Lavanaya Garg, fourth-year political science major, is the 2025 Social Sciences Outstanding Honors Thesis Award winner. The honor, which includes a $300 prize, recognizes Garg for her outstanding undergraduate honors thesis on judicial discretion and structural bias in U.S. asylum adjudication. Below, the soon-to-be graduate shares her award-winning work and her plans to work at the intersection of civil rights and national security.

What made you decide to pursue a major in political science, and specifically at UCI? What interests you most about your work?

Growing up with Indian immigrant parents and working at an immigration law firm for over three years, I saw how deeply laws affect people’s lives—especially those seeking protection. I chose UCI for its strong interdisciplinary approach, the Campuswide Honors Collegium, and the opportunity to engage in research at the intersection of law, policy, and human rights. I’m most interested in legal discretion and how systemic structures shape legal outcomes.

When do you plan to finish your degree and what are your plans thereafter?

I graduate in Spring 2025 with honors. I plan to attend law school and eventually work at the intersection of civil rights and national security.

What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at UCI?

My biggest accomplishment was completing my honors thesis titled “Judicial Discretion and Structural Bias in U.S. Asylum Adjudication: The Role of Political Ideology, Experience, and Regional Context,” which received the Outstanding Honors Thesis Award from the School of Social Sciences. I also earned the Political Science Departmental Honors and Campuswide Honors Collegium Honors. 

What activities have you been involved with during your time as an Anteater?

I served as a legal intern for over three years, working on legal motions, briefs, and court filings. At UCI, I was part of the Political Science Honors Program, Campuswide Honors Collegium, Pre-Law Society, Indian Sub-continental Club and volunteered as a tutor and mentor for underserved students in Orange County.

Tell us a bit more about your research.

My research focused on how asylum grant outcomes in U.S. immigration courts are influenced by factors like judicial experience, political ideology, and regional context. I created an original dataset of over 800 judges and used regression analysis to uncover patterns of bias and inconsistency, contributing to calls for immigration court reform. My main focus was unraveling how the phenomenon “refugee roulette” works in judicial decision making. 

Who at UCI has played an important mentorship role in your journey?

At UCI, Professor Michael Tesler, my thesis advisor, played a pivotal mentorship role. He encouraged me to pursue rigorous empirical research and helped me translate complex questions about justice into data-driven findings. I also deeply value the mentorship of Professor Sara Wallace Goodman, who supported both my academic growth and personal development.

Are there any unique circumstances that have played a major role in where and who you are today?

My journey has been shaped by the values my parents carried with them when they immigrated to this country—most of all, a deep belief in the power of education. Their success was built not on privilege, but on perseverance and an unshakable commitment to learning. That ethos was instilled in me from a young age and has guided every step of my academic path. Choosing to study political science was an unconventional decision in a family without lawyers, but one that allowed me to pursue my passion for justice and policy. Now, as I prepare to become the first in my family to attend law school, I carry their sacrifices and lessons with me. Their example taught me that education is not just a tool for personal advancement, but a responsibility to uplift others—and that is the foundation of my commitment to public service and legal reform.

Where can you most often be found on campus?

In the Social Science Lab or the Langson Library, where I spent time in study groups with friends for classes I’ve enjoyed taking and to research for my thesis. 

What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?

Hearing my thesis described as “a model of applied empirical political science” by both Professor Tesler and Professor Goodman when they initially encouraged me to apply for the thesis award was an unforgettable moment—it affirmed months of hard work.

Any other interesting tidbits you would like to share?

I led a cybersecurity team to national competitions in high school, and that experience still shapes my interest in the legal regulation of technology. I also enjoy photography and storytelling through digital media, often using it to document advocacy work.