Student Research Projects

As part of the fall semester Educ 400 Senior Research Seminar, all Educational Studies majors design, conduct, and present an independent research project on a topic of interest, using qualitative, quantitative, and/or historical methods.

During the public research presentations, a guest evaluator is selected by the student and the instructor to assess the quality of the work, based on these criteria:

1. Does the author pose a thought-provoking, researchable question (or hypothesis) and explain its significance to educational studies?

2. Does the author connect the question to the existing research literature (secondary sources) and move beyond into new territory?

3. Does the author identify the most appropriate primary sources and research methods for this study?

4. Does the author present a clear and insightful thesis that directly addresses the research question (or hypothesis)?

5. Is the author’s thesis persuasive? Is it supported with convincing evidence and analysis?

6. Is the author’s paper/presentation well-organized, and does it include sufficient background for audiences unfamiliar with the topic?

7. Does the author cite sources in an acceptable format so that future readers may easily locate them?

8. Does the author follow ethical guidelines for research?

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2008

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2007

Katie Brewer (Educational Studies)
"Time Out!: Behavior Management for Children with Special Needs" and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty (Educational Studies)

Joe Clark (Educational Studies)
“The Effects of Full Inclusion on Special Education Placement and Practices: The Case of a Hartford Elementary School” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Erin Daly (Educational Studies & Psychology)
“Examining Gender-based Achievement Gaps in Math and Science at Trinity College” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Janet Bauer (International Studies)

Sara Dougherty (Educational Studies and Sociology)
“Parental Involvement in Urban Schools: The Case of a Family Resource Center in Hartford” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Johnny Williams (Sociology)

Libby Franco (Educational Studies & Sociology)
“Fighting the Good Fight: Perspectives on Teach For America from Current and Past Corps Members” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty (Educational Studies)

Stacey Goldberg (Educational Studies)
“The Battles Over Sex Education: History, Politics, and Practice” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Steve Valocchi (Sociology)

Kate McEachern (Educational Studies & Psychology and St. Joseph College teacher certification program)
“Regular Classroom Teachers’ Perceptions of Mainstreaming: One Year After Full-Inclusion” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Alex Miller (Educational Studies and Psychology)
“Understanding Behavior ‘Problems’ in Urban Elementary Schools” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Kathy Gersten (Theater & Dance)

Chris Olenoski (Educational Studies)
“Ability Grouping in the Elementary Classroom and its Effects on Students’ Academic Lives” and PowerPoint presentation
 Guest Evaluator: Cindy Butos (Writing Center)

Lis Pennington (Educational Studies and Public Policy & Law)
“A Political History of School Finance Reform in the Metropolitan Hartford Region, 1945-2005” and PowerPoint presentation
 Guest Evaluator: Renny Fulco (Public Policy & Law)

Jenna Shouldice (Educational Studies & Sociology)
“Birth to Three in Day Cares: Perspectives of Specialists and Day Care Providers” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Steve Valocchi (Sociology)

Jessica Wagner (Educational Studies and Anthropology)
“Girlie-Girls, Tomboys, and Everything in Between: The Messages Girls are Receiving and Sending About their Place in an Urban Elementary School Classroom” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: Jane Nadel-Klein (Anthropology)

Aleesha Young (Educational Studies & Psychology)
“Minority Students in the Montessori Classroom” and PowerPoint presentation
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman (Psychology)

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2006

Tara Borawski (Educational Studies)
Educating Juvenile Detainees: The goals of a Connecticut facility and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Tim Cleary (Educational Studies)
Student Athletes’ Perceptions of the Academic-Athletic Relationship and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Fred Alford (Dean of Students)

Joanna Confalone (Educational Studies and Psychology)
From Same-Sex to Co-ed: Trinity female students’ perceptions of their transition to college and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Laura Lockwood (Women’s Center)

Lara Dieterich (Educational Studies and Psychology)
“Condom on a Cucumber”: The Sex Education Needs of Trinity College Students and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Laura Lockwood (Women’s Center)

Naralys Estevez (Educational Studies and Psychology)
Do Magnet Schools Attract All Families Equally? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman (Psychology)

Erin Michelson (Educational Studies and Psychology)
Examining Male Education: Discipline and classroom structure in an all-boys elementary classroom and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator:  Janet Bauer (International Studies)

Nivia Nieves (Educational Studies)
Shaping the Learning Corridor: Interdistrict Magnet Schools, 1990s to the Present and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jim Trostle (Anthropology)

Jen O’Donnell (Educational Studies and Psychology)
“What We’re Saying”: Teachers’ Perceptions of “Success For All” and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman (Psychology)

Charkie Quarcoo (Educational Studies and Psychology)
Co-teaching as a Response to Mainstreaming of Special Needs Students: The Perspectives of Teachers at a Magnet Middle School and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Elena Wetmore (Educational Studies)
Teachers’ Perspectives on Mainstreaming of Special Education Students in Hartford and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Sarah Whittemore (Educational Studies)
Education for Democracy?: Changes in the Lithuanian Education System in the Post-Soviet Era and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2005

Jessica Baker (Educational Studies)
Gender Bias in Middle School Classrooms and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Robin Sheppard (Physical Education)

Grace Beckett (Educational Studies)
Suburban Participation in Hartford's Project Concern School Desegregation Program 1966-1998 and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman (Psychology)

Brandon Best (Educational Studies)
The True Power Behind the Vote and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Karla Spurlock-Evans (Dean of Multicultural Affairs)

Erin Conley (Educational Studies and Psychology)
An Analysis of Project REACH and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Mark Brown (Educational Studies)

Hilary Cramer (Educational Studies)
Understanding the Dropout Rate in Hartford: 1996-Present and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Ivan Kuzyk (Cities Data Center)

Charlotte Grassi (Educational Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Minor)
Gender-Based Achievement, Self-Confidence, and Enrollment Gaps: Mathematics at Trinity College and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty (Educational Studies)

Caroline Johnston (Educational Studies)
Perceptions of a Montessori Magnet Elementary School and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Jacqueline Katz (Educational Studies and American Studies)
Historical Memory and the Transformation of City and Suburban Schools and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: John Rury (Kansas University)

Grace Kim (Educational Studies)
Safety and Education at Trinity College and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Christopher Card (Associate Dean of Students)

Amy Laurenza (Educational Studies and Sociology)
General Educational Development and Prisons: Examining the Role of the GED in Connecticut's Prison System and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Ivan Kuzyk (Cities Data Center)

Kate Mortensen (Educational Studies and Community Action Minor)
Civic Engagement and Community Learning Initiatives: Is There a Tie? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jim Trostle (Anthropology)

Jenny O'Brien (Educational Studies and Psychology)
Teacher Feedback in the Classroom: What's going on in there? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman (Psychology)

Penny Paschal (Educational Studies)
Student Retention Initiatives at Trinity College and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Karla Spurlock-Evans (Dean of Multicultural Affairs)

Kelli Perkins (Educational Studies)
Public Schools and Private Real Estate Markets, 1940-2000 and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: John Rury (Kansas University)

Beth Ramaley (Educational Studies and Psychology)
Birth to Three Effectiveness and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Mark Brown (Educational Studies)

Ryan Turri (Educational Studies)
The Role of Regionalization in Public Education and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Christopher Card (Associate Dean of Students)

Ashley Yanyac (Educational Studies and Economics)
An Alternative Magnet High School: The Sports and Medical Sciences Academy and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Robin Sheppard (Physical Education)
 

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2004

Kate Belf-Becker (Educational Studies)
Who Prevails in Special Education Hearings and Why? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Mark Brown (Educational Studies)

Jennifer Chastain (Educational Studies and Psychology)
How Does Witnessing Domestic Violence Affect Children's Academic and Behavioral Performance in School? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Tony DePina (Educational Studies and Sociology)
Comparing Suburban School Culture in Metropolitan Hartford and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Ivan Kuzyk (Cities Data Center)

Julie Dionne (Educational Studies, IDP)
Why Do Students Drop Out? Comparing the Views of Teen Prevention Program Participants and Non-Participants and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Courtney Doyle (Educational Studies)
What Becomes of the Graduates of the Saturday Academy? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Gerald Eugene (Educational Studies and Music; Community Action minor)
Who Knows What and How?: Knowledge of Health Care and Education Systems among Hartford Parents and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jim Trostle (Anthropology)

Julie Griffith (Educational Studies and Psychology)
The Hersh Resignation — Dropped Out or Kicked Out?: The Opinions of Students, Faculty, and the Mass Media and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Mimi MacKinnon (Educational Studies)
The Changing Campus Portrayal of Female Athletes: A Comparative Study of Trinity and Smith Colleges, 1970 to the present and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Robin Sheppard (Physical Education)

Linda Martinez (Computer Science coordinated with Educational Studies, IDP)
Educational Technology Skills: Career Pathways and Perceptions among Hartford Program Participants and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jim Trostle (Anthropology)

Inonge Nyumbu (Educational Studies, IDP)
Why Do Parents Choose the University of Hartford Magnet School?
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Alexander Oji (Educational Studies and Sociology; Russian minor)
Social and Economic Assistance and the Development of Strong Character in Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents
Guest Evaluator: Johnny Williams (Sociology)

Nikyda Scott (Educational Studies and Psychology)
VAMP (Vision Academic Mentoring Program): Mentor and Mentee Perceptions of Relationships, Attitudes, and Academic Performance
Guest Evaluator: Dina Anselmi (Psychology)

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2003

Amanda Berger, Educational Studies
Postponing Sexual Involvement: An Early Intervention Approach to Teen Pregnancy Prevention and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques, Educational Studies

Nicola Blacklaw, Educational Studies and Psychology
The Presence of Contact Conditions in a Magnet School and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: David Reuman, Psychology

John Bonhom, Educational Studies
Trinity in Color: A Commentary on Minority Retention and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Karla Spurlock-Evans, Multicultural Affairs

Pia Bunton, Educational Studies
A Study of the Trinity College First-Year Seminar Program and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Diane Zannoni, Economics

Joe Cain, Educational Studies
Trinity College Athletics: Perceptions of High Profile Male Athletes and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty, Educational Studies

Laurie Gutmann, Educational Studies and Sociology
Whose Concern Matters? Student Support and Project Concern
Guest Evaluator: Susan Pennybacker, History

Julia Hagen, Education coordinated with Psychology    
Does the Experience of Jumpstart Americorps Members Match the Claims of the Mission Statement?
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty, Educational Studies

Arthur Hardy-Doubleday, Ed Studies and American Studies
Making History Public: A Case Study of Amistad America and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Margo Perkins, American Studies and English

Maya MacAlpine, Educational Studies; Community Action minor
"No Child Left Behind," From a Parent's Perspective and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Stefanie Chambers, Political Science

Lacey Manzione, Educational Studies and Sociology
Reducing the Dropout Rate in Urban Public High Schools and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Barbara Henriques, Educational Studies

Molly Schofield, Educational Studies
Increasing Quality Interracial Relationships and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Jack Dougherty, Educational Studies

Kevin Waters, Educational Studies and Sociology
On the Same Team? Student-Athlete and Faculty Relations at Trinity College and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Cynthia Butos, Writing Center

Educational Senior Research Projects, Class of 2002

Nicole Archer ’02, Educational Studies and Psychology
Black and Latino Teacher-to-Student Interaction: Is Race a Factor? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Professor David Reuman (Psychology)

Nina Caballero ‘02, Educational Studies
Analyzing an Arts Program in a Hartford Elementary School and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Professor Lesley Farlow (Theater and Dance)

Brian Dekker ‘02, Educational Studies
Peer Mediation: How Does it Influence Student-to-Student Interactions?
Guest Evaluator: Dr. Mark Brown (Educational Studies)

Bridget Dullea ‘02, Educational Studies and Sociology
Comparing Administrators' and Teachers' Experiences and Attitudes toward "Success For All"
Guest Evaluator: Professor Steve Valocchi (Sociology)

Gaurav Juneja ‘02, Educational Studies
Comparing Two Groups of English-Schooled International Students
Guest Evaluator: Professor Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Sarah Kaminski ‘02, Educational Studies
Magnet Schools: An Effective Solution to Sheff v. O'Neill?
(Also published in The Trinity Papers v. 21 (2001-02), pp. 63-71)
Guest Evaluator: Professor Barbara Henriques (Educational Studies)

Claire Kammen ‘02, Educational Studies and Sociology
Comparing Developers' and Implementors' Views in Two Parental Intervention Programs
Guest Evaluator: Professor Noreen Channels (Sociology)

Ann Lukas ‘02, Educational Studies with Psychology
Do Catholic High Schools Influence Trinity Female Students' Aspirations? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Professor Randolph Lee (Psychology)

Jessica Martin ‘02, Educational Studies and Sociology
Gender Bias on a Lower Track and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Professor Noreen Channels (Sociology)

Rick Selander ‘02, Educational Studies and Math
Do the Methods of After-School Mentoring Programs Match Their Goals? and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Professor Paula Russo (Mathematics)

Elena Vasilakis ‘02, Educational Studies and Sociology
Teacher Attitudes on MCAS Testing with Special Education Students and PowerPoint
Guest Evaluator: Dr. Mark Brown (Educational Studies)  

Student research in education from 
other departments/programs at Trinity

Dana Banks '03, Political Science (co-authored with Jack Dougherty)
"City-Suburban Desegregation and Forced Choices: Review Essay of Susan Eaton's The Other Boston Busing Story" Teachers College Record 105 (2004): forthcoming.

Luke Forshaw '03, Psychology
Assessement of the Effectiveness of the "Success for All" Reading Program in Hartford Public Elementary Schools
(Senior Thesis in Psychology; Professor David Reuman, advisor)

Eric Lawrence '03, American Studies
Teacher Suburbanization & The Diverging Discourse on Hartford Public School Quality, 1950-1970
(Senior Project in American Studies; Professor Jack Dougherty, advisor)

Beth Miller '00, M.A. '03, American Studies
The Evolution to Coeducation at Trinity College, 1969-1983
(Master's thesis in American Studies)

Shannon Stormont '02, Political Science
Examining the Governance Structure of Hartford Schools
(Senior Honors Thesis in Political Science; Professor Stefanie Chambers, advisor)

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2001

Senior	Major	Title	Guest Evaluator
Jennifer Hughes	Education with Psychology	The Mainstreaming of Special Education Students: Is it Beneficial for the Entire Class?	Jack Dougherty, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
Caty Skedd	Education with Psychology	Is it Truly a Head Start?	Dina Anselmi, Associate Professor of Psychology
Rebecca Homer-Smith	Education with Anthropology	Movement in the Classroom: To what extent does it enrich education?	Kathy Gersten, Lecturer in Theater and Dance
Pam Hendricks	Education with Psychology	When the Truth is Worse than the Norm: Alcohol Use on College Campuses	David Winer, Associate Professor of Psychology
Tim Barrett	Education with Theater & Dance	The Berkshire Farm Center School for Youth: The Role of Education in Rehabilitation	Jack Dougherty, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
Danya Labban	Education with Italian	Charter Schools: A Reform Effort in American Education	Jack Dougherty, Assistant Professor of Educational Studies
Miguel Marquez	Education with Computer Science and with Mathematics	Minority Recruitment: A Look At its Necessity and Purpose	Karla Spurlock-Evans, Dean of Multicultural Affairs
Melissa Marlette	Education and Political Science (concentration in educational policy)	The Aftermath of Sheff v O’Neill in Hartford	Stefanie Chambers, Assistant Professor of Political Science
Lauren Kaufman	Education with English	The Inequality of Tracking in Secondary Schools and Its Effects on Minority Populations	Lori Waite, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Mary Jacobs	Education and Sociology (concentration in schooling, stratification, and policy)	Success for All: Is It Helping the Hartford School System?	Noreen Channels, Professor of Sociology
Steven Mulvihill	Education with Sociology	The Impact of High School Athletic Participation on Students’ Athletic Performance	Noreen Channels, Professor of Sociology
Leah Wonski	Education with Psychology	Families Read Together: A Pilot Program	Dina Anselmi, Associate Professor of Psychology

Educational Studies Senior Research Projects, Class of 2000

Senior	Major	Title	Guest Evaluator
Abby Day	Ed with Math; Engineering	Which Route to Certification? Traditional versus Alternative	Nancy Wyshinski, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Caitlin Luz	Ed with Women’s Studies	Who is Responsible for Gender Socialization?	Janet Bauer, Associate Professor of Educational and International Studies
Scott Rickard	Ed with American Studies	Should Students Advance According to Ability in a Democracy?	Jerry Watts, Associate Professor of American Studies
Andy Puchalik	Ed and American Studies	Analyzing Violence Prevention in America’s Schools	Jerry Watts, Associate Professor of American Studies
Dan Lyons	Ed with History	Have We Learned Anything from the Past? Intercultural Education, 1920s-1940s	Luis Figueroa, Assistant Professor of History
Gregg Wysocki	Ed with Philosophy	A Philosophical Examination of Teacher Preparation	Dan Lloyd, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Ryan Southard	Ed with Political Science	Diversity and the Decline of Quality in American College Campuses	Mark Franklin, Professor of Political Science
Whitney Brown	Ed with Sociology	Do Teachers Recognize Their Own Gender Biases?	Judy Coady, Visiting Assistant Profess of Sociology
Natasha Ross	Ed and American Studies	Have White Teachers’ Narratives of Urban Education Changed over Time?	Gene Leach, Professor of History and American Studies
Lauren Cantner	Ed and American Studies	Success for All – Failure for Teachers?	Gene Leach, Professor of History and American Studies
Dale Phelps	Ed with English	How do English Teachers Engage Students with Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences?	Todd Vogel, Visiting Assistant Professor of American Studies
Lesley Loventhal	Ed with Psychology	The Massachusetts Teachers Test: A Fair Reflection of Reality?	David Reuman, Associate Professor of Psychology
Jay Wright	Ed and Sociology	The Boys and Girls Club	Judy Coady, Visiting Assistant Profess of Sociology