Erik Carrazco

Believing you can win, even before you play: A Generic Description of Pre-Game Pep-Talks given by a former athlete

The moments before any athletic match, a coach has one final opportunity to motivate his/her team to victory. A coach or an assigned speaker may use this last chance and deliver a pre-game pep-talk to make a possible underdog feel like they have the upper hand. This presentation will look to describe what exactly a pre-game pep-talk needs in order to be effective. Also the presentation will focus on pep-talks given by former athletes.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Omar Castellanos

Tech Director of Christmas Concert

I will be demonstrating the role of a Technical Director in the NCU’s Christmas Concert. Talking about the planning and procedures a tech director has to do for a major concert. I will also show the steps of setup and how to run the soundboard off an iPad.

MUS 499, Senior Capstone

Karen DeYoung

Alyssa Dorr

Meniscus Injury, Repair & Rehabilitation

The results of a literature review that addresses the anatomy and etiology of meniscus injury is presented. The variability between different repair and rehabilitation methods of a torn meniscus are addressed. Different outcomes from meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy, and physical therapy were evaluated in attempt to find the best results in terms of recovery time and longterm knee function. The literature researched concluded that meniscus repair with accelerated rehabilitation provided the best overall results; this treatment was found to allow for positive long-term functionality in a recovery timespan based on the individual. Protective mechanisms after meniscal repair evidenced little benefit compared to duration of immobility.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Kyle Freske

Vengeance is Mine: A Full-Length Historical Screenplay

The Border War between Kansas and Missouri is one of the darkest (and least reported) chapters in American history, with the Federal Government willfully oppressing its own people. Exploring this history in dramatic form, “Vengeance is Mine” is a full-length screenplay that remains faithful to the history and theology of 1860’s Missouri.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

Wendie Green

Fear and Memory in the Context of Trauma

Our brains and bodies are designed to remember the things that happen to us, yet some traumatic memories are buried in our subconscious and beg to be released. Combat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significantly linked through unique combinations of fear conditioning and memory encoding. Forgetting the trauma, intrusive thoughts, and rumination often disrupt the lives of those diagnosed with PTSD. The common denominator in these phenomena appears to be the initial fear experienced during the moment of trauma. Understanding this link between fear and memory can give insight into helping PTSD patients experience more complete recovery from trauma.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Linsey Johnson

Comparing Religious Strengths of Athletes and Non-Athletes at a Christian University

College students face many daily stressors, and student-athletes add more pressure and stress on themselves through sports. In past studies collegiate athletes reported higher degrees of religiosity and religious faith compared to non-athletes at public universities (Storch, Roberti, Bravata, & Storch, 2004). The present study looks at the religious strengths, the level of religiosity, the perceived stress, and the coping process of athletes and non-athletes at a private Christian university.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Emily Kaelin

Bone Fractures in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Bone fractures are a significant health problem for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Not only are DMD patients at risk for bone fractures, but fractures can be more detrimental to quality of life in DMD patients than in healthy individuals. The purpose of this review was to examine the relationship between DMD and fracture risks and mechanisms. Eight studies were reviewed, each focusing on physiological and biomechanical factors that predispose individuals with DMD for bone fractures. The studies concluded that muscle weakness and reduced bone mineral density are major contributing factors toward bone fractures in individuals with DMD.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Taylor Kraal

Achilles Tendon Injury

The purpose of this review was to look at the biomechanics and pathology related to Achilles tendonitis and to explore the treatment options necessary for recovery. Eight studies were examined to examine the causes of injury and proper treatment of the Achilles tendon. After carefully reviewing each of the experimental parameters, it was concluded that pool rehabilitation, insoles, physiotherapy, and eccentric calf exercises were effective forms of treatment. Although all were proven effective, it appeared that eccentric exercises showed a greater reduction in pain while increasing strength over other forms of treatment.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Danae Laufer

Effects of Backpack Carriage in Children and Adolescents

Back pain in adolescents is a growing concern for medical professionals and parents. During this period of accelerated growth and development of skeletal and soft tissue, additional loading of the spine puts children at risk for injury or deformities. Many studies have been reviewed which focus on a combination of weight, position, and distribution of the load, time spent carrying, and physical characteristics of the carrier. All studies examined found that backpack weight physically impacted children. However, even though there are negative effects of backpack carriage in adolescents, it has not yet been linked to serious injury or spinal deformities.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Taylor Lind

Why the West has Won

My presentation is on the debate of why the west has been able to show dominance over the rest of the world since its true formation. I will specifically look at the two top arguments which are cultural based reasons, or geographical determination. While both seem to play a role, there is an argument for how much impact each has had.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Steve Goetz

Sharaya Moretti

Exploring Religiosity and Spirituality of Men and Women

A major portion of research suggests that women tend to be more religious than men. Biological, cognitive, cultural, behavioral, and environmental influences may support the increased religiosity in women as compared to men. Women are most often more social than men; they value praying and reading religious texts in groups in contrast to men. Innate preferences for social activities may lead women to naturally be more religious considering religiousness is often measured by the amount of social activities centered on faith. It is important to consider these gender differences because religiousness relates to better health and well-being.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

Madeleine Nelson

ACL Injuries in Women

Women are 4-6 times more likely to suffer form an ACL injury than their male counterparts. An in-depth literature review of peer reviewed articles from several journals such as The American Journal of Spots Medicine, was conducted to examine possible reasons that may account for this gender predisposition. Factors such as muscle recruitment patterns, decreased muscle strength, and increased quadriceps-to-hamstring ratios were considered and examined. Risk factors such as fatigue causing alteration in lower extremity landing and cutting in women particularly were evaluated in an effort to identify some of the etiological models that may explain the greater prevalence of ACL injuries in women as compared to men.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Cathryn Olsoon

Presentation

This is a selective study which investigates the lives of four different women in four different time periods. It will include the roles they played as head of household and their roles in society. These women have assumed a position of power because of circumstances. God meant for them to be partners with equality to men. The fall changed everything. However, through the centuries God has brought up women to step up and do something to protect their men and their families and even their countries.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

Madison Seevers

Prevention of Recurrent Ankle Sprains

10. Ankle sprains are the most common injury among athletes. Once a sprain occurs, athletes are more likely to suffer recurrent sprains. An literature review on ankle sprains was conducted and consisted primarily of peer reviewed journals submitted to the Journal of Athletic Training, the International Sports Medicine Journal, and The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Different treatment approaches and preventative measures were analyzed. Most of the studies reviewed concluded that proprioceptive training was the most effective method in the prevention of recurrent sprains. These different prevention approaches and their outcomes will be analyzes and recommendations will be presented.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Amanda Sunthonlap

Concussions and Premature Return to Play

The purpose of this review is to look at the understanding of return to play guidelines, consequences of premature return to play, and what we can do to support proper recovery in concussed athletes. Each study sought out to examine concussions and the way people understand and treat them. These studies showed that premature return to play could lead to many complications later on in life and helped us find what we can do to better promote player’s health and safety.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Katie Walker

Rotator Cuff Injuries in Overhead-Throwing Athletes

Shoulder injuries in overhead-throwing sports like baseball and softball are the single most common injury sustained. Over 30% of athletes will develop a shoulder injury in their careers. This review draws information from a number of studies retrieved from peer reviewed journals and evaluates the best treatment options for returning an athlete back to the field. It also looks at the best ways to prevent further injuries after repair. Surgery was found to be the best option in repair, but ultimately it is more effective to begin preventing injury by building up the proper strength needed in the rotator cuff.

EXSC 407, Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

Stephanie Casey, Sharie Krouse & Veronica Schneider

Taxation of College Students

This presentation focuses on the tax credits, deductions, & other various items that apply specifically to college students when filling out their tax forms. The presentation includes explanations of the tax form 1098-T & how scholarships may affect a college students taxes, 

especially if the scholarship covers more than the tuition at your current school. We will also discuss the GI bill & dependency status for those who may still be claimed as dependent on their parent/guardian’s return. 

ACTG 499, Senior Capstone

Frank Paliotta

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Lars Coburn & Jason Wendland

Internal Controls in Churches

Internal controls are necessary for any organization to function in a manner beyond reproach. Public companies are required to have 

internal controls in place as a part of the auditing process to attest to the fact that their finances are stated accurately & fairly—meaning there is reasonable assurance there are no errors or fraud. This paper will show explain why churches need to have these same types of internal controls in place, even though they don’t fall under the jurisdiction of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act or the Securities Exchange Commission. 

ACTG 499, Senior Capstone

Frank Paliotta

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM

Amy Drummer

Specific Learning Disorder Affecting Literacy: The Biological & Environmental Factors, Assessment, & Intervention 

Reading is a skill that is important in academic achievement, socioeconomic status, & overall mental health. Reading combines both biological & environmental factors. Curriculum based classroom assessments measure fluency, accuracy, & comprehension. Brain scans indicate poor readers activate alternate paths in phonological processing, after intensive intervention the same students scans show paths comparable to average readers. Early intervention reduces the gap between average & poor readers. Effects of impaired reading follow children through adulthood as individuals create thought patterns & coping strategies to compensate for their impairment. Individualized interventions incorporating socioemotional skills are most effective.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Rebecca Espinoza

Joy Will Come in the Morning: a Study of Death

An adolescent goes through puberty, school, relationships, & all the changes in between. A death can be a traumatic experience for a growing adolescent. An adolescent’s development is affected both physically & emotionally when experiencing a loss. Stories of loss through death are weaved throughout the pages of the Bible. It gives accounts of people losing loved ones & how they grieved their loss. The process of grief & coping is handled differently with adolescents. When death happens during the formative years of an adolescent, they need to have the support of those around them to help cope.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Terrence O’Casey

A201

9 – 9:30 AM

Samuel Eymann

The Effects of Social Acceptance & Rejection on Disabled Individuals

Humans are a social species: acceptance & rejection have significant effects on well-being. Social acceptance tends to have positive effects on people’s mood & outlook on life, whereas social rejection tends to have negative effects. Individuals with disabilities, such as Down syndrome have shown decreases in happiness. The decline of happiness in disabled individuals may be related to social rejection by peers. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

9:30 – 10 PM

Tyler Falk, Randi Kostner & Cori Wallace

Team Chester’s Capsim Presentation

We were assigned to a business simulation. As Team Chester we will inform you of the decisions, obstacles, & results we faced throughout our time working on the simulation.

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

2 – 2:30 PM

Kelsay Gardiepy

Group vs. Individual Persuasion: Increasing Student Chapel Attendance at Northwest Christian University

This research study was designed to provide a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of group & individual persuasion methods used on undergraduate freshman students at Northwest Christian University. This study offers empirical data for all those interested in the effectiveness of persuading students to attend University-mandated Chapel sessions. Raw data collection was used to identify whether methods of individual persuasion or group persuasion were more effective in increasing student attendance rates. It was predicted that methods of group persuasion would be more effective than methods of individual persuasion to increase Chapel attendance. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

A201

1:30 – 2 PM

Danielle Gehrke, Sharie Krouse & Taylor West

Capsim Simulation – Team Andrews Competition Rounds

This presentation will cover the breadth of the Capsim business simulation program for Andrews Inc. or “Team Andrews” in the BUS 499 course. Over the course of 8 “years” a manufacturing firm will be run by members of the team & closely examined in an analysis showing decisions leading to the current standing of the simulated company. Students will cover decisions made in Research & Development, Marketing, Production, Human Resources, & Total Quality Management sectors of the business over the course of 8 rounds & will provide forecasted results for the remaining rounds. 

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

Jenny Maupin

The Power of Baby Sign Language

The benefits of teaching infants to sign includes improved spatial reasoning & executive function, reduction of stress in the parent-child relationship, a calmer academic environment that creates harmony & a universal language in the classroom, enhancing a child’s innate ability to gesture as a form of communication, promote better relations with daycare providers, improve the quality of life of families in stressful low socioeconomic circumstances, & assisting developmentally, physically, &/or medically delayed children who struggle with language & communication to ameliorate their circumstances. Baby boosts language acquisition & learning & increases a child’s confidence that their needs will be met.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10 – 10:30 AM

Jordan Miller

Relational Motivation

Relationships influence our lives; how we use those influences as motivation towards a goal is referred to as relational motivation. Research on relational motivation shows that motivations are increased when there are clear goals & a strong positive relationship. Relationships influence goal attainment by providing a support system. Research has shown that relationships motivate. Autonomy plays a big role in motivation. If autonomy is taken away, so is motivation. Understanding how relationships motivate adolescents could lead to better futures. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

10:30 – 11 AM

Allyssa Mittleider

The Engagement of Students & their Success in School

Engagement in school is something that not many students view as important to their success in their classes. Recently, researchers have begun using a three-component model that includes relational, cognitive & behavioral engagement. It is important to look at all three of these components carefully to gain a better understanding of their effect on a student’s success. To test the hypothesis that higher GPA is correlated with higher engagement throughout all three areas of engagement in school, an Analysis of Variance will be used. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P113

1 – 1:30 PM

Amber Osbourn

Cognitive Dissonance in the LGBT Christian

When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance. When faced with the tension that arises out of the conflict between the church & society on the issue of homosexuality, the homosexual Christian is faced with a proverbial dead-man’s land not only outwardly, but internally. This internal conflict between one’s sexuality & religious beliefs is operationally explored through the theory of cognitive dissonance which states that when at least two cognitions are seemingly counterintuitive, there is a drive to resolve the dissonance between them. Resolution strategies include leaving the church permanently, finding one that is accepting, or choosing to live with the dissonance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

Emmelene Romer

Effective Therapeutic Treatments for Incarcerated Juveniles

Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism. Recidivism rates in juvenile offenders warrant a reevaluation by professionals of current rehabilitation. It was reported that there were approximately 61,000 incarcerated juveniles in the last census. Therapeutic measures are administered in correctional facilities to promote mental well-being among juveniles. To reduce recidivism, the population of juvenile offenders is addressed to evaluate three commonly used therapies: Family-Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, & Multi-systemic Therapy. Educational success & vocational training are two preventative measures that decrease the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Current research shows that multi-systemic therapy is the most effective treatment for reducing recidivism.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

Andrew Stuart, Nicole Tessin-Mason, & Zeming Wang

Team Baldwin CAPSIM Presentation

The presentation will address all of the aspects of our capstone business simulation CAPSIM. We will be showing what we have learned with the class & simulation together, & give our insights as to what made our business decisions work or not work during the course of the term. 

BUS 499, Senior Capstone

Dave Quirk

P103

1:30 – 2 PM

Joshua Alvarado

Academic Dishonesty

This study examined academic dishonesty and the emotions that follow in college students. Students at NCU were used in this data collection. There are tremendous pressures to succeed in college and many will cheat over their time on a college campus. Also included in the survey was if the individual attended church regularly or not. Our emotions can drive us to act in many different ways. The results of this study indicated that college students will admit to cheating in school and show that being honest has no negatives attached to it.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9 – 9:30 AM

Alek Angeli

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Anaerobic Performance

Athletes that undergo anaerobic exercise will ultimately reach a certain point of fatigue and an inability to maintain exercise intensity. Sodium bicarbonate has been shown to induce a metabolic alkalosis that may be effective in improving anaerobic performance. The information shown was established by analyzing different research articles and scholarly texts on the effects of sodium bicarbonate and processes of metabolic responses. The results showed that sodium bicarbonate induced alkalosis, helped maintain pH levels, and improve performance. The results from this research suggest that the ingestion of sodium bicarbonate does help improve anaerobic performance by improving buffering capacity.

EXSC 407, Senior Capstone

Heike McNeil

P114

9 – 9:30 AM

Travis Brown

Stressed Upon Student Athletes

Stress is a state of mental or emotional tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Stress has been shown to negatively affect physical health, mental processing, and emotional well-being. Research has shown a unique contribution of stressful events on collegiate athletes as compared to traditional undergraduate students. Collegiate athletes experience a wide range of stress because of the demands of their sport which affects academics, well-being, and athletic performance. College athletes have significantly less time to work on academics due to year-long training (in and out of season), tight scheduling, traveling, tough competition and lack of down time. Learning to cope with these additional stressors is important for the collegiate athlete’s well-being and performance.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Nani Skaggs

L203

9:30 – 10 AM

Miranda Cruz

Christians at War

I will be exploring the act of war from the perspective of the Christian faith. The Bible has explicitly shown its characters directed by God to go to war with opposition; even today there are many Christians who willingly go into the armed forces knowing full well that they may or may not have to kill other people. Through books, Biblical commentaries on battle passages and online articles referencing modern Christian service men, woman, and veterans, we will be getting an in-depth analysis on the theories of physical and spiritual warfare.

BTH 499, Senior Capstone

Loren Crow

Banquet Room

9 – 11 AM