Using data from the United States Sentencing Commission (2014-2022), this study analyzes the impact of a defendant's gender in the sentencing of federal homicide cases. Previous research shows that female defendants experience leniency in criminal sentencing compared to male counterparts. However, studies also suggest harsher punishments are given to female defendants when the crime is violent. This may be influenced by the social construct of gender, where traits including aggression and violence are perceived to be inherently male, and male violence is often expected and excused. Focusing exclusively on federal homicide cases from fiscal years 2014-2022 (N = 3017), I ran linear regression analyses controlling for legal and extralegal factors to analyze the effect of gender on sentence length. I hypothesize that in the case of federal homicide, male defendants will receive shorter sentences compared to female counterparts. This study focuses how gender influences sentencing outcomes in federal courts. It is crucial to understand how gender influences judicial sentencing in order to promote a just legal system.

On June 29, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled that using affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional in the case, Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. This research analyzes arguments presented by both parties to reveal the effects of this policy removal on the future of underrepresented minority students applying to college. I analyze Harvard’s admission statistics through regression models cultivated by each party’s expert witness to identify the lack of true diversity in Harvard’s admission process. The statistical findings the experts present highlight the use of the Asian American experience to justify the removal of affirmative action measures in higher education. Additionally, I conduct a complex legal analysis of prior Supreme Court cases through the lens of reparation jurisprudence to expose the lucrative, and performative, system of affirmative action in higher education. The Court’s decision to remove affirmative action requires universities to develop a new form of admission criteria that aids underrepresented minority students in the college admission process. Statistical evidence provided by the Department of Education and economist, Richard D. Kahlenberg, points to a new form of affirmative action that considers varying intersectional factors to develop a complex method of class-based affirmative action. Such studies identify the benefits of looking at various demographic factors contributing to an applicant’s experience to cultivate a diverse class of students that goes deeper than race.

This study explores how experiences with mental health issues affect stigma and outlook on life. An experience with mental health issues can have an enormous impact on a person's functioning and wellbeing. Stigma and bias against mental health can hinder help-seeking behaviors and increase distrust in professional treatment. One's attitude toward life, such as how optimistic a person is, can significantly mediate a mental health experience. I explored the following questions: (1) How do experiences with mental health issues relate to a person's stigma against mental health topics? (2) How do experiences with mental health issues relate to a person's outlook on life? (3) Is there a difference in the significance in the different forms of or lack of an experience relate to stigma and outlook? Surveys were collected digitally through an undergraduate campus, poster on the same campus, and multiple social media campaigns. 242 participants (M_AGE = 27.4, SD_AGE = 16.6) completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Revised Life Orientation Test, Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale - Revised, and investigator written assessment of mental health experiences. All measures were reliable. There were significant correlations between experience, stigma, and outlook. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed experience significantly predicted the variance in stigma (R² = .03, R²_ADJUSTED = .02, F (2, 239) = 3.67, p < .05) and the variance in outlook (R² = .11, R²_ADJUSTED = .098, F (2, 239) = 14.04, p < .001). Experience of someone close with mental health issues significantly predicted outlook (Beta = .14, p = .05). These findings suggest that sharing experience and promoting optimism would improve wellbeing and foster positive attitudes.