Sierra Bligh, who earned a Master of Arts with a Major in International Studies, is the recipient of the Graduate College’s Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award in the Social Sciences, Education, and Business. Her thesis, “Feminist Foreign Policy: Analyzing the Core Values and Identities of Feminist States,” was directed by the political science department’s Dr. Franziska Boehme Newell. The theses’ analysis shows how each country emphasized core values related to human rights, peacebuilding and security, climate protocols, power relations, and the role of others.
Bligh and Dr. Newell met regularly to discuss her research question and the methodology best suited for addressing it, and Dr. Newell read several drafts and provided feedback throughout the process. When asked about her research, Bligh said “My thesis chair, Dr. Franziska Boehme Newell was essential to the success of my research throughout my time in graduate school. Dr. Boehme Newell’s invaluable guidance, expertise, and support were instrumental in crafting my thesis, culminating in winning the award. I couldn’t have done it without her!”
As the winner, she will receive a $500 and a plague which will be presented to you at our award ceremony next April. In addition, the Graduate College entered the thesis in the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools competition in the category of Outstanding Master’s Thesis in the Social Sciences.
