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Description
Given the importance of affordable housing, it is important to study the economic factors that influence it, both on a national and a local scale. In recent years, housing affordability metrics have reported worrying trends, further driving the importance of theoretical research and empirical data that supports it. This paper examined several hypotheses related to housing affordability and federal interest rates. High federal interest rates have long been deemed a cause of worsening housing affordability. Federal interest rates influence mortgage rates, which in turn influence mortgage prices. However, current theory is divided as to the aggregate impact of lowered interest rates on housing affordability. Some suggest that this is overall positive, while others point out that demand effects induced by lower mortgage prices may crowd-out struggling families and worsen affordability. This paper tests current literature regarding the aggregate impact of interest rates on housing affordability as well as exploring the possibility of varying impacts at the local level. Using econometric modeling, this analysis was not able to find any statistically significant correlation between interest rates and housing affordability outcomes at the local level, and there appeared to be no interaction between owner-occupancy rates (a local characteristic) and the effect of interest rates on a community. However, at a national scale, lower interest rates were associated with lower mortgage costs and increasing housing affordability outcomes, suggesting that recent doubts may not stand on solid footing.
ContributorsRounds, Luke (Author) / Thomson, Henry (Thesis director) / Cordova, Luis (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor)
Created2025-05
DescriptionSafeBites is a gluten free, nut free and vegan bakery with the mission of providing effected students on ASU's campuses with baked goods they know that they can safely consume.
ContributorsReiser, William (Author) / Flister, Carly (Co-author) / Hoberman, Sadie (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Howell, Travis (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2025-05
DescriptionSafeBites is a vegan, gluten-free, nut-free bakery for students who live on ASU campus's and do not have easy access to safe, healthy baked good.
ContributorsFlister, Carly (Author) / Reiser, William (Co-author) / Hoberman, Sadie (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Howell, Travis (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / School of Public Affairs (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
This thesis proposes biometric firearm technology as a modern solution to gun violence in the United States, focusing on its potential to reduce unauthorized use, accidental shootings, and gun-related crimes. Through the integration of fingerprint and RFID authentication systems, smart guns are designed to ensure that only authorized users can operate firearms, offering a proactive alternative to traditional gun control measures. Drawing on public health, legal, and economic frameworks, the study explores how biometric weapons can serve both as a public safety innovation and a viable business opportunity. It evaluates existing prototypes, outlines strategies for market adoption, and presents policy proposals including tax incentives, government grants, and law enforcement pilot programs. By examining international models from Japan and Switzerland, this thesis highlights how the U.S. can adapt safety-minded firearm practices without infringing on Second Amendment rights. Ultimately, this work argues that biometric firearms offer a path forward that balances individual freedom with collective security, reshaping the national approach to responsible gun ownership.
ContributorsBriones, Moises (Author) / Scott, Michael (Thesis director) / Duncan, Rhea (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
UniRate is a peer-driven digital review platform designed exclusively for college students to share honest, experience-based insights about all aspects of campus life, from housing and dining to academics and social culture. Unlike generalized platforms such as Yelp or Reddit, UniRate creates a trusted, student-verified ecosystem built “for students, by students,” promoting authenticity and relatability. UniRate is more than just a review site, it’s a cultural tool that modernizes how students choose, experience, and influence college life. UniRate aims to give information and access about universities never available before for the benefit of all who want to experience campus life.
ContributorsGaitan, Matthew (Author) / Hasson, Ethan (Co-author) / Wilhoit, Evan (Co-author) / Thorell, Jack (Co-author) / Burleson, Cole (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Giles, Charles (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2025-05