The Undergraduate Research Symposium is a chance for undergraduate students to present their research to the LMU community. This year, over 100 BCLA students participated, which is a testament to the value we place on undergraduate research experiences. From examining Ignatian spirituality and LMU’s mission statement to millennials’ political ambitions, BCLA students explored their passions with the help of faculty mentors. Learn more about some of their projects and outcomes.
Christian Moreno, “Platonic and Confucian Theories on Music-Parallels and Differences”
Classics & Archaeology and Humanities
Christian Moreno drew from his major in classics & archaeology and passion for music to research the philosophies of Plato and Confucius. He studied the differences in their theories on music, comparing the music they each would have been exposed to in their respective lifetimes. He found that they both believed in the greater power of music over man, and emphasized that music should be used for good. “This research reflects a fact we already know: music is special. Music has an effect on us that I don’t think scientists or philosophers will ever fully understand,” Moreno said.
Haley Dapkus, “Fixed Futures: Forced into Sterilization in 1970’s Los Angeles”
Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies
Haley Dapkus chose to examine the historic class action lawsuit, Madrigal v. Quilligan, in which a group of Latina women sued the Los Angeles County General Hospital for their forced sterilization after giving birth. Dapkus analyzed the testimonies of the women and used these to construct profiles of their experiences in the hospital. She found that the doctors and nurses would ask the women, who did not speak English, to sign consent forms authorizing the sterilization without knowing what they were signing. They would also ask the women to consent to these procedures while they were in labor, refusing to deliver their babies until the forms were signed. “The effects of these sterilizations go far beyond physical trauma,” Dapkus said.
Madelyn Starr, “Political Participation Among LMU Students Before and After the 2016 US Presidential Election”
Political Science
Madelyn Starr became curious about the political participation among LMU students following the 2016 election after noticing the increased political participation elsewhere in the country. She explained that she was inspired by a family friend who, surprised by the outcome of the election, jokingly stated that students must be more motivated to get involved in politics. Starr created a pilot survey to administer to LMU students gauging how active student participation in politics was both before and after the election. Starr hopes to continue refining her survey and conducting research on LMU students and their political involvement.
