Published on March 20, 2025 by Gunnar Sadowey  
Anna Cella
Anna Cella

Two Samford University students recently showcased their research in Washington, D.C. at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Student Research Conference. Anna Cella and Connor Watson, both political science majors, presented their work among top students from across the country.

Cella, who attended the conference in person, presented her research titled “The Art of Democracy: Cultural Participation and Trust in South Korea.” Her study examined how cultural engagement, particularly through group membership, influences trust in both government institutions and interpersonal relationships. Using South Korean survey data, she explored the correlation between civic engagement in the arts and political trust.

“This was my first time attending an academic conference as a presenter, and it was an incredible experience,” Cella said. “A graduate student provided helpful feedback on how to improve my research, which I found particularly valuable as I expand this project into my senior thesis.”

Watson, who participated virtually, presented research on the relationship between democracy levels and civil war. His work analyzed whether regime type serves as an intervening variable in civil war causation and severity, aligning with his broader interest in international security.

“Presenting at this conference was a big confidence boost for me,” Watson said. “I learned that I could succeed with an ambitious research topic and perform at the same level as high-achieving students from top universities.”

In addition to presenting their research, Cella attended a panel on careers in political science beyond academia. “It was fascinating to hear from professionals working in diverse fields, and the environment of collaboration and passion was truly inspiring,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of networking with fellow Pi Sigma Alpha members and exploring the nation's capital in her free time.

Both students expressed gratitude for the support they received from Howard College of Arts and Sciences, the Political Science Department and the University Fellows program, which made their participation possible. Their experiences at the Pi Sigma Alpha conference reinforced their academic goals and provided valuable insights as they continue their research.

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Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.