Category: SRS Round 1 (January 2024)

Examining variations in music publisher grade levels when compared to individual instrument parts in band music (Prof. Christopher Dobbins)

1 student is sought for a project on “Examining variations in music publisher grade levels when compared to individual instrument parts in band music” with Prof. Christopher Dobbins that will begin on 6/1/2024 and last for 10 weeks

Project Description:

I wish to examine variations in music publisher grade levels assigned to band pieces and whether individual parts tend to be easier or more difficult within these overall grade levels and why. To do so, we will examine a number of pieces of music part by part using the American Band College grade level guidelines. We will look for trends in difficulty variation and, if variation exists, work to develop guidelines for band directors to make parts more accessible and/or more challenging depending on their student needs.

Prerequisites

Student researchers should be fluent in music reading and music analysis.

Special Comments

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/1/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 1

Contact Information: Prof. Christopher Dobbins (dobbinsc@wlu.edu)

Gamer Skill Level Demographic Metrics (Prof. Elizabeth Matthews)

2 students are sought for a project on “Gamer Skill Level Demographic Metrics” with Prof. Elizabeth Matthews that will begin on 6/15/2024 and last for 8 weeks

Project Description:

This is a continuation of previous summer research scholar work. The project aims to develop a metric of categorizing participants in academic studies into their “skill level” in video games. The project will consist of running user studies, collecting data, analysis of data via the programming language R, technical writing, and exploratory research.

Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with statistical analysis and have an interest in video games. Students are required to have completed CSCI 209. Not required but recommended is a familiarity with the programming language R.

Special Comments

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/15/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 2

Contact Information: Prof. Elizabeth Matthews (lmatthews@wlu.edu)

Journalistic Collaboration Book Project (Prof. Patrick Walters)

1 student is sought for a project on “Journalistic Collaboration Book Project” with Prof. Patrick Walters that will begin on 6/1/2024 and last for 10 weeks

Project Description:

In this project, I am seeking a student researcher to assist me in putting together a book proposal on the ways that journalistic collaborations are reshaping the field of journalism as reporters work with new types of groups – from artistic groups, to nonprofits and universities, to public entities. I have been studying three collaborations for the past two years and produced two articles out of this research, all of which is building toward a book. The collaborations being studied include one in Charlottesville that is looking to refocus news coverage on race; one in Philadelphia that is looking to improve news coverage of gun violence; and a third in Dallas, Texas, that is working on news coverage of affordable housing. The student will be asked to help me look at public records and news content that could help illustrate the possible societal impact of these collaborations. The student would also be helping to transcribe interviews and put together the book proposal.

Prerequisites

The student should have completed at least JOUR 101.

Special Comments

The research will be able to be done remotely, with internet access. It will also require regular phone and Zoom meetings.

Project Information

Estimated Start Date: 6/1/2024

Estimated End Date: 8/9/2024

Maximum number of students sought: 1

Contact Information: Prof. Patrick Walters (pwalters@wlu.edu)