Student teams to present research proposals at Big iDeas Symposium
SMU’s Big iDeas program has awarded grants to nine student teams to investigate big challenges facing the Dallas area, including illiteracy, poverty and environmental and health issues.
The SMU community is invited to hear the students present their research projects during the Big iDeas Symposium, which begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at Hughes-Trigg Student Center, and is followed by a reception.
Big iDeas, an undergraduate research program launched by the Provost’s Office in 2008, awarded grants of up to $5,000 to the interdisciplinary teams. Their proposals were reviewed by a panel of faculty members, students and Dallas community members. The students will report on their progress during a fall symposium.
“These students, along with their faculty advisers, have worked hard to develop a research proposal and are to be commended for their efforts,” Provost Paul Ludden says. “In the months ahead, they will be drawing on knowledge from many fields of study to seek solutions to complex issues.”
The 2013 Big iDeas proposals are:
“Disaster Assessment of Dallas,” which seeks to assess the region’s natural and manmade environmental hazards; presented by sophomores Mayisha Zeb Nakib and Christina Stewart.
“Green Riba,” a continuing project that provides financial services and zero-interest microloans in West Dallas; presented by sophomores Rahfin Faruk and Daisuke Takeda.
“The SMU GreenShuttle,” which proposes a shuttle service to the White Rock Lake Market; presented by sophomores Gabriella Padgett and Lisa Walters, and junior Paul Martin Curry.
“myfitDallas Web Health Initiative,” which seeks to establish an online social network to encourage group fitness; presented by sophomores Mehdi Hami, Farbeen Safa, Kathleen Strauss, Daniel Trujillo and Michael Zincone.
“The Green City Initiative,” which proposes an aquaponics system for SMU’s Community Garden; presented by sophomores Julianna Bond, Derek Phanekham and Jewel Lipps.
“Mockingbird/Uptown: MOCK-UP,” which proposes an art experience in a DART rail tunnel; presented by sophomore Paul Bishop.
“Reading for a Reason,” which seeks to improve literacy rates in Dallas; presented by juniors Antonea Bastian, Carissa Grisham, Eleanor Rosler and Kayce Pederson, and first-year Emily Towler.
“Beyond,” which proposes a clothing line that supports people living in poverty; presented by first-years Hunter Rice, Troy Kolebuck and Paul Buxbaum Jr., and senior Matthew Edwards.
“Open Minds,” a continuing project that provides mentors to teens in foster care; presented by sophomores Trisha St-Fleur, Snow Nguyen and Genesis Reed, and senior Cori Hill.