Photo by Andrew McKeough ’19

The Falvey Scholars Program, established in 2002, is an annual program by Falvey Library and the Center for Research and Fellowships to recognize outstanding undergraduate research. Award winners are selected from candidates nominated by Villanova faculty and reviewed by Library and University staff.

This year, we honor eight students for seven outstanding projects, which reflect the strength of Villanova’s undergraduate research as well as the support the Library provides through its expert staff, copious resources, and welcoming spaces.

We are introducing our scholars and covering their research in their own words. Look for additional coverage of Grace Lundell ’23 CLAS and her fellow Falvey Scholars in the fall issue of Mosaic.

Congratulations to all of our Falvey Scholars, past and present!

Grace Lundell ’23 CLAS

Faculty Mentor(s): Deborah Seligsohn, PhD, and Ryan Weldzius, PhD, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Title: “War, What is it Good For?: The Effect of Military Conflicts on Trust in the EU”

Hometown: Washington, DC

Other Honors: Connelly-Delouvrier Scholarship; Vocare Fellowship; 2023 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Fritz Nova Award for excellence in Political Science; 2023 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ the Rev. Joseph J. Gildea, OSA Award for excellence in French and Francophone Studies

Tell me about your research.
“I researched whether the ‘rally around the flag effect’ can occur at the level of the European Union (EU). In other words, I investigated whether wars in Europe or involving EU states can cause an increased trust in the EU among its citizens.”

How did Falvey’s resources, databases, and spaces impact your research?
I used Falvey’s journal databases a lot. I also used Falvey’s compilation of surveys/data to find the data source that I ended up using in my study.

What’s next for you?
I am working this summer at the Department of State. I will then be going to the London School of Economics for my master’s in international relations.

Will you continue this research direction or has it inspired you to new research interests?

So, although I don’t know that I’ll continue to research this specific topic, I’m definitely interested in continuing my research on Europe and the EU.

Shawn Proctor, MFA, is Communication and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Library.