Shelby Tisdale, a senior majoring in Statistical Science with a certificate in Child Policy Research and minor in Education with Secondary Teacher Licensure in Mathematics, was awarded a Morris Fellowship Award for Research on Child and Family Policy to support her senior thesis for Graduation with Distinction. She plans to use the fellowship award for computing support and conference travel.
Her thesis, advised by Dr. Maria Tackett, uses Bayesian hierarchical modeling to explore the relationship between unobligated Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) state welfare funds and fulfillment of TANF policy goals at the household level. She says she became interested in this issue “after hearing about a large scandal involving the misappropriation of millions of dollars of welfare funds in Mississippi, my home state”, and “seeing a notable lack of research about unused TANF funds.”
Shelby says she was motivated to pursue a senior thesis from her interest in “utilizing statistics to better understand social issues that have previously been researched primarily through a qualitative lens” and to gain “independent research experience to prepare for graduate study in the future.” She has the following words of encouragement for students considering a senior thesis in the future:
“I would encourage students interested in pursuing a thesis to select a topic that excites them and not worry too heavily about whether they have the skill set to execute their research, as statistical skills can be developed throughout the research process. The Department of Statistical Science has outstanding faculty who will work with you to create a research plan and gain the skills necessary to execute that plan, so do not let a lack of knowledge or confidence hinder your plans to pursue a senior thesis.”