Kennedy Ross

Master of Public Policy student at the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Sociology from Christopher Newport University. Expertise in analyzing complex social issues through rigorous research and policy evaluation. Proven ability to convert data into actionable insights that drive effective policy solutions.

• Double Dog Deviance: An Investigation of Criminal Motivation in Film Noir, The Cupola: Christopher Newport University's Undergraduate Research Journal, 2024: Cinematic study on how portrayals of crime reflect societal attitudes toward authority was selected for publication in Christopher Newport University's undergraduate research journal, The Cupola, and is registered with the Library of Congress.
• Student-Led Community Engaged Learning Project - CNU GIS Site Analysis: Collaborated with student team, community members, and local non-profit HELP Inc. to identify suitable locations in Hampton for a permanent night shelter serving homeless individuals and families. Analyzed zoning regulations, transportation access, and spatial data to produce detailed GIS maps and policy documentation for nonprofit leadership and city officials. Presented findings and recommendations to HELP Inc. in a final report.
• States of Disconnection: How Food and Housing Insecurity Shape Institutional Distrust and Identity: Culminating work for my undergraduate major of Sociology. This capstone project is based on qualitative interviews initially examining how experiences of food and housing insecurity shape political beliefs and identity. However, through coded analysis of my interview transcripts, I find that rather than directly influencing bipartisan political beliefs, food and housing insecurity can result in a general distrust of the government and contribute to strengthened religious identities among identities of resilience. I individually conducted these 6 semi-structured interviews and presented my research to CNU faculty and students at an end-of-year Sociology capstone presentation event.