Author: Doyle Srader

Seth Arthurs

Martin Luther Pecha-kucha

Throughout the early sixteenth century, Luther challenged the moral and religious sanctity of Catholicism. Luther’s writings on Christian liberty often disputed what the Catholic Church taught. He argued that it is faith and not works that save one’s soul. Luther gained credibility by citing different passages from the Bible such as parts of Peter, Romans, and Corinthians. When Luther describes liberty he doesn’t use it in a physical sense, but rather a spiritual one. He explains that salvation isn’t something that you can purchase because it is by faith people are saved

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Abby Askew & Ben VanderWeyst

Increasing Verbal Participation in High School Social Studies Classrooms

Our research aimed to answer the question “How can we encourage verbal participation in high school social studies classrooms?” by proposing strategies to combat disengagement. The goal of our research was to target the issue of disengagement among high school students in our practicum placements during whole-class discussions. Our research included several studies of factors that impact student engagement and willingness to participate in whole-class discussions. The findings of our research concluded that student preparedness, classroom culture, teacher intentionality, and connection to students’ lives were the most influential factors in students’ willingness to participate in class discussions. Based on these factors, we are proposing six strategies for increasing verbal participation in secondary social studies classrooms. 

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Madison Bender

Pornography Consumption: Biopsychosocial Effects and Treatment Implications

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 18 empirical studies and five additional sources from 2011 to 2024 to summarize the currently known research on the negative biological, psychological, and social aspects of pornography consumption. Pornographic content has been traced back to 1524 and has evolved to become a culturally accepted phenomenon in many parts of the world through technological advances. Researchers have found that altered genes and reward pathways in the brain may contribute to the formation of problematic pornography usage. Physical issues, such as erectile dysfunctions, may arise from excessive pornography use. Psychologically, emotional regulation, mental health disorders, and dehumanization also may occur. Common emotions that may arise from pornography use are shame, guilt, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Relationships and social functioning also may be affected by pornography use due to exploitation of other human beings and moral incongruence. Attachment styles between the user and their friends and family have shown to be impacted. Socially, human trafficking also is being supported through the use of pornography, with the majority of women and children shown in online pornography being victims of human trafficking. Treatments for pornography addictions are sparse and consist of different forms of psychotherapy. Because pornography use is culturally acceptable in America, pornography addiction is not seen as an addiction and is not widely addressed. Further research, replication, and attention are needed to uncover the true impact that pornography usage has.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Katie Blackhart

How Does Cellphone Use Impact Middle and High School Student’s Learning?

For my classroom management education class, I conducted research on cellphones in educational settings. The research question I aim to answer is, How Does Cellphone Use Impact Middle and High School Student’s Learning? In order to answer this question, I conducted research that covered several peer reviewed articles, different documentaries, and teacher interviews as well. Evidence has shown that cellphones are distracting to students and decrease their attention span. Students have lower levels of cognitive thinking and decreased classroom engagement. In addition, student’s are off task, no longer academically honest, and suffering from intense mental health issues all due to excessive phone use. While there are potential benefits to allowing students to use phones and other technology in class from time to time, teachers are struggling to increase student achievement in their classrooms because student’s are addicted to their cellphones.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Grace Bone

Bloody Sunday, 1905

I will be talking about how I was a journalist in high school, and how I can relate to the journalist who was a witness of Bloody Sunday, 1905. I will explain the background of Bloody Sunday (the setting events), and what it entailed. Beyond this, I will explain how it started as a protest but wasn’t intended to start the Russian Revolution, but things don’t always go according to plan. 

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Maylee Breiholz

The Greatest Commandment: The Best Strategies for Christian Teachers to Live out Christ’s Call in a Secular Setting

At an occupational level, there is one kind of individual that faces a unique set of challenges in living out Christ’s commands to love in the freest capacity, that is, the Christian teacher. Specifically, complications arise for those who teach in a secular workplace environment due to the Federal and State legislation set in place, which teachers must abide by. This of course is in addition to the taboos formed around any sort of mention of faith within public schools, even if it is according to regulation. Though, despite these challenges, teachers must not count themselves exempt from putting into practice the greatest commandments within their place of work. Even in a public school setting, teachers are still able to live out the call to love as Jesus has instructed. Within a secular teaching environment, the best way Christian teachers can successfully live out the greatest command–that is, to love–is by integrating their faith into teaching practices, fostering genuine relationships, and demonstrating Christ-like love through actions. 

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

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Sadie Chase

Incorporating Movement in the Elementary Classroom

For my classroom management presentation, I researched the benefits of incorporating movement (or educational brain breaks) in the classroom at an elementary level (K-2). My “problem” I’m looking to “solve” is restless behavior during instruction. A number of students struggle with staying engaged during a lesson, and often lose focus after an amount of time. The studies that I’ve found have discussed different strategies to reduce this behavior and to increase attention. I’m currently working in a Kindergarten classroom and have first hand experience with squirrely behavior and have witnessed numerous activities my cooperating teacher has implemented into her everyday routine. In my presentation I will talk about how often students should be taking active breaks and how long these breaks should last. One of the most common examples is recess; why is this time important for a students education?

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Sophia Choat

Religious Belonging in Eugene, Oregon

Belonging is a blessing to the church that knows how to invite others into it well and a curse to the individual who does not feel as though they belong. Churches that practice and encourage belonging will not only be healthier but also will withstand the dechurching epidemic. There are many layers to understanding why this may be a hard practice for some of us, with important landmark events like the COVID-19 pandemic escalating what was only – at one point – boiling under the surface. 

The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the impact of the pandemic on churches and emphasize the significance of belonging within a church community. To further explore these themes, I have conducted qualitative interviews with six local pastors to gain insight into what belonging in a church in Eugene, Oregon entails post-pandemic.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L204

2 – 2:30 PM

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Kaitlin Cook

Posttraumatic Growth: Protective Factors and Instilling Resilience into Future Generations

Emerging research shows potential for positive psychological adaptations post adversity. In this evidence-based research paper, I examined 21 peer reviewed articles and supplementary materials dating from 2003 to 2024 in order to connect ideas of posttraumatic and resilience growth capabilities, predictors, and outcomes. In this review, I aimed to reframe traumatic experiences from a salutogenic perspective by highlighting the opportunity for personal and social advancement following adverse experiences. Through psychological interventions, self-dedication, and success strivings, individuals may reconstruct life meaning and develop greater levels of prosocial behavior, empathy, altruism, and problem solving. Adverse experiences in many cases are unavoidable; therefore, increasing psychological strength through resilience training and growth-based parenting is a priority to instill hope into future generations. Post trauma functioning given adaptive responses has outcomes of social and cognitive flourishing. Future research should prioritize increasing the body of longitudinal data by comparing baseline levels of functioning and life meaning to growth capabilities following trauma. Research directions should seek to develop practical ways to implement resiliency within institutions and integrate it into social constructs. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Cade Crist

Data Analytics in Today’s World

Data is the most important factor when it comes to innovation, efficiency, and strategic decision-making in today’s dynamic corporate environment. Organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational conglomerates, are utilizing data to boost performance, get actionable insights, and open up new growth opportunities. As we explore the complex network of data analytics, it becomes clear that its importance goes beyond simple analysis; rather, it acts as a catalyst for a significant change in the way companies run and compete on the world stage. This conceptual shift is primarily driven by the increasing influence of data in the modern business environment. Data generation has reached previously unheard-of levels in terms of volume, velocity, and variety due to the widespread adoption of digital technologies. Every click, purchase, and interaction generates an abundance of data that presents organizations with priceless chances to comprehend consumer behavior, predict industry trends, and enhance operations. Organizations that can successfully collect, handle, and use data have a clear competitive edge in today’s data-rich environment, which spurs innovation and success.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

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10:30 – 11 AM

Brooklynn Dechent

Case study: When to Respond to Negative Behavior in the Classrsoom

Over the past few months, I have been student teaching in a 3rd grade class and observing a female student. I have noticed that she has struggled with misbehavior and a lack of respect for her teacher and authority. She is not a struggling student in her academics but struggles with starting and staying on task. However, when she is given directions or corrected in her behavior, she seems to take it as a challenge. My proposed question is; When should you respond to negative behavior in the classroom and when should you not in the classroom? I have found that students who are struggling with only the behavior piece in school, more often than not, are struggling with another determining factor. In this case, through intensive research and time spent with the student, I have found there her behavior inside the classroom is linked to how parental figures are teaching at home, and what they are tolerating. These strategies are important for all teachers because, every teacher works with students who struggle with misbehavior i.e. blurting out, sarcasm, talking back, lack of respect, etc. I have found that not directly engaging with her on all fronts but requiring a consequence for rules being broken, shows her that rules are still rules and she has a choice to make. This case is contextually different for each student, but through research have found multiple strategies to help teachers work alongside students, not tower over them in authority. 

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Madeline Desemone

History of Title IX (In Oregon)

I will be discussing the history of Title IX in Oregon, and its impacts on women in athletics then and now. It will include what Title IX actually says, how things were before Title IX was enacted, and how things have improved since then. 

HIST 340, History of Race, Ethnicity and Gender

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Alsea Diffenderfer

Psychoneuroimmunology in Childhood Abuse Survivors

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I examined 19 empirical articles as well as three additional sources dating from 2008 to 2024 to review the research on psychoneuroimmunology with a focus on stress caused by childhood abuse. Psychoneuroimmunology refers to the study between the connections of the nervous system, the immune system, and psychological factors. It has been studied since the 1970s and recently has gained much traction in healthcare as research continues to affirm the importance of these connections as it relates to trauma. Child abuse is a trauma endured by thousands in the United States each year. Studies have shown that biological and psychological altercations can occur as the result of maltreatment in childhood and if not properly cared for, can result in long-term negative implications on quality of life. To offer a holistic approach to healthcare for those who have survived childhood abuse, it is imperative to continue broadening our understanding and account for each branch of psychoneuroimmunology in trauma recovery. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Tierra Dumlao

Social Media’s Role in Suicide

This evidence-based synthesis paper contains topics on suicide. I reviewed 18 empirical studies from 2018 to 2024 and summarized them in order to understand the impact of social media, and its role in suicide. These articles included information and data on the psychological effects that an individual may have when suicide-related content is posted on social media. In addition, some articles included recommendations for individuals who would like to post suicide-related content on social media. From the articles that I have reviewed, it is apparent that there are many ways the internet can influence someone’s mental health: negative self-comparison, social imitation, social isolation, and cyberbullying experiences that could potentially lead to suicide. When studying adolescents, researchers focused on specific mental states that show suicidal ideation and behavior. Furthermore, the evaluation of how suicide-related content is posted and interacted with has been examined. From these studies, it became evident that there are some psychological reasons why individuals who use social media may feel the need to consistently use it. Concepts such as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, social learning theory, self-esteem, persona implication, the Werther effect, and the Papageno effect have been identified as reasons that an individual would commit suicide. It is important to address this outside perspective as social media has become normalized in society. Future research should focus on suicide, social media, and the overlapping factors to better understand this complex relationship. Moreover, the understanding of these connections can increase prevention efforts and save lives, decreasing the number of suicides.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Gabriel Fatooh

Pentadic Criticism of Tim Tebow’s “Live a Life of Significance | Live for Jesus”

Tim Tebow uses the story of Kevin Carter’s Pulitzer award winning photo to highlight his point that being successful is not as fulfilling as living a life of significance. I analyze his speech using Kenneth Burke’s “Pentadic Criticism” method, which requires critics to first identify the act, agent, agency, purpose, and scene of a rhetoric and determine which of the five elements outweighs the others using a pentadic ratio. In my criticism, I argue that purpose outweighs all of the other pentadic elements on the basis that Kevin Carter blatantly ignored the cry of human suffering for the success of his career.

COMM 441, Rhetorical Criticism

Doyle Srader

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Gabriel Fatooh

Electronic Signage Project Analysis Using the “Functional Perspective of Group Decision Making”

My initial project plan was to compare two different advertising routes for Bushnell campus life events. The first route was through the campus bulletin, poster board, and chapel announcements. The second route was through three on campus flatscreen television screen acting as electronic signage. I was to then record the attendance of three categories of on campus events. I was to record attendance twice for each of the three categories for a total of six events. The first recording of each category was to be after the first route of advertising. The second recording of each category was to be after the second route of advertising. At each event students were to be asked to fill out a survey that recorded how they found out about the event.

My initial project broke down during its’ decision-making process. Therefore, my project will consist of an analysis of my initial project’s breakdown in alignment with Hirokawa and Gouran’s “Functional Perspective of Group Decision Making.” I will also consider research done on student affairs professionals and their workload.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

R100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Jackson Findlay

Game Theory, Economics and Tennis

This presentation provides an overview of game theory, an influential branch of mathematical economics that studies strategic interactions and decision making.  I introduce some basic tools used by game theorists, including strict and weak dominance and iterated deletion procedures, and discuss applications ranging from auction theory to sports. 

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P003

1:30 – 2 PM

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James Flannigan

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz – Biographic

I aim to give an overview of the life story of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, delving into her astonishing abilities and drive to pursue knowledge. I then will explore a couple of her works and poems, pulling quotes that highlight what I think are the core foundation of her beliefs and outlook. Overall, I hope that my audience can come away understanding the important role that Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz played in advocating for women’s rights to education and changing society for the better.

HIST 440, Latin American Civilization

Stephen Andes

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Ramsey Gordon

Mans wealth and how it relates to political rights

The story that I am going to be telling for my ace day Pecha Kucha is going to be the story of why a man’s wealth was so important for possessing political rights. I think that this will be the best story for me to do for my presentation for a few reasons. It is important for why certain political leaders were political leaders, and if it was for their knowledge, or because of their wealth. The emotional impact that I am trying to leave the audience with is that we should not base our political decisions off just how much money someone has, but we should base it off their knowledge and their decision making. I think there is a lesson to be learned here, and it is exactly that. We should base who we vote for not based off their income or their net worth, but we should base it off their knowledge and how good they would be as a leader. I think that I will be able to successfully relate the primary source to my own life because I feel as if in my own life, I tend to lean towards and be around people who are wealthier, but don’t have my best interest at heart.  

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Alec Gums

Life of a Mill Worker in the 20th Century 

I will be presenting about the lives of mid-20th-century mill workers in Northern England, highlighting their resilience amidst grueling working conditions and economic struggles, aiming to evoke empathy and appreciation for their hardships and sacrifices.

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Molly Haley

Expense Tracker Website

I created an expense tracker website for my capstone project. The inspiration from this came from my own struggles with tracking my expenses, and I thought it would be neat to create a tool that I could use in the future. This website was created in VSCode and implements a full MERN stack utilizing MongoDB, Express, ReactJS, and Node_modules. My presentation will consist of an explanation of what it means to implement MERN stack, along with explanations of my database and front end developing process. I will then complete the presentation by showing how my webpage works. 

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Ernest Bonat

L204

10 – 10:30 AM

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Marlee Heiken

The history and impact of Oregon’s racial exclusion laws

I will present on the history of Oregon’s racial exclusion laws. I’ll include a personal story of how it took me may years to even notice the lace of black people here in Oregon and I’ll end the presentation with showing the impact that these laws have had on Oregon today. 

HIST 340, History of Race, Ethnicity and Gender

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Spencer Hoffman

Comparing the Effectiveness of Persuasive Appeals for Struggling Athletes 

There are a significant number of persuasive appeals that coaches, professors, and academic support staff employ to encourage athletes to seek help when they are struggling with their coursework. A study conducted compares the effectiveness of three different categories of those kinds of appeals: fear, the injunctive norm, and cognitive dissonance. Student-athletes were asked to view and rate appeals designed to fit these categories with the goal of encouraging them to ask for help early when academic issues surface. This presentation will cover the results of the study, as well as the procedure, an overview of previous research associated with this topic, and finally some suggestions that can hopefully be of service to those who are in a position to help struggling student-athletes in the future. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

R100

2:30 – 3 PM

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Celia Hubbard

Oregon Women at Work

This research provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of women in the Oregonian workforce, and the fight that was fought in the early 1900’s for equality and the women that trail-blazed the path before us.

HIST 340, History of Race, Ethnicity and Gender

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Mackenzie Hunton

Gamification in the Math Classroom

A recent trend in K-12 education is gamification, or the use of games to motivate learning in the math classroom. This presentation surveys some practices and the current research into their effectiveness as a teaching tool.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P003

2 – 2:30 PM

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Gracelyn Johnson

Transitions in Elementary Schools 

What are the positive and negative aspects of accelerating and maximizing elementary school core instruction transitions? We will investigate the advantages of swift transitions in the classroom as well as techniques that teachers can employ when their elementary school curriculum shifts from core to elective instruction. Research on tactics that can work well or poorly in the classroom has been found.Providing students the opportunity to attend to their own social and emotional needs during transitions can help them do so without causing disruptions. Teachers who have used brain breaks during the transitions between core instruction have been interviewed by us. The purpose of brain breaks is to provide learners with a mental break that will aid in maintaining focus. Students are encouraged to move during breaks in order to refocus their energy and deliver blood and oxygen to the brain. However there are some negatives that teachers implement in their classrooms, one being timed tradition games. Giving students timed games during transitions wouldn’t be the most beneficial strategy. With the use of these games, students can time how quickly they can get their materials and return to their seats. Since not every student will benefit from this, there could potentially be problems. Timed activities can be difficult for students because they place needless additional pressure and stress on them, which can and will impair performance. A student’s difficulties during a transition may have an unintended impact on the lesson that follows. Gonoodle is a useful website that teachers can use for brain breaks. With the aid of quick interactive exercises like brain breaks, the free online resource movement tool assists teachers in getting students moving. There are other video selections available on the website, including ones tailored to a certain grade level, curriculum, and activity kinds. 

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Colby Knutzen, Jacob Stoner & Jessica Woods

Strategic Plan for The Eugene Airport Rotary 

Presenting a strategic plan for The Eugene Airport Rotary Foundation, including suggestions for future improvement and analysis of current organizational standing.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Christy Silverthorne

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

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Suzana Krstic

The Biological Effects and Medicinal Use of Psilocybin

In this presentation, I will be explaining what the chemical psilocybin is and does, and its recreational and medicinal use. My research is based on therapeutic uses of psilocybin and its potential to be used medicinally to help with common mental health disorders.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

W100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Davis Kyser

Early Wealth Development Investing 

An honors assignment diving into my personal conviction to build & develop upon wealth, viewing it as a responsibility. An overview of the Dave Ramsey baby-steps, the financial route I chose to pursue, and the differences between a traditional & Roth IRA will be given. I will work to shine light on the value of compound interest when flipped in your favor. Further, I will discuss the value of the ability to sleep easy at night, debt-free that seems to have lost importance in many minds. 

BUS 120, Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship

Pete Diffenderfer

P103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Bethany LaFon

Technology in the Workplace

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I have reviewed the findings of 15 current research articles dating from 2019 to early 2024. The focus of this evidence-based synthesis review was on the relationship between growing efforts in the workplace for integration of technology and the relationship between human and machine. These articles included information about changing laws, because of increased technology use, changes regarding personal and work balance having no boundaries due to technology, and the changes of workplace dynamics due to the integration of technology. In many of the articles, there were other common themes, such individuals advocating for technology because of a loss of connection with clients, and many others refusing technology because of the negative outcomes it has had on their personal life and work lives. In my research, I found that there is considerable debate between the benefits of growing technology and the negative outcomes of technology. Relationships have changed, and people crave a connection with others. Companies are forcing the new age of co-existence with Artificial Intelligence, and we no longer have necessary boundaries to promote work-life balance. Future research should address the growing desire for more technology in the workplace. Will this potentially harm companies in the future or build necessary connections between client and professional?

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Megan Lay

The Dinner Hour We Were Promised

I will lead with a brief overview of what my life may look like after college in terms of work and life. I will transition into looking at my source on women in the industrial era. I will talk about the conditions that forced families to seek the dual income during the industrial revolution and draw it to the present and how dual income is really a necessity for most families. Ultimately, I will show the connection between the industrial revolution and the traditional family model being a modern luxury.

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Tracy Magill

Women and Child Labor

I will be talking about the start of women and child labor for how far we have came to now in today’s world.  Also will we analyzing an old painting of women working outside of a mill.  Then I will go into important dates of the evolution for women and child labor and how we got to where we are in today’s world. 

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Kalani Miller

God of the Valley: How Latin American “Liberation Theology” Differs from Theologies of Suffering

While some say that liberation theology is just another theology of suffering and differs only in geographical location, liberation theology is a unique grassroots theological movement in Latin America as seen in its’ focus on action before doctrine, its’ concentration on helping the poor, and its’ ties between politics and religions.

HIST 440, Latin American Civilization

Stephen Andes

W100

10 – 10:30 AM

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Aly Mirabile

Dementia and its Impact of our World

In this presentation, I will be explaining what dementia is and the effects it has on older populations. I will dive into different types of dementia, the symptoms, and the different studies that are currently going on to find the best treatment. My research is focused on informing people of how prevalent dementia is, making people more aware of the effect it has on our older populations, and the different studies that have gone on to find a drug that will have a lasting impact on patients with dementia. 

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

W100

2:30 – 3 PM

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