Tag: Capstone

Shaneesa Applegate

Benefits Physical Activity has in K-12 Public Schools 

Physical activity (PA) is defined as bodily movements caused by skeletal muscles that require energy use. PA improves children’s minds and bodies. Children in public schools, kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) have experienced a substantial reduction in PA during the school day. In some cases, children are given no PA whatsoever in order to accommodate the demands of the federal Every Child Succeeds Act. Teachers are forced to reduce physical activities such as recess, physical education classes, playtime, and outdoor activities every day. This presentation addresses the importance of consistent child participation in PA, and how PA may result in psychological and physiological benefits for children in K-12 public schools. The researchers explored in this synthesis-based presentation stress four critical themes regarding the inclusion of PA for K-12 students throughout the school day: the potential academic benefits of incorporating physical activity into teachers’ lesson plans, the physiological benefits children may derive from PA, the potential benefits of PA for children with special needs, and finally, ways in which parents and teachers may support children in increasing their PA participation. 

Keywords: Physical activity, psychological, physiological, K-12, Public School

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Isaiah Blake

Disability Awareness: A Unique Perspective

This presentation focuses on the difficulties of trying to cope with people who are disabled. The first portion of the speech deals with what it has been like living with a brother who has Down Syndrome. This is a clear example of someone who is permanently disabled. The terms ‘social’ and ‘medical’ definition of a disability will be drawn into perspective; and the term ‘temporarily abled’ will be defined. The second portion of the speech will focus on the ongoing difficulties of dealing with a dad who suffered from a severe stroke. A heavy emphasis will be placed on what it looks like for someone who was a temporarily abled individual to now becoming disabled. The final portion of the speech will be focused on my thoughts, and the audience’s mindset. This final segment will be a call to action, and a re-assessment of one’s thoughts. In order to make change for those who are disabled, we who are temporarily abled, must put ourselves in their shoes and understand the need for social, economic, and spiritual assistance. 

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Noah Cabalona

Narrative Criticism on Three K-Rino Songs About the Media

A rapper named K-Rino focused on how many people are mentally poisoned from listening to a lot of mainstream media, mainly radio songs. Three songs were used in this narrative criticism. The narrative analysis of these songs made it clear that they had a unified objective in them. This project is a criticism of each of these songs, as singles, as well as a group. Understanding each of the features of these songs was also a goal in this criticism. I assessed each of the features and compared them to each other to see if each of them had a unified topic. Each element had common strategies to help persuade his message to the listeners. After understanding these songs, I realized that K-Rino wanted to persuade his beliefs to his listeners by the art of storytelling. His beliefs consist of how humanity shouldn’t mindlessly believe what they hear just because it was taught to them. He used imaginative narrative to get a clear message to his viewers about how they need personal change in their lives.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

Noon – 12:30 PM

John Castro, John Kennedy & Nick Sullivan

Capsim Simulation Presentation

The business program capstone course ends with the Capsim Simulation in which students gained the necessary knowledge and experience to operate a chip manufacturing company. Our team will discuss the operations that were encountered. Below is the mission statement and business strategy used during the simulation.

Business Strategy:

A Broad Differentiator strategy maintains a presence in both segments. The company will gain a competitive advantage by distinguishing products with an excellent design, high awareness and easy accessibility. The company will develop an R&D competency that keeps designs fresh and exciting. Products keep pace with the market, offering improved size and performance. Prices will be above average. Capacity will be expanded as higher demand is generated.

Mission Statement:

Premium products for the industry: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.

Tactics:

Research & Development: We will keep our existing product line, and introduce at least one more line, maintaining a presence in both segments. Our goal is to offer customers products that match their ideal criteria for positioning, age, and reliability.

Marketing: 

Our company will spend aggressively in promotion and sales in both segments. We want every customer to know about our superb designs, 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, but never at the expense of our ability to reposition products and keep up with segments as they move across the perceptual map.

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, Capstone

Dave Quirk

PFB 103

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Aaron Chesnut

Parental Influence

There is youth found in the church all over the United States and the world ranging from middle school to high school students. Youth is a very interesting topic of discussion because you never know what is going on in the minds you can only imagine and let time tell. We were all middle school and high school student at one point, some still claimed to be, though a lot has changed and there are so many different influences they face. Whether that be, friends, teachers, or professional athletes, there is one influences that out ways all. That would be your parents, single, divorced, or together they play the biggest factor in a youth’s life. The main point you will come across is parents have the biggest influences on their youth’s approach to church. In this paper you will see how much a parent is involved in church will depend on how much their son or daughter will be involved. The Author has also observes from his own experience in church and as a youth pastor. He will be able to show you a firsthand experience of youth and their parents.

CM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

PFB 114

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Hans Coburn

Solving The Rubik’s Cube, Analyzing The Fridrich Method

The Rubik’s Cube was made famous in the 1980s when they were distributed to stores nearly world wide. In 1982 the first speed cubing competition took place. Ever since, there have been different solving methods and strategies to decrease the number of moves needed to solve and lower the amount of time needed to solve it. One of the original competitors in that first completion, Jessica Fridrich, invented her own method for solving the cube. Over the years her original method has been added to by other speed cubers. That method, which is used to some degree by most every speed cuber today, is known as the Fridrich Method.

In this capstone, I will be setting out to analyze some of the very basic algebra behind the Rubik’s Cube. This will allow a better understanding of how to finish the last layer of the cube using the Fridrich Method. This final step in the method is the permutation of the last layer (also referred to as PLL). These PLL algorithms that will result are not the only algorithms needed to solve the cube using the Fridrich method; however, the same type of group theory is behind the construction of all algorithms for the cube. I will also include an intuitive guide to solving the cube that anyone can use to solve without the use of the internet to look up algorithms.

MATH 499, Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

PFB 103

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Chloe Sloane Davis

Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad demands that teachers have or acquire a global perspective when engaging various world cultures. While knowing the English language is a very valuable asset due to the level of cultural exchange found in importing, exporting, travel, and tourism, the capacity to teach English to non-English speakers requires an enhanced skill set. As a career, teaching English pays well and is highly respected in many countries where there is a strong demand for people who have such teaching skills. There are many ways to acquire the skills to teach English in foreign settings. These range from a full-fledged university education to specialized certification programs. Beyond the skills of teaching English abroad is the needed capacity to be culturally respectful and sensitive toward those who are one’s students in such settings. Matters of cultural difference include religion, politics, gender and social classifications, dietary restrictions, and attire. While leisure travel to other countries is relatively easy, often there are significant difficulties in acquiring work visas to teach English in non-English speaking nations. This research investigates many of the necessary steps to be taken if one aspires to a rewarding and fulfilling career of teaching English as a second language in foreign contexts.

IDS 499, Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

Banquet Room

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Curtis Fields

Creation, Annihilation, and Restoration

This study examines the fall of humanity; how it happened, and what exactly necessitates restoration. The question, “who caused death” is vital to our understanding of the work that Christ did while incarnate, and will be scrutinized. Four views of atonement are explored, Christus Victor/recapitulation, ransom, satisfaction, and penal substitution. A word study derived from texts in Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; and 1 John 2:2, 4:10, will be surveyed. The word propitiation and expiation are examined according to the original Greek text: the word hilasterion along with similar root words. The Hebrew equivalent to hilasterion is kapporet, therefore, it too will be examined along with root words. God’s anger, wrath, and fury will be explored due to the appeasement mentality of the concept of propitiation. Restoration is brought about by healing through a change in nature which is manifested through forgiveness which transforms the sinner into a new person. Juridical sentencing punishing humanity meted out by God will be challenged. 

BTH 499, Capstone

Dennis Lindsay

10:30 – 11:00 AM

PFB 114

Travis Frederickson

To Be Transformed

I will be doing a capstone that is basically a biblical parable to my personal testimony. First I will talk about Abram’s conversion to Abraham. Just as Abram was called, I was called. Just as God promised Abraham, He also promised me. Abram and Hagar tried to do it their way, just I have tried to take my own path my way. Just as Abraham was tested, I have been tested time and time again. Second I will tie it into Saul being converted to Paul. Just as Saul was blind, I was very blind in my way of thinking. Just as Ananias was sent to open Saul’s eyes, God sent His Son to open my eyes. Paul was doubted by many when he began to preach because of who he used to be. I have had many doubt me in this new walk because of my old ways were so corrupt. Paul joins the disciples, just as I have joined brothers and sisters in Christ in making disciples who make disciples. I used to go by the name Tray Dogg, which means tough guy or fighter, but I have been converted in The Book of Tray or just Tray for short. The Book of Tray because everything I do now is being written in the Book of Life.

IDS 499, Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

L203

10:00 – 10:30 AM

Patrick Fritter

A short historical fiction novel by Patrick Fritter

I will be talking about the elements that went into creating my historical fiction novel about a family surviving the struggles of WWI and now WWII. I will also be talking about how and what went into the research of this novel, and lastly the reason behind choosing this as my capstone project.

ENG 499, Capstone

Lanta Davis

L204

11:30 AM – Noon

Kristin Fulbright

A Serious Indiscernible Athletic Injury: Sports Related Concussions

Sports related concussions are a serious issue for athletes. Between 1.6 and 3.8 million athletes in the United States suffer a sports related concussion every year. Measuring concussions can be tricky because a concussion is not something that is seen with the naked eye; fortunately, however, there are various tests that can diagnose concussions. Concussions result in a variety of symptoms, both short term and long term, and can impact an athlete’s life permanently if not treated properly. The first and most important step post-concussion is recovery, which begins with rest and plenty of sleep, allowing the brain to relax and recover. Research on sports related concussions has increased significantly within the last few decades; however, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to understand concussions, its treatments, and return to play.

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

PFB 103

Noon – 12:30 PM

Andrea Gloss

Impacts of Feral Cats and Dogs in Communities

Feral cats and dogs across the United States can have negative impacts in communities because of overpopulation and the spread of diseases among them as well as other animals in the wild. Issues like pet abandonment, costs of treatments, and funding for shelters and trap and release programs are all factors that can affect feral cats’ and dogs’ impact in communities. Although the total population of feral cats and dogs can be a difficult issue to solve, there are some ways that communities attempt to alleviate the negative impacts. Ways that communities and veterinary professionals have gotten involved in the issue of feral cat and dog populations are implementing capture and spay/neuter and release programs, along with giving other medical attention like vaccinations while they are captured. They also have advocated for the capture and adoption of feral cats and dogs. Although there are negative impacts in communities from feral cats and dogs, there are solutions available to help alleviate these issues. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Jessica Harwood

Perceived Relationship Maintenance and Satisfaction in Romantic Partnerships

The aim of this research project was to better understand the correlation of relational maintenance and satisfaction. There have been many studies to gain a better perspective of how relationship satisfaction is reached through varying styles of relational maintenance behavior. I found ten couples on campus and gave them a questionnaire that measured the perceived relational maintenance done by a partner and another that analyzed the participant’s relational satisfaction. I then averaged the perceived maintenance results that correlated with their relational satisfaction and compared their partner’s scores. I suspected that the perceived high maintenance scores would result in higher satisfaction within the relationship. In addition, men and women would excel in different forms of relational maintenance, for example, women use assurance techniques, while men are prone to task oriented styles.

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Candis Hatfield

Exercise Effects on Stress

Stress has been known to have many negative effects on one’s health. When faced with stress, many people turn to behaviors that can actually be more detrimental, rather than beneficial to their mental and physical wellbeing. There are positive ways to manage stress. One behavior that has been shown to have a positive impact on stress is exercise. Research has shown that even small amounts of exercise can have a positive effect on mental and physical health. The positive impact that exercise has, promotes better coping mechanisms, and healthier behaviors. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

PFB 103

12:30 – 1:00 PM

Ian Hawksford, Peter Lentz, Janelle Richards & Remi White

Team Baldwin

Premium products for mainstream customers: Our brands withstand the test of time. Our primary stakeholders are customers, stockholders, management and employees.

BUS 499, Capstone

Dave Quirk

PFB 103

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Emily Helt

International Child Sponsorship as a Form of Holistic Ministry

Children in developing nations all over the world are currently living in situations of desperate poverty. Not only is poverty still a major issue, but poverty affects children more than it does adults. The majority of all children in the world live in developing nations, and living in such poverty during their foundational years causes these children to begin life at a disadvantage due to very tangible struggles. Without the resources that many in the developed world take for granted daily, children in poverty face challenges such as hunger, illness, and lack of education. Unless they receive outside support, many of these children find themselves struggling to just survive. Christians have a responsibility to care for the world’s poor, as is made clear throughout the Bible. International child sponsorship programs are an effective form of holistic ministry that have a positive long-term effect on the lives of children living in poverty in developing nations. Child sponsorship is holistic because it cares for every part of a person in poverty—spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. By not simply giving hand-outs, child sponsorship programs provide sustainable, long-term solutions to the problem of poverty by empowering people to break the cycle and improve their own lives, as well as their communities.

CMM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

PFB 114

11:30 AM – Noon

Jessica Hirte

Traumatic Experiences May Negatively Impact Military Members’ Personal Moral Values 

This synthesis-based presentation examines the role of moral injury in American service men and women. Moral injury has increasingly become a focus of discussion and research. This document specifically aims to assess the role of traumatic military experiences and the impact on morality. In the seminal work of Litz, et al. (2009) moral injury is defined as an act of transgression that shatters moral and ethical expectations rooted in spiritual, cultural-based, organizational, and group based rules about fairness and the value of life. The most commonly identified transgressions include betrayals, incidents involving injury or harm to civilians, within-rank violence, inability to prevent death or suffering, and ethical dilemmas or moral conflicts. Researchers have empirically demonstrated the potential damage that moral injuries have on American soldiers. The transgressions illustrated by Drescher, et al. (2011) showed behaviors such as destructive anger, alienation, social withdrawal, depression, and suicidal ideation. Finally, moral injury can negatively impact functioning and quality of life for both affected soldier or veteran and their family members. Future direction for theory and intervention research, highlighting the importance of repairing moral injury, are proposed.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Erica Johnston

Intimate Partner Violence

The purpose of this project is to show how the church has recently responded to intimate partner violence. This will include information about support programs currently offered by local churches and what is being done to prevent re-victimization. There will also be explanations of programs that are based on scripture that would best support this group of individuals within the church.

CM 499, Capstone

Terry O’Casey

PFB 114

Noon – 12:30 PM

Emily Kaelin

Effects of Four Botanical Products on Pathogenic and Probiotic Bacteria

Current research suggests that natural antimicrobial agents have the potential to help mitigate problems associated with traditional antibiotics, such as antibiotic resistance and damage to beneficial bacteria. The purpose of this project was to investigate the effects of selected plant products on pathogenic and probiotic bacteria. Oregano essential oil, oregano extract, cayenne extract, and hops extract were tested against several strains of bacteria, using disk diffusion and incorporation into incubating yogurt. The results were compared to results obtained from standard antibiotics. Oregano extract appeared to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, while not inhibiting probiotic bacteria. Hops extract also appeared to affect the growth of pathogenic bacteria, but not probiotic bacteria. Oregano oil appeared to affect both types of bacteria, while cayenne extract did not inhibit any of the bacteria. Further research is needed to confirm the results, but the data obtained from the tests of oregano extract and hops extract appear to be promising.

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Hayley Leno

Cryptography: From Expanding an Empire to Winning World War II

This research looks at how mathematics, through cryptography, has affected our world history. From expanding an empire to possibly winning World War II, codes and ciphers have played an important role in world history. In general, the basics and key terms of cryptography are explained here, as well as example ciphers. One cipher explored here is the Caesar cipher. The creation, use and weaknesses of this easily broken, simple cipher are discussed. The Enigma, a far more complex code, is also discussed. This research looks at the creation and use of the Enigma and how, through mathematicians’ work, cracking the Enigma may have affected the outcome of World War II.

MATH 499, Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

PFB 103

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Brandon Lotts

Anthophila: Beeyond the Sting

Anthophila, more commonly known as bees, are a species that are encountered nearly every day, yet, are taken for granted. While they are often over looked or feared due to the reputation of their deadly cousin, the African Honey Bee, bees are relatively unprotected when compared to other nearly endangered species. Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem by directly pollinating one-third of the food consumed today. Habitat loss, rising temperatures, disease, and the overuse of pesticides world–wide have led to a decline in bee populations as well as other imperative pollinators. These human inflicted changes pose an insurmountable task bees currently face on their own. As a keystone species, bees play an indispensable role in both the world’s environments and economies. Preventative and restoration measures such as habitat rehabilitation, addressing global climate change, and restricting the overuse and abuse of pesticides are all viable ways in which the population decline can be slowed and eventually ceased. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Paul Allee

L204

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Kaitlyn Moore

Perceived Stress in Athletes, Exercisers, and Non-Exercisers

Stress, a state of mental or emotional strain or tension, affects the well-being of individuals, especially college students. Exercise, which has a positive impact on physical health, has been shown to also help relieve stress. While exercise can be used to relieve stress, exercise may be a source of stress in student-athletes. Student-athletes experience stress even though they participate in physical activity daily. In the present study, it was hypothesized that recreational athletes, as well as exercisers, would report less stress than competitive athletes and non-exercisers. For this study, traditional undergraduate students at Northwest Christian University were recruited. To measure stress levels, students filled out a combination of a Perceived Stress Survey and College Student-Athletes’ Life Stress Scale. Results will be discussed.

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

PFB 103

11:30 AM – Noon

Karen D. Reynolds

Capstone Presentation

Optimism plays a significant role in a person’s overall health and well-being. This presentation will review four major themes focusing on the value of having an optimistic outlook on life. The themes include the power of optimism to heal, the incorporation of optimism into one’s life, the development of a healthy life balance, and the genetic factors that play a role in one’s happiness baseline. Researchers identified important findings regarding optimism. For example, scientists reported that optimism may improve performance, increase longevity and ward off adverse effects of stress. Further, optimism may assist in constructive future planning as well as augmenting improvement of activities of daily living. Moreover, scientists found that when prompted to think optimistically about stressors, participants with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder may have experienced the mitigation of negative symptoms. Conversely, researchers reported that having an extreme preference for optimism may be linked to Bipolar Disorder, and they observed that excessively optimistic people often engage in overly risky behaviors. 

Keywords: Optimism, well-being, happiness, positive thinking, health, stress, cortisol.

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

12:30 – 1:00 PM

Hannah Roddy

Self-Disclosure and Co-Rumination at NCU Night Chapel

This senior capstone project evaluates the effectiveness and impact of an event regarding self-disclosure and co-rumination. The event was held on Northwest Christian University campus as a Night Chapel event. Students were encouraged and given the opportunity to verbally share their struggles and experiences as others listened. Attendees were counted, self-disclosure participants were counted, and each participant was anonymously rated with regards to how personal or deep his or her response was, in order to measure the effectiveness of this event. 

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Candace Rodgers

A Rhetorical Criticism of Mother”Hood”

The rhetorical method of fantasy-theme criticism is designed to offer insights into the shared worldview of groups. I use this method to analyze the Simlac video Mother “Hood.” The video is a satirical look at the groups with which parents self-identify. These groups are formed around parenting methods. There is a tension created between the individual’s convergence with these groups and divergence from the overarching worldview of motherhood. Simlac uses the symbolic convergence of the reality that “we are parents first” as a marketing strategy to sell baby formula. 

COMM 441, Rhetorical Criticism

Doyle Srader

Banquet Room

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Candace Rodgers

Language, Feelings, and Hidden Biases 

This Capstone project is modeled after the method of Anna Deavere Smith. Through conducting interviews with students, faculty, and staff at NCU I sought out people who had stories within a similar theme. I will perform portions from each interview, weaving together the different perspectives on the power of language and our hidden biases. 

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

11:30 AM – Noon

Danielle Schneider

Humans’ Effect on Waterbody Quality and the Impact on Fish Health

Since the dawn of time, humans have used rivers and lakes as a natural resource; utilizing the abundant life found there as a source of food. For the last two hundred years, however, the health of these waterbodies has dropped dramatically. As we have put in dams and changed the flow of the rivers, we have also inadvertently blocked fish off from their natural habitats and spawning grounds. The number of fish, as a result, has decreased dramatically with some species classified as endangered. Numerous restoration projects have focused on returning our lakes and streams to their former glory. Some projects have had resounding success; for example the Oregon Chub is the first fish to be delisted from the endangered species list. This presentation will be a look at rivers and how their healthy vs unhealthy environment affects fish, as well as restoration attempts and the possible benefits. 

BIOL 499, Capstone

Allee

L204

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Darcy Snyder

Multiple Trauma Exposure: How First Responders Survive

When an emergency medical event, fire, or police intervention occurs, first responders may experience trauma. They are the first trained professionals to respond to emergencies and may turn chaotic and potentially life threatening situations into ones that are structured and life saving. The ability to do this, however, comes at a steep price for firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel. This presentation explores research focused on the ways in which firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel may cope with repeated trauma through both internal and external mechanisms. These mechanisms include length of professional service, which may predict individuals’ levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; neurobiological and biological markers, which may also predict Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and resiliency, which may be key to long term survival in first responder professions. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Barry Sommer

The Eschatology of the Rifleman

Despite the fact that Newton Minow, chairman of the FCC in 1961 called the newly exploited medium of television “a vast wasteland,” as we know today that wasteland has turned into something completely different than what Newton saw back then. However, growing up in the 1950s meant being able to choose from a plethora of TV programming that not only reflected the current social conditions, they also spoke deeply of the morals, ethics, religiosity and the humanity of man. Okay, they can be seen by some, through the lense of 21st century mores as nothing more than simplistic and shallow tales of struggle, pain and victory, yet there lies within much to ponder and much to learn of how man’s perspective on life doesn’t really change, and what those lessons really mean. The Rifleman, aired between 1958 and 1963 and starring Chuck Conners and Johnny Crawford, embodies the historic philosophical and religious bedrock of what Western, but more importantly American values and morals many people held dear. The Western in TV lore was meant to impart important lessons on life, glamorized for sure to attract the widest viewing audience yet in the end, the Western gave us the simple and timely tale of struggle, redemption, sacrifice and hope that humans have always wrestled with, yet in a form easily identifiable and digestible. The Rifleman, in my opinion has all the elements that make it not just a true TV classic, but also a philosophical and spiritual exodus that reinforces what makes man a noble animal. 

What about The Rifleman strikes a deep chord with our inner honor? Why was the relationship between Lucas and his son Mark so deep and loving, and how did Lucas overcome his obstacles as a single father? What philosophical and theological underpinnings are at work here, both with Lucas and Mark but also between Lucas, Mark and the folks of North Fork? I will attempt to answer these questions and give a deeper perspective on the lessons presented, whether they encompass understanding and acceptance, or a blast from the Rifleman’s Winchester. 

IDS 499, Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

L203

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Nick Sullivan

Relational Maintenance: The Difference between College Freshmen and Seniors

This study was conducted in order to compare the relational maintenance techniques used by college freshmen opposed to college seniors. Specifically, how freshmen and seniors talk to long distance friends that were developed before college. Nine students completed a five day survey that required them to keep a log of what friends they talked to. Results indicated that Freshmen are in more frequent contact with long distant friends and family from back home, than college seniors. The findings provide support for higher relational maintenance among college freshmen. 

COMM 499, Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Emily Svendsen-McLean

Prevelance of Eating Disorders

Feeding and Eating disorders (FED) are aptly defined as chronic diseases. The two most studied and well known forms of eating disorders are Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa (Kontic et al., 2012). High mortality and morbidity rates, as well as the spread of the disorders into new areas that previously had not dealt with the condition, make for increased research efforts (Kontic et al., 2012). The characteristics of eating disorders include intentionally restricting food to an extreme degree, overeating, self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise habits, and misusing laxatives and diuretics in an effort to maintain or reduce body weight (Kontic et al., 2012). Two key factors that may increase the propensity for developing feeding and eating disorders are gender and involvement with athletics. The purpose of this paper is to define FED, determine the correlation of gender and FED, and to what extent athletics play in the development of FED. 

This capstone will concentrate on the different types of feeding and eating disorders. Seeking to find if and what makes an individual more “prone” to suffering from these disorders such as sex, athletics, personality type. It will also try to explain what these particular individuals seek when experiencing these types of disorders. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Nani Skaggs

PFB 103

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Jaime Terwiliger

Sex Trafficking and it’s Pathways 

Sex trafficking occurs all over the world including in the United States where people would least expect it. This paper focuses on different pathways that may lead young women into being involved with sex trafficking. Some different ways girls can be set up into sex trafficking may be by a family member, boyfriend, gangs, from seeing advertisements, by being kidnapped, or just for survival. People experiencing this could be raped, beaten, abused physically or mentally, and put through hard intense labor. This paper also focuses not just on the victims, but the perpetrator as well. It mentions the different ways pimps lure young girls in, where the most common places pimps traffic girls, and focuses on who exactly the pimps are and why they are trafficking girls. This paper will also describe my personal experience and what I directly witnessed on a mission’s trip to Cambodia in 2015. Further, my internship in Eugene Oregon brought me into direct contact with young women who had been trafficked recently. This paper concludes with what people can do to help to bring awareness to others about the subject, as well as protect young girls, and fight against the perpetrator.

IDS 499, Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

L204

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Jacob Wathen

Same-Sex Parents: Think of the Children

Same-sex relationships have become more commonplace in today’s society. In 2012, 110,000 US same-sex couples reported that they were raising children. That number has since grown exponentially and researchers have attempted to understand the implications of same-sex parenting for children. One aspect of same-sex parenting that may indirectly damage children is the stigma associated with same gender parents. Although the effects of this discrimination are prevalent in the children of same-sex couples, researchers have indicated that the overall wellbeing of these children may be more robust than that of children of mixed-gender parents. Another common concern with same-sex parenting is that children are inherently in danger due to the parents’ sexual orientation. Researchers have determined, however, that laws prohibiting same-sex parenting may be more damaging to children than same-sex parental relationships themselves. Further, researchers have found that the home environment of children with same-sex parents may be similar to or stronger than that of heterosexual parents. This may be due to researchers’ finding that same-sex parents may spend a more balanced amount of time with their children compared to heterosexual couples, which may contribute to healthy social development in children and foster parental satisfaction. Finally, researchers determined that when children of homosexual individuals perceived stronger bonding with their parents, they may reflect positively on their experiences. Presently, researchers in the field of same-sex parenting have found that children of same-gender couples face no more risks than those prevalent among children of heterosexual parents. 

PSY 499, Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 114

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Madison Womack

Psalm 139:13-16: A Theology of God as Creative Weaver, Artistic Sculpture, or Protective Guardian

At first, Psalm 139:13-16 reads as a nice devotional text, and that is good. Reading the Bible is always enriching, but one should not be satisfied only with devotional reading of Scripture. More can be understood by digging deeper into the text. The goal of this paper is to understand Psalm 139, particularly verses 13-16, by understanding how they fit into the context of the chapter as well as the ways in which the original Hebrew and later Greek, Latin, and English translations communicated the ideas. Also, reviewing how theologians have viewed the ideas over time, including how the ideas are used in the New Testament, will add to this understanding. The purpose of this understanding is to grow closer to God through the study of His Word and, in doing so, become a better teacher of His Word.

BTH 499, Capstone

Dennis Lindsay

PFB 114

10:00 – 10:30 AM

Isaiah Blake

Orality in Hungary

This presentation will focus on Biblical orality. The first segment of the project will focus on what orality mean; what it entails; and what it looks like throughout different parts of the world. Examples will include orality in Costa Rica, Nigeria and Cambodia. The remaining portion of the project is devoted entirely to orality in Hungary. The historical and cultural background of Hungary will be covered first. Next, the principles of orality will be applied in a hypothetical approach in presenting the Gospel to the Hungarian people. These principles will be compared and contrasted with the other countries mentioned. The goal is to create a possible method of sharing the Gospel of Christ to the Hungarian people using orality. 

CM 499 Capstone

Terry O’Casey

P114

10:30 AM

Tysen Buhler

Algae Biodiesel: Alternative Fuel in an Era of Crisis

The world is in an energy crisis. Fossil fuels are quickly running out even with the invention of new drilling techniques. A time is coming when there will be a dire need for an alternative energy source. Algae may be the source on the horizon humanity has been looking for. Using oil extracted from Algae, biofuel is being made that could replace fossil fuels permanently. Algae biofuel lacks the drawbacks other biofuels have such as required land and water use. Production of algae biofuel also is cost competitive and helps to mitigate atmospheric CO2.With new genetic engineering strategies available new metabolic pathways are being created that will increase lipid production and along with developing technology for harvesting, drying, and extracting, these new advances have really given algae a leg up. There are a few setbacks in industrial production, which are being discussed, but right now the new technology is looking very promising. This paper focuses on the need for the new technology and the technology itself, discussing the pros and cons of this possible new industry. 

BIOL 499 Capstone

Paul Allee

P114

1 PM

Raquel Inman

God Lets Me Spin: Accepting and Integrating Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

As the rates of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder increase, it is imperative that the leadership of churches learn how to best accept and integrate children with this disorder. This paper is designed to give an introduction to accomplishing these goals. It includes an overview of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, the author’s personal connection to the topic, and motivation for change based on Jesus’ and the early church’s ministries. Furthermore, examples of how some churches are currently treating children diagnosed with this disorder are presented. Finally, challenges specific to attending a Sunday morning service are addressed and solutions are given. By gaining a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and possible difficulties present on a Sunday morning, church leadership teams will be better prepared to successfully accept and integrate children with this disorder. 

CM 499 Capstone

Terry O’Casey and Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

P114

11 AM

Isaac O’Casey

Introducing an Oral-learner Based Ministry for the American College Pastor

This project outlines the theological, sociohistorical, and physiological bases for introducing an oral-learner based ministry into the current American college church group paradigm. It is shown in the project that this introduction is essential to the continued health of American college ministries because there is a large constituent of college church group attenders who learn, communicate, and are entertained best through oral methods. After introducing these bases, the author proceeds to examine several considerations when implementing oral-learning techniques into existing college groups. Lastly, the author describes community, reproducibility of a message, learning, discipleship, and preaching all from an oral-learning perspective.

CM 499 Capstone

Dennis Lindsay

P114

10 AM

Kayla Ping

Service learning project- Coach Athlete Satisfaction

The following document follows a service learning project including the Northwest Christian University volleyball team. The team took part in a service learning project with the team’s three coaches. The three coaches will be referred to as coach A, B, and C. The service learning project included tracking communication and more specifically implementing immediacy behaviors by the coaches to try and promote team cohesion and success. The service learning project tracked the team’s response and satisfaction through the 4 month season regarding coach’s communication strategies and tendencies. The study shows the effect on the athletes when the coaches started using immediacy tools. Implementing simple behaviors such as eye contact, body positioning, listening behaviors and positive statements have been shown to increase satisfaction between individuals. The project aimed to identify if specific behaviors would get specific results from the athletes. The paper includes and introduction, prior research, description of the project, findings, and a discussion with a conclusion. 

COMM 499 Capstone

Doyle Srader

P003

1:30 PM

Chris Zirkle

The Revealing of the Infinite

The Revealing of the Infinite, is a brief look at the history, the mystery, and the revealing truths about the concept of infinity, as well as its practical uses. Since the start of mathematics, there has been much debate over the idea of infinity. Initially being too hard to grasp, for centuries it was deemed as being that of an illusion. Something that appeared to be there, but, in reality, was not. As history moved forward, and infinity’s presents remand prevalent in the world of mathematics, vital uses for it began to be discovered and applied, thus, changing the world forever. But, although paramount in applied mathematics, much mystery about its nature still remand unrevealed up until the late 1880’s, where more concepts about it essence were finally discovered. The ideas floating around about infinity during the late 1800’s, were essential in revealing small snap shot of what infinity is like, but it still remains, to this day, not a fully resolved mystery, and yet seems to hold the secrets of the universe inside of it.

MATH 499 Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

P114

11:30 AM

Tim Bergquist

The Role of Mission Landing in the White Settlement of the Willamette Valley of Oregon 

Mission Landing, also known as St. Paul Landing, is located on the Willamette River about one mile west of the town of St. Paul in Marion County in the state of Oregon. This paper provides background on the landing and traces its role in the white settlement of the Willamette Valley. The religious, economic, social, cultural, and political impacts will be investigated along with family ties to the area. The Landing has been in the author’s family since 1870. 

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Steven Goetz

L203

9 – 9:30 AM