Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research Propels 91��Ƶ Student to Advanced Lab

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:01:41 +0000

Undergraduate Research Propels 91��Ƶ Student to Advanced Lab BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 04/06/2026 - 16:01

Shannon McLaughlin and mentor Ryan Hannagan seek environmentally friendly way to produce hydrogen

April 7, 2026

Brian Benson, G'23

When Shannon McLaughlin, ’26, transferred to 91��Ƶ as a junior last year, she wasn’t sure how much she could achieve with so little time left in her college career -- or what opportunities the university had in store for her.

She certainly never imagined she’d end up traveling with her research mentor, Dr. Ryan Hannagan, to use a specialized x-ray machine at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, a federally funded research center that Stanford University operates in Menlo Park, California, about 35 miles south of San Francisco.

“This is something I never thought I’d have been able to do in my career, never mind in college,” said Shannon, a chemistry major with a professional chemistry concentration. “Coming to 91��Ƶ, it’s been an amazing opportunity.”

It began when the Braintree resident asked to assist Hannagan with his research exploring ways to make industrial chemical processes more environmentally conscious. Before they knew it, they were California-bound with 91��Ƶ supporting Shannon’s participation through a Bartlett Travel Grant. Hannagan and Shannon used a powerful x-ray machine called a synchrotron to study the inner workings of an electrolyzer, a device that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Hydrogen is widely used in industry, including fertilizer production, but most of it is still produced from fossil fuels in a process that generates emits amounts of significant carbon dioxide. Hannagan is developing an alternative method that uses only water and renewable energy, drastically cutting emissions that drive human-caused global warming.

“I think about how we can take current processes and revise them in a way that’s more sustainable,” said Hannagan, an assistant professor of chemical sciences. “I try to design the materials that make those transformations possible.”

In his first year teaching at 91��Ƶ, Hannagan is eager to involve motivated students like Shannon in his research.

“I want to pass on that knowledge to the next generation,” Hannagan said.

Joining Hannagan and an interdisciplinary team of scientists in California gave Shannon new insights into how to troubleshoot problems. She also worked directly with specialized equipment and played an important role in data analysis that improved her computational skills.

With this professional experience under her belt, Shannon aspires to land a job in research and eventually earn a PhD. No matter where she ends up, she is motivated to use her skills to make a difference in society.

“My goal in life is to help people,” she said.

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This is something I never thought I’d have been able to do in my career, never mind in college. Coming to 91��Ƶ, it’s been an amazing opportunity.

Shannon McLaughlin, ’26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Sustainability

91��Ƶ Biology Student Studies Coral at Woods Hole

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:05:43 +0000

91��Ƶ Biology Student Studies Coral at Woods Hole BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 03/05/2026 - 09:05

Olivia Quintin partners with renowned research institution for internship, thesis

March 5, 2026

Brian Benson, G'23

Olivia Quintin, ’26, is fascinated by coral. To explore her passion further, she forged a research partnership between 91��Ƶ and one of the world’s most prestigious oceanographic research institutions.

Eager to chart her own path, Olivia contacted the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution about an internship. The biology major landed the position with key financial support from Bridgewater State.

“It’s been cool that I’ve been able to build my own opportunities,” said Olivia, who is from Fairhaven and is minoring in biochemistry. “Bridgewater provides the resources to set yourself up for success.”

For her WHOI internship, which 91��Ƶ’s Bartlett Internship Program funded, Olivia analyzed 1,600 photos of coral living on ships and airplanes that sank near Palau in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. She helped WHOI biologist Dr. Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser compare corals on the shipwrecks’ man-made surfaces with those on natural reef structures.

Their work showed unique communities of coral based on the composition of the wrecks – such as steel or aluminum – and the horizontal or vertical orientation of wreck surfaces.

As her internship wrapped up, Olivia approached Meyer-Kaiser about pursuing an honors thesis. During a meeting with 91��Ƶ biological sciences professor Caitlin Fisher-Reid, the trio decided to search for a more cost effective and efficient way to genetically identify corals. Olivia is working to sequence a specific portion of a genome rather than the entire genome, a process that would facilitate identifying coral that can best withstand the effects of climate change.

That’s important because coral plays a critical role in ocean biodiversity, partly by forming physical reefs that provide habitat for fish and other marine life.

“There’s something special about coral itself,” Olivia said. “It is so essential in maintaining marine ecosystems.”

Olivia’s thesis blends her knack for hands-on lab work with Meyer-Kaiser's expertise in coral and Dr. Fisher-Reid's knowledge of genetics. It is unique to find this perfect blend of expertise, said Meyer-Kaiser.

Fisher-Reid and Meyer-Kaiser are impressed by Olivia’s research skills and motivation.

“She has really solid lab skills from her work with Caitlin,” Meyer-Kaiser said. “I also want her to take away the process of thinking like a scientist and being able to identify a problem and see a way to address it and then go for it. She has really embraced that.”

Meyer-Kaiser also praised the availability of 91��Ƶ funds, which made this experience possible amid federal cutbacks in science funding.

“It’s really easy to encourage my students to seek out these opportunities because I know that 91��Ƶ will support them when they get them,” added Fisher-Reid.

For Olivia, receiving funding through 91��Ƶ helped create a meaningful college experience that provides the foundation for a career in research.

“It was really nice to know I could pursue my academic interest while supporting myself financially,” she said. “It was really motivating.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

It’s been cool that I’ve been able to build my own opportunities. Bridgewater provides the resources to set yourself up for success.

Olivia Quintin, '26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Honors Program

Internships

Photos by Carly McMahon, '24, G'26

Student, Alumna Present Research at Major Health Conference

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:32:08 +0000

Student, Alumna Present Research at Major Health Conference BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 01/07/2026 - 12:32

Project offers policy suggestions to reduce male homelessness

January 8, 2026

Brian Benson, G'23

As an executive/project assistant for the Boston Public Health Commission, Awo Y. Musa, ’24, uses data to uncover trends and drive policy decisions about numerous behavioral health topics. It is important work that is similar to a project she completed as a Bridgewater State student.

As an undergraduate, Musa shared her interest in data analysis with Dr. Jim Leone, a professor of health and kinesiology. Leone offered her the opportunity to contribute to a study about males who face homelessness.

“I find that 91��Ƶ cultivates a community where it feels like the professors want to help you advance in your career,” said Musa, who majored in public health. “The community pushes you to want to do more and give back more.”

Under Leone’s mentorship, Musa focused on data analysis, setting the stage for Ayden Chaires, ’26, to develop practical policy recommendations. The project is especially important given that 70 percent of homeless individuals are males, Leone said.

Last fall, the trio traveled to Washington, D.C., to present their research at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting. While addressing an international audience, they shared a profile of a U.S. male experiencing homelessness. The profile covered factors such as geography, age, race and the presence of severe mental health issues. They also proposed policy solutions including increasing affordable housing, decreasing stigmas around homelessness prevention programs, and enhancing resources for people who are released from jail.

Undergraduates rarely present at this conference, which is the largest of its kind in the country, Leone said.

“It’s daunting, but they just arrived ready to get their feet on the ground and made it so enriching for everybody,” he said, adding that he was impressed with their inquisitiveness and professionalism.

In addition to presenting, Musa and Ayden gained new perspectives and insights from other speakers.

“91��Ƶ offers these great opportunities to go to these events and expand your horizons,” said Ayden, a health sciences major with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. “It has all been a great experience. I couldn’t be more thankful for being part of it and for Bridgewater to be there and support it.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I find that 91��Ƶ cultivates a community where it feels like the professors want to help you advance in your career. The community pushes you to want to do more and give back more.

Awo Y. Musa, ’24

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Joint Decisions

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 14:47:20 +0000

Joint Decisions HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:47

Health science major’s research looks at surgical options for injured former athletes

November 6, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

As a member of the 91��Ƶ women’s soccer team, Logan Levesque, ’26, has witnessed both teammates and opponents go down with injuries, specifically knee injuries.

“I’ve been lucky to not experience an injury like this, but it’s something I’ve often thought about, how female athletes seem to have more knee injuries,” she said.

As a health science major, with a concentration in physical therapy, Logan looks to carve out a career helping people recover from injuries.

When her advisor, Dr. Jean Mead, informed her of an opportunity through 91��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work Summer Grants program, Logan saw it as way to gain more knowledge within a field she wants to work in.

“I’m trying to figure out my future, and what I want to do over the next few years, and I thought this was a cool opportunity,” she said.

While working on her project, ““Decision-Making in Knee Replacement Surgery: Exploring Influences Among Former Female Athletes with Osteoarthritis,” she was mentored by Mead and Health and Kinesiology Professor Dr. Matthew Patey.

The study examined elite female athletes, post-career and over 40, and the ways in which they arrived at making the decision to have knee-replacement surgery.

“Going into the PT (physical therapy) field, I want to better understand all of the factors one considers so I can better help my patients, what they are going through when they are making this decision,” Logan said.

What she found was a lot of similarities. That many of the women struggle with mental health when it comes to having the surgery.

“Most people didn’t want to feel as though their identity as an athlete will be taken away,” Logan said.

Another commonality was that many of the women put off having the surgery until a major incident occurred.

“Until they had fallen multiple times, or couldn’t walk normally, or stand up without their knee giving out, that was when they would finally consider it,” she said.

As she looks to apply to graduate schools next spring, Logan said the ATP program has helped increase her knowledge and added to her resume as she enters the workforce.

“It really did benefit me and will help me with the application process for PT schools. I’ve now gotten to do research that I didn’t think I’d get to do (as an undergraduate). I’m happy I did it,” she said.

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

It really did benefit me and will help me with the application process for PT schools. I’ve now gotten to do research that I didn’t think I’d get to do (as an undergraduate). I’m happy I did it.

Logan Levesque, ’26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Computer Networking

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 17:43:53 +0000

Computer Networking BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 09/22/2025 - 13:43

Senior’s internships and research prep her for cybersecurity career

September 23, 2025

Brian Benson, G’23

When Aaliyah Oliveira’s parents face computer problems, they rely on her to figure out what is wrong. With a cybersecurity degree now within reach, Aaliyah is eager to put her tech savviness to use on a much larger scale.

“Being able to help people is a big factor,” Aaliyah, of Brockton, said of pursuing a cybersecurity and digital forensics degree at 91��Ƶ. “Bridgewater has helped me figure out the career that I really wanted and pushed me to pursue this passion.”

As she begins her senior year, Aaliyah, who is of Cabo Verdean descent, is also excited to help diversify an industry responsible for protecting organizations and personal data. Just 4 percent of cybersecurity workers are Black women, she said.

Aaliyah has taken full advantage of 91��Ƶ’s extensive opportunities for transformative, hands-on education. This summer, she completed an internship at Waters Corp., a Milford-based manufacturer of medical equipment and software. She also studied the prevalence of cyberattacks on health care organizations before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with support from 91��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work.

Aaliyah recently began interning at the Security Operations Center, a new facility on the 91��Ƶ campus that provides real-time threat monitoring and consulting services.

“Being able to apply what I’m learning in class to the real world is useful,” she said. “It’s not like I’m learning the material just to learn.”

She first dabbled in research as a freshman through the PISCES Scholars program, which provides scholarships, mentorship and resources to a select group of students pursuing STEM majors. Through PISCES, Aaliyah also became a tutor and worked with youngsters who visited 91��Ƶ for the annual Open Lab Night.

Aaliyah praised the support of Bridgewater faculty and staff including Katie Vagen, associate director of internships and career development. Vagen offered resume guidance that proved instrumental in securing an internship. Meanwhile, Dr. Cory Yeo, an assistant professor of computer science, has been a consistent mentor for Aaliyah.

“Dr. Yeo is the biggest supporter,” she said. “He’s given me advice, resources and study materials for certification exams.”

These connections, Aaliyah said, make a significant difference in helping her achieve her goals.

“I’ve gotten to know my professors and classmates one-on-one,” she said. “I’ve fostered a lot of relationships through Bridgewater.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Bridgewater has helped me figure out the career that I really wanted and pushed me to pursue this passion.

Aaliyah Oliveira, ’26

Tags

Cybersecurity

Undergraduate Research

Internships

Research is on her Plate

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:38:20 +0000

Research is on her Plate BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 09/04/2025 - 08:38

Chemistry student studies ancient food artifacts

September 4, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26, is using modern scientific techniques to gain insights into how people lived thousands of years ago.

The West Bridgewater resident is studying pieces of pottery with the goal of determining what these ancient people ate. Along the way, she’s gaining new perspectives on her own future.

“I don’t think I would be able to explore this potential avenue for a career if I didn’t have the ability to research and experiment,” she said. “It gives me insight into what it is like to do this work fulltime.”

With a major in chemistry and minor in anthropology, Mackenzie is pursuing the right degree to continue conducting this type of research. Her current project, supported by 91��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program for Undergraduate Research and Creative Work, involves pottery used by Pocomtuc indigenous people 500-2,000 years ago in what is today western Massachusetts.

Working under the mentorship of chemistry Professor Sarah Soltau and anthropology Associate Professor Michael Zimmerman, Mackenzie extracts lipids from the pottery samples. She conducts chemical analyses on these lipid residue deposits with the goal of determining if the vessels once contained animal fats or plant fats. While her work cannot be generalized to the entire Pocomtuc people, Massachusetts Archaeological Society officials hope it will provide lifestyle clues and lay the groundwork for using this methodology to conduct additional research.

“We hope Mackenzie is able to learn more about this past population and their daily lives,” said Jessica Munkittrick, a society board member. “It’s a collection that might not otherwise be looked at in-depth.”

Munkittrick and society President John Campbell, ’11, identified the pottery as ideal material for an undergraduate researcher, and Dr. Zimmerman connected them to Mackenzie.

Campbell, who completed undergraduate research when he was a Bridgewater anthropology major, is impressed with Mackenzie’s dedication.

“What stands out about Mackenzie in this research is her drive to try to find out how the methodology will work and the results themselves,” he said. “She is a student who is clearly not afraid of rolling up her sleeves to get the job done.”

Mackenzie, who is also minoring in Irish studies, said she is driven by a desire to learn new things about the past and showcase how chemistry is important in humanities research.

“I’ve met a lot of different people,” she said of the project. “It’s really helped me grow. Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Going into Bridgewater, I really had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Now I have more answers than I did before.

Mackenzie Cobb, ’26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Soaring to New Heights

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:44:22 +0000

Soaring to New Heights BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 08/20/2025 - 15:44

Math major earns NASA grant, aims to break new ground in photonics

August 21, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27, has always enjoyed math because it allows her to flex her brainpower. As a 91��Ƶ student, she realized how far her love of numbers could actually take her.

This summer, Evaneida is contributing to the development of devices that could one day be used by astronauts in space.

“This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for,” said the first-generation math major who grew up in Cabo Verde and Fall River. “91��Ƶ has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.”

With funding from the NASA Space Grant program, Evaneida is applying mathematical optimization and data analysis skills from her undergraduate courses to the design of integrated photonic devices. The devices would utilize particles of light called photons to help monitor astronaut health and study exoplanets, which are planets located outside our solar system.

Evaneida collaborates with Dr. Samuel Serna, an assistant professor of physics, photonics and optical engineering, and his students to understand how her computer-based modeling could play out in the real world. As she refines design algorithms to develop feasible concepts, Evaneida works with MIT material scientists to understand the extreme environments in which these devices must operate.

“I like problem solving and I like to be challenged,” she said. “Math can be applied in many different fields. I’m having so much fun doing that in this research.”

While Evaneida’s project is confined to a computer, she hopes to see the designs eventually built, potentially in collaboration with MIT scientists. The research also improves her coding and troubleshooting abilities, skills that will be invaluable as she eyes a career in data analysis.

Evaneida is also taking part in 91��Ƶ’s 4+1 program, through which she can complete her bachelor’s degree while beginning her master’s degree in math. This allows students to count some courses toward both degrees and save time and money.

Outside of the classroom, Evaneida is a resident assistant for the honors living learning community, a position through which she mentors fellow honors students and introduces them to opportunities at 91��Ƶ that she has found so valuable.

“Bridgewater State has helped me grow as a person,” she said. “It has helped me grow academically. It has made me feel a sense of belonging and that I can do anything I desire to do.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

This is an opportunity that I’m very grateful for. 91��Ƶ has allowed me to go for it and achieve things I never thought I would have achieved.

Evaneida Fortes, ’26, G’27

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Photonics

Honors Program

Student Spotlight

Graphic by Charlie Peters, G'20

Through Her Lens

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:14:27 +0000

Through Her Lens HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 08/18/2025 - 15:14

91��Ƶ senior uses photography to reveal the ways people impact the environment

August 19, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Meagan Stebbins, ’26, has always been drawn to photography, partly because the medium allows her to tell a story without using words.

“I think a lot of people sometimes feel they don’t have a voice; I feel that way at certain times. With photography, it gives me a way to show things in an artistic way, to show how I see life,” she said. “I really like being able to show things from my perspective.”

This summer, Meagan participated in 91��Ƶ’s Adrian Tinsley Program. The program provides students with the opportunity to conduct research or creative work under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Lovera, Meagan performed research in Japan, England and locations throughout New England for her project titled, “Where Nature Thrives: A Visual Journey.”

At each location, Meagan used her camera to capture different ways humans are both hurting and helping the environment.

“I wanted to learn how different countries are protecting their environments or not protecting them. What are people in the world doing to help wildlife, nature,” she wondered.

Meagan did not pre-plan what she wanted to shoot; rather she kept an open mind in her quest to discover evidence of people’s impact.

“You never know what you will stumble upon,” she said.

Her images included trees that had been clear cut or were exposed with chains on them. Alternately, she found newly planted trees surrounded by supports to help them grow.

Other objects included man-made trails with markers that designated what type of trail it was.

“I really was trying to find examples of the ways humans positively are impacting the environment as well as negatively,” Meagan said.

Her work caught the attention of local galleries, including Taunton’s Trescott Street Gallery where her photos are on display from Aug. 27 through Aug. 30. Visitors can view the exhibit from 12-5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. An opening night reception will be held on Friday, August 29 from 6-8p.m.

Each photograph was taken with 35mm film and digital formats paired with information cards detailing local laws and the background of each site. Meagan hopes those who view her work are inspired.

“I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better,” Meagan said. “I want people to think.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I really hope people make an emotional connection with what they are seeing. I hope they look and ask, how can we do things better.

Meagan Stebbins, '26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Art

Photography

Novel Research

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:55:37 +0000

Novel Research HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 06/09/2025 - 10:55

Undergraduates present their work at national English conference

August 12, 2025

Heather Harris Michonski

Rising 91��Ƶ seniors Anna Connor and Haiden Powers traveled to Philadelphia last semester to present their undergraduate research at the College English Association Conference. According to Ann Brunjes, professor of English and department chairperson, this was sort of a unique situation.

“It’s unusual for undergrads to present at professional conferences in our field,” Brunjes said.

Encouraged by English Professor Benjamin Carson, Anna and Haiden decided to participate and found it to be less intimidating than they initially worried.

“This was my first time presenting at a conference. I thought it was going to be terrifying…I didn’t have fears that people would be mean, but was worried about our depth,” Haiden said. “But what we found were people were unpretentious; everyone was normal and nice.”

Anna appreciated the experience and the knowledge gained from the conference panels.

“I think I asked a question at every single one, I was more comfortable asking questions than I thought I would be. It was a really great environment,” she said.

For Anna’s presentation, her love of Edith Wharton led her to discover the author’s The Glimpses of the Moon.

“I read it on a whim over winter break and fell in love with it and started doing my own research,” she said.

That led to Anna’s paper, “The Possibility of Happiness,” that explores the contradictions, difficulties, and imperfections of happiness and romance.

For his presentation, Haiden chose to do a detailed analysis of a passage of Season of Migration to the North written by Tayeb Salih.

“It’s a novel about post-colonialism in Africa,” Haiden said. “For the most part it criticizes white modern liberals. While advocating for the right thing, it’s rooted in bad logic and comes across as condescending, like a pat on the head.”

Both agree that having these opportunities through 91��Ƶ, especially as English majors, is important.

“So many times I have friends ask, what are you doing your research on? What does that mean? They think it’s about reading books, and don’t realize it’s important work,” Anna said.

Haiden often experiences similar curiosities, peers questioning the value of a humanities degree.

Reading is one thing, he said, “But you have to be able to think critically about what they are looking at and how it’s being presented.”

“I think people underestimate how much an English degree builds empathy,” Anna added. “There are so many lessons I’ve learned from reading novels, like how to interact in a relationship and how different actions affect other people.”

Anna admits she initially came to 91��Ƶ because it was affordable, but is now grateful for the many opportunities the university offers.

“At Bridgewater, everybody (who wants to) can do important work and contribute to their field” Anna said. “I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

I’ve done so much more at Bridgewater than I thought I could do when I first chose to come here. I get to explore something I’m passionate about.

Anna Connor, '26

Tags

Undergraduate Research

Student Spotlight

Jury Deliberations

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:44:28 +0000

Jury Deliberations BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 04/16/2025 - 16:44

Psychology majors research potential jurors' biases

April 17, 2025

Brian Benson, G'23

Sarah Coelho, ’26, once felt intimidated about tackling college-level research. But Sarah used that trepidation as motivation to step outside her comfort zone by joining a psychology research lab at Bridgewater State.

The experience turned out to be transformative.

“I feel very welcome here,” said Sarah, a 91��Ƶ psychology major and social work minor from Berkley who is on track to finish her degree in December. “I got a lot of help from everyone in the lab. Now I feel a lot more comfortable.”

Under the mentorship of Dr. Nesa Wasarhaley, Sarah and her three lab mates study how extralegal factors (such as someone’s demeanor, race or gender) affect mock jurors’ perceptions. While juries are instructed to decide cases solely based on facts presented at a trial, other factors can play a role – especially when the facts are ambiguous.

The researchers write fictional cases and intentionally modify specific details. Study participants are randomly assigned a version of the case and asked to render a verdict and answer questions about their thinking.

Wasarhaley, an associate professor of psychology, focuses on stalking, rape, intimate partner violence, sex trafficking and other cases where women and people from marginalized identities tend to be disproportionally victimized. These cases also often have ambiguous facts.

“We’re interested in trying to understand what kinds of attributes or behaviors are viewed as more credible or blameworthy to tip the scale,” Wasarhaley said. “We’re examining individual behaviors on average and not trying to make predictions about how one type of jury might decide a case.”

Wasarhaley’s students complete all aspects of research including reading relevant academic literature, designing and executing studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings. The group recently traveled to Puerto Rico for the American Psychology-Law Society’s annual conference.

“It’s rewarding to put in all this work and share it. I’m really grateful to have had this opportunity,” said Kristina Lambert, ’25, a psychology and criminal justice major from Norton. “The connections you have with people in your lab extend outside of it. These aren’t just my classmates. They’re my friends.”

In addition to forming a tight-knit community, the students shine a light on topics such as sex trafficking that are not often studied. They also aim to bring evidence from psychology into the legal realm.

“The two systems have to interact, but they don’t always understand each other,” said Alex Ray, ’25, a psychology major from Norton. “Our research is almost like a translator between the two fields.”

All of the students working in Wasarhaley’s lab aim to further their education in graduate school. Undergraduate research provides a critical foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, said Cassandra Santos, ’26, a psychology major from East Providence, Rhode Island, who expects to finish her undergraduate degree in December.

“PhD programs are very research heavy,” said Cassandra, who hopes to study social psychology in graduate school. “This will definitely help me with my future plans.”

Do you have a 91��Ƶ story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I feel very welcome here. I got a lot of help from everyone in the lab. Now I feel a lot more comfortable.

Sarah Coelho, ’26

Tags

Undergraduate Research