Theses and Dissertations

The contemporary world is motivated by data-driven decision-making. Small 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are often limited in their reach due to their size, lack of funding, and a lack of data analysis expertise. In an effort to increase accessibility to data analysis for such organizations, a Founders Lab team designed a product to help them understand and utilize geographic information systems (GIS) software. This product – You Got GIS – strikes the balance between highly technical documentation and general overviews, benefiting 501(c)3 nonprofits in their pursuit of data-driven decision-making. Through the product’s use of case studies and methodologies, You Got GIS serves as a thought experiment platform to start answering questions regarding GIS. The product aims to continuously build partnerships in an effort to improve curriculum and user engagement.

It is estimated that anywhere from 30 to 60 percent of athletes experience performance anxiety (Rowland, D. L., & van Lankveld, J., 2019). Currently, there are very few solutions on the market to help athletes prevent performance anxiety besides typical cognitive-behavioral therapy solutions. ITZ Technologies is using NASA-patented technology to combat performance anxiety in elite athletes. This technology includes reading brain activity through electroencephalography and utilizing biofeedback through an engaging augmented reality game to help athletes recognize when they are “out of the zone” and help them reduce their performance anxiety. This product will be marketed to facilities that train high-level athletes to provide training services to their athletes. Surveys and interviews with athletes and those in the sports performance industry have shown favorable feedback on the device concept.