Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership
Research and Experiential Learning
Engage in Unique Student Research
Senior Capstone Project
As a Public Affairs Senior, you will investigate an identifiable public or social problem about which you are capable of gathering information.
Recent Capstone Projects include:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Rapid Rehousing in Reducing Family Homelessness
Food Literacy for the Future: Impact of School-Based Food Education on Youth
Bridging the Value-Action Gap for Reducing, Reusing, Recycling through Environmental Communication Best Practices
The Efficacy of Community Based and Restorative Justice Programs in Lowering Juvenile Recidivism Rates
Alternative Discipline: A National Review and Recommendations for Program Implementation
Syringe Services Program as HIV Prevention: Addressing Critiques and Geographic Disparity of Coverage
Effective Methods of Arts Advocacy and Funding for Seattle’s Creative Advantage Initiative
Present Your Work
You may choose to present your research at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, provides models of exemplary research and scholarship and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education.
Apply for a Scholarship, Fellowship or Research Grant
Seattle University’sCenter for Community Engagement s the main entry point for students, faculty, and staff for all forms of community engagement. The volunteer portal for all of their programs, including the Seattle University Youth Initiative, is a good place to get started if interested in volunteering.
Isabel Gilbertson '22
Dr. Chengxin Xu and PUBA student Isabel have been investigating discrimination against immigrants in the U.S. healthcare market. "My work on this project has allowed me to contribute to research related to health equity and access and learn about the research process. This project's examination of discrimination is important, but even more so because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased racism and xenophobia in the United States."
TheUdall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment. ContactTanya Hayes for additional information.
The Truman Scholarshipis the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for those pursuing careers as public service leaders.
TheFulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates.
The Public Policy and International Affairs Program helps students achieve a Master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field.
The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management offers a fellowship that supports the travel and participation of up to 40 students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds at the APPAM Fall Research Conference.
The Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) brings ten (10) undergraduates from underrepresented groups to the ARNOVA annual conference to attend a workshop on paths to higher education, ideally in the field of nonprofit, philanthropic and voluntary action studies.
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation
Challenge Detroit is a competitive leadership and professional development program that invites tomorrow's leaders to live, work, play, give and lead in and around the greater Detroit area.
Gortons Leadership Program offers ten-month fellowships to undergraduate students in the Pacific Northwest to participate in monthly roundtables with foreign policy experts and to support their professional development.
Learn about additional fellowships and receive application support at theSU Office of Fellowships.
