Georgia Cook & Amelia Geist

What are the benefits of having a classroom pet in an early elementary classroom? 

The research question posed was: “What are the benefits of having a classroom pet in an early elementary classroom?” According to our findings, having a classroom pet makes students feel more at ease, reduces stress, encourages healthy development of caring and empathetic relationships, and increases compassion. In regards to other areas of development, having a classroom pet increases student self-efficacy, increases responsibility, promotes healthy social interactions, enhances self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, and reduces egocentrism. Some challenges to having a classroom pet include student allergies, taking care of the pet on weekends and holidays, licensing regulations, school policies, and health and safety liabilities. In connection to theories of education and child development, having classroom pets encourages industry rather than inferiority according to Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development. In Erikson’s theory, there are eight different crises, and the developmental crisis that affects early elementary aged students is known as Industry vs. Inferiority. The crisis of Industry vs. Inferiority involves whether a student has confidence in their abilities or if they feel incompetent and doubtful. Having a classroom pet allows students to demonstrate their ability to take care of something else and to be responsible, thus encouraging them to identify with the industry side of the crisis. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #6 

10 AM – Noon 

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Stacy Cook & Skyler Tidwell

What are the homelessness impacts of students attendance and how can we help? 

Our research is going to answer what are the homelessness impacts of students attendance and how can we help. Homelessness is defined by The McKinney-Vento Act as children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Wharton University of Pennsylvania defines social impact as an organizations actions that have on the wellbeing of the community. Research from Allison Howland’s article: Exploring socio-demographics, mobility, and living arrangement as risk factors for academic performance among children experiencing homelessness showing homeless students are more likely to be held back from grade to grade, be chronically absent, fail courses, have more disciplinary issues, and drop out of high school than their non-homeless peers. What we can do as educators include targeted interventions, increased interactions with family members, collaboration with supportive district, community-based program, ensuring emotional safety of students, and create support, structure and opportunity. Another avenue of help is a district wide homelessness liaison. We can connect the effected youth and family with this liaison who can connect them to a variety of programs such as housing, health care and shelters. To ensure the attendance of these youth in crisis, we can learn about the homeless student stability program implemented in Washington for a preventative measure and can also teach value to oneself and take the focus off the economic culture.  

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #9 

10 AM – Noon

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Avery Daniels

The Importance and Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology: Nanomedicine 

This presentation is about the importance and potential benefits of nanotechnology used in medicine: Nanomedicine. Technology has been a vast growing field. But we always think of the technology that is in our hands or sitting in front of our face. Nanotechnology is a technology that we can put to the use of medicine. It can be used to prevent disease, new drug delivery, and may even extend our life span. It can also be used to treat cancer tumors by having Nanoparticles injected into our body, destroying only the tumor. Knowing about the benefits of Nanomedicine can open your mind about new ideas of medicine.   

BIOL 499, Capstone 

Paul Allee 

P114 

2:30 – 3 PM 

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Grace Dawson

Hunger  

In my research, I have found a correlation between malnutrition and the cognitive development of young children. Hunger is a major problem in the US, and as I work in my practicum, I am witnessing it first-hand. As a future teacher, this is something that will affect how I approach my students and how I teach them. To introduce my topic, I have included some recent facts and statistics about hunger within the state of Oregon as well as the nation. Next, I will discuss both the internal and external outcomes of hunger in the classroom, such as student performance and behavior. The bulk of my information will be focusing on the effects that malnutrition has on the brain – how the brain functions and looks when it is malnourished compared to how it looks and functions normally. I plan on ending my presentation with a few solutions that teachers can do to help solve the issue of hunger within the classroom.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #10 

10 AM – Noon 

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Tanner Dean

There is no Guru, there is no Mountain:  Beyond the “Ideal Other” and “Utopia” in To the Lighthouse and The Road 

People often flock to “gurus”, or throw themselves into movements, that seem to offer an answer to life’s antagonisms and sufferings. In To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf and The Road by Cormac McCarthy there is a subversion that is being done to free the reader from the cycle that is moving from a guru, or movement, to another, in an intellectual sense. People tend to throw themselves to self-help book after self-help book in hope of an answer, but in these novels there is a way to escape the ferry wheel that is certainty and embrace the depth and density of life amidst our struggle. In To the Lighthouse a psychanalytic framework is helpful for braking free from the “ideal other”, or guru. The Road uses imagery of stillness, relationality, and embodiment to show that a utopia cannot ever be possible, yet we should continue into the gray unknown. 

ENG 499, Capstone 

James Watson 

SPS 100 

1 – 1:30 PM 

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Natalie Downes & Molly Holmberg

What are the positive and negative effects of a token economy? 

Our research question is; What are the positive and negative effects of a token economy? A token economy is a system of contingency management based on the systematic reinforcement of target behavior. The reinforcers are symbols or tokens that can be exchanged for other reinforcers. A token economy is a beneficial tool used in many elementary classrooms due to its high success rate in promoting voluntary good behavior from students. The benefits heavily outweigh the negative attributes of using a token economy in the classroom. This is not to say that there are not negative components. In some cases, using a token economy can discourage a student if they do not receive a reward every time they perform a desired behavior. While it is true that a token economy might encourage students to follow directions solely for their own personal gain, performing the desired behavior teaches the student that they can follow directions. It also allows the teacher to set the standard that the student is capable of behaving. A token economy also allows the teacher to give students instant feedback regarding their behavior, as well as strengthen target behaviors that the teacher deems necessary for their classroom. Token economies are a positive tool when used correctly, and have the power to transform the behaviors that students perform drastically and can overall help them learn appropriate behavior.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #11 

10 AM – Noon 

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Hannah Eddens

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons  and human biological effects 

Pollution has created significant impacts in human life in the past. It has devastated life greatly in all aspects. Pollutant materials are found across the globe in the water we drink, the air we breath, and land we walk on. One of the biggest concerns within the topic of pollution discusses the harmful particles we are constantly exposed to through the air we breath and the everyday products we use. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are derivatives of partial combustion of fossil fuels, biomass and overheating of organic material.[8] Exposure to this particulate matter has been researched and linked to the synthesis of DNA adducts and tumorigenesis. There are a number of pathways that operate the metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,   

  • formation of dihydrodiol epoxides requiring 2 CYP-catalyzed oxidations and epoxide hydrolase 
  • formation of phenols via radical cations by 1-electron oxidation  
  • formation of o-quinones via catechols by involvement of aldo-keto reductases with formation of ROS 

BIOL 499, Capstone 

Paul Allee 

P114 

1 – 1:30 PM 

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Daniel Gerlach

“The Subtle Eccentric” Public Relations Application in the Field 

Upon learning how to manage crises, implement social research and corporate ethics, build the reputations of clients and organizations, understand global social media trends, and develop a company’s mission, goals, and strategic communication plans, I got to apply my knowledge directly in the field to my brother’s clothing design company, The Subtle Eccentric. This process led to some groundbreaking results and helped the new enterprise start off on the right foot.   

COMM 310, Foundations of Public Relations 

Kelsay Rychener 

L203, poster #7 

10 AM – Noon 

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Daniel Gerlach

Competitive versus. Collaborative Listening 

In order to discover which is more powerful, speaking or listening, Daniel Gerlach and Doyle Srader are implimenting two studies to determine people’s perceptions of listening and speaking and determine in debate which is the more strategic behavior, attempting to counteract the general belief that listening is weaker than speaking and that listening can be considered as competitive just as much as it can be collaborative.   

COMM 325, Argumentation and Debate 

Doyle Srader 

L203, poster #8 

10 AM – Noon 

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Kylie Hecker

How does water support student cognitive function? 

Water is essential to all beings and greatly affects how the human brain functions, mostly in children. Multiple studies show that water impacts a students cognitive function particularly in the classroom. A lack of water hinders there ability to pay attention, and to properly absorb information. Students are not drinking water because they often fear the safety of the water, water isn’t accessibly offered in their schools, or often time they prefer other beverages like soft drinks . So how do we encourage them to drink water? Make it more easily accessible, make it fun by adding fruit, and make an emphasis on it are a simple few options out of many. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #12 

10 AM – Noon 

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Julian Hernandez, Jose Magana, Jovany Sanchez & Nicolas Schapochnik

Nike Smart Soccer Ball 

In the world of sports, technology is building better athletes, and keeping them safer on the field. With that in mind, we came up with the idea for an innovative product for Nike, a smart soccer ball that allows players to take their game to the next level. 

The Nike SS ball is a smart soccer ball that a sensor-packed inside that connects with an iOS or android app via Bluetooth and sends your game data to your device. The application presents an immense amount of data like speed, RPM, and impact zone on the ball. Not only does the Nike SS Ball allow users to easily identify strengths and weakness of their kicks it also provides detailed coaching instructions to help improve a shot’s bend or knuckle. The app has tutorials to help beginners and includes progress recording as a regular fitness service. 

It even turns training into a mission mini-game, as if the kicks had to go through a virtual wall, for example, making you kick a specific height to improve placement. After using a full charge, which can last up to two a thousand kicks, the ball can be powered by a wireless charger. In addition to free kicks, this product is suitable for penalty kicks, long-range passes, corner kicks and goal shots. 

MKTG 330, Marketing 

Tim Veach 

SPS 100 

10 AM – Noon 

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Covita Rachelle Hughes

Post Sexual Assault Outcomes in Females 

Sexual assault is one of the most complex issues in our society.  It is one of the most injurious crimes that perpetrators can inflict on other individuals.  Females are among the most vulnerable.  Female survivors of sexual assault of any age may experience long-term adverse effects later in life.  Thus, this presentation reviews four research trends in the long-term negative outcomes of sexual assault. First, female victims of sexual assault experience shame and low self-esteem. Second, there is a high risk for revictimization for female survivors of sexual assault.  Third, female victims experience emotional and psychological challenges. Lastly, female survivors of sexual assault are at risk for mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation.  Researchers have reported that once a female has experienced sexual assault, her risk of experiencing further sexual victimization is significantly elevated. Victims may experience high levels of shame and guilt and feel that they are to blame for the sexual assault and their inability to escape from their perpetrators.  Future directions will also be discussed, including the need for research focused on strategies for improving accurate societal understanding of sexual assault and its long-term effects.     

PSY 499, Capstone 

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers 

Banquet Room 

11 – 11:30 AM 

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Kevin Kaelin

Alternative Power Sources: Electrifying Commercial Aircraft 

In a world with an ever-increasing demand for transportation, solutions are needed to limit the amount of pollution generated by vehicles.  One solution for limiting emissions from vehicles is to make them electric.  This research seeks to answer this question: is an electrically powered jet engine feasible for commercial aircraft?  This project takes a standard CFM56-7B24 turbofan jet engine that powers a Boeing 737-800 plane and explores the conceptual use of electric motors to drive the fan and compressor assembly.  The overall weight of this concept is compared to the maximum operating weight of the Boeing 737-800.  The total amount of kilowatt-hours required is calculated as well as the total weight of batteries needed to satisfy the energy requirements of this concept.  Based on the findings of this research: current battery densities are too low to provide a weight-effective solution to petroleum-based jet fuel.   

MATH 499, Capstone 

Brian Carrigan 

P103 

2:30 – 3 PM 

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Elena Kazakevicius

Transforming FYS: an Analysis of Other Institutions FYS Courses  

As institutions are becoming increasingly aware of the individual concerns of incoming students, higher education intends to find a way to make the transition smoother Danitz, Suvak, Orsillo (2016). Through this, First-Year Seminar courses have been implemented within different institutions in varying ways. Analyzing the research on three institutions’ First-Year Seminar courses, one might draw on the benefits of these programs for integration in such existing courses. For example, it has been suggested by Danitz, Suvak, Orsillo (2016), that in order to create the smoothest transition possible, one must first focus on how to interact with one another appropriately and in a helpful way. In response to the literature on First-Year success courses, recommendations for future First-Year Seminar courses at Northwest Christian University will be addressed.   

FYS 101, First Year Seminar 

Falyn Edwards & Nani Skaggs 

L203, poster #1 

10 AM – Noon 

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Elena Kazakevicius

Logic and Critical Thinking: Through the Lense of Forensics 

My presentation explores Logic and Critical Thinking, specifically the latter, in relation to Forensic Psychology. Critical Thinking can be defined by two separate types of reasoning, rational and rationalized reasoning. Forensic psychologists study the ways criminals use reasoning skills to rationalize their behavior to themselves and others.  Reasoning can also take the form of “rationality,” which involves following premises to a true conclusion. Forensic psychologists do this when they create profiles for criminals, attempting to rationally understand the rationalization processes of criminals in order to create patterns that assist in stopping them from committing more crimes in the future. Through my research into forensic psychology, I expose a tension in critical thinking: reasoning skills can be used both for truth-seeking and for justifying violent and immoral behavior. 

PHL 201, Logic and Critical Thinking 

Joshua Kerr 

P103 

1:30 – 2 PM

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Brad Keller & Nick Rodriguez

Topic: NCU students get a better education than U of O students do. 

Affirmative: Brad Keller

Negative: Nick Rodriguez

The winner will be decided by audience vote, and will be crowned the 2019 NCU Debate Champion.

COMM 325, Argumentation and Debate 

Doyle Srader 

P103 

2 – 2:30 PM 

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Garrison Lyman

Battling Juvenile Delinquency  

Investigating what causes juveniles to be delinquent from poor school attendance, poor educational standards, violence in the home, violence in their social circles, peer pressure, socioeconomic factors, substance abuse, and gender bias.  I want to explore these topics as a sense to understand the current situation children are put in that can cause them to lash out and become more hostile towards others.  So, we need to look at not only the children but the parental influence as well.   If their parents are frequent offenders of the law, the children would most likely follow down that path as well.    

IDS 499, Capstone 

Brian Mills 

P103 

1 – 1:30 PM 

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Kaitlin Martin

Common Threads: A Reflection on Six Short Works 

I will be presenting a small selection of creative pieces from my writing portfolio. The six short works I have chosen are representative of the three schools I have attended and will be read in conversation with the reflective paper I have written about the wonderful – and often intense, insane, barely endurable – journey I have been on for the last ten years. I will begin with two poems that were well-received but, ultimately, not chosen for advancement in regional writing competitions through Lane Community College; I will proceed with one short story and one poem written during my time at the University of Oregon; and I will end with another short story and poem that were penned here at NCU. The pieces will, ultimately, speak for themselves. They will illustrate what it’s like to be both artist and Christian, craving both sin and freedom, torn between independence and redemption – in essence, they will expose some of the intricate threadwork that connects me to you through the one thing we all have in common: our humanity. 

ENG 499, Capstone 

James Watson 

SPS 100 

1:30 – 2 PM

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Katy Matteucci

Biodiversity Decline in the Great Barrier Reef 

This presentation reviews the biodiversity of organisms that dwell within the Great Barrier Reef, and analyzes how various human activities have been ushering a destructive wave against this complex ecosystem. As a result of the augmenting carbon levels in our atmosphere, overfishing procedures, and the addition of numerous toxic chemical substances and other pollutants, many species are being affected. As coral growth and development are inhibited, the natural homes, food sources, and breeding grounds of many aquatic creatures are being uprooted. In addition, many larger species, such as sea cucumbers, fish, and turtles, are facing draconian challenges due to overharvesting and pollution. Fortunately however, these conditions are not irremediable. By establishing a clean energy economy and imposing regulations regarding mismanaged fishing and toxic waste, the potential for the revival of this biome will again be attainable, eventually restoring the vibrancy of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Paul Allee 

P114 

10 – 10:30 AM

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Joshua McCluskey

Genetic Effect on Common Diseases 

The management and treatment of different diseases can be directly related to the origin of the disease. Diseases that have strong genetic ties can be treated in different ways than disease that have no correlation to the genetics of a person. In this review we discuss the different variations of effects of genetics on phenotypic diseases in an organism as well as discuss possible ways for treatment of these diseases. We discuss how we can prevent the spread of diseases that are not genetically tied as well as upcoming technology that allows us to correct any genetic abnormalities that can cause diseases.   

BIOL 310, Genetics 

Paul Allee 

P114 

10:30 – 11 AM 

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Joshua McCluskey

Comparing the effects of different classes of medication in the management of hypertension 

The diagnosis of hypertension is common and treatment is frequently viewed as very simple. Treating hypertension takes more than just lowering the blood pressure of an individual. There are comorbidities that affect and are affected by the treatment of hypertension: kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. In this review we discuss the different preferences of using either Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Calcium Channel blockers, Beta Blockers, and Diuretics when managing hypertension with the use of medications. It appears that Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were preferential to the management of kidney disease secondary to hypertension. Calcium channel blockers were additionally found to have an advantage with many cardiovascular diseases while beta blockers were also considered for cardiovascular issues including atrial fibrillation and tachycardia specifically. Beta blockers and Diuretics had minute differences in secondary management of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease when compared. 

CHEM 415, Biochemistry 

Heike McNeil 

P114 

11:30 AM – Noon 

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Kaleb Miles

Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries 

The presentation will provide the basic anatomy of the human nervous system and explore the unfavorable events of spinal cord injury. Followed by the triggered cascades that lead to the lack of normal restorative and regenerative function of the spinal cord. Then the presentation will conclude with an explanation of the top strategies to promote neuroprotection, regeneration, and cell replacement for the spinal cord.   

BIOL 499, Capstone 

Paul Allee 

P114 

2 – 2:30 PM 

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Ikani Naulu, Sarah Reinecker, Dylan Silva & Kyler Stutzman

McDonald’s Grilled Chicken McNuggets 

For our ACE Day presentation, our job was to create a new product aimed to be introduced to an existing company or business. We have created the Grilled Chicken McNugget for the famous fast-food restaurant McDonald’s. Through our presentation, we will be sharing all the information we have learned about a product mix, target segments, branding, and corporate objectives from our marketing course in our brand new product. The presentation will be a mock expo style booth, showcasing our product with visual materials, a prototype, research, credit to the current brand, and how our new product idea will be successful.   

MKTG 330, Marketing 

Tim Veach 

SPS 100 

10 AM – Noon

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Brittany Ralston

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Female Athletes 

The knee is the largest and the most complex joint within the body, because of this, injury within this joint is a common occurrence. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tough band of connective tissue that connects one bone to another. The ACL originates from the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia and extends to the lateral condyle of the femur. The ACL’s purpose is to keep the femur and the tibia from extending beyond their normal range. The ACL prevents anterior movement of the tibia as well as hyperextension from the knee. When injured, the ACL does not offer the stability that the knee joint needs for performance among athletes. When an athlete tears their ACL, the person may report hearing, as well as feeling a pop within their knee. Soon after an ACL is ruptured the knee swells. After some of the swelling goes down, individuals can usually walk on their knee but the joint feels unstable and may give out. Because of this, an ACL reconstruction surgery is needed in order to restore full stability to the knee joint and allow athletes to resume normal activities within their sport. The purpose of this review is to systematically look at some of the major risk factors associated with tearing the ACL in order to come to a conclusion on certain preventative measures that need to be taken by athletes in order to successfully lower the risk of an ACL tear.  

BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology 

Tammy Bovee 

P114 

11 – 11:30 AM 

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Madeleine Rosebrook

The Valuable Lessons I Learned While Studying Abroad in Sevilla, Spain 

Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain was a major step outside my comfort zone, but it is a step that I am glad that I took. Living and studying abroad gave me first-hand experience on what it means to live and interact in a different culture and with a different language. While abroad, I took classes to finish my minor in Spanish and fulfill the global business requirement of my Business Administration major. The concepts I learned in the classroom were things I was experiencing in real life and it made my understanding of these concepts much more concrete. Studying abroad enriched my college experience and has given me a unique perspective that many college students lack.   

GLST 295, Study Abroad 

Lauren Riley 

SPS 100 

2 – 2:30 PM

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Christy Seaton

Bushnell History Symposium: King Tut Exhibit and Exhibitation 

Exhibits matter because they bring museums to life. There was a exhibit of the Tut exhibit that consists of remade artifacts. The way something is shown in a exhibit.  By having these artifacts, we keep history alive Each artifact from Egyptian history matters in their cultures. 

HIST 499, Capstone 

Melisa Ortiz Berry 

P103 

10 – 11 AM

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Elyse Smith

rauma in the Classroom   

One in four children attending school have been exposed to a traumatic event. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Children are the most vulnerable and susceptible people to be affected by trauma making schools a likely place to find trauma behaviors. Unfortunately, teachers and administrators, in large, are not informed about what trauma looks like. They are also not informed on how to facilitate teaching strategies in an effort to improve trauma effected students academic performance and behaviors. Two of the most impactful strategies that have been proven to improve students GPA, test scores, absences, detentions, etc include creating a safe classroom environment and building relationships. Some more teaching strategies that are helpful for behavioral issues regarding trauma impacted students include using specific praise, consistent expectations, practicing active listening and modeling empathetic behavior. It is crucial that teachers and administrators are made aware of what trauma looks like in the classroom and how to support their students to improve their academic performance and behavior.   

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #13 

10 AM – Noon

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Jayden Tucker

Sports in Education 

Sports in Education is a vital piece of the high school experience. In my research, I looked at the impact that sports had on the social and cognitive development of high school students. Social and cognitive development are closely related; with social development being our development by interreacting with others and cognitive development being how we progress with skills such as motor skills, problem solving, and memory. In my study, I present that, overall, sports has a positive impact on the social and cognitive development. Sports lets students fine tune motor skills, enhances long term memory skills by learning a playbook, and helps with decision making. On the social development side, I dive in and find that sports increase the self-esteem and self-efficacy of students and this directly relates to the classroom. When a student has a sense of belonging and sense of community in sports, that translates into the classroom setting. I also discuss how Parkinson’s Law debunks the myth that sports takes away from homework time. After looking at both the social and cognitive domains of development, I concluded that sports have more of a positive impact on education and the development of a student than not playing sports. In one of my findings, they found that after analyzing 35,000 high school students, they were present at school 3 more weeks on average than non-athletes and boasted a .55-.75 better GPA than non-athletes. While sports might seem like it just keeps kids out of trouble, it actually enhances the developmental process. 

EDUC 330, Child Development 

Brian Kaelin 

L203, poster #14 

10 AM – Noon 

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Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:
Courtney Alldridge, Business
Angela Cusano, Communication
Tessa Galindo, Spanish
Andres Martinez, Accounting
Gabrielle Morales, English
Jordan Norris, Psychology
L203
Noon – 1 PM
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Hannah Adams

What is the Impact of Trauma in the Classroom?
Trauma and stress related instances are a huge concern in the lives of children and young adults around the world. However, one aspect of trauma and stress that we tend to not think about, especially as educators, is how those two factors impact the students that we teach and interact with on a daily basis. This presentation highlights just that and focuses on the six main different types of trauma on the trauma spectrum, as well as various triggers brought on by daily classroom activities that might spark outbreaks with those affected by trauma. Additionally, a traumatic experience gets depicted in the perspective of the teacher, as well as that of the child who has experienced it, and different trauma signals and signs that could occur within the students one might be teaching are also highlighted and explained. Lastly, this presentation covers several different de-escalation strategies that could be used in a potential outburst with a traumatized student(s), A national poll that depicts how trauma has affected children and students long-term who are now adults, as well as what teachers and schools can do to be more informed about the topic of trauma and what they can do to best help their students. My hope is that by presenting this topic to the viewers, they will be able to better understand how crucial it is for future educators to be highly prepared and able to handle and care for traumatized students, as well as to gain a bit of perspective as to what life is like on a daily basis for students who have been affected by trauma and stress.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Courtney Alldridge, Jenna Christenson & Josh Goins

Business Capstone
Cost Leader with Product Lifecycle Focus. Our extraordinary products are tailored for technology-oriented customers. We provide world-class products backed by fanatical support, delivering an exceptional experience. We also drive great returns for our stakeholders, which include our customers, stockholders, management and employees.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
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Katelyn Allen & Corina Gemini

Classroom Design This presentation explores the ways in which classroom design can both positively and negatively affect classroom management. The purpose of this presentation is to help teachers and future educators alike use classroom design as an effective classroom management strategy. Our research includes seating arrangements, zones of proximity, and effective ways to organize a classroom. Our findings stem from Fred Jones’ book “Tools For Teaching” and our 16-week classroom management course here at NCU.
EDUC 321, Classroom Relations and Management
Brian Kaelin
L203
10 AM – Noon
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Michael Andrews, Joshua Chesnut, Olisaemeka Obianozie & Jacob Pitts

Baldwin Branch
Baldwin is committed to improving the quality of life and human capabilities of society through fostering innovation and conducting rigorous research.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
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Conner Borigo

Mentoring in Female Sports
This project focuses on how mentoring in middle school female basketball is desired to help said athletes to navigate the challenges of being an adolescent female athlete in a male dominated sport. I examine the problem with young women in sports by identifying the internal and external factors that could affect their mental and physical well-being. I also look into the women’s history in general and in respect to athletics. I give a biblical perspective of mentorship from Paul and Timothy’s relationship in 2 Timothy 1-4, and give a model of a successful modern mentorship. With the help of personal interviews with both a mentor and mentee in the local area, this research project will give insight on how to mentor young female basketball athletes.
CM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
10:30 – 11 AM
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Anna Brooks

Prevalence of Concussions in High School Football and Strategies for Prevention
Football players are at high risk of sports-related concussions (SRC), and athletes ages 15 to 19 years are most commonly affected. To preserve young athletes’ long term cognitive function and overall well-being while also prolonging their careers, prevention at the high school level is imperative. The purpose of this literature review is to assess and address prevention strategies of SRC in high school football.
In this presentation, the research of SRC prevention strategies in football will be critiqued, specifically focusing on helmet design versus neck strengthening. Improved helmet technology has not proven to be the most effective tool for preventing concussion, yet most resources are allocated in this area of research. Concussed athletes, however, have demonstrated significantly less neck strength than athletes who did not sustain a concussion. Therefore, it will be argued that implementing neck strengthening to high school football programs is a more effective concussion prevention strategy than consistent helmet upgrades.
EXSC 425, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury
Heike McNeil
P103
1 – 1:30 PM
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Antonio Campos-Perez, Tyler Farmer, Harley Gilpin & Austin Tyner

Andrews Tech. Company
Andrews is a multimillion dollar company. We manufacture sensors, which we market to other manufacturers. They put out products into the devices they sell. Out company was created when the government split a monopoly into identical competitors. Sensors are devices that observe physical conditions. For example, the average cell phone contains dozens of sensors that allow it to interpret touch, spatial orientation, and signal strength. New sensor businesses are created every day in areas as diverse as security, aeronautics and biomedical engineering.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
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Tomás Carradero, Jessica Garner, Ben Olive & Lauren Oliver

Capsim Team Digby
Our mission is to provide a Broad Cost Leader strategy that keeps a strong presence in both high- and low-tech segments. We will strive to keep a competitive advantage over our competition by providing superior products. We attempt to keep our costs at a minimum based on the market. Our ability to keep products in both high- and low-tech will allow us to stay relevant in both segments. Higher-priced products for the industry offer solid value. Our stakeholders are bondholders, customers, stockholders and management. Our automation levels will be high, to keep productions costs low. After we establish our cost leadership position, we will reevaluate our strategy as a whole.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
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Angela Cusano

The Effect of Ministry Events on Perceived Self-Esteem
This project explores whether or not curated women’s ministry events have a positive effect on the attendees of the event. One main component of exploring this topic was the coordination and execution of the ministry event. For the event, I hosted an IF:Local on Northwest Christian University’s campus. This event was aimed toward women of all ages and consisted of simulcasted teachings, live worship, and a free lunch for all attendees. The event lasted from 9am to 3pm and allowed the women to come and go throughout the day. Though no legitimate study was performed to obtain statistically significant results, a survey was administered to all the attendees and collected in order to track any increase or decrease in the attendees’ reported self-esteem. The attendees were asked to take Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (1965) as they arrived and again as they left. This allowed for a change in reported self-esteem to be measured. The self-esteem of the attendees increased by 2.25 points. This represents that the event was a moderate success. Accordingly, It is possible that attendees may be positively affected by attending a curated ministry event.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
1:30 – 2 PM
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Levi Dean

CRISPR
The discovery of DNA and its role in carrying genetic information was discovered in 1953. However, until recently scientists did not know that it could be altered. The development of CRISPR technology allows scientists to edit DNA sequences to alter how a gene functions. This discovery could lead to correcting hereditary diseases, which could potentially eradicate certain diseases indefinitely.
My capstone will describe how CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) works at the molecular level as well as its genome editing ability. I will start by introducing CRISPR, how it works, and how it has developed. From here I will introduce CRISPR’s genome editing abilities and its impact on the medical field such as correcting hereditary diseases. Furthermore, I have observed CRISPR’s effect on Zebra fish genomes in the Miller lab at the University of Oregon and I will share my experience from that. Since CRISPR technology allows scientists to edit DNA sequences to change or correct gene functionality, therefore changing an already developed person, some have found it to be unethical. I will end by discussing the potential ethical issues that CRISPR may have on society.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
2 – 2:30 PM
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Malcolm Fleming

Diversity in Children’s Literature
This presentation focuses on diversity in children’s literature, which is critical because all children need to see themselves reflected in the literature they read. This literature also helps children appreciate individual differences. Researchers found that a majority of children’s literature in school libraries did not reflect racial, religious, SES, gender, disabilities, or sexual identity diversity. Researchers concluded that representations of children from diverse populations in literature must be characterized in ways that are realistic and engaging. For this study I examined current diversity in children’s literature to assess the range of diversity reflected. I went to three higher education libraries; Lane Community College, Northwest Christian University, and the University of Oregon. I examined their children’s literature collections in the following diversity categories; disability, LGBTQ, family/SES, and gender. I also examined racial diversity in each of the previous categories. I examined and evaluated 44 children’s books that ranged from pre-k to high school reading levels. I found that LCC had the most current collection of children’s literature in the four diversity categories. Fourteen of the 44 books addressed family and SES (e.g., divorce, domestic abuse, refugees, immigrant status, incarcerated parents, poverty, foster care). In the disability category the books primarily addressed physical disabilities. In summary, this presentation will stress the importance of exposing children of diverse populations, as well as societally mainstreamed children, to literature that will strengthen their awareness of themselves and others.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
4 – 4:30 PM
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Elizabeth Gregory

Shared Personality Traits Among Mothers of Children with Autism
Mothers of children with autism may share personality traits and hold related behaviors in common. This presentation will review an exploratory study, the purpose of which was to investigate the intersection of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and potential personality commonalities and experiences. The researcher conducted a qualitative study, including interviews related to personality traits. Participants were five mothers of children with diverse autism diagnoses, 35 to 61 years of age with children ranging in age from early childhood to young adulthood. Further, the researcher administered the Big Five Personality Inventory, interviews in two individual sessions, an assessment based on mothers’ quotations, and demographic questions. The researcher found strong relations among mothers of children with autism and their similar emergent traits and behaviors becoming more identifiable as their children with autism aged. These traits are seemingly adaptive to the intensive needs and situations that accompany raising children with autism. Comparable identified, developed traits and experiences in the mothers included conscientiousness, agreeableness, gratitude, research and self-education, and social isolation. Based on the findings, the researcher emphasized the critical need for institutional and governmental support, community-wide acceptance and assistance, and overall societal compassion, understanding, and provision of aid for mothers of children with autism.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
1:30 – 2:30 PM
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