...journey in curiosity...
The Challenge Course
The Honors Challenge Course is an independent group project where students can tackle a research question of their own design. Honors students use the critical thinking, research, and collaboration skills they learned in their Theories of Inquiry course to tackle real-world problems. At the Honors Research Conference, sophomore students share the fruits of their intellectual labor with the wider AU community.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Block I
1:30-2:30pm
Connecting the Pieces: Investigating Community Bonds in Third Places
Danae Minich, Jolie Abdo, Elle Nathan, Eve Bryner, Sage Duarte
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Patrick Thaddeus Jackson
MGC 200
In modern urban settings, community building has been challenged by the rise of smartphones, individualist lifestyles, and demanding work schedules. As people increasingly gravitate towards digital interactions and secluded spaces, the communal spirit in third places—coffee shops, libraries, and other neutral venues where individuals neither work nor reside—has decreased. Our project aims to investigate community engagement in third places through the unassuming medium of jigsaw puzzles.
In coffee shops, libraries, and similar locations, we set up jigsaw puzzles on tables, inviting others in the space to join us. While puzzling together, we asked about visitors’ motivations for approaching the puzzle table and their prior experiences with community building in such spaces. We asked about participants’ willingness to engage with puzzles in public spaces and their expectations from third places in order to draw conclusions about community in third places.
Our research aims to discover the efficacy of puzzles as a tool for community building in third places. By observing the dynamics of participation and social interaction around the puzzle tables, we seek to determine whether this activity fosters connections and nurtures a sense of belonging among diverse individuals.
The Impact of Social Bonds on Juvenile Gun Violence
Antonio Osso, Catherine Mason, Hannah Viana, Mia Kimm
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Michelle Engert
MGC 200
Youth gun violence is increasingly an issue across the United States. In D.C., youth gun violence has hit record numbers in recent years. This study investigates how social bonds impact the likelihood of juvenile gun violence in D.C. Using Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory, this research aims to show how a lack of youth programs and institutions can contribute to youth gun violence. The hypothesis posits that lower availability of youth programs/institutions will lead to higher rates of juvenile gun violence. Benjamin Banneker High School in Ward 2 and Ballou High School in Ward 8 were chosen as a means of analyzing the institutions in and around the school. Ward 2 was chosen to represent a high median income area, and Ward 8 was chosen to represent a low median income area. Data from OpenData DC was collected and presented on a datamap via ArcGIS pro to perform a spatial analysis of the different community factors. To conclude, initiatives aimed at combating gun violence in D.C. and school counseling programs are assessed. This research combines criminological theory and empirical data to provide insight into policy implications for reducing juvenile gun violence.
Navigating Narratives: Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure in Africa, Europe, and the United States
Tarumbidzwa Chirume, Flynn Gray, Annalise Vézina
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Samuel Johnson
MGC 247
Our project sought to answer the research question: How do monolithic narratives of African and European sustainability affect different racial groups’ access to sustainable transportation infrastructure in the United States? We focused on exploring narratives about sustainable transportation across Africa, Europe, and the United States. Through our research, we discussed how these narratives manifest themselves differently in the infrastructure built where and for the benefit of whom. We focused on critical theory when performing research, and utilized scholarly and popular sources to gain a better understanding of the conversations currently taking place and how they shape perceptions about each location, informing policy initiatives and construction projects. We discussed our research findings with each other, reflecting afterwards on the connections we made across each continent and the different narratives present. We especially focused on the racial and class divides that exist in sustainable transportation infrastructure. We found that, in the United States, the racialized inequality present in access to sustainable transportation infrastructure is a result of the African and European narratives about sustainability and transport systems. Our project has revealed the weight narratives different places hold, and the extent to which those narratives influence policy and urban planning decisions.
At a Crossroads: Analyzing Supply Chain Shifts in the Automotive Industry
Daniel Domsky, Moss Lempieri, Alvin Li, Silvia Postigo Marcos
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Frank L. DuBois
MGC 247
In an era of evolving global trade dynamics, the automotive industry symbolizes the epitome of cross-border collaboration. Trillions of dollars in raw materials, components, and final goods are shipped across the world every year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about whether worldwide supply chains can maintain stability in the face of emerging hazards and international political conflicts. As trade and economic interdependence continue to shift globally, along what trajectory will the automotive industry develop? To answer this question, we employed both qualitative and quantitative modes of research. We examined where cars are manufactured, evaluating raw data to analyze component origin and find trends as they move across the globe. We presented our findings to key stakeholders via interviews, learning from their expertise in the industry to gain insider insights. To culminate our research, we developed a policy memo with a set of actionable recommendations. Leaning on past data and expert conversations, we drafted strategies to steer the future of the automotive industry on the right side of the road.
Indigena e Inmigrante: Exploring Identity, Community, and Acceptance
Aidan Dowell, Melia Klingler, Michelle Miramontes
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Ernesto Castañeda
MGC 245
Our study is concerned with grappling immigrant and Latino-indigenous identities in a modern American context. This interaction of identity is nebulous and multivalent, changing how people perceive not only themselves, but their race, language, communities, pride and sense of nationalism. While ideas of indigeneity have been scrutinized and dissected within their respective cultural landscapes (e.g. Quechua people in Ecuador and Bolivia), little has been done to explore relationships with one’s own indigeneity through the process and trials of changing context; immigrating to another country like the U.S. To explore this, our group conducted extensive interviews with local immigrants, indigenous in their home communities, and with community leaders immersed in the dynamics we’re concerned with. From these interviews, we have observed a transmittance of the stigmas and ostracization around indigenous bodies to our local context in the DMV; outside of the disenfranchisement that comes from not being a markedly white American, indigenous immigrants often have trouble claiming and taking pride in their indigeneity, and the language and family practices that it involves. This study is a snapshot of an ongoing investigation that highlights a nuanced understanding of indigenous identity that is shackled by expatriate hierarchical social structures.
Black Southerners in the Land of White Imaginary
Jen Robinson, Savanna-Rae Synder, Devon Benaroya, Marisa Alvarez, Hannah Peterson
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Shawn Bates
MGC 245
Our project aims to create a class that takes students on a journey to the South to explore the history of systemic racism in America. By highlighting the voices of Black Americans, we hope to move away from the narrative that only white people live in the South. Using various resources, we delve into the past to explain current issues such as redlining, school-to-prison pipeline, and mass incarceration, etc. Our course syllabus and mock canvas page outline how we plan to pitch this idea to universities, with the goal of diversifying curriculums and providing Black students with the representation that has been missing in the education system for far too long. Additionally, this class provides an opportunity for students of all ethnicities to immerse themselves in the rich culture and unique history of Black individuals in the South. By taking this class, students will develop a broader perspective and understanding of the complexities of systemic racism in America, as well as insights into the socioeconomic and cultural factors that have contributed to it over the years.
Block II
2:30-3:30pm
Embracing Love
Liv Tracy, Anna Geibler, Daniela Gerardi, Jules Montanez
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Robert Kelly
MGC 247
Who loves you the most? Who do love the most? Love commonly refers to the strong affection or emotion that one feels for someone or something. However, love, in its shapeless beauty, takes on many shapes and forms. Each individual experiences love in their own unique way which we sought to capture this through the form of recorded interviews. We invited students who showed interest in sharing their experiences to partake in 30 minute recorded interviews. Within these interviews, we asked the same set of open-ended questions and allowed for the interviewees to share their personal thoughts and experiences. In the form of a video essay, our group wanted to find how the different forms of love present themselves differently within a diverse group of people. Through their stories, we seek to understand the importance and impact of love within different people’s lives.
Voices from the Quad: POC Perspectives on College Dating at American University
Jillian Augustine, Diya Jaisankar, Ryleigh Waters, Emma Alizadeh-Dolce, Aseel Osman
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Omekongo Dibinga
MGC 247
This project examines the intricacies of romantic relationships within the context of higher education settings where racial demographics play a significant role. Focused on understanding the dynamics of dating experiences among students attending American University, this project delves into the complexities of race, identity, and social interactions. Through interpretive research, the study aims to uncover the challenges, preferences, and perceptions that shape dating behaviors among college students of diverse racial backgrounds. By exploring themes of cultural appropriation, interracial dynamics, fetishization, and the influence of institutional culture, the project seeks to offer insights into experiences of students of color navigating romantic relationships at American University. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader conversation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education by shedding light on the ways in which race intersects with dating dynamics on college campuses.
From The Cloth to The Capes
Zophia Kotala, Cade Miller, Aidan Ford, Patrick Alexander
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Adam Tamashasky
MGC 245
From The Cloth to The Capes seeks to examine the similarities and differences in how superhero media and religious texts teach moral lessons to their readers. Both operate under the shared premise of demonstrating the righteous and responsible use of ultimate power in order to “save” those who lack it. However, just as religions differ in the implementation and extensions of that idea, so too do comics, often to different effects. From The Cloth to The Capes looks at several superhero stories and how they incorporate religious iconography, texts, and principles in order to help convey their underlying moral lessons; it also researches the importance of media to readers and how these lessons can help shape the culture they contribute to. This research is hosted on a comprehensive website examining different heroes, stories, religions, and sociological research. Ultimately, our project asserts that comics aid moralistic human development in a way that religion has done since the beginning of humanity.
Preparedness to Paranoia: The Intersection of Religion and Survivalist Prepping
Grace Dehner, George Stefanov, Kevin Farmer, Eryn Mikulicz
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Antoaneta Tileva
MGC 245
Our research seeks to explore how people cope with an impending apocalypse. Focusing on the influences of religion on survivalist practices, we delve into different facets of “bunkerism” and the dichotomy of paranoia and fear. Through interviews with survivalists, religious leaders, and scholars, we provide unique insights into the prepping community. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of how religion influences approaches to disaster preparedness. The resulting Zine, You Wouldn’t “Gun Thy Neighbor”, Would You?: Religion & Resilience at the End of the World, not only sheds light on not only the motives and strategies of preppers but highlights the interplay of faith, fear, and resilience in the face of existential threats.
Examining the Prevalence of Misinformation and Fact-Checking as a Corrective: Evidence from American University Students
Erica Liff, Jack Meikrantz, Gavin Outlaw, Mridul Prasad
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Elizabeth Suhay
MGC 200
Misinformation is by no means a new concept; however, today, it has evolved into a significantly more potent and noticeable issue. Misinformation can be defined as “factually incorrect information” and its evolution from word of mouth and print to the internet has dramatically affected society and the political landscape. There are two areas of interest with misinformation: its prevalence and whether there are effective correctives. Previous scholars have conducted extensive research in these areas, but most of this has been done nationally and focuses on the political right.
However, belief in misinformation can be found across the political spectrum. Our research looks at the political left, an area that is largely understudied. Through informal conversations, we determined what misinformation students at American University believed and then created a survey with statements inspired by the conversations. Respondents selected whether the statements were true, misinformation, or uncertain, so we could see the prevalence of misinformed views on a left leaning audience. If they selected an incorrect answer, they were shown a fact-check and could change their response. Survey results allowed us to determine whether fact-checking served as an effective corrective.
Sustainable Solutions: How Can Extremophiles Combat the Climate Crisis?
Vivian Burnham, Sophia Gagliardi, Sofiya Cole, Will Shister
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Christopher Tudge
MGC 200
How can water bears and pink yeast fight climate change? These organisms, called extremophiles, possess unique traits that could be applied to environmental innovations like drought resistance, bioremediation, and biotechnology. Extremophiles are remarkable in that they have the ability to thrive in conditions normally unsuitable for life, like intense heat, extreme pressure, high acidity, low levels of nutrients, and more. As climate change renders our environment increasingly hostile, scientists have suggested that leveraging the resilience of extremophiles could help mitigate its effects. Our project investigates these resourceful life forms, aiming to understand what they are, what their role is within their ecosystems, and how they could address pressing environmental challenges. With the goal of disseminating our findings in a more accessible manner to non-scientists, specifically youth, we designed a website with concise information, explanatory videos, and an interactive map. We hope that in doing so, our research will empower the general public to educate themselves about sustainable approaches to solving the climate crisis.
Block III
3:30-4:30pm
Public Park Accessibility in Washington, D.C.
Nolan Menanno, Aidan Skidds, Tyler Daniels, Jack Ziets
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Malini Ranganathan
MGC 200
Residents of Washington, D.C. are fortunate to have public parks throughout the DMV region. However, scholars and leaders have given insufficient thought to the accessibility of these green spaces. There are a variety of factors that go into this topic: economics, race, park design, historical trends, geological barriers, etc. This project focuses on how spatial and non-spatial constraints have impacted perceptions of public green space accessibility in Washington, DC. Initially, it reviews literature on public parks, accessibility, and the intersection between identity and accessibility. For methodology, visitors responded to pre-set questions to gauge understanding of accessibility and its presence in that park. A website with a photo diary (containing pictures of parks with descriptions) accompanies this research to better illustrate the physical amenities and constraints on the parks examined. Limitations to this research included difficulties speaking with park rangers and visitors due to bureaucratic and logistical challenges.
The Green Divide: A Deep Dive into DC’s Greenspace Disparities
Julia Lewis, Patrick Medvitz, Ben Doncov, Alexis Hochgertel, Jimmy Grebenstein
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Daniel Fiorino
MGC 200
Washington DC is famous for its parks. Almost all residents live within a 10 minute walk from a park, and the city’s National Mall hosts 25 million tourists every year. However, while greenspace abundance is notable, it is important to emphasize quality in addition to quantity. After all, parks are only beneficial if they are maintained, accessible, and safe. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that while DC residents may have equal access to parks, they do not have equal access to quality parks. In fact, a DC resident’s socioeconomic status is closely linked to the quality of greenspace in their community. We utilized a multifaceted research approach to understand the inequalities present in DC’s park system, how they affect DC residents, and how they can be addressed. Through a combination of GIS mapping, interviews, park visits, and scholarly research, we developed a comprehensive overview of the DC park system, its unique challenges, and recommendations for holistic greenspace equity.