With projects focused on everything from rural food insecurity to youth mental health courts to teen clinics, graduating seniors and several juniors from Rice University’s Social Policy Analysis Program came together earlier this month to explore these and more. They presented and discussed their research activities over the year.
These projects presented through posters had one thing in common. It was about addressing pressing issues and offering potential solutions that affect people in Houston and across the state of Texas. This is what students are trained for in an interdisciplinary degree program located in Rice University’s School of Social Sciences.
“Seeing the capstone team’s year-long research culminate in a final research paper and poster presentation is truly rewarding,” said Melissa Marshall, professor of political science and program director. Ta. “Some of this year’s teams traveled to Austin to discuss their research and findings with legislators and state officials.
“Their Capstone Project is a great example of action-driven research. Their work has a direct impact on current policy and pressing social issues in the Houston metropolitan area and the state of Texas as a whole. I am truly proud of all nine members of the Capstone team and grateful to all of our community partners and Rice faculty who advised and guided them along the way.”
The program’s community partnerships began in fall 2022, with students teaming up with faculty advisors and community partners to tackle a variety of issues.
“The Capstone Program allows students, faculty advisors, and community partners to work together as research collaborators,” said Libby Vann, director of community partnerships in the School of Social Sciences. “This collaboration will facilitate the acquisition, application and integration of high-level knowledge for our students, as well as significant capacity building for our partner organizations, including local and national nonprofits, government agencies and agencies. ”
The Social Policy Analysis Program focuses on policy design, analysis, and communication, and its primary mission is to train Rice University students to gain the expertise, skills, and experience to become leaders in the field. The purpose is Click here to learn more about the program.
https://ga.rice.edu/programs-study/Departments-programs/social-sciences/social-policy-analysis.