Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Mentored Research Opportunities

Conducting research with a faculty member is an important opportunity. Not only do you develop a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member and dive deeply into a subject, you gain important skills that open doors for careers in a variety of disciplines. Summer research can be the springboard to honors, graduate school and meaningful careers. Some summer research students present their work at regional or national professional conferences; some even publish their work.

Summer research students spend part of their summer on campus working intensively with a faculty member. The amount of time and start date vary with the project and will be worked out in conjunction with the faculty mentor. Students receive housing on campus, a weekly stipend of $600, and some meals at Saga. Each student is required to produce a short written summary of their research and present a poster at the Summer Research Symposium during Parent and Family Weekend.

How to Apply

• Read project descriptions and identify the project(s) that interest you.
• Contact potential faculty mentors to discuss the details of the planned projects. These initial conversations, while informal can be essential in identifying the best potential research partnerships.
• Identify two HWS references.
• Complete one application. You may apply to at most four projects through the application site. You will be able to apply for all four through one submission.
• In order to apply, you must plan to be enrolled at HWS in the Fall of 2025.

Deadline for student applications: February 14, 2025 at 11 p.m.

Students will be notified of placement during the week of February 24.

Anthropology

China in Africa: Continuing Research on China’s Impact in Zambia on Food Systems, Debt, and Democracy

This summer scholarship will advance ongoing research that includes the last two summer scholarship programs (2023, 2024). This summer’s goals include making progress toward a book prospectus and manuscript, as well as to prepare a student-faculty conference presentation for Spring 2026. This summer research considers what it means to be Chinese in Africa, and Zambian in a country increasingly transformed by the growing presence of China in economy, politics, food security, and cuisine. Does this make China a humanitarian donor or neocolonial power in Zambia? Furthermore, how do such governmental and sponsored corporate actions affect the lives of the more than one million Chinese citizens living in Africa? Last summer’s scholars identified helped build the Spring 2025 course, “China in Africa,” by research areas of China-Africa engagement that rarely receive popular or even academic acknowledgement. They will also be presenting their research (following) at the ASIANetwork Conference in San Antonio, TX in late March! What might we learn this summer? Appropriate for Rising Sophomores
Mentor: Chris Annear
Minimum Qualifications: Capacity to research in a semi-structured environment on dynamic questions and findings. Above all, I am looking for curiosity and engagement. We will meet at least three times each week over the 8-week term to identify relevant literature, create annotated bibliographies, and to meet research goals.
Preferred Qualifications: Anthropology (especially ANTH 273 Field Methods and/or ANTH 225 China in Africa), International Relations, Environmental Studies, Africana and/or Asian Studies major/minor/courses.

Art and Architecture

Reimagining a Playful City

Given its myriad of parks, playgrounds and recreation opportunities, the City of Geneva was once designated as a “Playful City, USA” (2011-2017). Its neighborhood pocket parks, lakefront amenities, and sport facilities create plentiful options to engage in aspects of play. While there has been a boom in the use of the lakefront park, there has seemingly been a decline in the use of neighborhood pocket parks around the city over the last several decades. This project will look into opportunities to revive and refresh these pocket parks in the City of Geneva. Working with residents in a community engaged design approach, this group will research existing conditions, host community design events, and develop proposals that reimagine Geneva’s neighborhood parks (targeted or comprehensively). Students and faculty will work together to collect these findings, host these events, and develop design ideas. A foundation or desire to explore the study and implementation of play through design is required for selected students. The group will be enriched from interdisciplinary perspectives on this topic!!! A focus on architecture is not required. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores
Mentor: Gabriella D'Angelo
Minimum Qualifications: Enthusiastic about researching and actively engaging with play and design (hands-on and research).  A good collaborator and communicator, with a strong work ethic that is excited about community engaged work.
Preferred Qualifications: Major/minor in Architectural Studies, Studio Art, Art History, Psychology, Sociology, Environmental Studies, and/or Education with some foundation or interest in play studies and design. Open to other major/minor who have minimum qualifications. 

Biology

Seabird Restoration Internship with the National Audubon Society

Audubon’s Seabird Institute operates 7 island seabird sanctuaries on the Maine coast to study nesting and foraging success, nestling survivorship, population dynamics, and climate impacts. Student Interns work with an Island Supervisor and 1-3 others, participating in seabird research, monitoring, and management on terns, puffins, or other seabirds depending on location. Work includes population censuses, monitoring productivity and chick growth; seabird diet studies; banding and resighting birds; invasive vegetation removal; educating island visitors; data management; maintaining field camp; and assisting with predator management. After a brief orientation period, interns will live on-island for approximately 12 weeks (May 30 to August 15). Appropriate for Rising Sophomores; Open to Current Seniors.
Mentor: Mark Deutschlander (liaison)
Minimum Qualifications: Introductory Biology or Environmental studies and a strong interest in a career in conservation or wildlife ecology.
Preferred Qualifications: Applicants should be comfortable living and working with others on remote islands with limited amenities, and be in excellent physical condition (capable of climbing over rugged terrain and slippery rocks and able to lift approximately 50 lbs.). Must be willing to get dirty while working and living outside (showers are a luxury, not a daily occurrence) and be capable of working long hours outdoors in variable weather conditions. Must be able to work independently and with others as part of a team, and get along with people of diverse backgrounds. Adaptability to ever-changing circumstances is a must, as daily schedules are weather dependent. Must be able to sit in a small blind for three hours and maintain focus on data collection; reading and listening to music while in the blind collecting data are not permitted. Willingness to learn, dedication to wildlife conservation, and interest in seabirds and isolated islands are basic requirements. Previous experience with bird banding, rowing, wilderness camping, and hunting/trapping are helpful.

Drug Development of Anti-Cancer Agents

Students will determine the effectiveness of small molecule as cancer inhibitors. Experiments may include tissue culture work, cell viability assays, enzymatic activity assays, fluorescent microscopy, and protein studies. Results will direct new compound development.
Mentor: Patricia Mowery
Minimum Qualifications: Completed or currently enrolled in Cell Biology, Genetics, or Microbiology preferred.
Preferred Qualifications: Completed or currently enrolled in Organic Chemistry I preferred.

Various Projects at Cornell AgriTech

Interested in an exciting research experience working with an international team of scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates while using a variety of cutting-edge techniques? You will gain invaluable research experience whether your goal is medicine, graduate school, a science job post college, or just to learn if you want to work in science. Projects will be completed in the laboratories of the Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, and students will live on the HWS campus. Projects may involve applied ecology, bioinformatics, disease control, food science, gene expression, genetics, horticulture, insect behavior, microbiology, molecular biology, or pathology (see https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-agritech/our-expertise/student-programs/summer-scholars/projects - you only have to complete the HWS application form). We will place students according to their general interests and academic background. For previous HWS research student projects, see: https://www.hws.edu/news/2024/students-explore-scientific-work-at-cornell-agritech.aspx and https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/geneva-ny/plant-genetic-resources-unit-pgru/docs/intern-corner/
Mentor: Emily Stump (liaison)
Minimum Qualifications: Intro. Biology
Preferred Qualifications: At least one 200-level biology course

Examining Molecular Partnerships during Organogenesis 

My research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive organ formation during embryogenesis. The aim of this summer project will be to study a protein partnership between Sine oculis, a founding member of the Six gene family and Sobp, a novel protein of unknown function. Techniques such as yeast two-hybrid system, immunofluorescence, GAL4/UAS, and PCR will be employed to examine effects on gene expression during different stages of development. A secondary goal of this project is to develop new research modules for inclusion in biology courses for majors and non-majors. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Kristy Kenyon
Minimum Qualifications: BIOL 220
Preferred Qualifications: BIOL 220

Wildlife Responses to Urbanization

Cities are the fastest-growing ecosystems on Earth and represent areas of extreme environmental change. Wildlife in urban environments often exhibit unique phenotypic traits, yet the mechanisms shaping these traits remain unclear. In this study, students will investigate how urbanization influences the ecology and evolution of coat color in eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). Gray squirrels typically exhibit either gray or black (melanic) coat colors. Historically, melanic squirrels were more common in forested areas but are now predominantly found in cities. This research will explore phenotypic differences between color morphs and the ecological pressures that could cause differences in fitness between color morphs. Potential areas of investigation include 1) Comparison of fur composition and structure as a factor that mediates differences in heat exchange between morphs, 2) Effects of coat color on trace metal uptake, and 3) Comparison of telomere length between color morphs as a marker of long-term stress. Other areas of inquiry may be possible. By participating in this project, students will gain hands-on experience in wildlife biology and the process of science. Additionally, students will collaborate with a network of researchers engaged in this interdisciplinary project, offering opportunities for mentorship and professional development. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Bradley Cosentino
Minimum Qualifications: Strong work ethic. Attention to detail. Interest in ecology, evolution, environmental science, or related fields. Ability to work collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in biology or environmental science.

Business Management and Entrepreneurship

Exploring the Role of Neolocalism and Craft Industries in Community Development

This project examines how neolocalism and craft industries (e.g., breweries, wineries) contribute to community identity, economic development, and social innovation. The student researcher will conduct literature reviews, data collection (surveys, interviews, or observations), and preliminary analysis. They will assist in identifying case studies of businesses that exemplify sustainable and inclusive practices. As the faculty mentor, I will guide the student through research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. Together, we will prepare a written report and a poster for the Fall '25 Research Symposium. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Craig Talmage
Minimum Qualifications: Strong interest in communities and/or craft industries, basic research and writing skills, ability to work collaboratively and independently
Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods, experience with data visualization or analysis software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.), strong interest in sustainability and ethical business practices.

Chemistry

The Chemistry of Art

We will pursue a variety of chemical research projects on materials used in traditional and prehistoric art. Processes to make pigments, dyes, colored glass, and other material may be included in the project. Depending on the material, students will develop the processes then use analytical techniques (especially visible reflectance spectroscopy) to analyze their results. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Walter Bowyer
Minimum Qualifications: CHEM 110
Preferred Qualifications: Interest in Art

Synthesis of Anticancer Drugs 

The objective of this research is to design and develop new synthetic methods that can be utilized to prepare heterocycles with demonstrated biological activity. This summer, we will work on three projects: (1) the synthesis of isomeric furanones; (2) the synthesis of novel N-alkylated indolylfuranones; and (2) the selective late-stage chlorination of our best lead compounds. These projects will contribute substrates for biological testing in anti-cancer cell assays by Professor Mowery and her research students. Students involved in this research will run reactions, purify synthetic intermediates, analyze products by NMR and by other methods, and help design new experiments. Students involved in this research tend to continue working on their projects during the academic year and this is encouraged.
Mentor: Erin Pelkey
Minimum Qualifications: Organic Chemistry
Preferred Qualifications: Organic Chemistry

Understanding the Regulation and Kinetics of the Enzyme Malate Dehydrogenase

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is a critical enzyme in the citric acid cycle, which is central to our metabolism. As such, this enzyme is highly regulated (turned on and off under specific conditions). Under various conditions (fed, starved, etc), the body adds or removes chemical groups (such as phosphate) to MDH which acts as an ON/OFF switch to control this enzyme. Yet, this process is not well understood. In the Slade lab, we will purify MDH enzyme (wild type and mutants) so that we can study how fast it operates under various conditions. Specifically, this project will entail making buffers, micropipetting (a lot!), using a microplate reader (UV/Vis spectroscopy) and analyzing data in two different software programs. However, no previous experience is necessary. I will mentor you to help learn and develop these skills. Prior knowledge of Microsoft Excel is preferred. This project will greatly improve one’s Excel proficiency. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Kristin Slade
Minimum Qualifications: completed 120 or CHEM 190 by May 2025
Preferred Qualifications: completed CHEM 130 by May 2025 and some experience with Excel

Simulating Ultrafast Chemistry with Quantum and Semiclassical Dynamics Calculations

A lot of very fascinating chemistry occurs on timescales that are just too fast to measure in the laboratory. Computational studies, however, give us a window into the ultrafast motion of atoms and molecules in the microscopic world, one that we can slow down and observe frame-by-frame. Students in our research group learn and practice the theoretical and computational side of chemical physics. We study the complicated and fascinating theories that underly all of modern chemistry, and implement those theories in a language that our supercomputer can understand. Mainly we are interested in studying transient chemical events that are integral to a variety of important applications, including heterogenous catalysis and photochemistry, among others. Programming experience is not required. New students are expected to have a working understanding of introductory chemistry and basic calculus. Feel free to reach out to Prof. Church to discuss. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Matt Church
Minimum Qualifications: CHEM 110, MATH 131
Preferred Qualifications: An interest in the mathematical side of science.

Computer Science

Application of Deep Learning Attention Mechanism to Sentiment Analysis

Current sentiment analysis is discrete classification problem. A sentence's sentiment is either positive or negative. However, there are clearly gradients in how positive or negative the sentiment is. For example, "food is tasty" vs "food is delicious", both are positive sentiment, but delicious is more positive than tasty, or is it? Can we answer such problem using the attention mechanism used in deep learning networks? This will be a completely new topic that require a lot of research, and there is no guarantee it will work out. Student's role in the project is to implement the attention neural network and run experiments. My role in mentoring will be look for inspirations and directions from published papers and find the methodology of solve such problem. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Hanquing Hu
Minimum Qualifications: Can code in Python
Preferred Qualifications: Know pyTorch

Dance and Movement Studies

Dance Administration: Conferences Planning and Hosting, Department archives

This project entails two types of arts/dance administration: conference planning, running, and hosting of the Somatic Dance Conference and Performance Festival 2025, and assistance with the EastWest Somatics Conference 2025, as well as significant work with the department's archives. Conference work includes organizing conference schedule, presenter's information for conference brochure, conference room support, tech and production support for SDCPF performances, scheduling and presenter support for the EWS conference. Departmental archive work involves organizing the department's print, video, photographic, and written archives, including digitalization of some files, and creating a usable, user-friendly interface for these archives. Students will gain conference administration skills, be mentored through all stages of conference planning and hosting, and work closely with me to facilitate the conferences. The archival work will also be closely assisted by me, yet require independent work in the department's archive room and consultation with AV/IT on best practices for archiving and storing department files. Project dates are June 2 through July 25th, 2025. The ideal student would be someone who can work as a team, complete tasks independently, interact with dance and somatic artists and professionals, be organized and offer creative solutions to the given tasks. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Cynthia Williams
Minimum Qualifications: Detail-oriented, ability to respond to a variety of tasks with a willing attitude, be reliable and flexible.
Preferred Qualifications: Interest or experience in dance, arts management, conference planning, and/or technical production (lighting, sound, video).

Manuscript Research on Jane Comfort and NYC Downtown Dance

I am working on a book on the choreographer Jane Comfort and the social, artistic, economic, and political environment in NYC in the 1970s through the 1990s. While I have been focused primarily on the choreography, my research is extending into areas that are wider in scope: NEA policies and controversies, independent arts organizations in NYC, the economic challenges and impacts of the arts on venues, organizations, and artists in NYC, the political environment of the time, and the effect of the AIDS epidemic on dance and the arts. My hope is to work collaboratively with a student researcher who could dig deep into these social/cultural/artistic influences and compile information about each of those areas. I could also use some help organizing and archiving my files on this project to more easily access and/or cite specific references. The ideal student research collaborator is someone who is interested in dance, has an interest in/understanding of arts and cultural environments, social and dance history, good research skills (beyond Google!) and who is willing to work independently on assigned research topics, yet also thinks creatively and goes beyond the assignment. A student with solid writing and citation skills would be ideal. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Cynthia Williams
Minimum Qualifications: Solid research skills, independent worker who is also a collaborator, strong writer
Preferred Qualifications: Dance, Theatre, or History student with excellent research skills, internal motivation, independent spirit who also is a collaborator. Patient with sometimes tedious details; an interest in choreography and performance.

Data Analytics

Air Quality and Environmental Justice

Wards 5 and 6 in Geneva are designated “disadvantaged communities” by NY State. Some of these are so-called “fenceline” communities because they border potentially polluting industries. This project brings together HWS and local high school students, faculty, staff, and community leaders to answer two key questions: 1) Do fenceline communities experience worse air quality than surrounding neighborhoods? 2) What factors contribute to variable air quality in Geneva? HWS students will begin with a two-week “boot camp” in which they will learn a variety of data analytical and mapping tools. The remaining weeks will be spent on a diversity of activities including (but not limited to) deploying sensors, collecting samples and finding relevant data, analyzing preliminary data, and preparing materials to share with the community. This year, we are interested in preparing content for social media that convey key ideas surrounding air quality and community health. There is potential to continue the project during the academic year and beyond. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Nan Crystal Arens
Minimum Qualifications: Growth mindset, can-do attitude, initiative, interest in learning, and the ability to complete tasks on time.
Preferred Qualifications: For students interested in the technical side: Experience with statistics, data analytics, and the R statistical computing language.

Finger Lakes Institute

Finger Lakes Water Quality Research

Students will conduct research on water quality issues across the Finger Lakes addressing nutrient concentrations and loadings to lakes, dynamics of algae and harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and mercury cycling in invertebrates and fish. Positions will involve long days in the field from a variety of boats such as the R/V Scandling, Boston Whaler, kayaks and more, under all weather conditions. Significant time will be spent on laboratory preparation and analyses as well as data presentations and discussions. Research students are expected to read scientific papers and participate in weekly group activities focused on presenting their data and contextualizing their findings across other aquatic ecosystems such as the Great Lakes. Certified scuba divers are especially encouraged to apply. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Lisa Cleckner
Minimum Qualifications: Passion for learning more about the Finger Lakes watersheds and threats to water quality. Willingness to contribute as an individual while being part of a team of students, staff and scientists completing hands-on field and lab work.
Preferred Qualifications: Completion of science and environmental studies classes. Experience with Excel, data analysis, data presentations. Interest in working with broad stakeholder groups across the Finger Lakes region and New York State, including policy makers, community scientists, educators, watershed associations.

Environmental Data Analyst

The Data Analyst will collaborate with FLI staff on data processing and analysis for multiple programs focused on invasive species, contaminants, nutrients, and other water quality issues. They will create computing scripts and tools for data analysis using various software tools like R, R-Studio, Shiny, and GIS. Additionally, this role involves documenting and organizing analytical scripts, archiving processes for future use, and assisting in generating figures, maps, and tables for projects. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Lisa Cleckner
Minimum Qualifications: Coursework in Data Analytics, Environmental Studies, natural science, and/or statistics
Preferred Qualifications: Ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping timelines; Understanding of environmental issues associated with the Finger Lakes region, Experience translating scientific analyses to a range of audiences in various formats, Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a variety of HWS staff and students 

Geoscience

Environmental Microplastic REU Peer Mentor

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) on Microplastic Sources, Sinks Transport and Environmental Impacts across the Finger Lakes Watershed is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation as a collaboration between Hobart and William Smith and The City College of New York. The undergraduate Peer Mentor will work with the faculty directors and mentors to help support REU participants in completing their own research projects. The Peer Mentor will also model research and professional skills by completing their own research project focused on microplastics in the Finger Lakes Watersheds. In additional, the Peer Mentor will act as an informal Community Assistant in participant housing both during the five-week field program in Geneva and the four-week analytical program in New York City. For more information in the REU program see https://www.hws.edu/academics/microplastic-reu/
Mentor: Nan Crystal Arens
Minimum Qualifications: Rising junior or senior. Major in Geoscience, Biology, or Chemistry. Previous summer mentored research experience that involved field work.
Preferred Qualifications: Rising junior or senior. Major in Geoscience, Biology, or Chemistry. Previous summer mentored research experience that involved field work.

Eocene Climate Reconstruction Using Fossil Leaves

The Early Eocene (55 million years ago) began a period of very warm climate that lasted about nine million years. Greenhouse gasses released into Earth’s atmosphere drove this warming, so understanding it provides context for current climate change. This ongoing project has three foci for Summer 2025: 1) Systematic description, illustration, and analysis of leaf fossils that were collected from the Hatchetigbee Bluff locality in southwestern Alabama. 2) Chemical analysis of leaf waxes from leaf-containing sediments. This work will be done in collaboration with the Syracuse University. And 3) climate reconstructions of published leaf floras from across the U.S. using three approaches—leaf-margin analysis, leaf area analysis, and Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program—to reconstruct various climate parameters. We will synthesize these data to provide a picture of climate during this key moment in Earth’s history. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Nan Crystal Arens
Minimum Qualifications: Awareness of plants, and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications: Coursework in geoscience, biology, and/or data analytics.

Atmospheric Rivers in the Northeastern United States

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow corridors of enhanced water vapor in the atmosphere that can lead to extreme precipitation events.   This project will explore the spectrum of impacts these atmospheric rivers have across the northeastern United States including extreme flooding.  Student participants will have an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with other undergraduate students in the Weather & Climate Research Group, as well as present their work and travel to the Mt. Washington Observatory, Plymouth State University, and University at Albany to interact with other undergraduate researchers and mentors working on weather-related research projects. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Nick Metz
Minimum Qualifications: Completion of Introduction to Meteorology (GEO-182); familiarity with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel; Organized; Willingness to learn; Ability to work in collaborative environment with group and independently
Preferred Qualifications: Completion of Introduction to Meteorology (GEO-182); familiarity with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel; Organized; Willingness to learn; Ability to work in collaborative environment with group and independently

Blowing Snow across North America

Investigating the variation in location and timing of blowing snow (BS) occurrences and the range of weather systems leading to frequent BS is important to human safety since BS can cause substantial reductions in visibility and hazardous conditions for both roadway and air travel. Additionally, BS has been identified as an important weather forecast challenge since it is not generally simulated in operational weather forecast models. This project will examine surface weather station observations to identify BS occurrences across North America during a long time period. Part of the larger project will have a specific focus on understanding how frequently BS occurs during lake-effect snowstorms in the Great Lakes region. This is a unique aspect of lake-effect research, since most of the focus on hazards during lake-effect storms has historically been on snowfall because of the impressive and impactful amounts that have occurred during specific events and the large lake-effect snow contributions to annual snowfall throughout the Great Lakes region. This project will add something new to the lake-effect research that exists and results will be shared with the scientific community through presentations and publication of a journal article. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Neil Laird
Minimum Qualifications: Completion of Introduction to Meteorology (GEO-182); familiarity with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel; Organized; Willingness to learn; Ability to work in collaborative environment with group and independently
Preferred Qualifications: Completion of Introduction to Meteorology (GEO-182); familiarity with Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel; Organized; Willingness to learn; Ability to work in collaborative environment with group and independently

Using the Sediment Record of Lakes to Explore Past Climate and Environmental Changes

Lake sediments provide important archives of climate and environmental change. The goal of this project is to use the geological, geochemical (stable isotopes, elements), and biological (fossils) evidence preserved in sediment cores collected from lakes, ponds and bogs in upstate New York to identify periods of past droughts and anthropogenic disturbance within these watersheds since ~12,000 years ago. Project participants will conduct field and lab work as part of a collaborative team to tackle these questions: (1) What drove ecological succession in a local wetland, the natural in-filling of a lake or abrupt climate change? (2) How did the Finger Lakes respond to shifts in temperature, precipitation, and anthropogenic disturbances over the last ~13,000 years? Students will gain hands-on experience collecting and analyzing sediment cores, managing large datasets, and conducting preliminary interpretations Students will work in close collaboration with Tara and other undergraduate students. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Tara Curtin
Minimum Qualifications: GEO 186 or GEO 184; interest in geoscience or aquatic science; comfortable working outside (rain or shine); willingness to try new things; comfortable working collaborative with a group and independently
Preferred Qualifications: GEO 186 or GEO 184 and an upper-level geoscience course; interest in geoscience or aquatic science; comfortable working outside (rain or shine); willingness to try new things; comfortable working collaborative with a group and independently

Stable Isotopic Analysis of Groundwater Discharge into Lakes and Ponds

Groundwater discharge into lakes and ponds can occur in diffuse zones along the edge as well as at depth in concentrated areas. Flow rates might be controlled by localized wet or dry climate conditions in the surrounding area and by different types of sediment. The stable isotopes of water (D/H and 18O/16O) record wet and dry conditions as well as the interactions of different groundwaters. The goal of this project is to characterize lake, pond and groundwaters to determine their unique chemical markers. In addition, we will measure flow rates of these features, document the sediments associated with this input. Terrestrial springs will be sampled in the Finger Lakes region to determine if groundwater discharge have terrestrial chemical analogs and to document flow rates. Project participants will work as a team to conduct field and lab work to address the following questions: (1) What types of water chemistries are represented in regional springs? (2) How do groundwater discharge chemistries impact the mass balance of ions and stable isotopes in lakes and ponds? (3) What are the characteristic chemistries and flow rates of sublacustrine flow in Seneca Lake? Students will work in close collaboration with Dave and other undergraduate students. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: David Finkelstein
Minimum Qualifications: GEO-184 or GEO-186, interest in geoscience or aquatic science, comfortable working outside regardless of the weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications: GEO-184 or GEO-186, and an upper-level geoscience course, interest in geoscience or aquatic science, comfortable working outside regardless of the weather conditions.

History

Mapping Harlem Digital Project

The period between 1915 and 1930 witnessed an influx of Black people into NYC where they settled in Harlem. The scholarly literature has assumed that this migration and settlement was of one undifferentiated racial mass. The question is: is this accurate? Recent research has suggested otherwise. The Mapping Harlem Digital Project (MHDP) seeks to answer the question of the ethnic make-up of Black settlement and neighborhood formation in Harlem during this period by using raw source data to spatially represent settlement patterns. The project will also put a personal face on the migration and labor stories of the period, and has the potential to bring issues of race, ethnicity, labor migration and industrialization to a wider audience. 

To support the goals of the MHDP, the student research assistant will work with me and the Digital Learning Team to develop a series of interactive maps. Each interactive map will be based on a database of over 500 Black dressmakers and garment workers drawn from U.S. censuses and Ship Passenger Manifests. The student research assistant will learn how to input this data into the ArcGIS software that will be used to make the maps. They will also learn how to leverage the software’s rich visualization tools to tell stories with data. At least one map will pinpoint the address of individual workers along with short biographies that include their names, ages, marital status, places of origin, housing status (house owner, renter, boarder), level of education, and occupation, and in the case of immigrants, their dates of arrival in the U.S. and immigration status (permanent resident, citizen). Other maps will make use of the various spatial analysis tools in ArcGIS to assess the presence and salience of information and social networks within Harlem’s dynamic working class during the study period. Specifically, the student will learn how to use spatial and network statistics to identify any patterns suggesting network phenomena like chain migration or the diffusion of industry knowledge and skills among the different migrant groups represented in the database. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Janette Gayle
Minimum Qualifications: Experience working with data, as demonstrated through previous coursework or job/internship duties, interest in data storytelling and hypothesis testing, willingness to learn new software tools, reliability and strong interpersonal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications: Experience using GIS and/or working with geospatial data, successful completion of a first course in statistics

Matters of Memory: Religion, Race, and the Life of a Small American City

James Baldwin wrote that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday mornings. In line with the goals of the Mellon Foundation-funded project, Matters of Memory: Conflicting Narratives in a Small American City, two students will work with Professor Matt Crow in the History Department on race and religion in the history of Geneva and the surrounding area. Uniquely among many of the small towns of the Finger Lakes, Geneva has a diverse population, including a large, vibrant, and historic African American presence. Even so, that history in the fundamental role of religious identity and community in shaping it has often occurred in the shadow of the towering spires of churches and the chapel of our Episcopal-affiliated small liberal arts college. This region was at the center of the Second Great Awakening in the nineteenth century, and so it was also at the center of the causes of abolition, suffrage, and moral reform that grew out of it. Today, a host of faiths call campus and the city home. Is religious or denominational difference foundational and formative of other marks of difference, or does it reflect still deeper lines of historical demarcation? How can we construct a narrative of the religious history of this community that honors its diversity? How do we think about the relationship of the Colleges to Geneva and to the region, including with its Indigenous people, newcomers, migrant and refugee populations, and people of no faith or religious tradition at all? How can we chart a spiritual cartography of our city, and what does that show us about the community as a whole? Students will work to address these questions and others in conversation and guidance from Professor Crow, and by visiting and talking with religious leaders and communities on and off campus. The goal will be to produce an interactive exhibit with both a display component on campus and a digital, interactive component with videos, interviews, etc. This will be the first major project of the Matters of Memory initiative, and it will set the course for all that follows. Students should be able to work collaboratively and have an interest in cultural memory and historical research. Students DO NOT need to be religious, nor do they need to be majors in history or adjacent fields. Still, students will need to be comfortable reading, researching, listening, and developing humanities-based educational content for others. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Matt Crow
Minimum Qualifications: Interest in the subject
Preferred Qualifications: Rising juniors or higher preferred, humanities or qualitative social science focused in their studies preferred, but not necessary

International Relations

Freedom in an Algorithmic Society

The project aims to develop a 300-level methods course that helps INRL majors understand intuitively the relationship between algorithms and the individual in liberal and collectivist polities. As such, the research question is how individuals with no background in computer programming can “surface” algorithms in their daily life and critically assess their political implications. The summer research project will be divided into three components. First, student researchers will develop and field test pedagogical modules for a flipped classroom format. Researchers will create activities to understand three basic classes of algorithms: sorting, searching, and graphing. The activities will test simple heuristics and algorithms against brute-force approaches. Students will use Microsoft Excel to develop data sets relevant to INRL majors, which can be used for rudimentary data mining (i.e., exploratory data analysis, market basket analysis, k-means clustering analysis, naïve bayes classification) and visualization (i.e., data mapping). Researchers will create templates for hand drawn nodal maps of the HWS campus to test Dijkstra’s, Prim’s, and Kruskal’s algorithms. The nodal maps will be entered into MS Excel (with Excel Solver) to generate shortest route/least cost pathways and minimum spanning trees. Student researchers will also develop a module to teach their peers how facial recognition algorithms work. Second, students will develop an applied algorithm to efficiently manage and incentivize sets of individuals in multi-task cooperative games. The objective will be to demonstrate how algorithms may be used as a (social/political) management tool. Finally, student researchers will create an annotated literature review on the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence by state and private entities in China and the United States for the purpose of political management of individuals. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Vikash Yadav
Minimum Qualifications: Curious, creative, detail-oriented, self-motivated learner with a very basic working knowledge of MS Excel.
Preferred Qualifications: INRL Major or minor.

PAR for the Course in the MENA Region

Participatory action research (PAR) is a mode of social science research in which communities impacted by a given issue play a direct role in shaping research on that issue, generating more intersubjective and collaborative forms of knowledge. It offers a powerful corrective to top-down approaches to policymaking, particularly for conflict-affected communities and among vulnerable populations. This project will support the planning and development of a research workshop on PAR in the Middle East and North Africa to be held in Doha, Qatar in December 2025, sponsored by the American Political Science Association. Over the summer, graduate students from Middle East and North African universities will apply to participate in this PAR workshop based on their existing research interests. Their applications must be reviewed, sorted into thematic working groups, and paired with appropriate faculty and practitioner mentors from a broad network of universities and organizations for a series of planned activities. The student(s) supporting this project will work with workshop co-conveners from HWS, Johns Hopkins University, and the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. This project will be of interest to students considering graduate work in international relations or public policy, as well as those with an interest in applied work in humanitarian assistance, human rights, international migration, or related fields. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Stacey Philbrick Yadav
Minimum Qualifications: International Relations major or significant coursework directed toward major requirements.
Preferred Qualifications: Ideal candidates would have a research methods/design course and/or some advanced language proficiency in a Middle Eastern language.

Physics

History of Science at HWS

Storage rooms in the HWS science buildings contain old science equipment of different ages and subject matters. For example, there are sextants and microscopes from the late 1800s, physics demonstration equipment from the early 1900s, and undergraduate physics laboratory equipment from the 1960-70s. The ultimate goal of this hands-on project is to create a display showcasing the most interesting and unique pieces of equipment and understand how that equipment fits into the history of laboratory sciences at HWS. This project may be suitable for students interested in physics, the history of science, or museum studies. Students will be asked to go through the old equipment, identify the interesting pieces, organize and catalogue them, figure out how they work, learn how they were used at HWS, and put them into a interesting display. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Leslie Hebb
Minimum Qualifications: None
Preferred Qualifications: An interest in the history of science and a willingness to try to understand how old mechanical equipment works.

Finding Asteroids in the Solar System

The Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) will significantly advance our understanding of the Solar System by detecting millions of new asteroids and Kuiper Belt Objects. These objects can be detected because they move across the sky relative to the stationary background stars. The goal of this project is to develop and refine detection algorithms for small moving objects using simulated Rubin Observatory data. This is primarily a computational project. The student will learn or improve their Python programming skills and apply these skills to an astronomical problem. In addition, this project will involve collecting data on known asteroids with HWS's Perkin Observatory to complement the computational work and may involve a trip to an observatory. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Leslie Hebb
Minimum Qualifications: A strong interest in developing programming and computational skills in Python and a willingness to learn database query languages and machine learning techniques and apply them to astronomy problems.
Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in Python programming.

Psychological Science

Simulations of Brain Network Dynamics

This project uses computer simulations to study two aspects of brain systems. (1) Nonlinear Markovian agent-based models on networks as a means to study whole brain dynamics in mammal brains of different sizes, as well as in human brains in health and in schizophrenia. This research is conducted in the Matlab environment; (2) Convolutional neural networks as a means to study vision in schizophrenia. This research is conducted in R/Python. The project may include one or both areas of study. Strong interest in systems/computational neuroscience is required.
Mentor: Daniel Graham
Minimum Qualifications: PSY 100, PSY 201, PSY 202; Calculus I; computer programming experience (Matlab, R, Python, or Java)
Preferred Qualifications: PHYS 150, PHYS 160; CPSC 124

Religious Studies

Discourse and Social Transformation

How does religion address contemporary issues? Torn between fundamentalist rejection of changes and secular relegation of the religious into a private domain, religious leaders who accept the social reality of modernity and the importance of religion offer multifaceted approaches that uphold their religious teachings in a way that suits the needs of the contemporary world. In doing so, religious discourse has played a central role. This research will explore how religious discourse affects personal and social transformation of religious adherents in addressing social conflicts and entrepreneurial challenges. It will particularly examine the place and characteristics of the sacred texts and their interpretations in religious discourses. Of special interest is the nature of the Qur’an and the characteristics of its interpretations in Muslim discourse. The chosen candidate(s) will search, read, analyze, and write synopsis of book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on the research subject. The chosen candidate(s) will discuss their research findings with the faculty mentor daily. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Shalahudin Kafrawi
Minimum Qualifications: The candidate is expected to have commitment to work on the project and to have background in religious studies.
Preferred Qualifications: Preference is given to a candidate who is familiar with methods in religious studies, with a good command in finding books and peer-reviewed journals, and with writing synopsis. The candidate is expected to have read (1) Christoph Günther’s Entrepreneurs of Identity, and (2) Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.

AI Pictorial Images of Islam

This research offers a preliminary study of how to examine pictorial images of Islam produced by AI art platforms, such as Midjourey, Playform, or DALL·E 3. It also questions whether such images fall into the category of what is called ‘Islamic’. Student researchers will learn about scholarly debates on pictorial images in Islam and find out whether such debates hinge on the relationship between religion and art. For instance, Leaman suggests reading art as art (2004), whereas Ahmed would consider art to be included under the label of being Islamic (2017). This research plans to extend the discursive narrative of being ‘Islamic’ to AI pictorial images of Islam. It discusses the materiality of the pictorial images of Islam produced by AI art platforms. Using a material culture approach to AI pictorial images of Islam, student researchers will get first-hand experience of decolonizing Islamic art within Western and Islamic encounters and find the place of AI art in Islamic scholarship.
Mentor: Etin Anwar
Minimum Qualifications: Students with interests/courses in (Islamic and Western) arts
Preferred Qualifications: Preference is given to a candidate who is familiar with (Islamic and Western) arts and AI image generators/platforms.

Spanish and Hispanic studies

Feminist Climate Fiction in Colombia

A few recent novels by Colombian women authors place traumatic family scenes in hostile/intense natural settings. These writers decidedly avoid the magic realism that has dominated the Colombian literary landscape since Gabriel García Márquez published Cien años de soledad in the late 1960s. Many contemporary women authors also offer complex depictions of women as withdrawn caregivers, reluctant mothers, and anxious adolescents. This research project will explore, document, contextualize, and analyze emerging trends Colombian eco-critical/feminist fiction. The research student will also engage in related course development and community literacy outreach.
Mentor: May Farnsworth
Minimum Qualifications: Bilingual in Spanish and English, research experience
Preferred Qualifications: Bilingual skills, literary criticism, language teaching experience, related coursework in literary criticism

Film and Translation: How American Movies and TV Series Dubbed into Spanish Are Changing the Spanish Language 

This project combines English-Spanish translation and film/television. It is ideal for Spanish majors and minors looking to enhance their knowledge of the language, as well as those interested in translation. It is equally ideal for native speakers, whose personal input would be very valuable. Spain and Mexico boast a century-old tradition of dubbing American movies into Spanish. Despite their mastery of this art, their films present a unique and unnatural version of the Spanish language, which scholars have denominated "dubbese." Both countries --and the rest of the Spanish-speaking world-- watch more dubbed movies and television than productions filmed in Spanish. This results in a vast exposure to this artificial "dialect" of the language. In this summer collaboration, first we will search for patterns of artificial language in the Castilian and Latin American dubbed versions of popular, current Hollywood films and TV series. Second, we will analyze current, spoken Spanish in Spain and other countries to identify characteristics of "dubbese" that have infiltrated the language, i.e. changed how native speakers talk. Appropriate for Rising Sophomores.
Mentor: Carolina Travalia
Minimum Qualifications: 1 course at level II (SPN 203 or above)
Preferred Qualifications: 1 course at level III (SPN 300 or above)