Abigail Archie – a second-year student majoring in Political Science – was one of fifteen student fellows selected for the NextGen Pop Undergraduate Program in Population Research.
NextGen Pop is an undergraduate program in population research that aims to increase the diversity of the population field and nurture the next generation of population scientists.
Archie was encouraged to apply for this prestigious opportunity by Mathew Hauer, Ph.D., Center for Demography and Population Health Associate Director and Assistant Professor of Sociology. “I am so proud of Abigail for being selected as a NextGen Pop Fellow,” Dr. Hauer said. “The selection process was highly competitive; this accomplishment is more than impressive.”
Through this program, she will study population composition and change through the lens of pressing contemporary issues, including race and income inequalities, health disparities, immigration, and family change.
Archie, along with NextGen Pop Fellows from across the nation, will attend a two-week on-campus summer experience focused on research and professional development hosted by Cornell University.
After attending the program, Archie and her cohort will have the opportunity to network with participants at the Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America (PAA). PAA is a non-profit organization that supports high-quality population research. Their mission is to foster scholars with data to better serve communities across the nation.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me to interact with brilliant minds that are just as passionate as I am about demography,” Archie stated.
She is currently pursuing a Global Citizen Certification through FSU’s Center for Global Engagement and College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and will also serve as a Freshman Interest Group Leader in the fall.
“Becoming a FIG leader has been an honor and allowed me to learn more about communication and diversity,” Archie stated. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of a group that wants me to become the best version of myself,” Archie continued.
Archie’s parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, which inspired her advocacy for educational advancement. Her passion for politics led her to major in political science, while her sociology studies ignited her interest in exploring the effects of inequality on minorities’ mortality rates, education, and healthcare.
“I am forever grateful to my esteemed professors, inspiring peers, and supportive co-workers for the abundance of education and invaluable experiences they have shared with me on this journey,” Archie said.
Outside of her academic endeavors at FSU, she is also a member of Delta Nu Zeta sorority, Phi Sigma Pi fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society, and currently works in the Office of Clerical Services for FSU Facilities.
“I have gained insight, friends, connections, and a new appreciation for everything FSU has to offer,” Archie said. “FSU has taught me how to have patience and kindness towards myself and my peers because having a supportive community will always make a difference.”
After graduation, she plans to enter the workforce and attend graduate school. With her diverse skill set, she aims to serve federal agencies and make meaningful contributions to society. Archie credits FSU for being the perfect university for her post-graduate aspirations.
To learn more about NextGen Pop Undergraduate Program in Population Research, visit nextgenpop.org. To learn more about FSU’s Global Citizen Certificate, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-citizenship-certificate.