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Richard Krebs ’08 (Kennebunk, Maine), a government and law major, is conducting in-depth research on how welfare reform affects today’s society.
Krebs is collaborating with Rebecca Kissane, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology, through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend. The program has helped to make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year share their work through articles in academic journals and/or conference presentations.
The researchers are focusing on recent trends and effects of the Office of Family Assistance’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. They also are exploring different aspects of the reform such as economic outcomes, psychological and physical health issues, and family issues.
Kissane and Krebs have been looking at existing scholarly perspectives on welfare reform and plan to compile their results in an article for publication in an academic journal.
“This whole area of research fascinates me,” says Krebs, who also is majoring in government and law. “I was interested in issues of welfare reform when I took Professor Kissane’s poverty class last year as a sophomore, and when she presented me with this opportunity to engage in more extensive research, I quickly accepted. I really enjoy learning more about this topic and developing more formulated opinions.”
Krebs’ responsibilities include gathering existing scholarly articles concerning welfare reform, mental health issues among welfare recipients, and child well-being in low-income neighborhoods. He is writing a brief analysis to synthesize what he has learned to better understand how to use each source effectively in the research.
He is gaining valuable experience through the EXCEL program and working closely with a faculty member.
“Through this EXCEL project, Richard is learning how to produce a scholarly, peer-reviewed publication,” explains Kissane. “As such, he is gaining all the skills necessary to see a work through the publication process and learning in-depth about a part of the academic world that typically eludes undergraduates.”
Krebs already recognizes how this unique experience will benefit him as he continues his education.
“This project has given me the opportunity to engage in a more free and independent level of research than I have had access to in actual, structured courses,” he says. “I think the experiences I have gained through this, namely being able to structure my own time and requirements and help organize a massive project, will definitely be an advantage for me down the road.”
Krebs has been inspired by Kissane’s teaching style since taking classes with her in his first year.
“I love working with Professor Kissane,” he says. “I’ve had a good relationship with her since I had her for Introduction to Sociology freshman year, and have always seen her as a faculty member I can turn to for honest advice. She’s a great mentor, and I feel that I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with her.”
Kissane is impressed by the work Krebs has done so far and expects that he will continue to exceed expectations as the project moves forward.
“Richard is an intelligent, self-motivated student,” she says. “After having him in a couple of my courses, I knew he would be a wonderful EXCEL Scholar. He is keenly interested in issues related to poverty, which is critical for this project as this work requires that he completely immerse himself in the literature on welfare reform. He is very attentive to detail, writes well, and is always eager to share his insights. I cannot imagine anything that he cannot successfully tackle in his future.”
Krebs is a Marquis Scholar and a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity. He has attended the Lafayette Leadership Institute, a series of workshops and discussion panels for student leaders. He also was selected to sit on the interview panel for potential new professors in the government and law department.
Chosen from among Lafayette’s most promising applicants, Marquis Scholars like Krebs receive a special academic scholarship and distinctive educational experiences and benefits. This includes a three-week, Lafayette-funded course abroad or in the United States during January’s interim session between semesters or the summer break. Marquis Scholars also participate in mentoring programs with Lafayette faculty and cultural activities in major cities and on campus.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.