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Examples of Big iDeas Projects

As a major metropolitan area, Dallas presents numerous complex, multifaceted problems that require insight from many disciplines. Big iDeas project proposals should be aimed at addressing topics relating to such problems, with a team of at least two students from different disciplines.

You can view previous Big iDea student research proposals that received grants, as well as their updates and related documents, in the Big iDeas Student Research digital collection.

For a sense of successful project ideas, consider project topics that received Big iDeas grants.

  • “Establishing Microenterprise in the Vickery Meadow Community of Dallas”
    Student investigators: Laura Arellano-Weddleton (Sophomore; Psychology and Art History; Human Rights minor); Andrea Fernandez (Sophomore; Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics); Jobin Kalathil (Senior; Chemistry).

    Proposal: The proposal was to design and implement a micro-finance program within Vickery Meadow neighborhood, located near SMU and containing one of the highest density populations in Dallas (with high percentage of refugees). The team proposed methods to choose a pilot group of 20-30 Vickery Meadow residents; to provide mentoring in micro-economic enterprise; to assist in obtaining a micro-loan; and to continue to provide mentoring and monitoring. Learn More >>

  • “Breaking Linguistic Barriers”
    Student investigators: Todd Baty (Senior; History and Music); Andrew Shaw (Junior; Philosophy and Political Science); Ryan Moore (Sophomore; Business Administration, Cinema-TV); Jessica Wikstrom (Junior; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Political Science).

    Proposal: On the premise that oral communication skills have educational impact, this proposal designed an after-school mock trial program at two DISD high schools. The design includes recruitment and publicity; regular meetings to educate student participants in skills; and leading the mock trial teams. The two high school teams will then compete against each other in a mock trial case presentation. Learn More >>

  • “Childhood Obesity in Low-Income Dallas Neighborhoods”
    Student investigators: Leanne Hamilton (Senior; Finance, International Studies); Kym Gonzalez (Senior; Business, Biology, and minor in Chemistry); Jana Wallis (Senior; Journalism major, Spanish minor); Rachael Russell (Junior; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs); Bahareh Ravandi (Senior; Biology, Spanish, Chemistry minor)

    Proposal:As part of the background work for this proposal, the group of student investigators made connections with the American Diabetes Association and the YMCA, both of which are national leaders in the area of childhood diabetes prevention. The student team drew insights from an eight-week educational plan and a directed fitness program administered by the YMCA. The team then proposed to implement a similar program in a DISD elementary school with which SMU students have long had a tutoring relationship. The proposal included selecting a pilot group of 20 families that met criteria for the program. The project will include phases such as: testing participants on knowledge of healthy practices; constructing educational plans with participants; meeting with parents and students; and evaluating through assessment after designated periods of time. Learn More >>

Other Possible Big iDeas

These suggestions are intended to be illustrative, not limiting and should be used as an inspiration for your own Big iDea proposal. We welcome your energy, enthusiasm, knowledge, all as applied to your Big iDea.

  • Educating Dallas. Are Dallas schools working? Are DISD's ambitious goals the right ones? Are some schools and not others educating effectively? How do we measure this to improve our schools?

  • Enterprise Dallas. Dallas is one of the major business centers of the nation and the world. What must be done to maintain that position? Is the position in danger, or is Dallas particularly well-suited to maintain it?

  • Global Warming Dallas. What will be the effects of global warming on Dallas? What does Dallas need to do to prepare for these effects and to contribute to the solution?

  • Poverty in Dallas. What is the form and profile of poverty in Dallas? How can Dallas learn, or lead, in providing security and stability to vulnerable population groups, including families led by single, low-income mothers, the homeless or those with mental disabilities?

  • Health Care Dallas. How is the health care system in Dallas representative of the challenges of providing health care access, and how can the system be improved?

What is your Big iDea?