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Student Spotlight: Samantha Silvia, Class of 2025
The social work major was selected to present her research at the inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase in Richmond
University News | January 28, 2025
Senior social work major Samantha Silvia ‘25 is beginning her final semester at VWU, eagerly looking forward to graduation on May 17. Her last semester is already shaping up to be eventful as her research has been selected to be a part of the inaugural Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol in Richmond on February 6 in the General Assembly Building.
Silvia’s research, "Race, Class, and the Medicalization of Menopause" will be among the 30 student posters representing 16 institutions across the Commonwealth at the event. The only student representative from VWU, her work was selected from a competitive field juried by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa).
VWU Professor of Art John Rudel has been involved in organizing this first Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Capitol as part of his role as VWU’s director of undergraduate research and creativity.
“As a founding board member for NURVa, I’m excited about our network sponsoring this inaugural event. We see it as an advocacy opportunity and envision that members of the legislature and staff will visit the showcase which provides a venue for students to discuss their fine work.”
Silvia conducted her research as an independent study in her “Readings in Sociology” course with Dr. Jeffrey Toussaint, VWU associate professor of sociology/criminal justice. She’s presented this research, as well as research on other topics, during VWU’s academic symposiums and at other conferences at Radford University, Christopher Newport University (for the Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference), and the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in Kansas City.
Silvia says that her research on menopause was a literature review, using many different health studies to pull together a clearer picture of all the various angles of the menopausal experience for women of different races and social classes.
“I chose the medicalization of menopause because medicalization has created the healthcare system in which we must operate, and we often operate within this system with little understanding,” notes Silvia.
She explains that medicalization is the defining of a state or condition as something of medical concern, which thus should be overseen by a medical professional.
“Everything we receive medical treatment for has been medicalized, and often for good reason! However, when the systems in power define something, like homosexuality for example, as something of medical concern or deviancy, it can oppress groups with less power.”
She notes that menopause, though a normal biological event, has been made to be mystified and overlooked, creating fear around the subject for many women.
“Menopause actually, in its early ‘discovery,’ was associated with female hysteria, a long since debunked, sexist diagnosis. While some women receive more treatment than is necessary, which may put them at some risk for serious health conditions, many women feel they do not receive any counseling or treatment at all. In fact, for many, treatment for menopause is not provided or is not affordable.”
In addition, she says that many women of color do not feel represented in the research of menopause, and experience menopause very differently from white women.
“This confusion, fear, and shame that accompanies menopause does not have to exist, and can be alleviated by consistent medical messaging and accessibility to menopausal care. I wanted to do this research to give attention to aging women, and to understand how a natural event became associated with illness and lost vibrancy, when in reality, aging women are so powerful.”
Silvia notes that her favorite part of this research was a qualitative study she references that involved interviewing women, many postmenopausal, who were taking hormone replacement therapy against doctor’s advice due to fears of losing their femininity and their ‘brains not working.’ “Where did these women learn that less estrogen means being dull?” she asks. “Societal messaging.”
She explains that these messages were promoted during the earliest advertising of hormone replacement therapy and have stuck with women and are influencing their healthcare decisions and lived experience with menopause.
“This research is meaningful to me and has caught the interest of others. It is not some large grant-funded experiment or dissertation. I encourage everyone to engage with their curiosity, no matter the format, and to expand and share this knowledge. I am beyond enthusiastic that so many people are interested in the experiences of menopausal women, as menopause is such an under-discussed topic. I hope that my research continues to be relevant and meaningful to those that hear it.”
She says that the opportunity to complete research was invaluable to her college experience. With it, she has been able to present across the state and country, enabling her to become a better researcher and presenter.
“I got to work with an amazing professor who I know will always be there to guide me. I have also been able to present to women that related to this research, and finally felt represented. I hope that everyone gets the chance during their time at Virginia Wesleyan to study something they are passionate about, and gets to share that knowledge with those that need to hear it.”
During her years at Virginia Wesleyan, Silvia, a Virginia Beach native, has been a member of the Batten Honors College, a resident assistant, and an English tutor.
“I am a bit nervous to present to our legislators! I am no stranger to imposter syndrome, and have to remind myself that this work, regardless of any imperfections, is highlighting such an important topic. I just hope that this opportunity will get our policymakers thinking about the undeniable human needs of healthcare and dignity, and that they advocate for both for all people.”
Silvia chose social work as a major because she “feels that it is one of the most empowering human service and healthcare professions, and she’s excited to contribute to it.” She has plans to obtain her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree after graduation from VWU. Then, she’d like to earn certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practice medical social work, helping those experiencing chronic illness, substance abuse, and homelessness.
Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Program at VWU.