Premier journal publishes interdisciplinary faculty/student research on sexual assault
Through the mentorship of College of Education Dean Frankie Santos Laanan and Educational
Psychology Professor Jason Burrow-Sanchez, Honors College student Michael Molenaar
has published research in the prize-winning, peer-reviewed Journal of American College Health. The journal provides information related to health and well-being in institutions
of higher education. The faculty/student research team’s article, “The intersection
of disabilities and the risk of sexual assault victimization among female college
students,” was officially released on November 3, 2025.
Given the broad scope of the journal, it is fitting that this faculty/student team was interdisciplinary. Michael is a student in the Honors College and the David Eccles School of Business graduating in May of 2026. Although he is not an education major, Michael’s interest in large datasets and quantitative research drew him to this project, as did his fraternity’s decade-long partnership with the Rape Recovery Center. Michael began collaborating with Dean Laanan on the dataset, later bringing in Professor Burrow-Sanchez in the College of Education’s Department of Educational Psychology. Dean Laanan is a Professor of Education, Culture & Society and Educational Leadership & Policy whose research and leadership focus on expanding college access and evaluating the impact of higher education on society.
In the lead-up to publication, Dean Laanan, Professor Burrow-Sanchez, and Michael presented the research at the 2023 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Michael was also named a College of Education Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher (OUR) in 2024.
“Michael is a holistic college student that espouses incredible characteristics and has developed not only to be a leader but as a young individual engaged in a wide range of incredible opportunities,” said Dean Laanan. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Michael has also served as the lead presidential intern in U President Taylor Randall’s office.
Professor Burrow Sanchez described the collaborative process: “I was delighted that Michael and Dean Laanan asked me to assist them with this research. Much of my role for this project focused on assisting with the data plan and analysis. Michael quickly immersed himself in learning the data plan that resulted in the published article. He is an impressive student and person, and I encouraged him to continue his academic and research pursuits given the talent he displayed working on this project. He has a bright future ahead. ”
“Research is a path that more undergraduate students should take," said Michael. "The creativity, rigor, and collaboration it demands are transferable to so many other aspects of life. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from Dean Laanan and Professor Burrow-Sanchez, as they have taught me to identify a meaningful purpose and persist to see it through to realization. Knowing our findings can directly influence the very wellbeing of students here at the U is a rewarding feeling, and this entire experience has been invaluable to my undergraduate journey.”
Visit the Journal of American College Health to read the full article.