Ten exceptional law students from Catholic Law took the spotlight at The Catholic University of America’s University Research Day (URD) 2025, an annual celebration of innovative research across the university. Guided by Professor Mary Graw Leary, the students explored some of today’s most pressing social and legal issues, delivering powerful oral presentations and thought-provoking posters that highlight their commitment to justice and advocacy.

URD, a hallmark event for the university, provides a unique platform for students, faculty, and staff to share their research endeavors with the broader academic community. This year, Catholic Law students tackled topics ranging from human trafficking to labor exploitation, presenting insightful findings that aim to drive meaningful change.

Oral Presentations

The oral presentations featured detailed explorations into complex legal and social issues:

• Katiah Scott (3L): The Nevada Case Study: How Legalizing Prostitution Affects Trafficking and Exploitation Rates 
• Michelle Vo (3L): Labor Trafficking in the Beauty Industry
• Kaylie McGraw (3L): Exploitation of Women within the Commercial Gestational Surrogacy Industry
• Natashya Hawley (2L): Victims or Volunteers? Examining Whether Child Gang Members Should Be Protected Under American Human Trafficking Statutes 

Poster Presentations

Equally impactful, the poster presentations showcased innovative research addressing global and domestic trafficking issues:

• Lawrence Shammas (2L): Forced Labor Global Prosecutions: Solutions for Low Prosecution Rates of Labor Traffickers
• Alexa Finkelstein (2L): Intrafamilial Child Sex Trafficking in the United States
• Theresa Jeffrey (2L): Marijuana Legalization and Labor Trafficking
  Jeffrey's poster was named a finalist in Best Poster Presentation for a Doctoral or Law Student.
• Audrey Ganley (2L): State Prevention of and Response to Child Sex Trafficking
• Marilyn Robinson (3L): When Childhood Becomes Content: The Case for Stronger Protections Against Human Trafficking and Forced Labor for Child Influencers Under the TVPA 
• Katherine Mars (2E): Assessing the Opportunities for Health Providers to Disrupt Sex Trafficking 

A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact

Professor Mary Graw Leary, a renowned expert in Human Trafficking, played a key role in mentoring the students as they developed their projects. “This year’s presentations demonstrate the passion, diligence, and intellect of our students,” said Professor Graw Leary. “Their work challenges us to confront some of society’s most critical issues, and it’s a testament to Catholic Law’s mission of fostering leaders who serve the common good.”

The research presented by these students sheds light on systemic injustices, offering practical solutions that could help shape future policies. With topics spanning forced labor, child trafficking, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding emerging industries, their contributions exemplify Catholic Law’s commitment to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.