Jepson Research Symposium

Amal Ali
The Role of System Justification in American Public Opinion on U.S. Foreign Policy in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories Since Oct. 7, 2023
System justification argues that people are motivated to defend the status quo to reduce feelings of chaos and unpredictability. I explore whether system justification plays a role in American support for U.S. foreign policy and whether Americans with higher needs to manage uncertainty, existential anxiety, and social relations will be more likely to support these foreign policies. The research demonstrates that individuals with higher system justification tendencies are more likely to support existing U.S. foreign policy and that relational needs share a strong relationship with support for these policies.
Research Advisor: Dr. Crystal Hoyt

Mary Beatty
Murder, Morality, and the Media: A Cultural Analysis of Lizzie Borden and Sarah Maria Cornell
My thesis examines the death of Sarah Maria Cornell (1832) and Lizzie Borden’s alleged crime (1892) in Fall River, Massachusetts. Through an analysis of the trial proceedings, media portrayals, and historical context, this study seeks to explain how one is almost entirely forgotten, while the other became an American legend.
Research Advisor: Dr. Kristin Bezio

 
Craig Caudill
Civil Rights and Tobacco Labor Activism: A Case Study of Tobacco Labor Activism in 20th-Century Richmond and Its Impact on Black Stroke Mortality
In 20th-century Richmond, Black tobacco laborers engaged in activism against Jim-Crow-era workplace injustices, including poor working conditions and low wages. Their efforts extended beyond the workplace through unionization and community mobilization, with support from the Richmond Planet, the city’s largest Black newspaper at the time. This activism not only transformed labor conditions, but also had broader implications for Black health, particularly in shifting geospatial stroke mortality.
Research Advisor: Dr. Lauren Henley

Jacob Ellis
Reversing Residential Segregation in Richmond: Recommendations for a More Inclusive Future
My thesis examines the history of racial zoning in Richmond, the lasting impacts of this zoning, and potential solutions, and ultimately, makes a recommendation. I argue that given its historical legacy of racial zoning, Richmond would be best served by the elimination of single-family zoning in favor of a citywide residential district with increased densities. This solution would enable Richmond to overcome the history of, and disparities caused by, racial, single-family residential zoning.
Research Advisor: Dr. Thad Williamson

Madeline Fellner
The Impact of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Law on the Stigmatization of Gay Students
In recent years, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has surged, with over 500 bills introduced in 2024, many targeting discussions of gender identity and sexuality in schools. Florida’s HB1557, the “Don’t Say Gay” law, exemplifies this trend by banning such discussions in K-3 and imposing vague standards that effectively restrict such discussions in all grades. This study examines whether laws like HB1557 contribute to anti-LGBTQ+ stigma by analyzing responses of Florida, Pennsylvania, and Michigan residents to a video vignette.
Research Advisor: Dr. Crystal Hoyt

Christian Herald
Evaluating the Role of Institutional Size and Selectivity in Determining Social Belonging
This research study examines the role of institutional size and selectivity in facilitating feelings of belonging for racially marginalized students on predominately white college campuses. Washington and Lee, Randolph Macon College, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University were surveyed as comparative case studies to examine belonging at small liberal arts colleges and large research institutions.
Research Advisor: Dr. Bo Yun Park 



Alex Konigsberg
An Ethical Defense of Puberty Blockers as Gender-Affirming Care for Adolescents
In this thesis, I first explain the foundation behind major ideologies around gender-affirming care in adolescents. I find the crux of the disagreement to be on theories of well-being, which needs to be well defined. In the next chapter, I discuss adolescent well-being and conclude that prescribing puberty blockers will always benefit the well-being of the adolescent. Finally, I address objections to each premise and reply to defend my position.
Research Advisor: Dr. Jessica Flanigan

Yamir Chapman
Beyond the Brochure: Admissions Videos as a Catalyst for Campus Belonging
My senior thesis for the Department of Psychology explores how diversity ideologies in admissions videos — multicultural vs. colorblind — impact students’ belonging and psychological safety. Participants watched one of two videos and reported their perceptions. Results showed differences in perceived belonging, with belief in a just world moderating the effect of diversity messaging.
Research Advisor: Dr. Crystal Hoyt

 
Zahkee Williams
Black Masks: Leadership in Performance
My project focuses on how theater and performance can act as a form of leadership. The basis for the project was the idea that art can impact people and induce a reevaluation of their values and perspective. With this project, I sought to show how theater can impact both audience and production members alike through a story that resonates with many, but forces individual reflection.
Research Advisor: Dr. Kristin Bezio

NOTE: In addition to presenting at 10:30 a.m., April 18, in Jepson Hall, Zahkee will host a screening of his thesis show — filmed in March at the live staged reading —at 6 p.m., April 18, in Jepson Hall 118. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Mary Beatty
Visual Horror: The Cinematography of Monsters in Psychological Horror Films
My independent study explores how film techniques shape the depiction and impact of psychological horror movie monsters. This project investigates how filmmakers manipulate fear and suspense, demonstrating that what is unseen — or only partially revealed — can be scarier than the monster itself.
Research Advisor: Dr. Kristin Bezio

Nora Cahill and Clara Kugelman
The Role of Gender, Status, and Dominance in Elite Political Positions
Our research aims to explore the gendered associations between status and women and between power and men with respect to elite political positions. That is to say, we want to know whether women are more likely to be assigned political roles associated with status, while men are more likely to be given roles associated with power.
Research Advisor: Dr. Crystal Hoyt



Myanna Hightower
Small Schools, Big Agendas: Neoliberal and Colonial Legacies in the Microschool Movement
The American public school system underwent large-scale transformation as a result of the destruction and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, this era of education reform saw the introduction of alternative forms of K-12 schooling referred to as microschools. My research not only explores theoretical explanations for the emergence and subsequent popularity of these schools, but also the varying degrees with which neoliberal and colonial ideologies similarly affect and dictate the operation of microschools.
Research Advisor: Dr. Tom Shields 



Jackson Sandler-Bussey
Europe Shifts Right: The Battle for Leadership of the European Right Wing after the 2024 European Parliament Elections
This research project investigates the status of the right wing in the European Parliament after the 2024 European elections. The research finds that the European right is mainly split between two groups, the European Conservatives and Reformists and the Patriots for Europe, which vary from right wing to radical right. Each group tries to differentiate itself through its policy and rhetoric in an attempt to become the new leader of the European right.
Research Advisor: Dr. Guzel Garifullina



Yulia Shatalov
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Social Status and Well-Being
This study explores how gender shapes the relationship between social status and subjective well-being among college students. Drawing on University of Richmond undergraduates’ survey responses, the research examines variables, such as group memberships, leadership roles, and perceived social capital. Findings suggest well-being is more strongly influenced by the context and value of social group involvement than by gender or formal leadership positions alone.
Research Advisor: Dr. Chris von Rueden