Topic: Universality and Practical Applicability of the Logistic Map Bifurcation Diagram and Mandelbrot Set

Question: To what extent can we use simple mathematical equations to model the complex dynamics of the real world?

In a number of fields, such as biology, social science, economics, and many more, recursively derived sequences and simple mathematical equations are used to help better understand the world. Although such equations may appear relatively simple, some can have extremely complex and even unpredictable behavior. This investigation examines the beauty, complexity, and practical applications of the logistic map bifurcation diagram, as well as its connection to the Mandelbrot set and the Feigenbaum constant.

Topic: Math, algorithms used in election processes and how mathematicians use them

Question: How do algorithms impact the functionality of government and what are their impacts of society?

In this paper, I examined what algorithms are used in electoral and other political processes and how they can be abused. I created worked examples of common algorithms and examined cases where algorithms had been used in political crime. My ultimate findings were that algorithms have as much potential to aid political systems as they have to corrupt them.

Topic: The Impact of Goal-Setting on the Predictive Performance of Student Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Question: To what extent has goal-setting affected the predictive performance of high school athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A student athlete’s performance in sport is determined by many factors; one must be physically strong and mentally stable in order to perform well. However, the COVID-19 virus declared a pandemic in March of 2020 halted all regular activities most high school athletes participate in to ensure the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, including the mental aspects of time management and motivation that are critically involved in balancing the physical aspects of achieving nutrition, muscular, and overall fitness goals that affect one’s athletic performance. Keeping this in mind, two hypothetical theories were tested through individual survey responses collected over the 8 months that COVID-19 has since affected the regular quality of life to answer the research question: 1) Student athletes’ goal-setting abilities decreased immensely from March 2020- October 2020 due to the environmental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to poor overall health and gradually lowered predictive performance in sport, and if this is true, then 2) Student athletes’ anticipated performance in sports will have dropped drastically by October 2020 as they experienced lack of proper goal-setting compared to their performance in sports as of March 2020 prior to the COVID-19 setbacks.

EE Topic: Prejudice and Discrimination against Minorities

Research Question: How are prejudice and discrimination against minorities depicted towards the protagonists on two speculative short-stories: “The Paper Menagerie” by Ken Liu and “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury?

Abstract: Within the two speculative short stories, both illustrate symbols and metaphors such as the closet and the cheongsam to name a few, that represent ideas of isolation and discrimination against minorities. Furthermore, both texts, though different in culture, portray the same meaning in which both protagonists are being isolated and outcasted by the majority, but handled such in contrasting ways; leading to the beginning of the new chapter of understanding.