Student Authors

Police On-Body Cameras: A Violation of Privacy?

Brett Raffish

Brett Raffish is a second-year political science major concentrating in pre-law. He minors in global politics, religious studies, and psychology. Brett is currently Cal Poly’s ASI Secretary of Community Relations and is an appointed commissioner on the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission. After graduating, Brett plans on attending law school and becoming a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Navy.

Mandatory Pay Transparency and Internal Wage Audits: Governmental Oversight to Bridge the Gender Pay Divide

Carol Janssen

Carol Janssen is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Public Policy program. Her inspiration for this paper is based on a lifetime of promoting workplace fairness and observing career obstacles for women, including stagnating wages and unequal pay. Her passions include continuing to teach, learn, and spoil her Labrador Retrievers, attending hockey games with her husband, and trying to make the world a better place.

A War in the Shadows

Spencer Stucky

Spencer Stucky is a third-year political science major with a concentration in global politics. Spencer is heavily involved in extracurricular activities at Cal Poly, including being a member of Delta Sigma Phi and a volunteer in Panama in 2016. After graduating, Spencer plans to volunteer in Latin America and pursue a master's degree in international relations or public policy.

The Road to Brexit

Luana Mello

Luana Mello is a graduating third-year political science major concentrating in global politics and minoring in sociology. At Cal Poly, Luana is involved in the Model United Nations program, and has traveled to both San Francisco and Brazil with the team, and is a part of the campus chapter of California Women’s List. After she graduates, Luana plans to go to law school with one day becoming an international lawyer for the UN. 

Intent Based Criminal Responsibility: How Should We Punish Attempts?

Deeksha Kohli

Deeksha Kohli is a senior Political Science major, concentrating in pre-law. She is involved in Mock Trial and the Undergraduate Law Association. Upon graduation, she plans to attend law school. She chose to write this paper in order to highlight what she finds to be a problem with the current criminal justice system currently in place.

Aid Agencies’ Facilitation of Land Grabs in Developing Countries

Emily Matthews

Emily Matthews is a graduating political science senior concentrating in global politics and minoring in environmental studies and religious studies. At Cal Poly, Emily has been involved in Paideia since the second volume, is a founder and President of the campus chapter of California Women’s List, and is participated in the CSU Research Competition. After graduating, Emily plans on pursuing a career in campaigning and political communications.

Vote Dilution in American Politics and Constitutional Law

Kelly Eaton

Kelly Eaton is a third year Political Science major, concentrating in pre-law. Her choice in major is based on her deep passion for human rights and social justice. After she graduates, she plans on pursuing an MBA and a career in financial and political consulting. In her free time, Kelly enjoys filmmaking, kickboxing, and photography. At Cal Poly, she is a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta and was an Orientation Leader for the freshman class of 2016.

Populism and a Divided America

Stephen Richardson

Stephen Richardson is a third year political science student, concentrating in pre-law, and is a member of the Cal Poly Marksmanship Club. Stephen is a Marine veteran who was stationed in Okinawa, Japan from 2009-2011. Stephen hopes to eventually pursue a career in international law or diplomacy focused in national security.