2005

Independent Research 2005

Daniella Castro and Sara Lettiere
Mentor:Dr. Paul Griffin

Title: Faculty- Student Interaction at Pace University

Abstract: Numerous studies have mentioned the importance of student and faculty interaction and how this impacts learning and the quality of undergraduate education. To better understand how faculty-student relationships affect the learning experience, we analyzed students’ perceptions of faculty at Pace Universityand evaluated whether these opinions correlated with student satisfaction. A total of 300 students participated in this study (35% males, and 65% females). A 10- item survey was constructed in order to analyze different factors that could have an impact on student satisfaction. Based on statistical analyses, a number of variables were found to correlate with student satisfaction, including feeling respected by faculty, quality of instruction, and faculty approachability.

Peter Karellas
Mentor:Dr. Ken Katzeff

Title: Women & Leadership: How Women Are Influencing the Practice

Abstract: What is desired in a “good leader”? Many of these characteristics have been debated for decades, especially in the context of the corporate world. One thing has been established, however and it is that shattering old barriers is the most difficult challenge faced by any one individual. Although, women have been traditionally relegated to positions with a narrow potential for advancement, within the past two decades the number of examples of women obtaining corporate success have lead to questioning the ideology behind what truly is embodied by in successful leadership. Through a series of case studies conducted of women in non-traditional positions of leadership, this study attempts to answer the question, “How are women influencing the practice of leadership?” Furthermore, the obstacles, principles, and experiences that arise along the road to successful leadership are analyzed.

Samia Zaky
Mentor:Dr. Jane Collins

Title: Dust Unsettled

Abstract: My personal piece titled "Dust Unsettled," is a reflection of my personal experiences of being a Palestinian visiting the Occupied Territories and Jerusalem. This piece was originally intended to fulfill an assignment required for an English class called Non-fiction and Memoir Writing taught by Dr. Jane Collins. However, from its initial form as a short choppy draft, this story quickly grew to embody the estranged sense I had experienced each time I visited Palestine over the years before the breakout of the second Intifada. My intentions are not to focus on the soldiers or place blame on them, rather this story's purpose is to highlight the interaction between the two peoples entangled in decades of conflict and reinforced hatred. My goal in presenting this is to offer reality as seen through the eyes of a child facing Israeli Defense Force soldiers in a land I had been taught "belonged" to my ancestors.




 

Korki Miller
Mentor:Dr. Sergey Kazakov

Title: Polymer Network and Cytoplasm: Ion Exchange Kinetics

Abstract: According to the recognized concept of a gel-like cytoplasm, a cytoplasmic protein-ion-water matrix operates by the same working principles as an ordinary hydrogel ionic reservoir.  Thus, the kinetics of ion exchange within the artificial polymer networks may be served to understand the cell biological functions.  Also, the ion-sensitive hydrogels are of great potential for a new generation of actuators, biosensors, and environmentally responsive elements.  The time-resolved measurements of the ion concentration in the exterior to the hydrogel particles of different sizes were carried out to study the mechanical and electrochemical behavior of the pH-responsive polymer networks.  The kinetics of establishing an equilibrium pH in external suspension of macrogels and microgels was recorded and the size-dependent parameters of protonation/ deprotonation in the studied polymer networks analyzed.

Lauren Conciatori
Mentor:Dr. Kathy Winsted

Title: Pace Perk: New Product Development and Marketing

Abstract: My senior thesis for Lubin Leaders centers on new product development and marketing for Pace Perk.  An on campus, student run business, Pace Perk is a place where students can go to eat, study, or just hang out, which is scheduled to open in the fall semester. My project focused on the students’ needs and desires.  After research of Pace students was collected and analyzed, I created a marketing plan and best business practices for Pace Perk.  This marketing plan focused primarily on product (i.e. food, school supplies, activities, etc.), but also took into account pricing, distribution, and promotion.  Possible uses of space, prioritization of products, and what Pace Perk should do for future growth are also included in the marketing plan.