My life has given me many interesting opportunities to explore matters that interest me. The ability to gain a quality education has also been one of my greatest allies and enablers when it comes to exploring the world around me. This page is dedicated to highlighting some of the projects and studies that I have researched and explored on a variety of subjects, both formal and informal.
As I have explored the world around me, I have been particularly drawn to practical innovation. By that I mean innovation that makes sense. My motto is "Idealistic but realistic". Is a new way better or an old way? Perhaps a mix? These projects and studies have also allowed me to better understand the issues that I have researched. Some of these projects have resulted in gained knowledge while others have resulted in a presentation or a report. The projects and studies below are ones that fascinated me and/or taught me something.
The Role of the Commissioner in Major League Baseball (2013) This report examined the role of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. The report gave a history of the game of baseball and the formation of Major League Baseball. The report then examined the evolving history of the Commissioner and his current role in the game, both formal and informal. The report then gave two case studies to show the formal and informal duties of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. As the Commissioner's main role is to protect the integrity of the game and act in the best interest of Major League Baseball, the two cases that were examined were Performance Enhancing Drugs and Community/Youth Development.
Growing For The Future (2012) This project explored the feasibility and sustainability of incorporating vertical and urban farming technologies/techniques into traditional horizontal farming. As the world evolves, so too does the technology. Which parts are good? Bad? Need tweaking? Vertical farming technologies are an area that these questions can be asked of. This issue was looked at from a practical use standpoint and a policy standpoint. It explored whether it is wise to encourage this type of innovation and its future consequences. This project was conducted in the Hadley and Amherst, Massachusetts region using interviews and research. What I found was that while this technology and its potential merging with a New England farm could have its benefits on many levels, it is both expensive and not well known still in many areas. While I cannot speak for all regions, I found that some farmers in the Pioneer Valley do use a Hydroponics growing system. Due to this, it was recommended that more awareness be raised in realization of those who are using innovative growing techniques so that others may learn about it and that perhaps more research be provided for this topic.
Town of Hadley, MA Sewer Bank Research (2012)This project took place in the summer of 2012 and was performed for the town of Hadley, Massachusetts. As a native of Hadley, helping look into a town issue was of great interest to me. The town was looking at different strategies to help with the wastewater and sewer system and how to best deal with an aging system. The option of a sewer bank was one of the options explored. I was allowed to research the issue and file a report to the Town Hall. Below, in PDF form, is my report. It was found that a sewer bank was a viable option for the town.
Farm to Supermarket Study (2012) This study was conducted for my Qualitative Methods Graduate School course and was a qualitative study conducted in the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts. The question that I sought to answer was if it was feasible that farms and supermarkets could have a stronger partnership. Namely, Big Y and Stop & Shop. This could then influence potential policy discussions regarding agriculture and food in this region. What was found was that there was support on all ends for a stronger partnership. Not a dire demand but a healthy one. However, since supermarkets are usually franchise chains (as Big Y and Stop & Shop are, though Big Y is more local), it can be difficult to form local connections as local means different things to different people. There are also business lines and other markets to take into consideration. Therefore, smaller grocers would have an easier time with this concept. Overall, the initial idea is a good one but it can be hard to implement.
Food Distribution Service for those with Disabilities (2011) This project, completed as a school project, focused on food distribution. Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Yet it is one that is not highly understood. Encouraging agricultural ventures is one way to combat this issue. The other, and the most underrated, is food distribution. In many areas, there is plenty of food but it is not distributed equally. This is an issue, especially for low income people and people with disabilities who may not be able to access a distribution point or market. This project focused on the marketing and implementation of a hypothetical market. This focused on awareness and using a strategy and/or organization to transport food to low income people or people with disabilities in exchange for a discounted rate or food stamps.
BassMaster Pro Case Study and Marketing Plan (2009) This project was a group project conducted for a Sport Management course at the University of Massachusetts. My group and I focused on designing a hypothetical marketing plan for the BassMaster Pro professional fishing tournament. Our plan focused on raising awareness of the "nature sense" of fishing while also hosting interactive events through our sponsors for spectators. Our main sponsor was NutriGrain Fruit Bars. Overall, our idea was well received when we presented our plan to fellow students.
Journey of Hadley, MA's Native American Population (2009) This project was a history project that focused on the history of the Native American population in Hadley, Massachusetts. The project mainly focused on conducting field research and recording the actual landmarks in which this population lived and the path that they took when they left the region when Europeans began to inhabit the land. This paper also explores how and why the Native American population left the region. Below is the paper in PDF format.
Study of the Battle of Gettysburg During the Civil War (2008)This report was based on strategic decisions that military commanders took during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and why.
If you wish to contact me regarding any of these projects, please either leave a message in the guestbook or contact me via email at[email protected]