Folkerts was nominated by the PACS department and then selected as the top pick by the Faculty of Arts. Her nomination was based on the outstanding research she completed as part of her degree, as well as for her embodiment of the program's values and ethos.
As part of her degree, Folkerts completed an internship placement with Mercy Corps in Haiti. During her time there, she conducted research on youth “base” groups, known as baz in Haitian Creole and often translated as gangs. Using open interviews, story-telling methodology, and grounded theory to analyze the data, she developed nuanced insights into the lives and positive agency of these Haitian youth who are often written-off by community leaders as problems or pawns for political actors.
Professor Reina Neufeldt, who supervised Folkerts' research, notes that Ms. Folkerts followed careful ethics protocols, maintains ongoing connections with the youth, and “is careful to share the research in ways that respect her interviewees, their views and ability to speak for themselves." This research also contributes a significant new line of thinking to the literature on youth, gangs and their role in conflict and peacebuilding.
"As a person of high relational sensitivity, strong ethical commitment, and exceptional cultural competence," writes Chair of PACS, Nathan Funk, "Katelynn consciously avoided retreating into an expatriate social bubble during her sojourn in Haiti, and instead actively sought the company of Haitian youth from diverse social strata and backgrounds. She developed language skills and cultural insights rapidly, embraced the hospitality of those who received her, showed resilience while navigating social unrest, and formed enduring relationships."
The PACS department expresses congratulations to MPACS alumnus Katelynn Folkerts for her well-earned recognition, which will be officially announced during the Fall 2020 UW convocation ceremonies.