Four Seton Hill students traveled to Washington, D.C. in mid-February to present original research at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society Conference. Trifol Headman (Pre-Law Political Science), Sarah Minghini (Political Science and Communication), Pietro Porco (Pre-Law Political Science and Math) and Sophia Solomon (Pre-Law Political Science) attended the conference with Associate Professor of Political Science Roni Kay O’Dell, Ph.D.

“The research that the students presented started in a Research Methods course in Fall Semester 2023,” Dr. O’Dell said. “The students learn the various methods that are used to conduct research in the political science discipline, and then they work through several assignments that help them engage in independent research on a topic of their choice. I give them feedback throughout the whole process of identifying a research question, writing a literature review, conducting the research, and then writing the paper to report their findings. The goal is to help them create an advanced research project as part of their capstone requirement, so that they can present at conferences, use in their future applications to graduate school or careers, and possibly publish.”

"The goal is to help them create an advanced research project as part of their capstone requirement, so that they can present at conferences, use in their future applications to graduate school or careers, and possibly publish.”

After the four students submitted their work to the conference and were accepted, Dr. O’Dell and their classmates helped them to create professional-level PowerPoint presentations.  The students also practiced giving their presentations to their classmates prior to the conference.

“My presentation at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference was the pinnacle of my first comprehensive collegiate research journey,” Pietro said. “I would strongly recommend future students to participate in this opportunity to make new relationships, share quality time with friends, challenge academic limits, and learn about countless interesting topics.”

Research presentation titles and corresponding conference panels for each student were:

• Trifol Headman: “Why Are Young Men Radicalized by Right-Wing Commentators?” Panel Title: Gender Violence.
• Sarah Minghini: “Social Media and Presidential Campaigns (2008-2020). Panel Title: Emerging Issues in New Media.
• Sophia Solomon: “How Socioeconomic Status Impacts Victim’s Abilities to Seek Justice for Sexual Assault in the Legal System.” Panel Title: Poverty and Public Policy.
• Pietro Porco: “Refining Professional Licensing Policies to Increase Competition.” Panel Title: Education and Politics

“At the conference, I was able to make professional connections with undergraduate students from other universities,” Sarah said. “I networked with industry professionals using their political science experience in media, publishing, nonprofits, think tanks, and other organizations.” 

“The students all gave excellent presentations and made Seton Hill and the Political Science/Global Studies program very proud,” said Dr. O’Dell.