Grace Kitchens

An Introduction to Anne Bradstreet

This presentation introduces the first American published female poet, Anne Bradstreet. It gives a brief biography of her life by looking at her education, family life, and lived experiences. It also helps give context to her work by discussing the culture that it was written in. After discussing the main themes of her poetry, it dives deeper into her wrestle with Puritanism and her faith. Bradstreet struggles with her ties to the world, namely her husband and children, that according to Puritan thinking, pull her away from the heavenly (and Godly) mindedness. After inviting the audience to wrestle with these questions as well, it is concluded that poetry can aid in this wrestling by helping you slow down, process, and formulate words for your experience and beliefs.

ENG 211, Survey of American Literature

Connie Diffenderfer

Pomajevich 103

11 – 11:30 AM

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Juda Ortega

The Role of Popular Worship Music in Attracting Followers to Theologically Questionable Teachings: A Study of Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation Worship.

This presentation focuses on the importance of worship music to an individual’s spiritual well-being, and the danger of theologically-errant worship songs. Worship music serves as a tool for attracting followers of Christ. However, due to much Christian music out there with dangerously misleading and even false lyrics, such as Hillsong, many unsuspecting believers are then introduced to problematic theological teachings. This presentation will outline the problem, cite examples, and then propose a solution for the way forward.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

10:30 – 11 AM

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Sydney Petersen

Epic of Gilgamesh

In my presentation, I have taken the journey story of the Epic of Gilgamesh and explained the journey of this story through death, immortality, and reassurance of seeking the unattainable. How can these aspects help you visualize what Gilgamesh did and how it this correlates with my story.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Ryan Pierce

Attitudes Towards Christianity In the United States

In the 21st century United States, Christianity has been increasingly associated with negative thoughts and attitudes by secular populations. Examining the factors that have caused theses cultural shifts is essential for ministers (all Christians) to understand how these attitudes can be changed and how best to navigate an ever-changing world. I cite three primary sources as to what cultural influences have shifted in these recent decades: Church culture, Western values, and the advent of individualism. These three pieces paint a picture of what, in my mind, are the most prominent features of shifting culture that is counter to Christianity. While we may also describe ‘individualism’ as one of the values of the West, I have intentionally separated it as an independent source as it is a weighty aspect in and of itself. We will examine the history of Christianity in the United States, secular culture, the pros and cons of Christianity and churches as perceived by the public, and what the Church can do to change the negative attitudes it now faces. We must remember one thing while exploring this topic, our objective isn’t inherently to get more individuals seated in our churches, but to be shepherds who more effectively help create more followers of Christ. The poor adaptation of churches to the world around is a prominent issue in and of itself; This is not to say that we change our beliefs, but that we adjust how we address the concerns and people around us. We must also concern ourselves with the criticisms of our churches in which they are warranted and not be defensive of our own shortcomings but learn from them.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

L203

2 – 3 PM

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Christian Pitcher

CP Kicks

CP Kicks is a shoe and apparel store that I have created a business plan for that will ultimately serve the community, while serving God. In my business plan I will incorporate all the financial detail, products for sale, services, competition in my market, and community outreach in my business. With these factors in mind I can plan to run an efficient business that is successful and serves God at the same time while uplifting the community.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Annika Poet

The Dangers of Selective Breeding in Horses: An Overview of Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis

Impressive the Quarter Horse was not just the first Champion of the AQHA World Championship Show, but the index case of an autosomal dominant genetic disorder called Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP). HYPP is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the sodium channels which replaces the normal amino acid leucine with phenylalanine. As a result, the channels occasionally become “stuck” open, leading to an abnormally high concentration of potassium in the extracellular space. HYPP causes attacks that are characterized by muscle weakness, paralysis, and involuntary recumbency. The muscle fibers become unable to maintain a stable membrane potential, though not all muscles throughout the body may be affected by an attack. Treatments focus on lowering the intake of potassium, maintaining normal exercise, and diuretics to increase the excretion of ions in the urine. HYPP can also be seen in humans with many of the same symptoms and triggers. In Quarter Horses, HYPP is paired with desirable muscle structure and traits which means a disease that could be breed out is found in almost 4.4% of Quarter Horses.

BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology 1

Tammy Bovee

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Annika Poet

A Deadly and Particular Virus: An Overview of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is an acute, highly contagious, and lethal virus has become an epidemic across the world, targeting domestic, livestock, and wild rabbits as well as many species of hares. RHDV was first reported in China in 1984, however, there is substantial evidence supporting the existence of a mutation from widespread non-pathogenic viruses. Currently, the strain RHDV2 is the most common in the US. Found in the genus Lagovirus and family Caliciviridae, RHDV is made of single-stranded RNA enclosed with an icosahedral capsid with two distinct sections: VP60 and VP10. The mortality rate of RHDV is 90-100% with rabbits dying on average 24-72 hours after the first signs of infection. RHDV impacts the ability of blood to clot and targets the liver specifically, prompting the liver cells to undergo apoptosis which creates lesions. As RHDV simultaneously spreads through contact to bodily fluid or fecal matter and is able to persist in the environment for about 90 days, controlling the virus involves biosecurity measures, slaughter of infected livestock rabbits, and vaccination developed through Medgene. Though studies are working to develop additional mechanisms for vaccination, there is no cure for RHDV.

BIOL 320, Cell Biology

Paul Allee

Womack 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Daniel Quirk

The Quran: A Story of Change

My presentation looks at the Quran as a story of rebirth and how it changed how people thought about faith and life back then. Using the PechaKucha method, I’ll talk about how the Quran shows Allah as a caring and merciful guide who helps shape his followers’ values and choices. The idea is to see the Quran as more than just a religious text and how it inspired people to look at their beliefs in a new way. I’ll also connect this to my own experience of rebuilding after a big loss, showing how change can lead to transformation. This presentation won’t be about convincing anyone of anything, just giving space to think about the Quran differently.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Max Richards

Addressing the Growth and Development of Mental Health Needs of Military Personnel: The Impact of Expanding Counseling Services

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 20 empirical studies that range from 2012 to 2024 to examine the rise of counseling services inside the military for personnel and veterans. This reflects an increasing recognition of their unique mental health needs and the importance of covering the challenges they experience, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Military personnel face a multitude of significant stressors in their careers that can contribute to suicide ideation as well as create issues with reintegration into civilian life. The studies also addressed the role of the Veterans Administration (VA) and other organizations in helping military personnel with these mental health issues. Researchers have found it to be difficult to make changes in treatment efficacy because of the overall stigma and stereotypes that surround the military and counseling services. I also summarized research on the alternative treatment for the challenges military personnel experiences, including wilderness therapy, group counseling sessions, and different types of medicines. Overall, this analysis highlights the cultural shift toward destigmatizing mental health services in the military, while identifying the areas that cause distress and ways to better support those who have served.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Kerrie Tapp

The gender roles in ancient society and today

The story that I am going to tell is a tale as old as time, the story of gender roles in society. The primary source I am choosing is “Mexica Expectations of Boys and Girls.” In the Mexica way of life, the men were warriors, priests, cultivators, artisans, and Merchants while the women were told that “It was not necessary for [them] to go anywhere”. I think that the gender roles found in this primary source can be related to societies throughout history and today’s societies. While gender roles in America become looser by the day, they remain strong in many other parts of the world so I am going to discuss that.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Blake Thornton

The Quran on Allah and his Expectations of Humankind

I will be presenting a slideshow about Allah the Muslim God. I will be talking about how Muslims view him and how other people view him and then I will be talking about Christ and how I view him and how others might view him.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Mai Tomlin

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is more than just a random act. It is actually a vital part of both Christian faith and psychological well-being. God desires to have a relationship with us and then means that we must receive the forgiveness that Jesus purchased on the cross for us. He also wants us to give forgiveness to others. Jesus taught us to pray “…forgive us our debts and we forgive those who trespass against us.” Forgiving someone is not just at church, it is done every day, in every place we go. Besides God’s grace in salvation and forgiveness, He has provided us with a way to live in peace. There are psychological benefits to forgiving others. There are many steps and phases of forgiveness to learn and keep practicing. This capstone essay will show that forgiveness is Biblical, has proven psychological benefits, and has real world applications.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Womack 100

2:30 – 3 PM

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Garrett Vohs

Business Proposal

My company is a landscape service company that helps people within the community and high School Athletes with funding for their Sports teams. Our Mission is to grow sports teams’ faith and relationships while helping out within the community. Vision Statement: We want the teams to have a relationship with God and their local community so that the program and the community can grow.

BUS 240, Business as Mission

Mitchell Davis

Womack 100

10 – 11 AM

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Isaac Wagner

The Wealth of Constantinople

The presentation explores the immense wealth of Constantinople, highlighting its strategic location as a trade hub between Europe and Asia, the opulence of its architecture and religious institutions, the flourishing commerce fueled by luxury goods such as silks and spices, and the city’s role as a center of culture and power in the Byzantine Empire, which collectively contributed to its reputation as one of the richest cities of the medieval world.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 3:30 PM

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Abigail Wammock

Psychological Influences on Juvenile Delinquency: Insights for Prevention and Intervention Strategies

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 19 empirical studies from 2006 to 2023 to summarize the psychological influences that contribute to juvenile delinquency, as well as the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies for at risk-youth. Across these articles, researchers examined theoretical frameworks, the complex interplay of risk factors, and refinement of crime prevention strategies. It has been widely accepted that criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency are caused by a variety of factors, such as socioeconomic status and family dynamics. I found consensus across many of the articles with regard to an emphasis on the impact of individual traits on juvenile delinquency, specifically that personality characteristics are significant determinants of delinquent behavior. Additionally, research emphasized that possessing awareness of resilience and protective factors can enhance the development of effective intervention strategies. The utilization of early intervention is critical, as it has shown to prevent the onset of delinquent behavior and supports the development of youths’ resilience and assets.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Scholar Lunch

Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:

  • Kaitlin Cook, Psychology
  • Gabriel Fatooh, Communication
  • Adrienne Mai, Exercise Science
  • Taylor Morgan, Spanish
  • Amanda Sisul, Marketing

L203

Noon – 1 PM

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Leah Anderson

The Self as an Unreliable Narrator

Unreliable narrators in literature are a fascinating and complex literary technique, and they can reflect the equally fascinating and complex ways we sometimes unreliably narrate our own stories, especially as we relate to others. Examining unreliable narrators in fiction provides insight into the phenomena as it exists in the “real world”: our world. This paper considers the works of Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie, William Faulkner, and Jane Austen to examine how the unreliable narrator can be portrayed as conscious or unconscious of their unreliability, and how this effects the way they view and interact with others, and how others view and interact with them. This discussion also evaluates how readers accept what they read as true, regardless of the narrator’s reliability, and how it affects the way they interpret the story as a whole. Finally,  the ideas of a misinformed reader, an unreliable narrator, and our own stories and lives are brought together to demonstrate that unreliable narrators do not just exist in fiction; they also exist in the real world, and all of us, at some time or another, consciously or unconsciously, are unreliable in our own stories. 

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Diffenderfer

P103

2:30 – 3 PM

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Seth Arthurs

Martin Luther Pecha-kucha

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

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Abby Askew & Ben VanderWeyst

Increasing Verbal Participation in High School Social Studies Classrooms

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

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Madison Bender

Pornography Consumption: Biopsychosocial Effects and Treatment Implications

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Katie Blackhart

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

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

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Grace Bone

Bloody Sunday, 1905

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

HIST 152, History of Western Civilization II

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Maylee Breiholz

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

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

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Sadie Chase

Incorporating Movement in the Elementary Classroom

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

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Sophia Choat

Religious Belonging in Eugene, Oregon

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

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

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L204

2 – 2:30 PM

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Kaitlin Cook

Posttraumatic Growth: Protective Factors and Instilling Resilience into Future Generations

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Cade Crist

Data Analytics in Today’s World

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

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10:30 – 11 AM

Brooklynn Dechent

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

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

EDUC 321, Classroom Relations & Management

Brian Kaelin

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Madeline Desemone

History of Title IX (In Oregon)

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

HIST 340, History of Race, Ethnicity and Gender

Stephen Andes

Bucher Room

1 – 4 PM

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Alsea Diffenderfer

Psychoneuroimmunology in Childhood Abuse Survivors

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Tierra Dumlao

Social Media’s Role in Suicide

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

S100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Gabriel Fatooh

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

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

COMM 441, Rhetorical Criticism

Doyle Srader

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Gabriel Fatooh

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

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

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

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

R100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Jackson Findlay

Game Theory, Economics and Tennis

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

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P003

1:30 – 2 PM

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James Flannigan

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz – Biographic

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

HIST 440, Latin American Civilization

Stephen Andes

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