During the week of May 13, five professors from the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas spoke about their research on NPR’s “The Academic Minute” series. The daily segment profiles researchers from schools around the world. On the Opus College of Business show, professors shared the results of their research to help listeners better understand the world.
Noh Shin-won: Pathways of peer influence in major choice
Dr. Shinwon Noh, assistant professor in the Schultz School of Entrepreneurship, shares her analysis of the impact of peer pressure on major choice. Dr. Noh compared different types of peers, including close friends, study buddies, and respected people, and observed the influence of peers on major choice. She found that the peers with whom students spend the most time are likely to be the ones who most influence their major choice. “Peers play an important role in college major choice,” Dr. Noh concluded, “We identified a pathway of peer influence, and that is spending time with peers.”
Mahak Nagpal: Techno-Solutionism
Dr. Mahak Nagpal, an assistant professor in the School of Ethics and Business Law, studies the impact of widespread confidence that AI can solve society’s toughest problems. In her research, Dr. Nagpal examines whether society may be overestimating AI’s potential, particularly at the expense of human capabilities. She emphasizes that technology should not be seen as the only solution to our problems. “Recognizing the benefits that technology brings, along with a healthy understanding of its inherent limitations, is key to leveraging technology as a force for real good,” Dr. Nagpal says.
Christopher Michaelson: A job worth living for
Dr. Christopher Wong Michaelson, Opus Professor Emeritus and Academic Director of the Melrose & Toro Company Principled Leadership Center at the University of St. Thomas, discusses the value of rewarding work and how it contributes to a life worth living. “For most adults, work determines our daily rhythm, occupies a large part of our waking hours, and influences our status, standard of living, and even our identity,” Michaelson explains. “If work is a fact of life, we should make it worthwhile.” Through his research, he has learned that work is rewarding in different ways for people, and while not everyone can make a living doing what they love, society will always need people doing worthwhile work that they love.
Daniel Eiltz Campeau: Supporting local startup ecosystems
Danielle Eiltz Campeau, Associate Dean of the Schultz School of Entrepreneurship, highlights the challenges rural entrepreneurs face and how the right support can benefit local communities. In her research, Campeau has studied the effects of establishing Small Business Development Centers (government-sponsored entrepreneurial education programs) in rural areas. Her findings revealed that these entrepreneurial programs increased opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to start their businesses and obtain capital. “Small Business Development Centers are pillars of local economies by providing critical educational services as well as advice to help entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality, regardless of zip code,” Campeau explains.
Seth Ketron: The marketing power of VR
Dr. Seth Ketron, assistant professor of marketing, explains the impact of virtual reality on consumer and societal well-being and its potential to transform markets. Dr. Ketron explains how research has shown that through immersion and telepresence, VR can increase our connection to the world and our ability to create positive change. “VR experiences provide real, tangible representations of environmental and social issues that can help people think about how they can make decisions to improve the world around them,” Dr. Ketron explains. “So if you want to make shopping more immersive and fun, or if you want people to be more sustainable or socially conscious, VR can help you make that happen.”
