Chika Okafor

Compiles data on the election cycles of district attorneys (DAs) in office during the steepest rise in incarceration in U.S. history. Finds that being in a DA election year increases admissions rates and time sentenced. Discovers criminal sentencing may be responding to voter preferences, highlighting a need to focus on public opinion—not just policy—in stemming mass incarceration.

Develops an economic model in which firms are colorblind in hiring and show that—despite initial equality in ability, employment, wages, and network structure—minorities receive disproportionately fewer jobs through referral and lower expected wages, simply because their social group is smaller. Concludes this is a phenomenon of "social network discrimination."

Proposes a major shift in the messaging of the mainstream environmental movement. Stresses instead of relying on logic, the mainstream movement must also cultivate passion. Mentions instead of only appealing to the mind, it must also tap into the heart, and instead of “convincing” people, it must also learn to inspire them. Finds what inspires is a moral imperative, which can be accomplished through religious justifications.