultural diplomacy perspective. Oftentimes, when talking about diplomacy, the focus is largely on political leaders and international organizations. However, cultural diplomacy is another important part of the relationship between two states. This project will focus on this kind of diplomacy at the societal level and how connections between the populations of states affect international politics. This project will specifically focus on the K-Pop industry and its growing popularity. South Korea has already used K-Pop concerts to improve relations with North Korea. One example of this was Red Velvet’s concert for North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. The influence that K-Pop fans have had on the global perception of Korea has been profound, especially following the Korean War. This project’s outcome will outline how societies are able to connect through the average people and how that impacts diplomacy on higher levels. This project will analyze the difference in public relations around significant events of cultural diplomacy. It will focus on Korea's relations with key states, such as the US, China, and Japan. This project unlocks potentially beneficial information about how cultural diplomacy can increase positive relations between states. This project aims to explain alternative examples of diplomacy that involve people other than state leaders that can benefit both states in the diplomacy process. 

Student Major(s): International Relations

Advisor: Dr. Marcus Holmes

Saoirse O'Hair, "From 'Nonevent' to Success: Public Opinion, Failures of Diplomacy, and the Legacy of the 1975 Rambouillet Summit"

This project explores the Rambouillet Summit of 1975 and the gap between public and elite opinion of its results. Despite the summit’s presently acknowledged success, it was considered by the public to be a “nonevent.” Foreign policy elites, on the other hand, have consistently maintained that Rambouillet was highly successful. Through a literature review and a case study of the Rambouillet Summit, my project sought to answer the following questions: What role should public opinion play in diplomacy and foreign policy decisions? What can foreign policymakers do to promote positive public reception and understanding? I found that a gap exists between the goals of the public and those of the elites. The public linked success with concrete policy solutions, while the elites were more concerned with the summit’s positive impact on future diplomacy. Moving forward, to promote positive public opinion and successful diplomacy, foreign policymakers must close this gap.

Student Major(s): International Relations & French

Advisor: Dr. Marcus Holmes

Jakayla Brown, "Paving the Way for Emancipated Youth Out of the Foster Care System"

This project will investigate strategies that are used to support youth who are aging out the foster care system, while taking head on how targeted interventions can encourage long-term stability and success in adulthood. Each year, thousands of children exit the foster care system without having a permanent family situation, which often leads to a more serious risk of homelessness, unemployment, and involvement in the criminal justice system. This research attempts to identify functional programs and policies that help with smoother transitions by starting support prior to emancipation. This study consists of a literature review followed by a comparative analysis of two reform initiatives lead by the Annie E. Casey Foundation: the Young Transition Funders Group and Thrive by 25. From the analyzing of these two initiatives, the project aims to show the best practices and policy recommendations for improving the situations of these vulnerable children. Findings are expected to contribute to broader discussions in public policy, social work, and to inform all future reforms in the child welfare systems all over. 

Student Major(s): Sociology 

Advisor: Dr. Chris Howard 

Ciara Onley, "When the Teacher Looks Like Me: How the Minimal Presence of Black Educators Contributes to the Persistence of the School-to-Prison Pipeline" 

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80% of public high school teachers are white, while only 46% of students are. In high-need schools, Black educators represent just 10.7% of faculty, and even in majority-Black schools, only one-third of teachers are Black. This research examines how the underrepresentation of Black teachers impacts outcomes for Black students in underserved communities. Studies show that same-race teacher-student relationships improve academic achievement, engagement, self-efficacy, and discipline outcomes, while lowering the risk of justice system involvement. Black teachers often use culturally responsive practices, creating more inclusive and affirming classrooms. This literature review analyzes educator-student dynamics, racial disparities, and justice-related outcomes to highlight structural issues that contribute to inequity and the school-to-prison pipeline. The findings may inform education policy by emphasizing teacher diversity as a key strategy for advancing equity and improving student success.

Student Major(s): Government 

Advisor: Dr. Jackson Sasser

Beatrice Ladrón de Guevara, "The Social Effects of Austerity in Argentina"

My summer research was the first part of my year-long senior honors thesis project. For my senior honors thesis I am looking to compare protests in Argentina following periods of neoliberal economic policy implementation. Firstly looking at protests occurring during the 90s wave of neoliberalism that swept over Latin America and the world as a whole, and secondly, looking at reactions to the the recent neoliberal policies enacted under current Argentine President, Javier Milei. My project uses data amassed from the Argentine Human Rights Organization Comision por la Memoria’s archive in order to better understand the public perception of neoliberalism within Latin American economies and how they have differed and stayed the same over time.

Student Major(s): International Relations 

Advisor: Dr. Mark Deming