O'Neill School Undergraduate Thesis Blog – Page 3 – O'Neill Thesis Writers Sharing What They've Learned

It Will Be Tough, But You’ve Got This!

Posted on May 12, 2025 by elikurla

Writing a thesis is stressful, and many of the horror stories you’ve heard are likely true. However, I can say from experience that the effort was worth it for me. There are very few pieces of work from your time at IU that you’ll be able to talk about years from now, but your thesis is one of them. Having completed my presentation last week and submitted my thesis the week before, the feeling of accomplishment is real. I’ll be able to look back on my college career and point to my thesis as work that I’m very proud of.

Below, you can find my advice for those of you who will be working on your theses:

Work with an advisor who performs research. This is the single most important piece of advice I can offer. It’s incredibly beneficial to work with an advisor who performs research, not one who’s a clinical or teaching professor. My advisor understood how to perform quantitative research, find a strong research question, write for different audiences, and how to navigate the overall research process. When I brought him an initial idea, he helped me develop a research plan, recommended appropriate research methods, and provided helpful guidance as I developed both the paper and presentation.

While clinical professors can make good advisors, they may not have the same knowledge of quantitative or qualitative methodologies and experience with research processes. For example, my external reviewer, who was a clinical professor, gave me minimal and mostly positive feedback. On the other hand, my advisor offered detailed and constructive feedback based on his own experience with research. His feedback was something that only a researcher could provide, and it made my thesis significantly stronger.

Find your advisor early. I chose my advisor at the beginning of the second class, and we were refining my research question into February. This meant that I had a significant amount of work to do during the last few months of the course, work which could have been reduced had I found my advisor earlier. I strongly encourage you to find an advisor as soon as you can and to finalize your research question by the end of the SPEA-V 491 course.

Start your data analysis early. Many people, including myself, waited a long time to begin our data analyses. As a result, we had to scramble during the second half of the semester to finish our data analysis, paper, and presentations. That made for an incredibly difficult second half of the semester, so I recommend starting your data analysis as soon as possible.

Get as much feedback as possible. There are so many people who are willing to provide feedback on your thesis, especially because you’re a student. I shared my thesis with my family, friends, advisor, external reviewer, and my class peers. Each person offered a unique perspective, and these perspectives made my thesis much better.

Pick a topic you’re passionate about. You’ll spend countless hours working on your thesis, making it essential that you pick a topic that you’re passionate about. I strongly encourage you to spend a ton of time researching potential topics and to choose one that you truly enjoy researching.

Feeding the Midwest: What Food Banks Are Teaching Us About Resilience in Hard Times

Posted on May 12, 2025 by lincmark

Over the past few years, we’ve all felt the weight of the world a little more heavily. Between a global pandemic, rising prices, and extreme weather, it’s no wonder that more and more Americans are struggling to put food on the table. In fact, food insecurity—when a household doesn’t have reliable access to enough nutritious food—has been on the rise.

In 2022, 12.8% of U.S. households were food insecure. In 2023, that number climbed to 13.5%. Among those affected were nearly 14 million children.

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect real families, neighbors, and friends. And the people working to feed them? They’re food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters—what I call food aid organizations.

Last year, I launched the Midwest Foodbanks & Pantries Survey to better understand how these organizations are coping with three major challenges: climate change, COVID-19, and inflation. My research included responses from 109 organizations across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio, as well as 11 follow-up interviews that offered deeper insights.

What We Learned from the Frontlines of Food Aid

Food aid organizations are remarkable. They show up day after day, often with limited staff and resources, to make sure no one goes hungry. But they’re not invincible. Here’s what I found:

1. Severe Weather: Temporary But Disruptive

Storms and flooding have hit the Midwest hard in recent years. While the majority of weather-related disruptions lasted from a few hours to a few days, they still had ripple effects.

Snow, ice, and extreme cold were the most frequently reported issues. About a third of organizations surveyed said they’d had to shut down entirely due to weather, sometimes for a week or more. When they reopen, they often see an unexpected surge in clients, which can quickly deplete limited food supplies.

Figure 1: Bar chart of Weather Conditons Severely Interupting Organizations (Food Aid Organizations) Functions

2. COVID-19: Shortages, Shifts, and Silver Linings

The pandemic changed everything. During the height of COVID-19, over 80% of food aid organizations reported needing to change how they operated, shifting to drive-thru pick-ups, home deliveries, and outdoor distributions.

Figure 2: Column chart of Total Food Aid Organizations Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Some of these changes have stuck around for the better. A few organizations noted that their new models actually made food more accessible for people who couldn’t travel easily or had mobility challenges.

While most organizations today report they’ve mostly bounced back from COVID’s impact, about a quarter still feel its lingering effects, mostly when staff or clients get sick.

3. Inflation: The Big One

Inflation was, hands down, the biggest source of hardship. Over two-thirds of organizations said it caused across-the-board food shortages—everything from meat and eggs to canned goods and baby formula.

Figure 3: Pie chart of Food Shortage Categories

Not only did inflation make it harder to get food, but it also increased the need for food. In January 2023 alone, many organizations reported a 20% spike in people seeking help.

Think about that: fewer supplies, more people to feed. A brutal combination.

Seasons of Strain: Why Winter (and Summer) Are the Toughest

Winter is the most difficult season for food aid organizations. Not just because of snow and road conditions, but because the need is simply greater. People have higher heating bills, public transit is less reliable, and volunteers are harder to come by.

Surprisingly, summer is the second hardest time of year. Why? Because schools are closed, and with them go free breakfast and lunch programs. Families who rely on those meals often turn to food pantries when school is out.

What Makes Some Organizations More Resilient?

From my interviews, one pattern emerged clearly: community networks matter. Organizations that were part of strong regional partnerships—where resources, volunteers, and information were shared—bounced back more quickly after a crisis. Whether it’s a winter storm, a wave of COVID cases, or a price spike in the grocery aisle, collaboration is key.

That’s why one of my biggest recommendations is that food aid organizations and their networks plan for short-term, unpredictable food shortages. Having a flexible, community-supported system can make all the difference.

A Glimpse of Hope: What One Organization is Doing Right

During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Hope Center, a food pantry that decided to take its food supply into its own hands.

They created Hope Farm, a small urban farm that now grows fresh produce for pantry clients, especially for refugees with farming backgrounds who can reconnect with the land and their traditions. The farm includes open fields, raised beds, and even a hydroponic greenhouse that grows food year-round, regardless of the weather.

Image 1: Hope Farm

Hope Center’s model shows what’s possible when organizations dream beyond scarcity. It’s about food, yes—but also dignity, sustainability, and belonging.

What Does This All Mean?

Our world is changing fast. Climate disasters, economic shifts, and public health crises are making food insecurity more common and more complex. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned through this research, it’s that food aid organizations are resilient.

They’re run by people who are kind, relentless, and profoundly dedicated. People who, despite impossible odds, refuse to let their neighbors go hungry. Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s profitable. But because it’s the right thing to do.

We owe them not just our gratitude, but our support—and a food system that’s as strong, adaptable, and compassionate as they are.

Thank you for reading.
Let’s keep learning from and lifting up the people who are feeding our communities, one box, bag, or hot meal at a time.

Angelina Mark is a junior at the O’Neill School in Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Environmental Management with a minor in Environmental Science. Her Honors Thesis is “Midwest Foodbanks & Pantries Survey: Evaluating Climate Change, COVID-19, and Inflation.” She plans to pursue coral reef restoration and conservation upon her graduation from the O’Neill School.

You CAN Write Your Thesis!

Posted on May 12, 2025 by lincmark

Dear Future Members of the O’Neill Honors Society,

I know you’re staring down a daunting task, and if you’re feeling unsure about where to begin, that’s completely normal. My first piece of advice? Get comfortable with uncertainty—it’s part of the journey. Throughout this process, there will be moments when you don’t quite know how to proceed, and that’s okay. That’s exactly why your advisor and professors are here—to guide you, support you, and help you find your way. You are not alone in this endeavor. In fact, you have an entire army of people ready to help you reach the finish line. So don’t hesitate to lean on them when you need assistance, whether it’s figuring out an analysis, refining a figure, or simply finding reassurance on a tough day.

My second piece of advice is something I’m still working on myself: be kind to yourself. Understand that you are doing the best you can—not just with your research, but with everything else going on in your life. What you produce doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to exist. This process is challenging, and it’s easy to push yourself beyond your limits, but one of the worst things you can do is sacrifice your well-being by pulling too many all-nighters. I know the pressure to excel can be overwhelming, but running on empty doesn’t lead to better work—it leads to burnout. Sleep deprivation makes it harder to think clearly, write effectively, and analyze data with precision. Prioritizing rest and balance will ultimately make you more productive and help you create the strongest possible research.

Give yourself grace, knowing that this is likely the first project of this scale you’ve ever undertaken. You’re going to stumble, mess up, and, at times, feel like a failure—but trust me, you are not. You are capable, strong, intelligent, and passionate, and that is precisely why you are here. Your research is important, but so are you, and taking care of yourself throughout this process will make the journey far more rewarding.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the extracurricular activities and honors meetings. It can be easy to overlook them when you’re buried in research, writing, and coursework, but they are absolutely worth your time. These events offer a wonderful chance to connect with your fellow honors students, build friendships, and deepen your relationships with professors outside of the classroom setting. Plus, many of these activities are genuinely enjoyable—whether it’s a discussion panel, networking event, or a social gathering, they bring a great sense of community to your honors experience. So, don’t just attend them because they’re required—attend them because they’ll enrich your journey and remind you that you’re part of something bigger than just your individual project.

I believe in each and every one of you. You can do this.

So, good luck—and remember to find joy in the process. You chose a topic that excites you, and soon enough, you’ll see it through to the end. From one student who has just completed the honors program to another, I want to remind you: this journey is yours. It may not feel like it quite yet, but that’s what makes it so beautiful.

Choosing the Perfect External Reader

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Lucia Walker

Hello, thesis writers! I commend you all for undertaking this intensive and rewarding endeavor. I hope that when you reflect back on your experience, you will feel proud of all that you’ve accomplished as an O’Neill Honors student. The thesis process isn’t simple by any means, but there are certainly ways you can make it easier and more enjoyable for yourself along the way.

One of the most impactful decisions you’ll make while writing your manuscript is who you’ll invite to serve as your external reader. Should you ask your favorite professor? Your thesis advisor’s best faculty friend? One of your assistant instructors? You did all the work to find your thesis advisor, but you might get stuck thinking of where to look for a second opinion. It can feel daunting to share your progress with someone outside of your immediate circle, but I promise that if you choose wisely, working with your external reader can transform your work in the best way.

My advice? Choose an external reader who will offer a new and different perspective from your faculty advisor.

For example, I wrote my thesis about the relationship between diversity on nonprofit boards and fundraising policies on boards. My thesis advisor was a Professor of Practice here in the O’Neill School. She and I worked together excellently, and she was always accessible when I had questions or was looking for guidance. As a professor of leadership and fundraising with decades of experience as a nonprofit practitioner, she helped me find relevant literature, questioned me about my research methods and analysis, and shared her perspective as a member of my target audience. Her feedback was incredibly valuable.

However, my advisor was the first to tell me that her strong suit was not in data analysis or statistics. Therefore, I was missing the perspective of a researcher in my analysis and revision process. To address this gap, I sought out an external reader who could offer such a perspective.

I found the perfect external reader for my thesis by doing a deep dive on literature in my subject. In doing so, I found someone who had actually written their dissertation using an earlier distribution of my exact survey dataset – how serendipitous! He had decades of experience not only in nonprofit studies, but also in academic research and analysis.

My external reader was very familiar with the peer review process, and he returned a comprehensive document of constructive feedback. Most notably, he had great insights into my data analysis and discussion that helped address the areas my thesis advisor felt less comfortable weighing in on.

You might find yourself in the opposite position – maybe your thesis advisor is a seasoned academic researcher and has been right with you every step of the way in your data analysis process. You may be writing for a target audience of seasoned academic scholars, in which case that kind of advisor would be perfect. If this is the case, I would recommend an external reader who can offer a more practical perspective and catch instances in which you use unclear jargon or have ideas that aren’t fleshed out clearly. By seeking out feedback from an external reader with a differing perspective from your advisor, you increase the likelihood that your completed manuscript will be of interest to many different voices in your field, scholar and practitioner alike.

Lucia Walker is a May 2025 graduate of the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management. Her honors thesis is titled “It’s Not Just About the Money: Examining the Diversity Conditions Under Which Nonprofit Boards Require Minimum Annual Gifts.” While a student at Indiana University, Lucia served as Student Manager for The Singing Hoosiers and Undergraduate Coordinator for O’Neill Student Leadership Programs. After graduation, Lucia will pursue graduate studies in Arts Administration and Business at the University of Cincinnati.

What Writing a Thesis Really Taught Me

Posted on May 8, 2025 by rapplefi

When I first signed up to write an honors thesis, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I’d taken plenty of writing-intensive courses, done research before, and figured this would just be a longer, more formal version of past projects. I was wrong.

Writing a thesis is not just an academic assignment—it’s a full-on journey. It’s challenging, exciting, frustrating, rewarding, and deeply personal. Now that I’m on the other side, I want to offer a few pieces of real advice you won’t always hear in the info sessions. If you’re beginning your thesis soon, here’s what I wish someone had told me.

Don’t Pick the “Smart” Topic—Pick the Right One

You’ll be working on your thesis for a long time. That means reading dozens of sources, writing and rewriting sections, and talking about your topic constantly. If you’re not deeply invested in what you’re researching, it will show—and it will burn you out.

Your topic doesn’t need to be trendy or perfectly aligned with your major. It needs to matter to you. I wrote about campus antisemitism and progressive politics, a topic that was difficult, messy, and sometimes emotionally draining—but I cared enough to keep going even when it got uncomfortable. That’s what made the difference.

There’s No Perfect Starting Point

Some people walk into V491 with a fully-formed research question. Others only have a vague idea. Either way, don’t panic.

The early part of the process is supposed to be messy. You’ll explore, shift focus, maybe even scrap your first idea. That’s not failure—it’s refinement. Be patient and let your project evolve naturally. You’ll be surprised by where it leads you.

The Right Advisor Makes All the Difference

The best advisor is someone who not only understands your topic but also gets how you work. Some students need frequent check-ins. Others prefer independence. Find someone whose style matches yours and who’s willing to let you take the lead while still being there when you get stuck.

I was lucky to work with someone who asked the right questions without ever trying to reshape my voice. That balance is important.

Don’t Wait for Confidence—Start Anyway

There were many moments I didn’t feel “smart enough” to write what I was writing. But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come before you start. It comes from starting—from figuring things out, writing through confusion, and realizing you know more than you think.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. You just need to begin.

Give Yourself Grace

Your thesis won’t be perfect. Some sections will feel stronger than others. Some weeks you’ll be productive, others you’ll struggle to focus. That’s okay.

What matters most is that you keep going. You’ll hit a wall at some point—everyone does. When that happens, take a break, talk to someone, reread your introduction, or remind yourself why this topic matters. Then come back and try again.

Final Words

Writing an honors thesis is the most challenging academic thing I’ve ever done—and easily the most rewarding. It forced me to grow not just as a student, but as a thinker and communicator. It gave me the space to ask hard questions and pursue real answers. It taught me that persistence matters more than perfection.

Rachel Applefield is a senior at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Law and Public Policy with a minor in Social Welfare Advocacy. Her research focuses on the intersection of political ideology, antisemitism, and misinformation in campus environments. Rachel will be attending the Indiana University Maurer School of Law as a JD candidate starting Fall 2025.

Don’t Panic, You CAN Write a Thesis!

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Zsofia Leary

I’m not going to lie. Writing a thesis is a LOT. At the beginning of the year, I had no idea how I was going to write 8,000 words about research that I was supposed to conduct myself. However, I am happy to report that I did in fact make it through. There is light at the end of the tunnel. For the rest of this post, I will outline a few pieces of advice for how YOU can make it through V491 and V499 alive, too.

When starting the thesis process, I spoke with my roommate and some friends that had completed the process the previous year. The very first piece of advice they gave me was to choose a topic I was really passionate about. They said that since it’s a year-long project, you’re going to get bored of your topic no matter what, but if you choose a topic that really interests you, you can slog through. For me, my topic of choice was pretty easy. I have a background in advocacy for queer youth, so I knew I wanted to choose a topic related to that. I ended up researching how queer youth relate to sources of representation in Indiana public high schools. If you’re struggling, it helps to think of your hobbies, educational interests, or personal experiences in another country, for example.

Another thing that will greatly help your writing and data collection is organization. This may seem self-explanatory, but when you are working with a large dataset, it can be easy to lose track of certain files. Personally, I conducted qualitative research, which consisted of twelve 30-ish minute interviews. I had a separate folder on Google Drive for all of my voice recordings, and for the transcriptions. Then, I had entirely different folders for writing and editing my thesis and the various drafts that came with that. I also used the NVivo software program on my laptop to code my data, which is notoriously old and glitchy. Therefore, I made sure I had a backup of all my data files in Google Drive. This proved useful because there was a period of about a week mid-data collection where I thought I had lost all of my progress with my analysis.

My third recommendation for those embarking on their thesis journey is to find a PhD student willing to help with their thesis in addition to their advisor. I worked with Shaun Khurana, who conducts qualitative research about trans youth in states that are outlawing gender-affirming care. Not only was he able to provide insight into my topic, but he also provided additional (and much needed) feedback and encouragement. I also entered the thesis process knowing virtually nothing about qualitative data collection or analysis, but Shaun met with me weekly and guided me through the process step-by-step. Faculty advisors are extremely helpful in the thesis process, but they often advise multiple projects at the same time or otherwise have a very busy schedule. PhD students can provide that extra bit of support and guidance that can bring your thesis from good to great.

My next piece of advice is to have other students that are in your 499 class or students that have already completed their thesis study with you. During my first writing session, my friend who had completed her thesis the previous year took me to Crumble Coffee, bought me a drink, and told me I was to only work on my thesis and that she was going to keep my accountable. If I picked up my phone, she would immediately notice and tell me to focus. Later, I would sometimes write with a friend who was taking 499 with me. Having people around you that have gone through or are going through the same process can allow you to not only commiserate but also keep each other accountable to make progress with your writing. Writing a lot is a daunting task no matter what but having support can make it more manageable.

Essentially, what you need to know is that you will get there if you put in the work and effort. You need to be willing to allocate several hours of your week (or even weekend) to data collection and writing. You have to be okay with practicing the same 15-minute presentation at the end of the semester over and over and over again. You have to learn how to incorporate constructive criticism to improve your work. Of course, you will be taught all of these skills by your V499 professor but be sure to approach the process with an open mind.

Zsófia Leary is a senior studying Law & Public Policy. After graduation, she will be attending NYU to earn an MPA with a concentration in social justice and advocacy. She is a passionate advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ youth. In their free time, they enjoy traveling the world, thrifting, listening to or performing music, and cuddling with her dog, Marley.

You Can Do This — I Promise

Posted on May 8, 2025 by aporth

You are probably familiar with the horror stories of thesis writing: strict deadlines, long nights, writer’s block, and last-minute cramming. However, my story was worse than any one-night all-nighter.

Not because of any singular mistake, but my ignorance and a series of unfortunate events regarding my data led to a complete and utter disaster about four weeks before the final turn-in deadline. This resulted in me having to change my research question and restart from square one. Did I call my dad, declaring my surrender on more than one occasion? Yes. But with some perseverance and tough love advice from those phone calls, I made it through—and you can, too.

While I don’t wish my personal experience on anybody, I believe it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my academic career.

Here are some of my takeaways:

Use your resources: Everyone is there to help you—if you let them. One of my biggest regrets is not using the class TA sooner. Tasks that would take me days, I later discovered, could be completed in a few-hour-long session. Working with the TA also ensured that my work was done correctly. Building the relationship early on will only benefit you in this process. Acknowledge that you are not an expert, and be open to asking for and accepting help.

Advocate for yourself: Unfortunately, nobody cares about your thesis as much as you do. Everybody has their own lives to live, and your deadlines are not their top priority. You may have to send multiple follow-up emails to get a meeting or to have somebody read your draft. Do not take it personally, but stay active and consistent. Do not be passive; you do not have the room in your timeline.

Give yourself grace: Most likely, this is your first time ever conducting research and writing a thesis. It is a learning process that takes several months and is nowhere close to linear. My classmates and I often joked about how one step forward was somehow three steps backwards simultaneously. Some days will feel heavier than others, but surrender to the fact that it is all a part of the process, and give yourself some grace. All you can do is keep trying. Remember, it would not be an accomplishment if it were considered easy.

Romanticize the process: Establish a productive workspace outside your bedroom and romanticize the process. I recommend finding a spot that serves coffee because the baristas and I were on a first-name basis by the time this whole thing was over. Your mindset can completely change your experience, and if you choose this project, I suggest also choosing not to be miserable. Celebrate your little wins and find some enjoyment in your work.

As painfully cliche as it sounds, it will all work out. Everyone around you is there to support you (even if you have to send a follow-up email or two) and cheer you on. Believe in yourself and you can do this — I promise.

Ashley Porth is a senior at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Healthcare Management and Policy with a minor in Business. Her Honors Thesis is “Hospital Ownership Matters: Understanding the Gap in Patient Experience Scores Between For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Hospitals.” Following graduation, she will begin the Commercial Development Program at GE Appliances and work toward earning her MBA.

Hospital Ownership Matters: Comparing Patient Experience Scores Between For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Hospitals

Posted on May 8, 2025 by aporth

In the American healthcare system, not all hospitals are created equal, especially regarding the care that patients experience.

Across the United States, hospitals operate under various ownership models. Each is bound by a different set of financial and ethical obligations, and those obligations may impact how patients experience care. Between dollar-driven for-profit and patient-centered not-for-profit, does this difference in ownership structure actually affect the patient experience?

What is the Patient Experience?

The patient experience refers to an individual patient’s perception of their care. It encompasses the full range of interactions they have with the healthcare system, from nurse and doctor communication to the cleanliness of the healthcare facility.

Nationally, it is measured through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The HCAHPS survey is the only standardized and publicly reported patient experience data. Over 4,000 hospitals participate, and over 3 million patients complete the survey annually. This dataset provides a star rating for each patient experience domain, measured on a 0-5 scale.

Difference in Ownership Type

Private entities or corporations own for-profit hospitals and operate under a business model prioritizing cost control, financial return to shareholders, and revenue maximization. They receive funding through investments, patient fees, and insurance reimbursements.

By contrast, not-for-profit hospitals take a patient-centric approach, focusing on community service and providing access to healthcare. They are governed by boards, governments, or organizations and receive funding through charitable donations, reimbursements, and government grants.

Both models provide essential care, but their values differ.

Key Findings

On average, not-for-profit hospitals score 0.3529 stars higher than for-profit hospitals.

To explain this gap, I ran two multivariable regression models: one baseline model with only not-for-profit ownership as the independent variable and a second introducing several independent variables that could potentially influence the results. These variables included teaching status, uncompensated care burden, high disproportionate care, discharges, and the number of beds.

Even after accounting for key variables outside of ownership, not-for-profit hospitals earned 0.272 more stars than for-profit hospitals on the HCAHPS scale.

Two other statistically significant results came from teaching hospitals, which earned 0.127 more stars on the HCAHPS scale than non-teaching hospitals, and high-disproportionate care hospitals, which earned 0.613 fewer stars on the HCAHPS scale than non-high-disproportionate care hospitals.

The results of this study show evidence that hospital ownership type has a strong, independent relationship with patient experience, and the difference is not a product of structural or operational characteristics.

The control variables included in the analysis revealed essential insights about the broader determinants of the patient experience. The benefits of academia in medicine, including more time spent with patients, a culture of innovation, learning, and development, and the wide variety of services offered, result in patients having a more positive perception of their experience. On the other hand, high case complexity and greater resource constraints for patients in high-disproportionate care hospitals hurt patient experience scores.

Why This Research Matters

The patient experience is a key measure of quality that correlates with health outcomes, hospital readmissions, mortality rates, patients’ adherence to treatment, financial reimbursement, and overall trust in the healthcare system. If not-for-profit hospitals consistently outperform in this area, it raises questions about how we incentivize healthcare quality and what tradeoffs are being made under the for-profit model.

We live in a time when healthcare is becoming more corporatized, and the number of for-profit hospitals is rising. This research highlights the need to preserve the patient-centered approach to care provided by not-for-profit hospitals.

Phones are Changing the Way We Shop

Posted on May 8, 2025 by kirsulli

As digital natives, Generation Z (born 1997–2012) spends an average of six hours daily on social media—more than any other generation (Harmony Healthcare IT, 2024). This shift in media consumption raises important questions about its economic and behavioral consequences. Most of Gen Z has grown up on social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube – which allow anyone to produce and view content (Tanaka, 2011). Some content creators accumulate large followings and make a living from their content production. For these popular creators, also known as influencers, brands partner with them to promote their products (Özkan and Solmaz, 2017). These influencers drive 41% of people under 30 to make purchases (Faverio & Anderson, 2022).

While technology use has increased, so has the consumption of goods. If everyone consumed like the United States, we would need five Earths to sustain it (UNICEF, 2022). At minimum, social media increases exposure to advertisement, especially with Generation Z’s six-hours-per-day online. Logically, it stands to reason that people may shop more as their exposure to advertisements through social media increases. What remains uncertain is whether screen times directly correlate with consumption levels. My recent study, conducted among Indiana University students, explores how social media screen time and influencer marketing shape spending habits, offering insights into the evolving consumption patterns of this demographic.

Key Findings: Screen Time and Spending

The study surveyed 197 Indiana University undergraduate students on Qualtrics, analyzing the relationship between social media usage and weekly spending. The survey utilized multiple choice questions and Likert scales which were divided into four parts: (1) Screen Time; (2) Spending; (3) Interaction with Influencers; and (4) Demographics. While the sample size limited the study’s statistical power, results show a statistically significant positive correlation between average screen time and spending per week. So, as respondents screen time increased, so did their consumption (0.26-unit rise in weekly expenditure on a 7-point scale). Of the controls (age, race, gender, parental support, and student income), age was found to be significant. As the respondent’s age increased, so did their spending (by 0.16 units). For specific goods, restaurant spending showed the strongest association – with higher screen time linked to increased frequency of eating out (by 0.42 units). This could reflect targeted advertising, convenience preferences, or reduced time for meal preparation. These findings align with prior research suggesting that digital exposure amplifies consumption opportunities.

Graph 1: Screen Time and Spending

(This ggplot graph visually plots respondents answers to their screen time and spending per week)

Influencer marketing, a dominant force in social media advertising, was another focus. Notably: 75.6% of respondents followed influencers, yet their direct impact on purchasing decisions was not statistically significant in regression models. Over half (54.3%) of respondents admitted to buying a product after seeing an influencer’s post. However, 79% of respondents claimed they never, rarely, or only sometimes followed influencers with similar lifestyles to them. Meaning people may follow these influencers in the same way they follow celebrities, rather than as a reference-point of what to buy. Many respondents claimed their friends and family influenced their purchasing decisions as 84% claimed they never, rarely, or sometimes purchased more than those around them. This means real world influencers may be more important than online influences.

Graph 2: Influencers Impact on Screen Time and Spending

While the study provides a foundational understanding, several constraints warrant consideration. For one, the cohort was predominantly female (80.7%) and young (mean age: 19.8), limiting generalizability. Along with this it was a small sample size, so there are errors of internal validity (representing the IU population) and external validity (representing the Generation Z population). Lastly, responses relied on recall accuracy and self-reporting, which may underestimate true screen time or spending. Future research should expand sample diversity and have broader categories in the selection of survey answers.

There is a positive relationship between screen time and spending. More research is needed to determine if this spending is on non-necessity goods. It was determined that as people spend more time on their phones, they eat more restaurant food. The role of influencers and income demands deeper investigation. As social media becomes more prevalent in our lives, we need to understand its real world consequences. Our current consumption patterns are non-sustainable.

Kira Sullins is a senior at the O’Neill School in Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Environmental Management. Her Honors Thesis is “The New Normal: How Social Media Advertising and Use Changes Consumption Patterns in Generation Z.” She plans to pursue the O’Neill MPA and environmental consulting after graduation.

Ironic Time Management Advice from an Expert Procrastinator

Posted on May 8, 2025 by kirsulli

Honors students usually fall into two categories: (1) The Organized Student and (2) The Expert Procrastinator. Of course we learn that generalizations like these two categories are bad to make in research, but bear with me. The Organized Student has a Google Calendar with color coordinated time slots of when-to-write. They write early in the morning with a warm cup of tea – really romanticizing the process. They somehow have time to TA, run for student president, and fit in a workout class. Then, there is The Expert Procrastinator. This student writes in between their classes, shaking from three cups of coffee. Most of their writing is interrupted by long social media breaks, where they scroll on TikTok and Instagram reels. Then, right before the deadline, they finally write something of worth. As you can see by the corny title, I fall into this second category. However, I believe I’ve come up with some pretty solid advice.

1. Find a topic you care about, so you actually want to write
Since you’re an Honors student, you’re smart – and you probably want to show other people just how smart you are with your thesis. In reality, your advisor, external reader, and 499 professor are mostly likely going to be the only people reading your paper in full. This paper is for you. You are learning how to write a “real” research paper, collect data, and make connections. It is a lot more fun to write about something you are truly passionate about than something that you’re trying to sell to others you’re passionate about. I chose a topic I really liked, which made it easier to begin (and continue) my writing throughout the program.

2. Set your own deadlines
If you’re a procrastinator like me, you’ll wait to do work until the day before it appears on your Canvas calendar. Sadly, this won’t work for your Honors thesis. To keep myself in-check, I set my own deadlines on Canvas – assignments like “finish your introduction” and “edit your methods”. I took a semester between 491 and 499 to have adequate time to send my survey out. In 499, I also had bi-weekly meetings with my advisor. My reasoning? I could waste my time, but not his. I would be embarrassed if I showed up to a meeting with no new updates or questions. So, I recommend setting these smaller deadlines for yourself.

3. Work with the “other” category
Lastly, everyone benefits from working with others with different working styles. My advisor and the PhD student he set me up with were very vigilant. Working with them – asking questions, getting feedback – made me feel like I, too, could be organized. I would do editing sessions with my more disciplined friends in the program as well, as seeing them work made me focus. If you are a more organized student, working with a procrastinator can make you see how fast we can get things done when we aren’t overthinking. Either way, working with your advisor, PhD students, and peers can make the whole process less daunting.

If you are The Organized Student, there will be times where things are out of your control and you will be in a time crunch. If you are The Expert Procrastinator, the thesis process will require you to plan ahead. We all, at times, can be organized or procrastinate. Either way, this experience will make you more adaptable – and I can’t recommend it enough.

Make connections. Write your paper. And celebrate!

Kira Sullins is a graduating senior at the O’Neill School in Public and Environmental Affairs, majoring in Environmental Management. Her Honors Thesis is “The New Normal: How Social Media Advertising and Use Changes Consumption Patterns in Generation Z.” She plans to pursue environmental consulting alongside the O’Neill MPA (concentrating in Policy Analysis and Public Finance) after graduation.