Robert K. Thomas Recipients

Fall 2009

                                                                                                                              
Stephen Cranney
Fall 2009

Stephen is a Provo native. His honors thesis is on the unsupported foundationalist tendencies of the political philosopher Richard Rorty. Both Stephen's natural interest in political philosophy and his need to take a break from statistics led him to his topic. Some of Stephen's best undergraduate experiences include his classes on political philosophy, introductory economics, world religion, and civil war taught by professors Hancock, Kearl, Keller and Blimes, respectively. However, the meeting and marrying of his wife was Stephen's best undergraduate experience. After graduation Stephen hopes to pursue a PhD in political science. He has not decided on a specialty, but is keeping his options open to include possibilities such as governmental stability, democratization, totalitarianism and/or postmodern political philosophy.  

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Megan Knowles
Fall 2009

Megan, of Edmond, Oklahoma, is researching spatial patterns in the Korean-American population. After returning from the Daejeon, Korea Mission, Megan was surprised at how little research has been done on Korean-Americans. As a result Megan began her research, specifically noting how Korean-Americans assimilate into the general population and the changes in their spatial patterns. From her research Megan has gained an increased interest in demography and the treatment of minority groups. She appreciates how her research has expanded her horizons, making her better able to address issues like affordable housing and housing patterns. In addition to her research Megan has enjoyed studying in Spain and at Cambridge. Her future plans include graduate school in either Architecture or Urban Design. 

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Jeff Robbins
Fall 2009

Jeff is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His Honors Thesis examines one of the most unique refugee migrations in world history: the fleeing of wealthy loyalists from the colonies during the American Revolution. As a historian Jeff has always been interested in those who oppose the majority. Consequently in his thesis Jeff follows Benjamin Thompson, who both fits and deviates from the standard definition of a "traditional Loyalist." Some of his best undergraduate experiences include visiting Dartmouth College to obtain vital documents for his research and working closely with BYU professors. Jeff believes that being able to research, organize and execute lengthy works of history is the backbone of any good historian, and eventually will distinguish amidst other graduate school applicants. Jeff is also an American Heritage TA and the proud father of a six-month-old son.  

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Arisa Sanchez
Fall 2009

Arisa, a Denver native, is comparing literacy instruction materials used in elementary schools in New Zealand and Utah for her Honors Thesis. Since New Zealand is known worldwide for its excellent literacy instruction, Arisa took advantage of a study abroad opportunity to research their teaching methods and materials. She anticipates that she will continue to reap the benefits of this research well into her own professional development. Arisa plans to start her teaching career after her December graduation. Although she will miss attending the Thursday morning Honors Seminars, Arisa knows that her deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of literacy instruction will help her be a better teacher.  

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Nathan Steiger
Fall 2009

Nathan was born in Logan, Utah but is most recently from San Antonio and El Paso, Texas. Nathan is researching the fundamental limits within quantum mechanics theory. His thesis research focuses on the many uncertainty relations with standard quantum theory and their relation to measurement theory and quantum information. He recently returned from Cambridge University where he had the opportunity to research how to connect uncertainty to quantum information. Quantum information is a new area of research in physics that seeks to create computers and new computational processes based upon the principles of quantum mechanics. Such computers could produce unbreakable codes and perform computations at speeds that are currently impossible. Nathan believes his thesis research is the capstone of his undergraduate education and will be the cornerstone of his graduate education. He plans to attend graduate school in physics and ultimately hopes to positively impact his field as a capable researcher, collaborator, and leader.  

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Andrew Walker
Fall 2009

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Andrew is investigating the effect of business students' ethical development from the business classes and business education they take. As a double major in both Economics and Business, Andrew cannot help but find the business world intriguing. His Honors Thesis research is actually the continuation of a study that the Marriot School of Management has been working on for over three years. The report and publication of Andrew's research will help the Marriot School of Management retain its accreditation. Andrew knows that ethical fortitude is necessary to survive and thrive in business. By best learning how this ethical fortitude is taught and learned, he hopes to be a better worker, manager and community leader, and use his research as a springboard into graduate school. Andrew has greatly enjoyed his time at BYU - some of his best experiences include touring with BYU Singers and starting a nonprofit organization to help students become politically engaged in the Provo Community.  

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