Thesis Topics- Carl Frisk

Through the previous exercises, I have identified my main area of focus being the topic of developing and perfecting a craft. Two areas that have come up are craft in the game of soccer and craft in furniture and tool making; with education playing a role in all areas. In each of my possible topics I have identified both feasible contacts as well as a few that are a bit out of reach.



1. Improving education by using soccer as an incentive. This could be done by a product but would likely have a strong tie to a system or curriculum in order to be successful

Possible Contacts:

-PassBack Program- No names found yet- Program collects and gives out slightly used soccer equipment

-Lawrence Cann- CEO and Founder of Street Soccer USA- A soccer league which helps the homeless

-Michel Platini- President of UEFA- Helps govern Europe's soccer leagues


2. Improving upon prisoners ability to find and sustain jobs by providing training within prisons. Development of designs which provide training while producing an end product

Possible Contacts:

-Scott Peltzer- Prof. at Parsons and Founder of Brooklyn Woods- Provides free training to mostly people with criminal back
grounds

-Don Finkell- CEO of Anderson Hardwood Floors- Employs South Carolina prisoners to produce products

-Peter J. Murphy- Warden of largest correctional facility in New England- Provides classes and training in woodworking


3. Improving consumer knowledge about production and materials by showing the complete process from tool making to refinement of material to production.

Possible Contacts:

-Rick Hearne- Hearne Hardwoods- Created own band saw to cut specialty and rare lumber

-Richard Sennett- Professor at NYU and Founder of NY Institute for the Humanities- Author of "The Craftsman"

-Christopher Schwartz- Journalist and Editor of Woodworking Magazine- Has extensive knowledge of hand tools