Honors Independent Research Papers

Legacy of a Leader

Michael Staib — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:02:18 PDT

This study assesses the historical legacy of former Commander-In-Chief and 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Research references Reagan’s formidable contribution to subsequent U. S. politics by analyzing his domestic and foreign policy. Ultimately, Reagan revolutionized the presidency and provided conservative reconstruction, restoring moral guidance to American society. Epitomizing the Roosevelt Corollary, the aphorism popularized by Teddy Roosevelt, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick,” Reagan followed an aggressive foreign policy. Exercising diplomacy, Reagan deterred those countries deemed dangerous, while preserving peace with amiable nations. Essay examines his ideological perspective, constitutional interpretation, executive appointment of Supreme Court justices, laissez-faire economic strategy, policy implementation, administrative style, preliminary exposure to modern terrorism driven by Islamic extremism, Cold War tensions, U.S.-Soviet Russia relations, Latin American involvement, Grenada invasion, Iran Contra, relationship with Pope John Paul II, and role in conquering communism. Analysis also includes biographical content to portray Reagan, his personality, and its influence on presidential initiatives.

U.S. Environmental Policy and Politics (2000 - 2007)

Emily Gornell — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:03:05 PDT

In the millennium, it has become increasingly apparent that a defining issue of this century will be environmental sustainability and development. With the volume of evidence and concern for global climate change over the past few decades, citizens must begin to understand that environmental policy and politics are central to any efforts that will decrease the impact and risk of this catastrophic scenario. Throughout the past seven years, the United States environmental policy has been guided by the Bush Administrations ideology. This research intends to cite the actions the Bush administration has and has not taken regarding the environment and what actions need to be taken in order to reclaim the United States status as a forerunner in environmental policy and implementation

Management of Financial Distress: The Case of Macy’s Department Stores

Kahramon Juraboey — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 11:32:48 PST

This paper focuses on conflicts of interest in the case of Macy’s Department Stores during a period when the company faced management buyout, and was ultimately acquired by Federated Department Stores (1986-1994). Analysis of the financially-distressed company reveals the bondholders did not aggressively react to the stockholders’ transfer of wealth. Moreover, this paper examines the analysts’, vendors’, rivals’, and all other affected parties’ reactions to significant changes in the financial status of the company over several years of its operation.

The Nature of Mathematics Through Real analysis

Peter Von Oy — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 11:32:46 PST

This paper will focus on the construction of mathematical concepts, from the number line and basic operations, to their more general functional definitions. Topics will include the real numbers, fields, and metrics spaces, with a focus upon the necessity for strict definitions and proofs.

Connectivity Infinitum

Zubin Wadia — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 11:31:28 PST

This paper analyzes the development of a connectivity model using a fusion of next-generation technologies. The technologies examined include dense wavelength division multiplexing, quantum computing, Internet Protocol Version 6, and ‘Blue Tooth.’ The system developed encompasses these technologies and revolutionizes the perception of computing as it is known today.

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

Melissa Re et al. — Thu, 31 Mar 2005 11:30:11 PST

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 to the Annual United Way Auction at Pace University, where they were auctioned off.

Thermodynamic Analysis oh Chiral Separations in Normal Phase HPLC

Cindy Chu — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:58:19 PST

The enantiloselectivity of mandelic acid and various optically active derivatives on a chiral stationary phase in normal phase HPLC was previously investigated. The study revealed that chiral centers with certain functional groups require bridging with methyl or ethyl groups for separation to occur. This observation is being investigated through thermodynamic analysis of two series of analytes in the same mobile phase with a view towards determining the enthalpic and entropic contributions to adsorption.

: The Free Trade Agreement Between Mexico and the European Union

Laura Tyring — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:56:02 PST

Today, Mexico is a developing country that is improving its economic situation with the help of a new political party (Partido de Acción Nacional) governed by the recently elected president, Mr. Vincente Fox. One of the major factors of this economic growth is the recent Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. This paper examines Mexico’s economy and the impact of the Free Trade Agreement.

The Civil War Era: Women and War, the Limits of Expectations

Alissa Nevoso — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:32:55 PST

This paper examines a single issue that concerns the Civil War—not why the war was fought, but rather, the role that women played in the war itself. Featured women are: Sarah Emma Edmonds, Jennie Hodgers, and Dr. Mary Walker. The conclusion of the paper will explain what occurred after the war ended, and focuses on the expectations of the women that were not met, specifically the right to vote.

Detecting Deceit: Fraud and the Forensic Accountant

Jessica Rubin — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:30:40 PST

With various types of fraud and white-collar crime cases on the rise, an ever-present need to combat and prevent fraud exists. In order to advise business on key precautions and to seek out and investigate fraud, a specialized industry has materialized. Forensic Accounting, a discipline that encompasses accounting, auditing, and investigation represents one of the fastest growing areas in professional services.

Sustainable Development: A Civil Competency Study

Michael Gaspar — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:24:01 PST

Since the 1992 Earth Summit, the policymakers of the world have started to insert the ideals and actions of sustainable development at a local, national, regional, and international level. This study is in three parts. The first component is the definition, history, and present state of sustainable development. The second focus is the implementation of these programs at local societies throughout the world through local Agenda 21 programs of action. Lastly, a case study will be presented demonstrating a crucial element of sustainable development, which is educating youth and preparing them for action for advancing sustainable development in the 21st century.

The Female Gothic: Online Course

Kathryn Bohan — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:16:55 PST

The Female Gothic: Online Course is a study of five novels by authors of the 18th and 19th centuries, exemplifying the principles of the genre of the female gothic. The key issues discussed are those in the forefront of the female gothic, including: the relationship between men and women, imprisonment of women, marriage, motherhood, relationships between mothers and daughters, control of female characters by other characters, and the use of the supernatural. This course also explores why the female gothic is seen as separate from the gothic genre as a whole, as well as the societal forces which affected the authors of this genre. This is a full-length, fourteen-week course which includes lecture material, visual aides, and study questions. Two-week periods are devoted to each novel, with the remaining weeks providing time for an introduction, lectures connecting issues between the novels, and a summary of the course.

A Photographic Exploration of Arnold Newman

Melinda Kucsera — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 13:05:23 PST

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.

Cost Analysis of Food-Patch

Daisy Pitre — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 13:05:22 PST

The project consisted of several cost analysis studies performed for a local 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.

Creation of Derivative Markets

Kunal Rambhia — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 13:03:06 PST

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.

The Geometric Road to Relativity

Jael DeMarco — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:39:15 PST

: 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

The Patriot Acts: National Security or Totalitarianism

Deborah Heller — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:39:14 PST

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.

State of the World 2003: The Korean Peninsula

Kim Misevis — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:37:07 PST

: 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.

The Problem of Evil

Nicholas Esposito — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 09:37:04 PST

: 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.

Advertising and America’s Youth

Allison Zacone — Thu, 10 Feb 2005 14:04:06 PST

Americans have become increasing more “connected” to media through technological advances over the last decade. Unfortunately, the more innovations we adopt, the more vulnerable we become as consumer targets Adults are certainly not alone in the thirst for obtaining the latest technological gadgets – most young Americans know more about technology, the Internet, and media than their parents. However, each time a child watches television, uses a computer, or reads a magazine they are bombarded with advertisements and media messages - and it does not stop there. Major contracts with agencies and Primedia’s Channel One news have brought advertising into schools. While technical know-how has great benefits for youth, children have become the largest and most heavily targeted group by advertising campaigns. It is therefore important to understand how advertising is impacting and influencing youth.