2003

Jael DeMarco
Mentor:Dr. Robert A. Cicenia

Title: The Geometric Road to Relativity

Abstract: During the semester of spring 2002, I completed a math independent study with Dr. Robert Cicenia. The paper that I have written, named A Geometric Road to Relativity, was the final result of my independent study.  I used James Callahan’s book The Geometry of Spacetime along with many other requisite materials to guide me.  My study consisted of two main ideas.  First, I explained the problems found by scientists and mathematicians that prompted a need for a non- Euclidean geometry to model the physical world.  Second, I analyzed the development of Minkowski geometry.

Deborah Heller
Mentor:Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald        

Title: The Patriot Acts: National Security or Totalitarianism

Abstract: September 11, 2001 forced the United States to reevaluate its national security measures.  President George W. Bush first relied on Attorney General Ashcroft to make recommendations regarding how to better protect the United States.   Ashcroft and others found them wanting.  To ensure the protection of the U.S., Ashcroft proposed legislation known as the Patriot Acts which would: allow people to be detained without strong suspicion for much longer than previously allowed, eliminate attorney client privilege, and allow wiretaps to be obtained without reasonable suspicion and last longer than before.  The claim was that all of these measures would protect us from terrorism.  However, at what cost?  I seek to research whether or not the Patriot Acts will truly protect us, or if they will merely harm us by eroding our Constitutional Rights.

Kim Misevis

Mentor:Dr. Greg Julian

Title: State of the World 2003: The Korean Peninsula

Abstract: I will focus my research on North and South Korea.  Specifically, I will investigate the history of the two countries, concentrating on the implications of the Korean War and the role of the United States and China in that war.  I will also look at the current nuclear crisis of North Korea and its direct implications to the Korean peninsula and the world.  Also, I will examine the leaders of both countries while also looking at the leaders of the countries who play a direct role in this crisis, namely the United States, China, and Japan.  I intend to look at the implications of the US or UN imposed sanctions as a means of disarmament for North Korea, not only for the Korean peninsula, but also for the Asian community at large.  Finally, I will begin to examine ways in which the crisis could be resolved in a diplomatic fashion, focusing on the role of the United Nations in this situation and how dialogue between the two countries can result in a peaceful solution.

Nicholas Esposito
Mentor:Dr. Lawrence Hundersmarck

Title: The Problem of Evil

Abstract: War, disease, genocide, torture, earthquakes, terrorism, famine, and despair have plagued humanity throughout its history.  How can such evils exist in a world created by an all-powerful and all-loving God?  This dilemma, which has been presented to monotheists, is known as the problem of evil.  If God is all loving, God must wish to abolish evil; and if God is all powerful then God must be able to abolish evil.  Philosophers and theologians have responded to the problem of evil with theodicies, or attempts to justify God's righteousness.  In "The Problem of Evil," I discuss two theodicies developed within the Christian tradition; one that attempts to justify the righteousness of God by looking to the origins of humanity, the other, considers the destiny of humanity to be the key to this issue..