Research Associate Intern Proposal

Niko Dimopoulos

Scope and Intent

Over the course of 16 weeks, I will be researching the history of voting in presidential
elections as well as applicable laws, regulations, acts, and statutes. The objective is to produce a
voter ID bill in the state of Massachusetts.
Entering my first semester, I did not have a definite career choice or major. I declared as
an economics major without ever having taken a class in the subject. Now as a second semester
junior, my fascination with economics has turned into an aspiration to learn the law. Now that I
have narrowed my post-graduation path, my goal is to give myself the best chance to be
admitted to a law school.
In addition to the skills I can learn from Professor Limanek, the research would also
serve to provide a unique component to my law school applications. In addition to my
undergraduate grades and LSAT scores, I want to add a component to my application that
differentiates mine from the other applicants. By including the research paper and bill as an
addendum to my applications, I hope to fulfill the unique factor that will make me stand out to
law schools.

Key Learnings

Nichols College Learning Outcomes

I. Communication
II. Critical Thinking and Qualitative Analysis
History & Government Outcomes
H1) Demonstrate an understanding of major events, controversies, and ideas about history
of voting
H2) Demonstrate a detailed familiarity with basic methods and techniques used by modern
historians for research and in the assessment of evidence, including primary and secondary
sources
H4) Demonstrate a capacity to read, write, and speak intelligently about the topic as well as
possess the ability to analyze critically historical materials, ideas, and controversies

Approach

1) Create an outline for the research paper and elements of the bill
2) Gather and evaluate sources
3) Produce a draft of the research paper and the bill
4) Deliver a final, finished paper
Credit Hour Policy
This research will meet the Nichols College credit hour policy with an estimated 90+ hours of
research and writing.

Deliverables

Research paper
Proposal of law for consideration

Timeline

Beginning of the semester - Week one: Produce an outline for approval

Weeks 1 4: Gather and evaluate useful sources for consideration
Weeks 4 12: Produce a draft of the research paper and the bill
Weeks 12 16: Revise and edit draft for final submission

Student Outcomes

I. Proper preparation for each scheduled meeting with all assigned readings
II. Active participation in the learning process by way of positive contributions to
discussions
III. Completion of required tasks associated with the project
IV. Obtainment of a passing grade upon completion of course study