By Brianna Young
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) senior Camrynn Wimberly recently presented research at the American Political Science Association (APSA) Conference in Vancouver from Sept. 11-14. The political science major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was one of seven students selected to present their work internationally.
“It was intense, but it was also life-changing,” Wimberly said. “The program gave me a chance to see what graduate school would really be like and pushed me to pursue a Ph.D. instead of attending law school after graduation.”
Wimberly’s research explores how participation in historically Black fraternities and sororities shapes intragroup attitudes within the African American community. Drawing from a national survey in partnership with Princeton University, she examined concepts such as linked fate, respectability politics and racial resentment.
Contrary to much of the existing literature, her findings revealed that members of Black Greek-letter organizations did not exhibit detachment from their communities, but instead demonstrated equal or greater racial consciousness.
“My work was not only validated but seen as important by professionals in the field,” Wimberly said. “Hearing them say that my research mattered made me realize that this is what I want to continue doing.”
Wimberly’s path to the APSA conference began this summer at the prestigious Ralph Bunche Summer Institute at Duke University. The program, designed to expose underrepresented students to graduate-level research and coursework, gave her the opportunity to take advanced classes, conduct independent research and engage with leading political scientists across the country.
Byron D’Andra Orey, Ph.D., a political science professor at Jackson State University and mentor of Wimberly, presented the opportunity to the young scholar after witnessing her potential in class.
“Camrynn has put in the hard work that has enabled her to be where she is. Being accepted into one of the top summer programs in our discipline and performing at a standard that prompted an invitation to Vancouver displays the level of academic excellence and opportunity that we always hope to provide our students,” said Orey.
He added that, in the past 15 years, the university has produced a significant number of students to enroll in political science Ph.D. programs. Now, Wimberly is set to join that number and add to the rich history of JSU’s political science department.
Wimberly says she discovered the power of community, highlighting the inspiration and support she felt among other political scientists.
“What stood out the most was the community. Everyone knew each other, respected each other and helped make the experience both memorable and fun,” she said.
“Upon graduation, I plan to continue conducting research, publishing useful, scientifically founded information and potentially becoming a professor to pour into young adults.”
Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu