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Richard Krebs ’08 (Kennebunk, Maine), a government and law major, has published research on trends in welfare reform with Rebecca Kissane, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology, in the academic journal Sociology Compass.
The article, “Assessing Welfare Reform, Over a Decade Later,” looks at the positive developments and remaining challenges concerning welfare reform focusing on the areas of economic outcomes, psychological and physical health issues, and family issues.
Their work is part of Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend.
Lafayette’s focus on close student-faculty interaction has made it a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the hundreds of students who participate in the College’s honors, independent study, and EXCEL programs each year publish their work in academic journals and present at regional and national conferences.
Krebs, who is also an anthropology and sociology minor, believes he could not have had such a great research experience at another institution. He says students are offered opportunities at Lafayette that few schools would be able to match. “I do not believe that I would have gotten to know so many professors on such a close professional level at other colleges and universities,” says Krebs.
Krebs believes that this publication will help him with his future career goals. He plans to attend law school in the fall and is deciding between UCLA and New York University.
“I think it was a remarkable opportunity to showcase my talents and high-level research capabilities. The skills I learned from Dr. Kissane through our one-on-one work will also prepare me well for future research projects,” says Krebs.
Krebs also performed EXCEL research with Ilan Peleg, Charles A. Dana Professor of Social Science. Their project examined the possibilities of reducing tensions between the Jewish and Arab populations in Israel.
Krebs is a Marquis Scholar, a Writing Associate, and a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.