Tag: Capstone

Jessica Woods

The Effect of Storytelling on Business Success: How Connection Bridges the Gap Between Product and Consumer

Decades of research have been dedicated to discerning why some businesses are successful and others aren’t. Many analyses have been made, speeches given, and papers written, but the true path to success has eluded discovery while well-meaning pursuers of the answer are overwhelmed with sources of incomplete advice. I’ll be taking four years of business education and combining it with my passion for literature to propose that the missing link between a “by the book” business and true success is the element of story.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Christy Silverthorne

S100

4 – 5 PM

Return to schedule

Taiga Yamane

Taiga Yamane

The power of mind

In life, individuals encounter nerve-wracking and stressful situations that they would like to avoid but cannot. Example situations can be a job interview or client negotiations in business and game-change moments in sports. In the competitiveness of business and sports, success does not only come from physical skills or technical expertise. We can elevate our performance by the power of the mind. The incorporation of visualization techniques or mental imagery into preparations has emerged as an effective tool for individuals who are seeking to enhance their performance. By imaging success and mentally rehearsing the scenarios, individuals can anticipate their stress and perform effectively. I would like to delve into the benefits of those techniques for performance improvement and examine their applications in both business and sports in this project. This essay also aims to explain the potential of visualization techniques as a powerful tool and my practice model.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Carissa Cole

Biochemical Pregnancies

Biochemical pregnancies are an early-stage miscarriage and one of the most common types. Unfortunately, it can take an emotional toll on the parents who are trying to conceive a child. In this paper, I go through some of the reasons that this event may occur. It is first important to understand the process of fertilization, implantation, and development of the conceptus. With an understanding, it is easier to grasp the complexities of pregnancy and why mistakes may occur during development. Early miscarriage can occur for a few different reasons. Research has found that most occur from chromosomal abnormalities, specifically aneuploidy and sperm DNA fragmentation. There is also evidence that there can be endometrial complications. The thickness of the endometrium plays a role in keeping the fertilized egg alive. Findings also suggest that implantation can determine if a biochemical pregnancy happens. The mother’s uterus can reject the implanting embryo, and there seems to be a preferred window of implantation that allows the conceptus to survive. Most interestingly, it has been found that women who undergo in-vitro fertilization are less likely to have an early miscarriage when compared to those who have a sporadic pregnancy. While there is some research dedicated to answering the question of why chemical pregnancies occur, there is not much dedicated to preventative measures. Evidence does suggest that there are a few, specifically preventing aneuploidy, but there are minimal resources dedicated to this research. Overall, biochemical pregnancies are an unfortunate occurrence that plagues many women, and because of this, more time and resources need to be dedicated to research on early pregnancy loss.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Womack 100

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Taylor Copenhaver

The Association Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cognitive Impairment in Adulthood

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 23 journal articles, both empirical studies and literature reviews, dating from 2013 to 2023 examining the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive impairment in adulthood. Many researchers found significant results suggesting that the decline in the cognitive function of memory is associated with PTSD. Additionally, researchers concluded that neurocognitive disorder is strongly associated with PTSD, but the specific neurocognitive disorder of Alzheimer’s disease is not directly correlated with PTSD. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the comorbid relationship of PTSD and depressive symptoms is the strongest correlation with cognitive impairment. When it is not comorbid, PTSD is more closely associated with cognitive impairment than other mental disorders. A few limitations within the research are that many of the studies included symptoms of mental disorders and not clinical diagnoses, the sample sizes of some studies were not large enough to make a generalization of the researched population, and there is not enough evidence to suggest a causal relationship between PTSD and cognitive impairment.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

10 – 10:30 AM

Return to schedule

Chase Dean

Listening Project

Guy Itzchakov defines high quality listening as listening that offers empathy, interest-taking, and unconditional regard.

Bushnell University traditional undergraduates are emerging adults. Monisha Pasupathi’s research shows that high quality listening helps emerging adults become more confident in their adult decisions through emerging adulthood.

What I sought to do is provide a space in the community to discuss what it takes to practice high quality listening and how easy it can be. During a gathering of Bushnell students at chapel I explained the elements of high quality listening and in one gathering we practiced high quality listening.

I then asked students throughout the next 3 weeks to practice the skills to develop comfortability in high quality listening. Once they had practiced this level of high quality listening they were to put stickers on a poster board in Womack Hall as a checkmark of their practice. I sought to get 30 stickers on this poster

After the 3 weeks had passed we had a total of 15 stickers on the poster board

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Richardson 100

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Ethan Ferry

The Therapeutic Benefits of Well-Integrated Religion and Spirituality

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed the findings of 18 peer-reviewed, empirical studies dating from 2001 to 2022. The goal of this review was to determine effective methods of integrating religion and spirituality into counseling. In addition, I focused on some of the mental and physical benefits of religion and spirituality in the face of struggles, such as trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, and chronic illness. In the last 20 years, the constructs of religion and spirituality and their relation to mental health have increasingly become the subject of research. Most studies have shown that including religion and spirituality in counseling is helpful for patients who value religion and spirituality. There are various assessments that counselors can include during intake and treatment which help gauge the client’s religion and spirituality as well as help the counselor to protect against bias. There is evidence suggesting that the integration of these into counseling increases positive affect, strengthens the client-counselor relationship, and increases positive treatment outcomes. Religion and spirituality as coping strategies lose effectiveness in adolescents as they age. Additionally, religion and spirituality have also been found to be detrimental to clients who do not have strong theodicies and clients with low levels of engagement in faith. Negative religious coping strategies were also found to be associated with more negative outcomes in comparison to individuals who use positive or other non-religious coping strategies.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Daniel Furman

Effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Head Injuries on Athletes

In this synthesis-based evidence paper, I reviewed findings from 17 different empirical articles from 2015 to 2023 to provide an overview of findings on the lasting effects of head injuries and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) on athletes. The term CTE was derived in 1940 from Bowman and Blau. They define CTE as a neurodegenerative condition that is thought to be partially brought on by repeated head trauma. The results from the peer-reviewed articles revealed the severity and far-reaching effects frequent head traumas can have. These traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affect the patient’s psychological and physiological states of mind. Findings between the articles showed similar lasting consequences of CTE across different athletes. Results revealed that high-contact sports, and in rare cases, low-contact sports, can result in lasting head trauma and potential neurocognitive impairments. Most researchers agreed that playing in a high-contact sport like football for long enough will eventually cause some sort of traumatic brain injury, or potentially CTE. Some limitations to the research on CTE and head injuries were that the results could not be generalized around the globe, studies on CTE are done postmortem, and there are no findings on the immediate effects of CTE. The development of techniques for diagnosing CTE during life, as well as additional research into the validity, precision, and practicality of the recently released diagnostic criteria for CTE, are imperative to address these, and other significant concerns for head trauma.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Katie Johnson

Continuous Glucose Monitors

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are changing the way providers treat and manage diabetes. It is time to utilize the power of connection through technology for our health and well-being. The number of people with diabetes is increasing around the world. Assistive technology can play a vital role in addressing major complications associated with diabetes. Studies show that utilization of CGM devices can dramatically help patients make smarter decisions about food and activity in the moment to better control blood glucose levels. Better control means fewer health complications and a better quality of life for those struggling to manage this disease.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Sarah Lemke

To be a Christian: What it Means to Have an Identity in Christ

Identity is an important topic of conversation for everyone, including Christians. A Christian’s core identity should be in Christ, and I will be explaining what this identity is. I will explore the created self which is made in the image of God, the crooked self which is our sinful nature, the resurrected self which is the new self we have in Christ, and the transfigured self which is who we are becoming through our faith.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Victoria Messer

Ethical Implications of Social Media Screening in Applicant Evaluation

This paper raises questions with the growing use of social media alongside hiring processes with business: Should individuals have artistic freedom on their social media presence despite professional qualifications? Does online expression accurately mirror one’s real-life persona? What boundaries should exist in scrutinizing an applicant’s digital footprint in the hiring process? This paper contends that the pervasive use of social media in hiring introduces biases, limits freedom of expression, and inadequately evaluates qualifications. It explores the ethical dimensions intertwined with businesses’ reliance on social platforms to screen applicants. By navigating the delicate balance between technological advancements and equitable hiring, this study aims to underscore the importance of upholding fairness and respect for privacy in recruitment practices. The significance of this research lies in illuminating the intricate relationship between technological progress and equity in hiring processes. The paper underscores the illegitimacy and corruption inherent in discriminatory practices based on individuals’ social media content and the violation of their freedom of expression.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Kalani Miller

In God We Trust: Religious Trauma in the American Evangelical Church

I will begin by discussing what religious trauma is and what Conservative American Evangelical Christianity is. I will then look at causes of religious trauma in Conservative American Evangelical Christianity as seen through a literature review and personally conducted research. Then, it will be concluded with looking at how the Bible addresses the aforementioned causes, and discussing what this means for today.

BTM 499, Honors: Senior Thesis

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Sam Morehouse

The Effectiveness of a StoryBrand Framework

This paper will discuss the effectiveness of a marketing strategy called the StoryBrand Framework created by Donald Miller. This strategy focuses on the customer rather than the company. The goal of creating a StoryBrand is to communicate effectively with the customer. In order to do this, the company’s message and advertising must consistent and simple. Throughout this paper, I will be applying the aspects of the StoryBrand Framework to Mahlo Cider, a small business based in Springfield, Oregon. To understand Mahalo Cider’s customers, there must first be an understanding of the company’s internal and external factors that are affecting the company. An internal analysis describes the factors within the business. They include who is on staff, where they are located, the experience of the current staff and what the company is attempting to sell. The external analysis will employ the use of a PESTLE analysis which stands for Political, Economic, Socio/demographic, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors that surround the company.

Through the analysis of the company, Mahalo Cider can find their target market. In an interview with the owner, I learned that Mahalo Cider Company’s target market are adults aged 25 to 40 and Mahalo Cider sells more to women than men. With a knowledge of the target market, to understand the customer, Mahalo needs to create a customer persona. This is a made-up person who represents a large portion of the target market. I have created the personal of Ashley Burch for Mahalo Cider. If Mahalo Cider can understand what she wants, they will be able to appeal to their market.

One of the most important steps in the StoryBrand Frame work is for the company to guide the customer to success. Companies can guide customers through authority and empathy. Companies use authority to show that they are knowledgeable in the industry, and they can deliver a quality product. Empathy shows that the company understands the needs and desires of the customer. Mahalo Cider Company can show authority and empathy effectively through social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.

With the customer’s trust in Mahalo’s ability to be a guide in their journey to find a good cider, Mahalo needs to call the customer to action. Based off of Mahalo’s knowledge about themselves as a company, and knowledge of the customer, they can give an effective call that will generate sales.

The last two steps of Miller’s StoryBrand Framework are to discuss the customer’s potential to failure, and how they can end their journey in success. As the guide, Mahalo needs to show that not buying cider is a failure while buying Mahalo Cider is a success.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Brooke Silvernail

The Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad

Before I had gone to Granada, Spain, I had always dreamed of knowing what it would be like to travel to a different country and learn about its culture. Now that I have studied abroad, I know all of the ins and outs of how to study abroad: finding a program, preparing for departure, starting your experience, and enjoying your stay. Although it may seem like an arduous task, the hardest part to studying abroad is getting there. After listening to my story, you will learn about the study abroad process and get a glimpse of what it feels like to be an international student.

SPAN 499, Senior Capstone

Jenae Cazares

P103

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Zoe Tomlin

An Understanding of Jonah.

This capstone paper is about the Biblical book of Jonah. It is taking all the elements found in Jonah and tying in psychological theories and ideas to see if Jonah was truly a loser or if there is another element of the story people have been missing. Jonah is a prophet called by God to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach to them about repenting or else they would be destroyed. The city of Nineveh is hated by most and does many sinful acts, so it would be understandable that Jonah would want to avoid that area. According to Jonah, he would rather die then help the helpless. But Jonah is God’s prophet and he is called to deliver God’s Word.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

Cole Vamos

Social Anxiety, Depression, and Peer Pressure Amongst College Life

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings and discoveries across 15 empirical studies ranging from 2001 to 2023 to summarize current knowledge and new information about social anxiety, peer pressure, and depressive disorders within college students. I included different demographics and geographics, ethnicity, age, and gender. The main methods of research conducted through these studies were questionnaires to access and categorize the different levels of anxiety or depression, depending on the study. These methods allowed discoveries with emerging adults entering college life, and those who already attend college, therefore showing where these symptoms form or have originally formed prior to college life. Overall, there was an increase in prevalence of cases of college students dealing with different forms of social anxiety, as well as depressive symptoms. Symptoms varied depending on cases, the majority related to negative habits like drinking or drug addiction which led to negative self-esteem, even deliberate self-harm. Furthermore, future studies will only extend further knowledge or develop more evidence based facts about depressive symptoms and social anxiety amongst college life.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Ian Woodcock

Synthetic Generation of Genomic Datasets using Synthetic Data Vault

Many wonder what the mysterious world of coding can allow you to do. The first things that come to mind are software UI (User Interface) or UX (User Experience), maybe game development, and many other things out there. But there is one field that may seem to be hidden from the world. All are found in some virtual underground dungeon. No, I am not taking you to the dark web. I am talking about data analysis and machine learning. Python is the best programming language that allows you to manipulate Excel datasets. From containing personal information of customers to numbers of statistics of a store and their items. We can use those kinds of datasets and use one to program it to run through an algorithm to give us simply a score. In this, we will be dealing with DNA genomic datatsets and we will put it through an algorithm that creates synthetic genomic data. The score will specifically focus on the broadness to unuiqueness of the type of genomic data in the original dataset and the new dataset.

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Ernest Bonat

Richardson 100

10 – 10:30 AM

Return to schedule

Alexis Heenan 

The Body is Not a Machine: Understanding Addiction

In this evidence-based synthesis paper I incorporate research discovered in 22 peer-reviewed journals to propose an alternative approach to understanding addiction. I introduce the paper with an illustration of French philosopher, René Descartes’ metaphysical theory of substance dualism in efforts to introduce Western medicine’s biomedical system which views the human body as a working machine with individual parts. I include descriptions of addiction, substance, and addictive behavior as defined by the American Psychological Association. I dissect the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ description of addiction. Furthermore, I use scientific evidence to differentiate two opposing arguments defending the definition of addiction: the Brain Disease Model of Addiction and the Addiction Theory Network. I acknowledge and explain three prevalent addictions in the United States: (1) food, (2) technology, and (3) drugs. After careful ingestion of the data presented, the reader may come to understand that the biomedical approach in Western healthcare is counterproductive in understanding and treating those with addiction or addictive behavior. In opposition to substance dualism, and through the integration of various research, I offer that addiction can be most understood when the mind and the body are viewed to be one whole rather than two halves of the human being.

PSY499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Erin Mueller

1pm – P103

Andrew Lindley

Bushnell Cafeteria Offerings Survey and Analysis

This study seeks to improve the Bushnell dining experience by utilizing statistical methods. Using data gathered by a specific survey process, this project will uncover what meals students like, what meals students don’t like, and what can be done to better the cafeteria in light of these discoveries. The data collection design, data visualization, and statistical methods used in determining results will all be presented and explained. The end goal is an unbiased and accurate study that equips our staff to provide the best possible dining experience at Bushnell.

MATH499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Connie Wilmarth

10:30am – P003

Benjamin Randol

The Story of a Colonel and How the Artillery He Commanded Forever Changed American Military History

Of all the new military technologies used during the American Civil War, the one that had the most influence on American military history was light artillery as its lighter structure enabled more maneuverability, the accuracy of new rifled guns made artillery units more crucial in battle, and the resulting victory of the Union lead to the creation of other mobile artillery technologies, including the modern tank.

HIST499- History Capstone

Dr. Melisa Berry

Bushnell History Symposium (L203: 2:30-4:30pm)

Bethany Taylor

Crucial communication strategies between caregivers and children post-pandemic

Abstract- Studies suggest the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on youth ages 6 – 14 and their behaviors and skills, including communication skills. As a result of my passion for working with youth, I found this topic both intriguing and critically important to their future success. The objectives of my capstone is to inform parents and guardians of the various intervention methods and opportunities to utilize with young people to enhance their skills and confidence when communicating. Guided by research, I plan to recommend opportunities for parents and guardians to foster better communication at home by giving them easy tools to incorporate with the young people in their home on a daily basis. My capstone project includes a curriculum that will be shown to parents during a dedicated “Parents/Guardian Resource Night” as well as a take-home resource packet.

COMM499- Senior Capstone

Kelsey Rychener

1pm – P003

Braden Abbott

Effective Pastoral Care for Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Multigenerational Communities

What is effective pastoral care for baby boomers, generation x, millennials, and multigenerational communities? This research question has been the focus of my capstone since the beginning of the semester. As a Christian ministries major with a focus in pastoral ministry, I know that most of my time throughout my career will be spent providing spiritual care to those around me. It is obvious that this is a topic that will help me prepare for this task, but what if I told you that this topic is relevant to every church-going Christian? Pastoral care is an overlooked area of mental health which has the potential to help anyone struggling with things like depression, anxiety, life transitions, meaning making, and more. Finding a working definition of this concept and applying it to different populations is essential for its effective practice. Once this is established, effective pastoral care can be applied to a broad sociological profile for each of the generations mentioned in the research question. Finally, all this research will be applied to a multigenerational community such as a church serving multiple age groups in relationship. The findings of this capstone will prepare me to be a more effective practitioner of pastoral care and allow anyone in the audience to better understand how pastoral care can help them, regardless of the generational cohort they belong to or the experiences they have had throughout their lives.

CM499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

3:30pm – Bucher Room

Bryana Yoshida

Mental Health Care for Pregnant Women

The mental health of pregnant women has been neglected in the American healthcare system. This is especially true in regard to pre and postpartum depression and suicide.  According to the article Suicides During and Shortly After Pregnancy Are an Urgent Concern, Farzana Akkas states, “A study recently published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that over the past decade, nearly 9% of females of childbearing age (15-44) who died by suicide were pregnant or recently postpartum.” I propose three methods to address these problems. The first is support groups. The second is education, and the third is financial assistance. Eligibility for mental health resources should not depend on a woman’s financial status, racial identity, or ability. Mental health care during pregnancy should be open for all female residents in the United States

IDS 499 – Senior Capstone

James Berry

1pm – Bucher Room

Celsie Smith

From Poverty to Respectability: How Boxer James J. Braddock’s Internal Wealth transformed Depression Era Boxing

Referred to as “The Cinderella Man” by newspapers, James J. Braddock was a washed-up boxer with a “fairytale” return to the spotlight who become the world heavyweight champion in 1935.  Impacted by the Depression, he experienced defeat and humility, and had to face the economic and social reality of his situation. Braddock’s commitment to make his children healthy, fed, and happy drove him to return to boxing, despite previous failures. Seeing Braddock face and triumph over not just his opponents, but his own economic, mental, physical, social, and spiritual challenges re-ignited hope for American citizens facing their own poverty.

HIST499- History Capstone

Dr. Melisa Berry

Bushnell History Symposium (L203 2:30pm – 4:30pm)

Ency Soto Jacobo

Negative Factors Impact Female Athletes and Can Lead to the Development of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a serious mental health concern that can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, including female collegiate athletes. In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I examined the prevalence of eating disorders among female collegiate athletes and identified risk factors that are associated with the development of eating disorders. I explored interventions that may effectively prevent and treat eating disorders in female collegiate athletes. Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychological disorders. It is important to understand why female athletes are at increased risk and what solutions can be implemented in a collegiate environment. Researchers have consistently found that female collegiate athletes are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders; as high as 45% of female college athletes engage in disordered eating behavior. Repeated risk factors associated with developing eating disorders in female collegiate athletes include social and cultural pressures, achieving an ideal body, sport-specific demands, competitive environment, stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors. This being said it is critical to increase awareness of this issue among coaches and athletes. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into the risk factors of eating disorders in female collegiate athletes and highlight the importance of implementing intervention strategies to help prevent and treat these disorders. Future research must identify effective prevention and intervention programs in collegiate athletics.

PSY499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Erin Mueller

1:30 – P103

Hannah Shepard, Jennifer Banning, & Jaron Carter

Strategic Plan for One Hope

We have created a Strategic Plan for One Hope, a local non-profit. Elements of our plan include their vision and mission and plans for moving forward.

BUS499- Business Strategy and Policy

Christy Silverthorne

2pm – Bucher Room

Isaac Johnston

Worship: The Key to Spiritual Formation and the Heart of Discipleship

This project shows how an individual’s view of worship impacts their spiritual maturity. This paper will define the terms “worship” and “liturgy,” walk through transforming uses of liturgy to direct our worship in a congregational setting, and show how liturgy can form and point our individual worship to God in day-to-day life. In these things we will find the key to becoming like Christ for our personal spiritual formation and our discipleship of others.

CM 499 – Senior Capstone

Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

4pm – Bucher Room

Isaiah Robles

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

In this presentation, I will define FASD, including its relevance to worldwide populations, describe practices for FASD diagnosis, describe practices for therapeutic interventions over the lifespan of the individual, and describe the impacts/challenges of FASD. My youngest brother was adopted and was born with FASD, specifically FAS. Therefore, diving deep into this disorder helps me better understand the abnormalities going on with my brother, and how I can better interact with him. Because this condition is also severely underdiagnosed, it will be beneficial for the audience to understand the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy and the proper steps to raise and treat a child with FASD.

BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone

Dr. Paul Allee

11am – L204

Jamison Hanson

Vision, Mission, and Values as Competitive Advantage for Convergence Physical Therapy and Performance

Abstract- Vision, mission, and values are core tenants of what makes a business functional and beyond that, what makes a business thrive and leads to long term success. Without a vision, there is no direction for the company. Without mission, the company lacks a why, and the values that a company holds direct how it is going to function and what it is going to focus on and prioritize. Convergence Physical Therapy and Performance is a local Eugene based gym that works with clients in a cash based physical therapy model, as well as a strength training model. This presentation examines the tenants of vision, mission, and values as whole and specifically how they apply to Convergence, all under the guise that vision, mission, and values if used properly can be competitive advantages.

BUS499- Business Strategy and Policy (Honors Thesis Defense)

Christy Silverthorne

10am – Bucher Room

Jamison Hanson, Halle Neumann, Leslie Reynaga, & Peyton Ritchie

Convergence Physical Therapy Strategic Plan

We have created a strategic plan for Convergence Physical Therapy & Performance. The presentation will encompass many different areas of strategy from vision, mission, and values to strategic goals and timelines for implementation.

BUS499- Business Strategy and Policy

Christy Silverthorne

1:30pm – Bucher Room

Kaden Sand

How The Impact of Sports And Sports Marketing Has Changed Over Time

Sports and athletes have always had significant impact on the world and the communities that are participating in them. We can find instances of sports being played since the beginning of time because it is a peaceful way to settle the competitive spirit that most of us possess. Throughout history, these sporting events and their meanings have changed drastically to become what they are today. From settling war disputes, to holistic rituals, to now being competitive entertainment for our enjoyment we have seen many factors go into changing the significance of sports. In the modern era, social media and technology has helped make the push in the sport industry to become a profitable business that large companies and businesses have been able to use in order to become more successful. Due to the large followings that athletes and organizations have, it is a golden opportunity for sports marketing to enable this practice in the modern world.

IDS499- Senior Capstone

James Berry

4pm – P003

Kalina Mae Rojas

How attachment style formed during adolescence impacts communication strategies, behavioral patterns and well-being in adulthood

Research suggests that attachment styles are sensitive systems which develop during adolescence, and the attachment styles we form as infants directly impact the way we navigate relationships and communication in adulthood. My presentation will first review and synthesize key studies related to attachment theory that have been collected through my communication courses at Bushnell University as well as my own research. I will then seek to explain the different attachment theories that can form, along with the long-lasting impacts of these styles specific to interpersonal communication strategies, behavioral patterns, and well-being.

COMM 499 – Senior Capstone

Kelsey Rychner

1:30pm – P003

Karina Phifer

The Ramifications Of Child Maltreatment in Personality Development

Exposure to child maltreatment (CM) at any stage of development may have enduring ramifications on one’s personality. Individuals with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have an increased risk for psychopathology. Many of these risk factors have been associated with anxiety, depression, and personality disorders (PDs). PDs that I discussed were paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. The purpose of this evidence-based synthesis paper was to (a) analyze interrelationships between the different types of CM, (b) childhood experiences from maltreatment, and (c) the effects of personality development and behavior. By reviewing 16 empirical articles from 1999 to 2023, I found that neglect played a key role in the relationship between CM with personality traits during development. However, the research is limited and more studies on neglect are needed to better understand this important issue and how to prevent it.

PSY499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Erin Mueller

2pm – P103

Kaylen Kamelamela

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) 

In my presentation, I will give an overview of the kidneys and their function followed by a description of chronic kidney disease (CKD), its relevance to populations, ongoing treatment options, and a more detailed explanation of treatment through dialysis. Kidney disease has been on the rise in America, making it one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. It is important to know how to discern the functionality of your kidneys, acknowledge signs or symptoms, and be aware of different risk factors that can increase the chances of being diagnosed with CKD and needing treatment.

BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone

Dr. Paul Allee

11:30am – L204

Kilano Loyd

Mental health struggles faced throughout childhood

Abstract In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I focus on the topics of depression and anxiety. By examining several stages of a person’s life beginning with prenatal development. I examine the many factors that a mother may endure while she is pregnant, and then I focus on childhood maltreatment. Childhood maltreatment includes abuse and neglect. I explain how childhood maltreatment may affect a child’s growth and contribute to developing depression and anxiety. Next, I examine individuals who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how they may deal with depression and anxiety. Finally, I investigate the effects of peer influence, including issues such as social norms, social status, cyber bullying, and social phobias. By reviewing 17 empirical articles, I offer a synthesis of the research in order to provide a better understanding of the complexities of depression and anxiety.

PSY499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Erin Mueller

3:30pm – P103

Madisen Trueblood

Benefits of Effective Classroom Management Techniques

Abstract – Effective classroom management is crucial in establishing a positive learning environment where the basic needs of all students are met. The modern education system requires aspiring and veteran educators to enforce effective and efficient classroom management strategies to enhance overall student behavior, social-emotional development, and academic achievement. If implemented successfully, classroom management techniques allow educators to provide quality instruction while simultaneously creating a space that promotes student success, development, and learning. As the structure of traditional American classrooms is ever-changing, teacher preparation programs have a responsibility to integrate course requirements that will adequately prepare aspiring educators for the harsh reality of behavior management challenges.

IDS499 – Senior Capstone 

James Berry

10:30am – Bucher Room

Mason Delamarter

A deep dive of major communication trends throughout the last 15 years

Communication is foundational to what makes us human, and yet, communication has evolved and changed drastically throughout time. My research looks specifically at communication trends throughout the last 15 years (2008-2023), focusing on the emergence of smartphones as a primary tool of communication, the rise of social media and its global impact on communication, as well as the more recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on present communication. My presentation will include a comparison of these impacts, both those perceived as positive and others as negative.

COMM499- Senior Capstone

Kelsay Rychener

2pm – P003

Michael Frank

How Can Church Based Youth Groups Address the Social Impacts of the Pandemic on Young People (6th-12th Grade)

Abstract- This essay will be exploring how church based youth groups can address the social impacts of the pandemic on young people (6th-12th grade). COVID-19 undoubtedly had lasting affects on everyone, but young people specifically suffered in major ways. Young people’s lives were drastically changed forever. With that said, there must be a way that church based youth groups can come alongside young people, and better meet them where they are at with their struggles.

BTM499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

2pm – L203

Olivia Bailon

Tree Death From America to Oregon

Throughout our nation, there are many different reasons behind why our forests and orchards are dying. In the United States, our trees are dying because of drought, various diseases, pests, and invasive species and plants. With the loss of large amounts of trees due to these variables, this has brought attention to the idea of losing valuable carbon sinks. Within the state of Oregon, forests are dying due to drought, but also bark beetles and various root diseases like laminated root rot and black stain root rot. Locally here at Dorris Ranch in Springfield, Oregon, was an outbreak of the fungus Eastern Filbert Blight in 2016. This has had a huge impact on the hazelnut industry due to the fact that our nations’ supply comes from the Willamette Valley here in Oregon.

BIOL499- Senior Capstone

Dr. Paul Allee

10:30am – L204

Rebecca Kuskie

Cognitive Differences Between Bilingual and Monolingual Children

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 15 empirical studies from 2008 to 2021 to summarize what is currently known about cognitive differences between bilingual and monolingual children. The differences between bilingual and monolingual children have been studied since the early 20th century. There was much debate as to whether there was an advantage or disadvantage in executive function and memory flexibility for bilingual children. Most researchers have found that there is a bilingual advantage in the inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility of executive function, as well as memory flexibility. There does not appear to be a clear advantage or disadvantage to the working memory process of executive function. Furthermore, researchers utilized that information to explore what effect that advantage has on language acquisition and survival processing. Some limitations to the research conducted was that there is not one cohesive definition of a bilingual child, and the requirement for the participants utilized varied in each study depending upon the definition used. Additionally, most studies are not replicable due to the strict nature of the groups studied and the variation that occurs between the different languages that each study tested.

PSY499- Psychology Capstone

Dr. Erin Mueller

3pm – P103