When Colorado Mesa University senior Shayla Trowbridge wrote an essay for her Global Governance class, she never could have predicted it would lead to national recognition.
In the class, Trowbridge was assigned the topic of global health, a subject she never would have selected on her own, but she is now passionate about. Trowbridge’s essay – Genius Playboy Billionaire Philanthropists: How Security Became a Tool for American Hegemony – examined the international funding mechanisms of philanthropic organizations that contribute to global health regimes.
Assistant Professor of Political Science Holly Oberle, PhD, encouraged Trowbridge to submit her essay for the Lamb Prize following the conclusion of the class. The Lamb Prize supports and rewards exceptional undergraduate writing and innovation in the social science arena. After months of additional research and hard work to make the essay publication ready, Trowbridge's essay won the honorable mention award, which is the contest’s second place prize. Typically, this prize is awarded to students from larger universities including schools in the Ivy League.
“For her research to be elevated to that level is quite astounding and speaks to her talent, dedication, intellectual abilities and writing capacity. It also speaks to the political science program in general and what we’re trying to do here, to elevate student research,” said Oberle.
Winners of the Lamb Prize were granted the opportunity to present their research at the World Social Science Association conference. At the conference, professionals from across the globe in the various interdisciplinary realms of social science gathered to share ideas and learn. Thanks to a CMU Foundation donor, Trowbridge was able to travel to San Antonio, Texas, to present at the conference.
“It was a really big honor to win and speak at the conference. People being aware of me, to be a little blip on their radar, it just gives me a step up,” said Trowbridge.
Reflecting on her journey and the support she received from Oberle, Trowbridge emphasized the personalized attention and mentorship she's found at CMU.
"I think one of CMU's strengths is those small class sizes. Your professors know who you are, they know what you're good at, they know what you need help with and they're not here to get in your way. Dr. Oberle has been my biggest mentor and influence since coming here. She really cares,” said Trowbridge.
Oberle echoed this sentiment, recognizing the impact of mentorship on student success.
"In moments like this, I can see where I’m making an impact," said Oberle. "If I’m making an impact on her, I’m probably making an impact on other students. I will definitely count this as one of the highlights of my personal career. It shows that with enough focus, tenacity and support, you can do big things."
In the future, Trowbridge plans on continuing her research and hopes to give a voice to underrepresented groups in the global health realm.
“I want to bring minority voices in, especially on global health, because that was a big part of this paper. These corporations are going in, they’re making these actions, but they’re not listening to the people who actually live in these communities about what they need or what would help them the most. I think we need to give them a voice,” said Trowbridge.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Trowbridge’s research can attend her presentation at CMU's Student Showcase in Houston Hall 105 from 3-3:15pm on Friday, April 26.