Leveraging Religious Influence
Problem Statement
Our team is focused on providing a solution that will help counteract Russia’s use of the Orthodox Church as a proxy for political influence in surrounding regions. The current frustrations of the US European Command indicate the need for better visibility into the means through which this harmful messaging is disseminated and its direct impact.
We aim to produce an interactive, real-time heat map that aggregates media consumption statistics alongside religious, political, and socioeconomic factors to predict positive or negative Russian sentiments. Kyle Felent is a Political Science major (Economics minor) and has offered consultation on matters of influence and impacts of Russian soft power in regional relations. Matt Schaab is a Marketing major with expertise in data analytics and predictive modeling. Austin Cahall, is a Biology major (Philosophy, Religion minor) and is highly proficient in coding. Ian Avedician is an International Affairs major, and has displayed pertinent knowledge of data collection methods and software applications
Solution
Meet the Team
Matt Schaab
My name is Matt Schaab, and I am a 5th year Marketing Major with an interest in sales and data analytics. After graduation I plan to work for BarTrack, a startup, as a Sales Representative. In my career I hope to provide value by connecting quality solutions to customers in need to increase their quality of life. I actively seek new experiences, having studied abroad in Antwerp during my junior year and lived and worked in California over the Summer of 2020. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, singing, and cooking. Most of all I live to put smiles on peoples faces.
Ian Avedician
I’m Ian Avedician. I am a senior International Affairs Major. Helped our team collect data, determine ways to measure political and religious influence, and with designing our GIS map. Love any and all outdoor activities. Ideally I would live on a beach the rest of my life with no care in the world.
Austin Cahall
Austin was raised in Gainesville VA. Some of Austin’s favorite things to do include working out and going swimming at the beach. Austin attends JMU as a biology major while also pursuing a philosophy and religion minor. While at JMU Austin has discovered his love of bioinformatics and wants to pursue a career in genetic counseling and analyses. He wishes to attend grad school in the near future overseas.
Kyle Felent
Political Science Major Economics Minor. Offered consultation on matters of influence and impacts of Russian soft power in regional relations. From Arlington, VA. Interests include reading, travel, and hiking.