Twenty-Second Annual Undergraduate Research Day

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

Provost

Executive Dining Room (EDR)

Session 1 - A
Vital Perspectives in Healthcare

Effectiveness of Smartwatches as Tools to Promote Holistic Health

Giordana Perez

Valente Center /Faculty Advisor: Silke Plesch

Smartwatches have been considered popular health monitoring tools as they provide individuals their personal health statistics based on various wellness indicators. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of smartwatches in promoting healthier lifestyle choices when monitoring the three key health determinants altogether: physical activity, dietary choices, and sleep quality. Past studies have looked at how tracking only one health metric affects a user, but this study examines the influence of tracking all health metrics simultaneously. All health components are interdependent, which is why it is important to assess how one change in a particular health factor can influence the other. A mixed-methods approach was employed that allows for both quantitative and qualitative data to be collected, where self-reported logging of consumer data, as well as personal insights from interviews and journaling led to understanding how smartwatch use can lead to behavioral change. With participants continuously tracking their physical activity, food choices, and sleep statistics, the study will evaluate whether participants were influenced to make healthier lifestyle decisions. The qualitative section of the study will offer individual perceptions of utilizing smartwatch in terms of increased/decreased motivation, utility, and reinforcement to maintain healthy habits. By looking at the findings of this study, we can conduct a comprehensive analysis of the role of smartwatches can play in influencing users to make healthier behaviors for the long term. At a global more significant scope, smartwatches could even be a scalable option to improve public health. This research could allow new policies to be developed promoting and integrating smartwatches into preventative healthcare, targeting public health

Aligning Health Value with Drug Market Protections: A Comparison of Small Molecules and Biologics

Yasmin Zuibi

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Fred Ledley & Paula Chaves da Silva

While innovative drugs contribute substantially to public health, but questions about patient access, value, and affordability have been raised. This work explores the value provided by two different classes of pharmaceuticals: small-molecule (chemical) drugs, which are chemically synthesized, versus biological products, larger molecules manufactured in living cells. These two classes of products are subject to different federal regulations. Specifically, small molecules receive a minimum of 5 years of market exclusivity before competition is allowed from “generic” products while biologicals have 12 years of exclusivity before competition is allowed from “biosimilars.” This project asks whether the additional market protections afforded biologicals align with the value these products provide to the public. We estimate the health value created by these products in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as the product of the QALYs gained by individuals using the product and the number of users. We then assess the residual (net) health value as the health value (expressed in dollars based on the willingness to pay per QALY (WTP/QALY) minus the price paid. We focused on 15 small-molecule drugs and 15 biologics using drug price and sales data from IQVIA and QALY data from the CEVR (Tufts) database, asking whether residual health value is aligned with price, cost to Medicare, or measures of innovativeness. This analysis provides a framework for evidence-based evaluation of policies that provide greater protection for biological products than small molecule products and contributes to the broader conversation on balancing innovation, affordability, and equitable access to healthcare

The Impact of PM2.5 Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Disease Mortality from 2000-2024

Tanya Litam

Honors Program/Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

Air pollution, compared to other forms of environmental pollution, has the most adverse impact on human health. Among the components of air pollution, particulate matter (PM), which are microscopic solid and liquid particles suspended in air, is identified as the most deleterious due to its diameter sizes (<10µm to 2.5µm) that can penetrate into human respiratory and circulatory systems. Studies on ambient and chronic exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameter sizes of 2.5µm and smaller) have elaborated on its causation for a variety of respiratory and cardiac problems. Further studies have illuminated on PM2.5 exposure as a contributor to plaque buildup in arteries, hindering the flow of blood and oxygen and increasing the risk for mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present study will conduct regression model analysis at the county-level to analyze the trend of PM2.5 concentrations and its impact on IHD mortality rates from 2000-2024, extending the literature to include post-COVID-19 data. Additional analysis of literature will be conducted to elucidate the correlation of the presence of primary plastic production facilities to counties with higher PM2.5 concentrations. As the study progresses, anticipated results include interpretation of regression results for effect of PM2.5 concentrations on IHD and other CVD mortality rates and potential identification of counties with increased PM2.5 concentrations due to presence of primary plastic production facilities.

Evaluating the Public and Private Value of a Federally Funded Prostate Cancer Drug: A Case Study of Xtandi

Franchesca Vilmenay

Center for Integration of Science and Industry/Faculty Advisor: Paula Chaves da Silva & Fred Ledley with contributions from Gregory Vaughan

This study examines the distribution of social and private value generated by the commercialization of enzalutamide (Xtandi), a prostate cancer drug developed with substantial federal funding at UCLA. Given the high price of the drug, this research investigates whether the public sector, as an early investor assuming significant financial risk, receives an proportional return in the form of social value. The drug’s high price has sparked debate regarding accessibility and policy interventions, particularly regarding UCLA’s license agreement with industry and the government’s authority to override the license if the drug is not reasonably available to the public.

Our framework assumes a new medicine’s total value is reflected in its health benefits, distributed as social and private value through drug pricing and manufacturer’s revenue. We assess social value through residual health value (total health value minus price paid), job creation, payments to public institutions, and scientific advancement. Private value is measured through network value (payments to firms involved in commercialization) and shareholder returns. From 2012 to 2022, Xtandi generated a total health value of $53 billion and $40.7 in social value, including $35 billion in residual health value. Private value totaled $25 billion, with $13.5 billion of shareholder value and $7.4 billion of network value. This research raises critical questions about the amount of social and private value created by commercializing new medicines. It informs the broader discourse on pharmaceutical pricing, public sector investment, and innovation policy, offering insights relevant for policymakers, private enterprise, and industry stakeholders.

Understanding the Pandemic’s Impact on Hospital Supply Networks: How to do Better Next Time

Chirag Gangopadhyay

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

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021 severely disrupted hospital supply chains, exposing critical vulnerabilities in procurement, logistics, and operations. This research paper investigates the pandemic’s impact on hospital supply networks and proposes strategies to strengthen their resilience against future crises. Through a literature review and expert interview with a leader in the field, the study examines supply network diversity, the challenges of expiring supplies, and the importance of maintaining hospital safety standards. Supply network diversity is critical to reducing dependence on a small number of vendors, ensuring consistent access to essential medical supplies. Supply expiration and storage management present logistical challenges, as medical products have varying shelf lives that require strict monitoring to prevent waste. Hospital safety standards must be met for all supplies to ensure they are safe and effective for clinical use. Strengthening these areas through diversified sourcing, improved inventory control, and strict regulatory compliance is essential for building more resilient hospital supply chains. These findings aim to inform policymakers and healthcare administrators seeking to enhance hospital supply chain stability and safeguard patient care during future disruptions.

Session 1 - B
Economic and Social Dimensions of Corporate Social Responsibility

Analyzing Sentiment among Subgroups in Response to the SEC’s Proposed Climate Disclosure Rule

Henry Dao

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Michael Greis

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) promulgated a rule on climate-related disclosure in one of the largest changes to corporate disclosure reporting requirements in recent years. The final rule has been criticized widely, with environmentalists arguing the disclosures did not go far enough and critics believing the SEC exceeded its scope. Using sentiment analysis model and topic modeling, the work analyzes comments on the SEC’s rule during the proposal stage before finalization. Expanding on the existing literature, this work conducts a nuanced analysis of different stakeholder responses to the proposed rule. Stratifying comments into those from corporations, executives, affiliates, and NGOs, this analysis provides a closer look at the relevant organizations. Executives were found to be the most supportive, while affiliates were the most unsupportive. Corporations were generally supporters of the aims of the rule broadly, however, often had points of disagreement or concern with the proposed rule. NGOs were the most polarized group, with certain subsets of organizations heavily campaigning for each side.

Disaster, Crisis and Shock: A Meta-Analysis of Focusing Events in Public Policy

Siri Hollowitch

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Robert DeLeo

In 1984, John Kingdon introduced the idea of “focusing events” in the policy process. Thomas Birkland’s After Disaster provided a framework to systematically understand their role. Today, the idea of focusing events is present in virtually every major theory of policy change: focusing events are central to the Multiple Streams Framework, serve as exogenous shocks in the Advocacy Coalition Framework and triggers of policy punctuations in Punctuated Equilibrium Theory. Despite the concept’s proliferation, critics argue the term “focusing events'' has been applied inconsistently, often used to explain all crises rather than distinguishing between potential focusing events and those that meaningfully shape agendas. Adding complexity, the temporal nature of disasters has shifted in the last two decades. Unlike the short-duration events described by Birkland, recent crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic or climate change linger for weeks, months, or longer, creating dynamics that are considerably different from those seen in shorter crises. 

With this mind, this study examines the influence of focusing events in the policy process literature through a content analysis of empirical, peer-reviewed articles (N=800) from 2000 to 2024 that use the theory of focusing events and cite a foundational piece of literature (Birkland 1997 or Birkland 1998). We analyze how scholars use the concept to explain issue attention, problem framing, group mobilization, and agenda setting. Findings indicate that while focusing events are frequently referenced, consistent operational definitions and systematic application in both qualitative and quantitative analyses are lacking. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future studies.

The Impact of Test-Optional Policies on University Diversity, Student Satisfaction, and Academic Outcomes

Jack Watchmaker

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The adoption of SAT and ACT optional policies by United States Universities has become increasingly prevalent over the past few years, particularly following the 2020 pandemic. However, as the implementation of these policies continues to expand, questions are beginning to arise regarding their actual effectiveness in achieving educational goals such as enhancing diversity and student outcomes. To address these concerns, this study seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these policies’ true impact. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System that includes 100 unique universities as well as web scraping over 35,000 unique student reviews from 2014 to 2023, this paper quantitatively assesses the impact of test-optional admissions policies on institutional diversity, academic performance, and overall student satisfaction. The empirical estimations performed in this research paper were conducted using a variety of regression techniques, which yielded minimal evidence of any significant impact on student satisfaction, acceptance rates, or diversity. However, there is some evidence indicating a positive correlation between requiring standardized test scores and graduation rates. The findings from this study suggest that the implementation of test-optional policies as an isolated effort has had minimal effects on measurable outcomes.

Foreign Aid and Child Health in sub-Saharan Africa

Akshay Ramana

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Naveen Sunder

I examine the impact of foreign aid on child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on stunting as a key indicator. Using geocoded aid project data from six countries—Burundi, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda—matched with individual-level health data from Demographic and Health Surveys, I employ a quasi-experimental framework to analyze the causal effects of proximity to aid sites on childhood development. I find that children living within 10kms of an aid site are two percentage points significantly less likely to be stunted. The results suggest that foreign aid contributes positively to child health through a combination of direct interventions, such as healthcare services, and indirect channels, including improved household incomes. I also show that the results are robust to various treatment definitions that vary by geographic radii and temporal windows. Additional robustness checks confirm these results across varying levels of fixed effects and alternate treatment definitions. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of localized aid interventions and provide evidence for the broader applicability of aid’s positive impact on child health across sub-Saharan Africa. These findings are crucial for advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, hunger, and global health, especially in a political environment that is terminating assistance abroad.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt? The Geography of Injustice in the U.S. Legal System

Rebecca DePietro

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Susan Reardon

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. In this reality, wrongful convictions represent a significant portion of those incarcerated. Wrongful convictions are a failure within the U.S. criminal justice system, with certain communities being disproportionately impacted. This study examines the correlation between socioeconomic factors, geographical location, and wrongful conviction rates to understand how these factors shape legal outcomes. By analyzing data from exonerations, court records, and demographic statistics, this research explores the role of various factors that may or may not contribute towards a wrongful conviction. 

Specifically, the study examines how geographical differences in legal systems, prosecutorial discretion, and available resources impact wrongful conviction rates. Additionally, the research considers broader structural inequities, that may intersect with economic and regional disparities. 

By identifying key patterns of injustice, this study highlights systemic weaknesses that increase the risk of wrongful convictions. The findings contribute to discussions on criminal justice reform by proposing measures to improve legal representation, ensure greater equity in the justice system, and prevent future miscarriages of justice. By being able to highlight what can make the criminal justice system stronger, this research contributes to meaningful reforms that promote fairness, improve access to quality legal representation, and reduce the risk of wrongful convictions. Due to this research, a deeper understanding of the structural flaws in the legal system can inform policy recommendations to create a more fair and just legal process.
 

Session 1 - C
Historical and Contemporary Economic Dynamics

The Cultural, Societal, and Economic Impact of Names and Naming Systems in Medieval Europe

Brayden Sylvester

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Sung-eun Choi

Medieval Europeans used epithets as descriptive titles for Kings, Saints, and others holding notable positions in society. Epithets such as “the Great” or “the Conqueror” come to mind as attributions of grandeur or a momentous event in life. This capstone analyzes the origin and usage of such epithets and posits some unexplored hypotheses about naming practices in general. Dating back to the time of Homer, descriptive names were used to impart some cross-cultural understanding while achieving cadence during performances by poets. In any society throughout Western history, there was a stockage of names and a repository of knowledge whereby the “namer” would convey to an audience the point of such names, whether that be the listener of an oral recitation in ancient Greece or a medieval European court. While epithets became associated with a figure posthumously as well as when they were alive, epithets reveal the cultural values of heroism, valor, humility, and wisdom. Names were important also in legal matters and allowed people to justify the claims that they made while recalling the epithets that endowed them with credibility. While specifics on how each epithet came to be are not easy to find, each utterance demonstrated the depth of the language, the role played by names in political communications, and the nomenclature of leadership in Medieval Europe. Those who took on great names would be associated perpetually with great power and those who followed them would create a cultural lineage by participating in similar acts of greatness. These names situated individuals in enduring legends about society by which people identified their character, giving way to posterior reflections on the significance of names and naming practices.

Russia’s Arctic Energy Shift: The Bering Strait Challenge

Linus Endsjø

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Sean McDonald

Russia's Arctic energy policy has decisively shifted away from Europe toward Asia, driven by sanctions following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline. Cut off from European markets, financing, and technology, Russia is now turning to the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to ship its energy, reducing transit time to Asia from 36 to 15 days. The Arctic, home to 80% of Russia’s natural gas and 17% of its oil reserves, is therefore central to the country’s economic and strategic interests. China has emerged as a key partner, helping to fill gaps in capital and shipbuilding capacity while supporting Russia’s push to develop the NSR as a viable eastbound corridor. However, even if fully realized, the NSR faces a critical chokepoint at the Bering Strait, where rising U.S.-Russia tensions, legal ambiguities, and overlapping maritime claims pose strategic risks. This research examines the strategic and geopolitical constraints surrounding the Bering Strait and their implications for the NSR and Russia’s broader Arctic energy ambitions.

Emerging Businesses in Haiti. How the Private Domestic Sector Navigates the Current Socio-Economic Instabilities

Richca Pierre-Louis

Valente Center /Faculty Advisor: Andrew Ivey

Haiti is an island country in the Caribbean that has faced severe socio-economic challenges over the years because of corruption, insecurity, gang domination, and political and social instability. Being one of the poorest countries in the world that continues to degenerate because of the lack of emergency response, foreign intervention, education, and economic exploitation, Haiti’s private domestic sector is severely affected. This research investigates how Haitian businesses adapt their operations, strategies, and community engagement in response to the instability. This is done through a qualitative analysis where local business owners are interviewed and asked questions to understand the different decisions they had to make to keep functioning. Six Haitian entrepreneurs in different sectors were interviewed: a funeral home, a hospital, a shipping company, a hardware store, a law firm, and a water company. This diversity helps strengthen the research data as each businesses have different perspectives and ways of handling the political and social challenges. The research questions mainly focus on political unrest, supply chain disruptions, security concerns, and community relationships. The participants shared their motivations for starting and/or taking over their business, their educational background and how it helped them overcome some challenges, and their specific approaches when it came to ensuring the safety of their staff, clients, community, and infrastructures. The data reflects the answers of a selective group of businesses and focuses on the political social and economic challenges. This study emphasizes the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and resilience that Haitian entrepreneurs must have to succeed.

Ceramics, Merchants, and Capitalism

Ziyu (Bella) Liu

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Bee Andrews

This study explores the ceramics industry of the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) as a potential early example of industrial capitalism outside the Western world. Although the modern version of it was theorized by scholars such as Adam Smith and implemented during the industrial revolution, there could have been similar ideas in other civilizations. The Song government, despite being an absolute monarchy, promoted economic development to sustain tribute payments mandated by the Chanyuan Treaty of 1005. This resulted in significant innovations in manufacturing and production. 

The study first examines industrial capitalism, its definition and how it was implemented in the Western world. It dives into the concerns regarding free labor and the part that slave labor played in the growth of industrial capitalism. Following that, there is an exploration of the Song dynasty ceramics industry where it can be seen that private manufacturers innovated to meet domestic and international demand, while the state-run imperial kilns ensured quality and prestige, fostering a competitive yet state-influenced market. The shift from corvee labor to wage labor under Wang Anshi’s reforms further aligns with capitalist labor structures.  Additionally, the ceramics industry exhibited features of industrial capitalism, including labor specialization, efficient production processes, and market expansion. Even though the Song dynasty ceramics industry may not be a perfect example of industrial capitalism. Its technological advancements, labor organization, and economic policies demonstrate some alignment with capitalism. This suggests that capitalist principles were not exclusive to the West but emerged in diverse cultural and political contexts.

Session 2 - A
Market Movements

Biopharmaceutical Industry Reaction to the Inflation Reduction Act; Trends in R&D Spending, Equity Investments, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Licensing

Henry Dao

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

There has been intense speculation that the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) designed to reduce drug prices could disincentivize investment in pharmaceutical innovation and decimate the industry. A series of papers from the Center for Integration of Science and Industry modeled the potential impacts of drug price reductions on innovation, suggesting that the industry could strategically manage the anticipated revenue reductions without reducing either productivity or profit. This work analyzes the biopharmaceutical industry’s response to the IRA by examining R&D spending, equity investment, M&A, and licensing in the six quarters following passage of the IRA compared to the previous six quarters. We show R&D spending by large manufacturers, biotechnology equity offerings, and M&A of firms with products in development were all higher in the six quarters following the passage of the IRA than the previous six quarters, with a particularly significant increase in acquisitions of firms with product candidates in Phase 2 clinical trials. Our model suggests that large pharmaceutical manufacturers could effectively minimize the impact of the IRA by focusing R&D spending on products in late-stage development and increasing their acquisitions of products in development from biotechnology firms. This analysis suggests that companies are following that strategy. These results paint a picture of a robust and agile industry that continues to invest strategically in innovation following the passage of the IRA.

Modeling the Maturation of Biomedical Science as a Predictor of Value Creation and Risk in the Biotechnology Industry

Christian Savastano

Center for the Integration of Science and Industry/Faculty Advisor: Edward Zhou & Fred Ledley

Technology maturation classically follows an “S-curve” (logistic) pattern of exponential growth and deceleration. The Technology Innovation Maturation Evaluation (TIME) model applies this principle to biomedical science, modeling the maturation of basic research based on the accumulation of research publications identified by a PubMed search as an exponentiated, logistic curve. The point at which the technology is “established” (Te) is identified as the point of maximum deceleration. Previous research has shown that few new drugs are approved before research on the underlying biology (target) passes this established point, suggesting that technological maturation could be used to measure the risk and predict the success of clinical development projects and value creation by the biotechnology companies developing these products. This research involved updating the TIME model code for high-throughput analysis. This model is used to assess the maturity of technologies described in registration filings by biotechnology companies at IPO. Specifically, the analysis focuses on companies with IPOs from 1997-2018 that had no marketed products at IPO but had lead products in the initial stage of clinical development (phase 1). The TIME model is used to quantify the maturity of the target for these candidate products and analysis is performed to associate maturity with the success or failure of that product in development as well as short-term and long-term metrics of value creation by the company. This work will test the hypothesis that the TIME model could be used to better measure the risks of investment in biotechnology.

Healthcare Efficiency: A Longitudinal Analysis of Spending and Outcomes in OECD Countries

Alejandro Losada

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The United States spends around 17% of its GDP on healthcare, making it the highest healthcare spender among all high-income countries. Surprisingly, although this is the case, the United States ranks 32nd in terms of life expectancy, falling far behind other countries that spend much less capital on their healthcare systems. Even though there are various studies in the literature that study the relationship between healthcare spending and life expectancy, there seems to be no consensus on what are the factors that make a healthcare system effective. The present paper presents a study that provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis on how variation in healthcare spending—including private and public allocation—maps into variation in health outcomes across nations and over time. This research also provides evidence on the importance of understanding the macroeconomic state of a country and various factors, such as health behaviors, insurance systems, and healthcare supply-side factors, in explaining why some countries, such as the U.S., appear relatively “inefficient” in the relationship between spending and outcomes. Analyses are based on longitudinal data of all 38 OECD countries through an extended time period of 1960 to 2023. The results from these models are used to inform drivers of efficient vs. inefficient health care systems and derive a ranking of high-income countries in terms of this efficiency metric. This ranking is used to compare healthcare systems across countries and highlight the factors that have higher impacts on outcomes and present recommendations for countries to use the findings to increase their healthcare systems efficiency.

The Gig Economy and Income Inequality

Utsah Hemendra Thakur

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The dramatic expansion of the gig economy in the United States has led to a transition from traditional labor markets to a more flexible structure creating opportunities for alternate income sources. While the gig economy provides more work opportunities for low-skilled workers, there are also concerns about the role that it may play in contributing to income inequality. This research explores the spatio-temporal relationship between the participation of workers in the gig economy and income inequality. The study extracts individual-level data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Surveys (ACS) to compute consistent state-specific measures of participation in the gig economy and income inequality over the past two decades. Analyses are based on panel data methods, which account for various coinciding changes in national and state economic conditions over this time period in order to disentangle the plausibly causal role of the gig economy. This project provides some of the first empirical evidence on whether, and the extent to which, the explosive growth in the gig workforce has worsened or mitigated income inequality within the U.S.

Blue Horizon Motel Business Model Evaluation

Leah Theriault

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Monire Jalili

The Blue Horizon Motel is a family-run seasonal establishment that has been in business for 45 years. Despite its longstanding presence and loyal customer base, the motel has experienced declining occupancy rates in recent seasons. Operating six months of the year, the motel reported an average occupancy rate of 31.04% for the 2024 season. While occupancy peaked at 57.10% in August, it reached a low of 9.03% in May. These figures indicate a substantial loss in potential revenue. 

Upon analysis, the primary contributing factor appears to be the motel’s lack of technological advancement. The continued reliance on manual telephone reservations and paper-based performance tracking has hindered the business model, placing the motel at a competitive disadvantage compared to more modernized establishments in the area. 

As a recommended solution, the implementation of Cloudbeds, a cloud-based hospitality management system, is recommended. Implementation of this software will increase search engine optimization, redesign the company website, and provide real-time data on business performance and competitor insights. Adopting the new software is anticipated to increase the occupancy rate by 20% in its first year, and is a financially feasible option for the business. While current customers are satisfied with their experience staying at the motel, this will help attract new customers and make the reservation-making process more user-friendly.

Pricing Of American Stock Options

Emerson Mallis

Student Research Assistant/Faculty Advisor: Jackson Lautier

Extensive work has been done to accurately price American Options and define the implications of financial model outputs used in pricing of these derivatives. American Options have received significant attention over the past few decades, especially with the rise of quantitative finance and their high trade volumes. However, no known defined models exist that have been shown to consistently and accurately price American Options and tail risk. Our research presents a new model for pricing tail volatility and the underlying derivatives through multiple regimes switching simulation and examination of payouts throughout the simulation. Specific work has been undertaken to expand upon the tracking of model outputs and the interpretation of changing model outputs as realized (quoted) pricing changes based on financial market trading. Selected options chains were tracked across multiple weeks to observe the progression realized pricing comparative to our models’ outputs to examine the effectiveness of the pricing techniques and how our model reacted to changes in the underlying assets over time. Our analysis provides insight into how financial markets efficiently price financial derivatives with varying ranges of possible payouts and how extreme tail events are probabilistically incorporated into the pricing of complex financial derivatives.

Session 2 - B
Creative Expression

Rome Beyond the Postcard

Sabrina Cardaropoli

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Maik Stanitzke

My final project, Rome Beyond the Postcard, includes 37 edited photos in a slideshow format with captions under each image, giving the photo some context. This project depicts the effects of tourism in the city of Rome, Italy through the use of photography. All of the images display a common theme of the city being rundown past all the tourist glamor. The photographs range from places all over the city, showing the issues that tourists cause, both directly and indirectly. Some of these effects include vandalism, overcrowding, and the disrespect of historic and religious spaces. These different issues have also led to many negative effects for the environment, such as pollution and destruction of land. Seeing as photography is a medium heavily associated with tourism, I choose to display these effects through this use, flipping the original aspect of what draws people to take pictures when traveling. By showing these impacts this way, the viewer is able to grasp the residual effects caused by tourists that one would not normally see when traveling themselves. While studying abroad in Rome for the Spring of 2024, I was able to capture these images throughout my time there. Each week, I would go out with my camera, either to spots that tourists frequent or any other area of Rome that tourists usually do not see. This allowed me to obtain different perspectives of the city, showcasing how it looks from the point of view of someone living there. This also allowed me to get pictures from all over the city, not just the heavily tourist-populated areas. Each time I went out, I took around 600 RAW images that I would then sift through to choose 5 - 8 photos to edit. I then edited these images using Adobe Lightroom Classic this Fall Semester back at Bentley University. The images I present show realistic scenes that anyone can see when visiting Rome, but through the lens of someone who was living there and could see through the tourist charm.

Death by a Thousand Phrases

Emily Racz

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Kristin Sorensen

My goal with this Capstone Creative Project was to foster interest and collaboration in phrases, idioms, and expressions that are an important part of how humans speak to one another to get points across, make comparisons, or connect at different levels. The content of the website is mostly from research that I have been conducting to find out more information about how and which phrases are used as a part of everyday speaking. I started this project by gathering information on how we use phrases in our everyday communication and how phrases develop and change throughout the years. Once I had the base of knowledge on the topic of phrases, I began exploring different mediums to present them. Finding the best way to show my work and the list of phrases is the most monumental part of this project. My work is presented on a website for anyone to view or interact with. Additionally, the crown jewel of the project is “The List” of phrases that I have been creating and adding to over many years. I have included a submission form on the site for visitors to add their own favorite phrases. Adding this level of interaction with my project was a breakthrough in my creation of the website, as collaboration and input from others have been paramount to this project from the beginning. My hope is that the website stays active with additions and visitors who value phrases, idioms, and expressions just as I do.

Framed Memories: A Love Letter to Rediscovering Hobbies

Clara Williams

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Maike Stanitzke

Framed Memories: A Love Letter to Rediscovering Hobbies is a collection of 3 mixed-media paintings created with watercolor and colored pencils that recreates reference photos of joyful memories from the artist’s recent life. Unifying the collection is a window as the center of each painting, symbolizing the reflection which forms the basis of the project.

The project is situated within the context of modern hustle culture and its impacts on the intrinsic joy derived from hobbies. Hustle culture preaches that monetization is the only acceptable use of spare time, thereby pressuring hobbyists to escalate their hobbies into a profitable side hustle or to quit the hobby altogether in order to free up time for financial endeavors. The purpose of this collection is to provide the artist with the opportunity to reconnect with her lost hobby, as she drifted away from creating art as she grew older and felt the pressure to pursue the financial endeavors that hustle culture preaches. 

This project seeks to connect with the creative process in a way that prioritizes the intrinsic joy the artist receives from making art that prioritizes her preferences and opinions. In turn, this ignores the possible monetization of the creative process and decenters the extrinsic value that outside parties may derive from it. Upon completion, the artist reflects on her creative journey to evaluate if she centered the intrinsic benefits of hobbyism over the extrinsic benefits.

Ultimately, the act of making art created peace and enjoyment as it replaced less fulfilling uses of free time, such as social media, without functioning as an additional academic or work responsibility. Furthermore, the completion of a piece offered a sense of pride and accomplishment, as the artist was happy with their final work as well as the growth in technique that they developed throughout the creative process. While the artistic journey faced challenges relating to time-constraints and motivation, the artist ultimately enjoyed the experience and expressed a desire to continue creating art after the project’s conclusion.

The reference photo criteria required a prominent window and to be representative of a moment of happiness or interest. Photos were recreated by sketching with mechanical and colored pencils on mounted cotton paper. Watercolors were then applied using sequential layers to build color. Then, colored pencils were used to add outlines, details, and shading. Afterwards, the artist removed the paper from the board which finalized the painting. The entire process took a minimum of 15 hours, though could require more depending on the complexity of the reference photo.

The Fallacy of “Crimmigation”

Jaden Hecht

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Alison Guzman

After taking a course on Hispanic Immigration, my understanding of immigration in the US changed drastically. I was inspired to create a painting to symbolize how prominent US politicians convince the American public that immigrants are one of the main causes of crime in the US. As someone who always had a strong respect for artwork, I thought it would be an opportunity to illustrate a new perspective on a controversial topic. This artwork intends to help people understand that there are two sides to the story, and that the rhetoric these politicians are conveying to the American public creates discrimination, stereotypes, and hatred, not just towards undocumented immigrants, but also general migrant populations. I researched articles, journals, and studies on the false relationship between immigration and crime, the different ways immigrants were portrayed through media as criminals, and the history of actions and rhetoric that politicians have spewed against this population. I explored the myths that most Americans have crafted around Hispanic immigrants and undocumented immigration, and its relationship to crime. I gathered reliable statistics contradicting such myths to prove the fractured perspective that the American public and media has on the relationship between immigration and crime at the border wall. I focused on the specific rhetoric that politicians like Trump use against immigrants. Lastly, I researched particularly unethical and irrational actions that other politicians, such as Greg Abbott and Ron Desantis, have taken to deter immigration. All of this research is culminated in the artwork that I painted.

Overflow: A Voyage through Animation and Synthesis

Hanatha Konte

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth LeDoux

For my culminating project, I set out to create an animated short film that merges my academic learnings with a personal reflection on creativity. While I have always valued creativity, I often gravitate toward analysis rather than creation. By creating this short film, I sought to highlight the power of animation as a medium that transcends traditional storytelling, showcasing its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in ways that written or live-action media cannot. Animation has shaped my perspectives since childhood, evolving in meaning as I matured. Its abstract nature and attention to detail deepened my connection to storytelling. Throughout this production process, I explored various modes of expression that reflect animation’s abstractness, including color, writing, and music. This project challenged me to step into the role of a creator and produce something meaningful, paying tribute to the impact animation has had on my life, as well as the foundation my media knowledge has provided me up to this point. The experience tested my ability to communicate through various creative methods while reinforcing how animation’s elements are interconnected. Ultimately, it connected my analytical mindset with creative execution, helping me to develop a deeper appreciation for storytelling, patience, and artistic commitment.

Business as Usual, Play as Exception

Jacob Palhares

Honors Program/Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Brian Wilson

In my presentation, I will be discussing the images I’ve created to highlight a prevalent issue of corporate burnout in modern society. The overall goal of this project was to present a collection of photos that illustrate and help to promote discussion about this topic.

In an era where technology blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, the concept of "corporate burnout" has emerged as a reflection of the modern professional experience. My project aims to use photography to explore the growing difficulty of disconnecting from one's professional identity, even in spaces traditionally reserved for personal expression and leisure. By capturing individuals engaging in their passions (such as snowboarding, playing basketball, or other hobbies) while dressed in formal business attire, the images visualize the tension between professional obligations and personal fulfillment. With each image building on the themes of the others expanding and growing the awareness of “corporate burnout” in a society with an ever expanding set of technologies.

Even if you have never formally heard the term “corporate burnout,” I think everyone at one point or another in their professional life has found the boundary between work and home blurred. Whether it is checking emails from your phone while you lay on the couch or find yourself sitting in your “work from home” space a little later than your shift entails, it is becoming increasingly harder to tell both yourself and your employer that it is time to take a step away from work and enjoy the finer things in life. With the introduction of newer and newer technologies, there is an ever growing expectation by the corporate world that these new gadgets mean you can now work from anywhere, at any time. This project looks to raise awareness for when these situations arise and feel comfortable sitting work aside to do something you find enjoyable or relaxing, whatever it may be.

Session 2 - C
First Gen Presidential Fellows: Signature Work
 

Driving Positive Change: Exploring Sustainable Development Goals Through Education and Experience

Bryan Bravo & Kendrick Agyapong

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

Our research project will explore three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduce Inequalities. We will examine each of these goals by explaining how we have seen them in action through internships and study abroad experiences, as well as extra-curriculars and relevant coursework. 

We will highlight key classes such as Energy Alternatives with Zana Cranmer, as well as other classes such as Contemporary Economic Policies and Environmental Science and Sustainability. Through our research, we aim to answer the question: “How can business, organizations and/or individuals be a force for positive change in the world?” Additionally, we will address the question: “How can Bentley improve on the sustainable development goals you have discussed?”. 

Our project will also include our final reflections on our Bentley experience and education, the impact it has had on us, and how it shaped our post-graduation plans. As we reflect on our Bentley education, we’ve learned that being a force for positive change begins with the mindset of an individual, understanding that there’s a responsibility in making the world a better place for oneself and their community. We also understand the importance of being a part of an organization/business that aligns with the larger goal and responsibility of creating a positive impact. It’s on us as the individuals, but also as a unit or team, to have greater chances of creating a change that reshapes the future. Ultimately, our Bentley experience has taught us that progress toward a better future starts with personal accountability and collaborative efforts.

Doing the Most

Abigail Shugert & Edgar Campos

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

Navigating college as first-generation students is both a challenge and an opportunity. Throughout our time at Bentley University, we embraced leadership, research, global experiences, and service—tying our journey to four key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4), Affordable & Clean Energy (SDG 7), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities & Communities (SDG 11).

This presentation highlights how our diverse involvements—from student leadership to academic research—connected to these global goals. Through roles as Mosaic Ambassadors and Orientation Leaders, we worked to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) and support first-gen and underrepresented students. Our experiences studying and interning abroad expanded our perspectives on sustainable cities (SDG 11) and quality education (SDG 4). Additionally, research on electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy initiatives strengthened our understanding of affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and its role in shaping the future.

From leading student organizations like FPF and PCI eBoards to attending the Denver Conference and conducting research, we’ve explored how involvement can drive both personal growth and global impact. Through moments of leadership and learning, we hope to inspire others to integrate their passions with meaningful action.

Join us as we reflect on our journey—celebrating our wins, laughing at our missteps, and proving that first-gen students can make a lasting impact both on campus and beyond.

Civic Roots on Sustainability

Daelle Guirand & Joann Ramirez

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

Habitat for Humanity plays a role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by addressing Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). The organization provides affordable housing to low-income families, focusing on supporting equal access to housing for all regardless of background, gender, or economic status. All homes are energy-efficient using sustainable materials that meet LEED and Passive House standards which helps in reducing their environmental impact. They include features like Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency boilers, and solar panels to keep utility costs low for homeowners. My volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity at Bentley University has deepened my understanding of the housing crisis and environmental responsibility but also the importance of inclusive development. 

While Habitat for Humanity highlights the role of nonprofit organizations in addressing sustainability and inequality, Japan offers a cultural example of how community values can similarly promote the Sustainable Development Goals. Japan is a country where cleanliness is a shared standard, rooted in cultural values and mutual respect. From a young age, children a taught the importance of maintaining clean environments by cleaning their schools through a practice called “souji no jikan” (cleaning time). During my time in Japan, I visited Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, three major cities with different aesthetics and cultural vibes. Yet, one thing they all had in common was the noticeable lack of public trash bins. However, the cities remained clean. This is due to a societal norm where cleanliness is viewed as a personal and collective responsibility, so people take their trash home. Japan’s approach reflects Sustainable Development Goal 11 by promoting sustainable cities through community action and SDG 12 by encouraging responsible consumption and waste management through everyday behavior. Together, these examples demonstrate how both organizational initiatives and cultural values can advance global sustainability goals. Whether through sustainable construction practices or everyday civic behavior. 

Shaping Tomorrow, One Community at a Time

Erica Estrella, Zoe Ragland-Haines & Nereyda Betances

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

This project showcases our contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various community service initiatives. Through student-led trips, leadership roles, and internships, we had the opportunity to drive impact in local communities to help advance global sustainability targets. Our initiatives were inspired by taking NAS 344 with Professor Cramer, where we gained a foundational understanding of sustainability. This course provided us with insights into the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, shaping our approach to real-world challenges. Building on this knowledge, we applied these principles through hands-on initiatives such as: 

Environmental Conservation: Students have organized and participated in trash cleanups, volunteering opportunities and sustainability projects, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Health and Wellness: We helped coordinate free events for community members to interact and obtain important necessities for school and home, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality). 

Social Justice: We have participated in social justice campaigns and trips, addressing issues related to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). 

Quality Education: We have partnered with local centers to help enhance tutoring and mentorship programs fostering academic excellence among students of all ages, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). 

By aligning our efforts with the SDGs, we were given the opportunity to demonstrate our understanding of global challenges and our ability to address them. The project serves as an indication of the impact of student-led initiatives to allow for sustainable development and community engagement.

Why Representation Matters in Business?

John Felipe & Kiona Johnson

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

This presentation explores the intersection of representation in business with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 13 (Climate Action), drawing from our diverse experiences at Bentley University. As a corporate finance and accounting major with a tax accounting internship and involvement in PRIDE, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of inclusive economic growth. My partner's experiences as a Social Justice Intern for Bentley's Office of Sustainability, a Princeton University PPIA Fellow, and a member of the Green Revolving Fund have provided us with valuable insights into sustainable practices and policy making. Together, we demonstrate how representation in business can drive both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Our Bentley education, combining classroom learning with real world applications, has equipped us to address these global challenges. We argue that diverse representation in decision making roles is crucial for developing innovative solutions that balance economic growth with climate action. By fostering inclusive work environments and promoting sustainable business practices, companies can contribute significantly to both SDGs. Our experiences highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into business education and practice, preparing future leaders to tackle complex global issues. This presentation synthesizes our academic knowledge, practical experiences, and research to illustrate how representation in business is fundamental to achieving sustainable development and combating climate change.

Expanding Perspectives: The Role of Cultural Exposure in Driving Positive Change

Chris Dominguez & Avery Perry

FPF/Faculty Advisor: Jane Griffin and Isa Beltre

In a world that is seemingly becoming more divided, society has lost its appreciation for cultural exposure and its power. One of the most effective ways to drive positive change is to explore different cultures and global perspectives. Immersing in diverse communities and experiencing new ideologies, both individuals and organizations can develop new processes and ways of thinking. 

Our research is tying in three sustainable development goals, which are quality education, responsible consumption and production, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. By integrating anecdotal travel lessons along with individual peer research, we will tackle the prompt at hand. Personal experiences will illustrate how different cultures expanded our way of thinking about different societal problems. Peer reviewed research will provide empirical data that proves how diverse cultural exposure benefits businesses, organizations, and individuals. 

Chris and Avery will use their different backgrounds, experiences, and interpretations to give a solution to the global problem raised. They have traveled together as well as separately, which has expanded their global exposure in a unique way. For example, Avery traveled to Southeast Asia at the same time that Chris traveled to Central America. This allowed Avery to share practices and traditions from the Eastern Hemisphere, meanwhile Chris was able to share his experience of visiting where not only two oceans connect but where two continents connect. Exposing themselves into two completely different societies allowed them to not only gain the consciousness of inclusive education but also allowed them to share it with each other and peer.

Session 1 - D
Threads of Innovation

NFTs and Blockchain Technology’s Potential Impacts on the Ticket-Buying Process

Grace McFerran

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Tyler Williams

NFTs and blockchain technology provide many benefits, two of which are authenticity and transparency. Given the benefits of NFTs and blockchain technology, purchasers of online concert tickets could see potential benefits if the current ticket purchasing system were to move to an NFT based ticket purchasing system. The current ticket purchasing system has many flaws such as fraudulent tickets, ticket scalpers, and intermediaries that artificially increase the price of concert tickets. Previous literature indicates that people’s trust in blockchain technology and NFTs is a barrier to the successful implementation of NFT based systems. In this study, I investigate whether purchasers of online concert tickets would accept/trust an NFT based ticket purchasing system in place of the current ticket purchasing process which involves intermediaries. First, I examine whether a potential purchaser’s decision to purchase a ticket would be impacted by the presence of intermediaries and/or the use of the NFT based ticket purchasing system. Secondly, I investigate how familiarity with NFTs and blockchain technology and how familiarity with the current ticket purchasing system impacts the implementation of the NFT based ticket purchasing system. The results of my study indicate that familiarity with the current ticket purchasing process as well as familiarity with NFTs and blockchain technology would help the implementation of an NFT based ticket purchasing system. Additionally, the result of my study indicates that skepticism and lack of trust in NFTs and blockchain technology are impeding the implementation of an NFT based concert ticket purchasing system. Overall, these results contribute to the literature by gathering survey results which emphasize the need for trust in NFTs and blockchain technology for successful implementation of systems that utilize this technology to occur.

Making a RAG Doll

Jonathan Poppo

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Lincoln Matra

All IT departments have two main functions: establishing new information systems and supporting existing ones. Bentley University’s IT department is no different. A lot of resources go into tech support and assisting less technologically inclined users, and it can get terribly busy at times. Many clients do need assistance directly from the IT staff for equipment loans and other services offered. However, often there are clients who have very surface level questions that the client could be merely guided to resolve on their own. Many organizations have employed an AI practice called retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to combat that issue. The foundation of RAG is an existing large language model (LLM). A good example of an LLM would be Chat GPT; it’s just an algorithm you can have a conversation with. Then the model is augmented by giving it new documents to reference. In the following conversations with the LLM, it would have new knowledge to draw upon if the topic were to come up. This creative project aims to explore how well RAG technology could be used at Bentley University through a series of interviews with key players and the creation and testing of a proof of concept.

AI in Optometry

Valeria Escamilla

Health Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Danielle Hartigan

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optometry is revolutionizing the diagnosis and prevention of refractive errors, offering new avenues for improving patient care and clinical efficiency. This paper explores the evolution and application of AI in refractive error detection and treatment, analyzing relevant studies to assess the technology’s accuracy and practical implementation in optometric settings. By evaluating industry trends and innovations from leading AI-driven healthcare companies, this research presents a forward-looking perspective on AI’s role in shaping the future of optometric care. A key component of this study involves gathering patient perceptions through surveys to understand their attitudes toward AI-assisted eye exams, its perceived reliability, and its influence on trust in optometric diagnostics. These insights will help evaluate the acceptability of AI in clinical practice and highlight potential barriers to its widespread adoption. Additionally, the paper will explore ethical and regulatory considerations, addressing concerns related to data security, practitioner oversight, and the balance between AI and human expertise. By synthesizing technological advancements, patient perspectives, and industry trends, this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of AI’s current applications and its future trajectory in optometry. The findings will offer valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of AI adoption, guiding eye care professionals in optimizing AI integration while maintaining high standards of patient-centered care.

AI in Digital Healthcare Whitepaper

James Maniaci, Neha Bhootra & Valeria Escamilla

Center for Health and Business / Faculty Advisor: Joanna Brownstein

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enhancing clinical decision-making, optimizing operational workflows, and improving patient outcomes. Over the past two months, this study has identified AI-driven healthcare companies and assessed them using the Healthcare Technology Adoption Hierarchy. This framework, which evaluates organizations across five levels: Market Readiness, Operational Readiness, Product-Market Fit, Competition & Budgeting, and Sustainability & Profitability, has provided a structured approach to analyzing AI adoption challenges and opportunities. The next phase of this research focuses on engaging directly with industry executives and healthcare leaders to gain deeper insights into the real-world challenges and strategies surrounding AI adoption. Over the next six weeks, outreach efforts will be directed toward securing interviews with key decision-makers while also distributing a survey to collect quantitative data. These engagements will enhance the understanding of AI adoption barriers and inform strategies for overcoming them. By integrating these qualitative and quantitative insights, this study will look to make use of the adoption hierarchy framework and provide a comprehensive analysis of AI implementation in healthcare. The goal is to offer a clearer roadmap for AI-driven companies navigating regulatory, financial, and operational hurdles while exploring pathways to improved patient care.

Session 1 - E
Ecosphere Innovation

Residential Solar Adoption

Edgar Campos

Honors Program; Liberal Studies Major; First Gen Presidential Fellows /Faculty Advisor: Zana Cranmer

Understanding solar adoption is integral to the plans laid out in the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030. The commonwealth states that residential solar adoption needs to skyrocket to reach their decarbonization goals. With the nature of private rooftop solar panels, a widespread dataset that can highlight where we see higher adoption is not yet available. Current methods for obtaining this data include manual counts of rooftops, which can be tedious and unreliable. With the rise in popularity of machine learning in recent years, this research aims at applying a computer vision model to this task, which could be more efficient and reliable.

Classifying Coral Reef Health Utilizing Transfer Learning

Jesus Bautista

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Stoner

Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. Amongst their functions, they support marine biodiversity, protect coastlines, and sustain the livelihood of millions through fishing and tourism. Unfortunately, coral reefs are increasingly affected by threats such as climate change, pollution and ocean acidification. These stressors may result in coral bleaching, a process through which coral reefs expel the algae responsible for their color and survival. Identifying reef conditions, specifically bleaching, is crucial to pinpoint areas that require the most pressing adaptive conservation management. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian—a catastrophic 5 hurricane, hit the northern Bahamas, specifically Abaco Island, Bahamas. During a field-intensive course experience to Abaco Island, we learned about the destruction that Hurricane Dorian inflicted on coral reefs, with a concomitant loss of services to coastal communities. While scientists on Abaco Island work to identify areas of coral reef bleaching and coral loss, a number of logistical, political, and economic barriers to doing conservation research exist. As such, in this project, I worked to develop a machine-learning tool to identify whether coral reefs are healthy, or bleached. Advancements in machine learning offer promising solutions to overcome barriers to conservation initiatives, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS) where access to conservation resources may be limited. Using an extensive dataset of underwater images, the study looks at the benefits of transfer learning models to enhance accuracy and reduce the resources required for coral reef monitoring. Ultimately, the findings of this paper aim to contribute to future coral reef research and the ability of machine learning to support environmental conservation initiatives. A dedicated web application showcases the model’s capabilities to facilitate researcher fieldwork.

Beyond Emissions: Investigating the Relationship Between Internal Carbon Pricing and Carbon Productivity

Claire Ewen

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave & Ryan Bouldin

This research explores the relationship between internal carbon pricing (ICP) and corporate carbon productivity, a metric that reflects the economic value generated per unit of carbon emissions. ICP, a voluntary market-based mechanism, assigns a monetary value to greenhouse gas emissions and is increasingly used by firms to quantify climate risks, guide capital investment decisions, and support low carbon innovation. Literature on the topic identifies various approaches of implementing ICP, including shadow pricing, internal carbon fees, and implicit pricing, all of which aim to improve transparency and integrate emissions management into business strategy. Firms adopt ICP strategies for several reasons, most commonly to establish legitimacy and meet stakeholder expectations regarding environmental performance. Evidence shows that firms using ICP experience significant emissions reductions, particularly in high emission and capital-intensive sectors. Moreover, ICP fosters research and development, resulting in cleaner technologies and greater operational efficiency without compromising firm profitability, trade, or employment. Studies also find that companies in countries with national carbon pricing policies are more likely to adopt ICP and set higher internal carbon prices. This suggests a link between public policy and private sector climate action. This study investigates how ICP enhances not just environmental outcomes but also economic efficiency. By examining carbon productivity, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of ICP’s role in supporting corporate sustainability and competitiveness in a carbon-constrained global economy.

The Political Landscape of Vertical Farming in Urban Markets

M. Joseph DiSalvo

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: William Wiggins

This research paper analyzes the current policy landscape of vertical farming (VF), the process of horizontally growing crops without soil to maximize space and yield, and its integration into the agricultural industry, specifically in urban markets. As demand for a strong and stable food supply grows with rising populations, finding efficient and sustainable methods to reduce resource consumption and food insecurity in our major cities is critical to sustainable development. This research looks primarily through the lens of the city of Boston. It examines an array of factors potentially influencing the implementation of this technology, such as municipal zoning laws, State and Federal programs, subsidies, incentives, and more, to see what can be done and needs to be done to adequately support the integration of vertical farms into Boston’s ecosystem. Feasibility studies of vertical farming are relied on as a foundation for the effectiveness of this technology in different markets. The policy analysis framework that is used to evaluate these policy factors is Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA). While a traditional BCA framework primarily focuses on economic factors because this is a sustainability-focused analysis, social and environmental factors are also heavily considered. This analysis is then used to recommend how to alter or cut current programs and policies and potential new actions that may need to be made. This paper argues that, specifically in the Boston market, while city zoning laws are sufficient to support both commercial VF practices from a state and federal perspective, apportioning a set percentage of agricultural subsidies and implementing clear and stringent food safety standards for VF is essential for the long-term development of this technology as a large scale food production solution for cities such as Boston.
 

Electric Vehicles: The Future of Transportation or a Forgotten Failure?

Cameron Krinsky

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Laura Young

Cars are at a pivotal and unprecedented crossroads in society. Despite vehicles being more reliable and dependable than ever, there is also a paradigm shift which throws into question what a car is and can be, particularly in terms of the energy that powers them. This study seeks to gain an improved understanding of two primary research questions: “What are the alternative sources of power for personal transportation and are they viable from social, economic, and environmental perspectives?” and “What are the measurable externalities of mass electric vehicle production upon society?” To do so, this research has utilized a variety of strategies such as analysis of secondary research, statistical modelling which aims to provide a quantitative understanding of the societal effects of mass EV adoption, and an independently conducted interview from an accredited sustainability professional. These research efforts have produced observations of strong statistical correlations between increases in EV sales and costs of electricity and between urban density and the quantity of EV charging stations (the latter as a means of deducing the feasibility of widespread EV infrastructure). We also gained insight into the negative social externalities brought about by EV production, particularly in terms of tailing contamination and excessive electricity grid strain, and the international economic risks posed from foreign advantages in Lithium refinement and production. Our analysis of which has appeared to materialize in the months following the completion of the research with Chinese EV manufacturers increasingly taking away market share from legacy automakers.

Session 1 - F
Video Presentations

Exploring Ethical Issues in the Franchise Industry

Tal Prottas

Valente Center /Faculty Advisor: Jason Megill

Franchise ethics is an underexplored area of ethics, with limited academic discussion over the past thirty-five years. This paper identifies and examines ethical issues related to business franchises, with a focus on the relationship between the franchisee and franchisor. Drawing on the works of Buddha, Jewish texts, Kant, Plato, and a variety of ethical perspectives, this research discusses and evaluates issues in franchising. Jewish law is clear when it comes to fair pricing and honest business practices, helping create a framework for ethical franchise agreements. Interviews with (prospective) franchisees, franchisors, and students interested in franchising helped identify several ethical issues in franchising, including a lack of pricing and fee transparency, misleading communication, and general policy discrepancies. This research also evaluates the opportunity, stability, and flexibility offered to franchisees. Readers will come away with a greater understanding of franchising as a career option and relevant ethical considerations. The paper concludes by suggesting solutions for ethical concerns and highlighting existing ethical strengths within the franchise industry.

The Effects of Tokenism on Women in Organizations: A Systematic Review

Emiliana Restrepo

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Amanda Sargent

Even as diversity, equity, and inclusion increase in popularity, the efforts aimed towards it often remain superficial and insufficient. Solutions that address unequal opportunities for women can make women a token rather than resolve systematic barriers. There is research that shows why solutions make women tokens but less is known about the impacts of tokenism in work-related contexts for women, specifically. This opens the question: what are the effects of tokenism on women in organizations? It is fundamental to understand the consequences so developing interventions to counteract tokenism can improve in the future. Currently, a systematic review of these effects has not been conducted. To address this gap, I undertook a systematic review of the literature on the effects of tokenism on women in organizations, with the expected contribution of this review being to close the knowledge gap around the impacts of tokenism on women at work. Evidence was examined and investigated by extracting and analyzing both published and unpublished research from online databases and a forward search of Moss-Kanter’s seminal essay on tokenism. Through this process, the work-related impacts of tokenism on women were synthesized to provide a comprehensive understanding of how tokenism manifests in organizational settings. In addition, the review identifies key knowledge gaps in the existing literature and offers recommendations for future research to further explore and address the complex experiences of tokenized women in the workplace.

Taking Her Word For It: Epistemic Injustice in the Media

Janhavi Maniar

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Arianna Falbo

The media is a powerful tool in shaping public perception, yet it frequently reinforces systemic biases that marginalize women’s voices. Coined by Miranda Fricker, epistemic injustice occurs when an individual is denied credibility due to societal biases, limiting their ability to contribute to collective knowledge. This research explores how media representation, algorithmic bias, and real-world implications uphold epistemic injustice against women. Through an analysis of news coverage, digital media algorithms, and case studies, this study reveals patterns that demonstrate how women, especially women of color, are systematically misrepresented. Biased media narratives often reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, portraying women as emotional, untrustworthy, or defined by their physical appearances rather than their expertise and authority. Additionally, algorithmic bias in search engines and social media platforms further amplifies these distortions, by prioritizing profitable content, leading to the creation of echo chambers which limit and influence public perception. High-profile cases, such as the Hillary Clinton’s election coverage in 2016, the #MeToo movement, and the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial, highlight how media-driven biases shape credibility judgments and discourage survivors from speaking out. This research highlights the consequences of epistemic injustice, such as discouraging survivors from speaking out, shaping public opinion through biased media coverage, and limiting women’s influence in political and professional spheres. Addressing these injustices requires media accountability, diverse representation in journalism and technology, and media literacy among individuals. By challenging biased narratives, society can move toward a more equitable and truthful media environment that amplifies rather than silences women’s voices.
 

Session 2 - D
Crisis and Influence

Real Estate Bubble During the Great Financial Crisis

Yinghong Gao

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: David Gulley

My capstone project explores the U.S. housing bubble that triggered the 2008 financial crisis, with a focus on its formation, magnitude, and overall impact. I examined multiple papers that discussed housing bubbles extensively, but none provided a single numeric value to define the size of a bubble, which is different from my approach. I define the housing bubble as the discrepancy between actual house prices and fair value of the house, which is calculated through median household earnings and traditional standards of lending. By this definition, the study calculates the size of the housing bubble between 2002 and 2015 and identifies the most important contributing factors, including housing stock, new construction, volume of mortgages, and securitization. A regression model is developed based on those factors to examine the strength of the connections between the variables and the price bubble. Further, the paper explains how certain markets were more susceptible to price volatility from regulatory constraints on housing stocks. I chose Florida and California as mini case studies—two of the most volatile housing market states—to examine how speculation, low-cost credit, construction lags, and exclusionary land use controls amplified price volatility. The housing bubbles in Florida and California followed the same general timeline as the national bubble, with prices rising sharply in the early 2000s and collapsing around 2007–2008. By comparing regional trends with national patterns, this study offers deeper insight into how local factors contribute to the broader housing crisis. The paper concludes with implications for policymakers, stressing the importance of monitoring affordability indicators, credit conditions, and housing supply factors to identify future risks and prevent similar systemic collapses.

Does Money Win Elections?

Max Provencher

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Maricruz Osorio

How does campaign financing impact the electoral success of candidates in the most competitive U.S. House races during the 2024 election cycle? Existing research has explored the influence of incumbency, donor behavior, and PAC contributions on electoral outcomes—as well as broader dimensions of money in politics, such as contribution limits, donor demographics, and resource allocation—this study adds to our understanding of the fundamental question: Does more money in a candidate’s bank account translate to success at the ballot box? Analyzing 29 of the most competitive U.S. House races, we assess the impact of key financial factors, including candidate committee fundraising, independent expenditures, incumbency status, primary challenger status, small-dollar donation share, in-state fundraising percentage, and fundraising advantage per capita. Our findings suggest that money’s role in shaping highly competitive races is marginal, though not statistically significant in this study.

Supply-Side Impacts of Migration on the Peruvian Education System

Abigail Hunsinger

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave & Maria Adelaida Martinez Cabrera

In the last decade, global political and climate instability has caused a dramatic increase in the international migrant and refugee populations. This migrant surge has had far-reaching economic effects on both native and migrant populations. In South America, there has been a substantial influx of Venezuelan migrants into Peru, with a significant portion of the migrants being school-age children. As documented in the literature on migration and education markets, a migration shock of this magnitude has profound impacts on the education system of the recipient country, as well as the educational outcomes of incumbent students. Analyzing the demand-side effects reveals that this influx of Venezuelan migrants causes native flight, in which native parents move their children from schools with higher concentrations of migrants to higher-quality schools with lower migrant concentrations. Moreover, the presence of Venezuelan migrant children is shown to negatively influence incumbent students’ performance in the subjects of language and math. Given these demand-side impacts, this paper explores the supply-side consequences of the migration shock. Specifically, this project leverages school-level data from 2014-2019 to identify responsive changes in school prices (tuition and admission fees) and capacity (enrollment). The analyses are based on both a reduced form approach and an instrumental variables strategy to account for endogeneity in the supply-side responses due to reverse causality and other confounding factors. The results from this project highlight how migration shocks impact school decisions regarding competition and influence human capital investments, as well as isolate the potential mechanisms underlying these changes.

Non-Territorial Autonomy and Potential Applications in Modern Civil Conflicts

Brendan Haas

Honors Program, Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

Whether by consuming news media, opening social media, or just interacting with others, it seems that we cannot escape stories of division, violence, and hatred, and this situation we find ourselves in does not appear to be getting any better. With around a quarter of the world’s countries experiencing some form of “hot” civil conflict in 2024, and those that weren’t still facing ever-increasing polarization and political strife, it seems the world is yearning for a new way forward. Enter Non-Territorial Autonomy (NTA). An overarching category of political philosophy, NTA describes systems of governance made up of governments that are not bound to a specific geographic location. Because a system built around NTA allow for multiple governments to exist, and sometimes even compete, within the same geographic area, hypothetically, should it be implemented, the opposing political ideologies of these countries with dramatic political turmoil would be allowed to coexist, with supporters of each being allowed to subscribe to that government. Essentially, NTA would extend the right of self-determination to the individual, or the smallest groups possible, regardless of how a neighbor may self-determine. Of course, the real world is messier than theory, and NTA would not automatically solve many of the deep-seeded issues that have led to these conflicts, however there is an incredible value in exploring the concept as a potential remedy for the world’s polarization. As part of my research, I examine the history of NTA theory, develop preconditions for its implementation, and apply those to evaluate whether NTA may be feasible in countries undergoing civil conflict: Myanmar, Cameroon, and Columbia.

Inflation, GDP, Trade: The Role Tariffs Play in Economies Around the World 

Owen Hegarty

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The modern world has been recently disrupted by tariff announcements from the United States and the Administration of President Trump. With large, announced tariff hikes on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, the economies of most countries in the world have been deeply impacted. Retaliatory tariffs were put in place, trade agreements were made, and trade disagreements were made in response to the aggressive trading agenda the United States has begun. With increased cross-national ties and economic interdependence from globalization, shocks to international trade can potentially cause enormous disruptions across markets and have spillovers on labor markets, prices, and economic growth. 
 This global turmoil has been visible before when the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was signed into law by President Herbert Hoover in 1930, amid the impending Great Depression. Imports into the United States faced a 20% tariff rate causing higher prices for consumers in the United States, with many turning to buying domestically produced goods. With trading partners of the United States facing less income from exports, retaliatory tariffs were placed, pushing the United States further into a depression as exports from the United States were too expensive for foreign consumers to purchase.   
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of higher tariff rates on exports and imports, prices, and economic growth.  Analyses are based on a diverse set of 20 countries, across the spectrum of development, spanning over three decades, and leverage panel data methods to account for unobservable country-specific factors and global economic shocks. These results have implications for understanding the broader economic effects of tariffs on the imposing nation and are important inputs toward assessing the net welfare effects of protectionist policies in today’s interdependent global economy. 

Will it take a Disaster to Address the Problems in the Agriculture Industry

Grace Gustafson

Global Studies Department/Faculty Advisor: Robert DeLeo

This research investigates the relationship between agricultural disasters—specifically droughts—and their influence on policy agenda-setting in the United States from 2000 to 2024. It specifically examines how sudden, severe droughts can serve as “focusing events” that draw policymaker's attention to agricultural issues within the political sphere. The current literature has explored focusing events in the context of disasters, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and oil spills, however, limited research has been done on agriculture-related disasters. This research expands on the current literature by providing insights on focusing events on agenda-setting. Applying a mixed method design, this study assesses the effect of drought severity on policymaker attention, which is measured using Congressional Record mentions of drought-related agriculture disasters. Drought severity encompasses data measuring all droughts across the United States as well as droughts within the top five agricultural states. This study also accounts for political control as a moderating variable. Findings provide insights into how droughts might expose underlying issues in industrial farming, such as monoculture, which renders crops more vulnerable to drought.

Session 2 - E
Influence Spectrum

Digital Dilemma: Social Media’s Role in Teen Mental Health Decline

Irie West

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jeffrey Livingston

As the usage of social media increases, so do the cases of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression. The increase in depression and anxiety has been linked to the influx in social media usage and has been increasingly researched to determine the causality between social media usage and mental health conditions. Previous research has shown a negative correlation between social media usage and mental health. While some argue social media usage is one of the driving factors for a decline in mental health, others argue it is not the utilization of social media, but rather the mindless scrolling which contributes to the mental health decline. This paper examines the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (ABES) which is conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect information about high school students and their health-related experiences and behaviors. This paper examines the use of social media, and its effect on the behavioral tendencies associated with high schoolers’ mental health. The data analyzed was collected when many students were experiencing school online during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This paper will contribute to previous research by comparing social media use in tandem with other behavioral practices among highschoolers to determine the overarching effect of social media on mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Emotional Appeals in Advertising Influence Consumer Purchase Decisions

Isabella Paiz Cirici

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

We all make unplanned purchases, ones we don't intend to make but somehow feel compelled to. Whether it's a product that makes us happy or an advertisement that reaches our feelings, emotions frequently influence our shopping decisions more than we realize. Everyday, billions of people see advertisements crafted to trigger strong emotions ranging from joy to fear. However, most consumers are unaware that these ads are intentionally created to provoke such reactions. Advertisers use these emotions to influence consumer behavior and make their brand attractive to potential customers. This research project examines how emotional appeals in advertising influence consumer purchase decisions. It identifies which emotions are most effective in driving engagement, shaping consumer perceptions, and influencing purchasing behavior. The study also examines the psychological factors that strengthen these decisions, providing valuable insights for businesses, advertisers, and consumers. A survey conducted with 128 participants investigates how emotional triggers in advertising influence consumer choices, brand loyalty, and purchasing behavior in unexpected ways.

Ethical Content Creation in Plastic Surgery: Does Licensure Matter?

Julia Gansberg

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Jason Zhou

As social media marketing evolved from a tool to an essential for businesses, the plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure industry has adapted. Most providers have social media accounts to showcase their work to prospective clients. These profiles started as online portfolios to make it easier for the public to find on social media platforms. Doctors, surgeons, and nurses who perform procedures on patients, created these accounts, as well as those without formal licensure, meaning they have no formal education or training in the field. Over time, the lines began to blur, leading to ethical dilemmas about how to ensure posts were educational and informative, not subtle ads designed to convince patients to get procedures they had no prior interest in.  In this study, a content analysis was conducted to see if having a formal education in the medical field led to more ethical conduct online. Three research questions were established for a content analysis of 100 Instagram accounts of providers with varying levels of education. They aimed to see if there was a correlation between licensure and the type of content created (educational or advertisement of services) licensure and the tone of the caption (neutral or positive), and if there is a relationship between the type of content (educational or advertisement) and the tone of the message (positive or neutral). It was determined that there is no correlation between licensure and the type of content created or the type of content and tone of caption. However, there was a correlation between licensure and the tone of the post, with licensed providers being more likely to use a neutral tone, while nonlicensed providers are more likely to use a positive tone.

Business of Behavior: Psychiatry, Pharma, and Diagnostic Expansion

Gabe Brochu

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Danielle Hartigan

This project investigates the evolving relationship between psychiatric classification and pharmaceutical marketing, where common behaviors, such as grief, or inattention, have come to be understood through a medical lens. Conditions like ADHD and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) are analyzed as case studies, exploring how diagnostic criteria have shifted over time, and to what extent these shifts may result from expanding pharmaceutical markets. The 2021 inclusion of PGD in the DSM-5-TR, for example, broadened the clinical opportunity of pre-existing antidepressants by defining prolonged grief as a treatable condition. Following the reclassification, the U.S antidepressant market has surged by over 37%. This growth is absolutely indicative of optimistic sentiments, like increased awareness and patient accessibility, but nonetheless invites inquiry regarding the alignment of diagnostic expansion with commercial/stakeholder interests. Beyond medicalization, pharmaceutical companies employ strategic marketing tactics to extend product relevance. Eli Lilly, for example, rebranded, Prozac, a blockbuster anti-depressant, as Sarafem... “the only FDA approved treatment” for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This decision was made just as Prozac’s patent was facing expiration, allowing generics to undercut the market: a massive threat to internal stakeholders. Rebranding the drug as Sarafem actively prolonged the compounds lifecycle, which for the sake of emphasis, was identical to Prozac. GlaxoSmithKline employed an equally strategic DTC strategy, where pathologizing emotions like shyness increased consumer awareness of SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder), coinciding with their promotion of Paxadil as a treatment option. Overall, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding the medicalization of behavior, the influence of industry in shaping diagnostic frameworks, and ethical implications existing therein.

Section 2 - F

 

Session 1 - G
Analytics and Sports Performance
 

Paris 2024 and the Future of the Olympics

Holden Whaley

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Juliet Gainsborough

The Olympic Games are one of the most widely celebrated mega events, known for bringing together exceptional athletes from across the world to compete on a global stage. However, behind this spectacle lies a history of financial strain, environmental costs, and the displacement of vulnerable populations. Hosting the Games has become increasingly unattractive due to soaring costs and growing public opposition, leading to fewer cities bidding in recent years. Despite these concerns, Paris, an already globally renowned tourist destination, secured the bid to host the 2024 Summer Games. This study examines the 2024 Paris Olympics by identifying recurring challenges, assessing IOC reforms and the city’s commitments, and analyzing areas where Paris outperformed previous hosts. Using contemporary news coverage, French sources of information, and various studies, this research evaluates France’s response to longstanding Olympic issues. The findings highlight both the event’s impact on locals and its broader effects, while also identifying necessary changes to ensure a more sustainable future for the Games. Preliminary findings suggest that while the Paris Olympics outperformed past Games in areas such as sustainability initiatives and budget management, it still struggled with issues like displacement and negative impacts to local communities. While the Paris Games represent progress, further reforms are necessary to address the longstanding issues associated with hosting the Olympics and to ensure the event’s viability in the future.

Putting our Heads Together: The Impact of Concussions on Player Value in Major Sports

Olivia Muehlberg

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Eddie Kim

Concussions are recognized as a significant health risk within professional sports, yet their financial implications are less understood. This study aims to examine the economic impact of cerebral injuries across North American sports leagues – NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB – through the lens of market value and player performance. By reframing concussions as both an economic and medical issue, this research highlights their lasting effects and motivates organizations to adopt more protective and proactive approaches. Using publicly available data on injury histories, player performance statistics and salary information, this study quantifies the relationship between concussion-related injuries and financial outcomes. Athletes with a history of concussion-related injuries are compared to peers without one. Variables such as sport, position played, and age show variation within the data, included to explain the nuances of professional athletics, specifically factors unrelated to those traditionally attributed to concussions. Preliminary findings suggest an overall decline in both performance and salary earnings following a concussion. The impact varies for each individual studied, due to the nature of cerebral injuries, changing protocols and differences between sports. The findings expand on the known physical costs of concussions, further humanizing professional athletes as long-term contributors rather than short-term assets. By translating medical concerns into financial terms, this research contributes to a new perspective on player health, that will benefit athletes and organizations alike. Along with player health, long-term value and organizational sustainability are essential to improving the atmosphere and ethics of professional athletics.

Improving the Fantasy Stock Exchange Wide Receiver Model

Andrew Strout

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Gregory Vaughan

Fantasy football is an immensely popular game that allows football fans to further engage in the sport they love. With the growing popularity of Fantasy Football, a specialized community of content creators, such as Corey Buschlen, has emerged to provide in-depth analysis and insights. Buschlen, who makes up one-half of the Fantasy Stock Exchange (FSE) duo on YouTube, enjoys bringing data and analytics into his passion for fantasy football. He created the “FSE Model” to help fantasy football fans predict the performance of NFL rookie wide receivers (WRs). The FSE Model applies predetermined weights to its independent variables and processes the raw data before inputting it into a modified linear regression model. Strictly using the raw data and different modeling techniques, the model was improved upon, providing more accurate Points per Game (PPG) predictions and Dynasty Value predictions.

Shh My Goalie Cant See: An analysis of crowd presence on Goaltender Statistics

Jared Shea

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Jeff Livingston

This study investigates the role of crowd presence in shaping outcomes in NHL games, using the 2021 season (largely played without fans) and the 2023 season (with full attendance) as a natural experiment. Originally focused on evaluating changes in home-ice advantage, the analysis revealed that win rates and goal margins remained relatively stable across seasons, challenging traditional assumptions about home-field advantage. However, a significant drop in total goals scored—by both home and away teams—in the absence of fans led to a new line of inquiry: goalie performance. Using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with a logit link and binomial distribution, we found that goalie save percentage increased significantly during the 2021 season. These results suggest that while crowd presence may not directly shift competitive balance, it likely affects game intensity and player performance—particularly in net. The findings offer new insights into how fan environments influence gameplay and highlight opportunities for future research into offensive pressure, shot quality, and officiating behavior under varying crowd conditions.

Scoring Under Pressure: The Key Factors Behind Successful Penalty Kicks in Soccer

Audrey Bartlett

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Jeff Livingston

Penalty kicks are a critical aspect of soccer and can often determine the outcome of matches. They are high-stakes and bring an excitement to the game. This research examines the key variables influencing penalty kick success, including psychological, behavioral, and strategic factors. There are psychological variables that can have an effect on the kick, such as the game stakes and whether the kicking team is leading. Behavioral variables, including shot placement (height and direction), which foot the kick is taken with, and the direction where the goalkeeper dives, also play a crucial role. This study will also incorporate the use of game theory by penalty kick takers. Some kickers utilize a mixed strategy and vary their shot direction, while others use a pure strategy and choose to kick to one side the majority of the time. The research will investigate if there are different success rates for these strategies. It will also examine if goalkeepers take into consideration the patterns of kickers when they decide which direction to dive. Using a dataset of over 600 penalty kicks taken by 20 different players, we will analyze the found success based on each variable impacting the kick and which strategy the kicker follows. By examining these statistical patterns, this study will offer valuable insights into how players can refine their approach and how goalkeepers can improve their chances of making a save. The findings will provide insights into optimal penalty-taking strategies and goalkeeper decision-making that can be beneficial to players, coaches and analysts.

Session 1 - H
Business Blueprint

The Legacy of the Thompson Hardware Store: Exploring the Transformation of the American Hardware Store, 1845-1959

Aidan Thompson

History Department/Faculty Advisor:  Clifford Putney

Roger Taylor founded the Taylor Hardware Co. in 1845. This paper will examine the evolution of the store until its acquisition by the Thompson family and its reestablishment as the Thompson Hardware Co. in 1891. This paper will mainly focus on the Thompson family’s contributions to Lowell and the industry through their tenure as owners of the store. Samuel H. Thompson was an important figure in the Lowell community whose entrepreneurial spirit saw rise to the Thompson Hardware Co. in addition to his participation and development of organizations such as the Atlantic Coast Hardware Co. and The New England Hardware Dealers Association. Throughout his tenure Samuel oversaw several expansions of his store. However, his stewardship wasn’t without problems. In 1926 a fire saw the store destroyed. He engaged in a successful effort to rebuild and rebrand the store. William A. Thompson took up his father’s mantle in the mid 1940s and ran the store successfully until changing landscapes resulted in the rise of chain stores and shifting industry resulting in the stores closure in 1959. He too was a stalwart figure of the community and contributed greatly to the broader industry. The Thompson Hardware Co. represents the transforming identity of small-town business in America. We will examine how this shift resulted in the rise of chain stores. Through the Thompson Hardware Co. we will follow the evolution of the hardware store as a community centered general store into a narrower specialized retail store.

Analysis of U.S. Domestic Airline Market Concentrations within Fortress Hubs

Luke Stabile

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Patrick Scholten

This study examines the evolution of market concentration in U.S. domestic fortress hub airports from 2002 to 2024, expanding on Goetz and Sutton’s (1997) analysis of post-deregulation airline competition. While the 1978 Airline Deregulation Act (ADA) aimed to increase competition and lower fares, Goetz and Sutton found that, although fares and market concentration decreased overall, major airlines still strengthened their dominance by consolidating market concentration at fortress hubs—airports where a single carrier controls 70% or more of the market. This raises concerns about localized market power and its impact on consumer pricing. Using monthly data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics between October 2002 through June 2024, this study measures market concentration through the two-firm and four-firm concentration ratios (CR2 and CR4) and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) across key performance indicators such as flights and passengers. The research analyzes the evolution of concentration ratios and examines the role that airline mergers play—including Delta-Northwest, United-Continental, and American-US Airways—in reinforcing fortress hub dominance. Examining monthly market concentration ratios provides a more granular view of industry trends and their implications. Preliminary findings indicate that concentration ratios at fortress hubs remain elevated, following a pattern similar to Goetz and Sutton’s (1997) analysis. In contrast, gateway hubs—major airports with high organic demand and a limited focus on domestic connections—exhibit lower concentration ratios. However, fortress hubs continue to show strong market control by dominant airlines, highlighting persistent differences in competitive dynamics between these two types of airports. These insights enhance understanding of competitive dynamics, providing valuable information for policymakers and industry leaders on the ongoing effects of deregulation on airport-level market concentration.

Bolt-Ons, Tuck-Ins, and Roll-Ups: What’s the secret?

Peter Mallouh

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Kristi Minnick-Westerling

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) have long been a vital tool for corporate growth, yet research consistently shows that most transactions fail to generate shareholder value. Despite this, M&A continues to account for a significant portion of the U.S. GDP, underscoring the need to understand what makes some deals more successful than others. This study examines three acquisition types—Bolt-ons, Tuck-ins, and Roll-ups—to determine which strategies are most likely to create value. Using market data from 2023 to 2024, this research assesses investor sentiment, executive preferences, and historical performance of these deal types. Findings indicate that Bolt-on acquisitions, while carrying higher risk, are the most favored by investors due to their potential for substantial returns. Tuck-in acquisitions demonstrate moderate but inconsistent performance, while Roll-up acquisitions generally present the lowest risk but also yield the smallest cumulative abnormal returns (CARs). The analysis also explores how company size and industry dynamics influence the success of these transactions. The results provide valuable insights for business professionals, investment bankers, and corporate strategists. Understanding which acquisition strategies align with market trends allows stakeholders to make more informed decisions about potential transactions. Additionally, companies looking to sell can better position themselves to attract the right acquirers. By summarizing key patterns in M&A deal performance, this paper aims to contribute to more efficient and effective acquisition strategies, ultimately helping industry participants maximize value creation in an increasingly competitive corporate landscape.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies: A Short-Lived Frenzy or a Lasting Alternative?

Evan Desjardins

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Mahendra Gujarathi

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are publicly traded shell companies that raise capital from investors to acquire a private company, bypassing the traditional IPO process. SPACs offer several advantages relative to IPOs – they are often quicker, less costly, and less reliant on market conditions. In 2021, SPACs became more popular than traditional IPOs and raised $165 billion. This paper explores the rapid proliferation of SPACs, their subsequent decline, and their evolving role in global financial markets. Building on prior research, this paper evaluates SPACs’ advantages and shortcomings within a shifting regulatory landscape. Using data from ListingTrack.io and FactSet Research, it analyzes SPAC activity to map the evolution of SPACs to the Gartner Hype Cycle, where initial investor euphoria gives way to underwhelming performance, producing a wave of market skepticism. Despite their recent decline, SPACs will remain a valuable mechanism for taking companies public, particularly as many private firms continue to delay IPOs. However, SPACs’ viability depends on meaningful reforms. Sponsor compensation must be adjusted to better align with the interests of public investors. Moreover, regulators must aim to close the reporting gaps between SPACs and traditional IPOs while being careful not to erode their valuable advantages. Despite recent regulatory tightening, markets have seen a rebound in well-structured SPACs, pointing to their continued relevance in corporate finance.

A Cost Benefit Analysis of B-Corp Certification

Chase Ormiston

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Ryan Bouldin

This research explores B-Corp certification, a designation for companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The project compares B-Corps with Benefit Corporations and nonprofit organizations, highlighting key differences in legal structures, requirements, and business goals. It examines the steps companies must take to become certified, focusing on the certification process, necessary performance benchmarks, and the role of transparency and accountability. The study outlines the benefits of B-Corp certification, including enhanced brand reputation, differentiation in the market, and the ability to attract consumers and employees who prioritize sustainability. Additionally, B-Corps gain access to a network of like-minded businesses, offering valuable resources and collaboration opportunities. The research also considers financial and operational advantages, such as new market access and potential investment. Challenges of B-Corp certification are discussed, including the costs, time investment, and complexity of maintaining high social and environmental standards. The potential conflicts between profit goals and social responsibility are explored, especially for larger businesses. The project also assesses whether growing companies may face limitations due to the demands of certification. Ultimately, this study aims to provide businesses with a comprehensive understanding of B-Corp certification, offering insights into whether the benefits outweigh the challenges and offering recommendations for companies considering certification. The findings contribute to the broader conversation on corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Session 1 - I
Conscious Choices
 

Exploring the Psychological Drivers of Impulse and Compulsive Buying in Young Adults

Maddie Ozello

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Naveen Sunder

This research examines the relationship between impulse buying (IB) and compulsive buying (CB) among college students and the factors that contribute to these behaviors. The study investigates the extent to which college students engage in IB or CB, the components associated with these buying tendencies, and the role of cognitive and non-cognitive skills in shaping students’ expenditure patterns. Data was collected from a sample of undergraduate students at a business university near Boston (USA) using a survey that measured IB and CB tendencies, along with various psychological factors such as self-control, grit, stress, depression, and the Big Five Personality traits. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the significant predictors of IB and CB behaviors. The findings suggest that higher levels of self-control are associated with a reduction in both IB and CB, while extraversion is positively associated with both types of buying behaviors. These results highlight the importance of self-regulation skills and personality traits in shaping spending habits among young adults.

Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) on Risky Asset Pricing

Rayner Lee

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

Recent economic recessions and financial market failures have indicated that markets are unstable and drastic changes deemed seemingly unexpected. The traditional indicators investors and economists utilize no longer have the full capability to predict major changes in the market. While the modern-day internet infrastructure allows investors to have unlimited information, asymmetric information exists in the market; ‘noise’ in the market prevents investors from being fully exposed to true factor signals. Complex hedge funds pioneer the race to create the most powerful regressive model to capture market inefficiencies in unstable markets. The economic policy uncertainty engineered by Baker, Bloom, and Davis captures market sentiment and expectations of economic policy to estimate the level of market uncertainty. Authors of this paper attempt to study and decompose the relationship of uncertainty towards risky asset pricing. Thus, this paper borrows on techniques often used by hedge funds to capture the relationship of economic policy uncertainty on risky assets. By combining Baker, Bloom, & Davis’s EPU index along with interest rates, CPI, unemployment rate and market expectations, the model attempts to regress cumulative absolute returns, studying both lag effects in the market and volatility of risky assets compared to S&P, through an event study analysis of various past recessions.

Ethics of Data Privacy

Anton Spiridonov

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

In the digital age, the most valued commodity is data gathered from consumers, companies, and even governments. Artificial intelligence has transformed seemingly insignificant data points to essential statistics that can predict human behavior in real time and in the future. While this provides a lot of useful tools - such as early disease detection and fraud prevention - it also carries the risk of infringing on human rights. The endless possibilities have become the source of the issue: a lack of transparency and enforcement of consequences. A policy initiative is needed to investigate the extent to which data can be used and to establish necessary restrictions to preserve an individual's right to privacy. This research aims to incentivize such policies while also educating people about the realities of data privacy. 

This research discusses privacy as a multidimensional concept centered on the concept of dimensional tradeoffs – sacrificing one dimension of privacy for convenience. Dimensional tradeoffs have become intertwined with the everyday lives of U.S. citizens, while the E.U. actively works to prevent them. In order to understand the significance of these dimensional tradeoffs, this research statistically analyzes the extent to which U.S. consumers are aware of how their personal data is collected and shared. The conclusions are drawn from survey results obtained from 110 Bentley students, providing valuable insights into consumer attitudes and corporate practices. The findings are framed within regulatory frameworks, such as the GDPR, to compare the effects of a decentralized regulatory approach in the U.S. to a centralized GDPR model. Ultimately, the research reveals the current state of data privacy awareness in the context of multidimensional privacy.

Passive House Design

Ally Casciano

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Ryan Bouldin

A passive house is a building that is engineered to produce zero carbon emissions and run entirely on renewable resources. In this project, the building concept is a single-family home designed for energy efficiency and functionality – considering elements of both the passive house energy model and biophilic design. The project explores the concept of creating a home that operates entirely on renewable resources, aiming to minimize environmental impact while ensuring affordability and functionality. Through detailed research on cost and energy efficiency, the project investigates various green building strategies, including optimal insulation, passive solar design, and energy-efficient materials. This entails a 3D virtual house modeled using SketchUp, allowing for precise visualization and analysis of spatial layout, energy flow, and sustainability features. The research component evaluates the long-term financial viability of the design, comparing initial construction costs with energy savings over time. Ultimately, this project aims to contribute to the development of eco-friendly housing solutions that promote sustainability and self-sufficiency, paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future in construction.

Contrasting Cultures

Morgan Barwood

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Leonid Trofimov

This project reflects on my personal journey living and traveling abroad, focusing on the cultural differences I experienced and how they shaped my perspective. This presentation highlights moments of culture shock, adaptation, and growth as I explored life in various countries. From navigating unfamiliar social customs to observing different values around work, family, and communication, I learned how culture influences nearly every aspect of daily life. These experiences challenged my assumptions and helped me better understand both myself and the diverse world around me. I’ll share personal stories that highlight striking cultural contrasts—like differing perspectives on time, communication styles, and the role of community. These moments serve as a lens to explore broader ideas such as cultural identity, adaptability, and what it means to be a global citizen. Stepping beyond my familiar environment allowed me to gain a new appreciation for the diverse ways people live and connect. At its core, this project goes beyond the experience of travel. It’s about shifting perspectives, challenging my own assumptions, and approaching the world with empathy and curiosity. Through these reflections, I hope to show how cultural exchange can deeply shape not only how we relate to others, but how we come to better understand ourselves.

Session 2 - G
Echo of Change
 

Survivor Perspectives on Justice following Sexual Violence

Kelsey Logan

Natural and Applied Sciences/Faculty Advisor: Arielle Scoglio

Sexual violence is a global problem with significant costs and health consequences. Successful prosecution of perpetrators by the criminal justice system is rare and its pursuit may impact a survivor’s healing journey, because of the social and internalized stigma associated with experiencing sexual violence. Research exploring the varied meanings of justice, and the role of justice in healing is growing. Using data drawn from 9 focus groups conducted with adult survivors across Massachusetts (N=45) in 2019, we identified three themes related to the meaning of justice: accountability and/or punishment, dissatisfaction with existing justice systems (criminal or campus), and alternative types of justice. Three themes were identified related to the role of justice in healing following sexual violence: coping and empowerment strategies, survivor mission or activism, and the impact of the #MeToo movement. These themes are also reflected in sexual violence prevention work on campus at Bentley. In my work as an RSVP (Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Educator), I am a resource on campus for community members impacted by sexual violence which often involves survivors disclosing their experiences. Conversations that the RSVPs are having with survivors on campus align with the data from this qualitative study and with prior work in the field. Taken together, these findings suggest that new conceptualizations and pursuit of justice following sexual violence may be necessary to prioritize survivors' healing and wellbeing.

How Does Gendered Language Impact Gender Roles Within Households

Raine Spearman

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Naveen Sunder

This study examines the impact of gendered language on gender-related attitudes/behaviors. Using data from 31 countries, we establish that the use of a gendered language is associated with worse attitudes related to gender relations. Women who use a more gendered language are 2.7 to 4.1 percent more likely to think that wife beating is justified (for different reasons). Similar to this, we find that women who speak a more gendered primary language are also likely to report 2.9 to 13.5 percent lower participation in decision making across various domains. Our findings show that language has a profound effect on actual behaviors, and the results are consistent with existing studies regarding the impact of gendered language on disparities in gender behavior.

The Impact of Western Feminism on Foreign Economies

Saleem Mansoor

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Savannah Adkins

Economic feminism has reshaped the global economy by advocating for improved situations for women, particularly in terms of equal pay and employment rates. Increases in Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP) are associated with increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic productivity. However, despite its benefits, some aspects of economic feminism are linked to unintended consequences, including declines in fertility rates and economic stagnation due to the high cost of economic models that are focused on gender equality.

This study examines a three-stage framework that assesses the connection between economic feminism and sustainable economic growth. This is done through mixed methods such as regression analysis and interview-based analysis of four sample nations including Jordan, Japan, Mexico, and Sweden, all of which represent unique perspectives regarding the impacts of economic feminism and diverse outcomes shaped by distinct policy approaches. Data analysis shows the impact of integrating specialized childcare policies to facilitate women’s participation in the workforce, which is associated with significant GDP growth, as shown in the Jordanian and Mexican case studies. The second stage examines features of the Nordic model, such as stabilized development that supports economic equality, as demonstrated in Sweden. The third stage addresses the effectiveness of neoliberal policies in sustaining fertility rates and ensuring long-term economic growth, as is observed in Japan. Overall, this theoretical framework provides new insights into how tailored childcare policies, welfare models, and neoliberal strategies result in a balanced approach to achieving equality and ensuring sustainable economic growth throughout different stages of economic development.

Income Tax Identity Theft: Demographic and Behavioral Patterns present with Victims 

Emily Smith

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Steve Weisman

There is a growing concern regarding tax related identity theft as an increasing number of individuals are falling victim to it each year, inciting the question of who exactly is falling victim so something can be done about it. Current research on the topic of tax related identity theft encompasses how this has been an increasing issue since the first known case in 1988. With increasing technologies and more experienced hackers, it is only getting easier for this type of fraud to be committed and the only real measures in place are reactive rather than proactive. The study performed here utilized a survey that was sent out to a mass population asking demographic and behavioral based questions as well as questions related to whether individuals were victims of tax related identity theft. From there, analysis was performed on the total number of respondents, the victim respondents and non-victim respondents to determine trends regarding their demographics and behaviors. The various responses were then compared to reach a conclusion. Ultimately, it was concluded that there may be some causational relationships between those who are 45 and above, those who live in Connecticut, Florida, or Pennsylvania, those who choose not to disclose of their political affiliation, and those who earn over $130,000 and the likelihood of falling victim to tax related identity theft. Additionally, those who have a PTIN are less likely to fall victim to this crime. Thus, I bring the suggestion that certain groups of individuals should have a PTIN to try and prevent themselves from falling victim instead of having to acquire one after they fall victim to tax related identity theft.

The Reality of Women in Latin America 

Nicole Varela Ramírez

Honors Program /Faculty Advisor: Christian Rubio

This capstone project explores the reality faced by women in Latin America, a region marked by systemic gender inequality, pervasive gender-based violence, and deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. Through a symbolic painting, the project sheds light on the experiences of women whose lives are overshadowed by fear, injustice, and marginalization. By integrating excerpts from Gioconda Belli's novel El País de las Mujeres, this artistic representation challenges societal perceptions and emphasizes the need for collective action against femicide, gender-based violence, and the inequalities faced by women throughout the region. 

Belli’s work presents a fictional reversal of traditional gender roles, urging society to question the entrenched biases that sustain violence and discrimination, which is why her literary piece serves as a key inspiration for this capstone. Her critique mirrors the alarming reality of Latin America, where statistics underscore the severity of the issue. According to the United Nations, in 2022 alone, over 4,000 women were victims of femicide, with countries like Brazil and Honduras reporting the highest rates. Similarly, as of 2025, Costa Rica has recorded a devastating pattern of one woman killed every five days due to gender violence. Yet, Latin American governments rarely acknowledge the situation or present actionable steps toward a solution. 

This capstone not only serves as a visual testament to the resilience of women in Latin America but also as a call to action. By amplifying feminist narratives and challenging patriarchal norms, it seeks to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for systemic change, ensuring that the voices of those impacted are heard and their stories remembered.

Session 2 - H
Healthcare and Workplace Well-Being

Overworked and Under-Satisfied: Shift Work vs. Traditional Work Hours on the Relationship Between Financial Strain, Burnout, and Job Satisfaction

Kailey Golden

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor:  Emily Corwin

As costs continue to rise and economic uncertainty prevails, financial strain is a growing concern of stress among employees in the workplace. Drawing from the cognitive depletion theory and the literature on work schedules, this study explores the potential moderating impact of work schedules (i.e., shift work vs. traditional 9-to-5 schedules) on the relationship between financial strain and burnout, and the relationship between financial strain and job satisfaction. Specifically, a positive relationship is hypothesized between financial strain and burnout, while a negative relationship is hypothesized between financial strain and job satisfaction. It is also predicted that these relationships are stronger for shift workers in comparison to traditional workers. Over 200 employees will be recruited through Prolific to test these hypotheses, and data will be analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses. Findings from this study could have significant implications for both employees and organizations. Understanding how financial situations and work schedules intertwine may encourage companies to design better support systems that mitigate burnout and improve job satisfaction levels. Furthermore, insights from this study can inform the workforce of strategies to enhance their well-being and productivity, ultimately fostering more healthy and sustainable work environments.

Reproductive Health Disparities in a Post-Dobbs America: Trigger Ban vs. Non-Trigger Ban States

Jenna Kompare

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, issued on June 24, 2022, by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), overturned federal abortion protections established by Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion laws, including outright bans. States such as Louisiana and Kentucky had legislation, known as trigger bans, that immediately banned abortion if Roe were overturned. Wide disparities in access to abortions and quality of gynecological care exist throughout the country now that states create their own laws. 

This study seeks to determine how the health of women of reproductive age and pregnant women has been impacted following the 2022 Dobbs decision and how health status differs between states with trigger bans and those without. The data was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS) on an individual level over the ten year period from 2015-2024. Analyses comparing the key variables of womens’ health status pre and post Dobbs across different states over time attempt to quantify the impact of the variation in women's health care across the country due to trigger bans. This approach aims to provide empirical evidence on the broader public health implications of restrictive abortion policies in the post Dobbs landscape.

Modern Workplace Culture and the Motivational Drivers of Young Professionals

Sam Potter

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Johannes Eijmberts

As the corporate world evolves, so do workplace cultural norms and the motivational drivers of young professionals. With the recent rise of remote work and changing workforce dynamics, there has been a shift in what motivates employees most and fosters a sense of belonging. While all individuals develop deep cultural identities from an early age, this study examines whether young professionals are becoming more individualized in the workplace, identifying less with their organizations and instead forming stronger connections with smaller workplace groups. 

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a survey sent to approximately 5,000 Bentley University students (~4,200 undergraduate and ~800 graduate students), yielding 228 responses and five in-depth interviews. The findings indicate a strong correlation between motivation and factors such as salary, autonomy, and structured responsibilities. Additionally, most respondents reported that their greatest sense of belonging came not from their organization as a whole, but either from their immediate team or select coworkers. These results suggest that young professionals derive motivation and inclusion from interpersonal relationships rather than broad corporate culture. If this shift continues, it challenges the relevance of broadly generalizing cultural differences across large groups of people in corporate settings. 

With motivation being a key driver of employee productivity, this research highlights the need for managers and organizations to understand the evolving preferences of young professionals and to adapt their leadership strategies to foster inclusive team environments, strong mentorship networks, and a workplace culture that prioritizes personal, meaningful connections and is actively reinforced at all levels.

Session 2 - I
Decision and Dimension
 

Transformations of Families of Orthogonal Polynomials 

Roman Gavrilov and Otar Tchitchinadze 

Mathematics Department/Faculty Advisor: Rachel Bailey

Exceptional orthogonal polynomials (XOPs) first drew interest from the physics community in 1992 when physicists Dubov, Eleonskii and Kulagin were studying an example of the anharmonic oscillator with equidistant spectrum. What struck the mathematical community as remarkable about these polynomials was that they shared many properties with their classical counterparts, except were missing finitely many degrees in the sequence. Since then, the quest to classify all families of XOPs and exploit their applications has been ongoing. Some known applications include quantum mechanics, stochastic processes and quantum computing. In our research, we consider how to modify classical orthogonal polynomials to obtain new sequences of orthogonal polynomials missing finitely many degrees. We examine their analytic properties with the goal of finding sequences which are eigenfunctions of both a differential and difference operator, as well as form a basis for their corresponding Hilbert space.

Choose Your Own Adventure: The Factors that Influence College Major Selection 

Nora Hagopian

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Dhaval Dave

There is a tremendous variety of college majors at students’ fingertips, and young college students are tasked with combing through these options to choose their best fit. This study aims to examine what factors are significant in this complex decision-process tasked upon students. Rational Choice Theory is explored as an explanation, but theories of behavioral economics are utilized to investigate the irrationality of humans in choosing a college major. Utilizing a national sample of individuals collected on a yearly basis by the U.S. Census Bureau, this study assesses various factors and their role in determining the college major that college students in the United States choose. 

With these data, probability models were estimated to assess the impact of various socio-economic factors on the likelihood of pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major. Clear divides in degree selection were found in certain variables as women were less likely than men to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Race and immigration status also had great impacts on college major selection. Time-related factors were also included, particularly to assess how choices may have shifted over the business cycle and over the recent pandemic period. It was discovered that the pursuit of STEM majors increased both during and after the global pandemic. Variables such as household income and an individual’s state unemployment rate had more ambiguous impacts. The knowledge gained from this assessment can be used as a starting point to remove the barriers that prevent certain people from choosing certain degree fields.

Orthogonal Polynomials and Quantum Computing

Sun Ma

Valente Center/Faculty Advisor: Rachel Bailey

As Artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, the demand for advanced computing power becomes ever more critical. Quantum computing offers a promising solution to address the growing complexities of our data-driven world. A fundamental aspect of quantum computing is perfect state transfer, which in a perfect setting, allows for communication between qubits without any error. By modeling quantum systems as the edges and nodes of a graph, we can use graph theory and analysis to pinpoint specific times at which perfect state transfer occurs. In particular, one can represent the Hamiltonian with a weighted adjacency matrix. In the case of one-dimensional chains of qubits, this matrix is tri-diagonal and thus there is a natural relationship between studying perfect state transfer and three-term recurrence relations which generate orthogonal polynomials. This approach not only provides conditions on the Hamiltonians that guarantee perfect state transfer but also uncovers valuable patterns within quantum systems. Our research utilizes mathematical techniques and modeling to uncover patterns amongst Hamiltonians exhibiting perfect state transfer as well as studies how modifications to Hamiltonian impact the occurrence of perfect state transfer.
 

How the Notion of Outliers can be Upgraded to Study Complex, Functional Data Structures: A Study of Stocks over Turbulent and Non-Turbulent Times

Andrew Plympton

Liberal Studies Major/Faculty Advisor: Moinak Bhaduri

This research consisted of a comprehensive analysis of the performance of 19 stocks, in six sectors of the market, alongside the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) indices, over a five-year period. The primary objective was to identify dates exhibiting unusual stock behavior, specifically outliers in daily percentage returns, and to explore potential correlations with prevailing economic factors. To achieve this, the data was filtered in order to find outlying deviations from historical return patterns. During March and April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant market volatility, resulting in numerous outlier days. To better understand other market behaviors, these dates were excluded from further analysis. Despite this, the core analysis did not establish a direct correlation between sector-specific outliers and easily identifiable economic events. Notably, a statistically significant increase in normalized outlier counts was detected during the seven-day window from September 27th to October 3rd, across all years within the study period, indicating a period of unique and potentially systematically atypical market activity.. Furthermore, functional data analysis was used to assess whether individual stocks were outliers in terms of amplitude, magnitude, or shape, which provided analysis beyond daily returns and revealed underlying patterns that might not be apparent from only time-series analysis. The results of this research highlight the connections between market behavior and the influence of economic events on stock performance.

Session 1 - J
Community Based Research
 

Consulting Project for the Obsidian Theater Festival

Erin Courtemanche, Ashley Daigle, Rohan Rao, Deyalyn Sosa, Julianne Tejada

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Conwell Worthington

The purpose of our project is to boost recognition, collaboration and funding opportunities for the Obsidian Theater Festival (OTF), a Detroit-based, non-profit organization that provides a platform for Black artists to conceive and tell authentically Black stories using live theater as a medium. Throughout the course of our research, we aim to gather a thorough understanding of the history of Black theater in Detroit, as well as produce a thorough analysis of OTF’s current operations, history and mission. We will do this by conducting a SWOT analysis and identifying key stakeholders relevant to potential collaborations and funding opportunities for the Obsidian Theater Festival. 

Moving forward, we aim to develop a strategy focused on creating a stakeholder engagement plan that targets local restaurants, Black-owned businesses, and the wider Detroit community by making OTF a more community-oriented entity. Additionally, we will identify leadership and collaborative opportunities that will lead to increased funding and business avenues for OTF in the larger theater market both in and outside of Detroit. Some of these initiatives will include potential collaborations with other artistic organizations – both theaters focused, and non-theater focused – both to alleviate financial burdens and to curate long-term, sustainable partnerships with organizations that share similar values as OTF. To achieve this, we will design a detailed implementation plan for our proposed strategies and initiatives that include timelines, budgets, and resource allocation that are reasonable for OTF to accomplish. Lastly, we plan to develop metrics to measure the success of our recommendations to Obsidian Theater Festival.

Raising the Curtain: Strategic Insights for The Obsidian Theater Festival's Growth

Meryem Hakkaoui, Skyla Nolan, Blessing Ojo, Yeneliz Negron Rodriguez, and Carolina Torres

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Conwell Worthington

In this community capstone project, a group of honors students; Meryem Hakkaoui ’27, Skyla Nolan ‘26, Blessing Ojo ‘26, Yeneliz Negron Rodriguez ’27, and Carolina Torres ‘27; collaborate with the Obsidian Theater Festival (OTF) to explore audience attendance, engagement, and recognition. The Obsidian Theater Festival (OTF) is a Black owned theater festival based in Detroit, MI that aims to celebrate and uplift Black voices and storytelling through the artistic expression of theater, film, and music. The theater aids in fostering community engagement and advances the representation of Black narratives in the arts and beyond. 

In this project, we will first examine the mission and vision of OTF as well as the history and values of the surrounding area, then use this to analyze the audience’s behavior and OTF’s stakeholder relationships. Secondly, we will develop strategic marketing and audience engagement strategies to enhance OTF’s overall visibility. Lastly, we will design a detailed implementation plan for sustainable growth and longevity that ensures effective rollout, as well as identifying potential avenues for future growth. 

By combining creativity with analytical insights, we aim to deliver practical and measurable recommendations that align with OTF’s mission of celebrating Black storytelling and amplifying diverse voices in the performing arts. Through this project, we will demonstrate our strategic thinking, teamwork, and consulting skills, contributing to the continued success and growth of The Obsidian Theater Festival.

Session 1 - K
Community Based Research

Supporting CancerChoices: Strategic Recommendations for Growth and Impact

Jen Flynn, Victoria Pagliarulo, Marie Andree Tarot, Skylar Roberts, Alex Tufts, & Colin Anderson

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor:  Helen Meldrum

CancerChoices is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals facing cancer by providing evidence-based guidance on integrative cancer care. The Bentley Honors University Team, a student group of consultants from Bentley University, has been tasked with collaborating on a project aimed at enhancing CancerChoices’ presence and engagement strategies. CancerChoices raised concerns surrounding their website engagement, legal and practical constraints, funding resources, and the threat of AI. This project intends to (1) increase user engagement and website stickiness through targeted marketing strategies and community-building initiatives, (2) conduct qualitative and quantitative research to better understand the needs and behaviors of CancerChoices’ audience, and (3) explore and establish new funding streams through potential philanthropic activities and partnerships.

To assess the effectiveness of CancerChoices’ services and identify areas for improvement, our group created a survey that was distributed to approximately 3,000 individuals who have interacted with the organization through events or website resources. The survey consisted of a combination of ranked items and open responses designed to understand why users visit the CancerChoices website, what resources they find valuable, and what improvements they would like to see. Alongside this, we conducted research on their competitors’ website composition and features that have been successful in attracting and maintaining users. From the survey results, we analyzed data for trends and patterns to form strategic recommendations for CancerChoices for the intent of their future growth and opportunities

Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM): Growth Strategy, Consultation and Analysis

Vyper LaTulippe, Emily Godek, Carter Ferrera, Kate Ficken, Cole Veltre, Taylor White

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Helen Meldrum

The Bentley University Honors Team is collaborating with the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM) to develop a strategic plan aimed at expanding AIHM’s membership base, enhancing brand presence, and strengthening member engagement. AIHM seeks to increase individual membership from 1,000 to 3,000 and organizational membership to 100 within the next three years. To achieve these goals, our research focuses on key areas: innovative events and networking opportunities, membership growth and retention, and data-driven insights. 

Our team is conducting a comprehensive analysis, including a review of AIHM’s current growth strategies and social media presence to identify areas for improvement. We are exploring targeted recruitment efforts through university partnerships and professional networking opportunities to attract healthcare students and professionals. Additionally, we are assessing the feasibility of regional chapters and alternative conference locations to enhance accessibility and foster deeper professional connections. 

To improve membership retention, we are evaluating tiered membership models, alumni engagement initiatives, and additional membership benefits. Our research incorporates survey data, competitor benchmarking, and demographic analysis to refine AIHM’s value proposition. Furthermore, we are investigating the development of a digital platform to facilitate community engagement and knowledge-sharing among members. 

By leveraging data-driven insights and in-depth research, our work aims to provide informed recommendations to position AIHM as a leader in the integrative health space, fostering long-term growth and engagement. The project findings and recommendations will be presented at Bentley University’s academic showcase in April 2025, with a formal client presentation to follow.

Session 1 - L
Community Based Learning
 

Analysis of Future Updates to the Inflation Reduction Act and their Impact on Medicare Part D

William Palfrey

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

The cost of pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs have risen exponentially over the past several decades, leading to higher insurance premiums and making lifesaving treatment unaffordable for many. To address this issue, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, intending to reduce drug prices, lower out-of-pocket prescription costs, and curb rising healthcare expenses. One of the most impacted insurance services was Medicare Part D. The IRA fundamentally reshaped premiums, utilization, drug costs, and coverage structures for Medicare Part D plans, forcing insurance companies to restructure the benefit design of their policies and pricing strategies. Since its implementation in 2022, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the benefit design and covered drugs of the IRA twice, with both restructurings expected to take effect in 2025 and 2026. Utilizing an AI-generated dataset seeking to maintain the statistical qualities (mean, variance, magnitude, frequency, etc.) of 2023 Medicare Part D policies and claims alongside generalized linear models (GLMs), this study looks to develop a pricing model that can be used to evaluate the anticipated impact of these IRA revisions. Specifically, this study examines how these changes to the IRA will influence policyholder decisions and overall cost dynamics within Medicare Part D for both the insurer and the beneficiary. In doing so, this study aims to determine the extent to which these updates will reduce costs and benefit the individual, as well as how Medicare Part D plans may change in the future.

Startup Survival: A Human Capital Perspective

Arpa Banik 

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

This capstone project replicates and builds upon the seminal 1992 study “Survival Chances of Newly Founded Business Organizations” by Brüderl, Preisendörfer, and Ziegler. The original research investigates the determinants of survival for 1,849 newly founded businesses in Germany using a dual theoretical framework: human capital theory and organizational ecology. This replication leverages retrospective survey data and event history analysis to examine how individual founder characteristics, organizational structure and strategy, and environmental conditions impact business longevity. The study highlights two major findings. First, organizational characteristics—specifically the number of employees at founding, amount of capital invested, and scope of market strategy—are the most powerful predictors of survival. Second, human capital variables such as years of education, general and industry-specific work experience significantly enhance survival prospects both directly (through founder productivity) and indirectly (through better-informed organizational decisions). Interestingly, prior self-employment experience and parental entrepreneurship did not show strong predictive power when controlling for other variables. The hazard rate of business failure followed an inverted U-shape, supporting the “liability of adolescence” hypothesis: businesses face the highest risk of failure between 9–12 months post-founding. This capstone will replicate the statistical modeling using modern tools, and assess the relevance of the original findings in today’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. By re-examining this foundational research, the project contributes to a more nuanced understanding of business survival and offers practical guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs regarding startup size, market targeting, and the value of prior industry experience.

A GLM Approach to Adjusting Expected Assumptions of Long-Term Care Incidence Rates: A Replication and Extension

Dariia Ivakhnenkova

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

Actuarial assumptions are fundamental to pricing, reserving, and establishing capital requirements in insurance. In long-term care (LTC) insurance, the three primary actuarial assumptions, incidence, termination, and utilization rates, significantly influence the financial performance of LTC products. It is crucial that insurers maintain alignment between expected assumptions and actual experience to mitigate financial risks. This study replicates the methodology proposed by Ramli (2016), which applies a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) approach to adjust expected LTC incidence assumptions. The methodology models incidence rates using a Poisson GLM and utilizes confidence intervals as decision tools to determine whether adjustments are necessary. It also incorporates a credibility component to rationalize the selection of the significance level applied in the adjustment process. As an extension, this project explores the presence of overdispersion in the Poisson model, a common issue when modeling count data that may lead to underestimated variance and biased inference. In response, a negative binomial model is tested as an alternative. This comparative analysis investigates whether the negative binomial distribution improves model fit and inference accuracy over the Poisson model. By replicating and enhancing the original methodology, this study aims to reinforce the validity of GLMs in actuarial modeling and offer a more robust framework for adjusting assumptions in LTC insurance, contributing to potential regulatory and industry applications under Principle-Based Reserving.
 

Generalized Linear Models in Family Studies from the 2017 Canadian General Social Survey

Morgan Kingsley & Sarah Earley

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

Our work explores a 2017 Canadian national survey focusing on the effects of various factors on the number of close friends older adults have. The research process is based on the 2005 paper Generalized Linear Models in Family Studies by Zheng Wu from the Journal of Marriage and Family which explores the Canadian national survey from the 1990 survey cycle. The effects are modeled using a generalized linear model (GLM) with a Poisson distribution and log link. Our article analyzes the outcomes demonstrated by the model and their implications in the context of family studies. We explain any of the limitations to our work as well as an analysis of differences between the 1990 outcomes and 2017 outcomes. The 1990 analysis suggests that older adults who attend church have more close friendships, which was expected. However, the original analysis also indicates that female participants have fewer close friends compared to males, an unexpected outcome. We conclude with a comparison of these specific relationships within the 1990 data to the associations seen in the 2017 data.

Data-Driven Football Betting: A Poisson Regression Approach to Predicting Match Outcomes and Exploiting Market Inefficiencies

Bryn Reynolds

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

The aim of this study is to utilize a parametric model to predict football match outcomes by estimating the number of goals each team will score. The overarching goal is to identify inefficiencies in the online betting market and leverage them for profitable betting strategies. By using and building upon existing statistical modeling approaches in sports analytics, this research explores the application of Poisson regression to model goal distributions and generate probabilities for match outcomes. The study starts by going over the theoretical underpinnings and earlier studies on statistical football predictions. To find the best strategy and guarantee prediction accuracy and robustness, a variety of model selection techniques are used. The model is trained and validated using historical match data from a chosen European football league, improving its predictive power. Once calibrated, the model’s probability estimates for match outcomes are compared against bookmaker odds. If the model identifies a discrepancy where its probabilities suggest a higher expected value than the bookmaker’s implied probabilities, a betting strategy is formulated. The profitability of this strategy is then assessed through simulated or real-world betting applications. This study intends to contribute to the field of sports analytics by examining betting market inefficiencies and providing insights into real-world uses for data-driven betting tactics. The results will have important ramifications for both researchers and bettors as they help ascertain whether a Poisson regression-based method can reliably beat bookmakers in forecasting match outcomes.

Session 2 - J
Community Based Research
 

Shades of Thorpe: Empowering Native Youth Towards a Bright Path

Priyanka Patel, Jason Ford, Julia Masse, and Sharon Pan

Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White and Samantha Eddy

Shades of Thorpe is a newly established 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, inspired by the legacy of Jim Thorpe. It is dedicated to supporting Native American youth through education, leadership, and athletics. The organization aims to assist young individuals to achieve their “Bright Path” and become successful in their futures. 

As consultants, our project was to accomplish key tasks that will help the organization reach its primary goals and objectives. Our first task was to provide a market analysis, researching the missions, impacts, events, and social media platforms of similar nonprofits operating in the United States. This analysis also included competitive analysis for donations, and a broad industry overview. 

Furthermore, since Shades of Thorpe is a relatively new nonprofit, we led an online workshop to help the team find the organization’s “secret ingredient.” For this task, we created a list of guided questions and led collaborative discussions designed to explore the various differentiating factors of Shades of Thorpe. Lastly, we developed an event planning template that can be customized for any future events, including strategies on running and prompting the events. 

Overall, this project allowed us to gain immense knowledge and experience regarding nonprofits and their operations. More specifically, working with Shades of Thorpe allowed us to learn about the various challenges and opportunities faced by nonprofit organizations, while providing valuable support to an organization that empowers Native American youth. As a team, we hope our contributions have equipped Shades of Thorpe with the resources needed to grow and further amplify its impact.

PYEC (Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center)

Aedan Pickett, Ciera Howard, Sophie Hubert, Ryan Mayerberg

Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White and Samantha Eddy

The Bentley University Honors Capstone Team is partnering with the Patagonia Youth Enrichment Center (PYEC) to enhance its donor engagement strategies and strengthen its organizational identity. Located in Patagonia, Arizona, a region renowned for its biodiversity, PYEC is a vital institution that provides invaluable support to a diverse population of children, including Native American and Hispanic youth. PYEC fosters growth, education, and empowerment for these young individuals, offering programs and services designed to nurture their potential and enrich their lives.

Our capstone project is centered on delivering three key outcomes: the refinement of PYEC’s logo, a comprehensive website audit, and a strategic messaging audit. By evaluating and updating the organization’s branding and communication materials, we aim to preserve its unique identity and mission while presenting it as a professional and well-managed non-profit. These efforts are guided by the ultimate goal of helping PYEC attract more long-term donors, ensuring its sustainability and continued impact on the community.

Through this analysis of PYEC’s visual identity, online presence, and messaging strategies, we will identify opportunities to enhance donor engagement and foster trust. Our recommendations will provide actionable, realistic solutions that align with PYEC’s mission and values. By supporting PYEC in building lasting relationships with donors, our project will contribute to its vision of enriching the lives of children in this distinctive and diverse region. The team will be presenting our research and deliverables at Bentley University’s undergraduate research day on April 18, 2025.

Closing the Opportunity Gap One Water System at a Time

Serena Longo, Lynn Hobbs, Aliyah Isaacs, Noah Monsanto

Faculty Advisor: Jonathan White and Samantha Eddy

Sun Powered Water Works is an organization led by Waltham resident Lamine Savadogo which helps bring clean water and economic opportunity to rural Mali in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Using solar-powered and low-maintenance equipment, the organization currently brings 10,000 liters of clean water each day to 6,000 people, serving six villages and 2 health centers. With the goal of expanding this project to all 42 villages in the region of Baroueli and eventually beyond, our team is acting as consultants to help the organization meet these goals. Upon meeting with the organization’s founder, our group identified key areas in which we could offer our expertise. As consultants, we aimed to develop the brand of the organization, along with professional materials that can be used to promote the mission of Sun Powered Water Works and secure long-term investors. 

Our group began first with creating a marketing style guide which provides a cohesive template for all marketing initiatives, including a specific font and improved logo for the organization. Using this style guide, our group designed a modular pitch deck that includes key information for potential investors and can be easily modified to address different sources of funding. Information within the deck includes an organization overview, the mission and purpose of the organization, as well as key statistics and visuals necessary for a developed understanding of the investment opportunity. Our goal is to leave the organization with professional materials such that it can secure funding and continue to drive positive changes toward equal access to clean water.

Session 2 - K
Community Based Research

440K Project – Foundations Supporting Foster Children

Alessia Di Giulio, Sofia Jamieson, Sofia Flores, Kalkidan Baweke

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor:  Mike Bravo

The goal of our research this semester was to support the 440K Project, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to making fundamental and substantial changes to the foster care system in the United States, with a particular focus on aging-out individuals (ages 18-22). Our group's specific objective was to align with the 440K Project’s mission by identifying and engaging potential foundations and donors committed to child welfare and social reform. Throughout our research, we aimed to connect the 440K Project with supporters who share its vision and can contribute to its efforts.

The criteria for selecting foundations to support the project was to ensure these foundations are currently accepting grant applicants and their preference was to support non-profit organizations in the Boston area. It was important to note that the potential grants would specifically allocate enough funding to help the 440k Project and its mission.

Initially in our research, we noticed how difficult it was to connect with potential foundations as the 440k Project has a very specific mission, and many foundations are very selective in their grant giving. However, we eventually narrowed our research down to several very successful foundations. Then we took the initiative to personally connect with the foundations to ensure the project would qualify for a grant. As we took these actions, we were able to apply on behalf of the 440k Project in hopes of building connections in the community that would help support the mission of supporting youth in the foster care system aging out.

440K Project – Creating a Non-profit Franchise for Foster Children Aging Out of Foster Care

Lauren McCreight, Anna Grondin, Samuel Rao, Matthew Kue, Amir Abaskanov

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Mike Bravo

Youth aging out of foster care experience a critical transition period to adulthood but are often left without the necessary resources or support to succeed. Over the course of the semester, our group worked as consultants for the 440K Project, a non-profit organization working to redefine the foster care system, to address the issues affecting youth aging out (ages 18-22). 

Our main goal was to create a business plan for the 440K Project that would best serve this demographic’s needs. With the help of librarians Lisa Curtin and Stephen Tracey, we identified and analyzed the most impactful non-profits supporting foster youth aging out of the system. After gathering an extensive list of organizations, we analyzed each nonprofit using metrics like program outcomes, geographical scale, and service offerings to identify the best programs to incorporate into our business plan. From there we continued to research and narrow down the most important resources/programs already available to youth across dozens of organizations throughout the United States. Using these existing programs, our efforts aim to write a refined business plan incorporating the best practices of several non-profit organizations that will be made available to “franchise” and scale across the United States. This will ensure that foster children have a support system to help them find a job, secure housing, and learn from a mentor, rather than being alone and unequipped to handle life challenges.

440K Project – Finding a Corporate Partner to Fund a Non-profit Franchise for Foster Children Aging Out of Foster Care

Corey Lusty, Justin Lucido, Lucas Fritz, MacDonald Makgolo, Sanay Mehta

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Mike Bravo

There are over 440,000 kids in the foster care system nationwide and within 18 months of aging out of the system, 40-50% of those kids end up homeless. Our class partnered with the 440K Project, a nonprofit whose goal is to make foundational and meaningful changes to the United States’ foster care system such as homelessness prevention. As a class, we focused on creating a business and marketing plan, based on several nonprofits that aid youth aging out of the system (age 18-22), with the long-term goal of replicating these nonprofits across the country.

Our team focused on finding potential corporate partners who can help achieve the goal of replicating the nonprofits across the country through funding or program partnerships. We created a list of corporations with CSR values that aligned with our mission. From there, we analyzed these companies and how they have helped youth in the system to find the best five corporations. Using this narrowed list, we reached out to individuals within these companies, seeking to gauge their interest in working with the 440K Project.

We also found applicable grants given out by these corporations that the 440k Project could take advantage of and looked into the application process. Finally, we created a marketing plan in order to convince these corporations to partner with and fund the nonprofits that come out of the 440K Project. In return, the corporations can receive positive press and a potential labor pool.

Session 2 - L
Community Based Learning
 

Projected Vehicle Loss Costs

Jacob Waxman

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

This project aims to develop predictive models for automobile insurance claims, focusing on 3rd-party liability (TPL) and glass damage (Windscreen) coverages. Using a Poisson generalized linear model (GLM), frequency models will be built to estimate the number of claims per policyholder based on key risk factors such as driver demographics, vehicle characteristics, and policy attributes. Additionally, a Gamma GLM will be used to model claim severity, estimating the average cost per claim. 

By combining the frequency and severity models, the project will derive an expected loss cost (pure premium) for each policyholder (computed as frequency * severity). Model accuracy will be assessed through confusion matrices and compared to a random assignment benchmark based on empirical claim distributions. This evaluation will help determine the model’s effectiveness in identifying high-risk policyholders and improving pricing decisions. The final stage involves using the models to predict, analyze, and interpret claim outcomes. Results will be formulated to assess the model’s strengths and weaknesses, particularly in distinguishing between policyholders with zero and nonzero claims. Based on the findings, pricing recommendations will be made, including adjustments for high-risk policyholders, potential premium segmentation, and targeted underwriting strategies. By aligning premiums more closely with expected losses, the model aims to enhance risk-based pricing, reduce adverse selection, and improve overall profitability for the insurer.

Modeling Stress and Burnout Predictors in the IT Workplace with Generalized Linear Models

Gina Palermo

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

In recent years, mental health has become an increasingly important issue in the workplace. A growing area of concern is the rising levels of stress and burnout experienced by employees. This project seeks to recreate the results of the study “Modeling Employee Burnout and Stress Levels Using Generalized Linear Models” by Madeline S. Neely, which investigates the factors contributing to workplace stress and burnout using generalized linear models. Specifically, Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression models are applied to the Work, Family, and Health Study (WFHS) dataset from the Work, Family, and Health Network, where the WFHS data was gathered through randomized field experiments that assessed employees in the Information Technology department of a Fortune 500 company. Using R for data analysis, this project examines the relationships between various workplace factors and employee mental health outcomes. Key findings from the original study, such as the impact of decision authority, job demands, and job satisfaction on stress and burnout, are evaluated and confirmed using concepts from MA 380 - Introduction to Generalized Linear Models and Survival Analysis. The data is cleaned and prepared using the original study’s methodology, and all analysis is conducted using R software. This research highlights the importance of organizational practices in shaping employee well-being and provides insights that can support healthier work environments.

Enhancing Machine Learning Predictive Models for Heart Failure Survival: A Validation and Optimization Study

Liam McGuire & Jon DAmore

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

For our capstone project, we are planning on improving a previous model that brings forth the conclusion that machine learning can predict survival of patients with heart failure from serum creatinine and ejection fraction alone. The dataset includes 299 patients with heart failure collected in 2015. The current model applies several machine learning classifiers to both predict the patient’s survival and rank the features corresponding to the most important risk factors. Additionally, they performed an alternative feature ranking analysis by employing traditional biostatistics tests and compared those results with those provided by the machine learning equations. They built the machine learning survival prediction models on these two factors alone because both feature ranking approaches clearly identify serum creatinine and ejection fraction as the two most relevant features. Based on their proposed methods and conclusions, we have the desire to improve the model to better predict the survival of patients with heart failure. Additionally, we want to justify the conclusions they have made on the previous model and confirm if their conclusions are valid. The previous model discussed how different factors were not important in concluding survivability of patients with heart failure. We would like to ensure that this is a valid assumption and ensure that we are not missing significant evidence by excluding these factors in our model.

Resident Burnout in Taiwan Hospitals and its Relation to Physician Felt Trust from Patients

Kate Rose 

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

This study seeks to replicate the work of scholars Ellery Chih-Han Huang, Christy Pu, Nicole Huang, and Yiing-Jenq Chou in their research on resident burnout in Taiwan as it relates to physician-felt rust from patients. Their study uses the managerial concept of felt trust as a basis to understand the increasing rate of burnout among doctors, especially residents, and uses this as a starting point to reduce burnout and improve the care residents provide. The original study utilized a sample of 1016 participants from Taiwan hospitals who responded to questionnaires between November 2015 and May 2016, with a response rate of 67.8%. A generalized linear model was constructed on sample data using the 2011 International Social Survey Program (ISSP) questionnaire as the basis for “physician-felt-trust-from-patient” (PFTFP) with separate coefficients for client-related burnout and personal burnout along with several other potential cofounders. In this study, a replica model will be constructed and compared to the original model.The original study provided evidence that residents who scored low on the PFTFP scale experienced significantly more burnout, specifically client-related burnout. They also provided evidence that burnout is impacted by long work hours and consecutive shifts. Another potential cofounder measured self-reported medical errors in the past three months. The original study found that an increase in self-reported errors was associated with an increase in client-burnout but not personal burnout. This study will see if these claims are supported by the replica model and what they mean for hospitals and residents.

The Association Between Mental Health and Life Satisfaction

Zhong Wen Yee

Honors Program/Faculty Advisor: Ernesto Schirmacher

Several studies support the idea that mental illness is an important determinant of life satisfaction, and improving access to mental healthcare could therefore have beneficial effects on a population's life satisfaction. In this paper, we examine the relationship between self-reported mental health and self-reported life satisfaction, while taking into account other relevant factors that affect mental health. We use data from past Canadian Community Health Survey cycles, extracting responses on self-reported mental health, socio-demographic characteristics, and other factors to conduct association tests between these variables.

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