She Asked Why Governments Ignore Disasters. Her Answer Just Won a Major National Award.

When a superstorm devastates a nation, you'd expect immediate, sweeping policy changes to prevent it from happening again, right? But what if that's not what happens? A Stockton University student dared to ask the tough questions about government inaction in the face of climate catastrophe—and her groundbreaking research just earned her a prestigious national honor.

Eline Xia, a driven Political Science and Sustainability major from the class of 2025, has been thrust into the national spotlight. Her powerful essay, “Catalysts or Barriers of Change: The Role of Extreme Weather in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Policies,” was just named one of the country's best undergraduate papers by Pi Alpha Sigma, the National Political Science Honor Society.

Xia's work stood out in a highly competitive field of 40 submissions to win the Best Undergraduate Class Paper award in the qualitative category. But what did she uncover that captured the judges' attention and set her research apart?

Cracking the Code of Climate Politics

Her research dives headfirst into one of the most frustrating puzzles of our time: why do some governments spring into action after an extreme weather event, while others seem to do nothing at all? To find the answer, Xia conducted an in-depth case study on the aftermath of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan. She meticulously analyzed the complex interplay of factors that influence political will, including:

• The level of democracy in a region
• A country's overall economic development
• The power and intensity of public pressure

Her findings provide a crucial roadmap for understanding what truly motivates—or paralyzes—governments when disaster strikes. It’s the kind of work that doesn’t just win awards; it has the potential to shape how activists and citizens hold their leaders accountable for climate action.

From Classroom to National Acclaim

The brilliance of Xia’s paper was first recognized at home. A group of her own Political Science faculty members at Stockton University nominated her for the award, confident that her work was among the best in the nation. Their belief paid off spectacularly, with Xia not only winning the esteemed title but also a $250 cash prize for her scholarly achievement.

In a world increasingly battered by extreme weather, Eline Xia’s research is more than just an academic exercise. It's a vital piece of the puzzle, offering a glimpse into the political machinery that can either save lives or fail them. Her work proves that the next generation of thinkers is already here, asking the critical questions that could redefine our future.