The news is a bit old, but I wanted to celebrate the success of two of my advisees, Madison Brown and Diego de los Reyes. Both were recognized for excellent senior research projects at ASMSA's annual research symposium and science fair. You can read the press release here. (photo credit to Donnie Sewell, ASMSA's Public Information Specialist)
Madison's project, entitled "Slot Springs: The History of Gambling in Hot Springs, AR," won first place in the Senior Research Symposium's history category and also won first place overall in the Senior Research Symposium. Her paper argued that, while gambling is typically understood by scholars as having negative effects on society, Hot Springs's unique history meant that gambling, even though it was conducted illegally, actually benefitted the city economically and socially.
Diego's project, entitled "Charting the Hits: An analysis of Pop Music from 2006-2015," won first place in both ISEF West Central Arkansas regional science fair and in the junior academy presentation competitions. His paper argued that, while many people believe that pop music is formulaic and that there might be an easy way to create a Billboard Charts hit song, songs in the yearend top 1-10 positions were actually less similar than songs in the yearend 31-40 position. Diego's finish means that he will is also eligible to compete in the state science fair and junior academy competitions.
I'm very proud of both of them!