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Five Lafayette students presented research at the seventeenth annual Omicron Delta Epsilon undergraduate economics and business conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. April 25. Susan Averett, professor and head of economics and business, served as the conference’s chair of Policy and Public Health.
In addition to presenting their own research, the students served as discussants, providing constructive criticism to other authors after presenting their papers.
Math and economics majorJose Tano ’06 (Manila, Philippines) presented his honors thesis, “Predicting the Sales of Hardcover Books: An Econometric Model of Novels.”
Tano researched 320 books from the Publisher’s Weekly top 30 best sellers lists from 1992 to 2002 and compared the results of books that won awards with those that did not. According to his research, big-name authors, who are famous or coming off successful publications, nearly always fared better than new authors who had won awards.
“It feels good to share the project that I worked so hard on with people outside of the econ department and my circle of friends,” says Tano, who felt confident after gaining experience in presenting at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Tano is a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, mathematics honor society and Omicron Delta Epsilon. He is a tutor for the Calculus Cavalry and is a Writing Associate. In addition, he co-curated the comic exhibit on display in Farinon College Center.
Biology and economics & business majorDaniela Simova ’06 (Sofia, Bulgaria) presented “The Cognitive and Behavioral Effects of Childhood Malnutrition in the United States.”
“I looked forward to the opportunity to present my research, so that I could get suggestions and comments to help me improve not only for this study but also for my future research projects in general,” says Simova. “I think interactions with other researchers, especially in your own field of expertise, are one of the main channels for establishing yourself as a good researcher.”
Simova has worked as an EXCEL Scholar studying Kenyan poverty and economic forecasting. She is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, Phi Beta Kappa, and Sigma Xi honor societies. She received the Department of Economics and Business Award for Scholastic Excellence at this year’s awards convocation. She is the founder and president of the Econ Club, a member of the Math Club, and International Students’ Association. In addition, Simova sings for the Lafayette College Choir and Madrigal Singers, and plays Intramural Ping Pong.
Economics and business majorDaniel Rosenblum ’06(Needham, Mass.) presented his research, “Wireless Telecommunications Market Structure Across Countries.”
“Presenting at this conference contributes to my academic career because it gives me the opportunity to be exposed to many other students and their areas of research, which will expand the scope of my own interests,” says Rosenblum. “This experience will help me in the long run because I will be better prepared to present independent research in the future.”
Rosenblum is a member of the National Scholars Honor Society, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He plays for the Lafayette jazz combo and guitar ensemble.
Math and economics majorLori Anderson ’06 (Haworth, N.J.) presented her independent research project, “Does Economic Freedom Affect the Impact of Aid on Growth?”
Anderson put together an econometric model using 56 different countries from 1995 to 2004 to look at the effect of economic freedom on growth in countries that receive monetary aid.
“It is a good experience to present my thesis and get as much feedback as possible,” says Anderson.
Anderson is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon and the Maroon Club, which promotes the welfare of Lafayette through the support of its athletic program. She is a varsity swimmer, and served on student government last year.
International affairs and A.B. engineering majorKristen Tull ’06(Sicklerville, N.J.) presented “Using Game Theory to Evaluate Sustainable Environmental Policy Options for Domestic Open Loop Pallets.”
Tull’s thesis is about how wooden shipping pallets impact the environment compared to their plastic counterparts.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.