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Balderas to present at Undergraduate Research Day at Capitol

PLAINVIEW — Sebastian Balderas, a junior Political Science major from Mission, has been selected to represent 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University at Undergraduate Research Day at the Texas Capitol.

On Thursday, April 10, Balderas will present his research on how Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership pioneered and shaped modern governance to state legislators, Capitol staffers, and the public. His presentation will feature a poster he originally used during a classroom presentation last semester. His research will also be included in a digital abstract book showcasing all selected projects. In addition to student presentations, Undergraduate Research Day will feature panel discussions on various research topics.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as one of the few to present my research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol,” Balderas said. “It is an amazing opportunity to showcase my research, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Leadership: Leading During Crisis and Reshaping American Governance for Years to Come. I am excited to share my findings, connect with other scholars, and proudly represent 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ and my hometown in the Rio Grande Valley at this prestigious event.”

Dr. Autumn Lass, Associate Professor of History in 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, nominated Balderas for the honor after he presented his research in her Presidency class last fall. She will accompany him to Austin for the event.

“Sebastian’s work was well-researched and very well-presented. He is committed to academic excellence,” Dr. Lass said. “He is always looking for extra opportunities to grow and learn.”

Noting that Balderas plans to attend law school after completing his studies at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, Dr. Lass said Undergraduate Research Day provides an excellent platform for him to present his work to a wider audience.

Organized in partnership with the Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors (CPUPC), this Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) event is designed to showcase undergraduate research experiences to Texas legislators and the public, according to ICUT President Elizabeth Puthoff.

“It highlights the depth and breadth of undergraduate research happening at public and private universities across the state, reinforcing the important contributions of this work for all of Texas,” Puthoff said.

While in Austin, Balderas—who is also a member of the Pioneers football team—plans to meet with State Sen. Charles Perry to present him with a retired 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ football helmet for his office. The senator, who represents the Plainview area, has previously expressed a desire to display a helmet as a tribute to the university’s athletic program.