In Mrs. Deborah Green’s AP Research class, guided this year by St. Pius X alum and instructor Charlie Woodcock, students have turned their curiosity into compelling academic topics. Each junior (class of 2026) has spent the year exploring a self-chosen topic through rigorous academic research—designing studies, collecting data, and presenting findings that reflect both intellectual depth and personal passion.
From psychological analysis to sustainability, the projects in this year’s class are as diverse as they are ambitious. Ava Robertson examined the language patterns of real and fictional psychopaths, comparing Ted Bundy and You's Joe Goldberg. Danira Madrid explored short films through a psychological lens, while Sabine Correa-Bruzzese analyzed cultural patterns from Hallmark movies to Disney films. Miranda Barela fused fine art and fiber, redefining abstract expressionism through crochet.
Science and health-based were also on display. Daegan Marsh investigated ACL recovery treatments, Amelie Kalina studied how classical music affects student stress, and Logan Underwood tested the benefits of LEGO-based therapy on adolescent well-being. Audrey Phelps examined gender differences in swim recovery, Sierra Sanchez explored compassion fatigue in nursing, and Isabella Caba tackled the future of solar energy.
“This class is truly a gift,” says Ms. Woodcock. “As a former AP Research student myself, seeing these students take ownership of their learning, tackle meaningful questions, and present with confidence is inspiring. Their work isn’t just academic—it has the power to make real-world impact.”
Through AP Research, students not only complete a 4,000-5,000-word academic paper, but also gain invaluable skills—critical thinking, data analysis, public speaking—that prepare them for college and beyond. More than a class, AP Research is a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and purpose.
As Ms. Woodcock reflects: “I am so grateful and impressed by the projects produced by this class; they could truly change the world.”
TOPICS
Ava Robertson, Junior: Analyzing Psychopathic Language Behaviors: Ted Bundy v. Joe Goldberg
Danira Madrid, Junior: Short Films: A Psychological Analysis
Sabine Correa-Bruzzese, Junior: The Hallmark to Disney Pipeline: A Content Analysis
Miranda Barela, Junior: Redefining Art: Abstract Expressionism and Crochet
Daegan Marsh, Junior: Knee Deep in Recovery: Exploring the Effects of Different ACL Grafts on Physical Therapy Success
Amelie Kalina, Junior: A Symphony of Student Success: The Impact of Different Classical Music Genres on High School Students’ Stress Levels and Academic Performance
Logan Underwood, Junior: Building Well-Being: The Effects of the Implementation of Lego-Based Therapy in Neurotypical Adolescent Males
Audrey Phelps, Junior: Sex Differences in Recovery after Swim
Sierra Sanchez, Junior: Compassion Fatigue in Nursing: The Impact of Workplace Interventions
Isabella Caba, Junior: Solar Solutions: Harnessing Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future
