Undergraduate Research | SOBIE 2025

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Posted on April 22, 2025 by Amanda Akey

Amanda Akey

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Students from the Mitchell College of Business recently participated in the 2025 Society of Business, Industry, and Economics (SOBIE) Conference, held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. Students presented undergraduate research projects and engaged in academic discussions with peers and professionals from across the region.

This year’s conference featured a keynote address by University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner, titled "The Intersection of Education, Workforce Development, and Economic Growth." President Bonner also participated in the roundtable discussion on “Navigating the Future of Higher Education and Industry Collaboration.”

Special recognition goes to Dr. Alan Chow, Mitchell College of Business professor and coordinator of undergraduate research, for organizing the student participation in this academic event.

Presentations included:

Student Research

Using Index Returns to Evaluate Performance of Financial Models - A Starting Point in Student Research Analytics

• Maya Wasilewski
• Julia Lion
• Blessings Kibet
• Dr. Alan Chow (Faculty Advisor)

Antecedents to Gen Z Buying Decisions

• Angelina Ladner
• Dr. Marianne Loes (Faculty Advisor)

Developing and Growing Student Investment Funds

• Kiera Earls
• Dr. Chris M. Lawrey (Faculty Advisor)

Recent Trends in Supply Chain Disruptions Research

• Phoebe Than
• Jessica Gray
• Dr. Alan Chow (Faculty Advisor)

Elevating Campus Transportation: A Feasibility Study of a Monocable Detachable Gondola System at the University of South Alabama

• Clayton Howell
• Dr. Peter Simonson (Faculty Advisor)

Surveying the Effects of Repetitive In-Person and Word of Mouth Appeals to Gen-Z on Fundraising Outcomes

• Stephanie Huynh
• Dr. Jennifer Zoghby (Faculty Advisor)

Breaking Boundaries or Burning Bridges? A Case Study on Bumble’s Anti-Abstinence Campaign

• Jayden Cooper
• Dr. Marianne Loes (Faculty Advisor)

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Marketing in Promoting Growth of Customer Base

• Elise Riley
• Dr. Jeane Maes (Faculty Advisor)

Faculty Research

Some Evidence on Working Capital Management Efficiency: Insights from the Secular Trend in the Cash Conversion Cycle

• Dr. Chris Lawrey, University of South Alabama
• Dr. Matthew D. Hill, Arkansas State University

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