The American Cancer Society group with Carolyne Kidake Muhunge, Elzat Mamutalieva, Emmanuel Adugu, Eric Kwaku Gavua and Phyllis Dako-Gyeke are trying to transform basic research into information that can benefit people, cancer victims and relatives of cancer patients as well. Based on available research on contributors of the organization, the team developed a basic survey to examine the relationship between the organization and a certain level of donors. They designed a questionare and turned it over to the ACS for review. The survey has been pre-tested for reliability and validity.

The Recycle and Energy Challenge group comprising of Michelle Garzaro, Nita Irawati Murjani, Sean Somatra Kim and Shangrila Joshi completed their capstone project in the winter quarter. They designed more than 20 posters, flyers and other promotional materials to be put up on the bulletin boards in 41 residence halls at Ohio University. While coinciding with the annual inter-collegiate Recycle Mania competition and the in-house Energy Conservation contest among OU residence halls, their purpose was to promote and generate awareness on recycling and energy saving initiatives in the residence halls.

Second year students Elis Anis, Giovanna Monteverde, Peace Medie and Alevtyna Vidyakina are working closely with the Appalachian non-profit organization Southern Perry County Youth, Arts & Media Center (SPiCYAM). “I like the idea of this organization, they are helping local youth and the community and I am glad that our Capstone group can work with them and help them out” – said Elis.SPiCYAM is located in Shawnee, Ohio and works toward providing after school and a summer program in digital video production. Every year SPiCYAM participates in the International Film Festival in Athens. The organization also has various art forms such as ceramics and stained glass. The CommDev Capstone group is conducting research and analysis on the juvenile crime rate in Shawnee for the last ten years. This data would be used to assess its impact on the community and ‘at risk youth.’ The group is also creating a media kit to help SPiCYAM promote its activities to a broader audience. The CommDevers paid several visits to Shawnee and met with local youth. “We really had a great time. The children were so welcoming and were asking questions about our countries. We also had an art class there” said Giovanna laughing. Overall it is a great opportunity for the CommDev student to lean about the local Appalachian area and to bring their knowledge and skills to local communities.