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In Alumni Files

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

Personalized medicine is a breakthrough that is changing the face of medicine for female oncology patients. Throughout history, the majority of medical research conducted has focused primarily or exclusively on men, creating a knowledge gap between the two genders. Today, with the advent of personalized medicine, women can receive knowledgeable care from physicians. Personalized medicine is breaking the barriers of the current 3 pillars of oncology treatment - radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy - by providing an avenue for female oncology patients to receive higher quality care. Rapid developments in this upcoming field are offering female oncology patients safe, more effective care.

Type of Resource

VideoObject

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

The regions of Nova Scotia and New Hampshire are naturally susceptible to arsenic water contamination due to their geological makeup. These locations are relatively rural, with many of their citizens reporting low incomes and lacking education, the majority of which are unaware of the risk of arsenic poisoning. There is also a high dependency on private wells which are not regulated in terms of water quality under federal law in both countries. Arsenic water pollution is undetectable as it is both odorless and tasteless and potentially very dangerous, and therefore water testing must be performed on wells, which is currently the responsibility of the well owners in both regions. Through numerous case studies regarding arsenic contamination in Nova Scotia and New Hampshire, research found that federal policy is needed to protect against long-term exposure to arsenic in private well water. This policy must be accessible and affordable in order to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable populations in Canada and the United States.

Type of Resource

VideoObject

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

This paper will attempt to identify the ways in which racism permeates education beginning in childhood and extending to higher education. Racism towards black people has existed on the North American continent even before the United States was established as an independent nation. Political movements of the 19th and 20th centuries made tremendous progress in counteracting the effects of racism. The education experience of black people in America changed dramatically after the groundbreaking court case Brown v. Board of Education that outlawed racial segregation in public schools in 1954. One of the latent functions of the court's ruling was effectively removing an entire generation of black school teachers without ever intending to do so. While more and more black students were sent to white schools, historically black schools were shut down and their black teachers along with them. Between 1954 and 1971, the nation lost 31,584 black teaching positions and 2,235 black principals, even as the number of education jobs increased. Many of these teachers were highly qualified, some even carrying PhDs, whose positions were deemed "no longer necessary." The lack of highly qualified black teachers has led to savage inequalities across schools in the United States. Using the Education Longitudinal Study (ELS) of 2002 and an existing study by Grissom and Redding (2016), this paper offers that student-teacher race congruence is a significant factor for black children in achieving academic success and gaining access to gifted programs. An additional case study on data gathered through a Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) summer enrichment program presents optimistic outcomes for minority students gaining access to qualified STEM institutions.

Type of Resource

VideoObject

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

Charismatic personalities have the ability to charm and attract supporters. Politicians' ability to garner public support is vital to electoral outcomes in a democratic system like the United States. This topic stems from German sociologist Max Weber's theory on types of legitimate domination in his book, "Economy and Society." Weber hypothesizes that power is legitimized in three forms: traditional authority, rational-legal authority, and charismatic authority. Charismatic authority leaders gain power through their extraordinary personality and the qualities they possess justify their ability to lead. Charisma is a renewed force, and examples of charismatic leadership ranges from religious founders like Jesus Christ and Islamic Prophet Muhammad to the 1960s criminal cult leader Charles Manson. Politicians may possess an authentically charismatic personality, but they also have the ability to adopt political techniques that make them appear charismatic. This phenomenon is known as synthetic charisma, the ability for a political candidate to construct a charismatic personality in their campaigns and through the media through artificial means. Furthermore, if the significance of charismatic authority can be understood by female leaders, this has the potential to help increase leadership representation among women. The purpose of this research is to examine why charisma matters in today's social and political environment, how campaigns and the media interact to socially construct charisma, and how the power of charisma can be harnessed to support female leadership.

Type of Resource

VideoObject

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

It's no surprise that the Adirondacks is comprised of a predominantly white population with regard to both its residents and visitors. As such, there has been a recent push to bring more diversity to the area. However, this begs the question of whether or not BIPOC folks (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color) are welcomed, especially since they have been written out of Adirondack history and have had troubling experiences in the area. With this in mind, I have aimed to research issues of diversity in the region, examining the racism and discrimination throughout its history, how these problems manifest themselves in the present day, and what is being done to make the future of the Adirondacks more welcoming to all.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand a college's conduct and point systems in a phenomenological way, through the students' and staff's perceptions of it. Perceptions have been shown to be more influential in shaping behaviors towards and attitudes of disciplinary structures than objective and empirical evaluation. In assessing perceptions, the point and conduct systems' effectiveness can be better understood. Using survey responses from 72 college students and 3 staff interviews, the perceived fairness of the conduct system was evaluated. The results were inconclusive. It was clear that students thought that the point system could be improved in multiple areas; however, based on the data, it was not clear that they perceived the system as wholly unfair. Two prominent concerns were education, both about the system and within the system, and point value allocation to violation. To address these concerns, comprehensive education about what the conduct system is, how it works, why it is in place, and how to appropriately evaluate violations, for both students and staff, respectively, should be implemented. Although no obvious conclusions were evident, the data of this preliminary study provides valuable information about people's perspectives of the conduct system and what those attitudes mean for its mission.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine how community organizations respond to the problems of sex trafficking and sexual assault and the related legal issues that help and hinder the response. Sexual violence is a serious problem and it is important to understand the various ways that communities can respond both through policy and programs to better help people who are victims of sexual violence. Case studies of three different community organizations that work with sex crimes and violence against women are conducted. Similarities and differences in the organizations as well as relevant legal issues are examined; recommendations for effective community responses and programs are made.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast the background, impacts and treatment of two major oil spills and investigate the appropriateness of existing environmental policies and any need for new and/or different policies. The study traces the growth of relevant policy development and looks at historic and contemporary policy changes and applies this to the in-depth examination of the Bouchard B120 and the Deepwater Horizon spills. Policy recommendations are made based on conclusions drawn from the examination of the two case studies. It is recommended that a new classification system be implemented so that each company in the oil industry is appropriately and equally monitored. An important conclusion of this study is that successful oil spill policy is one that stresses preventative measures and is well-enforced by the appropriate agency.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

My presentation, focuses on fashion as a social agent, with its artistic expression and continual reorganization of styles, has the power to exact social change, or whether it simply reinforces and reproduces social inequality. Through content analysis examples, this presentation examines various fashion experiences, looking for the social and political forces behind the experience of clothing. Exploring various sociological theories, including Roland Barthes's theory of fashion as a social code, Erving Goffman and Herbert Blumer's theories of symbolic interactionism, Max Weber's theories regarding class and society, and Georg Simmel's theories on fashion as a means of conformity, I argue gender performance is a social agent which contributes to the formal and informal socialization of members of a society.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

Former research shows that student bodies of higher education institutions have become more diverse over the past several decades, both at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Sociological research explains how diversifying colleges and universities may seem like a good thing, but actually causes problems for minority students through microaggressions and unequal academic playing fields. Although research exists which analyzes the admission of students of color, there is a gap in the research which looks at retention. This research aims to better understand what conditions make students more or less likely to stop out of college with particular focus on race and financial need. The econometric results show that being Black and attending a school with an increasingly white student body is not statistically significant in leading to a student stopping out, but attending a school with a higher percentage of white students reduces the likelihood of a student stopping out. Further, factors of financial need, including students who borrow more money to pay for their education or have a higher level of unmet need, are more likely to stop out. A series of sociological case studies reveal that PWIs have much work to do in making campuses more diverse and inclusive. Microaggressions and acts of racism can lead to a disconnect between a Black student's identity and the environment of their college campus. Yet, the institutional support structures of PWIs may be enough to maintain the retention of Black students.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

There has been extensive academic research and mainstream debate about the source of former President Donald J. Trump's popularity. Many commenters cite long term trends of disenfranchisement, populist notions, reckless elites and white nationalism, among other sociological, cultural, political and economic factors. These certainly all play some role, but, as this thesis will contest, Trump's rhetoric and messaging techniques are critical to the identity of the Trump movement and its success. Much of the existing literature on the 45th President tends to gloss over Trump's strategic messaging platform and it's pervasive impact on his popularity with his base, beyond admitting that he caters to the emotional desires of his base. Trump's unprecedented popularity and ability control his base deserves more in depth analysis. Beyond just the impact on his base, Trump's messaging is unique, differing both from other populists and from any opponent he has faced. Trumpism has brought a new type of political discourse and strategy that welds populism, conspiracism, fascism and authoritarianism into a single movement. This thesis aims to classify a handful of distinct and repeated messaging strategies used by Donald Trump, through content analysis of his tweets, speeches, rallies, debates, and interviews in the months of August through November in both 2016 and 2021. This thesis outlines the mechanics of sixteen messaging strategies used by Trump in both elections and determines that they are not only effective but likely replicable by future demagogic political actors.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Steinmetz Symposium

Abstract

Effective watershed management practices are vital for protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Although the Town of Glenville has taken several steps in protecting their watersheds, such as illicit discharge monitoring, construction site monitoring, and participating in the Environmental Protection Agency's MS4 program, additional watershed management policy actions are proposed. The first policy suggestion details how the proposed policies can be established as a part of the town's MS4 program goals through Stormwater Management Best Management Practices (BMPs). The second policy suggestion calls for the installation of riparian buffers and emphasizes the benefits of natural buffers. The third suggestion pertains to cyclical monitoring assessments and emphasizes the value of regular testing of tributaries. The fourth suggestion encourages Glenville to expand their efforts in public education, with greater distribution of materials, in order to engage more residents in watershed management and protection.

Type of Resource

DigitalDocument

Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

In September of 1970, women first set foot onto the nearly two-centuries-old grounds of Union College as full-time undergraduate students. Although female students were brought to campus, Union did not provide them a fully coeducational experience. These “pioneer” women faced unequal opportunities as entrenched gender bias and all-male traditions permeated most facets of college life. By using gender as the central focus to examine coeducation, and approaching the topic from a historical as well as feminist perspective, the sundry trials and errors of those early years of coeducation at Union College become manifest. As Union struggled with the question, decision, and implementation of coeducation, the college followed a national trend in higher education and experienced many of the same challenges as other schools. Many scholars have studied coeducation in secondary schooling or the popularity of coeducation in higher education during the 1960s. Numerous works discuss women in the classroom, but they often neglect to acknowledge the enormous influence extra-curricular activities and interactions play in an undergraduate’s experience. Critical examination of institutional records and close analysis of personal anecdotes—gathered from surveys and interviews of female and male graduates as well as faculty members—together suggest that certain behaviors, expectations, and experiences of coeducation were pervasive at Union. This thesis concentrates on women’s experiences in different avenues of college life during the first decade of coeducation at Union. By 1968, the college’s administration became quite concerned that most of its competitors had begun to abolish single-sex matriculation policies in favor of coeducation. In addition, financial difficulties, the declining quality of male students, and a high-achieving but untapped pool of prospective applicants contributed to the institution’s decision to undertake such a change. Yet, despite the national emergence of “women’s liberation” concurrently with Union’s decision, the college clearly did not admit women because of feminism’s impact or any potential benefits for female students. As a result of this male-made and male-centered decision, early female students experienced the limitations of Union’s attempt at coeducation in academics and in their extra-curricular lives. A disparity existed within the faculty between the sexes, the curriculum was not gender-balanced, and women experienced bias from some male students and professors in the classroom. The nearly non-existent opportunities in extra-curricular life in housing, sports, sororities, and other activities negatively affected how women felt about the value Union placed on them as students deserving of equality. Many faced sexual harassment, and all suffered from unequal budgeting and fewer options for an active social life than their male counterparts. It is safe to say that drastic social progress, such as the introduction of coeducation, never comes easy. This thesis provides a focused analysis of and insight into the lives of Union’s female students while radical change was implemented close to forty years ago. When women initially arrived on campus, the college was not prepared to include them fully and equally. Blatant sexism started to subside as men accustomed themselves to women’s presence in their previously and exclusively male space, and as the effects of feminism became more accepted in American society. However, there has still been somewhat of a constant struggle for women to achieve full equality with men in various areas of college life. Indeed, Union presently grapples with society-wide problems like sexism and gender-bias. In this thesis it is demonstrated that the question of what it means to be a truly coeducational institution of higher education is still being answered today, both at Union and in America at large.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

It is estimated that 1 in 10 children, almost 240 million children, live with disabilities around the world (UNICEF Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, 2022). The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between disability stigma, parental stress, and anxiety levels of the neurotypical siblings of children with disabilities and the community response to these issues. Participants in this study included parents of families characterized by at least one child with a neurodevelopmental disability and one neurotypical child. Parents completed the Parental Stress Scale (Berry & Jones, 1995), the Spence Children?s Anxiety Scale (Spence, 1997) regarding their neurotypical child, and the PROMIS Pediatric Stigma - Short Form 8a (The National Institutes of Health, 2022) regarding their child with a neurodevelopmental disability. In addition, information on policies dealing with families with disabilities as well as available federal and community programs were collected and an interview was conducted with a director of community support. Results suggest a positive correlation between parental stress and neurotypical child anxiety, whereby greater parental stress was associated with increased anxiety in the neurotypical siblings of children with a disability. In addition, findings also suggest that programs not only benefit the individual with a disability but are beneficial to the whole family. Addressing parental stress and its impacts on all family members may be a key factor to consider in designing and funding interventions.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

Gentrification has been at the forefront of dialogue within major social science research fields, as it is a crucial urban phenomenon that prompts fascinating interchange regarding changing definitions of community. Traditional interpretations of this process have highlighted a dynamic in poor urban areas when residential shifts, urban planning, and other forces significantly alter the spatial, social, and cultural configuration of a particular city. Furthermore, much of the gentrification literature focuses on the displacement of poor pre-gentrification residents living in declining "broken" cities. The city of Somerville, MA, provides an interesting and refreshingly different context in which to observe the impact of gentrification. Somerville is unique not only in its ethnic and racial composition, but in its economic profile and the ways in which different populations in the city come to define their "Somerville identity". This study expands on previous research by exploring the impact of gentrification on the socialization and acquiring of social capital for inner-city youth. Gentrification research has largely ignored the adolescent and youth population. The few studies that have considered them have done so only in the context of deviance. Using analyses of in-depth interviews, surveys, and focus group sessions with adolescent residents of Somerville, MA, this study shed light on the ways in which youth think about their changing urban realities, but also how youth themselves can be positive forces in the preservation, promotion, and revolutionizing of a community identity that is constantly being redefined.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement

In Honors Theses

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, affecting more than 3.5 million Americans. In order to ensure that the autism population receives the highest quality of care, it is extremely important that health professionals be equipped with the knowledge to care for individuals with the disorder in an effective manner. Occupational therapists play an important role in assisting people on the autism spectrum. For many children with autism, occupational therapy services are primarily received in the school setting. This study explores occupational therapists' approach to managing the treatment of children on the autism spectrum in the school setting. Using in-depth interviews, it was found that collaboration with colleagues and parents, adapting to individual needs, problem solving, flexibility, and therapists' training were the most effective treatment approaches.

Type of Resource

Thesis

Rights Statement