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Undergraduate Jamel Love Accepted to Leadership Alliance's Summer Research Early Identification Program at Vanderbilt University

Jamel Love, a junior and political science major, was accepted into the Leadership Alliance's Summer Research Early Identification Program at Vanderbilt University. The Program will partner Love with a faculty member from the Political Science Department for a 10-week summer research and professional development program.

Love is currently part of the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program at John Jay that prepares undergraduate students for the process of applying to Ph.D. programs. Part of the McNair Program involves assisting students find opportunities outside the college and developing their research interests and skills.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity because it is going to help me reach my goals of earning my Ph.D.,” said Love.

Love’s main academic interests focus on political behavior, political psychology, and the factors that influence various demographic populations to make certain political decisions.

“I’m interested in applying political thought to help people act in a more informed way.”

However, Love said his interest in receiving his Ph.D. is grounded in his passion for teaching.

“I tutored high school students in the Upward Bound Program because I am very interested in giving back to those who are less fortunate than I. Once I was in their position, so I truly appreciate what others were able to give back to me. These kinds of programs have been so beneficial to me, and I want to provide the same services to young males who may not be receiving the support from home or in their schools.”

In addition to earning a Ph.D. he is interested in creating an organization that provides guidance and mentorship for disadvantaged young males.

“I want to make a difference, even if it is not on an global scale but in my own community.”

Love was also accepted by the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute at Duke University, which he will decline, so he may attend the Vanderbilt program.

"Jamel, among the very best of my current students, consistently produces excellent work,” said Professor Jack Jacobs from the Department of Political Science. “He will go far.”

“My favorite aspect about John Jay is the sense of community between faculty and students. They are really invested in seeing their students achieve. That student-faculty relationship has been invaluable to me.”