Jason Hansen

2025 CSU Student Research Competition at Cal Poly Humboldt

Education

2nd Place: Jason Hansen

AND

2025 Student Research & Creative Activity Spring Symposium

Education & Health & Human Services Graduate Session

1st Place: Jason Hansen

Mitigating the Pandemic Learning Loss: Differential Effects of California's K-12 Weighted Formula Aid on Student Performance

Mentor: Dr. Robert Wassmer

"Jason Hansen is graduating this semester with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration, a 4.0 GPA, and the honor of Graduation with Distinction. I recognized Jason’s skills at thinking through an economic lens. I helped expand this approach with the additional considerations of politics, institutions, equity, and justice. He did this favorably in group projects, focusing on retrospective and prospective policy analyses. When asked by the Rural County Representatives of California to recommend an MPPA for an internship there, Jason was an easy choice. This experience led to him being hired full-time as an Economic Development officer for the RCRC. "

Shoshana Levy

Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Session

2nd Place: Shoshana Levy

The Role of NIMBYism in the Lack of
Affordable Housing in California Cities

Mentor: Dr. Robert Wassmer

"Shoshana Levy participated in the 50th Annual Research Symposium hosted by the Social Science Research and Instructional Council (SSRIC) at CSU Dominguez Hills. As part of the event, she submitted her research paper in advance and was subsequently invited to present her study, which explored the impact of NIMBYism on the issuance of building permits. Her work addressed a critical gap in the existing literature by providing a quantitative analysis of how NIMBY-related factors influence both affordable and market-rate housing development. Set against the backdrop of California’s ongoing housing affordability crisis, the study demonstrated how specific community characteristics are associated with reduced housing growth. Shoshana’s outstanding research was honored with the SSRIC award for "Best Use of Quantitative Data." Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I had a great experience discussing my research with other CSU students and faculty, along with learning about other fantastic research CSU graduate and undergraduate students are working on systemwide.”