Ethan Ferry

The Therapeutic Benefits of Well-Integrated Religion and Spirituality

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

10:30 – 11 AM

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Daniel Furman

Effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Head Injuries on Athletes

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Toby Gallego

A Holistic Approach to Treating Spiritual and Religious Abuse and Trauma

Spiritual and religious abuse and trauma is a topic that is being discussed with more frequency in Western culture today. With a high prevalence of this type of abuse and trauma (Oakley & Kinmond, 2014; Shellnut, 2019), it is important for mental health providers to know how to recognize S/R abuse and trauma and know the best treatment modalities for those who have been wounded by it. This paper discusses the nature of S/R abuse and trauma and describes the psychological and spiritual harm that victims incur at the hands of their abusers. Additionally, the topic of what common personality features make people vulnerable to S/R abuse and trauma is addressed and a description of the maladaptive tendencies of people who misuse power to hurt others will also be discussed. This paper also highlights the research of helpful treatment models that have been shown to be efficacious in bringing healing to victims of S/R abuse and trauma. Lastly, the author highlights his own gleanings from the research on beneficial principles for the treatment of S/R abuse and trauma.

CMHC 699, Capstone

Abraham Cazares-Cervantes

Siefke 100

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11 AM – Noon

Harmony Goodman, Sidney Lane, & Sayer Pescosolido

Final Research Project

We are intending to research the topic of sports betting and how it impacts the sports culture and regulations. Whether it is impacting the fans, players, or organizations, we want to understand the negative and positive outcomes such as sports marketing strategies and gambling addiction. There are many arguments for and against sports betting. Some say betting is unethical and corrupt, while others suggest sports betting can be beneficial to the sports industry. We decided to research this topic so we could gather information and decide if sports betting is ethical or if it should be discontinued based on the health and well-being of the sports society.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Molly Haley

Confucianism and Good Governance

Confucius was one of the greatest Chinese philosophers of all time. He played a vital role in establishing the ethical, moral, and social standards that formed the basis of his way of living, which would later be called Confucianism. This was the first belief system of that time to highlight the importance of inner morality over other actions. Confucius also shared that ethics should play an important role in society, and that the importance of the individual consciousness, along with personal ethics should be implemented to start the foundation of a Good Government. To conclude this thought, the story of Confucianism and Good Governance is one of deep intrigue and one that needs to be shared.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Candy xiaohui He

BAM Project

I developed a Child daycare business, “Candy’s Home Day Care,” a unique home-based childcare service in our community that integrates the rich traditions of Chinese culture with Christian values. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving, and culturally enriching environment where every child is valued and embraced as an individual. By drawing inspiration from Christian teachings of love, compassion, and community, as well as the vibrant heritage of Chinese culture, we aim to nurture young minds and hearts. Our holistic approach includes language, customs, and spiritual growth and fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. At Candy’s Home Day Care, we strive to be more than just a childcare facility. We are a bridge that connects diverse cultures and a sanctuary where faith and heritage merge to create a foundation for lifelong learning and a harmonious community.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Candy xiaohui He

A marketing plan for Haus & Garten

Based on the SWOT analysis of Haus and Garten, I have identified an opportunity to introduce a new product that aligns with the company’s signature products, which aim to enhance customer service and drive sales. The new product is a foldable, easy-to-carry garden stool that can benefit the company.

Enhancing Customer Service: This garden stool is designed for our customers’ comfort and convenience. It provides them a comfortable and portable seating solution while they tend to their gardens. By offering this product, we aim to elevate their gardening experience and show our commitment to their well-being.

Driving Sales: The introduction of this stool not only enhances our customer service but also presents a new revenue stream. It caters specifically to our target demographic, providing a valuable addition to our product range that aligns perfectly with the needs and preferences of our current customer base.

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

1 – 2:30 PM

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Spencer Hoffman

Nonverbals and Sales: Decoding, Encoding, and Charisma

Nonverbal communication plays an extremely significant role during sales encounters. Learners will learn how to decode nonverbal signals from a salesperson’s perspective. They will also practice different techniques on how to encode their own nonverbal behaviors to come across as more charismatic to future clients.

COMM 430, Nonverbal Communication

Doyle Srader

Womack 100

3:30 – 4 PM

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Dylan Hough, Elizabeth Mathis, & Benjamin Randol

Injury Policies in Professional Sports

We are going to evaluate and compare injury policies in the NFL, NBA, and NHL. Injury policies include injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation. We are also going to look at the financial impact of injuries on the players and the organization.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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William Jewell

Composition Kiosk

For the poster presentation, I intend to cover what my business plan is and how its mission will be involved in it. I will take a look at costs and what will be required to make my business.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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William Jewell

Gladiators in Ancient Rome

To start out I will be talking about the weapons and rules for gladiatorial combat. Next, I will be talking about the survival rates of gladiatorial combat along with the different types of combat or games there were. Lastly, I will be talking about key gladiatorial figures, their stories, and how they affected the games.

HIST 375, Ancient Rome

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Katie Johnson

Continuous Glucose Monitors

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Olivia Kelzenberg, Sydney Myhre, & Mai Tomlin

Athlete Mental Health Management.

Taking a look at what institutions are doing to protect and treat athletes mental health at a collegiate level of play.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Zoe Kingsley

MKTG 240 Final Project – Haus and Garten Product Proposal

This final project for MKTG 240 is a proposition for a marketable product for Haus and Garten, with a full marketing proposal and feedback on the company itself. The product in question is a “start-up bundle” which contains tools from a proposed beginner line of gardening products as well as a start-up guide.

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

1 – 2:30 PM

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Zoe Kingsley & Janea Robertson

Impact Threads – a Christian Clothing Brand

Impact Threads is a proposition for a Christian for-profit business that donates a portion of profits to a partnered organization of the customer’s choice. The presented prkyseroduct will be a posterboard providing details to the proposed business, ranging from the mission statement to a SWOT analysis and more.

BUS 240, Theology and Practice of Business as Mission

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Colby Knutzen

How St. Cyprian Has Shaped Our Views Today

We are going to explore the St. Cyprian’s views of death when the epidemic struck the Roman Empire. How he viewed what was happening then and why it was going on. Seeing how we can compare these views to our life in the present day.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Davis Kyser & Avery Lenssen

Haus & Garten product presentation

We worked side by side with the owners of Haus &Garten to help develop a new product line and advertisement for their company. We did extensive research into their business as well as their competitors to look into what works and what doesn’t. We were consistently in touch with one another asking questions and figuring out new advertising strategies.

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

1 – 2:30 PM

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Talon Larson & Wyatt Pepiot

Haus and Garten Rake

We are presenting our proposed product that we have designed over the course of our marketing class. The proposed product is a rake for the company Haus and Garten. It is very ergonomic and is a very durable rake.

MKTG 230, Intro to Marketing

Christy Silverthorne

Bucher Room

1 – 2:30 PM

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Sarah Lemke

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

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

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Montanah Love

Disasters Provide Perspective on Life

Background information about Gilgamesh and his flood story.

How Gilgamesh’s story relates to the story of Noah’s Ark.

How disaster resets one’s life and perspective.

How difficulties such as fires and COVID have affected my life.

Why people should focus on life now and not just the future.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Noah Mancione

Ephrem the Syrian

This presentation attempts to examine a lesser-known historical figure that was important in influencing early christianity. In my presentation, we will look at Ephrem the Syrian and his influence on hymnography and development of early christianity. Through studying primary sources, we should gain a better understanding of how his early hymns were developed and use Ephrem’s background to combat the myth that Christianity was a product of Western Europe.

HIST 331, History of Christianity I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Victoria Messer

Ethical Implications of Social Media Screening in Applicant Evaluation

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

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Kalani Miller

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

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

BTM 499, Honors: Senior Thesis

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

1:30 – 2:30 PM

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Sam Morehouse

The Effectiveness of a StoryBrand Framework

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

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

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

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

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

11:30 AM – Noon

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Wendie Moynihan

Supporting the Mental Health of Families Involved With Child Welfare

This paper explores poor mental health and substance use of parents, which can lead to maltreatment of children, resulting in child welfare involvement. The paper will present a brief history of child welfare involvement with families and highlight the connections between mental health, substance use, and maltreatment of children. A literature review will be provided to substantiate the factors that lead families into child welfare involvement such as services that are provided to the families, the efficacy of those services, the limitations or barriers that keep families in this population from becoming successful, and recommendations for CMHC on how best to support this population.

CMHC 699, Capstone

Abraham Cazares-Cervantes

Siefke 100

1 – 2 PM

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Emily Oakland

Reactive Attachment Disorder: Theoretical Perspectives and Treatment Implications

Attachment allows children the secure base necessary to explore, learn and relate, and the well-being, motivation, and opportunity to do so. Attachment is important for safety, stress regulation, adaptability, and resilience. The neurobiological consequences of trauma, abuse, and emotional neglect can leave children behaviorally disordered, depressed, apathetic, slow to learn, and prone to chronic illness. Compared to securely attached children, children with attachment disorder are significantly more likely to be aggressive, disruptive, and antisocial. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition where a child doesn’t form healthy emotional bonds with their caretakers (parental figures), often because of trauma, emotional neglect, or abuse at an early age. Children with RAD have trouble managing their emotions. Children with reactive attachment disorder are believed to have the capacity to form attachments, but this ability has been hindered by their early developmental experiences. There’s no standard treatment for reactive attachment disorder, but it should involve both the child and parents or primary caregivers.

CMHC 699, Capstone

Mindi Barta

Siefke 100

2 – 3 PM

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Mac Parrish

Mayan Creation Myth

At the beginning of time there was nothing under the sky other than the sea. Four gods come and raise lands and mountains out of the sea and start the process of creating life. They run into a few arrogant gods and multiple struggles that work against their goal. Not only does this myth relate to the Mayans of their time, but it also relates to us, showing that we really aren’t that different despite being more technologically advanced.

HIST 161, World History I

Stephen Andes

P103

1 – 4 PM

Annika Poet

A Functional Model of the Hip and Knee Joint

The ball and socket joint of the hip and the hinge joint of the knee are clear demonstrations of various physics concepts. I will be discussing mechanical advantage, the forces involved, and the movements involved in gait. There will be a moving model demonstration built to show the places muscles are attached and the direction they pull towards.

PHYS 201, Introduction to Mechanics

Jonathan Alfson

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

11:30 AM – Noon

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Benjamin Randol

The 2023 UAW Strikes: An Analysis of Auto Worker Grievances, Negotiations, and a Proposed Solution

With this project, I will analyze the UAW strikes against automobile companies in recent months. I will analyze the points at issue, the strike and picketing efforts, and the ongoing negotiations between employers and employees. I will also look at the Human Resource policies and management of automobile companies, and offer some potential, mutually beneficial solutions to the dispute.

BUS 315, Human Resource Management

Latrissa Neiworth

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

2:30 – 3 PM

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Benjamin Randol

Injury Policies of the NFL

With this project, I will be evaluating the Injury Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation policies of the National Football League. There are a great many factors involved with sports injuries, and I will focus my presentation on six topics specifically related to football injuries: field of play, concussion protocol, equipment, load management, return-to-play policies, and medical expense coverage. I will discuss the NFL’s policies regarding these six injury factors, and propose solutions that will improve these policies.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

3 – 3:30 PM

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Benjamin Randol

Why Bushnell?: An Analysis of Student Consumer Choice

I will present research conducted by myself and my classmates on the reasons why students decide to attend Bushnell University. Our research includes in-depth interviews with current students about the factors and reasons that motivated their university decision. The information from these interviews will provide insight into the consumer behaviors of Bushnell undergraduate students and what made them choose to attend Bushnell University as opposed to others. I will also analyze the primary factors that influenced these decisions and determine if there are any common themes among them.

MKTG 434, Consumer Behavior

Christy Silverthorne

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

3:30 – 4 PM

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Nate Rasmussen & Garrett Vohs

Examining MLB Player Value

The issue that we are looking at is how players are valued and the factors that go into the evaluations. Specifically in the sport of baseball. Mainly what we are looking at is how these crazy amounts of money are being determined for the value of the players. Also if the player is a bust and the teams still have to pay them how does that affect them.

BUS 325, Sports and Recreation Management

Pete Diffenderfer

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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