This post aims to understand how homophily, the tendency to flock toward similar others, functions in Introductory STEM courses at Reed College. Utilizing data collected through observations by the author (who works as a course assistant in both classes), homophily is visualized, measured, and modeled using the `igraph`, `networkD3`, `statnet`, and `ergm` packages. In particular, the author mobilizes the impact of *gender homophily*, hoping to understand who students choose to collaborate with and the role gender plays in this selection. Previous literature supports the finding of homophily emerging in the STEM classroom, with those of marked genders tending to work together to increase their comfortability in an otherwise hostile environment. This hypothesis is partially supported by the data, with both chemistry networks showing high assortativity coefficients and significant homophily compared to randomly generated networks, though the statistics group project network does not. Such results raise many further research questions about the impact of gender in introductory STEM courses, while providing insight into the different environments of chemistry and statistics at Reed College.

This post reports preliminary results from data collection and analysis regarding the accessibility of introductory STEM courses at Reed College. Utilizing data measuring a participating student's perceived marked or unmarked gender, the author is able to mobilize previous sociological research about gender minority's participation in the STEM field (considering major selection, self evaluation, and feelings of belonging) to begin understanding the role of gender on participation for intro chemistry and statistics students. Chi square tests for all three course sections but one prove that those with marked gender identities (non-men; gender is seen as "abnormal" or "irregular") participate less than expected considering their proportion of the class; gender participation differs by class as well, proven through a significant ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test. Lastly, I run both a logistic and OLS multiple linear regression model to determine the effects of time in the semester, course section, and gender in the context of classroom participations. However, due to increased variance in the full data set, high error in the models, and violated model assumptions, the results are inconclusive. When filtered to only include the chemistry observations, model assumptions are satisfied and we find that students of unmarked gender presentations participate more per capita.

This post explores data provided by the Washington State Office of Public Defense to analyze the effectiveness of their current funding model (Chapter 10.101 RCW), which accounts for population and caseload by county. In addition to these two variables, we explore the impact of various socioeconomic variables by county, in particular how two similarly funded counties may exhibit vastly different levels of wealth.

This post analyzes the 530 individuals captured in the Department of Corrections Database who were sentenced as an adult for an offense committed as a juvenile. The cases Domingo-Cornelio, 196 Wn.2d 255, 474 P.3d 524 and Ali, 196 Wn.2d 220, 474 P.3d 507 have determined that individuals prosecuted in adult court for crimes committed as a child are entitled to a resentencing hearing. Domingo-Cornelio ensured that this system would be retroactive and reach currently incarcerated individuals, not just future children who may be convicted and sentenced in the future.

This presentation walks through existing court data about individuals charged with drug possession in Washington, visualizing the significance of a person's marginalized identity with their likelihood to be convicted. This analysis is in response to the Supreme Court's recent State vs. Blake decision, where the court decided retroactively and prospectively that it is unconstitutional to convict folks on possession of a controlled substance.

This post analyzes court data for individuals charged with drug possession in Washington, visualizing the significance of a person's marginalized identity with their likelihood to be convicted. This analysis is in response to the Supreme Court's recent State vs. Blake decision, where the court decided retroactively and prospectively that it is unconstitutional to convict folks on possession of a controlled substance.

In response to SB 5164, which calls for the resentencing of individuals who were convicted of Robbery 2 as one of their three strikes, this report takes a closer look at the population of individuals convicted of Robbery 2 by race and ethnicity while controlling for population. Additionally, it shows about what age the individuals are when a Robbery 2 case is filed.