The effectiveness of anti-smoking campaigns, the causes of childhood obesity, and the mental health benefits of speaking two languages were among the topics that nearly 50 students discussed during their senior thesis presentations at a recent W.M. Keck Science Department event.
“It was inspiring to see how students conducted independent research in a specific field they feel so passionately about, and that many of these studies will get published,” said Scripps College student Devika Agrawal ’15, who observed the presentations.
On December 2, seniors from Scripps, Pitzer, and Claremont McKenna colleges displayed research posters to fulfill their thesis requirements and talked about their findings.
“The W.M. Keck Science Department appreciates the critical role of communication in scientific endeavors, and today is a perfect opportunity for our undergraduates to discuss the significance and outcome of their research with faculty, as well as fellow students, much as they would at a professional scientific meeting,” said David E. Hansen, Weinberg Family Dean of Science.
“Along with the written thesis itself, these posters represent the culmination of months, if not years, of work,” said Hansen, who is also a professor of chemistry.
Scripps student Andrea Kablanian said she decided to compare the effectiveness of anti-smoking campaigns in Ireland and California with similar efforts in France after she saw many young adults smoking during her time studying in Paris.
“California has served as a prime example for anti-smoking campaigns, while Ireland is setting the pace for Europe with a progressive campaign,” Andrea wrote in her abstract. “By comparing the French anti-smoking campaign to these two successful ones, I hope to determine what is missing in France’s campaign.”
Laura Arsenis, from Pitzer, examined how speaking two languages can promote a healthier brain. In her abstract, she wrote that elderly individuals who speak two languages have an increased ability to concentrate and fewer of them experience dementia.
“Despite social and political controversy, there is significant evidence that bilingualism is advantageous,” Laura said. “My thesis suggests we should support bilingual education for the betterment of all children.”
Ryan Gillis, from CMC, examined trends in childhood obesity and found that cases of childhood obesity have increased dramatically in the past 40 years. African American and Hispanic children between the ages of 6 to 11 were found to have significantly higher rates of obesity than white children, Gillis said.
“In schools across the country, physical education is often the first program to get cut,” Ryan said. He also suggested that physical education be mandated in elementary schools and that the media more effectively explain the health benefits of regular exercise, as well as the dangers of eating foods high in fat and sugar.
The W.M. Keck Science Department of Claremont McKenna College, Pitzer College, and Scripps College is a national leader in offering research opportunities for undergraduates.