Florida residents Peter Copan and Emily Hardman have been selected to receive research fellowships from The LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Through The LeMieux Center Fellows Program, these two upper-level undergraduate students will pursue an independent study of current or emerging public policy issues concerning individual freedoms, values, rights, religious liberties and institutions in the United States.
Former U.S. Senator George LeMieux (center) met Friday (11/8) with the first LeMieux Center for Public Policy Fellows — Peter Copan (left) and Emily Hardman during a ceremony in the Rinker Board Room of the Warren Library. With them are their faculty advisors Dr. Roger Chapman (right) and Dr. Francisco Plaza. CLICK HERE to view video of this event.
Peter Copan selected education reform through the implementation of a nationally adopted curriculum as the research focus of his fellowship. He plans to explore the benefits and drawbacks of this system known as the Common Core, its implications for the state, and the impact on education and its purpose in the nation. A graduate of Suncoast Community High School in West Palm Beach, Copan is enrolled in the Supper Honors Program at Palm Beach Atlantic, majoring in cross cultural studies with a double minor in Spanish and philosophy. His faculty mentor is Dr. Francisco Plaza.
Foreign policy and American exceptionalism is topic selected by Emily Hardman, a Sarasota native. Hardman, in her research proposal, quotes Alexis de Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America,” which defines American exceptionalism as the idea that the United States is “qualitatively different from all other countries.” Hardman seeks to answer the question whether 21st century realities require our country’s leaders to alter their thinking with respect to America’s role in the world. Hardman is a music major with a minor in political science, and enrolled in the Supper Honors Program. Dr. Roger Chapman is her faculty mentor.
“I am very excited to work with Emily and Peter,” former U.S. Senator George LeMieux said. “They have chosen great topics and I know they will bring their immense talents and passion for learning to their research.”
“One of Palm Beach Atlantic’s key themes is an engaged learning environment. The LeMieux Fellows program is at the top of the list of these experiences for students,” President William M. B. Fleming, Jr. said. “We look forward to the serious research and solution finding that these students will produce.”
The fellows receive a stipend to cover the cost of an independent study course as well as expenses, such as travel, incurred during the course up to $2,500 as well as ongoing guidance for their research project from Senator LeMieux. The application process included submission of a research proposal, résumé and a letter of support for the research from a faculty mentor. Selection of the fellows was based on the application and an interview.
