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Education and Exploration:
Undergraduate Research at Rice
Lori Hellkamp
Linguistics Major
 Lori Hellkamp knew precisely why she wanted to pursue an education at Rice University. She felt it would provide her with the “best education for the price.” But what drove her to her research topic was a subject about which she wasn’t certain. Lori, who hails from a town in Kentucky named Fairdealing, says she chose to pursue research in the area of affirmative action because of “interest and indecision.” She explains, “Race relations is an interesting field, but prior to this research, I did not have a stance on affirmative action. I thought the best way to formulate an intelligent opinion was to first become well informed. It took off from there.”
Lori couldn’t have a better partner in her research. Through the Rice University Scholars Program, she is working with sociology and political science professor Chandler Davidson, the Radoslov A. Tsanoff Professor of Public Affairs and chair of the sociology department. She chose him “for his immense knowledge on race relations and university admissions. He is an amazing man and a passionate, gifted sociologist.” Former chair of the faculty Committee on Admission and Financial Aid, Chandler, whose own research interests include political sociology and race relations, is also a decorated teacher, having won university teaching awards every year from 1997 through 2000.
Lori’s research has led her to several conclusions and opened the door to more questions and possible solutions. “I am examining alternatives to affirmative action in undergraduate admissions. Many people feel the Supreme Court will soon strike down affirmative action as unconstitutional. Many selective schools will find themselves in the position of seeking diverse classes but without having affirmative action as a tool to assist in their efforts. My research critically examines more constitutional alternatives. Using flagship state schools as case studies, I am evaluating the nascent ‘top percent’ programs currently being used. The ramifications of my research include determining what is and is not successful within each of these admissions programs so other selective schools that will soon find themselves in similar situations will be able to draw from this information.”
Lori feels that research at Rice “permits much academic freedom and the opportunity to do legitimate work with highly qualified professors. Engaging in independent research can truly be as easy as dropping by a professor’s office and pitching your idea.” She adds, “This research has been the most valuable learning experience I have had at Rice. It has proven far more challenging than any problem set, linguistic analysis, or final exam. Independent research requires thought, motivation, patience, creativity, and most important, the ability to learn and adjust as you go—all beneficial lessons to carry with you through life—both in and out of academia.”
Lori plans to continue her education. She will attend law school and pursue a career in public advocacy, civil, or human rights law.
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