Ross Senior Project Catalog 2007

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Senior Projects

The Senior Project is the culmination of a student’s learning

experience at Ross School. Through execution of the Senior Project, students embody their passions through a process and product that integrates such Ross School principles as multiple intelligences, cultural/historical context, personal reflection, application of technology and pursuit of excellence.

Its main components are the Process Folio, the Final Product and the Presentation. Acting as facilitator, teacher, advisor, editor, critic and advocate, the relationship between the student and the Senior Project mentor is critical to the evolution and realization of the project. At the conclusion of the Senior Project, students should have deeper insight into themselves as learners and producers.

18 G O O D F R I E N D D R I V E E AST H A M P TO N , N E W YO R K 119 3 7 T E L : 6 3 1- 9 0 7- 5 0 0 0 w w w. r o s s . o r g

Alexandra Aldredge “Yesterday I killed my mother. Where were you?”

An In-depth Look on Uganda’s Forgotten Genocide Mentor: Carrie Clark Domain: Cultural History Consultant: Daniella Boston For my Senior Project I wrote an in-depth analytical paper on the neglected genocide in Uganda, and created a power-point presentation geared to spread awareness to those unacquainted with the situation. My goal was to help increase global understanding through my partnership with the non-profit organization uNight: For the Children of Uganda. Through this partnership I was able to expand my understanding of the conflict, as well as help raise funds and awareness for uNight through assemblies and presentations at my school. By collaborating with the Human Rights Club at Ross, I was able to begin my own subchapter of uNight. Throughout this process I have learned to manage my time, formulate important decisions, focus on one specific community service project, and thoroughly research a widely undocumented topic.

Thierry Balihuta Media Center PC Mentor: Urban Reininger Domain: Technology Consultant: Atidepe Scott My Senior Project was a Personal Computer I designed and built with the help of my mentor and consultant. It a PC desktop with some of the most advanced components, including music and movie editing. I’ve learned a lot throughout this project, especially how to be organized, express my ideas and show the evolution of computer (how a computer came from being a commercial, industrial, to a personal device). I first expressed my ideas in sketches and then put all these together to make my final product design. I also wrote a paper on the history of computers and their purpose.

Evan Bennett A Greener Surfboard Mentor: Hugh McGuiness Domains: Visual Arts/Science Consultant: Chris Winsor My Senior Project explored alternatives to manufacturing surfboards in order to make them more environmentally friendly. In my project I wrote an essay on alternatives to petroleum-based polymers for the purpose of making a more environmentally and economically sustainable surfboard. This essay was the basis for a future business plan. I also designed and hand shaped my own surfboard using the toxic materials that are used today. This helped me gain a greater understanding of what needs to be changed in the surfboard industry.

Finally, I used my knowledge gained from the personal experience of shaping a surfboard, and what I discovered from researching alternatives to surfboard production, as a means to promote the alternative I found most feasible.

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Corey Cardoso Buddies through Art Mentor: Chris Engel Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: Sharon Burns My project paired up five 8th graders with five 4th graders so together they could overcome their fears for transition and acceptance. The students worked on various art projects that allowed them to open up to their buddy. I learned various techniques to teach art and help the students overcome their fears.

When the 4th graders become 5th graders and move to the upper campus, the 9th graders will be a friendly face for them and they will feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Olivia Casa Word Loss: Short Prose Mentor: Mark Frankel Domain: English Consultant: Jena Osman As writer Italo Calvino states, “the function of literature is communication between things that are different simply because they are different, not blunting but even sharpening the differences between them, following the true bent of the written language.� Drawing from the influence of experimental writers such as Calvino, Barthelme, Borges, Hejinian, and Gaddis among others, I composed a series of short stories that address contemporary literary issues of post-modernist and metafiction writing. Such issues include fragmentation of narrative, disillusionment of literary technique, and emphasis on language and written form. In addition to writing original pieces, I wrote an essay on experimental writing and the various themes that it involves.

Sam Cole The Roman Baths: The Technology and Politics of Water Control in the Ancient World Mentor: Matt Aldredge Domain: Cultural History Consultant: Andrew Smith This summer I worked on an archeological dig site of a Roman bath in Italy and was enamored with roman architecture. I was amazed at what the Romans could do with water in ancient times. I decided to structure my Senior Project around the idea of roman water technology. My product was a research paper highlighting the technical aspect of water technology in ancient Rome, the social repercussions of bath centered society, separate case studies of famous baths, and finally a recounting of my experience on an archeological dig of a roman bath. My research paper was accompanied by pictures of the great roman baths and my personal experience with Roman baths.

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Grant Curatola Big Red Mentor: Marie Maciak Domain: Media Consultant: Mark Frankel For my Senior Project I decided to create a short fiction film. In the end I learned how to overcome the difficulties of producing, and managing a cast and crew.

My goal was to successfully create a short film and submit it into local film festivals. The film’s protagonist, Vincent, is a young man opposed to spontaneity and who obsessively relies on charts and empirical data. He begins to feel as if he is losing control when his work and personal life take unexpected turns. Instead of dealing with life's challenges, he turns to isolation and fearfully confines himself into a hotel room. The story zigzags between snapshots of past, present and imagined events in Vincent’s life.

Maximilian Eicke Max I Co. — Furniture Design Mentor: Christopher Engel Domains: Visual Arts/History Consultant: Andi Toro I designed a collection of self inspired pieces of furniture that correspond with the mentality of the 21st century’s ideas on Modern Design. I designed 10 pieces, and made a miniature prototype of each. As research I looked into the past of furniture design from 3000 B.C. to present date, and wrote a paper showing the change through time. For my final product I took one of my designs and built a production prototype: a coffee table out of Stainless Steel and Frosted Glass. This project consisted of conceptual thinking, designing, knowledge and research, which in the end lead me to let go and create.

Megan Enck Fashion through our Eyes: The Effects Fashion and Popular Culture Have on Teenagers Mentor: Hailey London Domains: Wellness/English Consultant: Eve Elliot For my Senior Project I researched Eating Disorders, and the effects that they have on teenagers around the world. I mainly focused on eating disorders and the fashion world, concentrating on the stronger effects they now have on teenage girls. I wrote an informative article that not only explains the issues of eating disorders, but also offers information on ways to eat healthy and still live up to the thin body image the fashion world has created for us.

Max Feldschuh The Workshop Mentor: Adam Judd Domain: Performing Arts Consultant: Teddy Charles The goal of this project was to find my voice within the jazz idiom, as both a performer and composer. I have composed, arranged, and performed with a group, songs reflecting different kinds of music that fall under the header of “jazz.” I ended up with four pieces, each with a different style. The process gave me much-needed experience and insight into leading a band instead of simply being in one, as well as giving me an outlet for my writing.

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Loryn C. Fridie Cameron Discovers Juvenile Diabetes Mentor: Thomas Liao Domains: Science/English/Art Consultant: Deborah Capone My Senior Project was an interdisciplinary one consisting of both Juvenile Diabetes research and the production of a children’s book for 3rd and 4th graders on the disease. I researched diabetes extensively by using a variety of sources including several books, websites, and interviews with victims of the disease. With my research I produced a children’s book appropriate for 3rd and 4th graders overviewing the disease. Along with writing the book, I illustrated it and also translated it into Spanish.

Josephine Friedrich Aesopica Mentor: Alexis Martino Domain: Media Consultants: John Messinger, John Snow, Walter Loss Whether told by Disney in animated cartoons, or read in tales from the Brothers Grimm, the stories and narratives of our childhood, when retold and passed down, form a small chapter in the ancient tradition of storytelling. I explored this tradition by looking closely at Aesop’s fables. My goal was not to simply illustrate these stories, but to consider how people read and process visually. In these photographs, mounted in a style reminiscent of cinematic montage, the viewer is guided through the fables, but still left to peruse the images freely, to make new stories, and to carry on that ancient tradition.

Larissa Gaias Pebbles Project: Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Mentor: Jody Heneveld Domain: Wellness Consultants: Sophia Warner, Kelly McMahon My Senior Project started during M-Term in South Africa last year when I met children who innocently suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). I decided to fundraise for these children and raise awareness, answering the commonly asked question, “What is FAS?” I organized a fundraiser to sponsor the Pebbles Project, which is a non-profit organization supporting children living with special needs, especially Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. My event included an informational presentation in which I relayed all the research I did about FAS. I also organized a drive with the Lower School and sent boxes of clothes, sports equipment, and art supplies to the Pebbles Project. I not only learned about FAS, but also how to dedicate myself to one cause for a long period of time. I really wanted to help these children who have virtually nothing and teach people around me how to give to suffering children across the globe.

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Max Gerschman The Athletes Guide to Concussions Mentors: George Aman, Robert Eldi Domain: Wellness Consultant: Dominic DeStefano My Senior Project was inspired by my own athletic aspirations. I have been an athlete all my life and have never been excluded from sports until this year, my senior year in high school. I was told that I might not be able to participate in the team sports which I have been a part of every year due to the amount of concussions I have sustained. Needing to seek expert advice, and learn more about the situation I was in, I was forced to visit numerous doctors, which can be a very time consuming and expensive task. For the benefit of other athletes who may find themselves in my position in the future, I have created a pamphlet containing what I feel is the most important information regarding concussions, including everything from the definition of a concussion and signs that you have sustained one, to how to go about deciding if/when to return to play. As part of my project I have conducted extensive research on the subject, and worked with the computer programs iPhoto, and Pages, in order to plan, design, and create my pamphlet.

Johannes Golden Where the Suckers Moon Mentor: Mark Foard Domain: English Consultants: Jesse Pasca, Lane Foard For my Senior Project I essentially learned how to write. Sure, I’ve known how to put words in a row to form sentences, paragraphs, and even entire papers, but this project was about how to do that well, and in an interesting (well, that’s for you to decide) way. I learned how to write the personal essay from the masters of the form, starting with perhaps the first essayist, Michel de Montaigne, then moving on to E. B. White, Annie Dillard, David Rakoff, Sarah Vowell and David Foster Wallace. I studied the techniques they used to shape their essays in order to inform my own work. The goal of all this was to learn how to write in a form that I was unfamiliar with, one that does not require the hard facts and structure of an ‘academic’ paper, but that nonetheless arrives at truth.

Alexia Greenwood Israel, Palestine, and the UN: A Brief Investigation Mentor: Kenneth Sacks Domain: Cultural History Consultant: Gideon Schein Since its official inception in 1945, the United Nations has been engaged in the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I researched how this seemingly ubiquitous, all-encompassing organization has dealt with this age-old conflict. I conducted interviews to gain first-hand accounts and scholarly opinions from both sides of the argument as part of my research, and incorporated my interviews and research into a digital timeline.

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Ryland Hilbert Reverence & Nostalgia Mentor: Jennifer Cross Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: Shannon Maddock For my Senior Project I interpreted monarchs and royals through the medium of collage, and wrote a research paper on each of the royals I chose. I used historic royals that played an important role in history as well as more recent royals. I did this to show how the roles and establishment of royalty has changed over the centuries. I ended up selecting Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France, King Louis XIV of France, Queen Victoria of England, Princess Diana of Wales, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, and HM Bhumiphol Adulaydej, current king of Thailand. Over the course of the project I was able to gain a great deal of historical background on each of these figures and gain a respect for when monarchies were the common type of government throughout so many countries.

Christopher Impiglia The Fall: Constantinople’s Last Stand Mentor: Mark Foard Domain: English Consultants: David Reynolds, Suzanne Nalbantian The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is regarded by many contemporary historians as the end of the Middle Ages. Constantinople: the last remnants of the old world, the remaining Eastern half of the Roman Empire, would eventually fall to the coming of the Ottoman Turks who brought with them objects such as the cannon, evidence of a changed world. Besides the ending of the Middle Ages, The Renaissance is attributed directly to the fall of Constantinople, whose refugees brought to Italy lost scrolls of the Roman and Greek Empires that had been preserved in the crumbling Byzantine Empire. Immensely significant events such as the reclaiming of Jerusalem in the First Crusade, the siege of Troy, and the voyage of Odysseus have been documented in sweeping epic poems that describe the epic nature of these events. I have therefore taken up the task of documenting the fall of Constantinople, and after extensive research and reading of classical and medieval poems, have written an epic free-verse poem of my own which portrays this immensely significant event in history. To introduce the poem, I have created a short film that will act as a trailer to my epic poem, so that the poem is assisted by visuals, and so even those who may feel a bit daunted by the task of reading an epic poem may appreciate the significance of the event.

Andrea C. Jackson R&B: Love is Passionate Mentor: Jody Heneveld Domain: Performing Arts Consultant: Phillip Walker My Senior Project was to show how the rhythm and blues genre was created and how it became what it is today. First, I researched how rhythm and blues were created, then I wrote and produced three of my own songs, and lastly I interpreted one R&B song, “Angel of Mine” by Monica. My goal was to learn how to write songs and create an instrumental background. I have learned that the task is not easy, and it takes hard work to not only create a CD, but a track itself. If you are dedicated and you love what you do, you will be successful.

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Norbert Krujalskis The Body Mentor: Annemarie Costello Domains: Science/Visual Arts Consultant: Tony Parish My Senior Project was an exploration of the human body, which includes a number of paintings, as well as a scientific poster that describes the different muscle groups. The poster includes a brief description of each muscular group as well as a number of exercises to sculpt it. It also includes a workout program, together with a small dietary plan to stay healthy.

Justin S. Leon A Diamond in the Rough Mentor: Marie Maciak Domain: Media Consultant: Roger Ross My Senior Project was a short- format documentary video about my older brother “T.” He is a lyricist, a rapper, a hip-hop artist. He was born in 1975 and grew up during the early era of hip-hop. He has gone through many personal struggles while growing up in the Hamptons and these are reflected in his music.

The story follows T as he returns to the Hamptons in attempt to start a new chapter of his life. My objective was to apply documentary techniques to express my vision and to get a critical prospective of the documentary genre. I came to understand that I want to continue to tell stories through filmmaking. I learned the importance of being independent and fulfilling the multitude of responsibilities required of a one-person crew. I became comfortable at handling the video camera, sound recording, directing and editing. Most importantly, through this process, I have grown closer to my brother with whom I had not lived with when he was growing up

Zack Lonberg Nepalese Connection Mentor: Marie Maciak Domain: Media Consultant: Molly O’Brian My Senior Project was a short-format documentary about a Nepali couple, Lakpa and Pasang, who belong to a Sherpa tribe which dwells in the mountains of the Himalayas. Present day has witnessed the deterioration of their ancient culture. Escaping violence and civil war in Nepal, Lakpa and Pasang were faced with conforming to a new culture as well as the cruel reality of the asylum application process which resulted in a six year separation from their children. My goal was to use documentary production techniques to express my concepts and vision and to complete production of proposed documentary video according to my proposal and production plan. During this process I have learned how to be a one man production crew. I handled the responsibilities of producing, directing, videography and sound recording. I also learned about the art of interviewing and shaping a story through real-life accounts.

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Tomas Majcherski Art as Language Mentor: Kenneth Sacks Domains: Philosophy/Music/Visual Arts Consultant: Greg Horowitz My Senior Project examined the being of both abstract expressionism and jazz, and observed how they function as a medium of communication between the artist and viewer. My project attempted to find the specific relationship between the viewer, artist, and art itself, and the way in which this relationship comes about. I then attempted to bring my findings into practice and created a set of paintings and songs, trying to exemplify the use of paradox in form and creation of angst and fullness in the viewer. My project was inspired by the works of artists Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Franz Kline, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and others.

Roman Mardoyan-Smyth Occupied Territory Mentor: Matthew Aldredge Domains: Cultural History/Visual Arts Consultant: Matthew Longo I created an instructive board game based on the Palestine/Israel Conflict. The game’s purpose, and my goal, was to allow a group of people to gain an understanding of the conflict, and its principles, by participating in the conflict’s history. By researching the conflict and studying maps of the region I was able to create a game that achieves this and is enjoyable to play. In 1948, Israel was declared a country; the game begins one year later and guides the participants to the present, moving year by year along a timeline as the game progresses.

The board is an actual map of the region and the game focuses on the value of geographic locations, sites, and resources.

Keri Marino The Sea and The Sky Mentor: Jennifer Cross Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: David Gieser I created a body of work focused on my personal conflicts and their resolution.

This resulted in a series of large-scale paintings exploring the emotions and events that have lead me to become the person I am today. Experimenting with a mixture of materials including wood varnish, house paint, pigments, cardboard, pumice gel, spray-paint, plexi-glass, and gold leaf, I created paintings that are filled with the promise of new possibilities.

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Lilly Merat Activism Through Song: Truth and Harmony Mentor: Carrie Clark Domains: Performing Arts/Cultural History Consultant: Jane Hastay I chose to entitle my project “Truth and Harmony,” because I believe that to create meaningful work, there needs to be truth to the meaning and harmony between the music and the lyrics. My product was an original composition combining my conception of “truth and harmony,” my expressions about the issue of global warming, and three shorter papers about other artists who expressed their opinions about global issues through music. Global Warming is a prevalent issue right now, and very important to me, so I based my papers on artists who showed the same passion about an issue in their music. The inspirations for my project were Bob Dylan, U2, and Bob Marley. Throughout the process, I ran into unpredicted obstacles in writing my music, and research for my papers. I chose to write my song unusually, writing the lyrics first and the melody second. Because of this, I had trouble developing and harmonizing the two. However, I eventually realized that I had to take what originally was poetry and manipulate it to a powerful song.

Suyan Montanari Alone Together Mentor: Alexis Martino Domain: Media Consultants: John Messinger, John Snow, Walter Loss Taking Goethe’s 1774 novel The Sorrows of Young Werther as my inspiration, I created a series of images that explore the idea of obsession, love, desire, and uncertainty. In relationships, the emotions involved are always changing and evolving. I was particularly interested in the ways in which relationships both produce and affect our emotions. The images I created narrate the turmoil at the heart of any romantic relationship.

Laura Munoz If You Really Want It Mentor: Gerard Doyle Domain: Performing Arts Consultant: Barbara Reader My Senior Project consisted of two plays depicting the efforts of individuals to strive for their goals in the force of adverse circumstances. One of the plays is an allegorical piece written for radio. The second deals with the problems faced by immigration Colombian worker in the United States, trying to alleviate the plight of his stricken family back home.

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Peter Nesi Trial and Error Mentor: Gerard Doyle Domain: Performing Arts Consultant: Geoffrey Gordon My project was an original play consisting of two acts. Deterring young adults from using illicit drugs to enhance their social activities was the concept behind my play. This was a story that my brother told me one night, and I figured that it would make a great play if I added twists and different characters. By writing this play I have been able to accentuate the experiences of the main characters, add in certain suspense factors, and really put my own touch on an already captivating story in order to make it even better and share it with others. When it comes down to it, I wrote this play for a few reasons. I wrote it to honor a great story and I wrote it to entertain all of those who will be reading it. I wanted to really capture the alluring effect it held on me once I first heard it and multiply that effect by adding dialogue, fleshing out the characters, and really perfecting the story to the very best of my capabilities so that those who will read it will understand why it was so captivating.

Ezra Neuman The Ethics and Science of Steroid Use Amongst Athletes Mentor: Dr. Hugh McGuinness Domain: Science Consultant: Howard Blatt For my Senior Project, I drafted a paper describing the multiple aspects of steroid use. I discussed what anabolic steroids actually do to your body and how they work, along with a detailed list of the risks to one’s health. The paper also included the opinions of several people, including myself, who have had some experience with athletes and/or steroids.

Adriel Reboh let/slip Mentor: Alexis Martino Domain: Media Consultants: John Messinger, John Snow, Walter Loss My project was inspired by images found in mass media. The series was an attempt at creating stylized scenes that generate tension between the viewer and the subject. Many of the images create a feeling of entrapment and apprehension. In my unique imaginary world, the threat of danger creates the narrative, which is both shocking and appealing at the same time. My photographs are disarming; they often interrupt sexual stereotypes and deviate from the norm in subtle ways.

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Daniel Christopher Richard Creation of a Business Plan for a PseudoBiodiesel Distribution Company Mentor: Patricia Lein Domains: Business/Science Consultant: Debbie Woods The focus of my Senior Project was to create a business plan for a company I called Rich Biodiesel. Rich Biodiesel could produce and distribute biodiesel to transportation companies such as the Hampton Jitney. My Senior Project consisted of learning how a company would produce a business plan, including marketing, financial planning, and legal ramifications of starting a company. I also discovered the scientific process that turns vegetable oil into biodiesel, and how much it would cost to build a production facility.

Noah Salaway Glass Fabrication Mentor: Patty Lein Domains: Science/Visual Arts Consultant: Andy Stenerson My Senior Project consisted of reworking glass bottles. I took bottles with interesting designs or shapes, and reheated and reformed them using glassblowing techniques. I also used scientific methods to figure out the most efficient techniques, recording my successes and failures. In addition, I wrote an artist statement highlighting my inspirations for this project, processes and an analysis of my artwork.

Andrew Schatz Outlet, Documentary Video Mentor: Marie Maciak Domain: Media Studies Consultant: Don Lenzer Outlet is a documentary video I produced, directed, shot and edited. With integrity, the camera weaves three stories of young recovering addicts as they struggle with staying sober. The film captures protagonists’ astonishing transformations and vulnerable states over the course of one year. Zach recuperates after his father’s death and embarks on a music career; Emily deals with being raped and her eating disorder; Dan faces the college environment and being surrounded by party-goers. My goal was to use documentary production techniques to express my concepts and vision and to complete production of proposed documentary video according to my proposal and production plan. Through this process I have learned how to produce, film, and edit a full length documentary. I also have learned about the different genres of documentary cinema.

Catherine Toscano Past-Perfect Mentor: Alexis Martino Domain: Media Consultant: Kathryn Szoka I created a series of images that explore moments of childhood. I was inspired by the writing of Eric Fromm and the images created by Sally Mann. I used my own memories as a starting point to create the narrative of my photo essay.

The images illustrated psychological themes of growing up, such as solitude, happiness, desire, and fear. The strong connection between memory and imagination motivated this body of work.

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Hallie Tosher Talking Back: Identity and Representation Mentor: Therese Lichtenstein Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: Alicia Longwell The goal of my Senior Project was to grasp and absorb the concept of identity and the relationship between individual and group identity in contemporary American society. I interviewed three different fascinating people from various backgrounds (age, class, race, and sexuality.) I explored the struggles these people faced with different issues including racism, homophobia, sexism, etc. My final product was a multimedia exhibition that included large-scale digital photography, oil paintings with collaged elements, personal writings and excerpts from the interviews of my three subjects. I would like viewers to recognize societal prejudice through the installation of my work and to understand the complexity of one’s identity, without constructing stereotypes.

Jessica Tovar Un Deseo Mentor: Hailey London Domain: Wellness Consultant: John Bayles For the first component of my Senior Project I wrote a series of journalistic articles on the health issues of Colombia. For the second component I collected money by fundraising to grant a wish to a girl from Colombia, who was diagnosed with Lymphoma two years ago.

Tom Trunzo Ciao Barbara Mentor: Shelby Raebeck Domain: English Consultant: Hope Harris Inspired by my great-aunt Barbara Landi, I have created six creative short stories. There is no pervading theme that unifies each of the stories, as each one is different and cannot be adequately summarized by telling you the plot, theme or other such elements. I studied and was influenced by the works of Flannery O’Connor, John Cheever, Eudora Welty, and several other prominent classic writers, as well as a few contemporary writers such as Thom Jones and Joyce Carol Oates. I supplemented my project by drawing and writing entries, reflections, thoughts, ideas etc. in a process folio. I’ve completed my goal of creating six stories in total and have learned something in the process.

Ben Whelan Hydrogen in Your Car's Future?

Mentor: Thomas Liao Domain: Science Consultant: Tim Dykman For my project, I wrote a Technology Assessment on the future possibility of hydrogen fuel in the future of automobiles. In addition, I built a miniature car that is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell as a demonstration for a larger scale version. I learned about the technology that is used to run a car off of hydrogen fuel. I also determined whether or not hydrogen fuel is a good future source of energy for cars.

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Temidra Willock Fashion for Education: New “Explorations” Line and Fashion Show Mentor: Diane Giardi Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: Shelia Parham For my Senior Project I designed a line of fashion ware consisting of over forty outfits. My goal was to explore different types of designs to create clothing that expresses my creativity and fashion interests. My main inspiration often came from the material itself, its texture and pattern. I learned methods of working with each fabric and focused on particular details of interest, such as “back” designs. My project culminated in organizing and producing a fashion show of my works to raise money for the organization IDA (International Dyslexia Association). This endeavor included creating an identity package for my line; poster and invitation design, promotional and organizational skills. My project has helped me learn a whole process from sketching my designs to setting up the runway and has helped me to see the style of my work as a designer.

Branson Wright Architectural Philosophy Mentor: Kenneth Sacks Domain: Visual Arts Consultant: Dan Rowen Architecture, to me, is the perfect combination of my two strongest talents, engineering and creativity. My Senior Project is a community of houses that I designed reflecting my education at Ross in terms of helping society. My buildings focus on solving certain problems in the Hamptons that relate to architecture, such as the lack of low income housing. Another issue the buildings address is the lack of environmentally conscious homes, and a building’s capacity to feel organic in its surroundings. Hopefully by solving these problems now, I will be able to make a difference in the world in the future.

Garret Zeidner The Irrational Mind Mentor: Marty Cooper Domain: Psychology Consultant: Dr. Cohen My project looked into the human mind. At the start of the project I began looking at many types of therapies. After much research I came across a school of therapy called Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). My goal was to learn the basics of this school of therapy, learn how it is used, and then use its main ideas and concepts to analyze my own psyche. My end result was a journal containing a written record of my analyses and understanding of RET, and of the conclusions I have come to about my own irrational thoughts and behaviors.

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