Double Major Researches Dual Topics

Since last summer, Elizabeth Cassidy ’05 has been conducting EXCEL Scholars research to shed light on how national and international organizations combat domestic violence in Central and Eastern Europe. “Being an American, I take for granted the enormous legal aid available to me,” says Cassidy, who is collaborating with Katalin Fabian, assistant professor of government and law. “However, many Europeans are hindered by cultural biases where it is acceptable for a man to beat his wife. Hopefully through this study, we’ll understand what works and does not work in regard to changing the cultural norms. If we do not change cultural norms, then we will struggle to make any significant impact.”

A double major in government & law and geology, Cassidy also is undertaking an honors thesis on the Clean Air Act, examining its changing impact over the decades as state regulation gave way to federal control. She is being guided by John McCartney, professor of government and law, and Diane Elliott, an adjunct professor in the department and director for public service at the Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government.

A member of Crew Club and the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Cassidy takes private piano lessons, serves as teaching assistant for Geological Disasters: Agents of Chaos, and is an admissions tour guide. She participated in last year’s European Union Simulation, took January interim session courses in Hawaii and Eastern Europe, and sang in Concert Choir.