2:00 P.M. Paul Tesluk, Ph.D.

Provost

Executive Dining Room (EDR)

Session 1 - A
Community Based Research

Cancer Help Desk

Chloe Peterson, Mya Rivard, Reiley Perreault, Christian Savastano, Jillian Hendriksen

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Helen Meldrum

In this community capstone project, our group of honors students collaborated with Cancer Help Desk (CHD), a nonprofit organization of oncology experts dedicated to providing guidance and information to individuals struggling with cancer. This virtual start-up organization operates in a low-budget environment without access to investment capital. Our goal was to better establish CHD in the public domain

After meeting with the leadership of CHD, we sought to understand their role within the cancer advocacy landscape and conducted research on the industry’s largest competitors. We then turned our attention toward the unique services CHS provides through their online presence and how patients might perceive these offerings. With this background, a research survey was finalized and approved by Bentley’s Institutional Review Board for distribution. The survey served two purposes; the survey itself informed the public about CHD’s existence and the results could be published to bring more attention to CHD.

Our team is assisting CHD in assessing their strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. CHD brings enthusiasm, a passion for growth, and a willingness to take on one of the world’s greatest health challenges. We are helping them to consider factors that could impact on their success and assisting in getting their advocacy initiatives in front of a wider audience across a variety of communication channels. Acting as consultants, we are supporting CHD in identifying and applying lessons learned from their endeavors.

Oncology Nursing Society 

Gavin Maloney, Evan Dyer, Brooke Begin, Nelson Eaton, Aimon Shaw, Debbie Quijada

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Helen Meldrum

Facing a shortage of Gen Z and Millennial nurses, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) confronts many challenges, including burnout, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, the relationship between Gen Z and Millennial nurses and their perceived value of ONS membership is unclear. This project proposes a targeted strategy to attract and engage this demographic, ensuring ONS's future vitalit

We met with the President and chief officers of ONS to better understand younger nurse membership in the oncology field and the issues regarding recruiting and retaining nurses aged 22-35. Further research was then conducted to understand this age group's demographics, technological proficiency, and passion for change. After obtaining Bentley University Institutional Review Board clearance, surveys were sent to ONS members and affiliates, and further analysis was conducted to understand the preferences and expectations of student nurses aged 18-2

By focusing on in-depth research and data-driven decisions, our questionnaires aim to assess younger nurses' values and preferred communication channels. This will provide ONS with information regarding strategies to enhance engagement and membership value and provide insight to improve marketing and recruitment. Tailored campaigns to utilize social media, such as TikTok, could highlight the benefits of ONS membership within oncology nursing in hopes of attracting and retaining younger nurses. Overall, this collaborative effort will empower ONS to attract Gen Z and Millennial members to ensure continuity and growth for the organization.

Session 1 - B
Community Based Research

Mission MetroWest Fundraiser - Community Engagement 

Sai Waters, Margaux Forget, Peter Epp, Andrew Fox, Jacob LaDuke

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White & Samantha Eddy

This semester we have worked as consultants to the Community Days Center in Waltham (CDCW). They are a homeless shelter in Waltham that serves the greater MetroWest through a drop-in center during the day and an emergency warming shelter at night. 
To raise funds to expand their services, the CDCW put together a fundraising plan called “Mission MetroWest.” This fundraiser charged people in the greater MetroWest region and further to participate in a virtual exercise challenge of completing a mile a day, every day, in April. Those that decide to participate are then sponsored by their network and all the money that they raise goes to the CDCW.

As consultants, we have assisted the CDCW in their fundraising efforts through “community engagement.” The first phase of this plan consisted of contacting 50+ local businesses to get prizes donated that the organization could then raffle or give away to encourage participation of their event throughout the month of April. Throughout outreach we were able to obtain eight prizes valued over $425.

The second phase of the plan involves direct community outreach by going in person to organizations seeking participation in the challenge. Our main goal was to raise awareness of the campaign to local organizations such as schools, churches, and community centers. We split up into teams and drove around the MetroWest area to inform potential participants about how they could get involved. We reached out to an additional 50+ organizations in this phase. 

In the last phase of the plan, we will continue to support the organization’s fundraising efforts through keeping up with the organizations that have agreed to participate as the CDCW continues to make lasting connections within the MetroWest area. 
This presentation will discuss our experiences in community outreach for the CDCW and the methods that proved most effective. 

Community Based Research with Community Day Center of Waltham (CDCW): Social Media & Marketing Team

Keya Patel, Scott White, Mirlan Tnaliyev, Michaela Creevy

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White & Samantha Eddy

In recent years, the housing crisis has become a deep-rooted issue in America. One establishment that has aimed to combat this problem is the Community Day Center of Waltham (CDCW), which provides resources to support people experiencing homelessness in the local area. To raise money for their efforts, they are launching an online fundraising campaign in hopes of expanding their reach and effectiveness.

As the Social Media and Marketing Team for this project, our deliverables centered around creating content to promote their campaign on social media sites, specifically Facebook. Along with analyzing other online fundraisers, our research was divided into three phases. For Phase 1, we developed key content to jumpstart the campaign and promote the organization, including four distinct visuals. Our team designed a Facebook Group Banner, social media overlay images and ad templates, and a welcome GIF for new members. For Phase 2, we produced deliverables to continue marketing the CDCW organization and to reward campaign participants. These included a cause content graphic to showcase the organization’s past successes, and a challenge complete graphic & medal prize for completion of the fundraising campaign. The final phase of the project involved an overall analysis of the CDCW’s social media strategy. With the help of a social media consultant, this phase culminated the research we completed throughout the semester, aiming to maintain the online presence of our community partner going forward.

From this research project, organizations like the CDCW can better combat homelessness and those who are affected by it.

Fostering Future Partnerships for the Community Day Center of Waltham

ZiHan Zhang, Pranav Patel, Colin Smith, Garrett Sedgwick

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White & Samantha Eddy

In our Honors Capstone course, we have partnered with the Community Day Center of Waltham (CDCW). The CDCW is the only drop-in day center in the MetroWest area, and they provide day shelter and support services to adults experiencing homelessness. Our team has been tasked with exploring opportunities for partnerships and strategies for effective engagement for the CDCW. 

In phase 1, our group created a website design, catered to promoting “Mission MetroWest: A Mile a Day in April”. This website showcases the CDCW’s mission, and creates a sense of urgency among viewers to contribute to the cause. Additionally, we created multiple promotional posters, tailored to diverse audiences, such as community organizations, local businesses, corporate employees, schools, and all individuals. These posters all use different engagement tactics to appeal to each group previously mentioned.

In phase 2, our group has created strategies to increase engagement from college organizations in the Waltham area. We have reached out to numerous organizations, and have gotten pledges to promote “Mission MetroWest” using their social media accounts. In this phase, we have also created several stakeholder-specific campaign strategies for future partnerships. While our work has been centered around promoting the “Mission MetroWest” event, we equally want the CDCW to be primed for success in the future. 

In phase 3, we will be conducting an analysis of our work’s effectiveness, in addition to helping the CDCW with fundraising. Our work will conclude with a reflection on the work we have done throughout the semester.
 

Session 1 - C
Ballots and Beyond

Assessing College-Aged Voters’ Perceptions of the Electoral College

Ellie MacMillan

Global Studies Department/Faculty Advisor: Robert DeLeo

The Electoral College plays a unique role in the United States of America’s electoral process by giving representation to all 50 states in elections. However, critics argue the Electoral College is undemocratic because it magnifies the influence of smaller states while diminishing the power of states with large urban areas. It is against this backdrop that the following study seeks to assess voter perceptions of the Electoral College. This study will specifically focus on voting-eligible U.S. residents aged 18 to 25 since they (a) tend to vote at much lower rates than other age cohorts and (b) have lived through one election where the Electoral College was out of step with the popular vote. This study specifically asks: To what extent has the Electoral College been perceived as democratic by voters 18 to 25? Data will be derived from a convenience sample of voter-eligible students at regional universities, including Bentley University. My analysis will specifically focus on the extent to which respondents’ political and sociodemographic identities influence their perception of the Electoral College.

A Multiple Streams Perspective on the Determinants of Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) in Virginia

Conor Ward 

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Robert DeLeo 

When and under what conditions do states adopt Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) policy? To answer this question, the following analysis uses the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) to assess the various factors leading to the passage of AVR legislation in Virginia. Broadly speaking, MSF asserts policymaking results from the coupling of three distinct streams of policy activity: a problem stream, which denotes the various issues competing for policymaker and media attention; a policy stream, which describes the various solutions developed in response to the issues spotlighted in the problem stream; and a politics streams, which describes public opinion and partisan composition of various government institutions. Virginia is an interesting test case under MSF as it shows what the policy process can look like when the policy stream has been effectively coupled very early on. For this case study, I examine various sources of publicly available data, including the number voter registration bills passed since 2000, the total number of voters, and voter turnout, and media coverage of AVR during the same period. 

The Impact of Implicit Bias on Voter Opinion of Environmental Justice Policy

Kelsey Logan

Global Studies - GLS 402 project /Faculty Advisor: Robert DeLeo

We are living in a state of environmental emergency, and the government and political actors have an obligation to respond in an equitable way. This study seeks to gage the impact of racial implicit bias on voters’ opinions on environmental justice policy. The findings of this research will provide an understanding of how much influence implicit bias has in voters' environmental decisions. In turn, we will be able to work towards solutions to environmental injustice by starting with the people who vote on related policies that cause it.  

The benefit of this research is better understanding how implicit bias plays a role in the opinions of voters towards environmental justice policies. The subjects involved in this study will therefore help to determine this relationship. 

The study will consist of a survey asking respondents to record their opinion on a range of environmental justice policies, measured on a Likert scale. Some of these policies will be focused on reparations, while others will be generalized. The respondent's opinion on these policies will be measured against their racial implicit bias score, which will be tracked as a separate part of the survey. Measuring these scores against each other will show the correlation between racial implicit bias and the various opinions on different types of environmental justice policy. Moreover, this will exemplify the impact of racial implicit bias on the change in opinion towards environmental justice policies that impact different groups. Regression analysis will be used to analyze the data.

Undocumented Immigration: Children of the Unwanted in Loco Parentis

Emma Viegas

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Samir Dayal

Over 10 million undocumented immigrants are living in the United States (Passel & Krogstad, 2023). Previous research has examined the possible effects of undocumented immigration in the United States, and there have been varying public opinions on the matter. However, there is not as much research on the family dynamic undocumented immigrants have living in the United States, specifically children of the undocumented in loco parentis. This paper aims to provide a unique perspective by studying stories of undocumented immigrants and their children, how and why children may be in loco parentis, and how this may affect the family. This will provide a way of examining the lives of the undocumented and can connect to people living in the U.S.A., DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), and government policy. Past literature is used to help build background and connect to personal findings. The personal findings include case studies based on interviews and questionnaires from undocumented people and their children. Overall, it is found that in these cases, undocumented parents often must work longer and harder at low-paying jobs to sustain a life for their family. This can lead to their child feeling pressured to take on parental responsibilities regarding their siblings, which can affect their mental health and personal lives. It may be difficult to agree on several immigration topics, however showing children in loco parentis will hopefully open the minds of people because it may be easier to agree that children should not be parenting. 

References Passel, J. S., & Krogstad, J. M. (2023, November 16).

What we know about unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S.. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/shortreads/2023/11/16/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in theus/#:~:text=Trends%20in%20the%20U.S.%20immigrant%20population&text=As%20of%202021%2C%20the%20nation’s,the%20lowest%20since%20the%201990s.

Session 2 - A
Economic Environment of the 21st Century

Impact of the Influx of Russian Immigrants to Georgia on the Housing Market, GDP, and Inflation in Georgia

Giorgi Giorgadze

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Michael Quinn

The influx of Russian immigrants into Georgia since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022 has precipitated significant shifts within the Georgian housing market and broader economic landscape. This study seeks to elucidate the correlation between this demographic upheaval and its effects on housing affordability within Georgia. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the National Statistics Office of Georgia, covering the period from 2008 to 2023, alongside regression analysis, this paper quantitatively assesses the impact of the sudden increase in Russian immigrants on property and rental prices, and on total housing spending. Inflows of Russian immigrants were found to be positively related to both prices and spending on housing.  The impacts were found to be stronger in urban areas than nationally.  There is some evidence that these effects can be partially mitigated through increased building permitting. The paper’s results suggest that the Georgian government needs to increase spending on housing assistance programs for its own citizens to counter the negative impact on housing affordability from the inflows of Russian immigrants. 

Investigating the Link Between the Cultural Background and Economic Growth in Ghana

Yudao Song

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Anthony Kiszewski

The research paper indicates the general relationship between cultural backgrounds, work ethics, economic growth and the socio-economic challenges faced by Ghana. Drawing from the personal experiences as an international student, the author, Yudao Song, starts an indelible exploration of Ghana’s unique cultural and economic landscape with Kiszewski, particular in the context of a post-Covid world and the impacts of colonialism.

The paper begins with the initial impressions of Ghana, which highlights the enormous cultural discrepancies comparing to China and the United States. The paper puts an emphasis on the resilient and positivity of the Ghanian people, despite the economic recession which is exacerbated by pandemic and historical economic policies. Through a mix of personal observation. 

Central to the analysis is the exploration of work ethic in Ghana. The paper sheds light on how colonial legacies and forceful labor practices have entrenched certain work patterns attitudes, which in turn, served as potential impediments for economic development. The paper also examines the stereotype of Ghanaian workers as “clock-watchers,” challenging this idea by arguing that a series of leadership and cultural factors contributes to workplace dynamics. Moreover, the paper identifies the issue of food security and health challenges, especially malaria. It further elaborates on the governmental and societal efforts to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions and international corporation.

The research uses a qualitative methodology, through using semi-structured interviews with individuals who have tremendous experience about Ghana’s cultural and economic prospect. This approach provides a comprehensive insight into cultural practices and values. 

Overall, the paper presents a nuanced perspective on the potential for Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources to drive future economic growth. 

Women in the Labor Market during the Pandemic

Brenna Masterson

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

Historically in the United States, there has been a gap between the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate between men and women. There are a variety of reasons cited across literature on the subject, many of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Using individual-level data from the CPS dataset from 2017-2022, this paper models how likely someone is to be unemployed or in the labor force based on a variety of demographic factors: gender, marital status, education (both in number of years and attainment level), number of children, number of young children, and race. In order to assess changes due to the pandemic, variables for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022, female, number of children, and educational attainment are interacted. This study finds that women are significantly less likely to be in the labor force than men, suggesting that policy needs to be specifically targeted at improving female labor force participation, especially in events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Barcelona Superblock: An Assessment of its Applicability within Manhattan

Owen Flibbert

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Nathaniel Hodes

The purpose of this study is to investigate the viability of the Barcelona superblock urban design for use in the Manhattan borough of New York City. It will begin with an overview of Barcelona superblocks, an urban planning concept where a 3 by 3 grid of streets is closed off from thru traffic to promote walkability and health within an area. It will then explain the decision to select Manhattan as a subject and then discuss the results of the study and its methodology. The study will evaluate the potential of superblocks from two perspectives, the potential for superblock creation based on the current structure of the city, and the traffic disruptions they would cause. Based on the study, it appears that sticking with Manhattan’s current program “Open Streets” will be more effective due to traffic disruptions caused by the creation of superblocks. While the structure of Manhattan would allow for the creation of 41 superblocks and 35 miniblocks, the creation of these blocks would be too disruptive to traffic and accomplish less than the current program.
 

Session 2 - B
Historical Currents and Contemporary Consequences in World Politics
 

Unveiling 7 Years of Haiti's Political Turmoil and its Impact on the Private Domestic Sector 

Nathalia Succar

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Kristen Sorenson

Haiti remains amongst the poorest countries in the world. It has been victim to corruption, and social, economic, and political instability. Unfortunately, the extreme level of poverty, weak buildings, and poor emergency response have made the population both increasingly susceptible and unable to cope. This research will construct a comprehensive timeline highlighting the significant historical events that have profoundly influenced Haiti’s trajectory over the past seven years and its effect on the country’s private domestic sector. To conduct a thorough timeline analysis, this study will highlight cultural diplomacy initiatives, intergovernmental collaborations, gang uprisings, and population manifestations. The events focused on are as follows:  the 2016 PetroCaribe scandal; the candidacy of President Jovenel Moïse elected in 2017 and his assassination in 2021; the uprising of gangs in Haiti’s capital in September 2022; and the Bwa Kalé movement in April 2023. The research endeavors to underscore that scrutinizing a nation's condition necessitates a profound exploration of its historical trajectory and the acquisition of contextual insights. Through rigorous research, including in-depth interviews with 5 local business owners in Haiti involved in education, sales, sanitization, and law, this study seeks to explain the impact of successive governmental regimes and systems on the present-day social and economic conditions of Haiti’s private sector. It is proven through previous research that these events have negatively impacted the private domestic sector overall however, this research evaluates to what extent it is affected and how a resolution must be approached. 

Analyzing Russian Military Capabilities Post-Failure in Ukraine for U.S. Strategic Considerations

Mark Marget

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Summer Marion

The failed Russian Invasion of Ukraine has shocked the global community as the seemingly second most powerful military in the world was humiliated by one of the poorest countries in Europe. As such my research addresses how weak the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have become. Prior research and academic reports have already showcased numerous inherent weaknesses in the Russian Armed Forces such as economic corruption, a lack of possible recruits, and a culture of incompetence and unprofessionalism. However, as the United States funnels significant sums of money into European Defense, I sought to develop a more comprehensive system of determining the threat to America’s NATO allies bordering the Russian Federation. This was through developing a metric known as General Existential Threat which uses qualitative research methods to form a moderately standardized scale to determine the existential threat level a NATO ally faces from a Russian invasion. A combination of societal, political, tactical, and strategic factors studied over three months are factors plugged into an accessible algebraic equation. The results of said equation can then be used to better guide Washington’s foreign and economic policy as maintaining a sizeable force on the European continent may no longer prove necessary. This force could be diverted to other fields of American interest or disbanded entirely in order to save financial resources. The possibilities that emerge from no longer needing to deter a Russian military strike are nearly endless yet this potential scenario needs to be carefully vetted under the background of a drastically shifting geopolitical situation.

The Influence of Colonialism on a Nation

Joel Yamoah

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Clifford Putney

Colonialism in Ghana was of such a perverse and insidiously predatory nature that it drastically changed the relationship between the ruling elite and those being governed while also laying the foundation for a model of governance that heavily leaned into  the exploitation of the proletariat.

The goal of the presentation is to draw a timeline wherein the evolution of Ghanaian politics is tracked, from before colonialism to the modern day. The timeline would begin with the period before the colonization of the country of Ghana, focusing primarily on the largest and most established power within the territory at the time. The goal would be to first detail down the political structure of the Ashanti Kingdom and to deduce what its ruling class aimed to accomplish and what their mentality was in terms of governance.
Secondly, a closer look into the actions taken by the British in regards to governance of the colony will be provided to serve as a benchmark for evaluating the actions that will later be taken by new leaders.

Thirdly, the project would hone in on the early periods after independence, briefly skimming through the regime changes that occurred whilst pointing out the similarities between the old(British) and the new(Ghanaian) ruling elites.

Finally, the presentation concludes with a side by side comparison of political rule pre-colonialism and rule after the fact. With the goal in mind being to show the path the nation took after colonialism and to draw parallel lines between the exploitative actions of colonial masters and the newly established nation. 

The Influence of Christianity on the Democratization of Modern Korean History

Jihun Hyun

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Bridie Andrews

On March 1st, 1919, Korean people took to the streets to fight against Japanese colonial rule and to promote Korea as an independent country. In spite of the increased Japanese oppression that resulted, Korean historians date the origin of modern nationalism in Korea to what became known as the “March 1st Movement”. This thesis will explore the influence of Christian missionaries in Korea since the late 1800s and their role in cultivating this nationalist self-consciousness.  Using the writings of Protestant missionaries as primary sources, and historical articles in both Korean and English, I describe how missionaries tried to spread “useful” Christian knowledge by building basic social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and newspapers. Since education in Korea had been centered on elite men, these Christian values, which are available equally to both men and women and to all members of society regardless of class, were a new concept in a Korean society previously dominated by Confucianism. The church became a friendly institution in the community and later became an indispensable social facility. I argue that Christian values had both intended and unintended impacts on Korean society, contributing greatly to building the nationalist and democratic foundation of Korean society today.

Session 2 - C
Assessing The Health Care System, Drug Prices, and Its Inequities

Assessing the Health Value Created by Medicare Payment for Drugs Subject to Price Negotiation Under the Inflation Reduction Act; The Social Value of Pharmaceutical Innovation

Debbie Quijada

Center for Integration and Science and Industry /Faculty Advisor: Paula Chaves da Silva and Fred Ledley

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) authorizes government to negotiate a “maximum fair price” for selected drugs covered by Medicare Part D based on factors including corporate development costs, “federal spending on discovery and development,” and the …”extent to which…such drugs address unmet medical needs”. Ten drugs were selected for price negotiation in year one of the IRA. This research describes the total health value created by Medicare Part D spending on these drugs and the residual (net) health value (analogous to consumer surplus) after Medicare Part D payments. Health value is measured as the product of the health benefit provided to individuals taking the drug (measured in Quality Adjusted Life Years, QALYs), the number of beneficiaries, and the average willingness to pay (WTP) per QALY (WTP/QALY=$104K). From 2017-2021, eight of the ten drugs selected for price negotiation generated a health value of 651K QALYs or $676.7B, Medicare Part D payments were $97.3 billion, and there was a negative residual health value of -$29.6B. Other research at the Center has identified $11.7B in federal investment leading to approval of these drugs. We argue that a “negotiated fair price” for these drugs should not be greater than the health value created for patients and should provide a social return commensurate with the scale and risk of government investments. These results are described in a working paper published by the Institute for New Economic Thinking: Zhou E, Chaves da Silva P, Quijada D, Ledley F (2024) https://www.ineteconomics.org/uploads/papers/WP_219-Federal-spending-on-drugs-Ledley-et-al-final.pdf.
 

Racial Disparities in the Burden of Disease in a National Study of Stroke; Implications for Equitable Pricing of Healthcare

Megan Forman

Center for Integration of Science and Industry/Faculty Advisor: Fred Ledley

This research identifies racial disparities in the burden of disease associated with stroke using data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study and describes how value-based pricing models for healthcare may lead to racial disparities in healthcare costs. The REGARDS study is a national, longitudinal study designed to identify reasons for racial disparities in the incidence of stroke and greater prevalence of stroke in a “stroke belt” spanning the southeastern United States. We estimate the burden of disease measured in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) comprising years of life lost to stroke and years of healthy life lost to disability. We hypothesized that the burden of disease would be greater in Black populations and found that Black study participants had an average of 2.15 more DALYs than their white counterparts. We also hypothesized that racial disparities would be largely accounted for by inequity in social determinants of health but found that the observed racial disparity was only partially accounted for by these determinants. This is consistent with recent studies suggesting that racism itself has negative impacts on health outcomes. These results suggest that value-based pricing models for healthcare, in which the cost is proportional to the health benefit measured, for example, in DALY-averted, would result in Black populations paying more than white populations for equivalent health outcomes. Specifically, using the ICER recommended cost/DALY range from $50,000-$200,000/DALY averted Black individuals with stroke would pay $107,500-$430,000 to achieve equivalent health outcomes. 

What is the Current State of Discrimination in Insurance Pricing?

Roan Maye

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Lautier Jackson

In insurance pricing, discrimination refers to the unfair differentiation of prices between certain individuals or groups in comparison to the actual risk differences posed. This can occur either indirectly or directly using protected characteristics, such as race or gender, that are not associated with risk. Discriminatory pricing in modern day insurance practices is a complex issue that can only be solved pragmatically through understanding the logic behind varying prices. Behind this logic, lies the complexities of actuarial pricing, risk assessments, and the interplay between societal values and data-driven decisions. With every decision, insurers are faced with the challenge of finding a balance between actuarial justification and financial viability. 

The actuarial pricing process can give rise to discriminatory practices even when it is only crafted to provide financial security. The currently blurred line between biased practices and fair classification is the reason for many instances of insurance discrimination; while the factors that are utilized in the classification process might be vital for the assessment of risk and financial viability, their use might be prohibited, leaving the insurer confused with how to proceed in an ethical way. It is this potential for discrimination and the resulting negative societal implications that make this an issue that warrants further study, attracting the attention of researchers. 

What has not received attention is the perspective of actuaries within the industry. We thus provide the first known survey of practicing actuaries to the concept of pricing discrimination within insurance. To better understand the position of the industry in comparison to the current state of academic research, we survey 34 actuaries with 30 questions geared towards assessing their actuarial background, their familiarity with pricing discrimination, and their opinions on potential approaches to mitigate discriminatory practices. Our findings show how divided insurers are with regards to perspectives that range from optimism about achieving an unbiased industry to assertions that discrimination is inevitable or not a significant issue. While the significance of this issue is underscored by past research, the industry lacks a unified stance. These diverse perspectives are a direct representation of where the current state of discrimination in insurance pricing is.

We close by opining on the findings of recent actuarial literature in comparison to industry perspectives, and we propose a series of considerations to key stakeholders, such as the integration of more education and training programs that address pricing discrimination, the replacement of black-box artificial intelligence (AI) models with more transparent AI models, and more collaboration between insurers, regulators, and the public to address discrimination. With these considerations, the industry can advance towards fostering a more equitable insurance environment. 

Session 1 - D
Role of Artificial Intelligence and Impact of Web Applications

Westworld: Humanity in the Context of Artificial Intelligence

Patrick Demmons

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jeff Gulati

Past research and thousands of years of human history have sought answers for the existential question of what it means to be human. This research aims to address the next stage of this discussion: what it means to be human in the context of artificial intelligence. This research aims to address this question through the medium of science fiction and proposes that there are distinct characteristics possessed by humans that can serve as benchmarks for assessing the potential for humanity in artificial intelligence. This hypothesis was tested by applying characteristics of humanity identified by past science fiction research to artificial intelligence host characters in Westworld. Through detailed character analysis supplemented by a coding system, this research tracked the progress of three hosts towards achieving these benchmarks for humanity. The results show that, while the process each host underwent to acquire these human characteristics differs, they do successfully acquire these characteristics, and by extension, essentially become human. This research is important due to growing societal concerns over artificial intelligence research and development. As technology exponentially improves, concerns once confined to science fiction become reality. Concerns about artificial intelligence replacing human jobs, artificial intelligence surpassing human capabilities, and even the potential for artificial intelligence to replace humans have become central parts of contemporary artificial intelligence discourse. This research aims to assist in defining the line that separates humans from the machines they develop and provide insight on the question of what it means to be human in the context of artificial intelligence.

Malicious or Righteous: The Role of AI in the Future of Elections and Foreign Policy

Sid Goel

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Joel Deichmann

The ideas of democracy, fair elections, and international regulatory bodies were all noble when they first emerged and changed the way the world approached politics.  Over time many nations adopted democracy and democratic ideals and pledged to their citizens to protect the sanctity of free and fair elections and the stable transition of power.  Artificial intelligence will change how humans govern, act, and interact in every aspect of life and one of those areas will be geopolitics. With the rise in AI in almost every facet of life, the misuse and malicious threat of artificial intelligence poses a grave threat to political elections and democracies across the world. AI has the power to blur the concept of “truth” and make it partisan, divided, and debated.  Politicians’ careers can be ruined or built based off misinformation with the unethical use of AI, but the repercussions for legislative institutions and democratic procedures if entire elections are changed are yet to be defined.  There are also many progressive advancements that AI will be able to bring to the world of foreign affairs and electoral processes such as enhanced information processing and improved decision making. Artificial intelligence can search and summarize vast amounts of information quickly, providing diplomats with valuable insights and data to better prepare for negotiations. Furthermore, artificial intelligence systems can offer real-time, data-informed counsel during discussions, helping negotiators test various positions and scenarios efficiently. These are all factors global leaders will have to weigh as they continue to develop foreign policy.

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Portfolio Management

Breck Zwanch

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Trevor Larkan

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and finance, particularly in portfolio management, has immense potential for enhancing firm efficiency, optimizing the asset allocation process, and benefitting economies. This capstone project explores the application and integration of AI in portfolio management, with a focus on Expert Systems and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). By examining the capabilities, strengths, and limitations of these technologies, the paper proposes a hybrid model that effectively automates the portfolio management process. The expert systems have the ability to imitate human expert decision-making and knowledge representation with significant benefits for market analysis, asset allocation, and decision-making with reduced risk and cost. ANNs in this model can use pattern recognition and predictive capabilities, helping portfolio managers by forecasting market trends and optimizing portfolios in real-time. Combining these technologies into a hybrid model can streamline the portfolio management process and utilize instant responsiveness to the market, increasing the precision of investment strategies and the overall performance of portfolio management firms. Through the proposed hybrid model, this research demonstrates how AI can greatly enhance portfolio management by automating critical processes and allowing portfolio managers to focus on strategic decision-making and client relations. The adoption of such AI-driven models not only advances the field of portfolio management but also has the potential to impact broader financial sectors, contributing to economic growth and the well-being of societies overall.

The Relationship Between Cybersecurity Disclosure in 10-K and Future Breaches

Kevin Zhou

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jay Thibodeau

With the growing risk of facing cybersecurity incidents in an ever more digital world, the importance of quality disclosures and communication regarding an organization’s cybersecurity practices cannot be overestimated. This paper explores the relationship between topics within the cybersecurity disclosure section of 10-K documents and the probability and the nature of future breaches. Two Bertopic models were created based on the IT-related disclosed sections for breached and non-breached companies to determine main topical groups and compare their relative prevalence. The results revealed that the differences in the topical distribution were pronounced for certain topics – the likelihood of breached companies to allocate more space out of their disclosure to topics about the customer data, cost and effects of breaches, and vendors. On the other hand, non-breached companies might discuss future threats, regulations, and the introduction of new technologies. I secondly employed support vector machines (SVM) and multivariable logistic regression to predict the breach in the first place and their type based on topical content. An SVM model performs relatively well in terms of forecasting the likelihood of a breach, whereas the logistical regression models struggle to predict the type of breach directly with only disclosed topics taken into consideration. These results underscore the complex relationship between cybersecurity disclosures and future incidents, suggesting that while disclosure content can provide valuable insights, additional factors may need to be considered for more targeted breach predictions.

A Personal Finance Copilot: Democratizing Professional Financial Wellness Insights using Data Analytics and Automation

Ajit Mehrotra

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jim Pepe

According to Standard & Poor, only 47% of US adults are financial literate (Brock 2023). Financial literacy is directly related to wealth. Despite an abundance of credible, free resources, the lower and middle classes remain financially illiterate. We hypothesize that many people are financially illliterate not solely due to a lack of resources, but rather, due to a lack of time, interest, resources, and environment. How can we help people make smart financial decisions without being financial gurus?

Existing budgeting companies like Mint (recently shut down), NerdWallet, and Simplifi have successfully digitized personal finance and made it more accessible to the public. However, despite their efforts, over 60% of Americans still live paycheck-to-paycheck (CNBC). 83% of people in the US overspend, and about 84% of people with monthly budgets still overspend (NerdWallet). What's the point of budgeting applications if they don't actually help people make smart financial decisions and prevent people from overspending? Do existing applications serve primarily as sophisticated yet ultimately superficial summaries of personal finances, falling short of fulfilling their intended purpose? Can a mere budget truly prevent overspending? After all, man plans, and God laughs. This capstone project introduces "Your Finance" (YF), a software application designed to address the limitations and gaps left by existing budgeting applications, such as Mint and Simplifi, to better bridge the gap between complex financial knowledge and everyday financial decisions. 

By leveraging various approaches to predictive analytics and automation, this capstone proposes a more holistic and dynamic solution aimed at redefining and simplifying personal financial management for digitally savvy, yet financially underserved populations. The differentiation provided by YF goes beyond traditional budgeting; it offers more comprehensive and actionable insights and predictions, and aligns peoples' ever-changing financial situations with the broader macroeconomic landscape. Together, this enables users to automatically optimize their financial health, make more informed decisions (with more relevant data), and achieve their goals without needing extensive financial literacy.

Session 1 - E
Human Behavior and its Economic Impact

How does the Unemployment Rate Impact Prescription, Illicit, and Total Opioid Overdose Death Rates in the United States?

Alex Turco

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The models in this analysis test the impact of unemployment on opioid overdose death rates. Even when distinguishing between illicit and prescription opioids while also considering the two combined, results show that an increase in the unemployment rate increases the death rates for all forms of opioid overdoses. However, other variables, such as the uninsured rate as well as the poverty rate vary depending on the nature of the overdose, and some results contradict natural assumptions or predictions. For example, a higher uninsured rate as well as a higher poverty rate results in a decrease in illicit opioid overdoses, leading to questions regarding the relative impacts of each variable to determine which have the strongest effects. The interpretation of these outputs requires the considerations of healthcare accessibility as well as government intervention. These results can help policymakers learn which issues are most critical in addressing in order to fight the opioid crisis. 

Advanced Predictive Analytics for High-Risk Gambling Behavior Online

Nour Zein

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Eddie Kim

The biopharmaceutical industry comprises multiple business models including companies focused on the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products, companies with platform technologies that can be licensed for multiple applications, and science-based biotechnology companies engaged in research or development that is often years from a product approval. An Initial Public Offering (IPO) represents an important milestone for venture-backed companies, providing venture capital firms with a liquid exit and providing companies themselves with access to capital markets. Since few biotechnology companies have product revenues or positive earnings at the time of their IPO, there is a need for new approaches for assessing corporate valuations and predicting future stock performance based on their distinct business models. This project uses Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and unsupervised machine learning neural networks to categorize IPOs based on their financial statements and deal metrics. SOMs utilize unsupervised learning to map multidimensional vectors of financial metrics onto a two-dimensional grid, creating a map of clusters of comparable companies. For example, it might cluster high-revenue, high-cash, and high-R&D companies in one area and low-revenue, low-cash, and low-R&D companies in another, but may also create a cluster of low-revenue, high-cash, and high-R&D companies that was unseen when considering data collectively. This approach accommodates varying numbers of financial metrics and IPOs. Examining financial data from biotechnology IPOs completed from 1997 to 2022, we identified six distinct clusters with differentiated financial patterns indicative of distinct business models. This research describes the characteristics of firms in each cluster and their outcomes as public companies.

Estimating the Economic Burden of Sexual Violence in Indonesia in the form of Loss of Labor Productivity

Laksana Rachman

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Arielle Scoglio

As one of the foremost social problems present, sexual violence often comes at a cost, negatively impacting individuals and communities emotionally, physically, and economically. In Indonesia, most cases of sexual violence go unnoticed or unprosecuted and victims often lack the necessary support from the state to recover. And as a developing nation, the lack of government action against sexual violence means that its economy is particularly susceptible to the economic burdens of sexual violence, particularly the labor productivity loss associated with sexual violence. Hence, this research paper aims to estimate the productivity loss attributable to sexual violence in Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, this paper used a mix of quantitative and qualitative data to derive a valid estimate. Specifically, this paper obtained national-level and regional-level data on the prevalence of sexual violence from Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women's End of Year Report and regional wage and employment data from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency to form regional and then national-level estimates of productivity loss resulting from sexual violence. The said estimates were then supported by interviews with experts, which will provide context and validate the quantitative findings. By shedding light on one of the significant economic consequences of sexual violence and approaching sexual violence as an economic problem that affects everyone, this paper hopes to incite policymakers in Indonesia to rethink sexual violence as a key economic priority and offer valuable insights for policymakers to design and allocate resources for preventative and reactive programs aimed at addressing sexual violence.

Rising Financial Leverage is an Emerging Risk for Large Pharmaceutical Companies and Innovation

Matt Marini

Center for Integration of Science and Industry/Faculty Advisor: Fred Ledley, Leo Kersten, Sarah Al-Masri

The large pharmaceutical industry is often criticized for having a financialized business model that is more efficient in producing capital for shareholders than producing new drugs. This research focuses on the role of debt in the business model of large pharmaceutical companies and the emerging risk created by this model. We observed that, over the past 25 years, large pharmaceutical companies are increasingly reliant on financial leverage to finance large shareholder payouts (dividends + stock buybacks) and invest in innovation and retain a very small portion of their earnings with annual shareholder payouts often exceeding earnings. In our analysis of the retention ratios of 14 large pharmaceutical companies between 2011 and 2022, we observed that, on average, these companies paid approximately 58.67% more to shareholders than the amount of their annual earnings. Moreover, investments in R&D have been inadequate to maintain a pipeline of new products to replace those with expiring patents leading to an acquisition model of innovation with pharmaceutical companies typically populating product pipelines through the acquisition of smaller biotechnology (biopharmaceutical) companies. We describe the finances of large pharmaceutical companies and a business model that prioritizes payouts to shareholders and is continually reliant on borrowing capital for both debt repayment and revenue-generating innovation. This model requires continued borrowing of large amounts of capital, making these companies susceptible to increasing interest rates. 
 

Session 1 - F
Creative Expressions

Bentley Girl - A Memoir

Lily Panufnik

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Val Wang

In "Bentley Girl," Lily Panufnik invites readers into the memoir of a college journey defined by resilience, self-growth, and the discovery of community in the face of institutionalized sexism. Set against the backdrop of a male-dominated academic landscape, Panufnik attempts to navigate the complexities of higher education during a time of great uncertainty. 

Panufnik details the pervasive challenges of sexism that threaten her success and the fulfillment of the true college experience. From lecture halls to social settings, she is faced with stereotypes and biases. Amidst the struggles, a beacon of support emerges in an unexpected place - her sorority. Panufnik discovers a sisterhood that transcends stereotypes and provides sanctuary in a sea full of testosterone. She finds strength, confidence, and a determination to redefine the narrative. The narrative unfolds as a coming-of-age story, showing Panufnik’s evolution from a determined yet uncertain freshman to a trailblazer who reshapes the narrative for future generations.

"Bentley Girl" is more than a personal account; it is a call for equality, an exploration of the power of community, and a celebration of individual triumphs against systemic odds. Panufnik invites readers on a transformative journey, navigating the waters of university life, challenging norms, and discovering the unwavering strength that arises when women stand together.

My Journey Navigating Identity as a Member of the Hindu Diaspora

Lakshay Balasubramani

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Tzarina Prater

In this project, I wrote a collection of essays and poems to add to our current understanding of the Hindu Diaspora. My goal was to provide my family’s experiences to help any individuals out there struggling with the formation of their identity. The purpose was to give them the resources to better understand my specific community, but also apply it to their community to feel a better sense of unity. Ultimately, by sharing these perspectives along with my experience I can provide a more comprehensive addition to the Hindu Diaspora. In addition, show what an individual can potentially experience as a diasporic subject. 

Using my own personal experiences and perspectives of my family members I have written three essays and nine poems. I conducted one-on-one interviews with my mother, which helped me produce this information and gain a sense of connectedness. This process was over the span of the six weeks and involved multiple interviews to gain a complete understanding of my family’s experience. With this information, any individual can use my digital document as a helpful hand to better guide them through their own identity formation. There is a lack of personal perspectives in my diasporic community, and my project provides a strong addition to our current knowledge. The purpose is to provide comfort to those who are unable to find a balance between societal norms and cultural expectations. This project informs those individuals how to better navigate this reconstruction of identity through the process of accepting and embracing. 

The Philosophy and Physics of the Present Moment

Sam Manning

Philosophy/Faculty Advisor: Axel Seemann

Time is how we come to understand reality. Only in the passing of time can existence be explained, understood, or even be perceived to begin with. Our access to time is captured exclusively within what we know as the present moment. But what is the present? The snap of your fingers capturing what has immediately passed? Is the present an onward marching metronome of the universe? Or maybe, time is not one moment at all but a brief interval from which our reality transpires.

This exact debate has existed in philosophy for centuries, boiling down to the A and B Theories of Time. The A-Theorists stand firmly on the view that time is forever marching forward, a fundamental aspect of reality. B-Theorists, however, believe that time is relative, and the present moment can only be understood and explained as a brief interval. The emphasis on the B-Theory side is that there is no distinction between past, present, and future, and that the nature of the present moment is more causal than chronological. 

In physics we find this same debate, and it was Einstein who fired the gun with special and general relativity. Time was no longer absolute, and in fact was relative. Suddenly the present moment was under attack, and Newtonian physics came into question. 

This paper will explore both sides of the conversation and construct an argument for a relative based, B-Theory understanding of the present, focusing on the philosophical debate with support from the physical findings.
 

Portrayal of Sneakers in Media

Christian Abboud

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Jim Miranda

This research and associated website delve into a cultural analysis of sneakers, investigating their portrayal in media and the intricate interplay of cultural, racial and socioeconomic factors in determining the value, both economic and cultural. Throughout the analysis, the historical evolution of both sneakers and sneaker culture is explored, tracing the transition from functional athletic footwear to coveted, collected symbols of value. The research extends its focus to the subcultures within sneaker culture, examining skateboarding, hip-hop, basketball and high-fashion subcultures specifically. The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute to a nuanced understanding of sneaker culture and to spark further discussion to the growing industry. As a small business owner and sneaker collector, this project has allowed me to translate my interests outside of the classroom into a scholarly project.

Session 2 - D
Market Mechanics and Tech Integration:  A Journey Through Modern Finance

Budgeting for Betterment: How can nations and countries maximize HDI?

Ma Sun

Faculty Advisor: Mihaela Predescu

The Human Development Index, or HDI, is a summary metric established by the United Nations in 1990 to measure the economic standard of living. HDI incorporates various components that reflect a country’s societal progress and the well-being of its citizens and is calculated as a geometric mean of the health index, education index, and gross national income per capita. Utilizing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Our World In Data, we aim to explore how government expenditure by functions (General public services, defense, public order and safety, economic affairs, environmental protection, housing and community amenities, health, Culture and religion, education, and social protection) influence the HDI index by employing a comprehensive analysis of the HDI, life expectancy, mean years of schooling, and gross national income (GNI) of 60 countries. This research utilizes statistical methods and visualization techniques to discover patterns and relationships between COFOG and HDI that inform policy formation and governmental outlook.   

Pairs Trading with Equity Sectors

Michael Morse

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Patrick Scholten

Pairs trading, a market-neutral strategy, has historically garnered interest due to its potential for profit generation by exploiting price differentials between closely related assets. This study investigates the profitability of pairs trading amidst market volatility, employing a novel methodology that eliminates the selection process and focuses on exploiting price disparities during turbulent market conditions. Utilizing sector ETF data over a five-year period, the study examines three pairs of sector indices: Consumer Staples vs. Consumer Discretionary, Industrials vs. Materials, and Financials vs. Real Estate. Results reveal varying levels of profitability across sector pairs, with Financials and Real Estate exhibiting stronger returns compared to Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary, while Industrials and Materials demonstrate moderate profitability. However, when benchmarked against riskless assets like 10-year US Treasuries, the strategy's performance appears subpar, indicating potential market efficiency within the stock sectors. Transaction costs further impede profitability. Despite insignificant profits in this study, future research avenues could explore refined selection methods, such as cointegration, and the incorporation of options to enhance risk management and potentially unlock greater profit potential in pairs trading strategies. This study contributes to the understanding of pairs trading profitability and underscores the importance of adaptive strategies in navigating dynamic market conditions.

Implementation of NFTs in Fashion Companies

Ward Doornbos

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Monire Jalili

This research paper explores the integration of NFT projects into fashion company product lines by analyzing ten companies’ NFT projects and their relative performance. Each one of these companies had released at least one notable NFT project. Drawing on Chan’s (2022) framework, a new categorization of NFTs was created. This includes NFT Membership and Stand-Alone NFT categories which were further categorized by duration (long-term/short-term) and format (digital/physical), respectively. To analyze how these projects performed, a sample of seven NFT projects was analyzed using data from Reservoir API that was extracted using a Python script. Two analyses were done with this data, including a market value and market share analysis, and a sales behavior over time analysis. Both analyses revealed consistently decreasing sales prices and volumes as the projects grew older, with only one outlier. These findings show the need for strategic improvements in future NFT fashion products to maintain consumer relevance over a longer period of time. Furthermore, the analyses in this research paper provide valuable insights for future endeavors in the fashion NFT space, as the shortcomings and strengths of the projects found in this paper can be implemented and improved upon by future fashion NFT projects.

Option Pricing

Costas Dhimogjini

Mathematics/Faculty Advisor: Jackson Lautier

In the ever-competitive landscape of the stock market, traders engage in relentless pursuit of lucrative opportunities and strategic maneuvers. Statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for portfolio managers, quantitative analysts, and retail traders alike, offering insights into stock behavior and informing decision-making processes. In this study, we present a stochastic model developed in R-Studio, designed to simulate and generate stock price paths for comparative analysis against market trends.
          

Central to our model is the incorporation of stock volatility as a primary determinant, enabling inference on forthcoming cycles of significant market fluctuations. Our model encompasses a suite of functions, facilitating data retrieval, model fitting, generation of potential stock paths, and ultimately, price output. Volatility assumes paramount importance in options trading, with increased price swings offering greater profit potential. However, our research underscores a notable limitation: observed volatility often surpasses predictive estimates, posing challenges for accurate forecasting.

Through meticulous analysis and iterative refinement, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of stock market dynamics and the nuances of option pricing. By elucidating the complexities of volatility prediction, our study provides valuable insights for traders seeking to navigate the intricate terrain of financial markets with greater precision and foresight.

Value Creation by Generic Drug Companies; Implications for Shareholders and Generic Drug Markets

Adam Tayebjee

Center for Integration of Science and Industry/Faculty Advisor: Cody Hyman, Paula Chaves da Silva, Fred Ledley

This research compares and contrasts the finances of large pharmaceutical companies marketing portfolios of branded, patent-protected drugs with those of companies that manufacture and market generic versions of these products after the patents have expired.  Sale of branded pharmaceuticals is a high-margin business that generates sufficient revenue to support new-product development and profit margins significantly higher than other comparably-sized companies. In contrast, sale of generic products is a low-margin, competitive business largely located in low or middle-income countries. This research specifically examined value creation by companies in the Association for Accessible Medicine (the trade group for generic and biosimilar manufacturers) in comparison to branded pharmaceutical companies with at least one product on the market. Data were examined from 2010-2020 and included revenue, net income, ROI, ROA, stock performance, and distributions to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks. We hypothesize that generic companies are increasingly reliant on debt to fund capital investments and distributions to shareholders. These results are considered in the context of continued pressure on generic drug prices and the increasing shortages of generic drug products.

Session 2 - E
Multi-Faceted Business Models

Quantifying an Augmented Gravity Model of International Trade Among Professional European Soccer Leagues

Connor Martins

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

Gravity models are a popular method used to predict the bilateral trade volume between country pairs and has been studied extensively in commodity markets and migration. The models explore the effects of distance between country pairs, their relative economic sizes, and levels of cultural proximity on the bilateral trade flows between them. This research attempts to extend the model onto the market for professional European soccer players in ten of the continent’s elite competitions through both league and player-level analyses. The study draws on comprehensive player sales data in the leagues of interest over an eight-year period. The empirical estimations were conducted using a variety of regression techniques, the most precise of which was a league-level two-way fixed effects model. Estimations yielded significant effects of gravitational variables including relative financial league size, common language and border dummy variables, and transportation costs proxied by the price of fuel on bilateral trade volumes between Europe’s elite soccer leagues. Another model was estimated to determine the relationship between gravity variables and the disparity between player sales values and player market values, with results indicating inverse relationships between distance and market-reflecting transfer fees. These results could suggest that teams could identify bargains in the market for professional European soccer player by scouting further away from clubs in their domestic systems.

Delineating Distinct Biotechnology Business Models at Initial Public Offering (IPO) using Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs)

Henry Dao

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Edward Zhou, Fred Ledley

The biopharmaceutical industry comprises multiple business models including companies focused on the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products, companies with platform technologies that can be licensed for multiple applications, and science-based biotechnology companies engaged in research or development that is often years from a product approval. An Initial Public Offering (IPO) represents an important milestone for venture-backed companies, providing venture capital firms with a liquid exit and providing companies themselves with access to capital markets. Since few biotechnology companies have product revenues or positive earnings at the time of their IPO, there is a need for new approaches for assessing corporate valuations and predicting future stock performance based on their distinct business models. This project uses Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and unsupervised machine learning neural networks to categorize IPOs based on their financial statements and deal metrics. SOMs utilize unsupervised learning to map multidimensional vectors of financial metrics onto a two-dimensional grid, creating a map of clusters of comparable companies. For example, it might cluster high-revenue, high-cash, and high-R&D companies in one area and low-revenue, low-cash, and low-R&D companies in another, but may also create a cluster of low-revenue, high-cash, and high-R&D companies that was unseen when considering data collectively. This approach accommodates varying numbers of financial metrics and IPOs. Examining financial data from biotechnology IPOs completed from 1997 to 2022, we identified six distinct clusters with differentiated financial patterns indicative of distinct business models. This research describes the characteristics of firms in each cluster and their outcomes as public companies.

Trouble on the Tracks: Improper Accounting of Thomas the Tank Engine and Mattel, Inc.

Joseph Montiglio

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Mahendra Gujarathi

This instructional case is based on the accounting improprieties at Mattel, Inc., the company’s restatements, and regulatory actions of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The case revolves around the company’s misclassification of an asset – Thomas and Friends - leading to errors in valuation allowances for its deferred tax assets and overstatement of income. The case demonstrates the interconnection between financial reporting, tax reporting, and financial auditing. The case helps improve student understanding of valuation allowances, deferred taxes, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, it provides a platform to discuss the ethical dimensions of financial reporting, emphasizing the fundamental obligation of publicly traded companies to maintain the integrity and transparency of their financial reports. By studying these interconnected areas, students understand the impact of accounting decisions on a company’s financial health, financial statement user confidence, and regulatory compliance. This multifaceted case stimulates critical thinking, ethical considerations, and a deeper comprehension of financial statement errors in a real-world context.

Small Business: The Linchpin of the American Economy

Hunter Costello

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Sacha Gelfer

The essential role small businesses play in the American economy is seldom debated. However, existing literature on small businesses offers conflicting views regarding their response to economic cycles and shocks compared to larger corporations, as well as their role as either drivers of economic activity or vulnerable entities influenced by prevailing economic conditions.

This research aims to address this gap by employing a quantitative, data-driven approach. We utilize vector autoregression and principal components analysis to model economic shocks, drawing data from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) for macroeconomic indicators, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for small business indicators. By examining the effects of economic shocks on various variables, we explore the relationship between small business performance and macroeconomic factors. 

Our findings indicate that small businesses exhibit less volatile short-term fluctuations compared to larger corporations but are more susceptible to longer correction periods. Additionally, shocks to small businesses have considerable, persistent impacts on aggregate factors such as employment, production, and interest rates. Our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between small businesses and the broader economy, suggesting that a small business variable could be a useful indicator for economic analysis with meaningful policymaking implications. 

Filling the Void: Leveraging Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) to Mitigate the Impact of Missing Data

Sandhya Sangappa

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Gregory Vaughan

Missing data is a common challenge in research studies across various disciplines. Incomplete datasets can undermine the validity and reliability of statistical analyses, which in turn negatively impacts research outcomes. The paper begins by discussing the implications of missing data and the importance of appropriate handling strategies. The consequences of missing data on statistical analyses are explored, encompassing an examination of the various types of missing data and the challenges they pose to accurate analysis interpretation. Moreover, it introduces multiple imputation as a strategic solution to mitigate these issues, offering a strong methodology for addressing missing data and enhancing the reliability of statistical tests. The second section outlines a simulation to demonstrate that employing Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) to manage missing data leads to improved analysis results. The simulation aims to establish the standard performance of a linear regression model using randomly generated data and then compares this baseline with two variations: one where 30% of the data is missing at random (MAR), and another where MICE is applied to impute the MAR data. Lastly, MICE is applied to an analysis for a real-life business problem. Using panel data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in three waves from January 2021 to June 2021 via surveys, MICE is implemented in an analysis to understand and predict behavior as it relates to COVID-19 risk perceptions using demographic information

Section 2 - F
Creative Expressions
 

Cultural Contrasts on Canvas: Creative Reflections of Health & Wellbeing

Ellie Wheeler

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth LeDoux

This research project delves into the complex interplay between societal norms, consumerism, and public health outcomes, using a combination of artistic expression and scholarly inquiry. Through satirical oil paintings, the project contrasts the fast-paced, consumer-driven lifestyle prevalent in the United States with the communal, holistic approach observed in Europe. By examining issues such as antibiotic overconsumption, information overload, and the commodification of health, the project sheds light on the systemic factors shaping individual health choices. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review, the research underscores the urgent need for systemic change and collective action to address the root causes of health disparities and promote holistic well-being for all. Emphasizing the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills in navigating the contemporary healthcare landscape, the project serves as both a personal exploration and a call to action. Through art, storytelling, and critical inquiry, it advocates for evidence-based policies and societal shifts towards a future where health is not a commodity but a fundamental human right.

Madrid Bombings

Braedyn Moore

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Christian Rubio

I have created a painting to tell a story the terrorist bombings that occurred on March 11, 2004. Prior to painting I researched the bombing to learn the story of deception and political change that occurred. I also researched how political change has been highlighted in history. I also took a class this semester centered around Latin American paintings where I gained more inspiration for how I can comment on this event. I then created my piece on a 12 x 36-inch canvas with acrylic paint after planning it out in pencil. My painting will walk you through the compassion that Spanish citizens showed each other in the wake of the attack. It will then walk you through the misinformation that was spread by the government as to who is responsible for the attack. Finally, I highlight the political change that occurred just three days later, and how that has changed Spain’s progression. I have tried to honor the victims of the attack through my work. This painting has many messages to it, which sometimes is hard to do after a tragedy. I have emphasized the need of compassion and kindness in the world and the importance of doing research and not blindly trusting. It was very difficult for me to say that the political change was good because it took the attack to do this, but it helped modernize Spain and provide more equality to others. This painting has a very special place in my heart and facilitated self-growth and anxiety relief for me. I have gained confidence and so much knowledge from this capstone. I hope you enjoy analyzing it because it was a pleasure to create it.

Let's Make A Deal

Meaghan Boermeester

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Christian Rubio

The painting I created symbolizes the increasing ability for college athletes to monetize their success. In recent years, the enactment of state laws and NCAA guidelines, known as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws has granted athletes the ability to use their own collegiate success in the public eye for financial gains. Whether that be on social media, signing brand deals, or apparel licensing, these athletes are seeing an unprecedented opportunity at the amateur sports level to earn monetary rewards. 

My research centered around the implications of these laws, and looking into further equitable compensation programs’ feasibility when it comes to college athletics at the NCAA Division I level. Much of this research consisted of opinions from various standpoints, given the ongoing debate. Many argue that allowing these athletes to make money diminishes the core principles of amateur sports, while their critics believe NIL laws are only the start for what athletes deserve for the revenue they bring to their universities. 

Ultimately, my goal with this painting was to bring in the many aspects of monetization of college sports into one meaningful piece. To do this, I incorporated major companies including Nike and Gatorade that have signed NIL deals with successful athletes, alongside the everyday items of a college student all surrounding the focal point being the sport. The title, “Let’s Make a Deal” concisely summarizes the new motivation for successful college athletes as new amateur sport laws evolve. Overall, when I look at the painting it serves as a reminder that amateur athletics is often more about the business side of athletics than it is about the sports themselves. "

"Cellophane"

Halle Katz

Liberal Studies Major; Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Tzarina Prater & Jeff Stern

My short film, “Cellophane,” is a 25-page script addressing gender stereotypes and using loosely hyperbolic characters, each representing an ideological position and approach to gender inequity. Using the thriller, horror, and dark comedy genres, “Cellophane'' calls out the unconscious gender dichotomy between expected domesticity and women’s actual capabilities. It all starts at the conclusion of an accounting internship. Characters Sloane and Karl have an uncomfortable run-in that triggers a series of events leading to the demise of one of these characters. Lightly posed as a whodunnit, “Cellophane” will offer a few laughs about how cringey or shocking the characters' reactions are to death and their misunderstanding about the inequity women seem to encounter every day. The script is being filmed during the Spring of 2024 as part of my Liberal Studies Major (Media Arts & Society) Culminating Experience. With input from scholar Tzarina Prater and filmmaker Jeff Stern, I will have successfully addressed an often overlooked issue. “Cellophane” is set up as a suspenseful story that has a slow and confusing reveal using Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon effect. Throughout the script, the true nature of the characters' relationships is examined and any biases they have are revealed. By the end of the script, the audience should not confidently know the full story and is invited to make their own guesses as to what actually happened. This capstone has been a work in progress for years through various courses, my study abroad experience in Europe, and endless books, movies, and television shows. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in “Cellophane.”

Session 1 - G
Redefining Education
 

Student Volunteer Preparation: Potential Tools and Trainings to More Adequately Serve Adolescent Extracurricular Activities

James Rollo

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Danielle Hartigan

Mental health and emotional well-being development is crucial for any child or adolescent to grow successfully into adulthood. Through conducting interviews with student program managers and volunteers of afterschool programs, this study aims to find solutions and better equip students with tools they need to address mental health issues and conflicts that may arise. The interviews include comprehensive questions regarding the training, conflicts, challenges, and goals of after-school programs of individuals associated with the Bentley Service Learning and Civic Engagement Center. Qualitative analysis was conducted upon completion of each interview to identify themes and recommendations. In many cases, student Program Managers expressed concerns on finding a line between disciplinary actions and providing a supportive environment for the children. Although those with prior experience of working with children were more comfortable handling these conflicts, every student Program Manager noted these challenges when attending their programs. Furthermore, the majority of students who did not mention prior experience working with children cited a much higher percentage of feeling confused or uneasy on how to handle clear mental or emotional challenges from the children. As a result, the most recommended accommodation from student Program Managers is situation-based training that allows students to work through similar challenges they may encounter and be prepared with a helpful response for the children. The final goal is to produce an evidence-based report back to the BSCLE on how Bentley can better incorporate these trainings to better prepare the students and serve the children in the local communities.

Liberal Arts Curricula Integrated into a Business Education: Fostering Career Success in Higher Education Institutions

William Barrett

Valente Center, Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Rick Oches

The relationship between liberal arts and business disciplines is defined by ambiguity and underlying untapped potential. While the connections between these two fields are scarcely explicit and underrepresented through the administration and faculty of modern higher education institutions, America’s higher education system is simultaneously becoming more consumer-driven, making career outcomes crucially important to the intrinsic success of all modern institutions. 

Today, these dynamics continue to progress, leaving business-oriented higher education institutions seeking avenues to bolster career successes among the student body. While the well-established benefits of liberal arts studies, including enhanced adaptability, critical thinking skills, cross-cultural understanding, and creativity, are evident to liberal arts institutions, educators, and even the management of American corporations, it is something that is relatively untapped in the world of business education. This poses a unique scenario surrounding the untapped benefits intrinsic to the combination of liberal arts and business education in terms of creating well-rounded students, more prepared for the dynamic corporate world and our communities. 

In this study, it is demonstrated that the combination of liberal arts and business curricula can provide students with a well-rounded education that more comprehensively prepares them for the world of business. This is supported by a mixed-method approach data collection process, where the perspectives of current undergraduate business students as well as recruiters from business-oriented firms are gathered. These individual viewpoints combine to form a body of knowledge surrounding student and recruiter attitudes toward liberal arts curricula integration with traditional business education. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the relevance of liberal arts tailored towards not only students and business firms, but also towards the administration of business-oriented higher education institutions. 

A case study of Bentley University and 3 of the select “Big Six” multinational accounting firms, this study illuminates student perspectives through a 12-question quantitative survey and recruiter perspectives through a series of 30-minute qualitative interviews. Key preliminary results from the study highlight recruiter emphasis on key liberal arts skills they seek in prospective candidates, as well as skill shortcomings in current business graduates that could be amended with the incorporation of liberal arts studies aligning with specific disciplines. Similarly, preliminary findings highlight business students’ positive sentiments towards the liberal arts, but a lack of understanding on specifically how liberal arts contributes to career success, causing reluctance towards enrollment in these disciplines. Moving forward, through institution-wide efforts towards understanding key liberal arts skills and disciplines that firms seek in candidates as well as highlighting to business students the personal and professional benefits they can enjoy by extending their current studies into the liberal arts. This way, modern business institutions can foster greater student professional success while building well-rounded members of our communities. 

Evaluating the Impact of Educational Funding Disparities

Kaylee Cosgrove

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

It is widely accepted that education plays a crucial role in determining the future success of individuals, including measures of wealth, career achievements, and attainment of higher education degrees. As a nation, investing in individuals’ education is important to increase overall success and productivity. Research indicates that investments in early childhood, including education and health, can generate far-ranging benefits and reduce deficits, given that certain phases of childhood and adolescence are particularly important for development. However, wide disparities exist in educational investments and in access to quality education across the U.S. One metric in which this heterogeneity manifests relates to the discrepancies in K-12 public education funding across states. For instance, spending per pupil in the highest-spending state (New York, $26,571) was approximately 194% higher than in the lowest-spending state (Idaho, $9,053) in 2021. This research assesses how public investments in K-12 schooling impact measures of economic success, including high-school graduation and college enrollment rates, and potentially generate downstream economic effects in the form of higher earnings capacity post-graduation. Analyses are based on multiple national data sources, including individual-level information from the Current Population Surveys, spanning up to 20 years, and capitalize on the substantial variation in public investments in schooling across the states. State-level per-pupil spending amounts serve as the primary measure of public investment. This project provides key inputs towards quantifying the return on public investments by quantifying how variation in such spending maps into differences in educational attainment and earnings trajectories. Supplementary analyses explore the role of variation in public educational investments in explaining observed spatial disparities in economic outcomes and across sub-populations. 

Why Is College So Expensive? Understanding the Surge in American College Cost of Attendance

Joey Twomey

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Michael Quinn

The cost of attending college in the United States has skyrocketed over the last few decades. These increased costs have put the possibility of a college education outside the reach of many people. With education being a key to achieving higher incomes, this is holding back people from social mobility and promotes further inequality.  While the higher prices are well-documented, the causes of this increase are less well-studied.  This paper seeks to address the question of what is driving the higher prices of college attendance in the United States. It will focus primarily on net price rather than stated Cost of Attendance numbers, because net price is indicative of the actual price students pay toward college. This is done by regression analysis on a sample of over 9,000 universities from 2002 to 2022. The paper’s results find that the effect of federal grants, institution-level grants, and loan availability have been key drivers of the net price of American college education. These results have implications for university officials and government policy makers interested in keeping college education affordable in the United States.  Specifically, these results imply that government action in the market for higher education is highly consequential and that extra attention should be paid to policies both at the government and university level which directly impact the net price for students. 

AI University: Using AI For Good

Ridge Gonzales

Liberal Studies Major /Faculty Advisor: Stephen Campbell

As advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to reshape various sectors, the realm of education stands poised for transformative change. This capstone project titled "AI University: Using AI for Good" aims to explore the ethical implications and social responsibility inherent in leveraging AI to enhance educational practices. Focused on developing a comprehensive website, the project endeavors to compile and analyze the myriad benefits of integrating AI technologies into educational frameworks. Through meticulous examination, the project aims to illuminate how AI can foster personalized learning experiences, improve accessibility, and augment teaching methodologies. Emphasizing ethical considerations and social accountability, the website will serve as a resource hub, offering insights into responsible AI usage and advocating for equity in education. By engaging stakeholders and fostering dialogue, this project endeavors to catalyze positive change, paving the way for a future where AI serves as a force for good in education.

Session 1 - H
Sustainability

Effect of Probopyrus Pandalicola Bopyrid Isopod on the Feeding Behavior of Palaemon Pugio Daggerblade Grass Shrimp 

Elizabeth Mastromonaco

Honors Program; Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor:  Betsy Stoner

Parasites are an important component of almost all ecosystems, including salt marshes, which are some of the most productive ecosystems globally. However, with intensified global change, parasites may play different roles in salt marshes, especially as abiotic characteristics shift which may intensify or exacerbate their interactions with hosts. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the bopyrid isopod parasite Probopyrus pandalicola on the feeding behavior of Palaemon pugio, more commonly known as daggerblade grass shrimp. These grass shrimp are native to the salt marsh ecosystems off the shores of Cape Cod. To conduct this experiment, we monitored the behavior (swimming, walking, or backward thrusting) of individual grass shrimp at minute intervals before and after feeding to elucidate whether parasites play a role in affecting shrimp foraging behavior. We found that overall, the parasitized shrimp moved less than the unparasitized, and both moved significantly less after they were fed. It is possible that shrimp are less active with parasites as the parasites drain energy of their hosts, which will have cascading effects on salt marsh food webs. 

Spatiotemporal Differences in Water Quality in Two Estuarine Systems in Northwest Florida

Jack McDiarmid

Natural and Applied Sciences/Faculty Advisor: Betsy Stoner

Coastal marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by global change, despite being some of the most productive ecosystems globally. Seagrasses are a foundation species that may be especially affected by anthropogenic stressors, and the loss of seagrasses have well-known deleterious effects on structuring ecological communities. One major stressor to seagrasses is deteriorating water quality. In this study, we sought to study a long term (2010-2023) dataset of water quality parameters from two estuary systems in Northwest Florida (St. Andrews Bay and St. Joseph’s Bay). Data were accessed from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission through the Watershed Information Network and evaluated using multivariate statistics within SPSS and Python. The data was organized by location and labeled using codes denoting waterbody identification (WBIDs). Preliminary results indicate that Coliform Fecal (MPN) had a significant spike during 2021 across five out of six WBID locations. Color, a proxy for water clarity and thus the available light for seagrasses to grow also saw elevated levels in 2021. The amount of Chlorophyll A present was the most volatile parameter found in the study. This is a proxy for the amount of chlorophyll (pigment) present from algae blooms. The algae bloom trends may be correlated to external factors such as excess runoff from stormwater.

Moving forward, informed conservation strategies should integrate knowledge of both natural and anthropogenic factors shaping coastal ecosystems. By acknowledging the complex interactions between hurricanes, water quality, and seagrass decline, stakeholders can develop more effective measures to mitigate the impacts of future disturbances and promote the long-term sustainability of marine habitats in estuarine systems in Florida.

Effects of Salinity on Survivorship of Critical Shrimp Species from Cape Cod, MA

Cecilia Verska

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Betsy Stoner

Global climate change is driving shifts in abiotic (e.g., salinity) and biotic (e.g., exotic species introductions) characteristics of many ecosystems, including nearshore habitats such as salt marshes. Salt marsh ecosystems are among the most productive systems globally, but changes to abiotic and biotic conditions may have negative effects on many organisms that live in salt marshes, such as key species like grass shrimp. Our work explores how altered salinities may influence the survivorship of the key species, Daggerblade Grass Shrimp from Cape Cod, MA, and a non-native shrimp species to Cape Cod, the European Rock Shrimp (Palaemon elegans). Specifically, we sought to evaluate differences in salinity (low or 5ppt, high or 35ppt, and control or 26ppt) on the survivorship of both shrimp species, to compare whether one species may be more tolerant of salinity extremes than the other. We hypothesized that P. elegans would be more tolerant to different salinities because they are an exotic species, and as such, may be more tolerant of extreme abiotic shifts than the native species. Our preliminary findings revealed that P. pugio had a higher survivorship in the control salinity and a significantly higher tolerance for low salinity (~5ppt) than P. elegans. However, P. elegans had a slightly higher tolerance for high salinity (~35ppt). As shrimp are a critical species to marine ecosystems, it is necessary to understand how native and invasive shrimp species will be affected by global change, such as salinity shifts. 

Session 1 - I
Sustainability
 

Massachusetts EV Adoption

Edgar Campos

Independent research/Faculty Advisor: Zana Cranmer

With the urgent nature of climate change, it has become increasingly important to electrify transport. To meet Massachusetts's 2050 carbon neutral plan, heavy emphasis is placed on promoting EV adoption. In our study, we look at the different demographic factors in Massachusetts municipalities to better guide policymakers at what groups should be targeted. Employing linear regression, we find that education (among other factors) is the biggest predictor for higher EV adoption. 

Electric Vehicles: An Analysis of Consumer Preference and Renewable Energy

Mark Starovoytov

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

This paper investigates whether consumer interests are served by the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and if renewable energy production influences EV adoption. This project’s research study leveraged a population of 177 students and 161 faculty/staff members that voluntarily participated in a survey via an IRB-approved Informed Consent process. The results indicate a preference among Bentley University students and faculty/staff for modern, convenient, and cost-saving features over physical, performance-oriented, and traditional characteristics in both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles. These outcomes align with existing research, which reflects consumers' inclination towards technologically advanced vehicles boasting high fuel efficiency or electric powertrains. Regression analysis reveals no direct causation between renewable energy production in American states and corresponding EV usage. However, a subtle correlation emerges between renewable energy output and the sales of new EVs across the top 20 countries by EV sales as a portion of total national vehicle sales. This suggests renewable energy's potential to enhance the appeal and relevance of EVs, thereby fostering their future popularity.

The European Union: Energy Policies Leading the World

Katie Tonaszuck

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

The European Union is known to be a leader in many aspects of our world today. While looking at energy policies and concerns for the future of our environment, we see that Europe seems already ahead of other nations in implementation. Looking into the different action plans of the nations of Europe and the European Union, this paper analyzes what has been done, what is now being done, and what will be done regarding energy policies in the EU. Analyzing treaties such as the Paris Agreement and the Green Deal, this paper assesses the policies passed with such treaties and how these will be obtained within member states across the EU. Along with these, it examines the opinions of other researchers, developing an opinion based on the EU’s Road map. Looking at the different actors that make these policies attainable, this paper evaluates the work of these parties and how they may compare to other continents and nations. This research shows the background of the European Union and how it became such a powerful force today. The EU plays an important role in moving the rest of the world forward toward a green future. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the role of the EU and the relevance of energy policies regarding the future and the other aspects that are affected by these new policies such as the economy. With the policies and treaties put into place, the EU is working hard to make green energy a top priority. This paper analyzes all these factors, showing the importance of the EU and how it leads our world to a longer, safer future. 

Consumer Behavior Towards Sustainability in the Fashion Industry 

Cristina Urrea

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

Our globalized and interconnected world has begun to create awareness of the sustainability of businesses, and the fashion industry is no exception to it. As consumers gain awareness of the big impact clothing manufacturing companies have on the environment, the overall attitudes towards the ethics and sustainability of the fashion industry gain a higher share of attention; yet, it is still to be seen whether they will be translated into tangible changes. What are the underlying motivations and perceptions that drive consumers’ engagement with sustainability within their fashion consumption? This study explores knowledge, attitudes, and ultimate shopping behavior to give businesses an insight into the evolving consumer preferences regarding sustainability in the fashion industry. The study is based on an extensive literature review followed by a survey in which Bentley University students were asked to reflect on their knowledge, attitudes, and ultimate buying behavior. The study results indicate significant implications for businesses in the industry seeking to align their strategies to the evolving consumer preferences. 

From Discourse to Data: Sentiment Analysis of Stakeholder Comments on the SEC's Proposed Climate Disclosure Rule

Henry Dao and Christian Savastano

Faculty Advisor: Anthony Smith

The recently promulgated final rule on climate-related disclosures by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one of the largest changes to corporate disclosure reporting in recent years. With the dire consequences of climate change seeping into the mainstream continence, many individuals are concerned about the impact of rising seas, extreme weather, and a heating planet. Investors and businesses alike have taken notice, with many companies voluntarily disclosing environmental impacts and targets in a bid to attract greater investment and do environmental good. The SEC has sought to require and standardize these currently voluntary and fragmented disclosures. This paper uses supervised machine learning to conduct a sentiment analysis of comments on the proposed SEC rule. The study delves into the diverse range of opinions offered by various stakeholders and their respective sentiments, identifying key points of contention that were ultimately modified in releasing the final rule. The analysis provides a nuanced examination of public sentiment in the context of regulatory proposals and their influence on the rule-making process.

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