Levitt Scholar Presentations

Fall 2004 - Spring 2005

This year, 32 students participated in the program, including two Scholars from last year.  In addition to speaking at several area high schools, many Scholars brought their presentations to home schools during Hamilton's Spring Break.  Descriptions of the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 Scholars' presentations can be found below, arranged by topic area:

Art/Film

Audition Technique:  A Workshop.  Amy Schloerb use her own audition experiences to inform students on the proper audition technique.  She will explore physicality, voice and attitude as essential components to be displayed in an audition.  If possible, students can  observe and learn from their own current audition pieces. 

Contemporary Documentary Films.  Drawing on research she conducted last summer, Alexandra Sweet focuses on contemporary documentary films.  She will provide an overall definition, present different types of documentaries, and through discussion, give the students a better understanding of the importance of documentaries to entertainment and education.

The Effects of the Music Industry on American Youth, Erica Gomez.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit.  Scott Cohen will discuss the entrepreneurial spirit through the lens of his experience selling his own photography, and present lessons he learned about running a business, handling clients, and personal growth.  In addition, Scott will describe how students can market their own skills, both from a business standpoint and to colleges.

Communications

Contemporary Documentary Films, Alexandra Sweet.

Creating a Professional Resume.  Resumes are a vital part of the job search and can be a valuable addition to any portfolio.  Most students, upon coming to college, have no idea how to create a professional resume.  In her presentation, Ashlyn Field will discuss the importance of a resume and then guide the students, step-by-step, in designing their own resume, which they can include with college applications or use in future job applications.  As a student employee at the Career Center at Hamilton, Ashlyn will also be able to answer questions on summer internships and job opportunities for high school students as they are about to enter into the ?real world.?

IM-ing Our Way Into the Future:  How Online Communities Alter the Lives of Students, Liz Kennedy.

Just the Facts:  The Basics of News Writing for High School Journalists, Kathleen McGrory.

Presidential Communication Strategies.

Proxemics: An Interactive Talk, Christopher Takacs.

Computer Literacy

IM-ing Our Way Into the Future:  How Online Communities Alter the Lives of Students.  Online communities are reinventing the way students communicate and interact with each other on a daily basis.  They are defining and redefining our senses of community and identity, and shaping our social networks for the future.  In her interactive presentation, Liz Kennedy will use digital communities such as America Online Instant Messenger, thefacebook.com, classroom discussion boards, and blogs to demonstrate how these communities are continuously changing the lives of students.

Economics/Business

Creating a Professional Resume, Ashlyn Field.

Lessons in Leadership:  Personal Decision Making for the Public Good.  Elizabeth Dolan?s presentation investigates the challenges all leaders face with the decision-making process.  Students will be introduced to the technique of cost-benefit analysis and participate in a number of activities geared to simulate how to effectively make decisions while acknowledging the inevitable impact of an individual decision on the general public.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit, Scott Cohen.

Why European Union Expansion Effects the United States, Katie McLoughlin.

English/Creative Writing

Bilingual Education, Kirsis Genao.

Fast Fiction:  How to Recognize and Create a Successful Short Story.  Understanding the basic elements of fiction --plot, character, conflict and point of view --are essential for writing and reading short stories productively and actively.  In Rachel Manwill?s interactive presentation, students will review these building blocks, along with other tools of fiction writing, then apply them critically to a short piece of fiction (provided in advance so that students can be prepared).  By reading this short story with these basic tools in mind, students will be better able to identify the successes and failures of both the story and the author, as well as evaluate the story as a complete piece in which these elements interact.  Rachel will lead the class in a writing exercise that will teach the students to utilize each of these tools in their own writing, with the goal of becoming more effective and informed readers and writers of short fiction.

From Odysseus to Harry Potter:  The Underworld and the Study of Myth.  Brian Sweeney discusses the nature of mythology and the similarities between myths of different cultures, including the Greeks (The Odyssey), Romans, Japanese, Africans, North Americans, Sumerians (Gilgamesh), and more.  While looking closely at myths about the journeys of famous gods and heroes to the world of the dead, students will learn what myths are, how they function, and in what ways they survive throughout time. 

Just the Facts:  The Basics of News Writing for High School Journalists.  In this interactive workshop, Kathleen McGrory will draw on her own experience to teach students how and why journalistic news writing differs from standard composition writing.  Topics include defining the ?news,? the various styles of news articles, objectivity in reporting, the inverted pyramid style of writing, and constructing the perfect lead.  Student journalists will have the opportunity to critique and draft their own news articles.

Write Stuff: A Creative Writing Workshop.  Drawing on her experience as an editorial intern at mtv.com, Kristen Hague will teach students the fundamental rules of good writing.  Students will watch video clips and be asked to write descriptions of the action.  After the students complete their writing exercises, Kristen will lead several activities designed to correct errors in writing and improve overall skill.

Global Studies/World History

9/11, Al Qaeda and Saddam, Jonathan Rick.

Iraq and the Ethics of International War.  Nate Adler?s discussion will explore the distinctions between preemptive and preventive war, and the ethical conflicts that come with them.   His presentation will emphasize class discussion and student participation as he addresses the following questions:  Was the invasion of Iraq justified?  Has hindsight altered our criteria for a legitimate preventive strike?  What are our ethical responsibilities for involvement in other conflicts, such as Sudan?

Recent Genocide:  A Case Study of the Myth of Altruistic Aid.  The United States polices and protects the world, but only when it has a distinct profit to gain.  No aid, financial, military or humanitarian, is given without some benefit to the US.  Douglas Chiciak discusses how the genocides in Rwanda, Darfur and Yugoslavia serve as perfect case studies into the cost-benefit analysis process the US uses before committing aid.  He notes that in each instance, the US held back aid and refused to acknowledge the genocide until it was nearly over.  This response saved millions of dollars in military aid, but still looked favorable because of the massive, although significantly cheaper, humanitarian aid awarded in the end.

The Important Struggle for Democracy:  The Case of Kenya.  Danielle Levine explores the question of why democracy matters. In her presentation, she will examine the components of democracy and why it is so hard to achieve.  Kenya is currently in transition to democracy, and serves as a case for a modern-day quest for greater political freedoms.  Danielle will share her personal experiences with organizations and people whom she met in Kenya, and recount how their struggles made a difference in that country. 

Why European Union Expansion Effects the United States.  In her presentation, Katie McLoughlin will compare Turkey?s political and economic status with that of Poland (a post-Communist country that recently acceded) and illustrate why Turkey should or should not be admitted to the EU.  Katie will talk about the implications of newly-formed relationships between Western culture and Muslim Eastern culture, and describe how all of this impacts our national economy and security.

Government/Current Affairs

9/11, Al Qaeda and Saddam.  Conventional wisdom holds that ?9/11 changed everything.?  And so, in the second presidential debate, George Bush maintained that ?it?s a fundamental misunderstanding to say that the war on terror is only [limited to] Osama bin Laden.?  As he explained a year ago, ?You can?t distinguish between Al Qaeda and Saddam.?  In his presentation, Jonathan Rick addresses the following questions:  Should the war be so limited, and can we in fact make such a distinction?  What was the extent of Iraqi collaboration with Al Qaeda, both with respect to 9/11 and otherwise?

Beyond Bond:  The Facts Behind the Myths of Intelligence Work.  Peter Mucha explains the intelligence process and how it functions today.  In doing so, he attempts to account for the reasons  intelligence failures and surprise attacks occur.  Despite the billions of dollars spent and the brilliant people involved with intelligence work, Peter argues that some of  these intelligence failures are inevitable.

Direct Democracy and the New England Town Meeting, Sandy Webb.

Imagined Communities in Post-9/11 New York City, Ashley Herriman.

Iraq and the Ethics of International War, Nate Adler.

Lifetime Tenure on the Supreme Court:  How Important Is It?  Natalie Brennan?s presentation  focuses on the history, importance and problems of lifetime tenure on the Supreme Court.  She discusses the importance of the practice today, given the more political nature of the Court; and recommends nonrenewable term limits as the solution to some of the problems exacerbated by lifetime appointment.  In conclusion, Natalie will provide students with hypothetical Supreme Court scenarios to demonstrate the dangers of long-term majorities on the Court.

Presidential Communication Strategies.  J. will use his experience as a full-time intern in the White House last year to discuss different presidential communication strategies, including presidential travel, messages and decision-making.  He will also talk about life inside the White House from the perspective of an intern.

The Important Struggle for Democracy:  The Case of Kenya, Danielle Levine.

Water Policy Challenges of the 21st Century, Britten Chase.

Why European Union Expansion Effects the United States, Katie McLoughlin.

Health

AFPep:  A Potential Breast Cancer Drug, Kate Dorsey.

Modern Soul Food:  Dangerously Delicious.  Soul Food is a group of traditional, cultural foods cooked by most Southern African-Americans, comprised of foods that were common in the diets of many slaves who had to simply ?make do? with the scraps and leftovers they were given by their masters.  Although modern soul food is tasty comfort food, it tends to be high in grease, saturated fats, sodium, and sugar.  Many of the ingredients commonly used originate from cheap, low-quality animal products that contribute to poor health and disease.  In her presentation, Ghiane Jones seeks answers to the following questions:  how are modern African American diets a product of former slave diets?  How has modern soul food evolved into an unhealthy way of eating?  Why do African Americans choose to hold onto these traditions while being fully aware of the damaging effects they have upon health?  What, if anything, is being done to hold on to the traditional soul food recipes, while substituting healthier ingredients?  What is the future of soul food in our new, health-conscious society?

The Relationship between Perfectionism, Eating Disorders and Academic Performance, Caroline Steers.

History (US)

Beyond Bond:  The Facts Behind the Myths of Intelligence Work, Peter Mucha.

Direct Democracy and the New England Town Meeting.  Sandy Webb?s presentation challenges students to explore their traditional ideas about democracy to understand its advantages and disadvantages in local government.  With a special focus on the New England Town Meeting, the oldest and most democratic form of government in America, Sandy will discuss several alternative models of local government and the reasons why they appeal to different communities and demographics.

Presidential Communication Strategies.

The Evolution of the American University and Its Students, Ryan Burns.

Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies):

AFPep:  A Potential Breast Cancer Drug. AFPep is a protein that may decrease the size of breast tumors by inhibiting the growth of their blood vessels.  Kate Dorsey is currently testing AFPep?s effects on blood vessel growth by using a chicken embryo model.  Her discussion will focus on this exciting research.

Biodiesel at Hamilton College. Drawing on his summer grant research, David Gordon discusses the feasibility of using biodiesel fuel at Hamilton College.  In this exciting and timely presentation, students will be introduced to biodiesel fuel  (a  soybean-based alternative to petroleum fuels which can include both recycled oil --think french fries! --and virgin oil), and presented with a critical evaluation of this product using  both environmental and practical criterion.

Water Policy Challenges of the 21st Century.  Britten Chase discusses water pollution, water useage and conservation, and land use due to water availability.  She will compare  issues a water policy maker would face in the Mohawk Valley with those they might have to address in the Lower Colorado River Basin in Arizona.  In this interactive presentation, students are put in the position of being ?water policy makers,? and will get a chance to decide how best to use (or not) the water resources available.

Social Studies/Sociology

Being Foreign in America.  Lisi Krainer is an international student.  The goal of her presentation is to provide insight into what it is like to live in the US as a foreign national.  While she addresses the challenges of being foreign, such as fitting in and retaining her own culture, Lisi also discusses the perks and funny sides.   She emphasizes the fact that being different takes on many faces, and anyone can feel foreign at times, even in their home country.   As an overarching theme, Lisi relates her own experience of being different with the students? experience of growing up, and the general issue of fitting in and establishing an identity.

Biodiesel at Hamilton College, David Gordon.

Bilingual Education.  When people enter the American Public School system and English is not their first language, theycan be placed in an English Immersion Language Program.  Though these programs have had some success, the potential social, cultural, and personal liabilities are worrisome.  In this presentation, Kirsis Genao discusses her own transition into the American society and education system and discusses research surrounding ways to teach English without sacrificing cultural identity.

Contemporary Documentary Films, Alexandra Sweet.

Coping in College:  The Minority Perspecitive.  In his presentation, Nii Ato Bentsi-Enchill examines coping and the strategies used by students in response to the stress experienced within the college setting.  He will place special emphasis  on the differences in coping styles used by students of color compared to the majority population.

Direct Democracy and the New England Town Meeting, Sandy Webb.

Imagined Communities in Post-9/11 New York City, Ashley Herriman.

IM-ing Our Way Into the Future:  How Online Communities Alter the Lives of Students, Liz Kennedy.

Modern Soul Food:  Dangerously Delicious, Ghiane Jones.

Proxemics:  An Interactive Talk.  Christopher Takacs has prepared an interactive talk about proxemics based on research he conducted last year.  Proxemics is the study of how people physically relate to each other in terms of distance, the implications of changes in distance, what their causes and effects are, and how interaction distances change depending on the culture in which the interaction is taking place.

Recent Genocide:  A Case Study of the Myth of Altruistic Aid, Douglas Chiciak.

Social Supports and Moving:  A Case Study and Implications for the Future, Hannah Toce.

The Effects of the Music Industry on American Youth. Over 70% of the average American child?s time is spent watching television.  Erica Gomez argues that at least 30% of that time is dedicated towards watching music videos from channels like MTV or BET.  Erica?s presentation sheds light on the effects that these music videos have on America?s youth.  Specifically targeting minority youth, her project investigates how the hip hop industry has heavily influenced the way minorities think about their identity and their place in society.

The Evolution of the American University and Its Students.  Ryan Burns discusses broadly how the American university system has grown and changed from its pre-evolution inception, and more specifically how student organizations (ie, Greek letter organizations) have shaped student life.  Emphasis is placed on the practical effects of the Civil War, the Land Grant Act, and WWII.

The Relationship between Perfectionism, Eating Disorders and Academic Performance.  In her presentation, Caroline Steers focuses on the two types of the personality characteristic perfectionism:  healthy (ie, adaptive) and unhealthy (maladaptive) perfectionism.  She emphasizes how unhealthy perfectionism is associated with negative mood and anxiety, which can lead to poor performace as negative thoughts impair task performance; while healthy perfectionism is associated with positive mood  and positive self-concept, which has the potential of aiding performance.  Finally, she links eating disorders into the puzzle by showing how individuals with eating disorders reveal the characteristics of unhealthy perfectionism, which hinders their academic performance.

Levitt Scholar Archives:

• 2008 Scholars
• 2007 Scholars
• 2006 Scholars
• 2005 Scholars