A Magazine of Bryant University’s College of Arts & Sciences
ENCOURAGING POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT: THE ROAD TO ELECTION 2016 Joseph Rinaldi ‘19, Bryant Student Senator
Issue 3, Spring 2016 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Social Impact in Sociology….……………….....2
Can you imagine a country where only 16%
The committee began by hosting the Rhode
of eligible citizens vote in a primary election?
Island Board of Elections for an in-state regis-
A&S: A Community Within
Or one in which only 11% of tomorrow’s leaders
tration drive. We also held a “logo contest” kick
a University..……..............2
cast their ballots in a midterm election? Unfor-
-off event. The winning logo, seen here, was
tunately, these are the percentages of Bryant
designed by a student, Nicholas O’Hara ’17,
Undergraduate and
students who participated in the 2012 and 2014
who received a cash prize generously donated
elections, and they are typical of the low en-
by the Provost’s Office. As things were ramp-
gagement of college students across the coun-
ing up to the Iowa caucuses in early February,
try. At Bryant, we don’t settle for “typical,” so
we held a voter registration drive at the
having become aware of these numbers, we are
Rotunda Organizations Fair. This event allowed
working together to find solutions.
students to register online to vote in their home
In early November 2015, individuals from a
states using just their driver’s license.
Alumni Profiles……….…….3 Around the Departments……………...4-7 The Bryant Literary Review……………….…....….8 Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies……....….9
also
Being a MyPath Mentor....9
members of the Bryant
helped coordinate a panel
From the Dean….............10
Student Senate, faculty
discussion on global
volunteers
depart-
terrorism, with faculty
ments across the College
members from the Global
of Arts & Sciences, and
Studies program, late in
staff from various offices
the fall semester, and an
including the Office for
event early in the spring
Campus
Engagement,
semester, with Professor
Bryant Goes to the New
came together to tackle this
Nicole Freiner, at which
Hampshire Primaries...…13
number of student groups,
from
The
committee
A Semester in D.C............11 New Arts Administration Course….………….............12 The Master’s Degree in Communication..…….……12
issue head on. To do so, this committee con-
students shared their perceptions about the
Applied Analytics Center
ceived of a special initiative called “The Road
New Hampshire primaries. On March 1, a
Takes a Walking Tour……13
to Election 2016.”
“Super Tuesday” viewing party, attended
2016 Bryant IDEA…....14-15
The goal of the “Road to Election 2016”
by over 85 students, was held in the Fisher Stu-
initiative is to increase voter turnout, facilitate
dent Center, with commentary by the Political
engaging campus discussions of important is-
Science program. And on April 7, in the Bello
sues, and encourage our future leaders to be
Center, a panel of outside experts will address
politically aware and active so that they are
the question: “Will American Democracy
ready to take on the problems of tomorrow.
Survive the 2016 Election?”
Pop-Up Gallery Night……16 Read and share the online version of A&S Magazine, and explore past issues, by searching “Bryant A&S Magazine” at Issuu.com
CLASSROOMS WITHOUT BORDERS: SOCIAL IMPACT IN SOCIOLOGY Sandra Enos, History & Social Sciences As part of undergraduate education, we need to incorporate student and faculty experiences that integrate, connect and inspire our work and connections with the larger world—local, national and global. In the fall of 2015, we launched two projects in one sociology course, each modeling social impact. Students in Social Problems/Social Solutions examine challenges facing the United States and the larger world. In research
Brianna LaGuardia ‘19 and Professor Sandra Enos.
projects, students focus on the roots of social problems, like gun
the Social Enterprise Greenhouse and other efforts. These social
violence, poverty, mass incarceration and others, and examine
enterprises create products with a social mission. One challenge
various strategies for addressing these. Seven service-learning
for these small vendors is getting their products to people who
students—Ashley Smith ‘17, Shruti Shoor ‘16, Priyanka
may be interested in buying them. Led by Spencer Bratman ‘16
Moglicheria ‘17, Kristen McCarthy ‘16, Nicole Dempsey
and Brianna Laguardia ‘19, students organized the very first
‘16 and Marta Gravier ‘18—as well as Honors student Joseph
Giving for Good Marketplace on December 8. Among the
McManus ‘18, took the international refugee crisis as their pro-
vendors featured were Providence Granola, Conscious Steps,
ject, partnering with Beautiful Day, a local refugee resettlement
founded by Prashant Mehta ‘12, Higher Ground, Oh So African
organization, to understand how the international refugee crisis
and others. Besides offering the Bryant community an opportuni-
manifests in Rhode Island. They documented the state of local
ty to support these organizations, the Marketplace provided a
refugee resettlement and connected those findings to the larger
learning opportunity for students unfamiliar with the promise
context of the refugee crisis in a report and community meeting,
and potential of social entrepreneurship. We also tested the idea
“No Degrees of Separation: The Refugee Crisis and Refu-
of the social enterprise marketplace as a pop-up market with a
gee Resettlement in Rhode Island,” on December 10. It fea-
follow-up survey and webpage www.givingforgood.strikingly.com.
tured speakers from Beautiful Day, Dorcas International Institute
We continue to develop these ideas in this semester’s Applied
and the Refugee Dream Center. Milan Duka ‘17, from Serbia,
Seminar in Social Entrepreneurship course.
also spoke about his experiences. We plan to post the report on
Engaged learning opportunities like these connect academic
Bryant’s Digital Commons and continue our work to educate the
lessons in critical thinking and creative problem solving to chal-
community on refugee resettlement in Rhode Island and beyond.
lenges that communities face in making communities better plac-
Rhode Island is a hotbed of social enterprise activity, led by
es for many to thrive.
A&S: A COMMUNITY WITHIN A UNIVERSITY Gianna Sollitto ‘17, Communication Major & Student Editor, College of Arts & Sciences Magazine In high school, I was one of the students who hung around
tain about my choice to transfer to Bryant, and left with the re-
in the art or music room during free periods, so when I told peo-
gained confidence that I had a place here. Before getting in-
ple I was transferring to Bryant they were frankly shocked. I
volved with the College of Arts & Sciences, I assumed there
took the notion of Bryant being “for business students only” as a
wasn’t much of an arts community at Bryant, but I couldn’t have
welcome challenge and made it my goal to integrate the arts and
been more wrong! The College welcomed me with open arms,
creativity into what is perceived to be a “left-brained” university.
and I truly feel the comfort of a rich arts community through art
I transferred to Bryant in the spring 2015 as a second semes-
exhibitions, music performances, and even this magazine.
ter sophomore. Halfway through my first semester, I felt de-
As a transfer, a commuter, and a student of the College of
tached from my coursework. After several weeks, I realized
Arts & Sciences, I have a unique perspective of Bryant and I am
something had to change. I decided to meet with Professor
thankful for that and grateful to have found my community
Stanley Baran in the Communication Department to see
within this school. I encourage all students—regardless of their
if perhaps the College of Arts & Sciences and a Communication
college or major—to explore the arts and sciences community at
major would be a good fit for me. I walked into his office uncer-
Bryant. You’ll be pleased by the opportunities and talent here.
2
Spring 2016
~A&S STUDENT AND ALUMNI PROFILES~ Ryan Brown ‘17, Applied Psychology Major I am a junior at Bryant University majoring in Applied
March at the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in New York City.
Psychology with a concentra-
I am incredibly grateful to the professors at Bryant for these
tion in Applied Statistics, and
opportunities and I hope to diversify my past experiences. I just
minors in Biology and Business
completed a semester abroad in Australia, where I had a
Administration. Currently, I am
community internship at a grief counseling organiza-
also captain of the Bryant
tion. This summer I will be working as a research assistant in the
women’s tennis team. Fol-
Biobehavioral Mechanisms Explaining Disparities lab at
lowing graduation, I hope to fur-
Rice University in Houston, Texas, and I am excited to see how
ther my education in a graduate
this experience will build on the opportunities at Bryant.
program for psychology. I have been fortunate to benefit from the opportunities and kindnesses within the Bryant University College of Arts & Sciences. I began working with Professor Chris Reid in his Microbial Glycomics lab as a RI-INBRE Undergraduate Research Fellow (Rhode Island Idea Network for Excellence in Biomedical Research) during the summer after my freshman year. I have had the opportunity to work for multiple professors on their various projects, and developed a passion for psychology research. Professor Nanci Weinberger invited me to be a part of her research team for a manuscript and to present with her and Professor Phyllis Schumacher at the 2015 Association for Psychological Science convention in New York City. With the support of the Applied Psychology Department, I presented my own research on gendered media messages this
A poster presenting Ryan Brown’s RI-INBRE Undergraduate Research Fellowship research , completed with Professor Chris Reid of the Science & Technology Department.
Claire Denault ‘15, Literary & Cultural Studies, Spanish Double Major I first entered Bryant University as a declared International
I always loved both Spanish and English and I had a hard time
Business major with a minor in Spanish. I quickly realized that,
picking what I wanted to study. So, I didn’t. In May, I graduated
though I was in a great program, it wasn’t for me. So began my
with a double major in Literary and Cultural Studies and
journey in the College of Arts & Sciences at Bryant.
Spanish, and a double minor in Latin American Studies and Business Administration. During my Bryant career, I developed incredible relationships with my professors from both Departments, many of whom I still consider mentors. It was such a privilege to be surrounded by faculty who supported and encouraged me in all of my endeavors to work harder and demand more of myself. In the fall of 2013, I studied abroad in Granada, Spain. I lived with a host family and took all of my classes (ranging from government to literature) in Spanish. Currently, I work in Providence as a high school Spanish teacher at La Salle Academy—which I love. As I look to the future, I’m eager to get back to school and continue studies in the cultural studies and Spanish fields. Presently, I am looking into a
Claire Denault while abroad, at the Parque Garcia Lorca in Granada, Spain. Fall 2015 Spring 2016
Master’s in Spanish and following that with a Master’s or Doctorate in Latin American Studies. 2 3
~Around the Departments~
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ARTS & SCIENCES ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
Bacteria and viruses and water quality,
bacterial strains, provides hope in the
oh my! It was the end of the fall semester
search for new antimicrobial targets in a
and once again time for the seniors who
world that is struggling with rises in anti-
took the research course in the Science &
bacterial resistance. Nathan Rivas ‘16
Technology Department to shine. The
worked with Professor Julia Crowley-
culminating event to an almost year-long
Parmentier on evaluating water quality
endeavor is a presentation to faculty and
in a local river and investigated the impli-
Sam Mirmirani, Chair
fellow students of their work. This year the
cations on that quality resulting from run-
topics were wide ranging from bacteria
off from a water treatment plant. Professor
ENGLISH & CULTURAL STUDIES
and viruses to water quality and organis-
Gaytha Langlois mentored two research
mal diversity. Christina Watts ‘16 kick-
students this year, Katelynn Howard
started the event with her work on model-
‘16, who examined the use of forensic den-
ing the HIV virus with Professor Brian
drology in previous cases of environmental
Blais. Christina utilized Bayesian parame-
mishaps and Alexis Brown ‘16, who in-
ter estimation to investigate the dynamics
vestigated protist diversity and coral reef
of the immune system in response to infec-
disease in differing water conditions. End-
tion with HIV. Jennifer Brewster ‘16
ing the evening was Kelley Murphy ‘16,
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
presented her work entitled, “Evaluation of
who presented her work with Professor
Diamides Against Bacillus subtilis and
Kirsten Hokeness on characterizing cell
Brian Blais, Chair
Staphylococcus aureus,” which she com-
death pathways in macrophages following
host immune response. The Science &
pleted while working with Professor Chris
exposure to mold volatiles. Her work is
Technology
Reid. This groundbreaking work, in which
part of a larger project to look at how ex-
wonderful work done by our students in
she examined the effectiveness of bacterial
posure to mold can cause adverse health
the lab and wishes them all the best as they
growth inhibitor compounds on two key
effects by altering the functionality of the
apply for post-graduate opportunities!
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY Nanci Weinberger, Chair COMMUNICATION Kevin Pearce, Chair ECONOMICS
Janet Dean, Chair HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES John Dietrich, Chair MATHEMATICS Kristin Kennedy, Chair MODERN LANGUAGES Tony Houston, Chair
Department
applauds
the
ENGLISH & CULTURAL STUDIES The Department of English & Cultural Studies has been
communities. Applause to Professor Alex Perullo, winner of the
busy this year, with students and faculty involved in a range of
prestigious Fulbright School of Oriental and African Studies
scholarly and creative enterprises. The highlight of the fall semes-
Scholar Award, who is currently working at the University of
ter was a lively Pop-Up Gallery Night (see page 16 for photos).
London on a project analyzing the contemporary commercializa-
Artworks by students in Creativity and the Arts, Drawing Studio,
tion of African music. We also congratulate Professor William
Design in Contemporary Culture, and Ecological Art and Design
Graves, a Fulbright Specialist, who plans to lead a seminar on
courses were on display, and the Bryant Players (headed by LCS
globalization, language, and identity at Tver State University in
Major Liam Rice ‘17) were honored for staging groundbreaking
Russia next fall.
productions. The event featured live music by the very talented
The Department continues to develop curricula that engage
Jake Durkin ‘16. We’re looking forward to hosting another
students in cutting-edge research and prepare them for fulfilling
showcase of student work this spring. We’re also anticipating
careers. We’ve recently added exciting new courses in Environ-
release of the 2016 edition of The Bryant Literary Review
mental Humanities and Arts Administration. Our major in
(see the feature article in this magazine). And we are excited
Literary and Cultural Studies, concentrations in Creative
about the upcoming annual induction of students into Sigma
and Applied Arts, Media and Cultural Studies, and Litera-
Tau Delta, the international English honor society.
ture, and Minors in Literary and Cultural Studies, Media and
In ECS, intellectually adventurous and creative students are
Cultural Studies, and Literature attract growing numbers of stu-
guided by excellent teachers. We’re lucky to count among our
dents. If you haven’t gotten to know us yet, look into our courses,
faculty acclaimed scholars, published novelists and poets, prize-
attend one of our events, or chat with our students and faculty.
winning visual artists, and prominent figures in arts and cultural
You may be surprised at what an “English Department” can offer!
4
Spring 2016
ECONOMICS This past semester, the Economics Department’s Princi-
Mathematics, as well as Applied Statistics. Currently, he is
ples of Economics students took part in the first Principles of
working as a Research Assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of
Economics Competition. Students used the concepts learned
Boston. Joshua’s unique presentation gave students a glimpse
in class to explore current economic issues such as the legaliza-
into the important and interesting research being conducted at
tion of marijuana, rising student debt, and weak impacts of past
the federal level. After his presentation, Joshua spoke with stu-
monetary and fiscal policy. Students worked in teams to research
dents and faculty about the opportunities for student internships
and examine the topics through economic perspectives. Ultimate-
and entry level research jobs at Federal Reserve Banks through-
ly, students were able to present convincing suggestions for the
out the nation.
mitigation of these problems with supportive theoretical explana-
In February, Carmela Coppola ‘17 presented her research
tions. Faculty from across the
titled, “What Factors Influence High School Graduation Rates? A
university served as judges dur-
Close Look at School Type and the Property Tax,” at the Eastern
ing the final round of the compe-
Economic Conference in Washington, D.C.. This national confer-
tition giving students diverse
ence exhibits high quality academic research. Carmela’s project is
perspectives on the societal is-
the result of her summer research with Professor Laura
sues. The event concluded with a
Beaudin. Her interest involves exploring factors which impact
reception and presentation of
high school graduation rates across public and public charter
student winners.
schools. Her primary areas of interest are school type and proper-
Joshua Ballance ‘12 re-
ty tax rates. Information on the characteristics of 63 public
turned to Bryant University last
schools and 12 charter schools located in Massachusetts, Rhode
semester
research
Island, and Connecticut, was collected and analyzed through a
presentation to our community about the impact of the most re-
structural model. Carmela’s preliminary findings suggest that
cent economic recession on low-skilled workers. As an undergrad-
school type and property tax rates do not significantly impact
uate student, Joshua studied Applied Economics, Actuarial
high school graduation rates.
Joshua Ballance ‘12
to
give
a
HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES The History & Social Sciences
honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha. This trip
tributed to a teach-in exploring terror-
Department’s students and faculty have
was followed by an event, “The New
ism in the wake of the Paris attacks
sought to encourage learning outside of the
Hampshire Primary through Bry-
held in the Rotunda.
classroom setting in a number of ways. In
ant’s Eyes,” at which students who trav-
The History & Social Science Depart-
November, Bryant coordinated with Roger
elled to or are from the state discussed this
ment opens many doors to learning and
Williams University and The Asian Studies
first-in-the-nation primary election. Other
not all of those doors are on classrooms.
Development Program/East-West Center
student groups have traveled to mock trial
to support “Conversations on China,”
competitions and a Model United Nations
a workshop featuring noted scholars of
convention.
Chinese culture. In January, Bryant and
Sociology students and Professor
Florida State University co-sponsored an
Sandra Enos organized the “Giving for
international conference on World War II
Good Marketplace,” a first-ever social
impacts titled the “Comparative Home
enterprise marketplace on campus that
Fronts Conference.”
featured nonprofit and profit-making or-
In January, more than 20 Bryant
ganizations with a social mission. Other
students studying Political Science trav-
students worked on a semester-long pro-
eled with Professor Nicole Freiner to the
ject that culminated in a community event
New Hampshire Primary Student
on the current refugee crisis and refugee
Convention where they learned about
resettlement entitled “No Degrees of
issues, tactics, and history, and heard from
Separation: The Refugee Crisis and
many Presidential candidates. Much of the
Refugee
trip’s expense was covered by a grant re-
Island” (featured on page 2). Students
ceived from the national political science
and faculty from the Department also con-
Fall 2015 2016 Spring
Resettlement
in
Rhode
5
MATHEMATICS
Professors Thomas Hartl, Kennedy, and John Quinn are collaborating on a manuscript regarding actuarial curriculum
Recently the Mathematics Department hired three new
changes from 2014 and assessment of those changes. The goals of
faculty members. Sun Nguyen, a new tenure-track Assistant
the curriculum changes were to increase the number of students
Professor, comes to us from Ohio University with a newly com-
sitting for and passing actuarial exams. Hartl and Kennedy are
pleted Ph.D. in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics.
also collaborating on a manuscript that will assess and review
Craig Krebsbach, a new Lecturer, is coming from the Westover
several courses in the Mathematics Department, for majors and
School in Connecticut with an M.S. in Statistics from the Univer-
non-majors alike. A few years ago, we initiated curriculum chang-
sity of Rhode Island. New adjunct faculty member, William
es that introduced electronic packages to aid in the delivery of
Zywiak, has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and a strong back-
class material by effectively “flipping the classroom.” We are now
ground in clinical research in statistics.
examining the effect these changes had on the classroom experi-
In January, Professor Robert Muksian was invited to Clas-
ence. Professor Alan Olinksy will be hosting a day long work-
sical High School in Providence to judge junior research presenta-
shop to be held on campus in the spring of 2016 with the SAS Cor-
tions. Topics ranged from science and the Bible to man-made
poration.
contributions to climate change. Professor Kristin Kennedy has
Nicholas Johnson ‘16 was an Actuarial Mathematics major
been invited to Smithfield High School in April to judge senior
until the fall of his senior year. He has passed several actuarial
portfolios, a state requirement for high school graduation.
exams, had several internships, and was offered a very lucrative
Zywiak and Kennedy are collaborating to apply for a Rhode
job with Travelers in Hartford. However, he decided to change his
Island Foundation Centennial Community Grant to support the
major to Applied Mathematics and Statistics and is now
designing of three mathematical boot camps to be held during the
applying to an impressive list of Ph. D. programs, including those
fall of 2016. The grant is written to enhance community collabora-
at Harvard, Rutgers, Boston University, North Carolina State,
tion of Bryant and Smithfield, but if students from other commu-
University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts Amherst,
nities would like to participate, they will be welcomed.
University of New Hampshire, and SUNY at Stony Brook.
APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY An essential component of what we do
also jumped into research. Each student
Celiac Disease. Not only do our faculty
in and out of the classroom in the Applied
group invites a child into the child devel-
collaborate with students and conduct
Psychology Department is get involved
opment lab and records the child partici-
their own studies, many faculty contribute
in research. While this is expected for clas-
pating in a demonstration of a classic study
to research as conference and journal re-
ses like Research Methods in Psychology,
(e.g. the Marshmallow study).
viewers. Adjunct Professor Keith Rinier
it also happens elsewhere. An empirical
has recently been invited to be a manu-
study done for Environment & Behavior
script reviewer for the Journal of Behav-
led Alex Belval ‘17, Dinnea DiGrigoli
ioral Health Services & Research and Pro-
‘17, & Camille Dings ’15 to present their
fessor Ron Deluga has been a long-time
work
consulting editor for the Journal of Occu-
at
the
2015
New
England
Psychology Association conference.
pational and Organizational Psychology.
Their presentation was entitled, “Lending
Our Department is also proud to cele-
Her a Hand: An Observational Study of
brate the recent achievement of Adjunct
Social Density and Helping Behavior.”
Professor Noelle Harris who defended
Other research-intensive courses include Positive Psychology, Introduction to Applied Psychology, and Psychological Testing & Assessment. Children are research
Dinnea DiGrigoli ‘17, Alex Belval ‘17, and Camille Dings ’15 (not pictured) present their research at the 2015 New England Psychology Association conference.
her doctoral dissertation, “A Quantitative Study of the Effects of Hatha Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation in Students Experiencing Romantic Breakup Distress.” It is
participants in Gender in Childhood. A
We also encourage students to collabo-
worth noting that the research took place
study entitled, “Gendered Media Messag-
rate with faculty on research outside of the
at Bryant and Jade O’Brien ‘15 served as
es,” was presented this spring by Ryan
classroom. This semester Goldie Paul ‘16
a research assistant for this project. A final
Brown ‘17 (featured on page 3) at the
will be working with Professor Heather
important research note is that the
Eastern
Association
Lacey as she conducts research on health-
Bryant Psychology Association regu-
conference. In recent years, students in
related judgment and decision making
larly sends students to attend regional
Child and Adolescent Development have
involved in the diagnosis and treatment of
psychology conferences.
6
Psychological
Spring 2016
~Around the Departments~
COMMUNICATION This has been another exciting year for the Communication Department! This January saw the release of a new Introduction to Communication textbook from faculty members Susan Baran (writing under her professional name Susan Beauchamp) and Stanley Baran. Published by Oxford University Press, Introduction to Human Communication: Perception, Meaning, and Identity is explicitly based on Bryant’s Communication Department’s modern approach to the course. It is social science-based, recognizes the balance between mass and interpersonal communication, and examines media literacy, social networking and other computer-mediated communication, and health communication as legitimate and significant areas of interest in the Communication discipline. Both also testified at the Rhode Island State House before the Senate Education Subcommittee in favor of S2089, legislation that would have the Rhode Island Department of Education consider incorporating media literacy instruction into public education. Professors Tom Zammarelli and Tom Dooley have been very busy over in the Communications Complex. Dooley teamed with Bryant Accounting Professors Saeed Roohani and Xiaochuan Zheng to create a 10-part video series entitled “A Hacker's Guide to Cybersecurity.” Zammarelli has been making videos for many different departments on campus. Check out his video of the College of Arts & Sciences Block Party on Youtube. Both have also been busy working with students who are interested in broadcast media. The Chinese program will organize The Fourth Interna-
change. Alexia Bayer ‘15 works at The Hartford as a Financial
tional Symposium on Chinese Language and Discourse on June
Analyst in the firm’s Early Career Leadership Development
10-12, at Bryant University. There will be around 100 participants
Program in Hartford, CT. Kassandra McGlone ‘15 has been
from a range of countries/regions, including Australia, Canada,
working at Hanna Instruments Technical Sales after previously
China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and US,
serving as a consultant with the New England Water Environment
as well as Bryant students and faculty. Kenneth Feldman ‘16
Association. Professor Alex Place will be co-presenting in Boston
(Chinese major) will be presenting a paper entitled “Linguistic
at the Global Internship Conference, with two colleagues
Landscape of Shanghai Universities,” and Professor Zenan Zhao
from Michigan State University and Harvard University, in June.
will be presenting a paper entitled “Investigation of CFL Learners’ Writing Competence Across Instructional Levels.”
MODERN LANGUAGES In other news, Tara Long ‘17 (Chinese major) has been ac-
Italian minor, Maximilian Heintzelman ‘16, is currently studying abroad in Milan, Italy, where he is interning at Promos Invest in Lombardy. An International Business major, Maximilian is working on organizing legal issues as well as advising foreign businesses on how to maximize their investments.
cepted to graduate school at East China Normal University, China.
In the Spanish program, Professor Tony Houston pub-
And Cathryn Chang ‘16 (Chinese concentrator) was hired by the
lished an article in the December issue of Hispania on “Managing
Bryant Confucius Institute to teach Chinese language and culture
Depth and Breadth in the Business Spanish Class,” featuring the
at William Winsor Elementary School in Smithfield, Rhode Is-
Spanish program’s contribution to Bryant’s unique International
land. Professor Yun Xiao published one article in the Journal of
Business curriculum. Professor Patricia Gomez was inducted
Chinese as a Second Language and another in the journal Global
this year into Bryant’s Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the na-
Chinese, both in February.
tional leadership honor society. Claire Denault ‘15 (featured on
In the French program, Nanette Martinez ‘15 has recent-
page 3), who graduated with a double major in Spanish and Eng-
ly been hired as a Sales Associate II for Raymond James Financial
lish and Cultural Studies, is currently teaching Spanish at La Salle
in Miami, Florida, where she is currently residing. Nanette has
Academy in Providence. She is also exploring graduate school
also spent three months in France as an au pair with Interex-
options, hoping to begin a program in the next year or two.
Spring 2016
7
FIRE & ICE IN THE BRYANT LITERARY REVIEW Tatianna Williams ‘15, Former Student Editor of the Bryant Literary Review For 16 years, the Bryant Literary
semester. There are also editorial oppor-
Review has published incredibly talent-
tunities available for students. Student
ed authors from across the globe. The
editors work closely with the Fiction and
BLR, as it is affectionately known, is an
Poetry Editors to help create a successful
international journal of poems and short
issue. In doing so they gain invaluable
stories. Founded in 2000 by Professor of
experience: past student editors have
English and Cultural Studies, Tom
gone on to intern at local arts magazines
Chandler, the BLR is a polished, pro-
and, after graduation, to work in pub-
fessional, and highly-competitive jour-
lishing and arts administration. If you
nal that continues to thrive as it nears
are interested in editorial opportunities,
two decades in existence.
you can contact the BLR’s Fiction Edi-
The BLR receives around 3,000 sto-
tor,
Professor
Tom
Roach,
at
ry and poetry submissions annually.
troach@bryant.edu or the Poetry Editor,
Each year, the Fiction and Poetry Edi-
Professor
tors, along with their student editors,
dle@bryant.edu.
Chandler,
at
tchan-
select approximately 25 poems and eight
One more thing: the annual BLR
stories for publication—always including
Editor’s Reading is our launch party for
the work of Bryant students, faculty,
the new issue. This year, the event will
and/or staff. Each edition of the BLR is
take place at REDay (Research and
curated with careful consideration. Stu-
Engagement Day) on Wednesday,
dent and faculty editors work together to
April 13th. At the reading, student and
select an array of thought-provoking
professional authors share their work,
stories and poems that both entertain
and the editors read some of their favor-
and educate. The diverse range of liter-
ite pieces as well. Everyone walks away
ary works embraces convention or push-
with a copy of the hot-off-the-press BLR
es boundaries; the stories and poems
and a glimpse into the literary side of
can make you laugh or make you cry.
Bryant! Over the years, many students
This fire and ice dichotomy keeps BLR
have joined the editorial team specifical-
readers on the edge of their seats as they
ly because they attended this event and
turn the pages of the journal; one can
decided they wanted to get involved.
never be too sure about what’s coming next.
by John Mann Dear life, dear earth, dear season of snow. Dear willow branch turning in wind. Dear song. Dear rain scouring the plain. Dear comet dust sprinkling its trail in black sky. Dear skin unfolding like twin rose petals. Dear owl-echo moaning through night. Dear three-chambered hawk heart falling into dawn. Dear arrow of desire taking aim at the body. Dear cold. Dear breath. Dear light piercing the sea with knives of gold.
John Mann’s poem, “Fan Letter,” was published in a past issue of the internationallyrecognized Bryant Literary Review.
The Bryant Literary Review is a one -of-a-kind publication, and its home is
There are many ways to get involved
right here at Bryant University! Each
with the BLR. Writers and poets from
reader that opens the BLR and combs
the Bryant community are always en-
through its pages is taken on a journey.
couraged to submit their work during
We hope you begin that journey with us
the submission period, which runs from
at the annual BLR Editor’s Reading at
September
FAN LETTER
1st
to December
1st
each fall
REDay in April!
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO A&S MAGAZINE! If you have news, ideas, comments or would like to volunteer to help with the College of Arts & Sciences Magazine, please contact Rich Holtzman (rholtzma@bryant.edu). Issue 3, Spring 2016 was edited by Rich Holtzman, Associate Professor of Political Science, and Gianna Sollitto ’17, a Communication major and double minor in Creative and Professional Writing and Marketing. Special thanks to College of Arts & Sciences Dean Wendy Samter, Associate Dean Brad Martin, and Kim Keyes, Academic Support Manager, Office of the Provost.
8
Spring 2016
WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY STUDIES Amanda Spaziano ‘15, MA Communication ‘17 Coming into Bryant, I had no expecta-
Culture to Gender in Childhood ignited my
skills, this spe-
tion of graduating with a concentration in
passion for feminist issues; but it was my
cial
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Stud-
professors’ love for what they taught and
also showed me
ies (WGSS). I had goals mapped out with
the Department’s dedication to its students
just how vitally
hopes of a terminal graduate degree in
that kept me going. Every step of the way
important
politics or government. However, due to
they offered incredible guidance and op-
versations about
some extenuating circumstances I started
portunities. I could tell they were invested
consent, sexuali-
my first semester in the introductory
in me and my work and that just made me
ty, and women’s
WGSS class with Adjunct Professor Leslie
work harder.
rights are. For this
experience
event
con-
Grinner and my academic and personal
However, there was a singular experi-
we
life were changed forever. That first class
ence that made me realize why WGSS is so
also partnered with Bryant fraternities
opened my mind to different ways of think-
vital to our community. During my final
and afterwards asked for their feedback. I
ing about business, politics, culture, society
semester I had the opportunity to intern at
was amazed at how many of these young
and myself. It was the first time I had felt
the Hochberg Women’s Center on
adults were touched by the personal stories
so passionate about anything besides poli-
campus. Towards the end of Sexual
they heard and wanted to know how they
tics and I knew myself well enough not to
Assault Awareness Month I was re-
could get involved. It was warming to see
ignore that feeling. Everything I learned
sponsible for organizing and leading Bry-
my hard work make a positive impact and
through my courses, from Women and the
ant’s first-ever “Take Back the Night”
it showed me just how important WGSS is
Creative Imagination to Sexuality and
Rally. Beyond testing my event organizing
to our community.
BEING A MYPATH@BRYANT STUDENT MENTOR Alec Martunes ‘17, Politics & Law Major Earlier this year I became a MyPATH@Bryant student
switching I have enjoyed my educational experience at Bryant
mentor for the Politics and Law major at Bryant Universi-
and have formed new friendships with individuals who share
ty. MyPATH mentors serve as a resource for both students and
my academic interests. As a MyPATH mentor I hope to share
faculty on campus. Our main objective is to assist students who
my experience with other Bryant students who are hesitant
are unsure about their current major, or students who have not
about declaring their major, as well as ease the anxieties that
yet declared their major. MyPATH mentors seek to
students might be experiencing
when
questioning
share their past experiences
their current major. My-
with students, and answer
PATH mentors are also a
any questions and concerns
great resource for faculty to
exploratory students might
use.
have. I decided to become a
many of the mentors have
MyPATH mentor because I
gained experience in courses
can relate to the anxieties
from both the College of
that students can have when
Business and the College of
contending with the idea of
Arts & Sciences. Mentors
switching their major. Dur-
can collaborate with faculty
ing my sophomore year at
to help promote their area
Bryant University I decided
in a number of ways. For
As
upperclassmen,
to switch my major from International Business to Politics and
example, faculty can use mentors for department programming
Law. This was a very challenging decision for me to undergo,
or have them visit their classes to talk with students about their
since the transition from the College of Business to the College
experience in a major. Students and faculty can find more infor-
of Arts & Sciences felt very drastic. However I am glad that I
mation about the MyPATH program, the mentors who make it
made the decision to become a Politics and Law major. Since
possible and their stories at www.mypathbryant.com.
Spring 2016
9
FROM THE DEAN… Wendy Samter, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences I have been thinking a lot about the word “passion” lately. I recently learned that we’re one of a handful of Universities in
class involved. I recommend this class and any taught by him to everyone I talk to.
the country that has the word “passion” in its Mission State-
She made class time interesting and enjoyable and you can
ment. You remember our Mission Statement, right? To educate
tell she is good at what she does because she is passionate
and inspire students to discover their passion, become innova-
about what she teaches. She is helpful when students have
tive leaders with character and make a difference around the
questions and presents the material in a way that everyone
world.
can understand and actively learn from.
Also, recently, I’ve had the occasion to review the annual reports of Arts & Sciences faculty members—and the word “passion” and its synonyms kept popping up with great frequency in the evaluations students write about their A&S professors. What are our faculty so passionate about? According to their students, they are passionate about teaching; they are passionate about their disciplines and areas of expertise; they are passionate about helping students learn and engage with the material; and they are passionate about building a classroom climate of respect and understanding. A few typical comments:
He has so much passion for the course and enjoys teaching
She has made the lectures and content come alive with her examples. She has so much love and passion for the material—and has clearly transferred it over to us! That’s ten passionates and there are literally hundreds more where those came from! By the way, these comments are not unique to one or two departments in the College. They consistently show up in the evaluations of faculty teaching in every single program within Arts & Sciences—all 14 majors, 15 concentrations, and 27 minors. They not only come from our majors and our minors, but from individuals across the University, including those taking
it so much.
She is very passionate about each of the presented topics which makes learning the information extremely interesting.
Very
approachable
which makes it easy to ask questions
passion/paSHən/noun:
a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for something. synonyms: fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, eagerness, zeal.
if there is any confusion. She makes the class very enjoyable.
He is funny and engaging, but fiercely intelligent and a tal-
electives, whether 200-, 300-, or 400-level classes; they are authored by men and women, by freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Interestingly, these are the senti-
ments of those who will not only earn As in their classes, but also of those who expect to earn Bs and Cs.
ented professor. You can tell he really loves what he does
So I got to thinking, where does all this passion come from?
and is passionate not only about the material but teaching
It’s no coincidence that “passion” appears in our Mission State-
in general.
ment—a statement that summarizes the goals and values of
She is so sweet, cares about the students and their grades, and is really passionate about teaching.
It is quite obvious if you take a class with this professor that he not only loves the subject material, but he LOVES teaching it to others and his passion and excitement about the material is contagious throughout the classroom, in all and any class he teaches.
His passion, enthusiasm, caring and humor are contagious. Best class ever—I will miss it!
She is passionate about the material and uses current ideas to engage students. I have really enjoyed her energy and consideration for students.
He is easily one of the best professors at Bryant. This course
10
courses that are required as well as
our University. Isn’t passion something which our University and our College claims to hold very dear? Apparently we do. And we know that the best way to inspire passion in others is to model for them what it means to be truly, hopelessly passionate about something. How well do our faculty do this? The student comments above speak for themselves. In a recent article on passion, Kris Dunn wrote: “There’s a lot of fake passion out there. Enthusiasm is great, but it’s not passion. Passion is what keeps you grinding for days on a single issue when no one but you really cares. Curiosity is also great, but I know a lot of intellectually curious people who don’t have the depth necessary to call it passion. Cheerleaders are enthusiastic. Drifters are curious. Passionate people dig in for the long haul, even when it’s incredibly hard.”
is extremely well organized and it shows through how pas-
Got passion? The faculty members of Bryant’s College of
sionate and educated he is on the topic. He makes learning
Arts & Sciences do—and we are committed to helping our stu-
the material fun and interesting and generally makes the
dents find theirs. Spring 2016
A SEMESTER “ABROAD” IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Sarah French ‘16, Actuarial Mathematics Major I have spent the past month in Washington,
D.C.
studying
and
interning
not have the patience for a career in government.
Outside of the internship, there have been other important demands on my time
through The Washington Center, and I
The best part of working for the U.S.
in D.C. The first is one night class each
feel confident in saying that it is nothing
Marshals is that we have weekly field trips
week. I am currently in the course, Scan-
like the experience I had expected. I have
and weekly lunches with various profes-
dalous Washington: Uncovering D.C. His-
met many new people, loved my job, hated
sionals. On our tour of the Drug Enforce-
tory, and I have found it very interesting.
my job, been on field trips, written papers,
ment Agency (DEA) Museum, we were
We learn of a different scandal each week
been snowed-in for a week and survived
given an opportunity to speak with a DEA
and often attend a field trip, instead of
the flu. Overall, each opportunity in my
meeting in the classroom, to discuss it.
internship, my class and in my free time
Last week, we went to Ford’s Theater to
has been something that I wouldn’t have
learn about the details of Lincoln’s assassi-
done anywhere else. I am only a third of
nation. I learned a lot about John Wilkes
the way through the semester at this stage,
Booth and stood in the theater while we
but I definitely stepped out of my comfort
heard the story of that night. Besides at-
zone to be here and I am glad I took the
tending class, we also have weekly profes-
chance.
sional development training called LEAD.
I am an Actuarial Math major who
This training focuses on career develop-
watches too many crime shows on televi-
ment and is my least favorite part of the
sion and somehow decided not only to
week because I am a senior and have al-
come to D.C. for the semester but also to
ready secured a job for after graduation.
take an internship in law enforcement.
But many of the other interns have found
When I accepted the opportunity to work
this to be very helpful in teaching them to
at the U.S. Marshals Office, like my fellow
write resumes, network and learn inter-
interns I was expecting more badges and
view skills.
guns then computers and data. Luckily,
In the program, we work as interns
being a math major at Bryant has prepared
Monday-Thursday, we have the LEAD de-
me for hours of staring at Excel spread-
velopment on Friday and class each week.
sheets. So far, I have mostly been working
Therefore, the weekends are free to explore
on cost cutting techniques for a fleet of 5,000 vehicles, which has taught me a lot
Sarah French ‘16, in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Monument.
the landmarks and the city. I have already been to Arlington Cemetery, a few of the
about how to maintain a car. It may sound
agent and hear stories of his time under-
Smithsonian Museums, the Spy Museum,
a little disappointing, but I am working on
cover and abroad. I have also toured the
and the national monuments. I was able to
a few projects that will be implemented
National Center for Missing and Endan-
go to the top of the Washington Monu-
throughout the country by thousands of
gered Children, which was an eye-opening
ment in February and from the top you can
employees, so I am already having an im-
experience. I met the person who designed
see 20 miles in every direction, which was
pact. (I also get to drive the vehicles every
the Behavior Analysis Unit for the Mar-
amazing. I am from a small town and I
now and then, so that is pretty cool.)
shals, and often consults for the television
thought I would be overwhelmed, but I
The most surprising thing that I have
show Criminal Minds. I even met a trainer
already feel confident on the metro and
learned is the pace at which things move
for the canine training unit for Alcohol,
navigating the city in only a few weeks.
(or don’t move) in the government. Last
Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and his dog.
Overall, I really had no ideas what to
summer, I interned for an insurance com-
In the coming weeks, I am looking forward
expect when I decided to apply to The
pany and even though it was a hierarchy, I
to touring the Pentagon, the Supreme
Washington Center program and moved to
didn’t have to deal with approval processes
Court and the Library of Congress. It is
D.C.. But I have had so many great experi-
at every rank to get any detail changed. It
interesting to learn through these tours
ences. And I look forward to seeing what
makes for a lot of long days when my pro-
how people arrived at their current jobs
the rest of the semester brings. Even on
jects are getting hung up for bureaucratic
and I have learned that career paths are
the days where I hate my job or I have the
reasons and makes me think that I may
never the same for any two people.
flu, I still get excited about the next experi-
Spring 2016
11
NEW COURSE IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION COMING IN SPRING 2017! Joan Zaretti, English & Cultural Studies Be sure to save a spot in your Spring
Students will explore administrative
tices in arts administration. Students will
2017 academic schedule for LCS 440 Is-
processes and decision-making in per-
engage in discussions with New England
sues in Arts Administration. This new
forming arts organizations and museums
arts administrators as well as visit muse-
course, offered by the Department of
by examining the wider framework in
ums, concert halls, arts events, and arts
English and Cultural Studies, will ex-
which these organizations function as well
organizations in the region to look at pro-
amine arts institutions in cultural context,
as the daily practices of arts administra-
gram implementation and opportunities
including community engagement in the
tors. Reviewing case studies of arts cen-
for innovative program creation.
arts, cultural policy and public arts; arts
ters, such as the John F. Kennedy Center
In various course assignments and
administrators and their leadership, roles
for the Performing Arts in Washington
projects, students will have the opportuni-
and responsibilities; and key issues in arts
D.C. and organizations such as the Queens
ty to pursue their own arts interests.
administration, such as censorship, arts
Museum of Art in New York City, will al-
Please contact Professor Joan Zaretti at
education and ethics.
low students to analyze “real world” prac-
jzaretti@bryant.edu with questions.
THE MASTER’S DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION Chris Morse, Graduate Director, Communication The Master’s degree program in Communication at Bryant University has been steadily increasing in momentum since its creation in 2012. In the four years since it has started, students have graduated with a Master’s degree with 100% job placement at or near the time they completed the program. In many cases, these students had jobs lined up prior to graduation, and for those few who did not, they were offered a job within three months of graduation. Students with MACom degrees are now working in a variety of exciting areas (communication coordinator, public relations, college residence director, marketing manager) for a variety of organizations (Target, Cigna Insurance, Fidelity, Southern Vermont College, HourlyNerd, Deloitte). As of the 2015-2016 academic year, there are 17 graduate students enrolled in the program from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some students are current seniors, taking part in the 4+1 program offered at Bryant. Others are Bryant alumni, returning three to ten years after completing their undergraduate degrees. Several of the students are recent graduates from other universities both local and across the United States. And some of our students have many years of work experience and have enrolled in order to pursue a career move, or promotion within their current companies. We are also starting to receive applicants with Doctoral aspirations. Within the next two years, we will have three students applying to (and hopefully entering) a doctoral program to continue the educational and research interests that they fostered here at Bryant while part of the MACom program. Each year the applicant pool for this program continues to grow, and each new group brings to our program increasingly impressive sets of expectations and career aspirations. 12
A PEEK INSIDE MACOM... COM 631: COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLIC HEALTH This is your brain on drugs. Let’s Move. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Campaigns to improve health outcomes permeate communication. Graduate students taking this class are exploring the theoretical and pragmatic needs for conducting health campaigns using a community-based approach. Each student is working on a health issue and community—local, regional or national—to bring awareness, change attitudes, or motivate behaviors. Topics include drinking among college students and the role of mentors, national childhood obesity, and health and exercise for underprivileged children. Class discussions highlight the interdisciplinary nature of health campaigns and varying ways to involve community participation—whether as partners, participants, or more—and the multiple theories and strategies used in health campaigns. —Professor Julie Volkman, Communication
Spring 2016
BRYANT GOES TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PRIMARIES Louie Graziano ‘17, Marketing, Politics & Law Double Major This past January, Political Science Professor Nicole Freiner
Republican presidential candidates—including Bernie Sanders,
and 20 Bryant students travelled to Manchester, New Hamp-
Chris Christie, Rand Paul and others—speak about their beliefs,
shire, to participate in a special event organized as a lead up to the
but also to ask them questions and meet them personally. I found
state’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary. The purpose of the
the candidates to be eloquent and speak with such authority that
New Hampshire Primary Student Convention is to involve
it made it difficult not to listen to what they had to say, regardless
high school and college students in the electoral process. The
of whether I agreed with their positions or not. If people had said
three-day event included speeches and meet-and-greets with
to me that in college I would be in a position to ask a person run-
many of the presidential candidates, seminars and presentations
ning for president about his or her policies, I would have said they
organized around major issues in the election, and opportunities
were insane…or just asked which school I had to apply to in order
to volunteer with presidential campaigns. The trip was partially
to make it happen. Turns out that it’s Bryant!
funded by a grant from Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political
As a junior, double majoring in Marketing and Politics and
science honor society.
Law, I found it inspiring to
As one of the Politics
witness first-hand the field in
and Law majors, Political
which I plan to pursue a ca-
Science concentrators, or
reer. It was also special to get
Political Science minors that
to know and bond with other
participated, I found it to be
Political Science students, both
an
once-in-a-
from Bryant and other univer-
lifetime experience. It was the
sities. It was certainly a once-
first time that I truly had the
in-a-lifetime opportunity that I
opportunity to be part of an
will look back on after I have
organized political event in
graduated from Bryant and am
person
eye-
running for an official public
opening. The convention pro-
position. And I’ll remember it
awesome,
and
it
was
vided us with the chance not only listen to Democratic and
as the place where my career
Bryant students and Professor Nicole Freiner at the New Hampshire Primary Student Convention in January.
path started.
BRYANT’S ADVANCED APPLIED ANALYTICS CENTER CO-SPONSORS THE NEW WALKING TOUR CONFERENCE Richard Glass, Computer Information Systems The emergence and widespread pene-
not only still alive and well, but is undergo-
The New Tour brought together a range of
tration of digital technologies in the 21st
ing its own renaissance, as social activists
participants, including international tacti-
century has led to a surge in the growth of
and educators design tours that stimulate
cal urbanists, global activists, historians,
the number of available digital place-based
civic and political engagement.
artists and entrepreneurs who are engaged
tours, including both smartphone apps and
Bryant’s Advanced Applied Analyt-
in pioneering new ways to design, program
mobile websites. The number grows every
ics Center, co-directed by Professor
and disseminate place-based tours. The
day as historical societies, libraries, muse-
Richard Glass of the Computer Infor-
conference explored a number of topics
ums, independent artist-designers and
mation Systems Department and Pro-
including how location-based digital tech-
entrepreneurs publish tours of historic or
fessor Alan Olinsky of the Mathematics
nologies enrich our connection to history,
cultural sites, public art, “lost” landscapes,
Department, co-sponsored the New Tour
heritage and place, as well as how tours are
entire cities and more. Some rely on a mix
conference with the John Nicholas Brown
being used to educate, engage, mobilize
of geo-location and text, others on multi-
Center for Public Humanities and Cultural
and delight.
media features like archival photographs,
Heritage at Brown University and the
If you are interested in learning more
video and audio recordings to create an
Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.
about the conference, information and vid-
immersive experience. Meanwhile, the old-
The conference took place on September
eos of the events held may be found at
fashioned docent-led or citizen-led tour is
24-25 at the Avon Theater in Providence.
www.newtourconference.wordpress.com.
Spring 2016
13
THE 2016 BRYANT IDEA PROGRAM! Mike Roberto, Management Department & Director of the IDEA Program The fourth annual Bryant IDEA program took place from Monday, January
25th
An amazing team of mentors guides, advises,
through
and supports these students as they learn the
Wednesday, January 27th. IDEA stands for
design thinking process and work on these pro-
Innovation and Design Experience for All. The
jects. We divide the students into cohorts of 25.
program provides an intense, three-day im-
Each cohort works on a different project. Four
mersion experience in which students learn
mentors counsel each cohort—a faculty mem-
the design thinking approach to innova-
ber, a staff member, a Bryant junior or senior
tion. Approximately 900 first-year students
who is a member of our ODK leadership honor
participated in the IDEA program.
society, and an alumnus.
During the three days, students come to understand and apply
At the end of the program, each student team presents their
the design thinking process through a “learning by doing” ap-
prototype at a trade show, spread among the Rotunda, the Fisher
proach. They work on innovation projects that require them to go
Student Center, and the Bello Center. Over 130 judges, including
out into the community to research user experiences in various
many alumni, visit with the student teams to learn about their
settings. In fact, on the morning of day two of the program, all
process and their solution. The judges enjoy seeing what the stu-
900 students board buses and travel to various sites where they
dents discovered and created. At the closing of the program, we
can research the problem that they have been assigned to exam-
recognize the three most outstanding teams based on the judges’
ine. Then students develop creative solutions through a process of
evaluations. Most importantly, though, each student leaves the
brainstorming and prototyping. For instance, some students ex-
program with an understanding of the design thinking process—
amined how to enhance customer satisfaction at movie theaters,
an approach to innovation that is now widely used by organiza-
while others developed creative solutions for enhancing the guest
tions of all kinds to develop creative solutions to challenging prob-
experience at the zoo. In total, the first-year class worked on thirty
lems. They not only understand the process, but have practiced
-six different projects (see projects on opposite page).
using the process to tackle a real business or societal problem.
Bryant IDEA, January 25-27, 2016
Turning classrooms into innovative spaces.
Collecting field observations. 14
Junior and senior Student Mentors.
Getting serious about brainstorming.
Pitching storyboarded ideas to an Alumni Mentor. Spring 2016
THIS YEAR’S IDEA INNOVATION PROJECTS: MULTI-DISCIPLINARY DESIGN THINKING & PROBLEM-SOLVING HOTEL LOBBIES: How might hotels redesign their lobbies to make customers more satisfied? SHOPPING MALLS VS. E-COMMERCE: How might shopping malls be redesigned to survive and thrive in an era of increasing internet shopping? LIBRARIES: How might public libraries be redesigned for the needs, technologies, and trends of the 21st century? ELECTRONICS STORES: How might electronics stores enhance or modify their layout/store experience to survive given the e-commerce threat? UNIVERSITY GATHERING SPACES: How might colleges and universities in Providence create effective spaces where students can informally come together to display or share artistic creations, exchange ideas, etc. (music, paintings, drawings, poetry, etc.)? MUSEUMS: How might museums in the city of Providence be redesigned and/or how could they market differently so as to attract more visitors? RESTAURANT DRIVE-THRUS: How might restaurant drive-thrus be redesigned to increase customer satisfaction? SUPERMARKET SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: How might supermarkets be redesigned to provide a better shopping experience for parents with young children? MOVIE THEATERS: How might movie theaters enhance revenue and improve customer satisfaction, particularly in an age when many people choose to watch movies at home? COLLEGE CLASSROOMS: How might we redesign college classrooms to enhance learning, improve student satisfaction, and increase faculty-student interaction? BOOKSTORES & VIDEO GAME RETAILERS: How might brick and mortar bookstores and video game stores adapt to compete with Amazon and other electronic purchase options? PROVIDENCE HOTELS & TOURISM: How might downtown Providence hotels make it easier for their guests to discover and explore the surrounding cultural attractions, restaurants, and historical sites? YMCA: How might the YMCA support and help families become healthier and more physically fit? ROGER WILLIAMS ZOO: How might the Roger Williams Zoo enhance guest satisfaction? APPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PROVIDENCE: How might we develop an app to help college students get acclimated when they move to Providence for the first time and begin school? WARWICK MALL: How might the Warwick Mall enhance the shopping experience for its customers? ZOO ANIMALS: How might zoos enhance the quality of life for their animals and address concerns from animal rights activists? McCoy STADIUM: How might McCoy Stadium (home of the Pawtucket Red Sox) enhance the fan experience during minor league baseball games? TOY STORES: How might toy stores address more effectively the issue of gender stereotyping in the toy industry? HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES: How might home improvement stores help customers become better at DIY (do-ityourself) projects, and thereby drive more sales? SKY ZONE: How might Sky Zone in Providence (indoor trampoline park) increase attendance and work to help combat childhood obesity? RECYCLING: How might local communities enhance the recycling conducted by their citizens and local businesses? COFFEE PLACES: How might coffee retailers increase the satisfaction and experience of customers? PATRIOTS’ HALL OF FAME: How might the New England Patriots’ Hall of Fame at Patriot Place enhance the fan experience when they visit? CULINARY ARTS: How might the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University attract more visitors and encourage healthier cooking and eating? MALL FOOD COURTS: How might the traditional mall “food court” be re-imagined to improve customer satisfaction? INDOOR PLAY SPACES: How might Little Gym enhance the guest experience for young children and their parents? BOWLING ALLEYS: How might bowling alleys attract more millennials? FROZEN YOGURT: How might frozen yogurt chains avoid becoming the latest fad that goes bust? How do they continue to grow and enhance customer satisfaction? HEALTHY EATING: How might we make healthy food more accessible and affordable? NEWPORT CREAMERY: How might Newport Creamery return to its glory days as a highly successful ice cream shop chain? INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX: How might Wide World of Indoor Sports make the user experience more enjoyable and enhance revenue? TEXTING & DRIVING: How might we get people to stop texting and driving? ASSISTED LIVING: How might we make assisted living centers more enjoyable for their residents? GOING TO THE GYM: How might we encourage more people to go to the gym on a regular basis? ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE: How might the Animal Rescue League reduce the number of animals it must rescue and increase the rate of adoptions? Spring 2016
15
POP-UP GALLERY NIGHT
Featuring student artwork from the English & Cultural Studies Department’s Creativity & the Arts, Drawing Studio, Design in Contemporary Culture, and Ecological Art & Design courses.
December 10, 2015
16
Spring 2016