Research Symposium

BIO

Laura is a third-year Interdisciplinary Social Sciences major who transferred to Florida State University in Spring 2025. Laura was born and raised in Massachusetts before moving to St. Augustine, Florida during high school. She concentrates in sociology and political science, with a strong interest in how social systems and public policy shape people’s everyday lives. Her research focuses on refugee children, particularly exploring ways schools and communities can better support them as they adapt to new environments. After graduating, Laura hopes to attend law school. She is passionate about understanding how the law influences communities and how it can be used to advocate for those who are often overlooked or underserved. Her academic interests are rooted in a broader commitment to social justice and community support. Through her studies and research, Laura hopes to better understand how institutions such as schools and legal systems can create more equitable opportunities for individuals and families adjusting to new circumstances.

Strengthening School Experiences for Refugee Young People, Families, and Their Teachers in Florida

Abstract

Refugee children’s resettlement into the United States frequently correlates with significant levels of trauma that place them in higher risk for emotional, behavioral, and developmental difficulties compared to their non-refugee peers. This leaves these individuals in need of critical support early into their resettlement to be able to support their long-term adjustment and well-being. This research aims to analyze the understanding and enhance the educational experiences of Tallahassee's refugee youth by recording their difficulties and experimenting with new cooperative strategies to foster inclusion among their classmates. It also aims to better understand the challenges facing Tallahassee educators and to offer information for specialized guidance and assistance. Interviews were conducted in refugee family’s homes, where the qualitative data was collected and then interpreted utilizing a coding software. Children and adults were interviewed individually to share their experiences regarding their reasons fleeing, assimilation, and in specific their experiences regarding their education. This study contributes to understanding the larger programmatic and policy work of refugee support in the city, with a focus on opportunities and challenges for refugee-serving organizations.

Keywords: education, refugee, Cultures