Trevor Mauck, a dual major in political science and philosophy from Deerfield, New Hampshire, has always been interested in current international affairs, especially the power structures of different forms of government. A course on world politics taught by Professor Sowers piqued his interests in the Islamic world and democracy. Trevor proposed his research idea to Professor Sowers and eventually received a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Abroad to travel to Morocco, where he conducted the bulk of his research. While in Morocco, Trevor faced cultural barriers as well as the discovery that the democracy he intended to study was actually not present. After graduation in May, 2008, Trevor intends to pursue a law degree.
Dr. Jeannie Sowers, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, has been teaching for two years at the University of New Hampshire. There is no question as to why she mentored Trevor for his research, since her areas of specialization are Middle Eastern, comparative, and environmental politics. Although Dr. Sowers has advised students doing theses and independent studies, this was her first experience as mentor to an undergraduate researcher abroad. She found her involvement in Trevor’s research rewarding on multiple levels. She especially appreciated watching Trevor change his research topic in response to the unexpected, complex politics he encountered in Morocco. “One great thing about working with such talented students,” Dr. Sowers said, “is that I also learn new things as well!”
Dr. Audra K. Grant has been an associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Akhawayn University, Morocco, for one and a half years. Her areas of research and teaching are democratization in North Africa, political Islam, and survey research in the Middle East. Dr. Grant became involved in Trevor’s research project when Professor Sowers recommended her as a foreign mentor. Dr. Grant praised Trevor’s enthusiasm towards and commitment to his research. She was so impressed by Trevor’s intensity, focus, motivation, and general high quality of work that she commented, “Trevor and the undergraduate research program at the University of New Hampshire are models for the small Moroccan university I am affiliated with.”
Read Trevor Mauck’s research article Monarchical Suppression of the Legislature in Morocco post–Alternance >>
