Winifred Wilson completes intensive Baldwin Wallace University Summer Scholars Program

2016 Sep 23

Winifred Wilson of Cleveland completed a personalized research project this summer through the Baldwin Wallace University Summer Scholars Program. Coordinated by BW's Undergraduate Research and Creative Studies (URCS), the 10-week program provides a funded opportunity for BW students to pursue projects of their own design in the context of an intellectual community that shares seminars, field trips and access to other scholars within and beyond the University. Participants will present the results of their projects in the lobby of BW's Strosacker Hall on Oct. 6 from 4-6 p.m. Wilson, a graduate of Cleveland Central Catholic High School majoring in psychology, was one of 11 students selected for the elite experience.

With the mentorship of Dr. Deb Esty, Wilson conducted research on a project titled, "Research Based on Interventions Courteracting Stereotype Threat in African American Undergraduate Students." Wilson had this to say about the project, "For my project I will be looking into the effects of stereotype threat, which is the threat of confirming a negative stereotype about one's group, in relation to microaggressions which are verbal, behavioral, or environmental cues that send denigrating messages to a person's marginalized group. I will be solely focusing on the interaction between stereotype threat and microaggressions in relation to academic achievement in African American undergraduate students."

The Summer Scholars Program is one of many opportunities URCS offers, enabling partnerships between students and professors for a creative, hands-on approach to learning. Summer Scholars are awarded a $3,500 stipend, free summer housing and up to $500 to pay for supplies, services and/or travel in direct support of their research projects. Faculty mentors work closely to challenge, guide and support student researchers.