Seniors Showcase Women as Founders Research Projects
(L to R: Eva Getty, Molly Dunphy-Culp, Giulianna Durso, Izzy Mellos, Sophie Householder, Mia O'Brien, and Mia Moss)
The Mount proudly offers an innovative independent study course to Seniors titled "Women as Founders.
Relaunched in its current format in 2013, the Women as Founders course was created to allow Mounties in their final years at Mount Saint Joseph Academy to engage in a fulfilling social endeavor to serve as a capstone project. The goal of the limited-enrollment, independent study course is to combine the many facets of the Mount education that students receive, including faith and mission-driven learning, and give young women a vehicle to realize their full potential to drive social change as future leaders and founders. Each student selects a topic of social importance about which they feel passionate and builds a project around that topic, and then they present their outcomes toward the end of their Senior years.
Fine Arts Department Chair Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, took on the role of lead advisor and instructor of the Women as Founders course last school year. Recently, the most recent cohort of "Women as Founders" showcased their work for the Mount community, with the hope of inspiring positive social change. See below for details of each project from our Class of 2025 Women as Founders leaders.
Izzy Mellos: Irlen Syndrome
Izzy Mellos presented about Irlen Syndrome, a visual perceptual condition that affects many including herself. She shared her personal experiences with the syndrome, clarifying that it is often mistakenly perceived as an optical issue but is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes visual information. As a result, individuals with Ireln Syndrome may struggle with tasks like reading or distinguishing between certain visual elements, highlighting the brain's role in vision. Through visual demonstrations shown to the audience on screen, Izzy illustrated how the world appears differently to those with the syndrome and those without. She also provided historical context, explaining that the condition was first identified in the 1980s by Helen Irlen.
Sophie Householder: Teen Social Media Anxiety Disorder
Sophie Householder addressed the increasing presence of teens on social media and the potential anxiety that social media can cause. Sophie highlighted correlations between social media usage and anxiety levels, emphasizing the need for awareness and support in our community.
Giulianna Durso: Intellectual Disabilities and Gene Deletions
Giulianna Durso raised awareness about intellectual disabilities and gene deletions by sharing her family and brother’s experiences. Giulianna's advocacy project encouraged members of the Mount community to volunteer at her brother’s school to foster a deeper understanding and meaningful interactions with individuals outside our community. Giulianna believes that these experiences will break down barriers and promote inclusivity for all.
Eva Getty: Epigenetics and Childhood Development
Eva Getty's research focused on how epigenetics impact childhood development, exploring how environmental factors can influence genes and affect children's growth. Her insights underlined the importance of supportive environments for young learners.
Molly Dunphy-Culp: Childhood Poverty
Molly Dunphy-Culp initiated an interactive discussion on the differences between a typical Mount student's backpack and one belonging to a student living in poverty. Her advocacy project encouraged community members to donate new or gently used items to support families in need, helping to bridge the gap for children facing economic challenges.
Mia Moss: Food Insecurity and Hydroponics
Mia presented her research on food insecurity and the limitations of food banks. She explained that although food banks are valuable resources, they often lack fresh produce. Mia's service project aims to partner with the SSJ Neighborhood Center to establish hydroponic gardens, providing access to fresh greens year-round.
Mia O'Brien: Fast Fashion
Mia explored the negative impacts of fast fashion, including its environmental toll and the exploitative labor practices behind it. She shared news stories about factory conditions and invited the community to participate in her advocacy project—a Mount Thrift Store—to promote sustainable fashion practices through clothing swaps and exchanges.
These remarkable projects not only highlight the students’ dedication to their research but also their commitment to making a difference in the world.
The "Women as Founders" course exemplifies The Mount's mission to empower young women to lead with courage and compassion. We invite families to learn more about the Mount's unique programs and other curricular opportunities HERE.