Three University of Wisconsin‑Superior students recently presented original research at the University of Wisconsin Women’s and Gender Studies Consortium (WGSC) Conference, held in Madison, Wisconsin. This year’s gathering marked the 50th anniversary of the statewide conference, which brings together scholars, students and educators to share research focused on gender, equity and social justice.

The UW‑Superior students represented a range of academic disciplines, highlighting the university’s interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate research and mentorship.

Hannah Copenhaver, an English major with a writing minor, presented “Pleasure or Pressure: Social Stigma in the Representation of Prostitutes in the 18th Century.” This research examined how literature and social norms shaped public perceptions of sex work during the 18th century. Copenhaver completed the project under the mentorship of Hilary Fezzey from the English program in the Writing, Language and Literature Department.

Maëlle Rihouey, a public leadership and changemaking major with minors in communication and gender studies, presented “Secularism and French Minority Women: How Women’s Exclusion from Sports Affects French People’s Perception of a Minority.” Rihouey’s work explored the intersection of secularism, gender and minority identity in France, focusing on the impact of sports exclusion on public perception. Her mentor was Khalil (Haji) Dokhanchi from the political science program in the Social Inquiry Department. Rihouey was also recognized with a WGSC Student Award for her presentation.

Rachel Webb Taylor, who is triple‑majoring in biology (pre‑medicine and health), chemistry and psychology, presented “Impact of Experiencing Infertility on Mental Well‑Being and Associated Treatment Options: A Literature Review.” This research analyzed existing scholarship on the psychological effects of infertility and examined treatment approaches and mental health considerations. Webb Taylor’s faculty mentor was Allison French from the psychology program in the Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity Department.

Faculty mentors played a vital role in guiding each student’s research, reinforcing UW‑Superior’s commitment to hands‑on learning and scholarly engagement. Participation in the WGSC Conference provided students with the opportunity to present their work to a statewide academic audience while contributing to ongoing conversations about gender, health, policy and culture.

The UW Women’s and Gender Studies Consortium Conference has served as a platform for student and faculty scholarship for five decades, and UW‑Superior students continue to be an important part of that tradition.