Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to congratulate this year’s AP Research students at Old Rochester Regional High School, following the completion of the Presentation and Oral Defense component of their research inquiries in the Media Center on Friday, April 11.
The Presentation and Oral Defense component for the AP Research students was the culmination of a research process that started at the beginning of the school year. The research process involved the selection of a topic of academic inquiry, before empowering the AP Research students to explore preexisting scholarship through a review of literature. The 12 AP Research students then designed and carried out an appropriate and well-defended research method, before analyzing the results in order to address a gap in the existing research.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s AP Research students, who completed the Presentation and Oral Defense component of their research inquiries,” said Social Studies Teacher Andrew Apperson, who oversaw the student research. “The students have worked hard to reach this immense accomplishment. The students did absolutely amazing work, and they brought forth a wide array of fascinating topics. As always, it was a delight to see it all come together, and I’m tremendously proud of their accomplishments.”
The Presentation and Oral Defense Panel, a group of teachers who judged the research projects, were treated to AP Research student presentations on the following topics:
To what extent did US Foreign Policy Contribute to Russia’s Decision to Invade Ukraine?
The Effects of Changing the Physical Properties of a Disc Golf Disc.
COVID-19’s Isolation Effects on Infants’ Developmental Levels.
The Impact of AFRICOM on Djibouti.
The Impact of Turbidity on Eelgrass Growth in Buzzards Bay.
The Effect of Digitization on Music Consumers.
Impact of Mental Health Issues on the Lifestyle of a Female Collegiate Athlete.
Child Life Specialists’ Role in the Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team at Hasbro Children’s. Hospital.
Examining the Correlation Between Success and Motivation Levels on Female Irish Dancers 12 to 18 Years Old in the CLRG Irish Dance Organization.
To What Extent are Vocational Education Programs in Correctional Facilities in the South Coast of Massachusetts Effective in Reducing Recidivism?
The Evolution of Anti-Virus Software on Windows.
The Effects of Seasonality on Opioid Abuse Patterns in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz and Principal Michael Devoll thanked Mr. Apperson for his role guiding AP Research. And they commended the students for exploring these complicated topics with academic rigor, scholarly discipline and sound logic.
“We’re extremely proud of these students for their achievements on their AP Research projects,” said Principal Devoll. “By taking on this challenge, our AP Research students have gone above and beyond. The experience they’ve gained will serve them well as they continue with their education and engage in scholarly research. Thank you to Mr. Apperson for guiding these students and empowering them to make such scholarly and well-researched presentations.”
“Congratulations to these students on this impressive achievement,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fedorowicz. “We always want students to be able to learn about things that interest them, and the AP Research program allows them to do just that while also helping them develop valuable skills that can be used down the line, no matter what they pursue after high school. The AP Research program is rigorous and challenging. Completing this program is an indication of the high level of dedication and scholarly discipline.”
“Kudos to all of our AP Research students for completing their Presentation and Oral Defense,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This AP Research program enables our students to explore real-world issues in great depth through research and collaboration. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to write and present their work effectively, demonstrating scholarship, hard work and remarkable insight into some of the most intriguing and challenging topics facing our world today.”