Seniors Miranda Tze and Jackson Novak presented their Honors project posters at the Honors Program Poster Presentation at the Memorial Union May 4. Honors students elect to pursue individualized programs designed to enrich their educational experiences. As a part of their program of study, each Honors student plans, develops and completes an individual project.
Tze, who majored in economics, presented her project, "Association Variables with Undergraduate Racial Attitudes." Her academic advisor was Amani Elobeid, teaching professor. After graduation she'll be serving in the City Year program, offered by Americorps in Chicago.
Novak,economics and statistics, completed his project with his poster, "Commodity-Specific Regulation in the Rail Industry." His advisors were Amani Elobeid and Ignacio Alvarez. He will start his PhD program in economics at the University of Colorado, Boulder in the fall.
Peter Orazem, university professor, was the project advisor for both students.
"Both Miranda and Jackson came up with their own research questions, developed their data bases, conducted their econometric analyses, and wrote their papers. That degree of independence and maturity as undergraduate scholars is rare. What’s more, they came up with new insights," said Orazem.
"Miranda wanted to combine her interests in African American Studies with her studies in econometrics. She found that students who grow up in less diverse and more rural locations are less aware of racial differences when they come to Iowa State, but that perceptions and awareness change as they spend more time at Iowa State where they are exposed to more diverse populations."
"Jackson wanted to see how price cost margins change when railroads get an exemption from rate controls for a commodity. He found that transportation rates charged on commodities that are exempt from price controls were 37% higher than similar commodities that were not exempt. Commodities whose exemptions were removed were charged lower rates."
"It is a privilege to get to work with such dedicated and bright students at Iowa State. That is why we become professors."