Samford University’s Brock School of Business was well represented at the third annual Student Research Colloquia on April 19. The Research Advisory Collaborative, in partnership with the Office of Research, is a public forum where both undergraduate and graduate Samford students present their scholarship and research.

 

Ian Jones, a junior finance major, presented a sports-related data abstract titled, “Analyzing What Causes Samford's Men's Basketball Team to Go on a Momentum Run”. His research identified what statistics and players of the 2023-24 Samford men's basketball team led them to a historic season.

 

There were also economics abstracts presented at the colloquia. David Sputh, a senior Brock Scholar, presented, “Economic Variables and Life Satisfaction: Can Money Buy Happiness?”. His research focused on the age-old question: Can money "buy" happiness? Sputh sought to find a correlation between a country's gross domestic product and the reported happiness levels and life satisfaction of the inhabitants of the countries. His research started with a historical study of what it means to be happy and flourish, drawing from the intellectual tradition of philosophers, ending with modern interpretations and measurements of happiness. Sputh was named an undergraduate winner after the event.

 

Another economics abstract, presented by Luna Mora, a senior Brock Scholar, centered around a comparative analysis of intergenerational economic mobility, drawing distinctions and similarities between the United States and Latin America. Through her research, “Analyzing the Drivers of Intergenerational Economic Mobility: A Comparative Study between Latin America and the United States,” Mora identified a niche in the field of international economic studies by utilizing longitudinal data to assess differences in the intergenerational economic mobility of the western hemisphere. 

 

Kaki Burleson, a senior Brock Scholar, presented her research, “Faith and Felonies: Unraveling the Relationship Between Religious Protections and Violent Crime Rates”. This study investigates the relationship between religious free-exercise protections and violent crime rates across the United States. The aim is to determine whether there is a positive or negative correlation between states with more protections and different measures of crime statistics. 

 

The Student Research Colloquia provided Brock School of Business students with the opportunity to showcase their research skills and findings in a professional setting, which further equips them for presentations and interactions in the business world. Through research and partnership with faculty mentors, students are encouraged to delve deeper into business topics and explore innovative solutions to real-world problems. This colloquia is a unique opportunity for professional networking with peers, faculty and industry professionals, giving students the space to connect about different topics in the business world and beyond.