YPAR in this Jawn
This project proposes the integration of Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) as a framework to inform and enhance mobile clinic intervention. YPAR positions young people as co-researchers who investigate, analyze, and respond to issues affecting their own communities. Through participatory research methods such as photovoice (an art-based data collection method), surveys, focus groups, asset mapping, and youth-led dialogue, North Philadelphia youth will document and critically reflect on what constitutes “good health” in their community. They will also identify socioeconomic and environmental barriers that hinder health and well-being, including food access, neighborhood safety, housing conditions, transportation, access to culturally responsive healthcare, and awareness of available public resources.
Requirements: GPA: 2.; No specific major, like to work with youth, Public Speaking skills, data collection skills.
Faculty: Katrina Black Reed
Campus Community and its Awareness, Perception and Adoption of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how people learn, teach, work, and make decisions. This research project examines the awareness, usage patterns, adoption behaviors, perceptions, and expectations of artificial intelligence among Penn State Abington students, faculty, and staff. Student researchers will assist with conducting literature reviews on technology adoption, AI acceptance, digital literacy, trust in AI, ethical concerns, and educational applications of generative AI. Students will also identify and evaluate existing measurement scales from academic research, compare validated survey instruments, and contribute to the development of an initial questionnaire for data collection. This project provides students with an opportunity to contribute to a timely and evolving area of research by examining existing scholarship on AI, identifying validated measurement instruments, and helping design a survey to better understand AI perceptions and experiences across the Penn State Abington community.
Requirements: Students with a GPA of 3.0 interested in management, marketing, information systems, psychology, education, and data analytics are encouraged to participate.
Faculty: Rujirutana Mandhachitara
Extreme Luxury Travel and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Consumers
This research project explores the emerging trend of extreme luxury travel among Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), examining why the world's wealthiest consumers are shifting from luxury products toward highly exclusive, transformative, and personalized travel experiences. Students will conduct literature reviews on topics such as luxury consumption, status signaling, self-actualization, exclusivity, experiential marketing, customer journey mapping, and the application of artificial intelligence and non-fungible tokens in luxury travel. Students will also identify, evaluate, and compare existing data collection methods, sample frames, and measurement scales from academic research for constructs including perceived exclusivity, hedonic consumption, fear of missing out (FOMO), prestige-seeking, travel satisfaction, psychological well-being, and willingness to pay. The project provides hands-on experience in academic research and research design while helping students develop skills in literature synthesis, critical analysis, and scholarly writing
Requirements: No prior research experience is required; students with interests in marketing, consumer behavior, luxury branding, tourism, psychology, and international business with a GPA of 3.0 are encouraged to participate.
Faculty: Rujirutana Mandhachitara
Creativity and Technological Innovation: Lessons from the ‘Space Race’
Technological innovation abilities represent a core competence, creating the capability of many industrial firms to survive fierce competition and sustain their long-term success. From a macro-level perspective, factors such as resource abundance, advanced support industries, collaborative science and technology communities, talent supplies, supportive leadership and institutional environments, collaborative and open culture, etc., are agreed to facilitate technological innovation. At a micro-level, features like entrepreneurial spirit, risk-taking mindset, high-level of autonomy, networking, perseverance, resilience, hard work, self-motivation, and so on and so forth have proved to be associated with individual creativity. With decades of research on creativity and technological innovation that revealed the above-mentioned macro- and micro-level mechanisms, the early space race between the US and the Soviet Union, interestingly, seemed to contradict these findings. Given the macro- and micro-level environments in the US vs. the Soviet Union after WWII, one would expect a dominant success of the US in the space technology race. Indeed, there is no doubt that the US eventually won the space race against the Soviet Union. Yet, it was the Soviet Union that launched the first space satellite into orbit, the first satellite carrying a living creature, and the first spaceflight carrying a human being. Fascinated by the new space race between the US and China, this project believes that history has much to offer in identifying the missing pieces about creativity and technological innovation in the extant literature and advancing our understanding of the mechanisms behind innovation performance at the individual, organizational, and national levels. Hence, this project aims to thoroughly review the space race history between the US and the Soviet Union and develop an integrated framework reconciling the discrepancies between the current innovation literature and the historical reality. The findings are expected to contribute to the creativity and technological innovation literature and have practical implications for industrial firms and nonprofit organizations in talent and innovation management.
Requirements: All majors with at least 3.0 GPA are welcome. Experience with databases and literature reviews is desirable, but not required. A strong sense of responsibility is required.
Faculty: Feng Zhang
CSR and Social Media
This research project explores how companies use artificial intelligence (AI) to communicate about social and ethical issues and how consumers respond. Students will work with real Instagram posts and comments to examine what makes corporate social responsibility (CSR) messages seem authentic or inauthentic and what types of messages create disagreement or polarization. Students will gain hands-on experience with social media data, AI tools, and consumer behavior research.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Sa'arah Alhouti
Perceived attributions for the Cross-Race Recognition Deficit: An exploratory study
The cross-race recognition deficit (CRD) describes a phenomenon whereby people are better at discriminating between faces of their own race as compared to other races (e.g., a white person being more likely to confuse two black people for each other than doing the same to two white people). All races do this, and we know it isn't due to prejudice. Little work has been done on the experience of being the victim of the CRD nor what people think is the cause when it occurs. This work will examine both.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Michael J Bernstein
When “Soft” Skills Aren’t so Soft: Helping school administrators navigate tough community conversations, reduce conflict, and combat cancel culture amidst heightened political and social polarization
The study seeks to pilot and evaluate a scalable professional development model that equips K–12 school administrators with practical civil discourse, conflict reduction, and intercultural competence skills for navigating increasingly polarized school communities. Ultimately, the project’s objective is to generate evidence that school leaders can be prepared to manage difficult conversations more effectively, reduce conflict spillover, and foster more inclusive, respectful, and academically productive school environments. The pilot will also lay the groundwork for future expansion, sustainability, and external funding opportunities.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Michael J Bernstein
AI vs. Human: When and how do people utilize artificial intelligence to navigate complex social situations
We will examine the ways in which people choose to utilize AI to deal with complex social situations, with a particular focus on experiences of social exclusion and discrimination.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Michael J Bernstein
Early childhood trauma's impact on the HPA Axis and gut microbiome leading to inflammatory cytokines impact on depressive loops: A literature review
This research will explore how early emotional abuse and neglect create a physical feedback loop between a child’s stomach and their brain, making depression worse over time.
Requirements: Prior experience with literature reviews and strong writing skills.
Faculty: Michael J Bernstein
Assessing Intercultural Sensitivity in Experiential Travel Learning
Assessing Intercultural Sensitivity in Experiential Travel Learning proposes an evaluation of how a travel-embedded course influences students’ intercultural sensitivity. The project will employ a pre- and post-survey design using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, administered before and after the immersive travel experience. By examining shifts in students’ cultural awareness, attitudes, and openness, this study aims to assess the impact of experiential travel learning on intercultural development. Results will enable students to reflect on their intercultural growth, strengthen career-relevant global competencies, and deepen civic and cultural engagement, while also informing inclusive, globally engaged curriculum design.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
Gamifying Global Stories with AR to Enhance the First-Year Student Experience
This qualitative research project examines the use of augmented reality (AR) and gamified storytelling to enhance the first-year student experience through interactive campus exploration and global narratives. Using a student co-created AR platform, the study explored how immersive digital storytelling influenced students’ sense of belonging, cultural connection, and engagement with campus spaces and services. Data from student reflections and observations collected during a beta implementation were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicate increased peer connection, strengthened place-based belonging, greater awareness of campus resources, and deeper reflective learning. The study highlights AR’s potential as an inclusive, scalable approach to first-year engagement across disciplines.
Requirements: None.
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
Assessing Intercultural Sensitivity in Experiential Travel Learning
Assessing Intercultural Sensitivity in Experiential Travel Learning proposes an evaluation of how a travel-embedded course influences students’ intercultural sensitivity. The project will employ a pre- and post-survey design using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, administered before and after the immersive travel experience. By examining shifts in students’ cultural awareness, attitudes, and openness, this study aims to assess the impact of experiential travel learning on intercultural development. Results will enable students to reflect on their intercultural growth, strengthen career-relevant global competencies, and deepen civic and cultural engagement, while also informing inclusive, globally engaged curriculum design.
Requirements: None
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
Gamifying Global Stories with AR to Enhance the First-Year Student Experience
This qualitative research project examines the use of augmented reality (AR) and gamified storytelling to enhance the first-year student experience through interactive campus exploration and global narratives. Using a student co-created AR platform, the study explored how immersive digital storytelling influenced students’ sense of belonging, cultural connection, and engagement with campus spaces and services. Data from student reflections and observations collected during a beta implementation were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings indicate increased peer connection, strengthened place-based belonging, greater awareness of campus resources, and deeper reflective learning. The study highlights AR’s potential as an inclusive, scalable approach to first-year engagement across disciplines.
Requirements: None
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett
Women's Health and Body Image
This project will involve online and in-person data collection from women. Study measures will assess aspects of physical and mental health with an emphasis on body image and eating behaviors.
Requirements: Students should have advanced knowledge in the domain of psychological and social sciences, and strong performance in PSS courses, including research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Individuals with prior research experience, particularly in the area of women's health and body image, will receive priority.
Faculty: Diane Rosenbaum
Perceptions of Authenticity in Business Communication Using Generative AI
Many organizations have increasingly relied on professional communication using generative AI (genAI) without understanding how effective these genAI messages are reaching their audiences. In particular, audiences sometimes expect authenticity in messages from a company, brand, or personality, and genAI messages that lack authenticity may not resonate. This study would explore how aspects of perceived authenticity influence the effectiveness of messages produced with genAI.
Requirements: Any major is welcome. Prefer students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a statistics course (STAT 200 or equivalent).
Faculty: Trisha Travers
Building Social Bridges: The Impact of Fanship-Leisure Activities on Social Health & Wellbeing
Investigate how fanship leisure activities foster friendships, reduce loneliness, and strengthen community health.
Requirements: Submit a resume, complete the following interest form (https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx), and meet with the faculty sponsor.
Faculty: Liselle Milazzo
The importance of darkness in night skies: A social science perspective
Requirements: Students will work on a social science survey and experimental project in collaboration with researchers at Penn State and the National Park Service, focused on the effects of light pollution on night sky enjoyment and public perceptions.
Faculty: Jake Benfield
Who's in the driver's seat? Community observations of vehicle usage
For this project, we will use indirect observation of motor vehicle characteristics (color, make, bumper stickers) to study community values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Requirements: Any student of any major is welcome to participate. The project should give students a chance to develop a lot of research and critical thinking skills that translate to several career paths.
Faculty: Jake Benfield
Integrative Learning Through Multiple Study Abroad Experiences: A Photo Elicitation Study of Student Development
This study investigates the unexplored intersection of multiple study abroad experiences and integrative learning among college students. While integrative learning traditionally focuses on connecting coursework within customized majors, this research innovatively applies the concept to multiple study abroad experiences. Through a qualitative study of 12 undergraduate students who participated in educational programs across 10 different countries, we examined how multiple study abroad experiences impact students' professional and personal development within four key areas of the integrative framework: application, comparison, context understanding, and synthesis. Using an innovative technologically immersive photo elicitation methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews to analyze students' experiences.
Requirements: 2.5 GPA, interested in study abroad travel, writing skills, listening skills, and organizational skills
Faculty: Katrina Black Reed ([email protected])
Game of Thrones Fanship and Culture Preservation: Tourism to UNESCO World Heritage Site
People who watch popular television shows and movies become familiar with remote destinations. This study aims to understand the relationship between fanship and cultural heritage to address the relationship between popular culture and cultural presesrvatsion and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Requirements: Submit a resume, complete the following interest form (https://forms.office.com/r/yR84XvxDgx) and meet with the faculty sponsor.
Faculty: Liselle Milazzo ([email protected])
The effects of belief in pure evil and belief in pure good on perceptions/evaluations of formerly convicted persons
We will examine the effects of belief in pure evil and belief in pure good on perceptions/evaluations of formerly convicted persons.
Requirements: None
Faculty: Russell Webster ([email protected])
Investigating Contributors to Gambling and Video Gaming Behaviors
Looking for 1-2 students to assist on a project that examines contributors to gambling and video gaming behaviours (including problem gambling and problem video gaming). The project includes a number of psychological and behavioural assessments including measures of social media engagement. Data collection is still underway, the student(s) will assist with analyses of the data, presentation of findings, and there is the opportunity to be involved in publication of the results.
Requirements: Interested students must have a taken courses in statistics (such as PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) and research methods (such as PSYCH 301W). Students must also have experience in using the library to perform literature searches. Previous research experience and/or experience with SPSS are a plus. Priority will go to those majoring in Psychology or a related field, and those who wish to attend graduate school with a focus on research in the social sciences. Students should also be prepared with a writing sample
Faculty: Gillian Russell ([email protected])
Campus Protest at PSU Abington
This ACURA Project will chronicle the student protest movement at Abington College during the mid-1960-1970s period to implement African American Studies courses. Research and interview the late 1960s - 1970s protest students from the Abington Campus
Faculty: Valeria G Harvell ([email protected])
Examining syllabi for accessibility
Each class at Penn State Abington has a course syllabus. This project will systematically examine a sample of the syllabi to explore how accessible the information is on the actual document. This will be a qualitative project where we examine documents. The project team will meet regularly to learn about qualitative research, determine how we will sample the syllabi and then analyze and code the sample. Results will be shared not only at the ACURA Fair but with Academic Affairs leadership to inform what supports and resources are needed to ensure that all syllabi are accessible.
Requirements: None
Faculty: Rachael Brown ([email protected])
The future of leisure in the Metaverse: MetaLeisure
"The Future of Leisure in the Metaverse: MetaLeisure" investigates the transformation of leisure activities within the metaverse, with a focus on sustainable travel and the exploration of under-represented regions, such as Afro-Caribbean countries. This project delves into how virtual and augmented reality are revolutionizing recreational experiences, making global travel more accessible and eco-friendly. By highlighting lesser-known destinations and promoting cultural diversity, MetaLeisure aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the Metaverse can foster responsible tourism and contribute to the economic and social development of underrepresented regions.
Requirements: Dedicated to learning and have an interest in the use of Virtual Reality.
Faculty: Kimberley Hemmings-Jarrett ([email protected])
Fanship Tourism to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This study will investigate the intersection of cultural sites and fanship interests at UNESCO heritage destinations. The overall goal of the study is to provide a better understanding of the use of fanship and virtual reality in tourism experiences and destination-branding.
Requirements: A preliminary interview with the faculty sponsor. Curiosity in fanship, virtual reality, and tourism.
Faculty: Liselle Milazzo ([email protected])