The annual conference, this year held March 23 at Methodist College in Fayetteville, allows political science faculty and students from across the state to present and discuss their research. Paper proposals were submitted to the conference by Feb. 7 and were reviewed by an association committee. Douglas was one of three students selected to present in the undergraduate research panel.

Douglas’ essay, titled “Immigration, Refugees and Asylum—Policy, Perception and Reality in the United States,” discussed the immigration, refugee and asylum policy in the United States, the politics that went into the legislation and the public’s misconceptions of the policy.

“Dr. Don Livingston, my adviser, told me he would like to recommend the essay for the best paper competition, and if I was willing, for presentation,” said Douglas. “The rest is history, and I would say that my hard work, focus and perseverance paid off.”

Douglas is an Army veteran and lives with his family in Weaverville.

For more information about the political science department at Western, contact the department at (828) 227-7475.