This annual prize recognizes student excellence in library research. Submissions must be for a project completed in a 300- or 400-level course. Winners receive a cash prize, a certificate, and publication of their submission in this collection.

Recent Submissions

  • Time-Series Statistical Analysis of Suicidal Behavior Among Non-Heterosexual Youth

    Chowdhury, Adeeb (2023-03-01)
    The disproportionately higher rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth has been so widely documented that within pediatrics, it is known as "the suicide consensus." This disturbing trend has been attributed to the pervasive violence, harassment, abuse, and isolation faced by young queer people. This paper employs SPSS statistical analysis tools to investigate the patterns of suicidal behavior among LGBTQ+ youth in the United States and how it has been affected, if at all, by the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. Building on the hypothesis that this Supreme Court decision paved the way for greater acceptance and more positive attitudes towards same-sex relationships, the paper tracks victimization rates among queer youth for several years before and after 2015. It finds a statistically significant finding between the legalization of SSM and the decline of suicide rates among LGBTQ+ American youth.
  • To Stay or To Return: Factors Affecting the Immigration Decisions of African Students in the United States

    Suberu, Mary (2017)
    There are a few factors affecting the decision of migrant African students' choice to stay in the United States or return to their home countries. From the ideological wish to return to spark change in their country, various ideas and thoughts buffer in between. While conducting my research, I explored questions to reveal these factors such as: What social, political, and economic factors contribute to their decision? Do they feel a sense of obligation to bring their skills and knowledge to help in the building of the infrastructure of their countries of origin? What are the potential ramification of their decisions? The results showed that 40% of the students expressed their wish to return home while 60% expressed their wish to stay in the U.S. Although most of the students have a short-term goal of staying in the US, they collectively feel a sense of attachment to their home country. This idea creates a certain level of dynamic tension between their wish for personal advancement and their hope for their country's development. I've gathered from my data that this topic is more complicated than presumed. There is no direct response to this question and emerging between their views is a grey area. Understanding the different dimensions associated with the cause of students' decision will enrich our perception of the effects of their country's environment and what can be· done to foster its continual development.