Mikki LaFleur

Research-oriented professional with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Experienced in academic research, community education, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services supporting children with developmental disabilities. Skilled in evidence-based intervention, behavioral data collection, literature review, and translating complex information into accessible formats. Passionate about disability research, equitable educational practices, and supporting individuals through ethical, individualized, and evidence-based approaches.

Queer Theory, Identity, and Cultural Representation in Music

Senior Capstone Project - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2023

• Conducted interdisciplinary qualitative research examining queer theory, identity formation, and representation within popular music.
• Applied feminist and queer theoretical frameworks to analyze how marginalized identities are expressed, interpreted, and represented through cultural texts.
• Examined themes of visibility, identity, social norms, and historical context through lyrical, visual, and performance analysis.
• Synthesized scholarly literature from gender studies, musicology, and cultural studies to develop an evidence-based research argument.

Policy Research — Anti-Protesting Legislation and Civil Liberties

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2023

• Conducted policy research examining the relationship between legislation, institutional power, and civil liberties.
• Examined the development and impact of anti-protesting legislation.
• Evaluated how institutional structures and public policy influence civic participation and marginalized communities.
• Reviewed legislative documents and scholarly research to analyze relationships among policy, power, and individual rights.
• Developed written research findings grounded in evidence-based analysis.

Research Assistant — The Descendants Project

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill / Equal Justice Initiative 2023–2024

• Conducted academic research examining the historical and social impacts of racial terror violence.
• Reviewed and analyzed primary sources, historical documents, and scholarly literature.
• Maintained accurate research documentation and organized project data.
• Collaborated with researchers to support public-facing education and historical preservation efforts.