ABQ Times

The Political Science Honors Program at The University of New Mexico provides undergraduate students with an introduction to graduate-level research and the opportunity to write a senior thesis under faculty mentorship. Associate Professor Jessica Feezell, who directs the program, described it as a three-semester sequence where students engage in original research, gain data analysis skills, take a graduate-level seminar, and complete a senior thesis.

"Upon completion, students are able to conduct their own research and have developed deep and lasting relationships with our faculty," Feezell stated.

Feezell also serves as the program advisor, teaching a research design course for new participants and pairing them with faculty mentors for their theses. Graduates receive honors based on assessments by the Political Science faculty.

Recent graduates have found the program valuable. Aleksia Minetos completed her thesis on bail reform's impact on judicial retention elections in New Mexico. She noted her interest stemmed from her pre-law courses and internship experiences in Albuquerque's legal sector.

Jesús Eduardo Sánchez focused his research on how welfare programs affect income inequality. He explained that his personal experiences with SNAP and Medicaid motivated him to investigate whether universal benefits positively impact populations.

Drew Wilson researched immigration infrastructure and asylum integration in developed countries. He chose this topic due to its relevance in national debates about gun control and immigration policy.

All three alumni emphasized the program's significant role in their academic development. Minetos highlighted how it challenged her independence in studies while providing robust support from faculty members like Professors Elliott Schwebach, Timothy Krebs, Mala Htun, and coding expert Karla Eickhoff.

Sánchez credited his experience with quantitative research tools like R for securing internships in education policy and expressed intentions to publish his senior thesis as part of his grad school applications.

Wilson plans to continue at UNM for a Master’s degree followed by a doctorate in Political Science. He praised Feezell’s mentorship along with contributions from Professors Htun and Butler.

Starting Fall 2024, Minetos will enter UNM School of Law aiming for a Juris Doctorate to practice law locally. She acknowledged the honors program for strengthening her resilience and writing skills beneficial for law school.

Sánchez plans to pursue a master’s degree through UNM’s 4+1 program designed to complement the Honors Program before aiming for a Ph.D. in education policy.

Minetos strongly recommends the program to political science students due to its academic benefits and relationship-building opportunities with professors and peers.

Feezell noted that graduates often advance into master’s or Ph.D. programs in Political Science or prestigious law schools at UNM or other universities.

Students interested in learning more about the Political Science Honors Program can find additional information online.

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