2026-2027 Student Fellows

Brayden Ayles
“An Investigation into Dangerous Love: The Phenomenon of Limerence”

The goal of my project is to explore the phenomenon of limerence and the ethically problematic expectations that result from it. Coined by Dorothy Tennov in 1979, limerence is defined as the involuntary state of intense romantic obsession and longing for reciprocation from another person. The ethical concerns that arise with limerence include the unrealistic expectations of reciprocation and the emotional pressure it can place on the loved one. I will examine the ethical problems that arise and I will show how limerence can create dissatisfaction and instability in relationships. As such, I will evaluate the sustainability of relationships stemming from limerence and whether limerence can be ethically justified.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrew LaZella

*Brayden is a philosophy major, class of 2029

Alaina Casey
“How Culture, Media, and Literature Shape Public Perception of Digital Threats”

The goal of my Slattery project is to examine how cultural narratives found within film, television, literature, journalism, and online media shape how the public understands and feels about cybercrime and digital threats. Notably, the public perception of cybercrime is often based on stories, and not on technical knowledge. Some examples of these stories include the shadowy government agency, the lone-wolf hacker in a hoodie, the omnipotent cyberterrorist, and the dystopian AI. Moreover, narratives like these influence policymakers, are used to justify security measures, shape how individuals understand their personal online vulnerability, and impact how society imagines digital danger. In this project I will analyze cultural portrayals of cybercrime and digital threats by drawing on literary analysis, sociology, media studies, and ethics to better understand how cybercrime narratives affect policy in the real world and shape public attitudes.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mehmet Bastug

*Alaina is a cybercrime and homeland security major, class of 2027         

Samantha Greenfield
“How and Why Social Media Regulation Varies Across Democracies”

Social media regulation has become an increasingly urgent issue for democratic governments in recent years. Scholarly research has shown that social media may pose a significant threat to democracies through the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and polarization, and recent scholarly research suggests that social media regulation may be necessary to protect democratic values. However, others argue that free social media is necessary for transparent democracy. In this project, I will analyze how and why social media regulation varies in democracies, focusing on Central European democracies. I will compare social media regulations across Central European countries - particularly comparing those that have had past ties to the Soviet Union to those that have not - to identify patterns in approaches to regulation.

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Nathan Henceroth

*Samantha is a political science and philosophy double major, class of 2028

Samuel Peters
“A Theological Reflection on Proximity and Its Importance in the Christian Lifestyle”

The goal of my Slattery project is to theologically reflect on the time that I and others have spent with the working poor and homeless community of Scranton. In this reflection, I will draw on various theological perspectives on why proximity to marginalized communities is a salient part of the Christian lifestyle. Ultimately, I hope to blend my experience in the classroom with my experiences in the streets through a joint reflection. This project is important because understanding the theological nature of proximity will change the hearts, minds, and actions of those who digest this reflection. 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Christopher Haw

*Samuel is a theology/religious studies and philosophy double major, class of 2027