PPE Research Fellow Panel: Immigration Enforcement, Educational Opportunities, and Solidarity

At this panel discussion, current PPE Research Fellows Sergio Barrera, Brianna Felegi, and Phil Yaure will discuss their work on immigration enforcement, educational opportunities, and solidarity. 

Dr. Barrera’s work explores the impact of immigration enforcement, analyzing whether enforcement policies are effective at solving economic problems and considering their broader implications. Dr. Felegi’s work analyzes the impact of first-semester math placement on post-secondary educational outcomes, with a focus on STEM degrees across racial and socioeconomic groups. Dr. Yaure’s research considers what it means to build solidarity in places fractured by oppression, viewing organizing as an activity that transforms individuals’ interests to generate commonality from which solidarity can be built.

The panel discussion will take place on April 22, 2026, from 4-5:30pm, Fralin Hall (Auditorium).

The talk is tailored to appeal to both faculty and students and will be followed by a public reception. You are cordially invited to attend.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact ppe@nullvt.edu at least ten business days before the event.

(Photograph by Holly Belcher for Virginia Tech)