From examining the role of cognitive dissonance in fast fashion consumption to looking into the relationship between inflation expectations and real stock returns, four students in StFX’s Gerald Schwartz School of Business took a deep dive into undergraduate research projects as recipients of the Schwartz Business School Research Internship Award.
Schwartz School students Matt West, Sammy Johnson, Nasha Cunningham and Dion Durant each received the $7,500 award which provides up to 16 weeks of research work under the supervision and mentorship of a StFX faculty member.
The Schwartz research internships offer incredible opportunities for business students to enhance their learning experience by engaging in research on topics that matter to industry and to society, says Dean of Business (Acting) Dr. Bobbi Morrison.
“The Schwartz Research Internship program has enabled students to hone research skills while investigating complex real-world problems, propelled students into graduate schoolwork, and has also resulted in student-led publications in academic journals,” Dr. Morrison says.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
Matt West of Bedford, NS, a fourth year student taking joint honours in econonics and finance, spent the summer working with StFX economics professor Dr. Greg Tkacz co-authoring a paper examining the relationship between inflation expectations and real stock returns in the Canadian and American context.
“I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Tkacz with the aid of the generous funding from the Schwartz Business School Research Internship Award. To be so involved in the research process as an undergrad is something unique to institutions like StFX and something I am immensely fortunate to be a part of,” he says.
“Both the Schwartz School of Business and the StFX Economics Department do a tremendous job in exposing their students to the theoretical underpinnings of their respective fields. However, my experience this summer has allowed me to better develop my empirical abilities as a researcher. From becoming more comfortable with econometric software to better contextualizing the practical implications of theory taught in class. The experience I gained this summer will undoubtedly play a foundational role as I progress through my academic career.”
ACADEMICS, MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE
Sammy Johnson of Hammonds Plains, NS, a fourth year BBA student taking an honours in accounting, focused on transparency specifically in relation to the nine Colleges of Pharmacy across Canada. She is supervised by Dr. Bobbi Morrison.
“I dive deep into the literature of transparency and Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (PRAs) and will be focusing on the perceive amount of transparency within the information being released from the colleges of pharmacy and PRAs to the public.
“This opportunity means a lot to me as it provided me the financial ability to take some time throughout the summer to get a head start on writing my thesis so that I could continue to maintain a high academic standing during the academic year while also taking a full course load.”
She says one major benefit the experience provided was working one-on-one with her advisor, and to have that mentorship experience. “I was able to have conversations with my advisor about job applications, career paths as well as get my questions answered surrounding academic courses, etc. Being able to research and learn different styles of research was great, but the relationship I built with my advisor really put into perspective how much your professors are there for you and all other students.”
DEEPER INSIGHT
Nasha Cunningham of Arusha, Tanzania, a fourth year advanced marketing major, focused her research on the role of cognitive dissonance in fast fashion consumption. Ms. Cunningham is supervised by Dr. Caitlin McLaughlin.
“It has meant a lot to me to be able to conduct this research as we are in a climate catastrophe. I believe any research that gives us a deeper insight into the causes of environmental harm is especially important. This project has given me the opportunity to delve deeper into a cause I am passionate about while simultaneously being able to use the skills and knowledge I've gained from my business classes to help create and build my study, as well as analyze the data,” she says.
“Conducting this research project has given me a better understanding of consumer behavior and business ethics. I enjoyed being able to work both independently in some aspects of this research as well as being able to collaborate and receive advice from my supervisor. This has been an impactful experience as well as a great steppingstone into the world of research as I hope to go on to pursue my MBA and conduct further research projects.”
