Note from Ken for all students: Independent research projects are meant for students to learn to research a specific topic via digging deeply into databases, fieldwork, and/or conducting interviews/surveys. The goal is to learn to investigate a unique problem and seek solutions that may be replicated. The process includes doing a thorough literature review, establishing research questions, methodology, collecting data via qualitative or quantitative means, performing data analysis, and drawing logical conclusions based on the research conducted. Students are expected to write their reports in English with very little editing from the faculty adviser. This Spring semester of 2017 will require students to complete their independent research. Students will be expected to submit weekly logs and report their progress to the adviser, and the adviser will provide periodic feedback where needed.