Author: Mitchell Davis

Christopher Rosebrook

An Examination of Vocation Through the Experience of Others

In this paper there will be a discussion on the need for Christian’s to fulfill their calling, and how they can discern that calling through the experience of others. This will be achieved through the examination of three interviews of Christian leaders and how they have lived their lives to serve God. By looking at the vocations of the subjects of this paper, the reader will obtain a deeper understanding of vocation and how they can fulfill their vocation in their own lives.

BTM 250 – Building Wisdom for Vocational Living

Lynn Jacobson

11:00am – 11:30am Bucher Room

Courtney Weinberger

Actuarial P-Test

Actuaries need to be masters of probability. Hence the reason why the very first exam Actuaries will take is primarily on the mastery of probability. To master the different forms of probability, you must do several problems until you have the equations memorized. For the very first test, people interested in Actuarial work must master the conditional, discrete, continuous, and multivariable forms of probability. These forms of probability each have some unique difficult problems which will be shown and thoroughly explained. Additionally, all of these forms of probability have their own set of equations as well as requirements that must be fulfilled. Knowing when and where to use each form is crucial because of this reason.

MATH 499 – Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

10:00am – 10:30am P103

David Schwartz

The Introduction of Statcast to Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball has been a driving force in American sports and statistical developments with the introduction of Statcast. Statcast uses the combination of doppler radar and video to obtain advanced statistics that are utilized for the development of baseball players. Prior to Statcast the general focus when it came to statistics in baseball were simple stats like Earned Run Average, Hits, Runs Batted In, etc. With the introduction of Statcast, we can focus more on predictive statistics that helps coaches scout players from a different perspective. For example, statistics like Expected Batting Average, Expected Weighted On Base Percentage, and many other recently introduced advanced stats that are discussed to show the benefit of using Statcast data for creating the most successful team possible. The introduction of Statcast, along with many other technological advances Major League Baseball has made created a window of growth for the baseball community as a whole by introducing new ways to analyze players and their development.

MATH 499 – Senior Capstone

Brian Carrigan

10:30am – 11:00am P103

Devon Halleman

Soul Wounds: The Impact of Moral Injury in First Responders and Implications for Counseling

First responders (e.g., law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency dispatchers) operate in conditions where responsibility to act, empathy, and moral influence converge with human tragedy. More than 80% of first responders have endorsed experiencing traumatic events. First responders are disproportionately subjected to events and experiences that may conflict with their deeply rooted moral values. These events increase their risk of facing stress-related issues outside of those experiences, as outlined in established fear-based stress disorders. As such, first responders are at an increased risk of depression, substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide. This paper addresses the complex diagnostic distinctions between PTSD and moral injury (MI). An event leading to posttraumatic stress disorder does not necessarily mean a moral injury has occurred; however, moral injury is always traumatic. MI has been defined as “a response to trauma when a person or group’s core moral foundations cannot identify, justify, process, and integrate the trauma experience into a meaningful system that sustains relationships and human flourishing.” Commonly accepted characteristics of MI include shame, guilt, spiritual or existential crisis, and loss of trust in oneself or others. When MI goes untreated, secondary diagnostic characteristics can include anxiety, depression, anger, reexperiencing, self-harm, and social issues. This paper discusses the importance of moral repair, personal renewal, and self-forgiveness in one’s journey of healing and restoring one’s moral identity. Culturally competent clinicians must listen attentively, devoid of judgment or individual agenda, and be proficient at recognizing and treating a moral injury.

Keywords: ​moral injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, first responder, counseling

CMHC 699 – Capstone

Mindi Barta

3:00pm – 4:00pm L203

Faith Palmer

How Collectivistic Culture and Individualistic Culture Influence Human Development 

This is an evidence-based synthesis paper developed with 15 current primary research articles dating from 2015 to 2022. The focus of this review was on collectivistic and individualistic cultures and their relation to human development. These articles included information that explains the significance of using culture in research, similarities and differences between cultures, psychosocial development in relation to culture, and attachment styles in cultures. A similar finding amongst several of the articles was a warning against dichotomizing cultures as individualistic versus collectivistic. While this is an effective way to evaluate and categorize cultures, it must not be the only form of evaluating cultures used or be used to misjudge cultures for their differences. In the studies I reviewed it became evident that there is a similar life trajectory across cultures. People from each culture believed that life gets better as we get older, people made changes in efforts to enhance their view of life, and that our well-being is based on if our needs are being met. However, in each of these findings researchers also discovered that each culture differed in the way they accomplished these goals. Participants from different cultures also differed in the way that they approached attachment, yet attachment is a pancultural experience as it is an innate human characteristic. From the studies it also became apparent that culture influences psychosocial development and cognition because there were significant differences in social skills, and the way participants thought between individualistic and collectivistic cultures. Culture sensitivity is a relatively new perspective that is becoming increasingly popular and was used while writing this paper. It also should be used when reading this paper.  

PSY 499 – Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

1:30pm – 2:00pm L203

Fausto Gomez Herrera

Serial Murderers Are Created Not Born

Serial murderers are notorious and dangerous, yet society is intrigued by them. In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 13 articles from 2009 to 2019 to better understand serial murderers. By reading these articles it became evident that people are not born evil. With glimpse into their childhood, we see that many serial murderers experienced unstable and abusive homes. Their living situations can be viewed as traumatizing and contribute to aggressive and violent behaviors. However, their unstable homes alone are not enough to make serial murderers. Many serial murderers have a psychological disorder that also may contribute to their violent behaviors. However, it remains important to understand that most people with psychological disorders do not behave aggressively. While focusing on the trauma experienced by serial murderers, we can see how they find pleasure in killing their victims. Additionally, many serial murderers experienced bullying as young children, and this social rejection negatively impacted them as they were growing up. These experiences result in some people becoming antisocial as adults, whereas others became sociable, successful people. There are not as many serial murderers as there were 30 years ago, in part due to how child safety standards have changed, and it has become more socially acceptable for people to ask for psychological help. After researching serial murderers, I have found that they are made from many factors that are not just a person being born an evil. 

PSY 499 – Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

1:00pm – 1:30pm

Grace Brown

The God We Fear: The Leonine Imagery in Hosea and Amos

“The God We Fear: The Leonine Imagery in Hosea and Amos” is a capstone research project that solely focuses on the God that we as Christians should not only love, but fear just as much. In the Old Testament, Hosea and Amos present God as a roaring lion that not only warns the rebellious Israelites of their coming destruction brought upon them because of their sin with his roar, but also demonstrates his justice, majesty, power, boldness and patience as the alleged “king of beasts” that doesn’t hesitate to hunt down His prey. Leonine Imagery such as this resonated with the Ancient Israelites due to their experiences with lions terrorizing them as the incredible predators they are. Therefore, having God being depicted as a roaring lion that shows no mercy once provoked instills an even greater terror in those that broke their covenant promise with Him and worshipped others but Himself. With Israelites repeatedly turning to sin and their own destruction, God knew that the only way to rescue Israel from dooming themselves was to secure the nation’s heart through force, which is exactly how a lion deals with its prey. This grotesque imagery shocks and reminds the readers of any era that God is not only known for His love and forgiveness, but for His justice and righteousness. However, even after demonstrating His omnipotence and punishing Israel for their crimes, this is not the end of the story. Both books speak of a rising hope that will deliver Israel from certain death at God’s hands, because God cannot resist loving His people despite their glaring flaws. For those who repent, God portrays Himself as a loving father who always has His arms open in acceptance. God, as the lion, allowed Himself to be tamed by humanity due to His unfailing love. The “king of beasts” will make Himself gentle for those who submit to Him, since the reason He is a roaring lion was to win us back to Himself. This was accomplished through righteous fear from us and divine love from Him working in tandem, which should remind Christians that God is not only to be loved but to be feared and revered as the roaring lion He is. After all, as C.S. Lewis simply puts it, “He isn’t safe…But He’s good” (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, p.146).

CM 499 – Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

3:00pm – 3:30pm P103

Hannah Scott

Hannah Scott

Policy Proposal- Lethal Wolf Removal

This paper proposes a change to Oregon’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, legalizing proactive lethal removal of wolves within a close proximity of where livestock are raised. It covers the reasons for the policy change and the process through which it would be implemented, including the agencies, funding, and stipulations.

HIST 317 – American Government

James Berry

3:00pm – 3:30pm Bucher Room

Jamison Hanson & Jessica Woods

Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory at the University Level

Herzberg’s Two-Factor theory demonstrates workplace success and satisfaction through analyzing motivational and hygiene factors. Our presentation will take this theory and transform it into a university context, showing the factors that differentiate a working university from a successful university. We will use Bushnell as an example and show where our university stands according to specific factors that determine without bias, student satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

BUS 415 – Group and Organizational Behavior

11:00am – 12:00pm L203 (Poster Contest)

Jessica Woods & Tierra Dumlao

Aqua Jogger Safety Bracelet

AquaJogger’s potential new product, the Safety Bracelet, is a device created to enhance water safety by use of multiple alarms and lights with sensing equipment. The presentation will include a description of the device, full marketing plan, and information on target audiences as well as current marketing trends within related competition.

MKTG 330 – Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

9:00am – 11:00am L203

Joseph Washburn

Facilitating Faith-Based Mental Health Education Through First Aid Training

Mental health problems are rising in the U.S., even more so since Covid-19. Violent crime is increasing across the nation, as well. In the U.S., Christianity is seen as less and less relevant. This paper looks at how biblically-influenced educational best practices can improve mental health and self-efficacy while imparting everyday lifesaving skills. Recent research has shown the efficacy of faith-based mental health strategies. The past two decades of U.S. military conflict have garnered volumes of data on the psychology of survival stress. The author believes Christians have a biblical mandate to meet the physical needs of those in distress regardless of the personal cost. The author argues that by implementing educational best practices, first-aid and self-defense skills (i.e., pro-social tools and skills) can be taught on the foundation of a biblical imperative using the framework and scaffolding of evidence-based practices in mental health, resulting in improved self-efficacy, a sense of belonging, and enhanced meaning in life.

IDS 499 – Senior Capstone

James Berry

10:00am – 10:30am Bucher Room

Julia Kassing

Long-Term Financing and Capital Structure

The role of a financial manager is unique and vital in relation to a company’s ability to thrive. They must decide how best to utilize resources in order to maximize shareholder value. When a company needs an increase in capital, they may turn to a form of long-term capital financing. This is generally in the form of either debt or equity. In deciding how to obtain new capital, a financial manager must evaluate the health of the company, the desired level of risk and leverage, and the state of the greater economic environment. To delve into this topic, it will be imagined that Yeti Holdings, Inc. (YETI) requires increased capital. We will examine the company’s financial statements and the position of the firm in relation to both the current and projected economic conditions to determine in what matter the company should obtain new capital and the resulting implications of this decision.

MATH 499 – Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

3:30pm – 4:00pm P103

Kalani Miller

Lost In Translation: The Bible That Jesus Read

Many people know of the New Testament being written in koine Greek, yet what of the Greek Old Testament? That is known as the Septuagint, and historically was the Bible that Jesus probably read. I will be presenting a brief history of Hebrew, a short history and defense of the authority of the Septuagint, and an analysis of Isaiah 53.

HEB 301 – Classic Hebrew for Beginners

Joshua Little

2:30pm – 3:00pm L203

Kemy Deschamps

Aqua-Jog Support

The product I’ll present is a product called Aqua-Jog support. The product is a swimwear clothing with a belt inside wrapped to help support the user and enhance their movement when jogging or exercising in water. The swimwear also comes with waterproof pockets to protect the consumer’s device as it saves them a lot of trouble. The product can fit anyone from size XS to 3XL, has the color light green with blue wording, and the minimum purchase is $60. This product is targeted for those who are disabled or need anatomical assistance to help move their muscle when exercising. Purchasing patterns may excel due to the fact that many clients need the extra care and support to have fun working out while feeling more independent. This can apply to many people around this country, I would market the product online and partner with Amazon.

MKTG 330 – Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

9:00am – 11:00am L203

Luke Burke

Wealth Culture and Youth Discipleship

Everyone knows that popular American culture has great influence on the way youth live in and interact with the world. In fact, one could argue that popular American culture influences the youth more than anything else in their lives. This causes a problem within the church. The church is supposed to disciple young people into adults who follow Jesus. However, many young kids are being discipled by the culture rather than the church they attend. More and more kids are coming to church with the idea that their life is supposed to be about how much wealth they can accumulate. Popular American culture has persuaded youth to think that life is all about wealth. This means that the church must step up and redisciple youth in their view of wealth that is healthy and in line with the gospel of Jesus. This paper will propose a new paradigm of discipleship and formation for youth as it relates to attitudes toward wealth in popular American culture.

BTM 499 – Senior Capstone

AJ Swoboda

10:30am – 11:00am Bucher Room

Dr. Melisa Ortiz Berry, Celsie Smith, Angel Iheanyi-Igwe, Benjamin Randol, Abigail Askew, Bella Parque, Hannah Scott, Justin Ault, Albert Allen, Amelia Busch, Johnathan James, Leah Schiewe

Race and Gender in Bushnell History

The archives contain old yearbooks that HIST 210 has surveyed to study the history of race and gender at Bushnell University, which will be presented through slides and followed by conversation.

HIST 210 – Historical Methods and Research

Bushnell History Symposium 1:00pm – 4:00pm Bucher Room

Miriam Gutierrez

Remote Work

This presentation will dive deep into the issues, opportunities, and future of remote work. It will start by researching how the utilization of technology created the idea of working out of the office. Currently, there has been a major shift to remote work due to Covid-19. Industries like hospitality, retail, manufacturing, telecommunication, and medicine were impacted differently by the pandemic. Some industries have embraced remote work while others are pushing the workforce back into the office. The presentation will discuss the negative and positive effects of remote work on workers and the company. It will conclude by exploring the future implications and trends of remote work.

BUS 415 – Group and Organizational Behavior

Pete Diffenderfer

11:00am – 12:00pm L203 (Poster Contest)

Noah Mancione

The Influence of Physiological Factors on Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process by which the body breaks down the food we eat and converts it into energy used to sustain life. While it exists in each person, the way it is carried out differs greatly depending on factors such age, activity, and nutrition. The goal of this presentation is to compare several different studies examining how these factors influence our cellular respiration and how we can more efficiently utilize energy as a result.

BIOL 311 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Tammy Bovee

11:30am – 12:00pm P103

Payton Jones

An Analysis of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a highly aggressive neurodegenerative disease that effects executive function of the brain. This disease was discovered by Alois Alzheimer through a series of observations and dissections. A patient may be diagnosed if showing symptoms such as dementia, confusion, paranoia, and restlessness. The build up of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the portions of the brain that are correlated with memory are characteristic of this disease. Many other things have been thought to contribute to the cognitive decline of one presenting with Alzheimer’s, including genetic markers that may increase one’s risk of developing this disease. Preventive measures can be taken in order to potentially slow progressive or delay onset on Alzheimer’s, however there is only one immunotherapy medication that has been approved for its disease-modifying effects.

BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

1:00pm – 1:30pm P103

Peyton Ritchie & Kayla Williams

Aqua Jogger Belt – Infant Seat

We will present a successful marketing plan for our product, which is an infant seat that connects to the original Aqua Jogger belt. Our goal for this product is to allow active mothers to workout with their infants and save money on childcare.

MKTG 330 – Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

9:00am – 11:00am L203