Written By Lexx Thornton
Jackson State University (JSU) senior Camrynn Wimberly recently achieved a significant milestone, presenting her research at the prestigious American Political Science Association (APSA) Conference in Vancouver from September 11–14. The Political Science major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was one of only seven students nationally selected to present their work at the international conference.
The experience proved transformative for Wimberly’s academic path. “It was intense, but it was also life-changing,” Wimberly said. “The program gave me a chance to see what graduate school would really be like and pushed me to pursue a Ph.D. instead of attending law school after graduation.”
Wimberly’s research explores a crucial topic in contemporary Black politics: how participation in historically Black fraternities and sororities (BGLOs) shapes intragroup attitudes within the African American community.Drawing from a national survey conducted in partnership with Princeton University, her work examined complex concepts such as linked fate, respectability politics, and racial resentment.
Crucially, Wimberly’s findings challenged much of the existing academic literature. Her study revealed that BGLO members did not exhibit detachment from their communities. Instead, they demonstrated equal or greater racial consciousness compared to non-members.
“My work was not only validated but seen as important by professionals in the field,” Wimberly noted. “Hearing them say that my research mattered made me realize that this is what I want to continue doing.”
Wimberly earned the coveted APSA invitation after spending the summer at Duke University’s Ralph Bunche Summer Institute. This esteemed program is designed to immerse underrepresented students in graduate-level research and coursework, giving her the opportunity to take advanced classes, conduct independent research, and network with leading political scientists across the country.
Dr. Byron D’Andra Orey, a Political Science professor and mentor at JSU, was the one who presented the initial opportunity to Wimberly after recognizing her potential in class.
“Camrynn has put in the hard work that has enabled her to be where she is. Being accepted into one of the top summer programs in our discipline and performing at a standard that prompted an invitation to Vancouver displays the level of academic excellence and opportunity that we always hope to provide our students,” said Dr. Orey.
Dr. Orey added that FSU has a rich history of academic achievement, noting that the university has produced a significant number of students who enroll in Political Science Ph.D. programs over the past 15 years. Wimberly is now set to join that accomplished cohort.
Wimberly credits the collaborative spirit of the conference for inspiring her future career. “What stood out the most was the community. Everyone knew each other, respected each other and helped make the experience both memorable and fun,” she said.
Upon graduation, Wimberly plans to dedicate her career to research, aiming to publish “useful, scientifically founded information” and eventually become a professor to “pour into young adults.”
