Dr. Karen Sebold and Sophia Coco at the Midwest Political Science Association Conference

Author: Sophia Coco | Major: Political Science | Semester: Spring 2024

My research delved into the topic of presidential nomination forecasting, specifically the Republican nomination of the 2024 election. To achieve an accurate forecasting model, I collected data and completed analysis using two OLS regression models. My research aimed to determine which factors influence elections the most, and it examined the following factors: campaign expenditures, cash reserves, poll results, endorsements, Iowa caucus results and New Hampshire primary results. My research is significant because presidential elections are central to American politics and understanding what components are influential on elections is useful to voters for making informed decisions. Political scientists have worked for years to understand the workings of presidential elections and nominations and I am proud to contribute to the extensive research on the subject.

I traveled to Chicago, Illinois for the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Conference. At the MPSA Conference, I presented the research and findings of a co authored paper I worked on alongside my thesis adviser, Dr. Karen Sebold, in addition to other political scientists. The paper is titled “Modeling the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination: ‘The 215 lb. Gorilla in the Race,’ or Trump as a Quasi-Incumbent” and my co-authors include Karen Sebold, Andrew Dowdle, Randall Adkins and Wayne Steger.

The trip helped me move forward in my research because it provided the opportunity for discussion and feedback from other academics. After my presentation, the audience gave their feedback which was very helpful for growth in my research. I also had the opportunity to hear presentations from other researchers at the conference, inspiring future ideas and research. I had the opportunity to meet my co-authors as well, as they come from various universities. It was exciting to meet them face-to-face after working with them primarily online the past few months.

I did hear feedback on my work, specifically that more context was needed in my presentation and paper. Building up a sense of suspense and importance would add to the significance and importance for my research. I also received many praises for my presentation, as I was the only undergraduate student that presented on our panel. This really helped with my confidence going into my thesis defense this week!

I had the pleasure of meeting other authors and academics in the political science field. It helped me to hear from them in their research and perspective on certain topics. It also provided me with the contacts necessary if I want to pursue further research. Everyone that I met was kind, supportive and encouraging!

I presented at the conference on a panel about presidential nominations with other authors who have researched this subject. My biggest fear going into my presentation was the pressure of being the youngest and least experienced person in the room. However, pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and finding my voice with confidence resulted in major academic and professional growth for myself. I learned that I can do anything I work hard enough for and put my mind to. Although I was the youngest and least experienced person, I received positive feedback from the other authors on the panel and knew that my age and experience level did not define the quality of my work. I was very confident and proud of my presentation which showed through my delivery at the conference. My biggest takeaway from this experience is that you cannot let your mental limitations and fears define you. Work hard, and let your work speak for itself.

My advice for other students would be to get out of your comfort zone! When my thesis adviser told me months ago that she wanted me to present at the MPSA conference, I was very nervous. I did not feel like I was qualified to present at such a high level. I proved myself wrong and I am very grateful to her for asking me to do the presentation. My other piece of advice would be to use your resources. At the MPSA conference, I was surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and research. Going in with an open mind and readiness to learn is very important to get the most out of the experience.

My next step is graduation in May 2024. I have accepted a position as a paralegal at Bamboo Equity Partners in St. Louis, Missouri where I will work for a year before heading to law school. This summer I will study for the LSAT and apply to law schools in the fall.

I am so grateful and appreciative of the honors college for this experience. It has been the perfect way to finish my undergraduate degree in political science, culminating all the skills and knowledge I have obtained in the past four years at Arkansas.