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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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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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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Amarachi Irechukwu

BioNutrition
Nutrition and genetics play a huge role when it comes to weight loss and weight gain. Both of these two things together can help to create a more personalized diet for a patient. Nutrition is a huge reason why some people gain and lose weight faster than others. It is the caloric consumption that can help us determine if we will store the remaining energy after our body uses it for cellular functions. Also it helps us determine if you are not getting enough energy for cellular functions causing you to starve yourself. A well balance diet can promote healthy weight loss and help with maintaining weight. If we can figure out what a person’s body has the easiest time to digest/ break down we can truly understand how their body reacts to different foods. Giving us an opportunity to develop a diet plan for them. Another thing to consider is that genes play a role in weight loss. Genes has the ability to give us information about someone predetermine health issues, their body weight composition, your ability to lose or gain weight and so much more. We will look at how a genetic component can help us to create a better diet. Or even to see if genes do not matter when it comes to dieting. In the realm of biology we are also going to go further in-depth and explore the microbial community in your gut and how it plays an important role in digestions and breaking down certain foods. This is a big thing to consider because without the bacteria in your gut you would have a hard time breaking foods down into energy. This community is essential for digestions. Furthermore, I want to create an understanding on why market diets don’t work and how I can create a more personalize diet plan to promote health weight loss.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
2:30 – 3 PM
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Taylorann Matz

Homeless Adolescents and Faith
This project seeks inform listeners on how faith contributes to the development in homeless adolescents through a general overview of sources. Homeless adolescents need to have a sense of belonging to a group, a sense of hope, a sense of being loved, and a sense of purpose. This project looks at a biblical approach to addressing these needs with in a shelter environment.
Keywords: homeless, adolescents, faith, development
CM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
11 – 11:30 AM
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Gabrielle Morales

‘Uncertainty was attached to everything he knew’: The Intergenerational Transmission of Functional Illiteracy
When the U.S. federal 2020 fiscal year budget was announced in March of 2019, the notice of an 11.4% cut in k-12 programs generated an uproar among educators, journalists, and news broadcasters (U.S. Department of Education, 2019, p. 119). Yet, little attention was given with respect for the 24.3% cut in Adult Basic and Literacy Education, as well as an identical 24.3% cut in English (Speakers of another Language) Literacy and Civics Education—of which equal a combined decrease of 48.6% in adult literacy programs (U.S. Department of Education, 2019, p. 120). Little effort has been made for the functionally illiterate parent. President Bill Clinton’s efforts to, “end welfare as we know it,” in 1996 sought to decrease the number of families on welfare rather than decrease the number of families living in deep poverty. With this reform came stringent welfare eligibility requirements and uncompromising General Educational Development assessments (GED) within Adult Basic Education programs (ABE). Meanwhile, within the past three years, there have been zero cutbacks in Career and Technical Education or Vocational and Adult Education grants—thus confining impoverished and illiterate citizens to careers within the manufacturing industry; such programs offer diminutive literacy education. Historically, welfare and adult education reforms have denied opportunities for low-literate and functionally illiterate adults. In thwarting one’s ability to read and write, the intergenerational transmission of functional illiteracy remains. To be clear, this thesis does not serve as a claim against the alleged ‘brokenness’ of the K-12 education system or welfare system. Rather, it serves to take part in the current body of literature—of which asserts the need for improvement within the adult education system.
Keywords: intergenerational functional illiteracy, united states, adult education
ENG 499, Capstone
Jenee Cazares & James Watson
P114
10-10:30 AM
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Luiz Muñoz

Elementary School Students At-Risk for Academic Failure
For decades, children in the US school system who are at-risk, have been neglected and avoided by teachers and administrators, exposing them to the likelihood of academic failure. In elementary school, children at-risk show signs of academic struggle when their grades fall below the class average. These children may be less likely to demonstrate academic success in school than their peers who are not at-risk. Thus, this presentation reviews four research trends in children at-risk for academic failure in elementary school. First, children at-risk may experience academic failure due to reading difficulties. Next, they may experience academic failure due to low math skills. Furthermore, children who are at-risk for academic failure may come from low SES homes. Finally, children at-risk for academic failure may reside in foster care. These common factors are four of many that may cause a child to be at-risk in academic progress. Researchers reported that if students at-risk do not have early help with their reading, they will fail academically. Due to their lack of curricular understanding in reading and math, children also expressed heightened anxiety and/or anger while being subjected to classroom testing. Moreover, children from low SES families or residential foster care who changed schools three to four times over a five-year period demonstrated higher cognitive dysregulation, which negatively affected their academic capabilities. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need to conduct longitudinal studies that evaluate participants’ academic progress throughout future grade levels.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
2:30 – 3 PM
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Katy Noel

Discipleship and Communication
Though research has been done studying the relationship between Christianity and communication, the focus has been primarily on conversion and less on discipleship. Discipleship in this context can be understood as a mentor/mentee relationship between a mature Christian and a developing Christian. I have interviewed people who have been discipled to see what communicative themes would arise as effective/ineffective pertaining to their discipleship experience. Preliminary findings show that consistency, mutual self-disclosure, effective use of technology, ability to initiate hard conversations, and time spent together are common communicative themes present in a fruitful discipleship relationship.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
2 – 2:30 PM
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Jordan Norris

Do religious people have destiny beliefs in their relationships?
Implicit theories of relationships play an important role in determining the outcome of a relationship. There are two main beliefs people hold, destiny or growth. Destiny beliefs were defined as evaluating a potential partner on compatibility. Growth beliefs were defined as cultivated over time and viewing disagreements as a way to grow the relationship. The Santa Clara strength of religious faith measures the participants strength of religious faith. In the present study, participants are surveyed on their relational beliefs and their strength of religious faith. Based on the literature, the hypothesis is the participants who have strong religious faith will believe in more destiny beliefs in their relationships. The participants were surveyed on their strength of religious faith and their implicit theories of relationships. The results did not support the hypothesis as there was a weak correlation among both beliefs and religious faith. Research limitations and future research are discussed, including the need for more diverse ways to reach participants to best represent the population.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
10:30 – 11 AM
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Jordan Norris

The Impact of Religious Belief on Domestic Violence
Women of faith around the world have long been oppressed by their intimate partners due to manipulation of biblical texts. This epidemic transcends culture, countries, and religion. Women of faith, however, may become more resilient after experiencing domestic violence. Thus, this presentation reviews four research trends of the interplay between religion and domestic violence. First, the exposure of men to domestic violence in childhood may predict their engaging in domestic violence in their own marriages. Next, women of faith may withstand domestic violence because of biblical gender roles enforced by their husbands. Moreover, women of faith may remain in situations of domestic violence due to being economically dependent on their husband. Finally, additional training and education may be needed in order to counsel victims who experienced domestic violence. These elements of domestic violence among women of faith may be perpetrated by the language and culture of religious institutions endorsing female submission. These institutions may have supported this because many clergy felt ill-equipped in handling situations of domestic violence, leading them to avoid confronting male perpetrators of domestic violence in their faith communities. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need to explore domestic violence in other countries and other religions, e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, and Mormonism, in order to gain a more accurate picture of the ways in which domestic violence transcends religions.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
3 – 3:30 PM
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Gianna Rains

Use of Communication for Training Youth in Leadership
Leadership training could not be completed without the knowledge of communication. I have researched the different communication skills and tools used in training youth in leadership positions. Like adults, youths also benefit from being trained for leadership roles like team captains, government teams, and ministry positions. Communication skills are essential to all of these positions. Therefore, communication skills such as interpersonal, conflict-management, sensemaking, and framing are all useful in training youth in leadership. Now taking this a step further, I have also discussed the way the Bible challenges or extends this understanding of how to teach leadership. Secular leadership can sometimes be seen through a completely different lens than the Bible teaches.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
11 – 11:30 AM
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Tracey Raywinkle

The Impact of Cyberbullying on Adolescents
Adolescents today not only have to deal with traditional bullying but may also face cyberbullying. Adolescents and young adults who are the object of cyberbullying and involuntary isolation are more likely to engage in self-harm and suicidality than their non-bullied peers. Thus, this presentation will review four evidence-based factors of cyberbullying and the harm that it can bring upon vulnerable adolescents. First, the presentation will consider the evolution of bullying from traditional forms through today’s modern technology, or cyberbullying. Next, the presentation will review the impact of cyberbullying on adolescents in other countries. In addition, the presentation will examine the lack of relational and emotional support which may lead to cyberbullying. Finally, the presentation will highlight gender differences associated with cyberbullying. Researchers found that substance use and violent behavior may explain why both physical bullying and cyberbullying increased suicidal behavior in adolescents. Researchers also observed that both direct and relational victimization at school were positively associated with suicidal ideation, while relational victimization was more strongly associated with completed suicide. Researchers found that boys who experienced cyber-victimization were protected by schools, whereas, girls who experienced face-to-face victimization were more protected by parents. Lastly, experiencing cyberbullying not only resulted in girls having more negative attitudes toward school, but toward learning as well. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need to gather more data from schools in other states and countries to increase the specificity of data, and the awareness of cyberbullying in other cultures.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
3:30 – 4 PM
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Jonathan Sprouse

Social Media and the Church
This presentation will assess the use of social media by churches with the studies and knowledge of social media addiction. Several studies have been conducted on the use of social media and its effect on public health, however little has been done to study if the Christian Church should knowingly utilize these tools if they are addicting. This presentation will assess what social media is along with its benefits and downfalls. Additionally the presentation will address the downfalls of social media with what the scriptures of the Bible tell how we should respond. It is hoped that this presentation will inform church workers on how to use the tools of social media properly with the understanding of the Word.
CM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
11:30 – Noon
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Stephanie Steinhardt

Definitions of Calling: A Comparative Study of Qualitative Responses
The word “calling” is often used to describe the feeling or urge towards a profession or career; however, “calling” can also be broadly defined as an approach to life, especially for Christians. The present study was a content analysis on qualitative responses of 103 Northwest Christian University traditional and adult degree undergraduate students to open-ended questions on definitions of calling related to work and life. Several themes emerged from the responses. For definitions of calling as it relates to career, the themes identified were guiding factor (e.g., God’s plan), personal fit, and altruism. External forces, internal forces, and the greater good emerged as themes when considering one’s approach to career as a calling. Ninety-eight percent of the participants responded that calling applied to other areas of life; their explanations revealed that calling relates to everything, meaningful relationships, meaningful activities, and lifestyle. The findings of the present study support previous qualitative research that college students apply calling to their work and areas outside of paid work. A sense of calling has been linked with greater job and life satisfaction, so it is an important concept to study. Future research should investigate gender differences and the implications of calling to well-being.
PSY 499, Capstone
Nani Skaggs
SPS 101
11:30 AM – Noon
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Elizabeth Willet

Critical Factors in Childhood Resulting in Vulnerability to Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, with its main sub-category of sex trafficking, thrives globally in the 21st century. However, women and children are the most susceptible to sex trafficking victimization. Critical factors in childhood may increase the likelihood of adolescents becoming victims of sex trafficking. Therefore, this presentation addresses four current research themes of childhood maltreatment in pre-sex trafficking victimization. First, physical abuse and sexual abuse may predict later trafficking victimization. Second, influence perpetrated and modeled by family and friends engaged in the sex trade may increase the likelihood of victimization. Third, adolescents who experience homelessness and foster care may become future victims. Finally, later victimization may be predicted by childhood substance addiction. These factors may be the dominant elements of maltreatment that increase children’s vulnerability to traffickers. Researchers reported that both physical and sexual abuse factored heavily in the participants’ childhoods. Furthermore, researchers found similar findings regarding the latter three topics and their relations to childhood experiences. These factors may have increased victimization, because childhood maltreatment skewed the adolescents’ understanding of love and security, which lack may drive children to seek them from exterior sources. Future directions will be discussed, such as creating a cohesive and universal scale for measuring the vulnerability of sex trafficking victimization in children.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
1 – 1:30 PM
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Kelly Willyard

The Psalmist Use of the Word Soul” in Psalm 42 and 43
This project explores the number of meanings and uses the word soul has in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh. I focus on how the psalmist specifically uses nephesh in Pslam 42. I conclude with a practical application of nephesh in the Christian faith.
BTM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
10 – 10:30 AM
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Tayler Anderson

The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Families

Developmental disorders can have substantial impact on individuals. Pervasive disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have particular bearing on individuals’ everyday lives. The presence of an individual with ASD in a family may have both positive and challenging impact on neurotypical family members. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends regarding the impact of ASD on the family unit. First, having a child or adolescent with ASD may substantially impact the parents’ relationships. Next, neurotypical siblings are also impacted by the presence of a sibling with autism. Moreover, the Special Interest Area of a family member with ASD may impact families in diverse ways, e.g., the child may only focus on that topic. Lastly, financial impact is a considerable challenge for families with family members with autism. Researchers have observed that although some parent relationships have difficulty coping with the challenges of ASD, many parents face the obstacles together and remain committed to their relationships. Further, researchers emphasized that neurotypical siblings help their siblings with ASD to develop more effective social skills. In addition, researchers have stated that the Special Interest Areas of family members with ASD may result in diverse challenges for the family, e.g., extensive investment of time. Finally, researchers have reported that families in which a member has ASD may encounter substantial financial responsibilities, e.g., medical treatment and behavioral interventions. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need for further research into the impact of Special Interest Areas on neurotypical siblings.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Micah Jury

Horror and Trauma in Edgar Allan Poe’s Short-Stories through the lens of Psychology and Literature

Edgar Allan Poe’s stories are known for their gothic elements of murder, horror and insanity. Some of these stories are characterized by unstable central characters and their unwitting victims. This presentation will examine two of Poe’s short stories: “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado,” specifically analyzing the protagonists and the victims. The marked similarity between the protagonists will be highlighted by showing Poe’s use of both an unreliable narrator and focalization in his stories, as well as his use of conflicting facts within the text. These uses of literary techniques engage the reader and form the catalyst that propels the stories from merely disturbing to hauntingly gripping. In the second half of this presentation, psychological theorems of trauma, captivity, and Betrayal Trauma will be used to elucidate the emotional state of being in which the victims find themselves. In addition, the psychological state of the victims post facto will be examined using current psychological research. Future directions for research will also be addressed, including examining Poe’s tumultuous life and how it affected his writings.

ENG 499 & PSY 499, Capstone

James Watson/Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

2:30 – 3:30 PM

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Robbie McGowen

Auschwitz and The Colosseum

When you arrive in the southern hills of Krakow, Poland, one of the first things you notice is that you are surrounded by a beautiful countryside. The trees and natural wildlife go on with their natural duties seemingly unaware of the atrocities that plagued this countryside during The Holocaust. Literary works and films about the Holocaust are not immune from the atrocities that occured. Movies like Schindler’s List and Life is Beautiful are well known, awarding winning pieces of art that tell the stories of particular individuals in a way that evokes emotion in ways other films don’t because that are not afraid to shy away from the horrors and push our boundaries of uncomfortableness. The same can be said by the works of Primo Levi and Elie Weisel–both of whom are Holocaust survivors.

Auschwitz is immune to becoming a tourist attraction because of all the human life that was lost, and the way it was carried out on a mass scale. However, the Colosseum is one of the most visited monuments in the world and yet thousands of people and animals have been slain during its active years. Why isn’t this talked about more? The Colosseum has had quite an impact on pop culture. I will explore the differences between these two ideas and similarities, if any. Is the reason why the Colosseum’s dark past not talked about as much is because of how ancient it is, fewer documented accounts, or was it simply because it was a cultural norm in Ancient Rome? I will dive into and explore these questions in detail, as well as bringing in my personal experiences for visiting both places and how those tours are framed.

ENG 499, Capstone

James Watson

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

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Emily Morgan

The Impact of Sibling Loss Across the Lifespans of Surviving Siblings

Across centuries and cultures there have typically been siblings within the family unit, allowing for strong bonds to be created between brothers and sisters. Over the lifespan, however, siblings will pass away from various causes, leaving behind surviving siblings and an empty spot within the family. Due to this, the death of a sibling may predict adverse mental and physical health outcomes over the lifespan. Thus, this presentation reviews four research themes that examine the effects of sibling death on surviving siblings across the lifespan. First, parental perceptions regarding the mental states of surviving siblings following a sibling death will be analyzed. Next, the potential evolution of grief in surviving siblings one decade past sibling death will be examined. Moreover, the impact of sibling death on the mental health of surviving siblings will be analyzed. Finally, the risk of disabling conditions and premature mortality associated with siblings surviving sibling death will be examined. These themes tend to appear in surviving siblings across their lifespan, as they must cope with a new reality. With this life change, surviving siblings may experience Complicated Grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. In addition, family dynamics change as there is now a missing part of the unit, and parents may be unable to give their surviving children their full attention, as they are going through their own grieving process. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need to further examine sibling loss in adulthood and including more diverse population samples.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Caeli Barnhart, Selina Chacon & Mikaila Riddle

CAPSIM Competition

Mission Statement

“Reliable products for low technology customers: Our brands offer value. Our stakeholders are bondholders, stockholders, customers and management.”

In order to make our company unique, we will produce reliability through our products that focus on satisfying our customer’s needs.

BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy

Dave Quirk

L204

10 AM – Noon

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Ryan Bates

7 Key Characteristics of Succesful Church Plants

The purpose of this paper is to provide church planters with a tool to help them do better with what they feel called to do. Close to one-third of church plants don’t make it to year 5, and the majority that do remain small and struggling, and this paper is to help church plants to continue to grow and flourish. This paper identifies seven key areas that are essential for church success, and goes into detail on how new plants can utilize them. The seven key areas are; Community Driven, Teamwork and Togetherness, Strong Vision, the Importance and Reality of the Gospel, an Evangelical Focus, Proper Marketing, and Strong Leadership. This paper goes in depth on how these seven characteristics are essential for today’s church planter, and looks at multiple different models of ministry that use these characteristics successfully.

CM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

P103

11:30 AM – Noon

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Nathan Blaney

Enhancing Computing with Biologically Inspired Design

Computers as an integral part of the modern world are continuously being improved upon, and yet there is still a lot of space for advancement. With the impending end of Moore’s Law and the limits to how small components can be made, new computer designs and engineering models are needed to make further progress.

One area of inspiration that researchers and engineers have been turning to is that of the biological world. Computer architecture and design that takes a page from the structure of neurons and how they work in the brain promises great improvements in areas such as efficiency and parallel computation.

This process however of creating a biologically inspired computer is one that has required large amounts of research and study, as the vast differences between binary-based computers and biological neurons makes a fusion of the two paradigms very difficult.

This presentation will explore these topics and examine how these problems are being solved with the use of clever engineering and novel technologies.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P003

1:00 – 1:30 PM

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Michael Buss

Photography and Beyond: The Vitality of Communicating Well in Client Based Photography and Videography Relationships.

More than ever, the world prefers visual and oral means of communication over written communication. As a result of technology, specifically smart phones, humans have seen a decrease in empathy and connection with one another, making interpersonal relational skills and increasingly valuable trait. Advances in digital photography technology have enabled anyone and everyone to have access to professional camera equipment and start a photography business. Anyone can master the art of exposing a photo, composing a shot, and perfecting an edit, but not everyone has the social and communicative skills to maximize the entire experience. After meeting with local experts, studying the interpersonal communication scholarship, and having personal experience at both of my internships, I have borrowed credibility and had experiences that have highlighted the vitality of communicating well for client photo and video based work.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

2:00 – 2:30 PM

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Ruben Carmona

The Relation Between Children Raised in Foster Care and Increased Difficulties in Adulthood

Children who grow up in the foster care system typically face many adverse experiences. These adverse experiences may create complications for these children as they become young adults. In particular, growing up in the foster care system may predict an increased risk for developing mental health issues and substantial insecurity as they approach adulthood. This presentation will review four foster care research themes relating to mental health challenges and instability in young adulthood. First, placement instability in foster care may increase the chances of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Next, substance abuse in children within foster care may exacerbate the risk of their developing Substance Use Disorder. Additionally, children in foster care and older adolescents aging out of foster care, may experience homelessness at an increased rate compared to children who were not in foster care. Lastly, children in foster care may be at higher risk for developing comorbid mental health disorders in addition to their initial mental health diagnosis. Researchers have found that children placed in foster care often have difficulty developing relationships with their foster parents, teachers, and peers from school, due to the likelihood of their being frequently moved to different home placements. Researchers have also reported that children in foster care are more likely to use illegal drugs when compared to children who have not been in the foster care system. Future directions for research will also be discussed in the presentation, including the need to explore drug prevention programs for children in foster care and placement stability.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

10 – 10:30 AM

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Riley Charlish, Bradley Harp & Kenzie Weston

Capsim Simulation

Mission Statement:

As a company we strive for the competitive advantage over our competition. We keep R&D, production and material costs to a minimum, which helps us to keep our prices at the best value. Our reputation is built on the devotion we have to help create exceptionally low-cost products for you, our customers.

Company Strategy: Broad Cost Leader

As a team we chose this to be the best strategy to follow as a guideline due to keeping costs low for our customers but not losing out on producing intermediate lines of products. Being in-between both high and low tech gives up the competitive advantage over other companies because we save costs in many areas including R&D, production and employee costs.  

BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy

Dave Quirk

L204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Mitchell Davis & Alec Duncan

The Church & Youth Identity Formation

At the core of any human is their self-identity. The process of identity formation happens primarily during one’s youth. The culture of our world today is damaging for youth identity formation. Social Media and the entertainment industry promote unhealthy lifestyles and cause youth to form their identities around unhealthy things. Our hope with this study is to give churches a look into what they can do to help students form their identities around God instead of the world.  First research was done in the area of identity formation, exploring different theories on how identity is formed in the human mind. Next, we studied adolescent culture in the past and present day. After identifying key influences on identity formation, we looked at how the church can answer the questions running around the minds of young students struggling to find their identity. Our main conclusions are that the Church needs to be a place where students can find their purpose in Christ, unconditional love, and relationships with older believers who can mentor them.

CM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

P103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Diego Delaplane

The Art of Creative Writing

This capstone presentation is an overview of the steps it takes to write creative fiction. The presenter will present on the novel that he wrote and the process behind writing the novel. The presenter will also share about what inspired him to write, the themes of his novel, and how creative writing can influence the world around us.

ENG 499, Capstone

James Watson

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Nikole Duncan

The Act of Listening as a Bridge to Solving Conflict

This study explores three different perspectives on the same dispute and the influence that active listening has on developing an understanding of all sides. Smith (2017) mentions that in order to develop a voice one must first develop an ear; therefore, I will be analyzing Morgan McKinney, Dr. Hain, and Halona Jackson’s viewpoints with a clear vision. After hearing all views I will reenact the positions of all three parties on Ace day through their own perceptions so that everyone can be heard and hopefully appreciated. The ultimate goal is to have the gap between three different perceptions that has led to misunderstanding filled. Smith teaches that we might not always like what we see or what is said, but in order to change it we must first see as well as hear it clearly.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Kelsey Hansen

The Emotional Impact of Cancer in Adults: Diagnosis to Post-Treatment Outcomes

Cancer has affected the lives of countless Americans for many decades and continues today to substantially impact individuals and their loved ones. In addition to the physical pain that one may experience while undergoing cancer treatment, there may also be emotional pain. The intervention of chemotherapy may result in emotional, mental, and cognitive side effects in adults undergoing treatment, as well as those who are living post-treatment. This presentation will review four research themes regarding the potential emotional, mental, and cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. These themes are: the roles of a cancer diagnosis in mental health, coping throughout treatment and survivorship, emotional and psychological distress in mental health, and quality of life in post-treatment. Researchers have reported that a cancer diagnosis may be traumatic and may result in depression, anxiety, and fear. They have further noted the importance for patients of learning various methods of coping with this diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. Emotional and psychological distresses may be substantial factors in the life of a cancer patient and may result from seeing a cancer diagnosis as life-threatening. This may result in individuals who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment needing frequent social support in order to develop a satisfactory quality of life. Further, future directions for research are discussed in this presentation, including the need for providing participants with information regarding resources during their participation in research studies.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

10:30 – 11 AM

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Brighton Hebisen

Self-Care Practices in Response to Compassion Fatigue in Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals invest substantial time, energy, and resources in training and working hard to support others, but may have little to no support for themselves and may not practice regular self-care. As a result, compassion fatigue and burnout are prevalent in the mental health field. Mental health professionals who disregard the practice of self-care may experience increased compassion fatigue and burnout. This presentation will review four research themes regarding compassion fatigue and burnout in this professional population. These themes are: first, the various predictors of compassion fatigue and burnout among mental health professionals; second, the impact of service delivery location; third, self-care practices that may mitigate compassion fatigue; and finally, the ways in which compassion satisfaction may balance compassion fatigue. Researchers have found that the intense nature of mental health work requires these professionals to take part in self-care in order to lessen the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. Individuals with more years in the field were found to be at higher risk for developing compassion fatigue or burnout. Further, researchers have reported that conducting therapy in private practice may decrease compassion fatigue in comparison to practice within the public agency. Those professionals who experienced greater compassion satisfaction from their work, decreased their risk of compassion fatigue, as well. Future directions are explored, including the need to examine gender differences, client age, and programs that can be implemented to prepare professionals for the intensity and potential risks of their work.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Phoenix Lacque & Aaron McFadden

Business Capstone Presentation

Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.

Our company strives to keep our cot low enough that they are desirable for customers, while keeping the products durable enough to withstand the constant use. We will continue to make products in the low and high tech market for sensors, in order to meet the demands of the most people possible.

BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy

Dave Quirk

L204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Michael Loomis

Business Capstone Presentation

Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees. We are going to make premium products for both the high and low tech markets. We will continue to provide the best quality items and will strive to keep our customers happy.

BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy

Dave Quirk

L204

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Spencer Mattox

The Quality of the Mentor-Mentee Relationship and Its Impact on Youth

For decades, US communities have dealt with the issues of drugs, violence, and substance abuse. Countless children in these communities grow up without any positive adult figures to protect and support them in choosing appropriate behaviors and discouraging them from engaging in criminal activity. Whether at-risk youth are able to envision a positive future may be determined by the quality of the mentor-mentee relationship. This presentation will review four themes in which researchers explore the impact of the mentor-mentee relationship in building a positive future for at-risk youth. First, the duration of the mentor-mentee relationship is a key element in positively or negatively impacting the at-risk youth’s life. Second, the characteristics the mentor possesses may enable his or her mentee to achieve the mentee’s goals. Third, increased ethnic diversity in the mentor community may benefit the mentor and the mentee. Finally, the role the informal mentor plays in the life of his or her mentee is vital. Researchers have found that, it is essential for mentors to possess positive attributes in order to establish trust with their mentees. This, in turn, will augment the mentees’ self-esteem. Researchers noted that when the mentor and mentee spend time together, positive results are observed in the behaviors of the mentee. Future directions for research will also be discussed in the presentation, including the need to conduct studies in communities heavily populated with at-risk youth.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Jonathan Messiers

A Bridge to Space: The Mechanics and Design Considerations for a Space Elevator

Achieving orbit is currently an extremely expensive and resource-heavy venture. Current rockets cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 to lift a single kilogram of payload to low earth orbit. A space elevator may be able to lift a kilogram to orbit for as little as $200. A space elevator is a cable anchored at the equator that extends into space past geostationary orbit, using the centrifugal force of Earth’s rotation to hold itself upright under tension. Such a cable may be constructed using materials with extremely high strength-to-weight ratios. The overall design of a space elevator consists of the cable itself, a counterweight to suspend the cable via centrifugal force, climbers to deliver payload to and from orbit, and a base station anchoring the cable to the Earth somewhere along the equator. Craft released from the space elevator at a height of 53,000 kilometers would be at escape velocity, allowing them to reach other celestial bodies without the thousands of tons of fuel and stages conventional rockets require for the same velocity. Challenges faced include weather conditions within the atmosphere, the effects of solar radiation on the cable, collisions with orbital debris, cable oscillations, research and development costs, and political complications.

MATH 499, Capstone

Brian Carrigan

SPS 100

2:30 – 3 PM

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Selena Portillo Barrera

Pre- and Post-Flight Traumatization Factors in Refugee Populations

The current refugee crisis worldwide is a phenomenon that has arisen due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political unrest, and human devastation. Refugee populations face a preponderance of internal and external challenges in their nomadic search toward safety and resettlement in the new society of a host country. Pre- and post-flight resettlement status in the refugee population may predict traumatization in the form of physical and mental ill health, sexual assault, and diverse socio-economic and cultural acclimation challenges. This presentation will focus on four areas in which refugee populations demonstrate traumatization: prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder amongst pre-flight refugees, sexual assault and gender-based violence perpetrated against pre-flight female refugees, mental and physical ill-health challenges faced by post-flight refugees, socio-economic and acclimation challenges in a post-flight society. Researchers have found Post-traumatic Stress Disorder to be especially prevalent in culturally diverse refugee populations, but also that war-affected refugees are most impacted. Lack of access to mental and medical health services hinders the refugee resettlement process in the host society, along with cultural barriers such as preconceived attitudes, language, and mistrust of “other.” Future directions for research are discussed, such as the need to access multicultural mental health services and trauma counseling at an earlier stage of the refugee immigration process.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Kimberly Snyder

Women, Religiosity, and Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence has long been a pervasive issue for women, occurring across all ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religions, and races. A wide variety of survival skills are employed by these women to help cope with the abuse they are experiencing. Despite the breadth of personal differences, these victims commonly utilize religion. Personal religious devotion may strengthen their capacity to survive intimate partner violence and post relationship trauma. This presentation reviews four research trends in personal religious beliefs as a coping strategy. First, women may reach out to clergy members or religious leaders for support and counseling. Moreover, prayer may be a particularly common coping mechanism. In addition, religious coping may be particularly prevalent among African-American and other Black women. In contrast, some researchers argue that personal religious devotion may be an ineffective coping technique, causing barriers to healing. Researchers have found women who rely on their religious beliefs to survive the violence credit a myriad of ways religion helped them. The violence perpetrated by intimate partners leaves lasting psychological trauma for victims. Researchers report that the coping strategies used may help strengthen women’s resilience in these relationships, and help provide additional support in post-traumatic healing. Future directions for research will also be discussed in this presentation, including resources for these victims at religious communities.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Sonja Towner

Adverse Effects of Child Abuse in Adult Females

Childhood abuse creates a substantial and long-lasting impact that may follow women into adulthood. Abusive events of girlhood may traumatize young girls, leaving them vulnerable to myriad post-traumatic outcomes mentally, physically, and emotionally. Women abused prior to the age of 11 may be at greater risk for mental illness and substance abuse through self-medication in adulthood. This presentation will review four areas which researchers have identified as possible adverse effects of girlhood abuse. First, women use substances to self-medicate to avoid the negative affect associated with girlhood abuse and learned negative reinforcement. Second, substance abuse may intensify girlhood maltreatment-induced mental illness. Third, women who have been exposed to adverse girlhood experiences may be at greater risk for diverse negative outcomes in adulthood. Finally, exposure to multiple adverse experiences in girlhood may lead to comorbid disorders in adulthood, further exacerbating other negative symptoms. Researchers have found that the effects of abuse in girlhood may be clinically significant. Moreover, researchers found that women experienced outcomes including substance abuse, mental illness, and incarceration. Researchers have reported a potential link between girlhood maltreatment and the traumatic events that may follow girls into adulthood. Future directions will also be discussed in this presentation, including the need for a longitudinal study that explores the impact of each type of adverse event in mental illness and substance abuse. Furthermore, researchers should also study why some women demonstrate resilience to girlhood abuse while others remain deeply impacted over their lifetimes.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

SPS 100

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Janieve Boyles

Changing Attitudes Towards LGBTQ in Christianity

In recent history, acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals has increased in some cultures. Furthermore, some states in the U.S. and countries recognize same-sex marriage. While times are changing, there has been an undeniable divide between Evangelical Christians and the LGBTQ community. This gap has been created due to the firm belief based on scripture that homosexuality is wrong and sinful. Many Evangelical Protestants hold traditional, conservative views and beliefs. These traditional, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ are harmful and destructive, but are changing due to biological explanations of same sex attraction, personal experience with LGBTQ people, and alternative Biblical interpretations. Contributing factors to an opposition of same-sex rights and prejudice toward LGBTQ in Christianity are right wing authoritarianism, a strong belief that the nature of homosexuality is a choice, and friendships with like-minded thinkers in religious contexts. Traditional, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ are often filled with disgust, judgement, and lack of acceptance that are hurtful and painful for the LGBTQ community. There are many negative consequences of prejudiced attitudes, discrimination, and victimization of LGBTQ people including increases in substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide. Many Evangelical Christian attitudes are changing due to biological explanations, exposure to LGBTQ people, and acceptance by younger generations. These changes are leading to positive outcomes for LGBTQ people. Christian spaces are becoming more welcoming and appealing to LGBTQ individuals as the environments become safer and accepting. Prejudice, discrimination, and victimization have negative impacts on LGBTQ people, so ways to support the LGBTQ community need to be implemented.

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P103

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Jacquelyn Cooley

Putting Music to the Psalms

The Psalms were meant to be sung or chanted in biblical times not just read. My goal is to put music to 10 Psalms during this semester to assist in making them come to life for the listeners/participators. I will be explaining my project including steps and technique that helped me and then performing 2 of the Psalms.

MUS 499, Capstone

Karen De Young & Nathan Smith

M106

10 – 10:30 AM

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Olivia Cordes

Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children

Parenting a child is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a person may encounter in his or her lifetime. Parents find themselves honing their parenting skills as their child grows, sometimes to the child’s detriment, because early childhood is a crucial period for mental, physical, and emotional development. Therefore, children who are substantially negatively impacted by their socio-familial environment may be at higher risk for developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) than children raised in a more nurturing environment. This presentation reviews research themes in parenting styles, emotion regulation, parent-child relationship quality, and gender differences. Specifically, one cause of ODD may be negative parenting styles that include inconsistent discipline and harsh punishment toward a child. In addition, children who are subjected to poor parenting styles may develop emotion regulation deficits. As a result, when a parent lacks communication skills and experience, it is common for their negative parent-child interactions to interfere with healthy development. This may then lead children to exhibit inappropriate behaviors, e.g., aggression or hostility. Gender differences may also be a factor in the development of ODD, with symptoms appearing more frequently in males than females. Future directions are addressed, including the need for further research on global child maltreatment measures and deeper examination of post-treatment levels of positive parent-child relationships.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

2:30 – 3:00

Return to schedule

Kristyn Dodge

“I Answered His Call: Women in Senior Pastoral Roles”

Despite the leaps and bounds that have been made in reinventing gender roles for women in the home, workplace, and public service, one area in which women continually find themselves being obstructed is that of pastoral ministry. Due to traditional views on women that can be traced back to pre-Hellenistic Middle Eastern social constructs, women who are called to preach or serve as senior pastors face massive criticism and are prevented from fulfilling their calling. One of the sources such critics turn to for their obstruction is scripture itself. Using scripture to justify the obstruction of women in pastoral ministry is to commit eisegesis as opposed to exegesis. This is not just a Christian problem, however, but a religious problem across the board. In this presentation we see this manifested in three case studies: Rabbi Sally Pritchard, the first female rabbi of the American Jewish community; Mother Superior Mary Clare Millea, an abbess and Vatican advocate with a PhD. in Canon Law; and the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. By reviewing each of these American women of different faiths we see that despite their religious differences, they each tell a story of a contemporary woman who had to overcome traditional viewpoints and misapplication of scripture to answer God’s call to serve Him in pastoral ministry.

CM 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

3:30 – 4 PM

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Benjamin Drach

CRISPR: The Healing Tool of the Future

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; 9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) is a new tool based upon a bacterial protein that is associated with CRISPR. Cas9 comes from Streptococcus pyogenes. CRISPR’s functions and associated genes are essential in adaptive immunity in archaea and bacteria, enabling them to respond and eliminate invading genetic materials. The goal of many scientists and their communities is to apply this adaptive immunity to the human race. CRISPR/Cas9 can also be used to remove genetic diseases and even affect future generations of humans. By researching and analysing CRISPR/Cas9 further, humanity could be free from disease, disorders, and even aging. This paper reviews what CRISPR/Cas9 is and its possible future effects it will have upon humanity.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Lesly Eran

Muted Voices

This senior capstone project evaluates the effectiveness and influence of how communication affects the way gender roles are viewed based on the Muted Group Theory. At the event, guest speakers were invited to participate in a symposium panel where questions and answers were discussed identifying the importance and impact of the issues that arise among gender roles and communication. The project was held on the Northwest Christian University campus as an event.  Attendees were counted to measure the effectiveness of this event.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

11 – 11:30 AM

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Makenzie McLaughlin

Same-sex Couples Adopting and Raising Children

In American society, many individuals perceive two heterosexual parents as the ideal family type. Same-sex couples may face more setbacks than heterosexual couples in attempting to adopt and raise children, since they may not be perceived as the ideal parents. Same-sex couples who want to adopt may need to provide evidence that they are as qualified to be good parents as are heterosexual couples. Researchers have found, however, that same-sex couples who adopt may actually have a positive impact on their children, themselves, and the community in which they reside. This presentation reviews four recurring research themes regarding same-sex couples who adopt children. First, same-sex couples experience similar stress to heterosexual couples during pre- and post-adoption. Second, the community in which the same-sex couples reside may perceive the couples positively, neutrally, or negatively. Third, males and females, in general, may perceive same-sex couples differently than heterosexual couples; males may more often perceive same-sex couple adoption in a negative light than do females. Fourth, some individuals may believe that children of same-sex parents will automatically grow up to become gay or lesbian, like their parents. Future directions are reviewed, including the need for longitudinal studies following children of same-sex parents in adulthood.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Alaina Thomson

Women in Academe

Females have long been undermined and abused throughout history when societal expectations surrounding the roles of women are challenged. In the academy, many women contest gender-based stereotypes as they strive to shatter the glass ceiling by pursuing education, careers, and advancement. Women in academia may experience substantial discrimination in comparison to their male peers. This presentation reviews four research trends in discrimination in higher education. First, prejudice against women academics is prominent in the oppressive gender inequality to which they are regularly subjected. Next, women experience bias in workplace sexism. Moreover, women of color in the academy may be additionally confronted with gender-based racial discrimination. Finally, women academics may also experience inequity based on their current or potential status as mothers, which intolerance may hinder their careers and futures. These elements of discrimination may be perpetuated largely by the dominant oft male-governed institutions of higher education. As women pursue academic careers they are stymied by the exclusive, abusive nature of predominantly male social networks, e.g., “good old boys” clubs, that ensure the success, notoriety, and advancement of men. Researchers have reported that higher education may perpetuate an environment that is hostile for women. This may be due to the attitudes and actions of administrators, fellow faculty, staff, and students toward women academics. Future directions for research are discussed, including the need to explore the gender-specific sacrifices that women academics must make to be successful in their careers and co-exist with males in mutually nurturing environment.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

3 – 3:30 PM

Return to schedule

Canaan Threlfall

Parental Incarceration and its Effects on Children

Children whose parent is incarcerated struggle emotionally, behaviorally, and educationally.  Emotionally, children experience attachment issues, depression, and high levels of stress due to parental absence.  Behaviorally, children with incarcerated parents have a higher likelihood of being delinquents, and they struggle with behaviors such as aggression and conduct disorder.  Educationally, these children experience many difficulties in school. The difficulties include, trouble completing homework and the struggle to pay attention in class. These difficulties result in a lack of motivation that can lead to poor academic success and school dropout.  Research shows that providing emotional support can help children with incarcerated parents succeed emotionally, behaviorally, and educationally, thus leading to positive outcomes.

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

Jordan Weinkauf

Ebola, A Threat Assessment

Hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola have been in the news over the last several years as severe outbreaks have sprung up in West Africa.  It has captured our imagination due to its extremely virulent nature and by the spectacularly gruesome way in which kills those it infects.  In addition its origin is relatively unknown which furthers the myth of this virus.  Understandably the American public became incredibly worried, with large portions of the population concerned that the pandemic would spread to our shores.  But was all this hype really worth it?  Sure, Ebola is very deadly.  In fact in some cases it kills up to 90% of those infected.  What’s even more incredible is that it is not the virus that ultimately kills you, but rather your own immune system.  Through viral trickery, the Ebola virus silences and short circuits your immune cells causing massive internal bleeding and organ failure.  Also it can last relatively long periods on common hospital surfaces and still remain viable.  However while it is quite destructive on the individual level it seems to be relatively impotent on a global level.  Outbreaks have been severe but still remain locked to a relatively small area.  This becomes very evident if we look at the R0 number and other infection factors of the virus and we can see that it has less teeth than originally thought.  Therefore, I believe Ebola is not the harbinger of some future apocalypse, but it is an incredibly complex and fascinating virus that deserves future study.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

McKenzie Wirth

Conflict Styles and Using Secret Tests

Conflict styles influence how a person solves problems in his or her relationships. There are five common Conflict Styles: Accommodation, avoidance, competitive/aggressive, compromise and collaborative (Thomas, 1976). When uncertainty over a romantic partner’s commitment to the relationship arises, this could be a potential problem area in which a person’s conflict style makes a difference as to how he or she reduces uncertainty and solves this issue. Often, individuals who have an avoidant conflict style don’t like discussing problems directly with their relational partners, because they experience communication apprehension (Thomas, 1976). Thus, it’s plausible that these individuals may employ Secret Tests to reduce the uncertainty they feel towards their partner’s commitment to the relationship. There are seven common strategies: asking-third-party tests; directness tests; triangle tests; separation tests; endurance tests; public presentation tests; and indirect suggestion tests. The present study seeks to determine the following: 1) If a person has a predominately non-confrontational (passive) approach to conflict, then he or she will use indirect secret tests; and 2) If a person has a predominately solution-oriented (assertive) or controlling (aggressive) approach to conflict, then he or she will not use indirect secret tests.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Madeline Bartholomew, Hanna Mack, Joseph Piper

Team Chester Capstone Presentation

Chester’s Mission Statement

“Premium products for mainstream customers. Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.”

Company Strategy

We will be approaching the simulation using the “Differentiator with Product Lifecycle Focus” company strategy. Entering the market with all competitors including ourselves starting fresh we hope to gain an early advantage through high sales from a high tech product. With the introduction of our first high tech product, essentially no time has surpassed allowing for that product to become “old.” This planned successful first quarter will determine our continuing approach. By introducing new products and lowering the manufacturing quantity and price of previous products we plan to capture both the new market, as well as, be a cost leader in the old market. Ultimately, we hope to stop production of old products and sell off our inventory. By keeping a low inventory of old product we minimize the risk of having large inventories that do not sell or sell for the cost of production.

Research & Development: We will have multiple product lines in both segments. Our goal is to offer customers products that match their ideal criteria for positioning, age, and reliability.

Marketing: We will spend aggressively in promotion and sales. We want every customer to know about us, and we want to make our products easy for customers to find. We will price at a premium.

Production: We will grow capacity to meet the demand that we generate. After our products are well positioned, we will investigate modest increases in automation levels to improve margins.

Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through stock issues and cash from operations, supplementing with bond offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are somewhat adverse to debt, and prefer to avoid interest payments. We expect to keep assets/equity (leverage) between 1.5 and 2.0.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Daniel Brock, Marina Irish, Nick Rubino

Capsim Simulation Presentation – Digby

Mission Statement

Low-priced products for the industry: Our brands offer solid value. Our stakeholders are bondholders, customers, stockholders and management.

Tactics

Research & Development: We will keep our existing product line and introduce at least one new line, maintaining a presence in both segments. We’ll work to keep our products up to date in each segment despite high automation levels, without sacrificing our cost/price advantage.

Marketing: Our Company will spend modestly on promoting and selling products in our industry. Our prices will be lower than average. After we establish our cost leadership position, we will revisit our situation to explore options to improve awareness and accessibility.

Production: We will significantly increase automation levels on all products. However, because automation sets limits upon our ability to reposition products with R&D, we automate more in the slower moving Low End segments than in the fast moving High End. We will prefer second shift/overtime to capacity expansions.

Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through long-term bond issues, supplementing with stock offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are not adverse to leverage, and expect to keep assets/equity between 2.0 and 3.0.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Sierra Brown, Sergio Maldonado, Barton Peterson

Mission Statement for Ferris

Here at Ferris, Our mission is to provide the newest and the most advanced sensors with the highest level of durability. Not only do we seek to provide high quality in our product but also in our customer service to ensure your satisfaction.

Tactics

Research and Development:

we seek to provide our customers with the newest and most relevant products that will do more than satisfy.

Marketing:

Here at Ferris our goal is to promote our product in a way that makes it accessible and easy to find.

Production:

Our team will grow its production volume to meet the needs that we will continue to create. As the needs increase we will continue to meet those needs in a modest way to ensure that we keep up with the demands of high tech products.

Finances:

Our goal is to finance our investments mostly through the issuing of stock and our earnings and bond offerings only if necessary.  As we become an established company we will create a dividend policy and retire stock. We seek to avoid debt in order to allow for greater gains. We will attempt to maintain an assets/equity between 1.5 and 2.0.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

David Carrasco

Christ’s Ascension

My capstone project will inspire individuals to reflection based on the understanding of the relevance of Christ’s ascension to today’s world. I will focus on three main events that make up the ascension as a whole: The Word blesses us, we, as disciples, worship Him, we recognize the great joy in Christ and praise Him. Knowledge of these events, while the event itself remains a mystery because of its indescribable characteristics, will be expounded upon by the study of biblical, historical and theological references. Special attention will be paid to the actions of the disciples directly after Christ’s ascension into heaven.

MUS 499, Capstone

Karen De Young

Banquet Room, poster #2

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Chloe Combs & Joseph Laurendeau

Redefining Communication and Education Through Storytelling and the Arts.

The majority of the world’s population identify as oral learners, meaning they more effectively understand and exchange information by means other than reading and writing. Despite this fact, oral communication has become a lost art over the years. Education systems and daily human interaction have come to rely on technology and print communication almost exclusively. This presentation focuses on the power and importance of orality-based communication, and addresses the benefits and validity of storytelling and the arts in education.

CM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

Return to schedule

Michelle Fletcher

Dental Caries: A review of pathogenesis and genetically linked predispositions

Bacteria are small unicellular organisms that can cause an array of human diseases. They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes and can infect through many different modes of transfer. Streptococcus mutans is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is responsible for causing dental caries. This disease is characterized by the breakdown of calcified tooth tissue, and is known more commonly as “cavities”. Studying and understanding the pathogenesis of a disease such as dental caries is helpful for medical professionals to recognize and treat the disease.

Besides understanding the exact mechanisms through which S. mutans invades and infects, it is also worth exploring any genetic predispositions for dental caries. The completion of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to sequence complete human gene extracts. With this information, researchers have been able to determine which genes and proteins are responsible for resistance or susceptibility to caries. Alterations to protein expression can lead to modifications in enamel structure, immune response, and sugar metabolism. Any of these modifications make one increasingly susceptible to disease.

Understanding pathogenesis and knowing genetic risk factors for diseases are two powerful weapons in combatting against them. Preventative measures should be taken when fighting against dental caries. Vaccines have been developed with some success, but perhaps the greatest method of prevention rests in low sugar diets and the daily practice of brushing.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

10 – 10:30 AM

Return to schedule

Marya Gogoleva, Jack Hackman, Lisa Ham

Capstone/Team Andrews

We strive to be a Cost Leader within our industry with a focus on Product Lifecycle and to create reliable products for mainstream customers. Our, Product Lifecycle Focus will allow for a healthy balance between high tech and low tech products. Our goal is to provide our customers with reliable and reasonably priced electronic sensors.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 3 PM

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Colby Hanson

Crossing the Finish Line the Wrong Way

Physical appearance is often the first source of information that people gain when seeing/meeting others for the first time. This study observed what happened when this wasn’t the case. Participants were shown a story about someone before seeing a picture of that person. Results found that showing a negative story about someone attractive, and then showing a picture of that person, significantly decreased the perceived attractiveness of the person compared to uninformed ratings. When an unattractive person was paired with a positive story, and an average looking person was paired with a neutral story, there were positive, but insignificant changes in the perception of attractiveness.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

1 – 1:30 PM

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Lori Hawley

Music Industry

My capstone is a recording project that highlights the process of a sound engineer and all steps involved in creating a professionally produced song. After the planning process is conducted the recording and collaboration then takes place in the studio followed by editing the vocals. Using my knowledge of music theory, along with my piano lessons I plan to create a soundscape of sounds in addition to the vocals. I will then play and record a variety of live and virtual instruments into the project. The next step involves editing the recordings, followed by mixing and mastering the song.

MUS 499, Capstone

Karen De Young

P114

11 – 11:30 AM

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Bill Helmer, Tanner Nelson, Alexis Wilks

Team Baldwin Mission Statement

Premium products for the industry: our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management, and employees. We are unique because we will not limit ourselves to one type of product. We will broaden our possibilities by offering products in both the high and low tech fields. Our goal is to maintain and grow our client base by offering quality products at a reasonable price to as many people as possible. Our Strategy is to be a Broad Differentiator.

Tactics

Research & Development: We will keep our existing product line, and introduce at least one more line, maintaining a presence in both segments. Our goal is to offer customers products that match their ideal criteria for positioning, age, and reliability.

Marketing: Our company will spend aggressively in promotion and sales in both segments. We want every customer to know about our superb designs, and we want to make our products easy for customers to find. We will price at a premium.

Production: We will grow capacity to meet the demand that we generate. After our products are well positioned, we will investigate modest increases in automation levels to improve margins, but never at the expense of our ability to reposition products and keep up with segments as they move across the perceptual map.

Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through stock issues and cash from operations, supplementing with bond offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are somewhat adverse to debt, and prefer to avoid interest payments. We expect to keep assets/equity (leverage) between 1.5 and 2.0.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 3 PM

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Kenny Kessler

Beacon Bolt Highlights

A presentation of four different pieces I wrote for the Beacon Bolt during the 2015 school year. Brief summary of my major (English) and career goals. Account of time spent writing for the Beacon Bolt. Pieces bear significance not only as individual products but also as collective whole. Collectively, the body of work encompasses the topics which I have the most passion for writing on, namely current events, history, community, politics, sports, entertainment, and religion, all from an opinion position. As individual works, each piece embodies different specific parts from the aforementioned list. The UCC article is religious, community, and current events focused . The Cross Country article is centers on sports and entertainment. The article about historical figures and opinions is both historical and community oriented. The dialogue and taboo article is primarily political. Purpose and function of each article will be elaborated on individually. Any questions following the presentation will be answered.

ENG 499, Capstone

James Watson

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

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Katarina Maciel

Societal Perceptions of Intimate Partner Rape

Within our society, rape has not been viewed as a prominent concern. Despite the statistics on the prevalence of rape, societal beliefs have until recent years allowed marital rape to persist legally across the United States. The rape culture that exists across the nation has influenced the treatment of both rape victims and offenders. Victims of intimate partner rape are unlikely to report an attempted or completed rape due to societal beliefs surrounding this topic. The post-traumatic experiences of victims and perpetrators of intimate partner rape are heavily influenced by the erroneous beliefs which society holds, known as rape myths. These include minimizing the severity of a rape and placing blame on rape victims. Rape myths distort legal and societal judgments regarding both victims and perpetrators of intimate partner rape. An individual’s endorsement of hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs influence the way in which he or she perceived instances of rape. Those who held sexist beliefs endorsed rape myths more than those who did not. In terms of the criminalization of perpetrators, intimate partner rape perpetrators were given less severe sentences than perpetrators of stranger rape. Conversely, victims of intimate partner rape experienced more shame and guilt than victims of stranger rape. Victims of intimate partner rape are negatively affected by societal perceptions of rape. Crimes labeled, “intimate partner rape,” were seen as less traumatic than experiences of stranger rape. The decision of a victim to disclose a rape event to a support provider is determined by the victim’s perception of how this individual may react to hearing about the rape. Researchers reported that societal beliefs must be changed by means of educating the public and increasing awareness of intimate partner rape. Future directions for research include investigating the viewpoint of perpetrators of intimate partner rape.

IDS 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P003

2:30 – 3 PM

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Emily Sanders

Engaging Students at the Junior High Level: How to Overcome Biological Hindrances to Learning and Foster a Prosperous Classroom Environment for a Student’s Ultimate Success

In the teenage years, as one undergoes puberty, many biological changes are occurring. In order, to understand how to teach students at this level, teachers should be aware of how their brain works and the ways in which they learn. Taking a look at the process of myelination and examining different hormones, grasping the effects of poverty on the brain, and seeing how those with disabilities differ in the learning process provides insight into the effects on learning. In schools today there are various types of learners. Some learn through visual means, some auditory, and some kinesthetic. Through understanding these types of learners, a teacher can construct a classroom that accommodates students and pushes them to their highest potential. With the background knowledge of brain structures and functions, it becomes easier to limit distractions in the classroom, build lesson plans which collaborate and invent, and enforce classroom structure and discipline. This also informs how technology is used in the classroom and what type of relationship a teacher should have with students. All of these components construct a complete view of how a classroom can cater towards students and assist them to reach success, no matter the biological hindrances.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Chelsea Stone

Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationships

Substance abuse disorder is a mental health issue, which has a significant impact on an individual and their intimate partner. If one or both intimate partners abuse substances, relationship quality and functioning are negatively affected. Further, studies reveal that couples in which one or both intimate partners are abusing drugs or alcohol are at a higher risk for intimate partner violence than couples who do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Effective treatment options for the individual with a substance abuse disorder need to equip the individual with effective tools and resources to increase relationship quality and functioning with their intimate partner.

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

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Emily Sutherland

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

In past years, breastfeeding was not seen as an important practice for new mothers, but researchers have found that it may have many positive effects on a child later in life. Wet nursing, feeding, and the use of formula were all feeding practices of the past some are still practiced today, but a mother’s breast milk may be ideal food for infants. This presentation addresses four researcher themes on the benefits of breastfeeding, including how it may positively affect a child’s cognitive and language development, prevent obesity, reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and strengthen an infant’s immune system. Researchers have found that babies who were exclusively breastfed were more likely to achieve higher levels of language capacity as well as language fluency at a young age. Babies who were breastfed were also more likely to remain at a healthy weight as they grew, as opposed to babies who were not breastfed. SIDS is also a concern for parents, but researchers have found that if a baby is breastfed, a mother’s breast milk gives the baby nutrients that may prevent illnesses that can cause SIDS in infants. One important factor of breastfeeding is the duration of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding duration may positively affect the overall health of the infant. Future directions for research include investigating the psychological development of breastfed infants in comparison to infants who are not breastfed.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P003

1:30 – 2 PM

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Nathan Sutherland

Todah as Communion

Communion is likely one of the most important things that many churches in the world today simply view as a quick practice that is more of an afterthought than something that is central to the life of the believer and the church. However, recapturing the authentic vision that Jesus had for the Eucharist is vital in understanding more fully the life that he wants us to participate in with him. In the church today, it is difficult to pin down exactly what communion is. While most people would agree that communion is the partaking of bread and the drinking of wine to remember what Jesus has done for us on the cross, the practical way that is played out in churches across the world looks drastically different everywhere.

How can we recapture the authentic vision for communion that Jesus undoubtedly had in mind when he instituted it as a practice in the upper room with the disciples in Matthew 26? In order to answer this question, we must look at three aspects of communion. First, we must look at the history of communion, not only in the church, but also in what Hebrew traditions Jesus implemented communion around. Secondly, we must look to the theology of what happened in the upper room when Jesus instituted communion to understand what Jesus intended for communion to look like in practice for his followers. Thirdly, we must take what we learned from the history and theology of communion to know how to successfully integrate it into the practice of church today.

BTM 499, Capstone

Dennis Lindsay

2:30 – 3 PM

P114

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Chelsea Taylor

Recidivism of Sex Offenders

Many believe sex crimes to be one of the most despicable and brutal crimes an individual can both commit and experience. Sexual offenses violate the most intimate part of a person, violating physically, emotionally, mentally, and sexually. It is often falsely believed that the rate of recidivism for sex offenders is higher than the average crime, due to its oftentimes violent and invasive nature. Due to this belief, sex offenders are often stigmatized by the public, even upon releasement. In order to understand the recidivism of sex offenders, this presentation will gather information from researchers who explored elements which show promise in reducing their rate of recidivism. This will then prevent future sex crimes, thus reducing the number of victims and leading citizens to become more productive. Despite the stigma and other obstacles which increase the likelihood of recidivism, researchers pinpointed possible elements which indicated reduced recidivism rates. Those elements include purposeful sentencing, rehabilitation and therapy, and reintegration techniques. Understanding what perpetuates sex offender recidivism as well as developing tools in order to prevent recidivism, the anticipation is fewer sex crimes, thus, fewer brutal violations of innocent men, women, and children.  Future directions for research and victim impact will also be addressed.

PSY 499

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P003

2 – 2:30 PM

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Cassidy Winters

Food and People: a Review of the Western Diet and Implications for Human Health

The need for food is something that all humans have in common and is something that has not changed since we have started walking the Earth. What has shifted, however, is the way that we obtain food. Immense change has occurred at various levels of the food chain, from the crops grown, to raising meat, all the way to how we eat. Known as the “western diet” our way of eating today looks far different from our hunter-gatherer days, with highly processed foods full of refined sugar, fat, and grains comprising over half of our energy intake. With the emergence of the western diet phenomenon, so have “western diseases”, which are understood to be noninfectious chronic diseases common to developed societies, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and various types of cancer, not to mention obesity.  Wherever people have shifted towards a westernized way of eating, western diseases have seemed to follow. As eating and food becomes more simplified, it seems that our health continues to get more complicated.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

P103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Calvin Anderson

The Injustice of Youth Homelessness

Homeless youth are typically between the ages of 12-24. Youth are homeless for a number of reasons, including aging out of the foster care system, getting kicked out of their homes, running to the streets due to abusive home lives, addictions to drugs and alcohol, and growing up in homeless families. Youth must learn to survive on the street, leading many to engage in risky behaviors such as survival sex and crime. Local to Eugene, there are hundreds of homeless youth, and thousands of homeless individuals. Nationally, there are millions. Youth homelessness is one of the greatest injustices in the 21st century. Society, specifically Jesus followers, must come together to help get homeless youth off the streets permanently. Jesus was near to the poor, and we must also be near to the poor. Although there are many long term remedies to helping homeless youth discover life, one immediate remedy is to teach them social skills and give them joyful experiences in community outings. Community outings are about reconciling youth back to society in a fun way, while teaching them vital life skills that will aid their future.

CM 499 Capstone

Terry O’Casey

PFB 114

11:00 – 11:30 AM

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Kendall Bergsten

Management and Successful Sports Programs

For this project, a study was conducted on how to run a successful college sports program. The Interdisciplinary Studies degree has three legs. The three legs focused on for this study were Business, Marketing, and Psychology. All three of these areas are essential in running a successful college sports program. It is essential for a coach to be able to run their team, schedule practice and practice plans, budget for the entire year, and hire the right coaching staff. From a marketing standpoint, it is important for coaches to be able to recruit the right players for their program as well as recruiting loyal fans to cheer the team on. Lastly, from a psychology standpoint, it is important to find the style of coaching that works best for players and learn the best way to motivate players by bringing out the best in them on and off the court. By studying current and past successful coaches, one can gain insight on the best methods that have worked for other coaches and personalize those methods. The coaches being studied included Russ Rose and John Dunning who are extremely successful coaches within the volleyball world. Pat Summit was extremely well known within basketball as well as John Wooden. Lastly, Nick Saban has a reputation for being one of the best college football coaches of all time. By studying these coaches, one has the necessary tools to run a successful college sports program regardless of the sport.

IDS 499 Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

PFB 114

10:00 – 10:30 AM

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