Data Management Tool
Team: Sarah Padrutt ’18, Scarlett Chen ’18, Sabrina Tobe ’18
Advisors: Matt Moynihan (Mathematics) and John Ramsay (Mathematics)
APEX (Center for Advising, Planning, and Experiential Learning) provides College of Wooster students with a variety of support services that aid in developing their own academic, personal and professional goals. APEX would like to understand how each demographic of the student body engages with their services. The task given to the AMRE APEX Data Team was to perform an analysis of student engagement for the 2015-2016 academic year, andcreate an easy to use program that automates this analysis for subsequent years. In response, the team created a Microsoft Excel-basedprogram namedWISER (Wooster Interactive Student Engagement Report). This program will combine APEX student engagement data with College student demographic information to create a student engagement Excel database and a dashboard of interactive Excel Pivot Tables that will facilitate assessment of student engagement and APEX programming.
Curricular Resource Study
Team: James Ma ’19, Julia Brooks ’19, Dylan Orris ’19
Advisors: Rob Kelvey (Mathematics) and Jen Bowen (Mathematics)
Abstract: The goal of this project was to both find a lower cost alternative to the current textbook in use in Calculus courses at the College, as well as to revise, and for Calculus I and II, replace the aging Maple labs. The team researched textbooks and reached a consensus to recommend Openstax Calculus first and foremost, with secondary recommendations of three other books. After revising Maple labs for Linear Algebra and Calculus III, the team found an online course software, Ximera, and in addition to lab handouts, created online labs for Calculus I and II.
Tire Tread Wear Modeling
Advisors: Drew Pasteur (Mathematics) and Charlie Jackson (Engineering, Ashesi University)
Team: Joe MacInnes ’19, Bhargav Bhalodi ’19, Kelly Steurer ’18, Maxwell Aladago (Ashesi ’18)
Abstract: The main aim of this project was to identify and analyze the effects of some geolocational factors such as road roughness, road curvature, elevation change, weather, and traffic on tire tread wear. Goodyear provided us with data concerning the tire tread wear rates of different kinds of tires in several different zip codes. The majority of work done involved getting data for our factors, generating features from this data, and creating a model from these features. The main deliverable for the project was a model that explained the effect of the mentioned geolocational factors and enabled Goodyear to calculate a predicted tread wear rate for any region in the United States.
Market Research
Team: Charles Holt ’19 and Kevin Gould ’18
Advisors: Brett Woodard (APEX) and Marina Rosales (APEX)
Abstract: This AMRE project focused on examining engagement factors for Outdoor Access, a two-sided marketplace that connects landowners and outdoor enthusiasts. Using regression analysis through STATA software, the team quantified the effect of listing characteristics on customer engagement, and surveyed Outdoor Access’ member base to better establish customer preferences. Ultimately the analysis and recommendations for the client served as methods to reduce marketing/acquisition costs and improve the long-run customer experience. The project concluded by presenting data analysis, survey findings and recommendations to Outdoor Access at their headquarters in Richmond, VA.
Competitor Pricing Investigation
Team: Cynthia Gouanfo (Ashesi ’18), Maggie Sestito ’19, Shuwen Pang ’18, David Wolshire ’18
Advisors: John Ramsay (Mathematics) and Rob Kelvey (Mathematics)
Abstract: A large insurance company was interested in determining what variables can predict or determine the sale of insurance policies. The College of Wooster AMRE Team was given three data sets to merge, clean, and analyze. In addition to those files, the team was provided with a glossary that listed all the variable’s descriptions.
Analysis Methods included:
- Frequency Tables
- Hypothesis Testing
- Logistic Regressions
- Binary Classification Trees
- Clustering
The team found a number of variables that influenced the sale of policies and provided the company with suggestions for further analysis.
Consumer Software Sales Profitability Research
Team: Komal Mesvani ’18, Kory Sansom ’19, Jessica Verghese ’18
Advisors: Joe Histen (Business Economics) and Drew Pasteur (Mathematics)
Abstract: Saltillo Corporation is a local company that makes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices for individuals with speech impairments. The objective of the project was to help Saltillo improve their marketing and pricing strategies to better cater to the demands of the education and consumer markets. Through extensive market research, the AMRE team recommended ways in which Saltillo could increase their social media and web presence, and adjust the price of their products using discounts or bundling strategies.
Feasibility Study
Team: Oscar Bautista ’19, Emma Woods ’18, Randall Turner ’18
Advisors: Tom Tierney (Sociology) and Jim Foley (The Counseling Center of Wayne and Holmes Counties)
Abstract: This AMRE project conducted a feasibility study to assess the possibility of developing a Social Service Coaches Program at The College of Wooster. The team organized a series of interviews with members of the community, faculty, and staff from the College, collected and analyzed alumni data, and created a literature review of academic sources to develop a model of best practices for the program. A comprehensive curriculum was developed to train students in the social work and mental health competencies they will need to conduct home visits and act as a mental health coach. Finally, partnerships with three mental health counseling centers willing to host College volunteers were established.
Feasibility Study
Team: Mary Cotter ’20, Shana Zelenka ’19, Pedro Oliboni ’20, Anna Addei (Ashesi ’17)
Advisors: Vikki Briggs (APEX) and Nate Addington (APEX)
Abstract: Traditionally, AMRE projects have been based in math and computer science; however the Community Transportation project was one of three projects completed in 2017 to be focused on social services. The Community Transportation team worked for seven clients with varying perspectives and goals for the project, including Wayne Economic Development Council, The Fund for Our Economic Future, and Job and Family Services, to generate interactive maps using ARCGis software, and to propose a spectrum of possible transportation systems for Wayne County. The Community Transportation team generated a final report and proposal which highlighted case studies of transportation systems across the United States, possible options for funding, stories of community members who struggle with transportation, and the Team’s proposed systems, among other topics. Additionally, a guide as to how to use mapping web applications created by the team was attached to the final report. The Community Transportation team presented on the following systems: four fixed routes generated by the team, a vanpool program, a paratransit system, and Liberty Mobility (an on-demand system managed by a private entity). Within minutes of the conclusion of the team’s final presentation, the stakeholders decided to submit an application of interest to Liberty Mobility.
Data Center Feasibility Study and Poverty Research
Team: Celia Connolly and Geoffrey Carney-Knisely ’18
Advisors: Heather Fitz Gibbon (Sociology) and Anne Nurse (Sociology)
Abstract: This project focused on a feasibility study for the creation of a Data Center at The College of Wooster designed to serve United Way and the entire Wayne County community in assessing the collective impact of community investments, collaborations and partnerships on people’s lives. The project team also researched and identified appropriate indicators to measure poverty locally, continuing the work of prior poverty research conducted with United Way and The College of Wooster.
Automated Rate Impact Tool
Team: Constant Likudie (Ashesi ’18), Michelle Bae ’19, Christian Betre ’19, Mary-Hannah Boyer ’18
Advisors: Jen Bowen (Mathematics) and Ronda Kirsch (Mathematics)
The goal of this AMRE project for Western Reserve Group is to automate the process of calculating the premium of auto insurance when underlying factors change.We were given excel spreadsheets with relevant calculation process and data. We rewrote this process in a program called R.Then we created an application using the algorithm.Now users can both graphically and numerically see the data of how much the premium has changed for how many people in a more efficient manner.