Matthew Little
Member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
From Greenville, North Carolina
From Greenville, North Carolina
Atmospheric scientist currently enrolled in MS program at East Carolina University (4.0) and hold a BS in meteorology and minor in mathematics. Current project investigates the Southeastern United States convective season onset using WRF simulations. 6+ years experience working in various fields such as atmosphere and ocean computer modeling and data analysis in HPC environments, hydrology, and meteorology education. Independently developed computer programs/scripts in Bash, IDL, and Matlab and capable of adapting code in several others. Presented at local and national conferences and published academic papers. Recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, most notably the American Meteorological Society Dr. Yoram Kaufman Scholarship and a NASA Group Achievement Award.
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Matthew B. Little Receives 2020 Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award
Matthew B. Little was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $500 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic ...
October, 05 2020 - Verified by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Matthew Little Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Matthew Little of Greenville, North Carolina, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Little...
April, 08 2020 - Verified by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
The Williams S. Sawyer Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to upper level undergraduate (seniors only) who is pursuing their first bachelors degree or graduate students who are pursuing their first masters degree and who have been accepted for admission or who are enrolled full-time at ECU. Other criteria are students with qualified disabilities as determined by the Department for Disability Support Services.
Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Graduate Scholar Award: Selected student receives this award because of their high academic credentials. Only 25 awards are given per year at East Carolina University.
Fall 2018 - Spring 2020 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for graduating
Certificate in Computer Information Technology: Web Developer Specialist;
Honors: Presidents Honor Roll
Summer 2016 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a spot on the President's list
A student who has completed twelve (12) or more semester-credit hours of college credit course work at Austin Community College, and who achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 for that semester will be eligible for nomination and inclusion in the President's Honor Roll.
Spring 2016 - Summer 2016 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for graduating
Bachelor of Science: Meteorology
Minor: Mathematics
High honors (Magna Cum Laude)
Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
San Jose State University Faculty Wives Scholarship: Awarded based on academic achievement.
Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Frederick Fitting Scholarship: Nominated by chair of the meteorology department. The Frederick N. Fitting Award in Science is to provide for a student who shows creative potential based upon the scientific knowledge and principles that they acquired as a student.
Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Herbert F. (and Nell) Richards Scholarship: Repeating scholarship, awarded to deserving full-time students who have declared a major in Science.
Spring 2011 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
San Jose State University Associated Student Scholarship (ST. S. Saffold Scholarship): The scholarship is awarded to students who embody true SJSU leadership, inspiring peers to make a difference and to bring passion in helping others.
Spring 2010 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Scholars in Science Scholarship and Program: Repeating scholarship, awarded based on academic achievement, research experience, and projected academic success in graduate studies upon completion of an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
Spring 2010 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.65 or higher grade point average at San Jose State University during Fall or Spring terms.
Achieved during the academic years of 2010 - 2011, 2011 - 2012, and 2012 - 2013.
Fall 2009 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Thermo Fisher Scientific Scholarship: Repeating scholarship, 2009 - 2012 (graduation), awarded based on academic achievement.
Fall 2009 - Spring 2012 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Kathleen D. Loly Academic Scholarship (Alpha Gamma Sigma State Award): State level award. Awarded to selected Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society members with a GPA of at least 3.75 and nominated by the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society faculty advisor.
Spring 2009 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a scholarship
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society Chapter Scholarship: Awarded to members of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society who were active in the society, had high academic achievement, and participated in community service.
Spring 2009 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning an academic award
Certificate of Recognition: "Your commitment to student success through academic support services. The Learning Resource Center, Supplemental Instruction, and the Math Learning Center at Cypress College appreciates your hard work and dedication."
Spring 2009 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning an academic award
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, permanent member: Permanent membership is awarded based on academic achievement and community support (greater than 3.25 GPA in over 60 units of college work and volunteered over 25 hours of community service).
Spring 2009 -
Added by Matthew
Matthew Little was recognized for earning a spot on the President's list
Students who officially enroll and complete 12 or more units in letter grade courses in a semester and who earn a grade point average of 3.75 or above are placed on the President's Honor Roll. This accomplishment places you in the top four percent of the student body for the fall semester.
Fall 2007 - Spring 2009 -
Added by Matthew
Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society
About: Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography founded in 1928 and became a national organization in 1931. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. |||
Requirements: Completed the equivalent of three semesters of college coursework, a minimum of three courses in geography with a 3.3 GPA in those courses, and rank in the top 35% of their class. |||
Highlights: None yet, recently inducted.
Spring 2020 - Fall 2020
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East Carolina University
Added by Matthew
National Weather Association
-- THIS IS A NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY FOR METEOROLOGISTS, FORECASTERS, RELATED SUB-DISCIPLINES, AND THOSE IN DISCIPLINES CLOSELY RELATED, DEPENDENT, OR SUPPORTIVE OF THE STUDY OF WEATHER -- About: The National Weather Association (NWA) is a member-led, all inclusive, non-profit, professional association supporting and promoting excellence in operational meteorology and related activities since 1975. |||
Requirements: Full membership often is most appropriate for professionals working in the fields of meteorology, forecasting, broadcasting, or those closely related or in interdisciplinary fields. |||
Highlights: Meeting one of the councilors of the organization, by chance, and talking with her about career goals and the NWA.
Spring 2013 - Winter 2021
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San Jose State University
Added by Matthew
American Meteorological Society
-- THIS IS A NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY FOR METEOROLOGISTS, ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTISTS, AND THOSE IN DISCIPLINES CLOSELY RELATED, DEPENDENT, OR SUPPORTIVE OF METEOROLOGY --
About: The American Meteorological Society (AMS) advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. It is committed to, and benefits from the full and equitable participation of a diverse community in its membership, in its activities, and in the audiences that it serves. |||
Requirements: Full membership often is most appropriate for professionals working in the fields of weather, water, and climate science. |||
Highlights: Winning an AMS National Scholarship (Dr. Yoram Kaufman Scholarship) in 2011, attending four of the national annual conferences and presenting posters at two of them. Gaining professional connections to government, industry, and startup opportunities. Learning extraordinary information at the annual national meetings and seeing cutting edge technology and theory in the field and numerous sub-fields.
Spring 2011 - Winter 2021
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San Jose State University
Added by Matthew
American Geophysical Union
-- THIS IS A NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY FOR GEOPHYSICISTS, GEOSCIENTISTS, AND THOSE IN DISCIPLINES CLOSELY RELATED, DEPENDENT, OR SUPPORTIVE OF EARTH SCIENCES -- About: The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is an international, nonprofit scientific association whose mission is to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.
Requirements: Full membership often is most appropriate for professionals working in the fields of any geoscience, geophysics, of closely related or interdisciplinary field.
Highlights: Presenting three posters at the 2011 national conference. Learning about the many different aspects of geoscience, the very interdisciplinary nature of the field, and how other sciences influence meteorology and atmospheric science.
Spring 2011 - Winter 2021
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San Jose State University
Added by Matthew
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
About: The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society established in 1897 to recognize and encourage superior scholarship without restriction as to area of study and to promote the "unity and democracy of education". |||
Requirements: Membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is earned, and admission is by invitation only; the student must be in the top 7.5% in their class. |||
Highlights: Permanent membership
Spring 2010 - Winter 2020
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San Jose State University
Added by Matthew
Golden Key Honour Society
About: The Golden Key International Honour Society is an Atlanta, Georgia-based non-profit organization founded in 1977 to recognize academic achievement among college and university students. |||
Requirements: Membership into the Society is by invitation only and applies to the top 15% of college and university students. |||
Highlights: Permanent membership.
Fall 2009 - Spring 2012
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San Jose State University
Added by Matthew
The Associated Mathematicians of Cypress College
About: The Associated Mathematicians of Cypress College (AMC^2) club served to bring like-minded students interested in mathematics together. Events included a Pi day celebration with local institutions, problem solving competitions, and student involvement in tutoring and providing other assistance in mathematics coursework. |||
Requirements: Requirements: For active memberships, 10 hours of club or community service must be performed per semester. |||
Highlights: Helped found the club and organize meetings. Helped to tutor students across a variety of mathematical levels on a regular volunteer basis. Held friendly races to solve mathematical problems to help foster a competitive spirit to invigorate students to work hard in their coursework.
Fall 2008 - Spring 2009
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Cypress College
Added by Matthew
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
About: Alpha Gamma Sigma is the California state wide Community College Honor Society, founded in 1926 by William T. Boyce. Sigma Psi is the Cypress College chapter. Members are acknowledged as outstanding scholars, and also as humanitarians who devote their time to help our campus and community. |||
Requirements: Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; Must complete 10 service hours of volunteer work each semester; Must submit an application and pay dues each semester. |||
Highlights: Awarded a chapter scholarship, a state scholarship (Kathleen D. Loly Academic Scholarship), and lifetime membership during my two years as an active member in the society.
Fall 2007 - Spring 2009
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Cypress College
Added by Matthew
Engineering and Physics Club
About: The purpose of this organization is to promote and further the educational growth of its members in the areas of engineering and physics. Members will be exposed to many facets of the engineering and physics professional communities through various workshops, events, and field trips. The goal is to prepare members for a future career in engineering and physics with the ideal of leaving this world in a better condition than was left for us. |||
Requirements: For active memberships, 10 hours of club or community service must be performed per semester. |||
Highlights: Awarded a chapter scholarship, served as vice president for the 2008 - 2009 academic year.
Fall 2007 - Spring 2009
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Cypress College
Added by Matthew
Graduate Research Assistant (Geography: Atmospheric Science) at East Carolina University
- Member of team working on NSF funded project: Mechanisms for the Seasonal Transition of Precipitation Organization in the Southeastern United States: Current and Future Climate
++ Thesis: WRF Simulations of the 2009 Southeastern United States Convective Season Onset in a Future Climate Scenario
- Perform WRF model runs, output analysis and verification on NCAR CISL HPC resources
- Write and modify Fortran, IDL, Bash, Python, NCL, and GrADS programs/scripts
- Present project results at regional and national conferences (e.g. AMS annual meeting)
- Conduct and present literature reviews
- TA duties such as: grading, reviewing documents, assisting with ECU Geography Department prospective graduate webpage design, and graduate student recruitment
August 2018 - Present
District Hydrologist at USDA Forest Service
- Conducted water resource inventories and prepare data for application in land management planning processes
- Prepared and directed implementation of water resource improvement project plans
- Aided in assessing water resource capability and suitability and identified goals, issues, and concerns for water resource management
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team efforts to improve forest and wetland hydrologic function
- Used technical instrumentation to sample hydrologic and soil conditions
- Created ArcMap documents for data analysis and to data visualization
- Completed Red Card (FFT2) and CPR/AED and first aid certifications
January 2017 - February 2018
Texas Science Olympiad Meteorology Event Director at Texas A&M University
- Wrote and proctored exams for the Texas Science Olympiad Meteorology Event
- Directed workshops at the Science Olympiad Coaches Clinic on the Meteorology event (Attached is an example of a presentation in a Coaches Clinic)
- Developed and regularly updated a website to aid Science Olympiad Meteorology Event preparation and further education
- Reviewed and edited material for the Science Bowl middle and high school competitions
- Served as judge for the Texas Junior Academy of Science and Texas Junior Science Symposium
October 2013 - March 2018
Graduate Assistant Researcher at Texas A&M University
- Used NERSC and NCAR supercomputers to generate ocean model output
- Submitted jobs to supercomputer queues, maintained and debugged model, and reviewed output
- Developed UNIX Bash scripts to automate procedures and modified Fortran model code
- Transferred data across networks and organized data in a UNIX environment
- Conducted literature reviews
July 2012 - September 2013
Project Team Member in the DEVELOP National Program at NASA ARC at Science Systems And Applications Inc.
**Received NASA Group Achievement Award for outstanding support of agency programs that help the field centers and neighboring communities plan for and adapt to the impacts of climate change**
- Analyzed Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System model output using IDL to estimate effects of climate change in California
- Developed IDL code for data analysis and data visualization
- Presented results at the AGU and AMS annual meetings
- Published results in the proceedings of the ASPRS in 2012
- Created reports and presentations
- Completed products according to strict deadlines
- Conducted literature reviews
June 2011 - August 2011
Data Input for Marine Vessel Routing at Applied Weather Technology
- Input data for weather conditions and marine vessel locations
- Alerted superiors when vessels encountered hazardous conditions
June 2010 - September 2010
Student Worker: [1] Wind Climatology and [2] Emission Simulations at San Jose State University Research Foundation
- [1] Analyzed wind model output to determine ideal wind turbine placement in California Bay Area
- [1] Developed IDL and UNIX Bash script code to automate data ingestion, modified Fortran model code to facilitate data input and processing, and developed wind vector data visualization code
- [2] Developed a model relating university commuter student CO2 emissions to online courses
- [2] Developed MATLAB and IDL model code, and code for output analysis and data visualization
- [2] Coauthored a paper in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education in 2014
- [1 & 2] Conducted literature reviews and created reports and presentations
September 2009 - December 2011
Intern Researcher: Statistical Analysis at California State University, Long Beach
- Analyzed dataset of consumer purchasing pattern information
- Analyzed data using the SPSS statistical software package
- Presented results for professional and research audiences
- Conducted literature reviews
June 2009 - August 2009
Mathematics Tutor: Algebra and Calculus 1 at Cypress Community College
- Organized tutoring sessions which raised students class rankings by an average of 10%
- Lead semiweekly group and individual tutoring sessions and made lesson plans
- Presented techniques at regional conferences to education professionals
January 2008 - June 2009
WRF Simulations of the 2009 Southeastern United States Convective Season Onset in a Future Climate Scenario
American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting; Student Poster Session; ABSTRACT --
This work uses the Weather Research and Forecasting model to project how precipitation patterns may change under a warmer climate in the Southeast United States (SE US). Two simulations are performed using boundary conditions from the 6-hourly 0.5 degree Global Forecasting System (GFS) reanalysis data and daily 0.5 degree Real-Time Global Sea Surface Temperature High Resolution data. The first simulation, used as a control in this experiment, models weather in the SE US from March – June in 2009, and is used to represent the seasonal current climate in the region. The second simulation is performed using a pseudo-global warming method assuming an RCP8.5 future climate scenario, using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 multi-model mean temperature anomalies to adjust GFS reanalysis temperature variable values, to model a warmer climate estimated as the 2090 – 2100 decade. Changes in precipitation organization in the warmer climate will be analyzed within a framework which separates precipitation features into two classifications, isolated and mesoscale, depending on whether the precipitation feature is greater or less than 100 km in contiguous horizontal length. This analysis will identify if there are changes in the convective season onset date, and/or in precipitation patterns according to precipitation classification, as well as identify mechanisms that influence precipitation pattern changes in the SE US.
January 2020 -
Conferences
Modeling the relationship between transportation-related carbon dioxide emissions and hybrid-online courses at a large urban university
Published in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education; Peer Reviewed Journal Paper; ABSTRACT --
Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between hybrid classes (where a per cent of the class meetings are online) and transportation-related CO2 emissions at a commuter campus similar to San José State University (SJSU).
Design/methodology/approach – Acomputer model was developed to calculate the number of trips to campus for a student body similar to SJSU. Different scenarios considered the theoretical effectiveness of implementing a hybrid course system to reduce CO2 emissions.
Findings – Increases in hybrid courses resulted in decreased student trips to campus and associated CO2 emissions. The utility of such a relationship is demonstrated through a case study where the required increase in online class meetings needed to eliminate the need for an overflow parking lot is studied. Finally, preferential scheduling of online meetings can further reduce trips to campus. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the model is that student schedules are random. Future research could use actual student schedules to better model how online course delivery will affect trips to campus.
Practical implications – As today’s universities struggle with financial pressure, online course delivery is being offered as a way to cope. This analysis provides an additional metric to evaluate online courses and includes other potential financial savings.
Social implications – Transportation contributes to local air pollution and emissions of heat-trapping gases. As universities move toward more sustainable behaviors, reducing automobile trips to campus can be seen as a priority.
Originality/value – To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to model the relationship between hybrid courses and CO2 emissions at an urban university. This information will be valuable to the SJSU community, as well as many other institutions.
July 2014 -
Publications
Update and Comparison of Two Runs of the Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces Model for Effective Wind Turbine Placement in the California Bay Area
A presentation for a class based on a paid research project; ABSTRACT -- The goal of this study was to analyze the winds in the Bay Area of California to determine additional locations for wind turbine placement for power generation. A synoptic analysis was done to determine what can be expected from the study, and the Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces model was used to provide data for analysis. IDL was used to plot the output data onto a map of the Bay Area. Flow patterns and relative maximums were found to be consistent with the synoptic analysis and literature on past studies. However, the modeled absolute wind speeds were not consistent with literature. Due to this, additional locations for wind turbines were not able to be determined at this time; further investigation is required.
May 2012 -
Presentations
Climate Adaptation Science Investigation (CASI) at NASA Ames Rresearch Center: Using the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) to Analyze Impacts of Climate Change on California Ecosystems
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Conference; Proceedings Paper; ABSTRACT --
The study of climate change is important because it is essential that potential problems are identified and mitigated
in order to minimize their impact on NASA Ames in accordance with the NASA policy statement on adapting to
climate change, and to help achieve the goals of the Climate Adaptation Science Investigation Team (CASI). This
project analyzes results from the TOPS model which was run at 1km resolution for the time period 1950-2099 using
downscaled GFDL climate projection data for the continental United States. The impacts of climate change on
ecosystems are investigated in and around NASA Ames using the TOPS model under the A1B and A2 scenarios for
California. The state data were divided into climate zones and watersheds, and for each zone a statistical analysis
was completed for temperature, precipitation, gross primary productivity (GPP), evapotranspiration (ET), soil
runoff, and vapor pressure deficit. The analysis in this report is limited to the climatology and ecology of the Coyote
Watershed near NASA Ames Research Center. Trends produced from this analysis show changes in climate (annual
rainfall, dry season length, temperature) and changes to ecosystem functions (GPP, ET, runoff) due to land cover
changes.
March 2012 -
Publications
Impacts of Climate Change on California Ecosystems As Modeled by the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS)
American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting; Poster Session; ABSTRACT --
This project analyzes results from the Terrestrial Observation and Predictions System (TOPS) model, which incorporates the A1B and A2 IPCC scenarios for climate and land use projections from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) global climate model. The California data is broken up into climate regions and watersheds of interest, and for each zone a statistical analysis is completed for climatological and ecological variables. Impacts on ecological variables are analyzed both under climate change scenarios only and coupled climate/land use change scenarios. Trends produced from this analysis show that increases in maximum and minimum temperatures lead to declines in peak GPP, length of growing seasons, and overall declines in runoff. However, changes in climate coupled with increases in impervious area due to intense urbanization are associated with an increase in winter runoff in scenario A2. The analysis is in support of the Climate Adaptation Science Investigation at NASA Ames Research Center, which is located within the Coyote Watershed of California. One result for this watershed shows that with projections of increased temperatures and increased urbanization there would be an extended dry summer season, which could threaten water availability. To counter this risk at NASA Ames Research Center, a study of the irrigation system was done to evaluate the amount of total water used for irrigation, and possible options for water conservation at the Center are considered to build a sustainable facility in a changing environment.
January 2012 -
Conferences
Using the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) to Analyze Impacts of Climate Change on California Ecosystems
American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting; 3 Poster session; ABSTRACT -- This project analyzes results from the Terrestrial Observation and Predictions System (TOPS) model. This report focuses on the A1B and A2 IPCC climate and land use projections for California. The state data is broken up into climate regions and watersheds of interest, and for each zone a statistical analysis is completed for climatological and ecological variables. Impacts on ecological variables are analyzed under both A1B and A2 climate change scenarios only and coupled climate/land use change scenarios. Trends produced from this analysis show changes in climate, and changes in ecosystem functions due to projected increased land. Fieldwork involving landscape irrigation at NASA Ames Research Center was done to understand current water use and explore conservation options in support of goals of water sustainability at the center.
December 2011 -
Conferences
Using the Terrestrial Observation and Prediction System (TOPS) to Analyze Impacts of Climate Change on California Ecosystems
Closeout presentation of summer work at the NASA Ames campus.
Summarizes work done, conclusions found, and what next steps in future work can be performed by subsequent teams.
August 2011 -
Presentations
Estimates of the Relationship Between Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Online Courses in an Urban University
Local poster session following volunteer work on a research project leading to a paid research project and the paper in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education in another entry in this list; BACKGROUND/ABSTRACT -- Our hypothesis is that implementing online classes as a method of delivering instruction to students will reduce the amount of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). A realistic scenario would be a hybrid mode of delivery, meaning that some of each classes meetings are on campus and some are offline. This study is being done to determine what percentage of classes must adopt this method, and on average, what percent of class meetings would have to be online in the classes that adopt a mixed mode instruction method to make a significant impact on the amount of trips students make to campus.
May 2011 -
Others
What is . . . the Lorenz System?
One of a series of presentations in the mathematics department in the "What is...?" seminar;
ABSTRACT -- The Lorenz system was developed by Edward Lorenz in an attempt to provide a simplified model for convective motions in the atmosphere. The system has led to many mathematical advances in the fields of chaos theory and dynamical systems. It also introduced the now classic visual example of chaotic behavior and attractors of dynamical systems. A general explanation of the system will be given, as well as a brief conceptual introduction to chaos theory and attractors, and how they relate to the Lorenz system. An emphasis on meteorological applications will also be provided.
November 2010 -
Presentations
Statistical Analysis of Nutritional Food Choices by Nugget© Patrons
Local poster session following a summer internship in mathematics/statistics at California State University Long Beach; ABSTRACT -- A two-month nutritional study involving an on-campus restaurant, the Nugget, was conducted. The 5,043 food orders from the anonymous customer’s were recorded between 11:00A.M. and 2:00P.M. (lunch time) and used in the research. The purpose of the study was to determine the type of items ordered together, the items that contributed most to the customer’s nutritional intake (calories, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, and fat), and the change in overall ordering patterns due to the availability of a nutritional information pamphlet (displayed on the counter near the register). It was expected that certain items, such as hamburgers and French fries would be ordered together. It was also expected that high fat items would decrease in sales while low fat items would become more popular given the availability of the nutritional information. French fries, alcohol and burgers are still popular to order at the Nugget. However, certain healthy items showed statistically significant increases in volume. For example, there was an increase in orders of veggie pizzas, bottled water, honey mustard dressing, veggie burgers, and turkey burgers.
SPSS was used to analyze the dataset. Correlation, decision trees, and performing tests for statistical significance were used to produce the results.
July 2009 -
Others
