My Davidson | A Student Blog DC Takes on D.C.: Davidson College Seniors Present Educational Studies Research at AEFP
May 7, 2025
Four Davidson College seniors reflect on presenting their undergraduate research at the annual Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) conference in Washington, D.C.., where they also networked with alumni and attended two men’s basketball games.
About the Authors
Sarah Butchko ’25 (she/her) is an Educational Studies major from Silver Spring, Maryland. Outside of the classroom, she is co-manager of the Gamut Dance Company, team leader of the College Crisis Initiative, and is a member of Warner Hall Eating House.
“I chose Davidson because I knew the opportunities for mentorship and the ability to explore my passions both inside and outside the classroom would be unmatched, and I felt supported and welcomed by the community before stepping foot on campus.”
Steve Mirabello ’25 (he/him) is a Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) and French and Francophone Studies double major from Washington, D.C. Outside of the classroom, he is a co-founder of Davidson Reads, team leader of the College Crisis Initiative, former SGA Class President and involved with men’s club ultimate frisbee and the Augustine Literacy Project.
“I chose to attend Davidson because of the supportive community, small classes with excellent professors, and generous support to pursue my interests outside the classroom.”
Hugh Perry ’25 (he/him) is an Educational Studies major and Applied Physics minor from Raleigh, North Carolina. Outside of the classroom, he is a team leader for the College Crisis Initiative, and is involved with Club Tennis and WALT Radio.
“I chose to attend Davidson because of the sense of home and familiarity, overwhelming support and kindness, and unique opportunities to work with professors.”
Abby Reardon ’25 (she/her) is an Educational Studies and Music double major from Columbia, Missouri. Outside of the classroom, she is involved with the a cappella group, Davidson Delilahs, serves as a Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE) Fellow, works as a data collector for the College Crisis Initiative, volunteers as a campus tour guide and is a member of the Warner Hall Eating House.
“I chose to attend Davidson because of the warm and welcoming community, paired with the incomparable opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.”
During our senior spring break, we elected not to take an oceanfront getaway.
Instead, we traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 50th annual Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) conference—one of the top education policy conferences in the country. The four of us were selected to present research we conducted through the College Crisis Initiative (C2i) at Davidson. While all focused on higher education, our research topics ranged from dance programs and esports teams to labor organizing and holistic admissions policies.
We were the only undergraduates presenting at AEFP this year, and among just 14 undergraduates who have ever presented at the conference–all Davidson students.
We arrived in D.C. a few days before the conference started. That evening, we shared our research projects on a panel discussion moderated by Emily Rounds ’21, a C2i alum and leader of the D.C. Alumni Network. We discussed our research processes, answered questions about current student life and the progress of C2i at Davidson, and talked Davidson College basketball. It was an invaluable opportunity to connect with Davidson alumni and policy experts in the area.
It was a big week for Wildcats in D.C. as the men’s basketball team kicked off their A-10 tournament play in Capital One Arena. Thanks to the generosity of the Educational Studies department, we spent our downtime cheering loudly for the ‘Cats. Decked out with pom-poms, we joined President Hicks and the spirited section of alumni, students, and staff to watch a Davidson win against Richmond.
The next day, we presented on the opening day of AEFP. The day started with Steve delivering a five minute “Flash Talk” presentation on unionizations at private institutions of higher education. The audience gave Steve a round of impressed applause as his work stood ground sandwiched between talks by professors with decades of research experience. After Steve’s presentation, Abby, Hugh, and Sarah presented their posters alongside graduate students and education policy experts. Abby’s poster examined the shifts in holistic admissions at selective institutions over the last decade. Sarah’s poster looked at the current landscape of dance programs at liberal arts institutions for those students who are from underrepresented populations. Hugh’s poster analyzed institutional characteristics in the growing phenomenon of varsity esports in higher education. We each had opportunities to field questions and engage in thoughtful dialogue on our research.
After wrapping up our presentations, we raced to cheer on Davidson for their second round game against Saint Louis. Despite our once-again stellar cheering efforts, the ‘Cats came just short of upsetting the Billikens.
After a busy couple of days, we celebrated the conference at a dinner with C2i director Dr. Chris Marsicano ’15, assistant directors Luis Toledo ’20 and Alex Marsicovetere ’21, and other Davidson Educational Studies alumni. We compared Davidson stories and traditions passed on through the generations. While we might not have returned to campus with a sun-kissed glow, our time in D.C. was an incredibly fulfilling experience, providing us with invaluable professional and research experience, and continuing to build the rich relationships Davidson fosters among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
