Political science major Katelyn Kelly heard the same name everywhere she went – Friedrich Nietzsche. It came up at political theory presentations, at workshops, and even when she was with her friends. Only problem:
“I had no idea who he was,” Kelly said. “But I have a friend who had to read him for one of their classes, so they gave me his book, On the Advantage and Disadvantage of History for Life.”
Drawn to the German philosopher’s ideas, Kelly–who was in an honors thesis fellowship at the time–chose to center her senior thesis around the questions Nietzsche proposed.
“My thesis is about how citizens engage with each other when they disagree,” said the fifth-year student, “not just disagree on ‘oh, I like red or blue,’ but on things like whether Black Lives Matter is a valid movement or not.”
What started as just a college thesis quickly evolved into an invaluable research project. Kelly’s thesis advisor, Michaele Ferguson, suggested she apply to present her findings at this year’s Western Political Science Association (WPSA) Conference, which will be held from April 12th to the 15th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.
Political scientists from 17 different U.S. states and Canadian provinces are invited to attend, and nearly 1300 are expected to participate in the conference. In a room full of academics and undergraduates, Kelly will communicate her findings with a poster that highlights the fundamentals of her thesis.
Applying at the recommendation of Ethnic Living and Learning Community (ELLC) Director Ann Scarritt, Kelly was also awarded a Professional and Academic Conference Endowment (PACE) grant for $1000 to pay for her trip to Vancouver.
“Since I was little I’ve wanted to travel,” she said. “I’ve never been out of the United States, so it will be an adventure on various grounds.”