Anne Bair presented the findings of the first-generation study at a recent teaching table event on campus.

As summer break kicked off and many students wound down for the season, Anne Bair ’26 began one of the most challenging endeavors of her collegiate career.

The psychological science major from Gettysburg, Pa., began analyzing data that was collected during the 2024-25 academic year for a study on how first-generation students transition and integrate at Colgate. 

Jessica Murray, the assistant director for student success at the Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research (CLTR), began the study a year ago with a handful of psychology majors who were completing their thesis requirements. Murray was a visiting assistant professor of psychology at the time.

Bair, searching for a research opportunity to meet her own requirements, was intrigued with the topic of the study led by Murray. She joined the research team in the spring to work with Murray on the final stage of the project. 

That meant sorting through answers to more than 250 questions given to more than 200 students. And in the process, Bair, a senior guard on the women’s basketball team, found time to train for the upcoming season.

“My summer was busy, but it was a very positive experience,” she said. “I learned a lot about research skills and using statistical software. The experience will help me in all aspects of the field of psychology, whether I go into research, counseling, or work in higher education.”

Analyzing the numbers was only part of Bair’s task. She also had to understand what the data told and compile it into a report. 

“The most important thing Anne did was tell the story of the data and make the results relatable and useful for our audience,” Murray said. “She spent her whole summer getting to know the data, the theories, new statistical methods, ways of creating graphs and making sure that she understood the goals of this endeavor thoroughly. She was incredibly dedicated to the project from the start.”

Murray said she was impressed with how Bair connected the statistical facts, the theory, and the application while never losing sight that she was talking about real people. 

“I did not have to teach Anne to think compassionately about our work; she was compassionate from the start,” Murray said.

After completing her work, Bair in early September shared the report at a teaching table, an event hosted by the CLTR that allows Colgate faculty and staff to learn and discuss a focused topic.

Many numbers and graphs were shared at the event. But one discovery that intrigued the research team — and the teaching table audience — involved the differences between first-generation and continuing-generation students. One of those differences, for instance, was an interest in joining social groups. 

The percentage of first-generation students who didn’t join a social group was higher than that of continuing-generation students by nearly 3-to-1. One possible explanation for this is “life history theory” — an evolutionary developmental theory about how early life environments may impact the decisions people make throughout their lives.

Bair, a transfer student-athlete, made an immediate impact in her first season with the Raiders in 2024-25.

One goal of the study is to present the findings to administrators, faculty, and staff that work with first-generation students, Bair said.

“We wanted to offer Colgate-specific findings that could help inform programming and support for first-generation students,” Bair said.

In addition, Murray plans to publish the findings in the future, Bair said.

And as for Bair’s future, she will continue to work on her Colgate degree while exploring her options for graduate school. 

Doug Johnson, the Dean of Academic and Curricular Affairs and William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, praised Bair for her commitment to excellence on the court and in the lab.

“Anne’s work is a powerful example of how Colgate student-athletes excel both in the classroom and on the court,” he said. “Her ability to bring the same focus and collaborative skills to the lab that she shows on the court reflects the kind of opportunities that define a liberal arts university, where faculty work closely with undergraduates and students pursue excellence across multiple domains. It’s a reminder that at Colgate, athletics and academics stand side by side as complementary parts of a transformative education.”

Bair has another endeavor she’ll be tackling as a senior: Winning a Patriot League title. 

In the fall of 2024, Bair arrived at Colgate as a transfer from Manhattan College and made an immediate impact with the team. She averaged 12.4 points per game and was one of four players to start every game.

She made the 2024-25 All-Patriot League Third Team while helping Colgate to a 23-10 record. 

After a coaching change in the spring, the Raiders are now led by new head coach Shannon Bush with a roster that includes 12 student-athletes from last season.

“Everyone is very excited to be here,” Bair said. “With 12 players back, we now have an extra year of chemistry on the court and an understanding of each other’s strengths. I think that experience will be invaluable as we work toward our goal of winning the Patriot League and competing in the NCAA Tournament.” 

Support Colgate Athletics
The loyal and collective generosity of alumni, families, and friends like you helps provide a first-class Division I experience. Support student-athletes like Anne by making a gift to the Colgate Athletics Fund or team(s) of your choice, here.