Wellington resident Peter Copan has been selected to receive research fellowships from the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Copan selected education reform through the implementation of a nationally adopted curriculum as the research focus of his fellowship. He plans to explore the benefits and drawbacks of the system known as the Common Core, its implications for the state, and the impact on education and its purpose in the nation.
A graduate of Suncoast High School in West Palm Beach, Copan is enrolled in the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program at Palm Beach Atlantic, majoring in cross cultural studies with a double minor in Spanish and philosophy. His faculty mentor is Dr. Francisco Plaza.
Emily Hardman of Sarasota was the second LeMieux Fellow selected. Through the LeMieux Center Fellows Program, these two upper-level undergraduate students will pursue an independent study of current or emerging public policy issues concerning individual freedoms, values, rights, religious liberties and institutions in the United States.
“I am very excited to work with Emily and Peter,” former U.S. Senator George LeMieux said. “They have chosen great topics, and I know they will bring their immense talents and passion for learning to their research.”
The fellows receive a stipend to cover the cost of an independent study course as well as expenses, such as travel, incurred during the course up to $2,500, as well as ongoing guidance for their research project from Sen. LeMieux. The application process included submission of a research proposal, résumé and a letter of support for the research from a faculty mentor. Selection of the fellows was based on the application and an interview.
“One of Palm Beach Atlantic’s key themes is an engaged learning environment. The LeMieux Fellows program is at the top of the list of these experiences for students,” President William M. B. Fleming Jr. said. “We look forward to the serious research and solution finding that these students will produce.”
ABOVE: (Left to right) former U.S. Senator George LeMieux with fellows Peter Copan and Emily Hardman, and Palm Beach Atlantic University President Bill Fleming.
