Political Tastes
Ohio Wesleyan Students Conduct Research into Severe Food Allergies and Electoral Politics
Name: Alana Wilson '26
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
High School: Dublin Jerome High School
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Politics & Government
OWU Connection Experience: Participating in Ohio Wesleyan's 10-week Summer Scholarship and Research Program (SSRP)
Wilson and students Lauren Dorsel '25 of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Camille Payne '26 of Pickerington, Ohio, collaborated to explore the impact of food allergy in electoral politics. For example, would the public hesitate to elect an individual with a severe food allergy? Are there clear differences on the issue between Republicans and Democrats? Would elected politicians share this information with constituents?
The students were mentored by Franchesca Nestor, Ph.D., associate professor of Politics & Government, who shares that her student-researchers have "the opportunity to contribute collaboratively to multiple future papers … from literature review, including searching for relevant sources and literature review writing; to survey design, from question development to sampling approach considerations; to data analysis."
Why This Opportunity?
"I had worked with Dr. Nestor in the past and really enjoyed it," Wilson said. "I also had not had the opportunity to pursue research in the context of a program, where I could put my full focus on the research without worrying about classwork. This opportunity gave me the perfect opportunity to continue working with Dr. Nestor and further develop my research skills."
My Favorite Moment
"Putting aside all of the important work, research, skill-building, and programming, the opportunity to work with Dr. Nestor and Camille and Lauren was so rewarding.
"We students made dinner for each other on multiple occasions and got to spend time together, not just while researching – though there was a lot of researching together.
"Dr. Nestor is an amazing mentor and also a hilarious person. Getting the chance to laugh out loud in almost every meeting and to be surrounded by these lovely people all summer was truly my favorite part of SSRP."
Lessons Learned
"SSRP taught me so many skills when it comes to the workplace. I had never worked in an office setting before. Though Zoom, emails, and meetings were not new to me, I had never dealt with them outside of a school or personal context.
"Learning about food allergy, disability more broadly, representation, and political terminology tied directly into the PG classes I had previously taken. I was also able to tie in the physical science approaches of my neuroscience and STEM coursework into our discussion of food allergy."
Not only did I build skills that will help me in a future job, I also learned more about myself, my working style, and the environments and situations in which I succeed the most.
Supporting Future Success
"I think it's important to have experiences like this so you know what to look for when you go to look for jobs in the future. The experience has also helped me learn what I liked and didn't like about working in this kind of office-adjacent job. Not only did I build skills that will help me in a future job, I also learned more about myself, my working style, and the environments and situations in which I succeed the most."
My Campus Involvements
"I am secretary of In the Loop (the knitting and crochet club) and a member of the NEURDs club (the neuroscience club)."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan?
"Ohio Wesleyan was a Hail Mary for me. I started college at a different school, but during winter break of my freshman year, I decided I didn't want to keep going to that school. It was way too late for most transfer applications to be taken, and I was panicking trying to figure out what I was going to do.
"In the end, OWU's transfer application was still open, and I could apply directly on the website (instead of through the Common App) and avoid having to collect recommendation letters and unnecessary paperwork last minute. I was thrilled to have the chance to continue my education, but had no idea if OWU would be the right fit. By the end of my first semester here, I knew that it was.
"I had awesome professors and overall found that campus life fit really well into my life."
My Plans After Graduation
"After I graduate, I am planning on finding a job in the scientific field. I want to work on my feet, potentially in a lab. I might go on to graduate school, but I need some work experience before I commit to that.
"OWU is obviously preparing me through my courses and lab work, but it is also preparing me through the Career Connection office. I have worked with several people in the office on my resume and job-finding skills. Newton Kimberly '13, one of the career catalysts, in particular, has been so helpful and kind in my attempts to fix up my resume and search for work experience. I plan to utilize the office even more come fall semester, as I will need help practicing for interviews and job hunting."