Front (L-R): Branden Manning, Andu Meharie

Back (L-R): Jeremiah Golden, Tamara Jeffrey, Kerime Pena, Luis Nava, Edgar Fragoso, Patricia Diaz

Research: Mexican Influence in U.S. Homes

Research Definition: This research will attempt to reveal for the modern reader the important role of the Mexican culture that takes place inside and outside the homes.  Although they are living in the U.S., their homes and decorations simply does not fade away; rather they shape, often in a complex fashion, the way families adjust.  

This research is important to all contractors, architects, and interior designers to understand how Hispanics, a distinctive group in the U.S.; although they may adopt cultural and linguistic characteristics, in their homes or barrios they keep practicing those patterns that identify them as Mexicans (Luis Barragon).

Research: Comparative Study of Globalization and Early Industrialization in the U.S.

Abstract: This [poster] will give a broad comparison of similarities from the industrial revolution and the new phenomena globalization.  I will try to demonstrate how many of the effects that happened during the industrial revolution in the United States are happening still in underdeveloped nations worldwide.  This [poster] will also demonstrate how governments in the world organizations are controlling decision making of third world nations and are being influenced by economic business interest.  It also will give facts on information about the countries that are involved in the world organizations.  The lasting dominance of U.S. business gives you a good look at how economically powerful nations will keep their dominance in the world structure.

Research: Domestic Violence Among African American Women and the Role of the Church

Abstract: This research looks into the lives of African American women who have suffered and/or continue to suffer from domestic violence and the role religion plays in the recourses they pursue.  This is especially relevant since religion, and more specifically the Black Church, are important aspects to the community and life for African Americans.  While domestic violence has been an important area of research among African American scholars, the tie between the church, spirituality, and women's lives has been grossly understudied.  This research will bring attention to the issue of the African American community and domestic violence and explore religion in relation to the subject.

Research: Combating the Dropout Rate Among Latino Students

Abstract: Education is often viewed as the best route to economic security.  When they are so many of our Mexican American students failing to not only finish high school but also to on to college? This is a question we need to answer. 

  In Texas and other southwestern states the number of Mexican American students in our schools can range from as  few as 12% to as many as 93%.  These numbers along with the high dropout rate among our Mexican American students show us the need for more ethnic based curriculums, instead of the Eurocentric view that are presently taught.

Research: Cognitive Development of Bilingual Children - A Comparative Study of Different Methodological Approaches

Abstract: This study attempts to explore the different outcomes of research done in the field of cognitive linguistics.  This study of bilingualism and its relationship to cognitive development in children has been a major point of interest in the field of linguistics for many years.  An examination of the methodology behind the studies as well as the results themselves will be made.  Most of the children that are the subject of the studies are in preschool up to sixth grade.  A small description of the studies being examined will be made followed by their methodological strengths and flaws.  Do bilingual children acquire cognitive tools through their experiences with two languages that monolingual children do not, or do children become confused when presented with more than one language at a young age?  These questions have been the subject of studies for as early as 1936 when Leopold studied his own second born in Germany.

Research: Good Self-esteem Through Games and Social Skills

Abstract: As time goes by and the world keeps changing, children's need change too.  New generations are in need of different educational and recreational approaches.  However, many educators and recreational professionals complain that education and recreational settings are not changing fast enough to fulfill those needs.  Self-actualization is an important factor to reach success.  According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, included in this study, humans need self-actualization as well as a high self-esteem in order to fulfill the development of one's self. 

 Furthermore, this study shows how an environment designed to enhance good self-esteem would fulfill most of the needs mentioned in the Maslow's theory and would lead to success. 

 In order to create this environment several theories have emerged.  This study's theory is centered on the principle that games that promote social skills will develop a higher self-esteem.