Undergraduate Research Symposium Presentation
Author: Katelyn Dahl | Major: International Business | Semester: Spring 2025
My name is Katelyn Dahl. Spring semester of 2025, I am finishing out my International Business degree with a concentration in Finance and minors in Spanish and Hospitality. My thesis mentor Ann Bordelon, who serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, who graciously took on this project with me. While brainstorming topics, I spoke to Ann about my passion for learning through experience and interest in entrepreneurship. She connected me with an entrepreneur who was analyzing the snack cake market which is what led to my Honors Thesis Research: The Comprehensive Analysis of the Historical Development, Ingredients and Competitive Landscape of the Snack Cake Industry.
My research examines the evolution of snack cakes over time and how changes in production and consumer preferences have influenced the ingredients and quality of the product. By comparing the list of ingredients from various brands, I gained insight into trends like the shift towards more preservatives to lengthen shelf life for distribution purposes and the recent health conscious movement which has had little but some impact on these indulgent treats. This work helps consumers better understand what they are eating and the motives behind each company’s strategy whether that is keeping tradition, cost effectiveness or a rich taste.
Because of this topic, I have acquired a habit of looking at the ingredients in everyday snacks. I have also started looking at everyday household brands and asking myself if this is a product that was acquired from the main 11 companies that dominate a huge percentage of the market. When brainstorming, I wanted to challenge myself to learn something new and in a new way. As I focus more on math within my business classes, research and writing challenged me to expand from what I am comfortable with to learn. As the semester continued, I found writing flowed easier as I acquired better researching skills through consistent practice.
I’ve always had a personal love for knowledge, specifically in the Self Help and Finance non-fiction section of the library. However, this thesis pushed me to expand my horizons to include books about gut health, metabolism, health perceptions and so much more. I have been able to take this knowledge from my thesis research and apply it to my own life. I’ve seen my ways of thinking change even in my daily life as I start to question what each ingredient is and how it affects us. Although I have wrapped up my thesis, I plan to continue my personal knowledge and understanding of ingredients used in processed foods as it affects all of us.
Because of the SURF Grant and Honors College Research Grant, I received the opportunity to investigate the various factors that have led to the main competitors to stay dominant. This extra financial help allowed me to focus on the three sectors.
Looking forward, I hope to apply these skills in my future career. This project taught me that stepping into unfamiliar territory is where real growth happens. I am deeply grateful to Ann Bordelon, my professors, and the grant committees for supporting my research and encouraging me to challenge myself beyond the classroom.