Bethel Students Present Research at the Capitol

Two Bethel University College of Arts & Sciences students presented their research at the Minnesota Capitol on April 8 as part of “Private College Scholars at the Capitol.” Morgan Boe ’14 presented her research on “Postpartum Depression: A Call for Social Policy Change” and Mariya Kovaleva ’14 presented on “Support Systems for Immigrant Somali New Mothers in Minnesota.”

Boe, a social work major, first began researching this topic during a class with Julia Moen, associate professor of social work. It has evolved into another research project with Associate Professor of Social Work Sande Traudt that Boe has connected to her field practicum with Refugee Services at the Minnesota Council of Churches.  

Kovaleva, a nursing major, began a collaboration with faculty on the research study during the summer of 2013 when she was an Edgren Scholar, which is an award at Bethel given to students and faculty to encourage and support collaborative summer research between faculty and students. Kovaleva worked with nursing professors Bernita Missal and Connie Clark on her research, which she also presented at the Transcultural Nursing Society’s conference in October.

Boe and Kovaleva were among 41 students and their faculty advisors from private colleges in Minnesota to present 30 posters describing their research in various disciplines during the event at the Capitol. From psychology to environmental studies, history to biology, the breadth of the subject matter presented represented the wide range of student learning that occurs every day at Minnesota’s private colleges. The Minnesota Private Colleges Council helps to sponsor the event, which just completed its 11th year. For a complete listing of projects, view the 2014 Private College Scholars at the Capitol abstract booklet.