Christopher Nava
Christopher Nava is a dedicated student, and current Senior, pursuing a major in Business Marketing and a minor in Data Analytics. For Christopher, success transcends mere accomplishment; it embodies a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct. He believes in setting ambitious goals, pushing beyond boundaries, and delivering high-quality work that exceeds expectations. As evidenced by his exceptional leadership skills honed during his service in the United States Army, Christopher has a proven ability to inspire and empower others to achieve common objectives.
Christopher values the interconnectedness of his various communities, including his local neighborhood, fellow veterans, family, and the McNair/EWU community, and seeks to uplift and support those around him through collaboration and collective action. With a fervent passion for learning and a drive to make meaningful contributions to his community, he envisions leveraging his expertise to address pressing societal challenges such as bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainability in business practices.
Christopher is honored to have been accepted into the Eastern Washington University Ronald E. McNair Scholarship Program in December of 2023. Throughout his academic journey, he has demonstrated unwavering determination and a genuine desire to make a difference. With the McNair scholarship, Christopher is eager to seize new opportunities for growth and continue striving for excellence in all aspects of his academic and personal endeavors. Chris’ research was presented August 15, 2024 at the McNair Summer Research Symposium.
2025 EWU Faculty Research Mentor: Dr. Alexandros Paparas
Research Title: Which Fantasy Football Platform is more accurate at predicting preseason projections?
Abstract: This paper evaluates the accuracy of preseason fantasy football player projections from two major platforms, ESPN and Yahoo, over six NFL seasons (2019–2024). Using Average Draft Position (ADP) data from FantasyPros and end-of-season performance statistics from Pro Football Reference, we compare each platform’s projections to actual outcomes in points-per-reception (PPR) formats. Seven research questions guide the analysis, covering top-tier projection accuracy, average positional error, positional strengths and weaknesses, player consistency, missed breakout players, and preseason overvaluations (busts). Of 432 possible top tier slots across six seasons, ESPN correctly projected 290 (67.1%) and Yahoo 286 (66.3%). ESPN showed an edge at running back, while Yahoo slightly outperformed at wide receiver; both struggled most with tight ends. Although ESPN ranked higher in four of the six seasons, the overall gap was narrow and not statistically significant. Findings provide practical guidance for fantasy managers and highlight areas where projection models can be improved.
2024 EWU Faculty Research Mentor: Dr. Habib Islam
Research Title: What Do Consumers in Spokane & Metropolitan Area Prioritize More: Price or Quality of Products?
Research Proposal Presentation
Research Poster
Abstract: Businesses aim to maximize profits, while consumers strive to minimize their spending, creating a natural tension in the marketplace. However, consumers cannot access the highest quality products without incurring costs. This study seeks to investigate whether established trends in consumer behavior, particularly regarding the trade-off between price and quality, hold true within the Spokane metropolitan area. The research will segment Spokane and its surrounding metropolitan regions to capture a diverse demographic range, including variations in location, age, gender, and household income.
Through a structured survey, participants will be asked about their shopping preferences across different categories, focusing on their tendencies toward pricing, quality, brand loyalty, and the key factors influencing their purchasing decisions. The collected data will be analyzed to identify patterns and trends in consumer preferences, providing insights into how consumers in the Spokane area balance their preferences for price, quality, and other influencing factors.
The findings from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of consumer behavior in the Spokane area, offering valuable implications for retailers and marketers. These insights can inform strategic decision-making processes, enabling businesses to better tailor their products, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts to meet the specific demands of local consumers effectively.
Christopher Nava Presents Fantasy Football Research at MKN Heartland McNair Research Conference 2025!
Christopher Nava: McNair Scholar Excels at Nuestras Raíces Internship!
Another Great Summer of Research at McNair: Summer 2025!
EWU McNair Scholar Chris Nava Completes McNair Summer Research Internship
Another Great Summer of Research at McNair!
