Critical Factors in Childhood Resulting in Vulnerability to Human Trafficking
Human trafficking, with its main sub-category of sex trafficking, thrives globally in the 21st century. However, women and children are the most susceptible to sex trafficking victimization. Critical factors in childhood may increase the likelihood of adolescents becoming victims of sex trafficking. Therefore, this presentation addresses four current research themes of childhood maltreatment in pre-sex trafficking victimization. First, physical abuse and sexual abuse may predict later trafficking victimization. Second, influence perpetrated and modeled by family and friends engaged in the sex trade may increase the likelihood of victimization. Third, adolescents who experience homelessness and foster care may become future victims. Finally, later victimization may be predicted by childhood substance addiction. These factors may be the dominant elements of maltreatment that increase children’s vulnerability to traffickers. Researchers reported that both physical and sexual abuse factored heavily in the participants’ childhoods. Furthermore, researchers found similar findings regarding the latter three topics and their relations to childhood experiences. These factors may have increased victimization, because childhood maltreatment skewed the adolescents’ understanding of love and security, which lack may drive children to seek them from exterior sources. Future directions will be discussed, such as creating a cohesive and universal scale for measuring the vulnerability of sex trafficking victimization in children.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 101
1 – 1:30 PM
Return to schedule
Tag: Capstone
Kelly Willyard
The Psalmist Use of the Word Soul” in Psalm 42 and 43
This project explores the number of meanings and uses the word soul has in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh. I focus on how the psalmist specifically uses nephesh in Pslam 42. I conclude with a practical application of nephesh in the Christian faith.
BTM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
10 – 10:30 AM
Return to schedule
This project explores the number of meanings and uses the word soul has in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for soul is nephesh. I focus on how the psalmist specifically uses nephesh in Pslam 42. I conclude with a practical application of nephesh in the Christian faith.
BTM 499, Capstone
Agametochukwu D. Iheanyi-Igwe
P103
10 – 10:30 AM
Return to schedule
Tayler Anderson
The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Families
Developmental disorders can have substantial impact on individuals. Pervasive disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have particular bearing on individuals’ everyday lives. The presence of an individual with ASD in a family may have both positive and challenging impact on neurotypical family members. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends regarding the impact of ASD on the family unit. First, having a child or adolescent with ASD may substantially impact the parents’ relationships. Next, neurotypical siblings are also impacted by the presence of a sibling with autism. Moreover, the Special Interest Area of a family member with ASD may impact families in diverse ways, e.g., the child may only focus on that topic. Lastly, financial impact is a considerable challenge for families with family members with autism. Researchers have observed that although some parent relationships have difficulty coping with the challenges of ASD, many parents face the obstacles together and remain committed to their relationships. Further, researchers emphasized that neurotypical siblings help their siblings with ASD to develop more effective social skills. In addition, researchers have stated that the Special Interest Areas of family members with ASD may result in diverse challenges for the family, e.g., extensive investment of time. Finally, researchers have reported that families in which a member has ASD may encounter substantial financial responsibilities, e.g., medical treatment and behavioral interventions. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need for further research into the impact of Special Interest Areas on neurotypical siblings.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
2 – 2:30 PM
Micah Jury
Horror and Trauma in Edgar Allan Poe’s Short-Stories through the lens of Psychology and Literature
Edgar Allan Poe’s stories are known for their gothic elements of murder, horror and insanity. Some of these stories are characterized by unstable central characters and their unwitting victims. This presentation will examine two of Poe’s short stories: “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado,” specifically analyzing the protagonists and the victims. The marked similarity between the protagonists will be highlighted by showing Poe’s use of both an unreliable narrator and focalization in his stories, as well as his use of conflicting facts within the text. These uses of literary techniques engage the reader and form the catalyst that propels the stories from merely disturbing to hauntingly gripping. In the second half of this presentation, psychological theorems of trauma, captivity, and Betrayal Trauma will be used to elucidate the emotional state of being in which the victims find themselves. In addition, the psychological state of the victims post facto will be examined using current psychological research. Future directions for research will also be addressed, including examining Poe’s tumultuous life and how it affected his writings.
ENG 499 & PSY 499, Capstone
James Watson/Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Robbie McGowen
Auschwitz and The Colosseum
When you arrive in the southern hills of Krakow, Poland, one of the first things you notice is that you are surrounded by a beautiful countryside. The trees and natural wildlife go on with their natural duties seemingly unaware of the atrocities that plagued this countryside during The Holocaust. Literary works and films about the Holocaust are not immune from the atrocities that occured. Movies like Schindler’s List and Life is Beautiful are well known, awarding winning pieces of art that tell the stories of particular individuals in a way that evokes emotion in ways other films don’t because that are not afraid to shy away from the horrors and push our boundaries of uncomfortableness. The same can be said by the works of Primo Levi and Elie Weisel–both of whom are Holocaust survivors.
Auschwitz is immune to becoming a tourist attraction because of all the human life that was lost, and the way it was carried out on a mass scale. However, the Colosseum is one of the most visited monuments in the world and yet thousands of people and animals have been slain during its active years. Why isn’t this talked about more? The Colosseum has had quite an impact on pop culture. I will explore the differences between these two ideas and similarities, if any. Is the reason why the Colosseum’s dark past not talked about as much is because of how ancient it is, fewer documented accounts, or was it simply because it was a cultural norm in Ancient Rome? I will dive into and explore these questions in detail, as well as bringing in my personal experiences for visiting both places and how those tours are framed.
ENG 499, Capstone
James Watson
P103
1 – 1:30 PM
Emily Morgan
The Impact of Sibling Loss Across the Lifespans of Surviving Siblings
Across centuries and cultures there have typically been siblings within the family unit, allowing for strong bonds to be created between brothers and sisters. Over the lifespan, however, siblings will pass away from various causes, leaving behind surviving siblings and an empty spot within the family. Due to this, the death of a sibling may predict adverse mental and physical health outcomes over the lifespan. Thus, this presentation reviews four research themes that examine the effects of sibling death on surviving siblings across the lifespan. First, parental perceptions regarding the mental states of surviving siblings following a sibling death will be analyzed. Next, the potential evolution of grief in surviving siblings one decade past sibling death will be examined. Moreover, the impact of sibling death on the mental health of surviving siblings will be analyzed. Finally, the risk of disabling conditions and premature mortality associated with siblings surviving sibling death will be examined. These themes tend to appear in surviving siblings across their lifespan, as they must cope with a new reality. With this life change, surviving siblings may experience Complicated Grief, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. In addition, family dynamics change as there is now a missing part of the unit, and parents may be unable to give their surviving children their full attention, as they are going through their own grieving process. Future directions for research will be discussed, including the need to further examine sibling loss in adulthood and including more diverse population samples.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
1:30 – 2 PM
Caeli Barnhart, Selina Chacon & Mikaila Riddle
CAPSIM Competition
Mission Statement
“Reliable products for low technology customers: Our brands offer value. Our stakeholders are bondholders, stockholders, customers and management.”
In order to make our company unique, we will produce reliability through our products that focus on satisfying our customer’s needs.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
Ryan Bates
7 Key Characteristics of Succesful Church Plants
The purpose of this paper is to provide church planters with a tool to help them do better with what they feel called to do. Close to one-third of church plants don’t make it to year 5, and the majority that do remain small and struggling, and this paper is to help church plants to continue to grow and flourish. This paper identifies seven key areas that are essential for church success, and goes into detail on how new plants can utilize them. The seven key areas are; Community Driven, Teamwork and Togetherness, Strong Vision, the Importance and Reality of the Gospel, an Evangelical Focus, Proper Marketing, and Strong Leadership. This paper goes in depth on how these seven characteristics are essential for today’s church planter, and looks at multiple different models of ministry that use these characteristics successfully.
CM 499, Capstone
Terry O’Casey
P103
11:30 AM – Noon
Nathan Blaney
Enhancing Computing with Biologically Inspired Design
Computers as an integral part of the modern world are continuously being improved upon, and yet there is still a lot of space for advancement. With the impending end of Moore’s Law and the limits to how small components can be made, new computer designs and engineering models are needed to make further progress.
One area of inspiration that researchers and engineers have been turning to is that of the biological world. Computer architecture and design that takes a page from the structure of neurons and how they work in the brain promises great improvements in areas such as efficiency and parallel computation.
This process however of creating a biologically inspired computer is one that has required large amounts of research and study, as the vast differences between binary-based computers and biological neurons makes a fusion of the two paradigms very difficult.
This presentation will explore these topics and examine how these problems are being solved with the use of clever engineering and novel technologies.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P003
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Michael Buss
Photography and Beyond: The Vitality of Communicating Well in Client Based Photography and Videography Relationships.
More than ever, the world prefers visual and oral means of communication over written communication. As a result of technology, specifically smart phones, humans have seen a decrease in empathy and connection with one another, making interpersonal relational skills and increasingly valuable trait. Advances in digital photography technology have enabled anyone and everyone to have access to professional camera equipment and start a photography business. Anyone can master the art of exposing a photo, composing a shot, and perfecting an edit, but not everyone has the social and communicative skills to maximize the entire experience. After meeting with local experts, studying the interpersonal communication scholarship, and having personal experience at both of my internships, I have borrowed credibility and had experiences that have highlighted the vitality of communicating well for client photo and video based work.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Ruben Carmona
The Relation Between Children Raised in Foster Care and Increased Difficulties in Adulthood
Children who grow up in the foster care system typically face many adverse experiences. These adverse experiences may create complications for these children as they become young adults. In particular, growing up in the foster care system may predict an increased risk for developing mental health issues and substantial insecurity as they approach adulthood. This presentation will review four foster care research themes relating to mental health challenges and instability in young adulthood. First, placement instability in foster care may increase the chances of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Next, substance abuse in children within foster care may exacerbate the risk of their developing Substance Use Disorder. Additionally, children in foster care and older adolescents aging out of foster care, may experience homelessness at an increased rate compared to children who were not in foster care. Lastly, children in foster care may be at higher risk for developing comorbid mental health disorders in addition to their initial mental health diagnosis. Researchers have found that children placed in foster care often have difficulty developing relationships with their foster parents, teachers, and peers from school, due to the likelihood of their being frequently moved to different home placements. Researchers have also reported that children in foster care are more likely to use illegal drugs when compared to children who have not been in the foster care system. Future directions for research will also be discussed in the presentation, including the need to explore drug prevention programs for children in foster care and placement stability.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
10 – 10:30 AM
Riley Charlish, Bradley Harp & Kenzie Weston
Capsim Simulation
Mission Statement:
As a company we strive for the competitive advantage over our competition. We keep R&D, production and material costs to a minimum, which helps us to keep our prices at the best value. Our reputation is built on the devotion we have to help create exceptionally low-cost products for you, our customers.
Company Strategy: Broad Cost Leader
As a team we chose this to be the best strategy to follow as a guideline due to keeping costs low for our customers but not losing out on producing intermediate lines of products. Being in-between both high and low tech gives up the competitive advantage over other companies because we save costs in many areas including R&D, production and employee costs.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
Mitchell Davis & Alec Duncan
The Church & Youth Identity Formation
At the core of any human is their self-identity. The process of identity formation happens primarily during one’s youth. The culture of our world today is damaging for youth identity formation. Social Media and the entertainment industry promote unhealthy lifestyles and cause youth to form their identities around unhealthy things. Our hope with this study is to give churches a look into what they can do to help students form their identities around God instead of the world. First research was done in the area of identity formation, exploring different theories on how identity is formed in the human mind. Next, we studied adolescent culture in the past and present day. After identifying key influences on identity formation, we looked at how the church can answer the questions running around the minds of young students struggling to find their identity. Our main conclusions are that the Church needs to be a place where students can find their purpose in Christ, unconditional love, and relationships with older believers who can mentor them.
CM 499, Capstone
Terry O’Casey
P103
11 – 11:30 AM
Diego Delaplane
The Art of Creative Writing
This capstone presentation is an overview of the steps it takes to write creative fiction. The presenter will present on the novel that he wrote and the process behind writing the novel. The presenter will also share about what inspired him to write, the themes of his novel, and how creative writing can influence the world around us.
ENG 499, Capstone
James Watson
P103
10:30 – 11 AM
Nikole Duncan
The Act of Listening as a Bridge to Solving Conflict
This study explores three different perspectives on the same dispute and the influence that active listening has on developing an understanding of all sides. Smith (2017) mentions that in order to develop a voice one must first develop an ear; therefore, I will be analyzing Morgan McKinney, Dr. Hain, and Halona Jackson’s viewpoints with a clear vision. After hearing all views I will reenact the positions of all three parties on Ace day through their own perceptions so that everyone can be heard and hopefully appreciated. The ultimate goal is to have the gap between three different perceptions that has led to misunderstanding filled. Smith teaches that we might not always like what we see or what is said, but in order to change it we must first see as well as hear it clearly.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
10:30 – 11 AM
Kelsey Hansen
The Emotional Impact of Cancer in Adults: Diagnosis to Post-Treatment Outcomes
Cancer has affected the lives of countless Americans for many decades and continues today to substantially impact individuals and their loved ones. In addition to the physical pain that one may experience while undergoing cancer treatment, there may also be emotional pain. The intervention of chemotherapy may result in emotional, mental, and cognitive side effects in adults undergoing treatment, as well as those who are living post-treatment. This presentation will review four research themes regarding the potential emotional, mental, and cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. These themes are: the roles of a cancer diagnosis in mental health, coping throughout treatment and survivorship, emotional and psychological distress in mental health, and quality of life in post-treatment. Researchers have reported that a cancer diagnosis may be traumatic and may result in depression, anxiety, and fear. They have further noted the importance for patients of learning various methods of coping with this diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. Emotional and psychological distresses may be substantial factors in the life of a cancer patient and may result from seeing a cancer diagnosis as life-threatening. This may result in individuals who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and treatment needing frequent social support in order to develop a satisfactory quality of life. Further, future directions for research are discussed in this presentation, including the need for providing participants with information regarding resources during their participation in research studies.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
10:30 – 11 AM
Brighton Hebisen
Self-Care Practices in Response to Compassion Fatigue in Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals invest substantial time, energy, and resources in training and working hard to support others, but may have little to no support for themselves and may not practice regular self-care. As a result, compassion fatigue and burnout are prevalent in the mental health field. Mental health professionals who disregard the practice of self-care may experience increased compassion fatigue and burnout. This presentation will review four research themes regarding compassion fatigue and burnout in this professional population. These themes are: first, the various predictors of compassion fatigue and burnout among mental health professionals; second, the impact of service delivery location; third, self-care practices that may mitigate compassion fatigue; and finally, the ways in which compassion satisfaction may balance compassion fatigue. Researchers have found that the intense nature of mental health work requires these professionals to take part in self-care in order to lessen the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. Individuals with more years in the field were found to be at higher risk for developing compassion fatigue or burnout. Further, researchers have reported that conducting therapy in private practice may decrease compassion fatigue in comparison to practice within the public agency. Those professionals who experienced greater compassion satisfaction from their work, decreased their risk of compassion fatigue, as well. Future directions are explored, including the need to examine gender differences, client age, and programs that can be implemented to prepare professionals for the intensity and potential risks of their work.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
11 – 11:30 AM
Phoenix Lacque & Aaron McFadden
Business Capstone Presentation
Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.
Our company strives to keep our cot low enough that they are desirable for customers, while keeping the products durable enough to withstand the constant use. We will continue to make products in the low and high tech market for sensors, in order to meet the demands of the most people possible.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
Michael Loomis
Business Capstone Presentation
Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees. We are going to make premium products for both the high and low tech markets. We will continue to provide the best quality items and will strive to keep our customers happy.
BUS 499, Business Strategy & Policy
Dave Quirk
L204
10 AM – Noon
Spencer Mattox
The Quality of the Mentor-Mentee Relationship and Its Impact on Youth
For decades, US communities have dealt with the issues of drugs, violence, and substance abuse. Countless children in these communities grow up without any positive adult figures to protect and support them in choosing appropriate behaviors and discouraging them from engaging in criminal activity. Whether at-risk youth are able to envision a positive future may be determined by the quality of the mentor-mentee relationship. This presentation will review four themes in which researchers explore the impact of the mentor-mentee relationship in building a positive future for at-risk youth. First, the duration of the mentor-mentee relationship is a key element in positively or negatively impacting the at-risk youth’s life. Second, the characteristics the mentor possesses may enable his or her mentee to achieve the mentee’s goals. Third, increased ethnic diversity in the mentor community may benefit the mentor and the mentee. Finally, the role the informal mentor plays in the life of his or her mentee is vital. Researchers have found that, it is essential for mentors to possess positive attributes in order to establish trust with their mentees. This, in turn, will augment the mentees’ self-esteem. Researchers noted that when the mentor and mentee spend time together, positive results are observed in the behaviors of the mentee. Future directions for research will also be discussed in the presentation, including the need to conduct studies in communities heavily populated with at-risk youth.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
11:30 AM – Noon
Jonathan Messiers
A Bridge to Space: The Mechanics and Design Considerations for a Space Elevator
Achieving orbit is currently an extremely expensive and resource-heavy venture. Current rockets cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 to lift a single kilogram of payload to low earth orbit. A space elevator may be able to lift a kilogram to orbit for as little as $200. A space elevator is a cable anchored at the equator that extends into space past geostationary orbit, using the centrifugal force of Earth’s rotation to hold itself upright under tension. Such a cable may be constructed using materials with extremely high strength-to-weight ratios. The overall design of a space elevator consists of the cable itself, a counterweight to suspend the cable via centrifugal force, climbers to deliver payload to and from orbit, and a base station anchoring the cable to the Earth somewhere along the equator. Craft released from the space elevator at a height of 53,000 kilometers would be at escape velocity, allowing them to reach other celestial bodies without the thousands of tons of fuel and stages conventional rockets require for the same velocity. Challenges faced include weather conditions within the atmosphere, the effects of solar radiation on the cable, collisions with orbital debris, cable oscillations, research and development costs, and political complications.
MATH 499, Capstone
Brian Carrigan
SPS 100
2:30 – 3 PM
Selena Portillo Barrera
Pre- and Post-Flight Traumatization Factors in Refugee Populations
The current refugee crisis worldwide is a phenomenon that has arisen due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political unrest, and human devastation. Refugee populations face a preponderance of internal and external challenges in their nomadic search toward safety and resettlement in the new society of a host country. Pre- and post-flight resettlement status in the refugee population may predict traumatization in the form of physical and mental ill health, sexual assault, and diverse socio-economic and cultural acclimation challenges. This presentation will focus on four areas in which refugee populations demonstrate traumatization: prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder amongst pre-flight refugees, sexual assault and gender-based violence perpetrated against pre-flight female refugees, mental and physical ill-health challenges faced by post-flight refugees, socio-economic and acclimation challenges in a post-flight society. Researchers have found Post-traumatic Stress Disorder to be especially prevalent in culturally diverse refugee populations, but also that war-affected refugees are most impacted. Lack of access to mental and medical health services hinders the refugee resettlement process in the host society, along with cultural barriers such as preconceived attitudes, language, and mistrust of “other.” Future directions for research are discussed, such as the need to access multicultural mental health services and trauma counseling at an earlier stage of the refugee immigration process.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
1 – 1:30 PM
Kimberly Snyder
Women, Religiosity, and Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence has long been a pervasive issue for women, occurring across all ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religions, and races. A wide variety of survival skills are employed by these women to help cope with the abuse they are experiencing. Despite the breadth of personal differences, these victims commonly utilize religion. Personal religious devotion may strengthen their capacity to survive intimate partner violence and post relationship trauma. This presentation reviews four research trends in personal religious beliefs as a coping strategy. First, women may reach out to clergy members or religious leaders for support and counseling. Moreover, prayer may be a particularly common coping mechanism. In addition, religious coping may be particularly prevalent among African-American and other Black women. In contrast, some researchers argue that personal religious devotion may be an ineffective coping technique, causing barriers to healing. Researchers have found women who rely on their religious beliefs to survive the violence credit a myriad of ways religion helped them. The violence perpetrated by intimate partners leaves lasting psychological trauma for victims. Researchers report that the coping strategies used may help strengthen women’s resilience in these relationships, and help provide additional support in post-traumatic healing. Future directions for research will also be discussed in this presentation, including resources for these victims at religious communities.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
1:30 – 2 PM
Sonja Towner
Adverse Effects of Child Abuse in Adult Females
Childhood abuse creates a substantial and long-lasting impact that may follow women into adulthood. Abusive events of girlhood may traumatize young girls, leaving them vulnerable to myriad post-traumatic outcomes mentally, physically, and emotionally. Women abused prior to the age of 11 may be at greater risk for mental illness and substance abuse through self-medication in adulthood. This presentation will review four areas which researchers have identified as possible adverse effects of girlhood abuse. First, women use substances to self-medicate to avoid the negative affect associated with girlhood abuse and learned negative reinforcement. Second, substance abuse may intensify girlhood maltreatment-induced mental illness. Third, women who have been exposed to adverse girlhood experiences may be at greater risk for diverse negative outcomes in adulthood. Finally, exposure to multiple adverse experiences in girlhood may lead to comorbid disorders in adulthood, further exacerbating other negative symptoms. Researchers have found that the effects of abuse in girlhood may be clinically significant. Moreover, researchers found that women experienced outcomes including substance abuse, mental illness, and incarceration. Researchers have reported a potential link between girlhood maltreatment and the traumatic events that may follow girls into adulthood. Future directions will also be discussed in this presentation, including the need for a longitudinal study that explores the impact of each type of adverse event in mental illness and substance abuse. Furthermore, researchers should also study why some women demonstrate resilience to girlhood abuse while others remain deeply impacted over their lifetimes.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
SPS 100
2 – 2:30 PM
Janieve Boyles
Changing Attitudes Towards LGBTQ in Christianity
In recent history, acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals has increased in some cultures. Furthermore, some states in the U.S. and countries recognize same-sex marriage. While times are changing, there has been an undeniable divide between Evangelical Christians and the LGBTQ community. This gap has been created due to the firm belief based on scripture that homosexuality is wrong and sinful. Many Evangelical Protestants hold traditional, conservative views and beliefs. These traditional, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ are harmful and destructive, but are changing due to biological explanations of same sex attraction, personal experience with LGBTQ people, and alternative Biblical interpretations. Contributing factors to an opposition of same-sex rights and prejudice toward LGBTQ in Christianity are right wing authoritarianism, a strong belief that the nature of homosexuality is a choice, and friendships with like-minded thinkers in religious contexts. Traditional, conservative attitudes towards LGBTQ are often filled with disgust, judgement, and lack of acceptance that are hurtful and painful for the LGBTQ community. There are many negative consequences of prejudiced attitudes, discrimination, and victimization of LGBTQ people including increases in substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide. Many Evangelical Christian attitudes are changing due to biological explanations, exposure to LGBTQ people, and acceptance by younger generations. These changes are leading to positive outcomes for LGBTQ people. Christian spaces are becoming more welcoming and appealing to LGBTQ individuals as the environments become safer and accepting. Prejudice, discrimination, and victimization have negative impacts on LGBTQ people, so ways to support the LGBTQ community need to be implemented.
PSY 499, Capstone
Nani Skaggs
P103
1:30 – 2 PM
Jacquelyn Cooley
Putting Music to the Psalms
The Psalms were meant to be sung or chanted in biblical times not just read. My goal is to put music to 10 Psalms during this semester to assist in making them come to life for the listeners/participators. I will be explaining my project including steps and technique that helped me and then performing 2 of the Psalms.
MUS 499, Capstone
Karen De Young & Nathan Smith
M106
10 – 10:30 AM
Olivia Cordes
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children
Parenting a child is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a person may encounter in his or her lifetime. Parents find themselves honing their parenting skills as their child grows, sometimes to the child’s detriment, because early childhood is a crucial period for mental, physical, and emotional development. Therefore, children who are substantially negatively impacted by their socio-familial environment may be at higher risk for developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) than children raised in a more nurturing environment. This presentation reviews research themes in parenting styles, emotion regulation, parent-child relationship quality, and gender differences. Specifically, one cause of ODD may be negative parenting styles that include inconsistent discipline and harsh punishment toward a child. In addition, children who are subjected to poor parenting styles may develop emotion regulation deficits. As a result, when a parent lacks communication skills and experience, it is common for their negative parent-child interactions to interfere with healthy development. This may then lead children to exhibit inappropriate behaviors, e.g., aggression or hostility. Gender differences may also be a factor in the development of ODD, with symptoms appearing more frequently in males than females. Future directions are addressed, including the need for further research on global child maltreatment measures and deeper examination of post-treatment levels of positive parent-child relationships.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
P114
2:30 – 3:00
Kristyn Dodge
“I Answered His Call: Women in Senior Pastoral Roles”
Despite the leaps and bounds that have been made in reinventing gender roles for women in the home, workplace, and public service, one area in which women continually find themselves being obstructed is that of pastoral ministry. Due to traditional views on women that can be traced back to pre-Hellenistic Middle Eastern social constructs, women who are called to preach or serve as senior pastors face massive criticism and are prevented from fulfilling their calling. One of the sources such critics turn to for their obstruction is scripture itself. Using scripture to justify the obstruction of women in pastoral ministry is to commit eisegesis as opposed to exegesis. This is not just a Christian problem, however, but a religious problem across the board. In this presentation we see this manifested in three case studies: Rabbi Sally Pritchard, the first female rabbi of the American Jewish community; Mother Superior Mary Clare Millea, an abbess and Vatican advocate with a PhD. in Canon Law; and the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. By reviewing each of these American women of different faiths we see that despite their religious differences, they each tell a story of a contemporary woman who had to overcome traditional viewpoints and misapplication of scripture to answer God’s call to serve Him in pastoral ministry.
CM 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
P114
3:30 – 4 PM
Benjamin Drach
CRISPR: The Healing Tool of the Future
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats; 9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) is a new tool based upon a bacterial protein that is associated with CRISPR. Cas9 comes from Streptococcus pyogenes. CRISPR’s functions and associated genes are essential in adaptive immunity in archaea and bacteria, enabling them to respond and eliminate invading genetic materials. The goal of many scientists and their communities is to apply this adaptive immunity to the human race. CRISPR/Cas9 can also be used to remove genetic diseases and even affect future generations of humans. By researching and analysing CRISPR/Cas9 further, humanity could be free from disease, disorders, and even aging. This paper reviews what CRISPR/Cas9 is and its possible future effects it will have upon humanity.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
10:30 – 11 AM
Lesly Eran
Muted Voices
This senior capstone project evaluates the effectiveness and influence of how communication affects the way gender roles are viewed based on the Muted Group Theory. At the event, guest speakers were invited to participate in a symposium panel where questions and answers were discussed identifying the importance and impact of the issues that arise among gender roles and communication. The project was held on the Northwest Christian University campus as an event. Attendees were counted to measure the effectiveness of this event.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
11 – 11:30 AM
Makenzie McLaughlin
Same-sex Couples Adopting and Raising Children
In American society, many individuals perceive two heterosexual parents as the ideal family type. Same-sex couples may face more setbacks than heterosexual couples in attempting to adopt and raise children, since they may not be perceived as the ideal parents. Same-sex couples who want to adopt may need to provide evidence that they are as qualified to be good parents as are heterosexual couples. Researchers have found, however, that same-sex couples who adopt may actually have a positive impact on their children, themselves, and the community in which they reside. This presentation reviews four recurring research themes regarding same-sex couples who adopt children. First, same-sex couples experience similar stress to heterosexual couples during pre- and post-adoption. Second, the community in which the same-sex couples reside may perceive the couples positively, neutrally, or negatively. Third, males and females, in general, may perceive same-sex couples differently than heterosexual couples; males may more often perceive same-sex couple adoption in a negative light than do females. Fourth, some individuals may believe that children of same-sex parents will automatically grow up to become gay or lesbian, like their parents. Future directions are reviewed, including the need for longitudinal studies following children of same-sex parents in adulthood.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
P114
2 – 2:30 PM
Alaina Thomson
Women in Academe
Females have long been undermined and abused throughout history when societal expectations surrounding the roles of women are challenged. In the academy, many women contest gender-based stereotypes as they strive to shatter the glass ceiling by pursuing education, careers, and advancement. Women in academia may experience substantial discrimination in comparison to their male peers. This presentation reviews four research trends in discrimination in higher education. First, prejudice against women academics is prominent in the oppressive gender inequality to which they are regularly subjected. Next, women experience bias in workplace sexism. Moreover, women of color in the academy may be additionally confronted with gender-based racial discrimination. Finally, women academics may also experience inequity based on their current or potential status as mothers, which intolerance may hinder their careers and futures. These elements of discrimination may be perpetuated largely by the dominant oft male-governed institutions of higher education. As women pursue academic careers they are stymied by the exclusive, abusive nature of predominantly male social networks, e.g., “good old boys” clubs, that ensure the success, notoriety, and advancement of men. Researchers have reported that higher education may perpetuate an environment that is hostile for women. This may be due to the attitudes and actions of administrators, fellow faculty, staff, and students toward women academics. Future directions for research are discussed, including the need to explore the gender-specific sacrifices that women academics must make to be successful in their careers and co-exist with males in mutually nurturing environment.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
P114
3 – 3:30 PM
Canaan Threlfall
Parental Incarceration and its Effects on Children
Children whose parent is incarcerated struggle emotionally, behaviorally, and educationally. Emotionally, children experience attachment issues, depression, and high levels of stress due to parental absence. Behaviorally, children with incarcerated parents have a higher likelihood of being delinquents, and they struggle with behaviors such as aggression and conduct disorder. Educationally, these children experience many difficulties in school. The difficulties include, trouble completing homework and the struggle to pay attention in class. These difficulties result in a lack of motivation that can lead to poor academic success and school dropout. Research shows that providing emotional support can help children with incarcerated parents succeed emotionally, behaviorally, and educationally, thus leading to positive outcomes.
PSY 499, Capstone
Nani Skaggs
P103
1 – 1:30 PM
Jordan Weinkauf
Ebola, A Threat Assessment
Hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola have been in the news over the last several years as severe outbreaks have sprung up in West Africa. It has captured our imagination due to its extremely virulent nature and by the spectacularly gruesome way in which kills those it infects. In addition its origin is relatively unknown which furthers the myth of this virus. Understandably the American public became incredibly worried, with large portions of the population concerned that the pandemic would spread to our shores. But was all this hype really worth it? Sure, Ebola is very deadly. In fact in some cases it kills up to 90% of those infected. What’s even more incredible is that it is not the virus that ultimately kills you, but rather your own immune system. Through viral trickery, the Ebola virus silences and short circuits your immune cells causing massive internal bleeding and organ failure. Also it can last relatively long periods on common hospital surfaces and still remain viable. However while it is quite destructive on the individual level it seems to be relatively impotent on a global level. Outbreaks have been severe but still remain locked to a relatively small area. This becomes very evident if we look at the R0 number and other infection factors of the virus and we can see that it has less teeth than originally thought. Therefore, I believe Ebola is not the harbinger of some future apocalypse, but it is an incredibly complex and fascinating virus that deserves future study.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
11 – 11:30 AM
McKenzie Wirth
Conflict Styles and Using Secret Tests
Conflict styles influence how a person solves problems in his or her relationships. There are five common Conflict Styles: Accommodation, avoidance, competitive/aggressive, compromise and collaborative (Thomas, 1976). When uncertainty over a romantic partner’s commitment to the relationship arises, this could be a potential problem area in which a person’s conflict style makes a difference as to how he or she reduces uncertainty and solves this issue. Often, individuals who have an avoidant conflict style don’t like discussing problems directly with their relational partners, because they experience communication apprehension (Thomas, 1976). Thus, it’s plausible that these individuals may employ Secret Tests to reduce the uncertainty they feel towards their partner’s commitment to the relationship. There are seven common strategies: asking-third-party tests; directness tests; triangle tests; separation tests; endurance tests; public presentation tests; and indirect suggestion tests. The present study seeks to determine the following: 1) If a person has a predominately non-confrontational (passive) approach to conflict, then he or she will use indirect secret tests; and 2) If a person has a predominately solution-oriented (assertive) or controlling (aggressive) approach to conflict, then he or she will not use indirect secret tests.
COMM 499, Capstone
Doyle Srader
P003
10:30 – 11 AM
Madeline Bartholomew, Hanna Mack, Joseph Piper
Team Chester Capstone Presentation
Chester’s Mission Statement
“Premium products for mainstream customers. Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.”
Company Strategy
We will be approaching the simulation using the “Differentiator with Product Lifecycle Focus” company strategy. Entering the market with all competitors including ourselves starting fresh we hope to gain an early advantage through high sales from a high tech product. With the introduction of our first high tech product, essentially no time has surpassed allowing for that product to become “old.” This planned successful first quarter will determine our continuing approach. By introducing new products and lowering the manufacturing quantity and price of previous products we plan to capture both the new market, as well as, be a cost leader in the old market. Ultimately, we hope to stop production of old products and sell off our inventory. By keeping a low inventory of old product we minimize the risk of having large inventories that do not sell or sell for the cost of production.
Research & Development: We will have multiple product lines in both segments. Our goal is to offer customers products that match their ideal criteria for positioning, age, and reliability.
Marketing: We will spend aggressively in promotion and sales. We want every customer to know about us, and we want to make our products easy for customers to find. We will price at a premium.
Production: We will grow capacity to meet the demand that we generate. After our products are well positioned, we will investigate modest increases in automation levels to improve margins.
Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through stock issues and cash from operations, supplementing with bond offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are somewhat adverse to debt, and prefer to avoid interest payments. We expect to keep assets/equity (leverage) between 1.5 and 2.0.
BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk
P103
1 – 3 PM
Daniel Brock, Marina Irish, Nick Rubino
Capsim Simulation Presentation – Digby
Mission Statement
Low-priced products for the industry: Our brands offer solid value. Our stakeholders are bondholders, customers, stockholders and management.
Tactics
Research & Development: We will keep our existing product line and introduce at least one new line, maintaining a presence in both segments. We’ll work to keep our products up to date in each segment despite high automation levels, without sacrificing our cost/price advantage.
Marketing: Our Company will spend modestly on promoting and selling products in our industry. Our prices will be lower than average. After we establish our cost leadership position, we will revisit our situation to explore options to improve awareness and accessibility.
Production: We will significantly increase automation levels on all products. However, because automation sets limits upon our ability to reposition products with R&D, we automate more in the slower moving Low End segments than in the fast moving High End. We will prefer second shift/overtime to capacity expansions.
Finance: We will finance our investments primarily through long-term bond issues, supplementing with stock offerings on an as needed basis. When our cash position allows, we will establish a dividend policy and begin to retire stock. We are not adverse to leverage, and expect to keep assets/equity between 2.0 and 3.0.
BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk
P103
1 – 3 PM
Sierra Brown, Sergio Maldonado, Barton Peterson
Mission Statement for Ferris
Here at Ferris, Our mission is to provide the newest and the most advanced sensors with the highest level of durability. Not only do we seek to provide high quality in our product but also in our customer service to ensure your satisfaction.
Tactics
Research and Development:
we seek to provide our customers with the newest and most relevant products that will do more than satisfy.
Marketing:
Here at Ferris our goal is to promote our product in a way that makes it accessible and easy to find.
Production:
Our team will grow its production volume to meet the needs that we will continue to create. As the needs increase we will continue to meet those needs in a modest way to ensure that we keep up with the demands of high tech products.
Finances:
Our goal is to finance our investments mostly through the issuing of stock and our earnings and bond offerings only if necessary. As we become an established company we will create a dividend policy and retire stock. We seek to avoid debt in order to allow for greater gains. We will attempt to maintain an assets/equity between 1.5 and 2.0.
BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk
P103
1 – 3 PM
David Carrasco
Christ’s Ascension
My capstone project will inspire individuals to reflection based on the understanding of the relevance of Christ’s ascension to today’s world. I will focus on three main events that make up the ascension as a whole: The Word blesses us, we, as disciples, worship Him, we recognize the great joy in Christ and praise Him. Knowledge of these events, while the event itself remains a mystery because of its indescribable characteristics, will be expounded upon by the study of biblical, historical and theological references. Special attention will be paid to the actions of the disciples directly after Christ’s ascension into heaven.
MUS 499, Capstone
Karen De Young
10 AM – Noon
Chloe Combs & Joseph Laurendeau
Redefining Communication and Education Through Storytelling and the Arts.
The majority of the world’s population identify as oral learners, meaning they more effectively understand and exchange information by means other than reading and writing. Despite this fact, oral communication has become a lost art over the years. Education systems and daily human interaction have come to rely on technology and print communication almost exclusively. This presentation focuses on the power and importance of orality-based communication, and addresses the benefits and validity of storytelling and the arts in education.
CM 499, Capstone
Terry O’Casey
P114
10 – 10:30 AM
Austin Dame, Michael Neu, Jasmine White
Team Erie
Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.
BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy
Dave Quirk
P103
1 – 3 PM
Michelle Fletcher
Dental Caries: A review of pathogenesis and genetically linked predispositions
Bacteria are small unicellular organisms that can cause an array of human diseases. They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes and can infect through many different modes of transfer. Streptococcus mutans is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is responsible for causing dental caries. This disease is characterized by the breakdown of calcified tooth tissue, and is known more commonly as “cavities”. Studying and understanding the pathogenesis of a disease such as dental caries is helpful for medical professionals to recognize and treat the disease.
Besides understanding the exact mechanisms through which S. mutans invades and infects, it is also worth exploring any genetic predispositions for dental caries. The completion of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to sequence complete human gene extracts. With this information, researchers have been able to determine which genes and proteins are responsible for resistance or susceptibility to caries. Alterations to protein expression can lead to modifications in enamel structure, immune response, and sugar metabolism. Any of these modifications make one increasingly susceptible to disease.
Understanding pathogenesis and knowing genetic risk factors for diseases are two powerful weapons in combatting against them. Preventative measures should be taken when fighting against dental caries. Vaccines have been developed with some success, but perhaps the greatest method of prevention rests in low sugar diets and the daily practice of brushing.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P103
10 – 10:30 AM