Mount St. Mary's University Names Two Students as Sage Research Fellows for 2025-26
In an inspiring development for the 2025-26 academic year, two promising students from Mount St. Mary's University have been appointed as Sage Research Fellows. Under the guidance of Dr. William Christiansen, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, Aiden Day and Rashley Rodrigo will play pivotal roles in the development of a groundbreaking educational application known as educate_R.
The Sage Research Fellows program, supported by the Sage Concept Grant awarded to Dr. Christiansen in the previous year, offers students a unique opportunity to engage in research projects alongside faculty members. The program aims to enhance the students' academic experiences while creating valuable contributions to the fields of international studies and political science.
Aiden Day, hailing from Pasadena, Maryland, is a double major in history and political science. He expresses enthusiasm for his role as a Sage Fellow, recognizing that it will not only assist in his personal academic growth but also contribute to the overarching goals of the educate_R project. According to Day, "This fellowship is a chance to deepen my understanding of data science and its application in political studies. I am eager to leverage my skills and insights to aid in the development of this innovative tool that will benefit future students."
Rashley Rodrigo, who moved from Sri Lanka to Frederick, Maryland, is also pursuing a double major: political science and communication. Rashley enjoys a strong passion for journalism and sees this fellowship as a platform to enhance her professional skills while contributing to significant academic work. She shared her perspective: "Working with Dr. Christiansen has been invaluable. I aim to immerse myself in our research initiatives and further refine my abilities in journalism and political analysis over the next few years."
The educate_R application is designed to aid students in mastering data science and statistical programming, making these essential skills more accessible for early-stage researchers. By providing practical tools and interactive content, this app will serve as a crucial resource for students embarking on their academic journeys in political science and related fields.
Dr. Christiansen expressed his excitement regarding the collaboration, stating, "Rashley and Aiden are bright, dedicated scholars. Together, we will explore compelling research questions using datasets that are beneficial for students learning the ropes of academic inquiry. I look forward to presenting our findings at the upcoming SPARC festival and publishing our research in various online outlets."
This initiative reflects Mount St. Mary's University's commitment to academic excellence and the nurturing of future leaders in political science. The Sage Research Fellows will not only work on developing the app but also will engage in rigorous research, culminating in opportunities to co-author publications with Dr. Christiansen.
Both students will receive stipends for their work, ensuring that they can focus on their research without financial burdens. The support from the Sage Concept Grant symbolizes the university's commitment to fostering innovative learning environments and promoting impactful research initiatives.
Interested students and faculty members are encouraged to explore the Sage Research Methods community. Further details about the educate_R application can be found on Dr. Christiansen's webpage, where the exciting progress of this project will be documented.
Mount St. Mary's University is a distinguished private liberal arts institution located in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, near the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. The university not only emphasizes an enriching academic experience but also holds a strong commitment to community service and moral development. With more than 70 majors and a range of graduate programs, it continues to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.
In summary, the selection of Aiden Day and Rashley Rodrigo as Sage Research Fellows marks a significant milestone for both the students and Mount St. Mary's University, highlighting the institution's dedication to crafting leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.
About the Fellowship and Project
The Sage Research Fellows program, supported by the Sage Concept Grant awarded to Dr. Christiansen in the previous year, offers students a unique opportunity to engage in research projects alongside faculty members. The program aims to enhance the students' academic experiences while creating valuable contributions to the fields of international studies and political science.
Aiden Day, hailing from Pasadena, Maryland, is a double major in history and political science. He expresses enthusiasm for his role as a Sage Fellow, recognizing that it will not only assist in his personal academic growth but also contribute to the overarching goals of the educate_R project. According to Day, "This fellowship is a chance to deepen my understanding of data science and its application in political studies. I am eager to leverage my skills and insights to aid in the development of this innovative tool that will benefit future students."
Rashley Rodrigo, who moved from Sri Lanka to Frederick, Maryland, is also pursuing a double major: political science and communication. Rashley enjoys a strong passion for journalism and sees this fellowship as a platform to enhance her professional skills while contributing to significant academic work. She shared her perspective: "Working with Dr. Christiansen has been invaluable. I aim to immerse myself in our research initiatives and further refine my abilities in journalism and political analysis over the next few years."
The Importance of educate_R
The educate_R application is designed to aid students in mastering data science and statistical programming, making these essential skills more accessible for early-stage researchers. By providing practical tools and interactive content, this app will serve as a crucial resource for students embarking on their academic journeys in political science and related fields.
Dr. Christiansen expressed his excitement regarding the collaboration, stating, "Rashley and Aiden are bright, dedicated scholars. Together, we will explore compelling research questions using datasets that are beneficial for students learning the ropes of academic inquiry. I look forward to presenting our findings at the upcoming SPARC festival and publishing our research in various online outlets."
This initiative reflects Mount St. Mary's University's commitment to academic excellence and the nurturing of future leaders in political science. The Sage Research Fellows will not only work on developing the app but also will engage in rigorous research, culminating in opportunities to co-author publications with Dr. Christiansen.
Financial Support and Future Prospects
Both students will receive stipends for their work, ensuring that they can focus on their research without financial burdens. The support from the Sage Concept Grant symbolizes the university's commitment to fostering innovative learning environments and promoting impactful research initiatives.
Interested students and faculty members are encouraged to explore the Sage Research Methods community. Further details about the educate_R application can be found on Dr. Christiansen's webpage, where the exciting progress of this project will be documented.
About Mount St. Mary's University
Mount St. Mary's University is a distinguished private liberal arts institution located in historic Emmitsburg, Maryland, near the picturesque Catoctin Mountains. The university not only emphasizes an enriching academic experience but also holds a strong commitment to community service and moral development. With more than 70 majors and a range of graduate programs, it continues to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.
In summary, the selection of Aiden Day and Rashley Rodrigo as Sage Research Fellows marks a significant milestone for both the students and Mount St. Mary's University, highlighting the institution's dedication to crafting leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.
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