CHSS Undergraduate Research & Creative Works Showcase

A Conversation: The Positive Correlation Between Crime Rate and Poverty Rate
By Gabriel Camacho

Faculty advisor/course instructor: Albert de la Tierra
Entry #16

My research focuses on the topic that there is a positive correlation between the crime rate and the poverty rate in the United States. To further understand this topic I have defined and identified the three different levels of analysis that are used in criminology. are presented to criminologists when asserting answers to different questions. In addition to illustrating the three different criminal ideologies and their respective theories known as liberal, conservative, and critical. To further understand and engage with my research topic, I interviewed two colleagues of mine to not only question their understanding of the topic but in attempt to identifying their ideology and level of analysis throughout our discussion. To further support my topic, I interview my colleagues once more after a year to observe if there have been any changes to their thinking and possibly their ideology from the previous interview. Thank you for your time and interest.

Nuclear weapons, peace, and stability
By Tano D’Amore

Faculty advisor/course instructor: Carina Gallo
Entry #12

Aims/purpose: The aim of this study is to describe if nuclear weapons can create peace and stability. In that case, how?

Methods: Literature review

Results: With this research, I will explore the controversial standpoint that nuclear weapons can create peace and international stability, and in that case how? In the case of North Korea or Pakistan, did nuclear weapons create stability as no one is brave enough to start a war with some country possessing nuclear weapons? The war in Ukraine may also have turned out differently if they would have had nuclear weapons.  

Conclusion: After these examples, in my project, I will highlight how nuclear weapons affect peace and stability. 

Mass Incarceration: Supporting the U.S Imperial Regime
By Eduardo Hernandez

Faculty advisor/course instructor: Dr. Albert de la Tierra
Entry #33

In providing an overview into Mass Incarceration, the Prison Industrial Complex, and the Military Complex; the aim of this research will be to demonstrate how the U.S is engaging in a domestic military operation from their exploitation of the U.S prison population through prison wage labor, where conveniently, is protected under the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution. By virtue of the U.S. military's inherent mechanism to “conquer” via the U.S military or law enforcement for example, the United States, historically, has become an imperialistic nation from the earliest ventures of the Revolutionary War to the occupation of resource-rich continents such as Africa. As such, the discriminatory and prejudicial policies enforced by law enforcement have targeted minority populations which have resulted in a repeating cycle of incarceration.

Political Warfare Social Media Final Podcast
By Roger Lau

Faculty advisor/course instructor: Carina Gallo
Entry #21

This research presentation analyzes the ways in which social media is being used as political warfare against America, with a focus on examples from TikTok, Facebook, and other media outlets. The podcast finds that social media platforms have become powerful tools for political warfare, enabling the spread of propaganda, disinformation, and conspiracy theories. The podcast also discusses the potential for data collection practices on TikTok to be used for blackmail and repression by the Chinese Communist Party. The case study from China shows how social media platforms such as TikTok are being used to manipulate public opinion in favor of the Chinese government. The podcast concludes that there is a significant threat to democracy, and it is crucial to be aware of the ways in which social media can be used as a tool for political warfare and take steps to combat this threat.

How the Plea Bargain Affects Our Criminal Justice System
By Estefany Romero

Faculty advisor/course instructor: Albert de la Tierra
Entry #36

The Criminal Justice System has oppressed Latinos and Blacks for many years. They constantly experience over-policing, racial profiling, poverty, and a lack of resources. There are many processes inside the criminal justice system that contribute to the harming of minorities such as the plea bargain. The plea bargain process occurs between the defendant and the prosecutor. They discuss the terms of a final plea agreement that they believe is fair. However, it sometimes fails to provide justice for incarcerated individuals due to their background, leading to mass incarceration. Many are falsely accused and are forced to take plea deals by prosecutors. The majority of the time the defendant believes they will receive a lenient sentence if they take the plea deal. My research highlights the process of a plea deal, explains amendments violations, and connects economic and political disparities. Learning individuals' stories and removing the plea bargain process will reform the criminal justice system.