UC Davis fourth-year political science major Jade Kwon watched as Supreme Court decisions on transgender rights affected youth in her community. She wanted to do more to support the youth impacted by these decisions.

Kwon turned her timely legal questions into in-depth research as a participant in the summer Aggie Scholars Research Initiative. Through this unique program, she received mentorship and resources to participate in a 10-week project that explored the pursuit of social change within established legal systems.

“This research is the first step in actualizing my understanding of how to use the law to advance the changes I want to see,” Kwon said.

Research beyond the sciences

“While research opportunities traditionally lean toward the sciences, the Aggie Scholars Research Initiative highlights the contributions of social science and humanities research in shaping law, public policy, human rights, culture and our understanding of the world,” said Raynell Hamilton-Starks, director of the Undergraduate Research Center. “We hope all students see themselves as researchers and use their power to contribute to meaningful change.”

The program offers two pathways for participation. One supports students developing early-stage projects, while the second pathway supports students who already identified a faculty mentor and research topic. For Kwon, who selected transgender youth rights as her research topic, the initiative offered an opportunity to build on her relationship with Mark Verbitsky, a political science professor whose classes she called her favorite at UC Davis. 

Through weekly seminars and workshops, Kwon and the other scholars learned how to explore research pathways, conduct literature reviews, write abstracts and communicate their research effectively. 

Benefit of faculty mentorship

During the summer program, Kwon explored complex questions about the Supreme Court, transgender rights and how Supreme Court decisions affect local communities. With Verbitsky's mentorship, Kwon learned and developed humanities-focused research skills. 

“Dr. Verbitsky is my favorite professor at Davis. He's smart, invested and we have no shortage of interesting conversations. He's taught me how to engage with others' research critically rather than cite it by rote. He's taught me to anticipate counterarguments and integrate responses into my prose,” Kwon said. “My research would not be nearly as nuanced or cogent without his help.”

Working with a faculty mentor and strengthening her presentation skills supports Kwon’s plan to attend law school after she completes her undergraduate degree. The Aggie Scholars Research Initiative culminates with the scholars presenting their research to fellow scholars, faculty mentors and staff.

For her final scholar presentation, “Disorder in the Court: The Supreme Court’s Scheme for Dealing with Transgender Rights in Constitutional Law,” Kwon examined issues at the center of ongoing legal and political discussions at the local and federal levels.

She said she uncovered two key issues that recent Supreme Court decisions put at risk. She said it appears the Supreme Court imposed inconsistent standards when invalidating laws based on discrimination when transgender youth issues are involved. Secondly, she said the lack of regard for transgender people’s rights in recent decisions bodes poorly for future antidiscrimination laws. 

Verbitsky praised Kwon’s research project and her growth throughout the process.

“Kwon’s project will be a great platform for her future work after graduation, but more immediately I look forward to sharing Kwon’s research with others and contributing to the much-needed dialogue in this area,” Verbitsky said.

Applications now open for spring scholars program

Applications for the spring quarter Aggie Scholars Research Initiative open Oct. 26 and close Dec. 15. More information about the research program, including the $1,000 stipend, program components and how to apply can be found on the initiative’s web page. 

The Undergraduate Research Center, a unit of the Office of Undergraduate Education, connects UC Davis undergraduates with research opportunities and resources. The center’s programs and events welcome students from all majors and disciplines.