This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Senior Lauren Frese (Morris Plains, N.J.) is studying ways to combat global warming through economic incentives in a year-long research project. She was one of 23 Lafayette students who presented March 13-15 at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Salt Lake City, Utah (see related story).
The research is part of an outstanding Lafayette career that has led to a full scholarship at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, where she will begin graduate studies in the fall (see related story).
Frese is studying the Kyoto Protocol under the guidance of John McCartney, associate professor and head of government and law. Established by the United Nations in 1997, the Protocol is the first international environmental pact to use economic incentives to reduce greenhouse gases produced by developed countries. A clause allows countries operating under the set emissions limit to sell credits for “unused” emissions to countries producing excess.
Frese chose to write her honors thesis on the Kyoto Protocol after attending the 54th annual Japan-America Student Conference last summer. The event brought together 36 American and 36 Japanese students to engage in academic discussions, cultural and social events, special topic sessions, panel discussions, field trips, and individual and group reflection.
“After this trip, I really became interested in environmentalism that uses economic incentives to accomplish goals,” said Frese. “Right now, environmentalism is not embraced because it is associated with costs. By setting up an international cap and trade program on the carbon emissions of industrial nations, the Kyoto Protocol will in essence build an international market in which nations could make money by reducing and selling the carbon emissions that cause global warming.”
In her thesis, Frese addresses the history of environmentalism and global warming, the UN’s efforts leading to the Kyoto Protocol, and the Russian acceptance and U.S. renunciation of the agreement.
“I argue that with Russia’s ratification, expected in the next couple of months, this treaty will succeed in reducing carbon emissions despite the U.S.’s refusal to participate,” she says. “I examine the Bush administration’s reasons for withdrawal from the treaty and find those reasons insufficient. I also offer a plan for the U.S.’s future reengagement and suggestions that will make the treaty more effective in the long run.”
While the work is her own, Frese appreciates the direction provided by faculty members.
“I have received much guidance from Dr. McCartney,” she says. “He has taught me the importance of creating a detailed background for my argument and has greatly helped me with structural suggestions. In addition, Dr. Rado Pribic and Professor Praveen Chaudry will be sitting on my thesis defense panel to offer me more suggestions.”
In another research endeavor, Frese conducted research on “Japan’s Response to Terror: Sending the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Arabian Sea” through Lafayette’s EXCEL Scholars program, in which students collaborate with faculty while earning a stipend.
She also studied the future of the Japanese in the globalized world under the guidance of Yoshihiko Ariizumi, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures. She presented her findings at the 15th annual conference on undergraduate research.
During an internship at PAL Publishing in Chatham, N.J., Frese learned the ropes of the industry from Paul Luscombe ’60 (see related story). She conducted research, prepared reports, and compiled a glossary of economic terms to help with two upcoming books.
She traveled to Washington, D.C. twice to participate in annual European Union Simulations sponsored by the European American Institute (see related story). At the conferences, Frese represented Greek and Swedish government leaders, participated in a teleconference with European Union (EU) officials in Brussels, and attended briefings, sessions, and dinners with officials from the European embassies and U.S. government.
A Marquis Scholar, Frese is president of International Affairs Club and participates in the Adopt-a-Class program at Shawnee Middle School through Lafayette’s Landis Community Outreach Center. She has served as philanthropy chair for Alpha Phi sorority and participated in the student group HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Now. In addition, she spent a semester studying in Spain and traveled to Africa for a special Lafayette course during January’s interim session between semesters.