Valerie Naborska

Humanities Summer Research, July 2023

Describe what you are researching this summer. What is your exact role?

We are researching the effects of small donors on polarization in Oregon’s state legislature. I am primarily helping Professor Lochner with researching articles and drafting the theory portion of the paper. Additionally, Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24 and I have been working with Professor Seljan to collect and sort data sources through rCloud.

Political Science Summer 2023 Research Team
(top, left to right) Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24, Valerie Naborska BA ’24
(bottom, left to right) Professor of Political Science Ellen Seljan, Associate Professor of Political Science Todd Lochner
Credit: Devan FreemanWhat’s the best part of this experience?

I appreciate the focus on Oregon politics and how it has familiarized me with state legislative processes. I want to continue working with local governments in the future, and the focus of this research project has greatly inspired me to continue monitoring local policy developments!

How were you supported in finding and securing this research opportunity?

My professors reached out to me and informed me of the research opportunity. I was lucky to have my professors apply for a grant to fund my research assistant position. The process was highly communicative and clear.

How do you see this experience leading to a career in your chosen field and/or aiding in your career development after L&C?

I want to pursue a career in policy making and analysis. The experience of developing policy critiques with my professors through multiple stages of communication and research has informed my process of developing my own research questions.

Political Science