Tag: Capstone

Payton Jones

An Analysis of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a highly aggressive neurodegenerative disease that effects executive function of the brain. This disease was discovered by Alois Alzheimer through a series of observations and dissections. A patient may be diagnosed if showing symptoms such as dementia, confusion, paranoia, and restlessness. The build up of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the portions of the brain that are correlated with memory are characteristic of this disease. Many other things have been thought to contribute to the cognitive decline of one presenting with Alzheimer’s, including genetic markers that may increase one’s risk of developing this disease. Preventive measures can be taken in order to potentially slow progressive or delay onset on Alzheimer’s, however there is only one immunotherapy medication that has been approved for its disease-modifying effects.

BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

1:00pm – 1:30pm P103

Jasmine Aguilar

A Campaign Gone Global

Student interest in study abroad is on a continuous rise, however the number of participating Bushnell students have gone down. To resolve this, a public relations campaign plan was specifically designed for the Bushnell Global Programs. The planning model used in the campaign plan was the R.O.S.T.I.R model, which stands for research, objectives, strategies, implementation, and reporting. Research was conducted by using peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and comparing other universities’ programs. This information gathered was put into the campaign plan to support decisions made. The campaign plan is to be used by the faculty advisor of Bushnell’s Global Programs and the student global ambassadors as a yearlong plan and tool to promote the program and increase participation rates. At the end of the campaign plan, the faculty advisor and student global ambassadors can reflect on whether objectives were met and can continue to utilize the plan in the following years. Keywords: global programs, study abroad, public relations, campaign plan

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader and Kelsay Rychener

PFB 003

2:30 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Lydia Batenhorst

Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss: Themes of Deception and Death in Women’s Stories in the Hebrew Bible

In my capstone, I will be studying five women from the Hebrew Bible: Eve, Rebekah, Jael, Delilah, and Jezebel. What a fascinating group of widely upsetting and despised women! My objective is to explore how we might be able to redeem these characters, focusing on their strengths and other interpretations to provide a perspective that is contrary or new to the typical reading of these characters. In order to do so, I narrowed the lens, concentrating on the destructive themes of deception and death in these stories. For the first theme, I have chosen to focus on three women whose stories reflect the tensions of deception: Rebekah, Jael, and Delilah. For the second, two of the most despised women in the Hebrew Bible – Eve and Jezebel – will be analyzed through this theme of death. I believe this exploration will be worthwhile and important because their characters are often used – whether explicitly or implicitly, whether intentionally or unintentionally – to define and limit perceptions of women. By recovering and renewing their stories and roles, we are recovering the more positive portrayals and perceptions of women while challenging the largely negative common beliefs of and standard narrative for women that has been laid upon us, justified in the “deceitful, seductive, weak-willed, unreliable, temptress” narrative, portrayal, and interpretation of women likes these five.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

James Watson

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Cameron Binaley

Preventable Catastrophe in Law Enforcement: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Siege Against the Branch Davidians and David Koresh

From February 28th to April 19th 1993, an event took place known as the Waco Siege. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to conduct a Siege and investigation into the religious cult known as the Branch Davidians and their fanatic leader David Koresh. This Siege ended with the death of four ATF Agents, Steve Willis, Robert Williams, Todd McKeehan, and Conway Charles LeBleu, and 76 Branch Davidians, 20 of which were children, 2 pregnant women, and their leader David Koresh. This event is often referred to as one of the biggest failures in recent law enforcement history, and rightfully so. However, I argue that the ATF did use Reasonable Force against the Branch Davidians on the basis of the Branch Davidians beliefs and illegal activity, the the information the ATF had on David Koresh and the Branch Davidian, and, Legal Aftermath of the Siege.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Shay Coons

Applying Therapeutic Interventions to Build Resilience in Children from Homes At-risk for Abuse

Throughout history, with startling prevalence, children have faced maltreatment within family and home settings. Early intervention specialists have long emphasized the need to implement intervention programs highlighting the development of resilience, social-emotional skills, and improving the family dynamic. Therapeutic intervention strategies for children in homes at-risk for abuse may be effective in promoting resilience in children and predicting successful life outcomes. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends in therapeutic intervention strategies. First, resiliency is regarded as a protective factor for children at-risk for abuse. Next, researchers have highlighted the importance of developing social-emotional skills in children at-risk for abuse. Moreover, parental involvement in interventions for children in homes at-risk for abuse is of paramount importance. Finally, the impact of current interventions on children at-risk for abuse has shown promising outcomes. Children demonstrating features of resilience exhibited reduced perception of being threatened and lower states of anxiety. Intervention methods such as Child-Centered Play Therapy, focused on the development and improvement of social-emotional skills, have demonstrated a decline in externalizing negative behaviors. A holistic approach to intervention, involving parent education, is an important aspect of improving family dynamics in homes at-risk for abuse and preventing retraumatization. Current intervention strategies have demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting social-emotional skills and altering neural patterns for response inhibition among children at-risk for maltreatment. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore developmental stage differences that could impact the effectiveness of particular interventions and ensure that they are developmentally appropriate.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

2:30 – 3 PM

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Carina Haas

How can we be more connected within the church?

The student was interested in creating an event on how people can feel more connected within the church. An event was created at One Love Church where people can learn more about communication and have a time of getting to know one another and connect with one another.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Brosnan Johnson

Periodontal Disease and Periodontistry

The primary cause of tooth loss is periodontitis. Close to 50% of the adult population has a form of periodontitis or swelling of the gums due to bacteria lying just beneath the surface of the gums. Oral health is important to the general health of a person and it is the first line of defense against diseases and other bacteria entering the body. Dental caries can lead to adverse health effects and can even be the cause of death. Dental disease can also cause and be caused by stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Periodontistry is a field that has been around for a long time to help combat this. Periodontists can do a myriad of procedures in order to help prevent gum recession and bone loss as well as other signs of periodontistry. Hygienists can also help prevent periodontitis by performing procedures such as scaling and root planing. Periodontistry is a vital role in keeping the mouth healthy and also the body overall.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Jordan Kuykendall

Relationship between Genetics and Personalities

Genetics and personalities, two very interesting topics that could very possibly have correlations and a relationship with each other. Understanding how genetics plays into personality disorders is another aspect that does not go deep into detail mainly because there is not enough research around the subject. The biggest aspect of genetics that plays into one’s personalities is the nature versus nurture aspect. The environment that someone is surrounded by during the developmental stages of their lives play the biggest role in the idea of genetics and personality disorders. There are ten different personality disorders that are typically related to the environmental aspects of genetics. However, not enough information has been discovered to determine if there is actually a correlation between genetics and personalities, but it is currently being looked into and further studied and maybe in future years the idea of genes correlating with personality and personality disorders will probably be deeper in understanding and further the knowledge of the possibilities.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Alex Locati

The Danger of Difference and How Teachers Can Cultivate Success

Teaching is historically a profession dominated by white, middle-class, women from rural towns. As the diversity of the United States population continues to increase, so does the need for teachers and educators to respond to and accommodate the learners of these different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds that appear in their classrooms. Currently, there is a gap in academic performance between different groups of students, and it is important that we address this issue. White, Black, Hispanic, boys, and girls should all have an equal opportunity for a quality education that prepares them for their future. Ignorance and avoidance of differences between teachers and students can cause issues and create a hindering learning environment where students are not able to receive the help they need. In the context of a student-centered learning environment, this research focuses on how teachers can use culturally responsive pedagogy to understand how to address the needs of all students in their classrooms, and in Oregon specifically. Through the culturally responsive practices of differentiation, meaningful relationship, and continuing education and training, teachers can learn how to best approach their student’s learning and consequently, serve the achievement gap in Oregon.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

Brian Mills

L203

3 – 3:30 PM

Return to schedule

Eric Marbley Jr.

The Impact of Retirement on Athletes’ Mental Health

American adults nearing retirement may experience mental health struggles. Specifically, in professional and collegiate sports many athletes are not prepared for the mental health challenges they will encounter when it is time to step away from their sports. Athletes who are near retirement may experience poor mental health surrounding diverse factors. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends regarding the impact retirement has on athletes’ mental health. First, many factors contribute to the mental health struggles of athletes in retirement. Next, athletic injuries play a substantial role in retired athletes’ mental health. Moreover, when athletes retire from their respective sports a loss of identity may take place. Lastly, athletes may be reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health in the sports setting. These variables may exist because of the lack of preparation not solely by the athlete but by the athlete’s support system as well.  Collegiate athletes have extremely full schedules with schoolwork and game preparation. Researchers have found that retired athletes reported greater depressive symptoms than active players. This may be due to the fact that retired athletes are more open to sharing their mental health status and thus, mental health professionals are more aware of the retired athletes’ mental health challenges. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to further explore the impact that mental health may have on athletes’ ability to perform while playing their sports, and to have a clearer understanding of how to care for athletes in retirement.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

2 – 2:30 PM

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Meagan Mollahan

US College Student Vulnerability to Suicidality

American college students are experiencing increasing mental health challenges. Specifically, suicide is the second leading cause of death amidst college students. Multiple factors impact the mental health of college students and may lead to their increased vulnerability to suicidality. Therefore, this presentation will review four research trends concerning factors that escalate college students’ suicidal ideation. First, depression and sense of burden are prominent in contributing to risk of suicidality. Equally important, fear of rejection and lack of belonging perpetuate desires to isolate and withdraw from society and life altogether. Moreover, minority students face greater stress and vulnerability to suicidal ideation than their Caucasian or heterosexual counterparts. Lastly, negative coping strategies escalate suicidality, while positive coping strategies have the potential to encourage resilience. Regardless of whether the perception is true, students with depression are more likely than non-depressed students to perceive other people as viewing them as a burden, better off dead. The more an individual avoids their emotions, and isolates themself, the greater their sensitivity to being rejected. They feel unwanted and alone. Minority students face even greater emotional distress and may feel unsafe in college solely because of who they are, leading to higher suicidality risk. In an attempt to escape overwhelming emotions, students commonly turn to alcohol and other substances; but for many, these practices only increase distress and suicidal ideation. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore ways to reduce the stigma of suicide and mental health struggles in men.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

1:30 – 2 PM

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Taylor Quirk

The Impact of Trauma on Emotion Development in Childhood

Throughout history, children have been subjected to diverse traumas in their homes by their parents, caregivers, and “trusted” adults. Experiencing these traumas can hinder a growing child’s development in their emotion regulation, their attachment styles, and their mental health. Experiencing trauma may impede emotion development in children and adolescents. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends in childhood emotion development impeded by trauma. First, children may be subjected to betrayal trauma in their own households, most often by their mothers. Next, domestic violence trauma in childhood predicts concurrent co-morbid mental health disorders. Moreover, children experiencing sexual abuse trauma have been linked to developing insecure or disorganized attachment styles. Finally, experiencing trauma in childhood is negatively linked with children’s emotion regulation development. Maternal betrayal trauma and negative parenting styles are revealed in the psychological and emotional distress which these children experience at home. Early exposure to household violence and intimate partner violence is likely to derail children’s emotional well-being. Children experiencing sexual abuse have been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, along with psychological challenges and distress. Emotion regulation is a common concern found among children experiencing diverse traumas. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore parent education regarding building a healthy and nurturing environment for children so they may be provided with safe and encouraging emotional growth in the face of life’s challenges.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

3 – 3:30 PM

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Samantha Silver

Concerns Facing Mental Health Awareness for Student-Athletes

Mental health awareness for student-athletes stood out to me for my capstone because of the hopelessness I heard from other athletes and the frustrations that were voiced by athletic directors and athletes alike. This catapulted me into the creation of my capstone which focused on the importance of mental health awareness in our student-athletes at Bushnell University. Many students had voiced that they felt pressure to perform so much so that it caused crippling anxiety and fear that if they made a mistake they would instantly be pulled from their sport. This carried over into their lives and made it so they felt as if they were not allowed to show weakness, or voice that they were struggling with something happening in their lives. When faced with depression, anxiety, or other issues that presented themselves instead of getting help the student-athletes would try to ignore it and push the issue to the back of their minds. To the athlete, this was easier than taking on the fear of being seen as weak or feeling the pressure to be perfect. The way I designed this project was based on interactions with some of the teams on campus. I met with these teams three times over the course of this semester. The focus of the meetings was to ensure that they were aware of the many mental health support networks that we had on campus and what they thought could be improved. From these meetings I was able to learn that there are more stereotypes surrounding different teams than most people realize. Having these come to light and be addressed would be a huge stepping stone in helping some of these athletes take the next step in receiving help for their mental health struggles. Some of the teams were difficult to get in contact with or they did not respond because of their busy schedules. In the future, I would like to have a powerful hand like the athletic director possibly step in and have all the coaches and teams participate. The hope would be to have all teams from Bushnell University cooperate. This would make it so that bigger steps could be taken in the future and the topic of mental health awareness among student-athletes be taken more seriously.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

11 – 11:30 AM

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Jordan Strehlow

Exploring Christian Couples’ Marriages

A great deal of research has been conducted regarding the effect of religion on marriages and satisfaction in marriages. However, little research has been done to analyze the effect that reading the Bible has on a marriage. Based on previous research on religion and marriage satisfaction, I hypothesized that participants who read the Bible more times a week will be more satisfied with their marriage. The study’s findings revealed that there was a weak correlation between reading the Bible more times a week and marriage satisfaction.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

3 – 3:30 PM

Return to schedule

Melissa Swick

Homelessness and Opioid Addiction

An opioid epidemic is raging in America, a crisis that has steadily increased since 2000. At the same time, the number of people experiencing homelessness and opioid addiction has also increased. Individuals with a history of homelessness are at increased risk for opioid addiction. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends that examine opioid abuse and being homeless in America. First, there is a critical relationship between homelessness and opioid use disorder (OUD). Second, chronic pain contributes significantly to OUD in people who experience homelessness. Third, treatment programs for OUD in people experiencing homelessness vary in their success rates. Fourth, there are many barriers to successful treatment of OUD for people experiencing homelessness. The rates of opioid abuse in people who experience homelessness are almost three times higher than for those who are housed. Researchers have discovered that people who experience homelessness are at increased risk of OUD because they have higher rates of chronic pain than people in the general population. Managed opioid programs may result in improvements in the health and social well-being of people who experience homelessness. There are numerous barriers, however, to treatment adherence for people who experience homelessness. Future directions in research will be discussed, including the need to explore the impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals who live in small towns or rural areas and experience homelessness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

3:30 – 4 PM

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Karissa Bailor

Understanding the Impact of Online Influencers

The Internet has provided a unique opportunity for online entertainment, and a more direct way to connect with online influencers. Parasocial relationships between online content creators and their viewers, however, may have a negative impact on the viewers’ finances, trust, and personal worldviews. Recent research trends will also be reviewed, e.g., findings that online Influencers maintain the successful promotion of products or potential scams, and online influencers maintain strong influence on children and adolescent viewers. Future directions will also be reviewed including the fact that psychology researchers have not adequately investigated the psychological impact of Influencers; current research is heavily focused on marketing benefits, while few studies have researched the often blind trust between viewers and influencers, the psychological impact and benefits of influencer marketing. Researchers must explore the far-reaching effects of social media influencers on developing children and youth.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

3:30 – 3:55 PM

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Nicolas Cazares

Modern Approaches to Spinal Cord Repair

Spinal cords are one of the most sensitive parts of the human body and damage to them can massively hinder one’s quality of life. This presentation will go over medical research of spinal cord repair. The first section is an overview of what the spinal cord is including, cellular make-up, biological function, and detailed anatomy. The second section of this presentation will discuss the history of research within this field dating back to the 1960s. Following this I will look at modern approaches to spinal cord repair and discuss the pros and cons of each method.

MATH 499

Brian Carrigan

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

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Sam Dodd

Benefits of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) have long been anathematized since their inception with the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons, though in recent times, they have been seen as more of a blessing. Engaging in tabletop role-playing games may positively impact adolescents and emerging adults in regard to self-discovery, the classroom, critical thinking and communication skills, and as clients in mental health therapy. Recent trends in research will be discussed, e.g., those who engage in TRPGs may benefit from increased self-discovery and may utilize acquired skills to apply to their work as clients in therapy. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to examine the effects of TRPGs on overall mental health in children, adolescents, and adults.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

1:30 – 1:55 PM

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Jared Dodson

The Darkest Nights Have the Brightest Stars: Reevaluating Light and Darkness in Johannine Literature

The imagery of light and darkness has always connoted very strong ideas through many diverse cultures. So too is light and darkness a key theme in Johannine literature. St. John of Patmos consistently uses the theme of light and darkness to demonstrate realities concerning the nature of God and those who follow him. The task presented here is to reevaluate traditional understandings of John’s use of light and darkness in light of the broader narrative of scripture. This paper will seek to envision the theme of light and darkness in Johannine literature as a continuation of this theme as found in the Hebrew scriptures. This project will also explore the interpretations of the theme utilized by the early church fathers Origen and Gregory of Nyssa, and will explore how their contrasting perspectives both portray distinct aspects of light and darkness as used by John. Distilling each of these sources into a coherent understanding of John’s imagery and use of light and darkness, this paper will demonstrate how God can be experienced and is present in both light and darkness.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Agametochukwu Iheanyi-Igwe

L203

Click here to view the live stream

10 – 10:30 AM

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Kaitlynn Edrington

Fleischer Animation Studios and the American Dream

During the period 1921 to 1941, the idealism of the American Dream prevailed, and can be seen through the lens of early animated media. Current histography reinforces that early animation image ideals and successes come from the Walt Disney studios, excluding many studios in operation, and innovating the field before them, namely Fleischer Studios. Literature and academics have addressed Fleischer Studios and the founders Max and Dave Fleischer in relation to animation innovation and depictions, but often do not reflect on the influence their personal lives had on their work. Doing so removes the diverse voice their experience as Jewish immigrants/first generation Americans from tenement housing in Brooklynn New York gives to the images and depictions of American life they created. The works of Mark Langer among others bring context and regional comparison of the Fleischer Studio’s works to other studios at the time nationwide but does not fully acknowledge the impact of the founders and the studio as an entity as a reflection of American society. The innovations and inventions of Max Fleischer, the themes and topics shown through the medium of animation, and the business dealings that led to the quick rise to fame and later paved the way for their downfall provide a unique viewpoint to an up and rising form of media as well as depictions and reality of American social life. This paper and accompanying presentation aims to draw these points together and put on display the unique diverse image of American social life and the ideal of the American dream as told through early animation.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

Join by Zoom

9:30 AM – Noon

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Fern Gardea

The Impact of Parents with Mental Illness on their Children’s Health and Quality of Life

Mental health is currently a popular topic in the United States; mental illness is another matter. Further, we fail to acknowledge and talk about the countless children who live in the shadows with parents who experience mental illness; few acknowledge what these children live with daily. Parents experiencing mental illness may negatively impact their children’s development, including their emotional and mental health. Recent trends in research will be reviewed (e.g., mental illness in parents and the resultant anxiety, depression, and poor emotion regulation in their children; parenting styles in parents with mental illness and the impact on their children). Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to explore the role and potential impact of psychotherapy for parents with mental illness and for their children, in addition to whole family therapy, as well as the negative effects on children of parents who utilize poor parenting styles.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

2:30 – 2:55 PM

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Daniel Gerlach

Engaging Polarization With Peacemaking Tactics and the Teachings of Jesus

We live in some of the most polarized times in our nation; but how do we make productive steps to change this? As followers of Jesus, I believe we are supposed to be the light of the world by being peacemakers. In an effort to bring communication tactics and the scripture to guide us on how to do this, I made a short, five-episode podcast series called “Peacemaking In Our Time” as my capstone project. Come check out my presentation on the discussion of how this project went, what I learned, and how we can make strides in navigating our conflicts and differences. Follow this link to listen to the podcast on Spotify: Not required for attendance to my presentation – https://open.spotify.com/show/7lw7NrlIYCzH2eYxXASO5k?si=f94f16cb073b4680

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

L203

Click here to view the live stream

1:30 – 2 PM

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Jonathan Rambousek

Barriers to Mental Health Care Among Active-Duty Military and Veterans

When military personnel come home from deployment or transition out of the military, they often do not know that they need mental health care. If they are aware that they need help, service members and veterans likely do not know where to look for that help. A culture of stigma may foster mental health care avoidance in active-duty and military veterans. Researchers have recently suggested that entrenched attitudes against mental health treatment seeking and risks to career advancement are likely to blame. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to delve more deeply into the role veteran status of providers could play in the likelihood of service members and veterans entering and continuing treatment, as well as the need for more effective non-pharmacological interventions.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

3:00 – 3:25 PM

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Stella Reaka

Substance Use in Prison: A Never Ending Cycle

Issues regarding the prison system evoke concern worldwide, in part because punishment has largely replaced rehabilitation. Individuals with substance use disorders in the prison system are being punished for their disorders rather than getting the treatment they need in order to be successful in society. Recent trends in research will be reviewed, e.g., prison release from prison without treatment, and evidence that ongoing treatment after release results in higher risk of recidivism and lethal overdose. Future directions will also be reviewed, including the need for researchers to explore the impact of increased rehabilitation on society.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

2 – 2:25 PM

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Emmalee Rusk

A History of John Hinckley v. United States and Incarceration of the Mentally Ill

John W. Hinckley Jr. attempted to kill President Ronald Reagan, killing White House Press Secretary James Bradley in the process. The jury of the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr. v. United States found him Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. This sent the people of the United States into an uproar as they desired justice.

The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 was then put in place to restrict the use of the Insanity Plea. 

However, the Act is now under scrutiny for an unfounded relation between it and the mass incarceration of the mentally ill in U.S. jails and prisons today. This presentation comes to the defense of the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 from these allegations through the history of John Hinckley and his attempted murder of President Reagan, the trial, and the affect of the Act.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

Join by Zoom

9:30 AM – Noon

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Drenna Thompson

Gender Expression on the Autism Spectrum

Gender expression on the autism spectrum is currently a highly salient topic, with researchers indicating a high rate of fluid and unique identity within this population. Autistic individuals are more likely than neurotypicals to have a non-conformist relationship to gender, whether that be identifying outside the binary, disregarding gender roles, or being transgender. Recent trends in research will be examined, e.g., how autistic children express their gender identity and the struggles they face, and how queer people contacting gender clinics often also receive referrals for an ASD evaluation and potential diagnosis. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for ASD-specific sex education, as well as inclusion of ASD voices in related research.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

4:00 – 4:25 PM

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Ashley Alldridge, Mary Grace Blaser, Gage Garcia & Ikani Naulu

Team Andrews Capsim Project

Within the business simulation, Team Andrews sought to provide state of the art technology at reasonable prices, with priortizing the ever-changing wants and needs of our customers. We implemented both a niche cost strategy and a differentiation strategy to create desirable products. Our three products included Able, After, and Alpha in which each focused on different segments of the market. We based our weekly decisions and measured our succes on the following: Sales, ROS, leverage, contribution margin and market share. We prioritized employee training hours and recruiting expenditures. In the end, Able was our cash cow, our other products remained stable and we never had to take out an emergency loan. 

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk

Microsoft Teams

9 – 11:30 AM

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Paige Amstutz

Listening & Loneliness

Listening to others share personal stories is one way that we, as humans, make meaningful connections. Three individuals who would not ordinarily be given a platform to share their story were interviewed using Anna Deavere Smith’s method of listening. Portions of each interview will be performed with the intent of giving a voice to those who would otherwise be overlooked by society. The performance is a means of response as it relates to the Hurier Model of listening and is a technique used to enhance listening skill.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

L203

Click here to view the live stream

10:30 – 11 AM

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Hannah Bucher, Makenna Hadaller, Jennifer Herrera & Orin Johnson

Team Chester Capsim Final Presentation

Chester has offered reliable products to mainstream customers over the past 8 weeks. Our brands offer value by providing unique, affordable options to fit our customer’s lifestyle and needs. We adopted a Cost Leader with a Product Lifecycle Focus, which gains a competitive advantage by keeping R&D, production and material costs to a minimum, enabling it to compete on the basis of price. Our products included Cake, Cookie, Cupcake, and Cracker. We have a clear understanding of how our strategy and mission statement relate to our execution, along with how much we aligned our decisions to them. We delivered all relevant information necessary for full understanding on our strategy, and included what we could have done different. Dissection and evaluation of our Product Life Cycles is both thorough and extensive and includes both our success and failure. We spend time looking into our Human Resources, and how HR and Automation, Payroll issues, Retention/attrition issues, and Training $$$ Spent (among others) did over the course our life in relation to each other. Our critique of foundation company success measures is thorough, and we dive into what we have learned about our strategy over the course (both the good and bad). In closing, we make final year projections and wrap up the overall success of the Chester Sensor Company. We project that Chester will end strong in R&D, Marketing, Production, and Finance, and is set to continue growing and building through the foreseeable future.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Dave Quirk

Microsoft Teams

9 – 11:30 AM

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Katia Burke

Dominance and Altruism: Are Dominant Women Attractive Now?

Previous research has examined the correlation between altruism and dominance in relation to men. This research suggested that men exhibiting high altruism paired with high dominance were perceived as more socially attractive than men with high altruism and low dominance. The present study sought to build upon this research and explore if a similar correlation exists for women. The hypothesis for this study was that participants would score the confederate with higher dominance as more socially attractive. This hypothesis was tested via two surveys that collected participants’ measures on social attraction. The data did not indicate a significant difference in social attraction between the high dominance and low dominance conditions revealing that participants found the women in both conditions equally attractive.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

L203

Click here to view the live stream

11 – 11:30 AM

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Ethan Crofts, Brandon Mills & Kelsie Helleweg

Baldwin Sensors

Throughout this presentation we will be going in depth of our teams journey throughout the past eight weeks of running a business. We will be covering our mission statement, business strategy, the products we created and their life cycles, the positioning of those products, success measures, HR findings, and what we project to come from our business. Throughout this whole process we created two products in two different market segments, high tech and low tech, and did what we thought was best in order to make those products and our business succeed.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk

Microsoft Teams

9 – 11:30 AM

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Ariana Fuselier

The Pathology of Compartment Syndrome in the Lower Legs

This assignment discusses the pathology and anatomy of compartment syndrome in the lower legs. Compartment syndrome results in an increased amount of pressure build-up within the swollen compartments because the fascia does not expand very well. It is considered dangerous because it decreases the blood supply, oxygen, and nourishments that your compartments need to function.  The syndrome creates complications within a person’s lower legs by causing tissue damage, loss of body function, and even death. The syndrome can be diagnosed by taking the compartment syndrome measurement test. The amount of pressure that shows up by the test can be used to differentiate between whether it is chronic compartment syndrome or acute compartment syndrome. Normally chronic compartment syndrome is caused by over-exerting the muscles, whereas acute compartment syndrome is caused by an injury. Doctors suggest taking a break (rest), physical therapy, or even fasciotomy to help manage compartment syndrome.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

L203

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12 – 12:30 PM

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Jesse Gerlach

Communicating Complex Ideas: More Than One Way to Tell Stories

The following capstone project focused on the methodology of storytelling. This topic was chosen due to the lack of research exploring how stories could be told, contrasting the copious amount of research on the importance of stories. Additionally, it was chosen because the research concluded that storytelling is an effective form of communicating complex ideas. Thus, by having more variations of storytelling, we are better equipped to communicate those ideas.  To then explore those variations, an event was created to present unconventional methods of storytelling that all told the same story. After each artist presented their version of the story, the audience was asked to take a picture of the head presenter on the stage and post it to either Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag, #FreeFromTheChains. Then, the number of posts was compared to the total number of audience members. After the event had concluded and the numbers were tallied, 9 out of approximately 30 participants posted the photo, and approximately 222 people liked the posts. While the responses to the posts were not a part of the original design of the project, it was noteworthy. From this experience, the project leader learned many valuables lessons, including the power of unconventional methods of storytelling, the neurological components and effects of stories, and how to facilitate an online and in-person event.

Keywords: Communications, stories, unconventional methods of storytelling

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

L203

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11:30 AM – Noon

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Annelise Helbling

Do Instagram Profiles Accurately Portray Religious Faith? 

Have you ever judged someone on social media without knowing them? With billions of users worldwide, social media can be a powerful tool to selectively present oneself to the world and build perceptions of others without a personal relationship. Previous studies have examined the accuracy of personality depiction on social media, however, little research has looked into the role of religious views and social media depiction. Can you tell if someone is religious based on their social media? To tackle this question, this study examined the relationship between the strength of one’s religious faith and the way they present themselves online through a mixed-methods approach. With use of The Santa Clara Religious Faith Questionnaire, the researcher examined whether or not people can accurately judge one’s faith based on their Instagram posts. Additionally, the researcher investigated which aspects of a person’s online profile indicates faith or lack thereof. Qualitative results indicated themes of partying and vanity were predictors of being judged low in faith while photos with community and modesty were predictors of stronger faith. Profiles which lacked any indication of faith scored low in faith. Results showed that people cannot accurately judge one’s faith based on their Instagram profiles however the content posted will influence observers judgements. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

L204

10 – 10:30 AM

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Tiffany Hilkey

Infinity in Mathematics

I will be doing a comprehensive survey of infinity in mathematics. Infinity is much larger and more complex than human calculation can handle, but it happens to appear quite often in mathematics. It is introduced as a limit in Calculus, and this is usually the first real encounter with it. Looking at set theory and infinite sets reveals that infinity actually comes in different sizes, even though it is infinite. There are still things that mathematicians can’t figure out about infinity, and that goes to show how complex it is.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P114

Noon – 12:30 PM

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Maddy John

Capstone: Love, Premam, Kaadhal the Podcast

For my senior capstone, I decided to start a podcast about intercultural communication with my husband Shijo. We promoted the podcast through social media like Facebook and Instagram. In every episode, we would discuss a communication concept or theory and how it related to our experiences as a couple. Through our recording sessions, we learned about aspects of each other’s culture we had never expected. We went through a lot of trial and error, and it was challenging at times, but overall we found the experience very rewarding. In this presentation I’ll be discussing the successes and shortcomings of our podcast and the things we learned in the process of making it.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Bucher Room

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Noon – 12:30 PM

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Gunnar Lassen, Caroline Meili & Logan Oakerman

Team Digby BUS499 Capstone Simulation

Mission Statement

The Digby Company is focused on creating a series of both high-tech and low-tech products to suit the needs of all customers.

Strategy

Digby prioritizes investment in research and development to support innovation which exceeds consumer expectations on multiple price levels.

Product Life Cycles

The starting price for our product Diesel was set at 45$ per unit, with specifications regarding performance and size set at 7.4 (performance) and 12.6 (size). The first shift capacity for Diesel was set at 350 units. The investment approach towards marketing regarding promotion and budget were moderate. We have classified Diesel as our secondary product with Daze as the primary product. Diesel would be considered closer to the high-tech end of the industry. Diesel’s positioning was placed slightly ahead on the perceptual map. 

The starting price for our product Daze was set at $35 per unit. The starting first shift capacity was set at 800 units. Performance and size were set at a respective 6.4 (performance) and 13.6 (size). We maintained a similar approach as displayed for Diesel regarding our investment in marketing promo and budget. Daze has remained as our main product closer to the low-tech end of the industry. The positioning for Daze relative to the perceptual map was also slightly ahead. 

Product Positioning

With the provided debrief rubric, product positioning scores started at relatively satisfactory levels for Diesel, who saw trouble in the following two rounds based on a scoring system of 0-1.5 with 0 being most desirable. Diesel’s score was brought down to a resounding 0 by the end of round five, marking maximum ideal positioning. Daze never exceeded 1.84 and reached a low of 0 in round four.

Success Measures

The Daze contribution margin was consistently exceeding expectations with a maximum of 43.7% compared to the desired 35% and never dipping below its starting rate of 26.2%. Diesel saw steady growth from 27.8% to 33.7%, staying satisfactory despite an initial loss of 4%. Additional benchmarks were stock prices, which took a hit as positioning fell to unsatisfactory levels and rose again upon product fixes.

Human Resources Findings

Our human resources plan has been consistent with gradual adjustments along the way. We began the first few years with only 20 training hours, but we increased to 60 shortly after. The employee recruitment began with $2,500 per employee while increasing to the maximum of $5,000 shortly after. Also, our company’s automation ratings began small but have increased slowly over time.

Future Projections

As we continue to move into the next two years of company development we are lowering prices to better position ourselves. In addition, we are continuing to put money into marketing and promotional budgets to better position ourselves moving forward.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk

Microsoft Teams

9 – 11:30 AM

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Jasmine Lay

Quiet Screams and Radio Silence

Discussion of writing style: Stream of consciousness, Quiet Screams and Radio Silence meaning, echoing of thoughts, Prose. To bring one inside someone’s head in a realistically scattered way. 

Artistic influences: Music, nature, other authors, traumas. Introduce lyric examples. Nick Flynn, Iain Thomas, JD Salinger, William Faulkner

Publication “”process”” of poetry book.

Sample reading from poetry book (Poetry Slam).

Acknowledgements

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

James Watson

L203

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10 – 10:30 AM

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Kaylyn LeRoy

Women in Leadership in Public Relations

This project is based on women who are in positions of leadership in the public relations field and how they got to be where they are today. Although the world of PR and advertising certainly includes women, when you get up into the chain of command, women only make up 30% of leadership roles. This study is focused on women who are in the 30% and how they got to be where they are today.

COMM 499, Capstone

Kelsay Rychener

L203

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12:30 – 1 PM

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Joshua McCluskey

Skeletal Muscle Soreness and Fatigue; Causes and Treatment

High intensity training, induces muscle fatigue, increases blood lactate levels, causes an accumulation of metabolites within the muscle body, and induces sensations of pain and decreased mobility following the exercise. In an effort to mitigate the feeling of strain on the body often we turn towards different recovery modalities; cryotherapy, myofascial release, and electrical stimulation. Many times these can have a perceived benefit while being administered which may not always be truly indicative of whether the modality has any efficacy. This review was aimed at addressing the objective benefits seen with each training modality, which encompasses how they affect muscle soreness, subjective feelings of fatigue prior to the next exercise, and biological markers and indicators for inflammation levels.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

11 – 11:30 AM

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