Political Science Graduate Wins National Award for Essay on Climate Change
Eline Xia, a 2025 alumna of Stockton's Political Science and Sustainability programs, was recognized for her research on extreme weather and mitigation policies by the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, this month.
Galloway, N.J. – Eline Xia ‘25, Political Science and Sustainability, was recognized for her research on extreme weather and mitigation policies by the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Alpha Sigma, this month.
A group of Stockton Political Science faculty members nominated Xia’s paper, “Catalysts or Barriers of Change: The Role of Extreme Weather in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Policies,” which was one of 40 submissions for the Best Undergraduate Class Paper (Qualitative category).
The annual program by Pi Sigma Alpha recognizes outstanding scholarly work in political science by undergraduate students across the country. Winners receive a cash prize of $250.
🌦️ Abstract Summary
“In order to test why some governments enact climate policies after extreme weather events while others do not, I conducted a case study on Typhoon Haiyan. Factors of democracy, economic development and public pressure were studied in their influence on the process of climate policy enactment, or lack thereof, in the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. Governments must keep their promises to protect their citizens against threats, such as climate change, and we, the people, must understand the power we hold as a collective to create the change we deem necessary.”
Xia shared that she was both shocked and excited about the recognition, as writing is one of her “biggest passions in life.”
“It is such an honor, and it feels so amazing for my research to be recognized in this capacity, not only because it is something that I am so passionate about, but because climate justice is such a critical issue and one that needs to be recognized as not just scientific, but political as well,” Xia said.
Lauren Balasco, program chair and associate professor of Political Science at Stockton, inducted Xia and eight other students into the Alpha Zeta Rho chapter of the national honor society during April’s Political Science Faculty Spring Reception at Lakeside Lodge.
“I always feel a great sense of pride when we induct students into Pi Sigma Alpha; it’s a special occasion that allows us, the faculty, to recognize students for the dedication and hard work required to succeed in the Political Science program,” Balasco said. “I had the privilege of meeting Eli early in her career at Stockton, so being able to induct her into the honor society just before graduation gave me a chance to reflect on all she’s accomplished throughout her time as a student.”
These accomplishments include studying abroad in Greece, supported by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, and participating in Stockton’s award-winning Model United Nations chapter.
According to Balasco, these experiences, combined with the several international affairs courses she took within Political Science, demonstrate Xia’s passion for global affairs, which she is proud to see be recognized on a national level.
“Eli's senior seminar paper reflects her talent, hard work and intellectual curiosity about the world, and it's great to see that acknowledged by the National Political Science Honor Society. I know Eli has a strong commitment to creating and living in a more sustainable and just world, and I look forward to seeing how her next chapter unfolds as she practices those values,” Balasco said.
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
Arcuri Fund Winners Focus on Vulnerable Communities
April 28, 2025
Galloway, N.J. — Two Stockton University students received the Arcuri Wharton Pre-Law Fund Award on April 25 during the annual Political Science Faculty Spring Reception.
Junior Damaris-Anne Spring, of Willingboro, is a Sociology and Anthropology major. Spring wants to pursue law because of her passion for advocacy and justice, especially regarding health care disparities within marginalized communities. Spring’s goal is to become a medical malpractice attorney who fights for those who have been wronged by negligent health care systems.
Between 2023 and 2024, Spring participated in an internship with the Maternal Health and Birth Equity Community-Based Social Research Collaborative at Stockton University. During her internship, Spring examined the intersections of maternal health, race and socioeconomic class. She also serves as Team Lead at Stockton Center’s for Community Engagement and Service Learning.
Junior Dhikrat Odutayo, of Newark, is a Political Science major with minors in Literature and Global Studies. Odutayo plans to become a prosecutor and focus on representing cases that involve vulnerable populations, in hopes of contributing to a more just and equitable legal system. Odutayo currently serves as secretary of Minorities in Law and also volunteers at her local community’s food pantry.
“I am eager to immerse myself in the study of law, to learn from supportive mentors and to build the skills necessary to become an effective prosecutor. I am confident that my dedication, practical experience and passion for justice make me a strong candidate for law school,” Odutayo said.
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Also at the ceremony, Balasco led the induction of nine students into the Alpha Zeta Rho chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society: Camille Benoit, Austin Eckert, Ryan Kilpatrick, Nicholas Lare, Isabella Marinello, Dhikrat Odutayo, Hunter Pico, Eline Xia and Alexa Zambino.
