Greenhill Seniors Showcase Their Capstone Projects

Eight seniors presented their Capstone projects reflecting months of collegiate-level field research to the Greenhill community on April 30. These varied and involved projects evoke earnestness for exploration and intellectual curiosity.

 

“‘If you challenge conventional wisdom, you will find ways to do things much better than they are currently,’ Bill James, Moneyball. Over the past twenty years, baseball teams have been using analytics to identify breakthrough statistics to gain an advantage over the competition. However, the technology used to find trends in the data has drastically changed, as now teams use cameras to capture over 10,000 unique data points in each game. Join me in learning how math and science apply to real-life situations and have changed the way baseball is played.”

 

“Mistral, Castellanos, Burgos, Avellaneda. While these poets may not immediately resonate, their feminist poetry has catalyzed social movements striving for greater equity. By translating their literary works into English, I have worked towards interpreting their thoughts through a different lens. Throughout the past year, I've aimed to answer the question: when translating poetry, should one prioritize fidelity to literal meaning or to the structural integrity of the original? My hope is that through my presentation, you'll gain a renewed understanding of the translation process and a deeper appreciation for the impactful legacy of these female poets across history and the globe.”

 

“What do you think of when you hear of the “caste system”? If you’re reminded of the typical textbook pyramid chart, then you have the entirely wrong idea. In reality, the true, original idea of caste, or varna, was never a strict system based on who you are born to, however millennium after millennium of convoluted history has produced today’s iteration of the caste system which more closely resembles that pyramid hierarchy. What was once a loosely defined, vague idea has since been fallaciously converted into a rigid, classist structure that dominates each and every part of Indian society, determining major components of life, like who you can be friends with or even marry. Through my project, I will identify the origins of the “caste system”, tracking its evolution, and evaluating its impact in the present day.”

 

“Do you believe everything you see on TV… and I’m not talking about fake news. From publishing money-making narratives to deciding which snippets of an interview to air, news outlets mold the stories around us - even if they seem to be based on pure facts. For my Capstone, I researched how the portrayal of Korean Americans in the media during the 1992 Los Angeles Riots affected their perception in America, covering topics from the model minority myth to the Black-Korean conflict. I will answer the question: “If you hear conflicting stories from different perspectives, can there be an inherent truth?” Through my presentation, I hope to inspire students to research history from beyond the mainstream perspective.”

 

“Do you trade stocks? You might, or perhaps you know someone who does. It’s enticing, the ability to make a quick buck when the phrase “money makes the world go ‘round” resonates in the minds of modern Americans. Almost everything around us, from our computers to our cars, is developed and produced by publicly traded companies. But more importantly, market competition allows companies to exist, driving product differentiation. How good do you think our goods would be if companies had no incentive to keep innovating? When lawmakers purchase stocks, markets can be impacted, especially if certain companies are favored by the government. On top of this, politicians have outside knowledge, inherently making them better investors. My presentation will discuss politicians’ involvement in, and possible abuse of, the stock market and more importantly how it can affect your representation in government.”

 

“Imagine a microscopic battleground within the human body, where cells in the bone marrow uncontrollably grow and stop the ability to fight disease or infection, disrupting the balance of health and stability. What fuels this endless growth? My capstone is aimed at discovering how leukemia cells grow, and what nutrients and metabolites they rely on. My presentation will cover what leukemia is, what kinds of cells leukemia grows in, and why it's necessary to understand how the cells grow. I will also cover the experience of working in a lab and the new perspective I've gained from this experience.”

 

“Every time you browse the internet, you are influenced in some way, and this influence starts with the first piece of information you receive: the headline. My project delves into the unseen biases in titles that shape how we process the information in front of us. Using machine learning, I analyzed news article headlines and created a tool to allow individuals to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape in a more informed manner. Whether you are a student interested in modern journalism or technology, I hope to show you how to form an opinion less biased by news corporations and help you better understand what information you consume through my presentation.”

“Have you ever wondered how to build a personal brand aimed to help empower? Dive into the world of personal brand development and social media influence as we uncover strategies for making a lasting impact both online and in your community. Discover the secrets to crafting compelling stories, fostering authenticity, and building strong connections with your audience. Learn how to leverage social media platforms to amplify your message and reach your goals effectively. By exploring the intersection of sports, mentorship, and social media, my capstone is working to uncover the power of inspiring the next generation of female athletes. With insights into addressing the dropout rates of girls in sports and fostering a positive perspective on athletics, you'll leave with actionable strategies to make a difference in your community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, sports enthusiast, or social media aficionado, this presentation offers valuable insights and practical takeaways to fuel your passion and drive toward impactful change. Join in on a journey of empowerment, inspiration, and impactful brand building!”

Congratulations to the seniors on these great projects.