Regarding her Individualized Major Program (IMP), Ferguson writes:

“I am double majoring in Philosophy, and my IMP is in Applied Aesthetics. My focus has been studying the social constructions of beauty, particularly the beauty industry and, even more specifically, the cosmetology industry. My IMP final project is researching the options of moving cosmetology school from a proprietary model into a 2-year associate's degree program. Since cosmetology certifications are not transferable outside of the industry, this becomes a huge barrier in cosmetologists' lives if they end up becoming disabled or needing to change professions. Additionally, cosmetologists have the country's fifth highest student loan debt without it resulting in a degree. Finally, cosmetologists are also limited in career growth due to the structure put in place by product companies that determine the amount of education they receive or need for career expansion.

Cosmetology is a female-dominated trade that does not have the same rights or opportunities as male-dominated trades. These inequalities prevent cosmetologists from unionizing and having the same opportunities for benefits such as healthcare and college degrees. This puts women, especially people of color and lower socioeconomic status, at risk for exploitation, keeping them at a disadvantage. The current model of cosmetology education is detrimental to cosmetologists and their long-term success. So, my research has been on how to better the cosmetology industry and empower hairstylists to enable them to move beyond the chair. But it also involves studying gendered professions, segregation within the beauty industry, wage disparities, labor protections, and how to create a new 'beauty' standard for workers by helping them elevate their education and careers.”