Jacob Sagers

2025 Peak Prize: Undergraduate Researcher of the Year Award Nominee

College of Humanities and Social Science

Political Science

Jacob Sagers is a senior majoring in political science and French, alongside a minor in international studies and a certificate in social analytics. Hailing from Tooele, Utah, Jacob has always been captivated by maps, National Geographic magazines, and the world beyond his hometown. His fascination with politics and language led him to pursue research. His passion carried to USU, where he worked on various projects while being mentored by Dr. Austin Knuppe, Dr. Virginie Reali, and Dr. Colin Flint. Jacob's research spans multiple disciplines and includes work centered on post-colonialism, democratization, and identity-conscious translation methods. His recent work on USU and Iran's intertwined history was displayed as an exhibit at the Merrill Cazier Library in March 2024. He has also presented other papers at conferences in Albuquerque, Chicago, and Logan, with one awaiting publication. He is also in the Honors Program, a Writing Fellow, a French tutor, UTF, and a TA. In addition to his projects, Jacob was recognized as the 2025 Political Science Student of the Year. He is also a Gilman Scholar and received two CHaSS Summer Student-Faculty Research grants. After graduation in May 2025, Jacob plans to pursue a Master's degree and continue towards a PhD, aspiring to work as a professor or in the public sector.