Summer 2023 Saints Start Projects Are Up and Running

Evelyn Albrecht ‘25 will be studying wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Rhode Island using a wildlife conservation detector dog, K9 Newt. Wood turtles are designated as an endangered species in all 17 states where they reside, Including Rhode Island. In recent years, wood turtles have been documented in the state yet the population dynamics of those found remain mostly unknown. By using a K9 detector dog, whose surveying abilities have been proven superior to those of humans, they will be able to detect the turtles with greater ease and obtain a more accurate population estimate. In addition to estimating the number of wood turtles in these populations, they will also collect data on the age and sex of the individuals captured as well as the physical aspects of the habitat in which they were located. This data can be further utilized by wildlife conservationists in making decisions pertaining to the protection of Rhode Island’s wood turtles. Evelyn will be working with their mentor, SLU herpetology professor Dr. Kristine Hoffmann, as well Roger William Zoo’s Director of Conservation Programs, Lou Perrotti, and RIDEM state herpetologist Scott Buchanan on this project.

Yeyuxi Yi ’25 will aim to create an interesting number family called polybinomial numbers over the summer. The idea is originated from binomial numbers, tribinomial numbers and Pascal’s triangle. By going over rigorous mathematical investigation, he expects the number family to carry the characteristics of Pascal’s triangle and binomial numbers. The finding will be an extension of Pascal’s triangle and continuation of binomial and tribinomial numbers. This research will be a valuable experience for his creativity and innovation. The final result can be an interesting pattern that is open for future investigation. Yeyuxi Yi will receive mentoring from Dr. Gabriel Dorfsman-Hopkins who teaches in the Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics Department at St. Lawrence. 

Sofia Zareizadeh '26 will be conducting a three-week service-research project with UNICEF in Geneva, Switzerland. Her focus will be on the CODAS team's significant initiative to enhance fundraising efforts in emerging markets. The project aims to engage Payment Service Providers (PSPs) in leveraging digital and mobile payments, recognizing their growing importance in today's digital landscape. Collaborating with industry leaders like Alipay, UNICEF seeks to develop a well-researched pitch that aligns with their requirements and status, defining the mutual benefits and return on investment for PSPs. The project also aims to identify opportunities for mutually advantageous outcomes between FinTech and UNICEF while determining the key requirements for independent country-specific payment industry assessments. Through thorough research and the development of a trainable solution, UNICEF aims to strengthen its fundraising capabilities and continue its vital work in improving the lives of children globally. Sofia is being mentored by Carol Smith, a Senior Officer in St. Lawrence's Advancement Department.