SLU/YouGov Poll Student Involvement
Saint Louis University students play a vital role in conducting the SLU/YouGov Poll, gaining hands-on experience in survey research, data analysis, and understanding public opinion trends.
Students collaborate with faculty and experts to design surveys, interpret findings, and contribute to meaningful discussions and public discourse on political and social issues. The SLU/YouGov Poll offers a unique opportunity to enhance students’ research skills while providing valuable insights into Missouri public opinion.
The SLU/YouGov Poll team thanks the SLU Scholarly Undergraduate Research Grants and Experiences (SURGE) Program and the College of Arts and Sciences for their support of SLU/YouGov Poll research assistants.
SLU/YouGov Poll Research Assistants
Ava Walker
Ava Walker (SLU College of Arts and Sciences, 2027) joined the SLU/YouGov Poll team as a research assistant in 2024. Her favorite aspects of the role include researching proposed bills and analyzing current policies. Reflecting on her experience, Walker shared, "The SLU/YouGov Poll has helped me engage more deeply with local and state politics while providing countless opportunities for growth and learning." She has also expanded her proficiency with statistical software like R, building on the skills she developed in her research methods courses as a Political Science and Criminal Justice major.
Outside of her work with the SLU/YouGov Poll, Walker competes in SLU Mock Trial, enjoys exploring local cafés with friends, and spends time with her puppy, Winston.
Kaitlin Klasen
Kaitlin Klasen (SLU College of Arts and Sciences, 2024) served as a research assistant for the SLU/YouGov Poll from 2022 to 2024, when she developed key analytical and research skills that continue to shape her post-SLU endeavors. Reflecting on her experience, Klasen shared, "It was a great look into the steps and processes that go into producing a state-wide public opinion poll ... I particularly enjoyed writing policy memos and analyses of the poll results. This work allowed me to improve my research skills as I dove deeper into legislative topics."
One of Klasen’s favorite aspects of being a research assistant was examining public opinion on key political issues such as abortion, gun control, and LGBTQ+ rights. Klasen explained this was because of "... their real connection to policies being considered [in the] the state and country." Through her work, Klasen learned to write clearly and concisely about complex, nuanced policy topics.
After graduating from SLU, Klasen embarked on a gap year as an English teaching assistant in France, where she assists in English classrooms and leads lessons on English language and American culture for students aged 5-15.
Chase Tragesser
Chase Tragesser (SLU College of Arts and Sciences, 2021) was the first research assistant for the SLU/YouGov Poll, serving from 2020 to 2021, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, "I learned a lot about public reactions to political and public health leaders. In addition, I felt like working on the poll helped people make sense of that moment." His favorite part of the role was developing new software skills, which challenged him to think analytically and gave him a deeper appreciation for the work of researchers.
After graduating from SLU, Tragesser worked for two years as a compliance associate at a company in San Francisco. He is now a student at the University of Michigan Law School. "Working on the SLU/YouGov Poll helped me in these roles by improving my attention to detail and my ability to think creatively when approaching problems," he said.