Category: 34 Fall 2025

The State of Teaching at Bushnell University

In the Fall 2025 term, a call went out for nominations of Bushnell students who had demonstrated by their observable behaviors that they were committed to approaching their classes as opportunities to learn, not simply to manipulate the class environment for high grades or other indirect rewards. Those nominees were named Bergquist Laureates. The award is named for Dr. Tim Bergquist, the founder of ACE Day, who loved to encourage students to be scholars. At noon, the Bergquist Laureates will participate in a panel whose topic is the elements of Bushnell classes that help them learn, things that do not help them learn, and things they wish they would see that would help them learn. Bushnell faculty are invited to attend to listen.

The panelists:

  • Ana Augusto
  • Kaylee Dancer
  • Jacob Horn
  • Deborah Leos
  • Noah Mancione
  • Carolyn Ruiz-Moreno
  • Lauren Sprengeler
  • Martha Valverde

Noon – 1 PM

Goodrich 104

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Giovanni Agogliati, Anette Avila, Eryx Awaya, Makai Barr, Trenton Battle, Tyler Bidding, Ally Bruner, Mira Campanella, Marina Castaneda, David Melo Chirinos, Waylon Cosby, Elizabeth Ekwere, Nevan Englin, Jayden Fuchigami, Gabriel Galaviz, Elijah Goosby, Nicolas Guerrero, Carly Hanna, Trison Hedges, Hannah Luise Irrgang, Kamdyn Janshen, Kaylee Lundeen, Boyd Messman, Mason Millar, Janaiya Miller, Landyn Munyon, Eli Pupo, Keenan Reckamp, Carlos Henriquez Rojas, Griffin Sanchez, Mikiah Southmayd, Katie Spillum, Alexzander Stranghoener & Blake Thornton

Marketing 230 Richardson Sports Expo Competition

Each Intro to Marketing student group has created a new product idea and marketing campaign that they will pitch to Richardson Sports. The Marketing Manager from Richardson will be here to pick his favorite product.  There will also be a Visitor’s Choice Award given to the group with the most votes from the guests.

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

10 AM – Noon

Goodrich 104

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Giovanni Agogliati, McKenzie Bowling, Terren Crabb, Ryan Demoss, Clayton Dewitt, Christiane Diaz, Awbrey Flowers, Jayden Fuchigami, Alanah Garcia, Reyn Gaspar, Konstantinos Gavriel, Adrianna Glass, William Haberfield, Mana Heffernan, Hannah Luise Irrgang. Annika Kimball. Grace Godawa (Kitchens), Bella Martinez, Boyd Messman, Janaiya Miller, Aisha Mohamad Salim, Emily Pacheco, Chace Pence, Ethan Price, Rain Reano, Lola Rebuck, Carlos Segura, Synnove Slayden, Delaney Sullivan, Aaron Villa, & Claire Wright

Playing with World History: From Primary Sources to Interactive Experiences

For ACE Day, students in World History to 1500 will present interactive learning activities grown from their primary-source textbook investigations. Working in House Groups, each team advances a historical thesis supported by primary and secondary sources. Audiences will engage, decide, and solve—playtest a thesis-driven board game; step into a living-history station or historical role-play; or listen to excerpts of a podcast. Every activity asks participants to weigh evidence, practice historical reasoning, and see how narrative persuades. The aim is to make solid claims about the past, invite the public to test them, and leave with a clearer understanding of how we know.

HIST 161 World History to 1500

Stephen Andes

1 – 3 PM

Goodrich 204

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Makenzie Alexander

How does teamwork between teachers, students, and parents help create a stronger, more positive classroom environment?

This paper looks at how teamwork between teachers, students, and parents helps build a stronger and more positive classroom environment. I chose this topic because I believe that learning becomes way more meaningful when everyone works together. When students support each other, teachers show a lot of collaboration, and parents stay involved, children feel more encouraged and connected. This topic matters to me because I want to create a classroom where everyone feels valued, included, and part of a community. As a future teacher, I want to understand how to build and maintain these relationships so that teamwork can truly help students grow and succeed.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

10 AM – Noon

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Ana Augusto

The Impact of Excessive Smartphone and Social Media Use on College Students’ Ability To Sustain Focus, Maintain Productivity, and Think Creatively

The use of smartphones and social media is becoming increasingly prominent, directly modifying the way humans interact with the world around them. Although these technologies offer convenience and access to information, they also negatively impact university students’ focus and productivity, as excessive use has been associated with neurological and cognitive changes. In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 21 empirical studies published between 2016 and 2025, all of which examined the effects of excessive smartphone and social media use on focus, productivity, and creative thinking among university students. The studies indicated that constant exposure to information promotes cognitive overload, which in turn reduces individuals’ ability to sustain attention. This may be associated with structural and functional brain changes similar to those observed in behavioral addictions, even though the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not recognize smartphone addiction as a formal condition. Excessive smartphone use has been shown to be related to difficulties with multitasking, fear of missing out (FOMO), and nomophobia, which is a psychological fear of being disconnected from one’s smartphone. These factors may compromise self-regulation and academic performance in university students. A curious finding was the concept of technoference, in which the mere presence of the device, which may negatively affect concentration and learning due to the habitual urge to check messages and social media. Not all studies have pointed in the same direction regarding excessive smartphone use and academic performance. Some researchers have suggested that smartphone use does not necessarily affect performance directly, but rather through mediating factors such as procrastination and mind-wandering. Small sample sizes and geographical restrictions were limitations in the studies I reviewed. Future research should explore strategies to promote healthy digital habits so that technology use enhances, rather than hinders, students’ academic performance and well-being.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

10:30 – 11 AM

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Ana Augusto & Maggie Fruean

2025 Bushnell debate championship

Topic: A saved person cannot lose salvation.

Affirmative: Maggie Fruean

Negative: Ana Augusto

The winner will be decided by audience vote, and will be crowned the 2025 Bushnell debate champion.

COMM 225, Argumentation and Debate

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 104

1 – 2 PM

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Jackson Beckham, Ryan Fike, Wyatt Humphrey, Judah Olson, Sayer Pescosolido, Rylan Rivera, Mikiah Southmayd, Sophia Taylor & Justin Walton

Hearing True Stories: A Bushnell University Listening Lab

What happens when we treat campus memory as both celebration and mirror? Students in HIST 210 present a Listening Lab—mini-exhibits from their podcasts-in-progress on various aspects of Bushnell University’s history. The audience will experience audio clips drawn from the podcasts along with captioned visuals that tell a story about Bushnell’s history. The stories are more complex than nostalgia—change over the years has often come from ordinary people, small decisions, and contested spaces. 

HIST 210 Telling True Stories: Podcasting Studio

Stephen Andes

Goodrich 203

1 – 3 PM

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Benjamin Behrens, Brec Feehan, Isaiah Morley, Ben Patterson, Abby Weston & Kaiwi Winchester

Python Final Projects

Students will be presenting their Python final project programs. We have learned how to program in Python and how to incorporate databases, user interfaces, and graphics. Each student came up with their own unique project that matched their interest. Students will demonstrate their program and describe a little about how it works.

SFTE 130, Programming for Everyone I

Bryan Olmstead

Goodrich 109

11 AM – Noon

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Bella Black & Ashlyn Tai

The Power of Brain Breaks in the Classroom

Student participation and behavior in classrooms has been and continues to be a hot topic in the education world today. Finding ways to increase both participation and desirable behaviors has been heavily researched, and brain breaks have been found to make a positive impact in classrooms. In this research project, we aimed to identify the effectiveness of brain breaks in elementary classrooms and if so, how they can be successfully implemented. The research question being explored is “Are brain breaks an effective tool for promoting participation and increasing desired behavior in elementary students?” From this question, we hoped to pinpoint if, how, and why they are a useful tool in the classroom. As society continues to change so do student needs, and our goal by researching brain breaks is to educate teachers on how they can best support students, one classroom at a time.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

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Grayson Bolanos

Beyond Words: The Power of Gesture in the Classroom

This project attempts to synthesize some of the research on gesturing and classroom learning to examine how gesturing can shape teaching effectiveness and student learning. Reviewing research on how gestures support thinking and communication, how tone of voice influences motivation and relational closeness, and how teachers’ nonverbal behaviors contribute to student engagement and achievement. Together, the presentation will attempt to demonstrate how effective communication in education relies on the alignment of verbal and nonverbal cues, underscoring the need for teachers to intentionally develop expressive, supportive, and contextually appropriate nonverbal skills.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Grayson Bolanos

Pixels and Piety

This capstone project examines whether participation in collegiate esports influences the relationship between students’ preference for online social interaction and their level of Christian contentment at a Christian university. The written review surveys existing research on online social interaction, problematic Internet use, emotional regulation, Christian contentment, and daily spiritual experiences to evaluate how digital communities may shape spiritual development. Because esports teams communicate and build community primarily through virtual platforms, this project investigates whether such environments can function as a form of Christian fellowship for Christian students who favor online interaction. Through a literature review, empirical study, and presentation, the project explores how digital team-based engagement might support or hinder spiritual well-being within Christian higher education. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 103

2 – 2:30 PM

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Violet Chadwell

Honor as a Cultural Concept: Eastern, Western, and Biblical Understandings and Their Impact on Christian Living

Interpreting Scripture relies on a deep understanding of the culture that was present at the time of its composition. Forming reliable interpretations, then, requires historically and culturally informed scholarship. Because of the Biblical emphasis on honoring and loving God and others, the concept of honor in particular is something that must be examined to reduce the risk of distorting Scripture and weakening our authentic connections with one another, and to detach us from our own cultural and linguistic biases. Any Christian seeking to live out the callings of Christ and grow in relationship with others must recognize that studying the cultural implications behind our beliefs is not optional— it is essential to being in community and embracing God-ordained diversity. This paper will first explain how the concept of honor can be understood, followed by its understandings in Western and Eastern cultures. Following this, it will speak on the Biblical interpretations of honor and will be rounded out by illustrating how we can apply this knowledge to our lives as Christians. Having established these things, this paper will show how deeply understanding cross-cultural implications helps Christians embody and actualize gospel teaching. The aim herein is to steer faithful Christians toward deeper understanding of diverse cultures through a solid grasp on the cultural building block of honor- increasing awareness of God’s design for unity across cultural and linguistic barriers.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Goodrich 104

2 – 2:30 PM

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Kayla Coalwell

Effective Strategies to Help Defiant or Non-compliant Students in my Elementary Classroom

Non-compliant or defiant behaviors can hinder learning and create a stressful environment. My research question is “What are effective strategies to help non-compliant or defiant students in my elementary classroom?” My focus was on how I can limit these behaviors and encourage better behaviors instead. Strategies like behavior specific praise, consistent and clear rules and expectations, and knowing the reasons behind the behavior were some of my most prominent findings. Research indicates that fear of failure, a desire for autonomy, and a need for purpose and belonging are some of the most common reasons behind non-compliant or defiant behaviors. I also discovered some tools that parents can implement at home to create a consistent environment across both school and home life.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

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Jacob Courtney

The Epigenome: Epigenetic Mechanisms and How the Epigenome Relates to Human Health

Epigenetics can be simply described as the changes in gene function without altering the DNA sequence. This involves methods such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the role of non-coding RNA. Epigenetic functions are part of normal genetic processes, such as genomic imprinting, which is important for the correct gene transmission from parents to offspring. Preventing gene expression in some cells and ensuring they are expressed in others is important to ensure certain cell types are effective at their specialized jobs. Outside factors can contribute to one’s epigenome as well, such as environmental chemicals and diet. By using the principles of epigenetics, doctors and scientists can use it to benefit patients, such as silencing genes that could potentially cause cancer (oncogenes). It plays an important role in gene regulation, development, disease, and therapeutic uses. This presentation will explain in depth what epigenetics are, and its effects on the human body that will help readers equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to make better decisions about their health as it relates to their epigenome.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Goodrich 109

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

Elizabeth Ekwere

The Application of Calculus in Finance

This presentation discusses the application of various calculus topics in finance. It looks at how calculus can be used to find maximum and minimum values and define rates, the simple utilization of advanced math to calculate compound interest, and how calculus can be applied to maximize profits. It will also look ahead to other common financial topics and models that utilize calculus-level math.

MATH 355, Multivariable Calculus

Jonathan Alfson

Goodrich 103

1 – 1:30 PM

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Noely Flores Fonseca

The Psychology Behind Limerence, Obsession, and Love

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed psychological research that explained the differences between limerence, obsession, and genuine romantic love. I reviewed fifteen studies published between 2005 and 2025 to explore how people regulate their emotions, process information, and the different attachment styles that differentiate limerence, obsession, and romantic love. Limerence is an under-researched condition that was first introduced by the psychologist Dorothy Tennov and it is characterized by intense idealization and uncertainty about reciprocation, which causes distress to the sufferer. Obsessive love is characterized by controlling attitudes, insecure attachment, and dependency. These behaviors can be linked to psychopathological traits or even criminal behaviors. Genuine romantic love reflects mutual affection and care, secure attachment, and stability. Sociocultural influences, gender expectations, and the way a person responds to unrequited love or being rejected can shape how these experiences are manifested. One of the main limitations is that there is not much research on limerence and therefore, it can be confused with obsessive behaviors. Future research should focus on the distinctions between these two to improve therapeutic treatment and diagnoses.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Emma Fournier

The Impact of Mental Health Stigma on Help-Seeking Behaviors in Athletes

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 17 empirical studies. These studies were published from 2020 to 2025, addressing the impact of mental health stigma on help-seeking behaviors in college athletes worldwide. The culture of physical and mental toughness in sports can create a stigma around mental illness, acting as a barrier to help-seeking behavior and possibly leading to negative long-term psychological outcomes for athletes. There are many psychological challenges that exist, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders (ED), and suicidal ideations (SD). While focusing on those psychological challenges, I reviewed primary barriers to help-seeking, effective interventions, and facilitating factors in athletes. In recent years, the studies of mental health concerns have spiked in athletic environments. The primary concern is how to reduce the stigma around help-seeking and normalize treatment methods by hiring team counselors, changing the social and team dynamic, and leveraging support roles in trainers and coaches. There may be a disconnect between available services and athlete access or utilization related to the narrative of mental toughness. Future research should address the stigma that exists and validate solutions and interventions that work for each sport and athlete.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

11:30 AM – Noon

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Benjamin Genthner

To what extent does participation in physical education and regular exercise influence academic performance and classroom behavior among secondary school students?

This study explores to what extent participation in physical education and regular exercise influence academic performance and classroom behavior among secondary school students. Research is consistently on a positive trend regarding student emotional well-being as well as higher performative cognitive levels while also improving physical fitness. The impact of regular exercise between sports, regular exercise, and physical educational classes goes beyond one class periods as teachers in following classes can also see the impact of this research question as well as various other influences.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Grace Gielish & Ava Gore

How Does Teacher Attire Impact Learning and Behavioral Outcomes?

The research question for this poster presentation is, “How does teacher attire impact learning and behavioral outcomes”. Using existing research, we explore how over the last decade, teacher attire has changed drastically, yet the impacts have been often overlooked. Recent studies have shown that the way teachers dress can make positive or negative impacts on student behavior, and the perception from parents/guardians, which also impacts the way the students treat the teacher. This project shows the effect on students’ behavior, and provides solutions for teachers on the best way to present themselves for students’, parents’ and the teacher’s success. 

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Gracie Hamilton

The Importance of Canine Vaccinations

The importance of canine vaccines is often brushed aside by owners who do not fully understand the risks and who are concerned about their cost. Denial of these vaccinations decreases the longevity of the animal’s life and increases their chances of contracting a deadly disease that could have been easily prevented through early immunization. This research inquiry discusses the significance of immunizations for dogs and separates them into two separate groups known as Non-Core and Core Vaccines. Non-Core vaccines are recommended based on the lifestyle of the pet and include the Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Influenza, and Rattlesnake vaccinations. Core vaccinations are given to every canine, regardless of lifestyle and can even be required by law (Rabies). These include the DHPP (Distemper-Parvo) and Rabies vaccines. Each shot protects against its own bacteria, virus and or toxin. These, along with vaccine form, virology, toxicology, bacteriology and the requirements for each shot are heavily discussed and compared throughout. Overall, the goal of this research project is to inform the public of the importance of vaccinating their canine, in order to prolong their lives and prevent the spread of infectious zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Goodrich 109

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Creeann Jarman

Strategies for Secondary Instruction with ELL Students

During my time as a student teacher in a middle school classroom, I have learned that the English Language Learning students in the room are often not represented in the whole class and do not engage with the instruction as they cannot understand it. From then on, I wanted to find ways that these students could be addressed that allowed them to participate in class and engage with the content. My research question is, what strategies can a secondary teacher use to ensure that ELL students are engaged and represented in class even if they cannot understand the instruction? The results of my research brought about a few strategies that address this issue, with an emphasis on classroom and school culture; which is believed to be the most influential factor in determining whether or not ELL students will succeed.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Albert Jennings

Mindfulness And The Key To Performance Anxiety

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025, all of which aimed to study the correlation of mindfulness levels and performance anxiety in athletes. Researchers have recognized mindfulness as an effective strategy for lowering anxiety and increasing athletic performance.There are many types of mindfulness practices such as, physical activities like yoga as well as mental practices like visualization. Those practices help athletes regulate emotional and physiological responses to stress. Empirical studies have demonstrated that mindfulness fosters greater attentional control, self confidence, and emotional regulation while reducing cognitive disruptions that impair performance. Additionally, mindfulness-based interventions have shown improved recovery, resilience, and overall well being among athletes and coaches alike. Beyond its immediate performance benefits, mindfulness promotes a long-term mental health and self-awareness practice. making it a valuable framework for both competitive and personal development. Athletes can achieve greater composure and effectiveness under pressure. Mindfulness not only mitigates anxiety but also fosters resilience, recovery, and mental clarity qualities essential for both athletic excellence and lifelong well being. The synthesis of recent research supports mindfulness as a multidimensional tool for performance enhancement and stress management within sport psychology. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

William Jewell

“The Electric Chair”: Exploring Memory Through Dystopian Fiction and the Short Story Cycle

In this presentation I will be discussing how dystopian fiction, memory, and the short story cycle are relevant to my work of fiction. Dystopian fiction has been a powerful genre for stories such as “Those Who Walk Away From Omelas” and “The Lottery,” which explore troubling yet plausible worlds. In my work, “The Electric Chair,” I examine memory through the genre of dystopian fiction. I will discuss how I use memoy as a key storytelling mechanic by telling the story backwards through flashbacks. Finally I will explain the short story cycle and why I was inspired to use its form in developing my larger work in which this story will be a part of.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Diffenderfer

Goodrich 203

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Jon Kleespies

Seeing is Believing: Understanding Beyond Speech

Communication between parents and children is crucial for a child’s emotional and social development. Sometimes, what is said does not match what is expressed, creating mixed messages between children and parents. Children are highly attuned to nonverbal cues and often rely on them to understand intentions, feelings, and guidance more accurately than words alone. Paying attention to these cues helps parents respond more effectively and supports stronger, more trusting relationships with their children.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Jon Kleespies

Laughing Matters

Family dynamics are incredibly complex, and navigating different parenting styles within households poses challenges. How families communicate and use humor in Christian homes can significantly shape adolescents’ development and experiences. This study explores how family communication patterns, measured through conversation and conformity orientations, relate to humor use in the home and the potential impact on adolescent outcomes. Investigating humor within these communication patterns may provide insight into how families reach communication goals, manage conflict, build stronger relationships, and support healthier psychosocial development. This research includes Christian couples who are co-parents of at least one child. Both parents completed the Humor Orientation and Family Communication Patterns scales separately through a Microsoft Forms survey, ensuring responses are collected from each partner within the same family.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 103

2:30 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Adrie Lader

Escalation of Stalking in Intimate Partner Violence: Risks, Impacts, and Prevention Strategies

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 16 empirical studies published between 1999 and 2025, all of which aimed to study the escalation of stalking within intimate partner violence (IPV) and its associated risks, impacts, and prevention strategies. I focused on identifying the behavioral and psychological factors that contribute to intense stalking, as well as its relationship with coercive control and potential to progress into sexual assault and homicide. Research has shown that stalking often serves as the predecessor to severe and lethal violence, particularly driven by rejection, jealousy, or power-seeking motives. Victims often experience prolonged anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and long-term health consequences due to fear and surveillance. The studies I reviewed emphasize the growing role that technology has in stalking behaviors, which adds complications to detection and legal intervention. Prevention strategies highlighted the importance of professional training, early risk assessment, and community response. However, there are limitations due to inconsistent definitions of stalking, underreporting among marginalized groups, and limited longitudinal data that link stalking behaviors to future violence. Future research should prioritize the development of standard risk assessment tools, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and examine the cultural and technological factors that influence stalking dynamics. Understanding that stalking is both a criminal justice and a public health issue is essential for improving prevention, response, and victim protection.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Isabella Lafon

Guardians of Faith: Why Parents are Key to the Faith Development of Their Children

The spiritual development of children has long been influenced by a complex interplay of home, school, and church, yet recent studies highlight that parental involvement remains the most significant and formative factor in shaping a child’s faith. This paper argues that parents—not church programs—are the primary and most effective disciplers of their children, and that faith formation is strongest when the home and church operate in partnership rather than in isolation. This topic is increasingly relevant in contemporary Christian contexts, where many parents feel under-equipped to lead spiritually, while church leaders assume parents are already doing so, creating a widening gap in children’s discipleship. To address this, the paper examines research on parental influence in academic and socioemotional development, studies detailing how parents shape children’s images of God, data on father-child religious relationships, and literature that equips parents to disciple confidently within the home. It also reviews historical and modern church practices to reveal how the shift toward age-organized ministries inadvertently encouraged families to relinquish their discipleship role. Through this progression, the paper demonstrates that effective faith transmission requires intentional parental engagement supported—but not replaced—by the church. Ultimately, the argument advocates for a renewed model in which parents embrace their God-given responsibility as spiritual leaders, and churches commit to equipping, guiding, and collaborating with families. Only through this restored partnership can the next generation receive a faith that is lived, shared, and sustained.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Goodrich 104

2:30 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Noah Mancione

Data Analysis and Forecasting in the Non-Profit Sector

This Capstone explores my experience interning as a data analyst for a nonprofit organization, highlighting the key challenges analysts often face in this sector. I describe the type of project I worked on during my internship and present a synthetic data model I created to demonstrate the types of analyses, insights, and mathematical modeling that data analysts may develop in a nonprofit context.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

Goodrich 103

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Lorelai Murphy

Inclusive Learning for Neurodiverse Students in Primary Education: Definitions, Current Deficiencies, and Potential Adjustments to Classroom Learning

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2023 and 2025, with the intention of understanding primary classroom settings and inclusive learning for the neurodiverse community. It is important to understand what neurodiversity is as well as some of the common types of neurodiverse disorders that are presented in education. Many of these studies outline the differences in processing information, cognitive changes, and behavioral differences between individuals with different neurodiverse disorders. Disorders such as attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, down syndrome, and dyslexia are some of the commonly seen neurodevelopmental disorders in primary education, which is why more adjustments to pedagogy and sensory-aware classrooms are noted in these studies. This research highlights setbacks and deficiencies in the current learning styles for elementary students both neurodiverse and neurotypical. Understanding these classroom presentations is important to create steps in new learning strategies such as school-connectedness. Support from teachers and classmates, the importance of physical education, collaborative work, and avoiding demeaning labels are all ways in which teachers can be more inclusive towards their neurodiverse students. Furthermore, researchers recognize the importance of educational staff understanding neurodiverse disorders, specifically to increase engagement in the classroom, grow their academic success, and set up neurodiverse students for an equal opportunity future.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Annika Poet

A Snake by Any Other Shade is Still a Snake

Boasting over three thousand different genus species across fifteen families, snakes represent a section of the Reptilia class. They are best known for their long, limbless body covered in scales, often sporting unique patterns and colorations 13. These colors are determined by pigment created by three types of chromatophores: melanocytes, xanthophores, and iridophores 7. When the pattern or color differs from the wild type allele, a morph is created, often through a loss-of-function mutation that affects protein formation. In ball pythons, morph alleles follow simple Mendelian inheritance: dominant, recessive, co-dominant, or sex affected 12. As mutations can be followed from generation to generation, unique and rare products are desired by breeder, though some morphs contain predictable genetic health issues.

BIOL 310, Genetics

Paul Allee

Goodrich 109

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Dulce Ramirez-Ramos

Understanding and Addressing Barriers to ELL Parent-School Involvement 

This presentation examines barriers preventing English Language Learner families from engaging in K-5 schools, including language barriers, inflexible work schedules, and cultural differences. This presentation explores how elementary schools can increase involvement among families of English language learners to support students’ academic and language development. Research-based interventions such as bilingual parent coordinators, translated communications, flexible event scheduling, and trauma-informed approaches that have proven effective in increasing ELL parent engagement and student success will be explored.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Emma Reineke

Staying on Task: What Works for Students with ADHD in the Classroom

This poster presentation explores the question, “Which classroom strategies best help high school students with ADHD stay focused during independent work?” I reviewed several studies, including meta-analyses, quasi-experimental designs, and single-case research, to understand which approaches actually make a difference. The findings show that behavioral strategies, instructional supports, and self-management techniques consistently improve focus and academic performance. Approaches like reinforcement systems, classwide peer tutoring, and self-monitoring led to noticeable gains in attention and engagement. Overall, this research highlights practical, evidence-based strategies teachers can use to support students with ADHD and create classroom environments where they can stay on task and succeed.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Emma Reposa

Learning About God Through Christian Contemporary Music

Musical Worship in the contemporary Christian church serves as a highly effective means of learning about God. Worship leaders serve as musical and spiritual leaders in the church. They serve the congregation through musical participation with spiritual leadership, helping believers interpret themes of songs along with orienting hearts, mind, and focus towards God in preparation to hear His word. In addition, musical expression functions as a powerful mode of communication through emotional and theological responses conveyed in ways that spoken teachings alone cannot fully achieve. Ultimately, worship songs can be inspired and directly drawn from Scripture, embedding a Biblical theme and language in music to deepen the congregation’s knowledge of God. These elements in musical worship cultivate a deeper relationship with music, God, and biblical understanding through musical participation.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Goodrich 203

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Jada Richwine

Classroom strategies that are most effective for supporting students who struggle with attention and impulsivity, regardless of ADHD diagnosis.

Effective Classroom Strategies for Students Struggling With Attention and Impulsivity

This poster presentation explores which classroom strategies are most effective for supporting students who struggle with attention and impulsivity, regardless of an ADHD diagnosis. My findings come from peer-reviewed research as well as firsthand experiences in a third-grade classroom at Spring Creek Elementary. Through this project, we found that students benefit most from strategies that are proactive, consistent, and responsive to individual needs. Techniques such as structured routines, clear expectations, predictable transitions, and positive behavior supports were shown to increase engagement and reduce impulsive behaviors. Additionally, instructional practices like chunking tasks, using movement-based learning, and incorporating visual cues helped students sustain attention and remain on task.

One key learning point from this research is that no single strategy works for every child but instead, effectiveness depends on the classroom environment, the student’s regulation skills, and how intentionally the teacher implements the support. Understanding these differences is essential as future educators, because creating a learning environment where all students can succeed especially those with attention and impulse-control challenges, is central to our role.”

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Cadence Smith

Managing Fatigue in High School Classrooms

High school classrooms have a major problem; students can’t seem to stay awake long enough to participate in classroom activities. This causes a decrease in high school student academic performance. My research question aimed to answer the following question: “How can a secondary education teacher manage the effects of fatigue to improve the performance of high school students?” Studies on fatigue in secondary school settings show that there are three ways to help improve student academic performance, sleep and memory encoding. These three ways include sleep education, later school start times and stretching rituals before class.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Haleigh Wambolt

Incentives in an Elementary Classroom

How are incentives/rewards effective in shaping student behavior in an elementary classroom? My research question examined how students react to positive reinforcement/praise better than negative reinforcement or punishment. Going off of my own observation, taking away something like recess from all students because of one students negative behavior usually does not have a huge impact on redirecting student behavior, if anything it may make it worse. As an educator there are a lot of things to take into consideration when trying to shape behavior in the classroom for example, if the student is on a 504 or IEP and may need accommodations. Based on the research, having a token economy really improves behavior in the classroom and students become more motivated. Whether the incentive is visual, tangible, or verbal, students become more self motivated and it builds a healthy relationship between the student and the teacher. Based on the findings, using certain incentives that are student-focused is very effective and will be a strategy I use in my classroom.

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management

Brian Kaelin

Goodrich 204

10 AM – Noon

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