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Design Studio

Project & Capstones

Discover the outstanding capstone projects crafted by our fellows over research periods.

Countries Represented
8
Research Papers Published
10+
Mentorship Hours
120+
Capstone Projects
30+
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Featured Capstones

Drive Meaningful Change
Contribute to research that shapes policy, informs industry, and drives innovation.

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Summer 2024

The Global Sand Crisis: Why the World's Most Consumed Resource Is Running Out

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This research investigates the depletion of construction-grade sand due to urbanization and infrastructure expansion. The study explores economic, environmental, and policy-driven challenges surrounding global sand shortages and proposes data-backed solutions.
  • Fellow Team
    Aarav Mehta, Thảo (Tina) Nguyễn, Ethan Cheng, Zeynep Kaya, and Natalie Hayes
  • Data Review
    -Analyzed UN Comtrade data over the past five years to identify shifts in sand trade and supply chains.
    -Compared market price trends in Singapore, China, and India using industry reports and economic databases.
    -Examined sand mining bans in Mekong River Delta (Vietnam), Maharashtra (India), and Lagos (Nigeria) using government and environmental agency reports.
  • Findings
    -Sand prices have increased 45% in five years due to resource depletion.
    -Illegal and informal mining accounts for over 60% of global sand extraction.
    -Unregulated depletion has increased flood risks in riverine and coastal areas.

Outcome

The research team drafted a proposal for a regional sand extraction cap and alternative material incentives, which was submitted to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for review.

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Fall 2024

The Rise of Medical Tourism for Insulin: Why Americans Are Buying Prescriptions in Other Nations

This research examines the increasing trend of Americans purchasing insulin from other countries due to extreme cost disparities. With insulin prices lower abroad, many uninsured and underinsured individuals rely on these methods to access life-saving medication.
  • Fellow Team
    Ryan Chen, Min-Ji Park, Ahmed Fayez, Sofia Delgado, and Mateo Ruiz
  • Data Review
    -Conducted a pricing survey by reviewing official online pharmacy listings from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including GoodRx, Farmacias del Ahorro (Mexico), and Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada).
    -Analyzed state-level insulin price cap policies and historical pricing trends using reports from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and RAND Corporation.
  • Findings
    -Insulin in Mexico and Canada costs 80-90% less than in the US
    -US patients save an average of $3,200 annually by purchasing insulin abroad.
    -Demand at Mexican border pharmacies increased by 35% following price hikes in the US

Outcome

The research team compiled their findings into a policy report on insulin affordability and submitted it to health policy organizations and diabetes advocacy groups for consideration. Their report includes possible policy interventions to reduce insulin costs domestically while ensuring foreign access remains a lifeline for those in need.

Spring 2025

Desalination: How Water Crisis Solutions Poison Marine Life

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This research project investigates the economic consequences of climate change on global agricultural systems. The study aims to quantify the financial impacts on crop yields, food security, and rural economies across different regions.
  • Fellow Team
    Hana Mahmoud, Fatou Diallo, Lena Fischer, Ethan Cheng, and Anastasia Volkova
  • Data Review
    -Collected government environmental data from Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Australia, analyzing salinity and chemical discharge trends over the past decade.
    -Examined changes in fishery production and species diversity using historical data from ecological studies.
  • Findings
    -Fish biodiversity declined by 43% in high-output desalination zones.
    -Small-scale fisheries near desalination plants reported an average revenue drop of 22% over a decade.

Outcome

The research team is developing an alternative desalination method incorporating:

-Chemical dilution processes to neutralize brine before ocean disposal
-Renewable energy-driven filtration to reduce environmental impact.

They hope to present to global water governance organizations, with the goal of promoting sustainable desalination policies worldwide.

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