2002

Independent Research 2002

Melinda Kucsera
Mentor:Professor Roger Sayre

Title: A Photographic Exploration of Arnold Newman

Abstract: This is a historical study of portraiture used as a guide to take portraits in the same style.   At the conclusion of the project, I not only had taken a large number of portraits, but had also found my own style.   The project considered the use of studio lighting, which is very important to portraiture—many portraits play with lighting to create various effects or simply cast part of a person’s face in shadow.   Mounting and presentation of portraits is essential and wide ranges of options are available.   For the presentation at the Honors Conference, I will show and speak about the styles I mimicked and then do the same with my own work.

Daisy Pitre
Mentor:Professor Randy Myer

Title: Cost Analysis of Food-Patch

Abstract: The project consisted of several cost analysis studies performed for a loval food bank, Food-Patch.  First, there was an evaluation of an existing produce program to determine if it was worth continuing and, if so, whether recommendations were  needed to improve it.  The next step was to find the cost analysis to determine if the current mark up for purchased foods was enough to break even.  The final portion was to develop an emergency food distribution plan to provide food to those in need in Westchester County 24 hours a day.  7 days a week.

Kunal Rambhia
Mentor:Dr. Ron Filante

Title: Creation of Derivative Markets

Abstract: Derivatives are financial instruments that are traded around the world, much like stocks and bonds.  They include options, futures, and forwards.  The values of these securities and derived from other instruments -hence they are called "derivatives."  These are great tools to hedge, speculate, and arbitrate.  Real Estate office space markets have exploded and, with recent events, have caused uncertainty.  My research has attempted to blend the two, for I propose the creation of derivative markets for Real Estate.

Melissa Re & Christopher Walther
Mentor: Professor Roger Sayre & Dr. Alfred Ward

Title: A Depiction of Homelessness in New York City through Images and Words

Abstract: This project incorporated two fields of study, psychology and photography, into a single research project focused on the lives of the homeless.  Dorethea Lange's photographs inspired us to emulate her artistic style, for her images reveal the economic and social changes that took place in America during the Great Depression.  She was a photographer who used her camera to evoke empathy rather than exploit the hardships of others.  We chose to photograph homelessness on the streets as well as in a homeless shelter.  Through this, we were able to speak to many homeless people, which allowed us to get a better perspective on what they were going through.  We will show slides and tell the stories of some of the people we encountered in New York City.  Ultimately, through relaying the life experiences of the subject in our images, we hope to depict the homeless in a way that shows them to be fellow human beings, instead of social outcasts and pariahs as they are often considered to be.  We have donated all our photographs too the Annual United Way Auction at Pace University, where they were auctioned off.