Tag: Capstone

Trevor Angove

The Character of the Sovereign God Revealed in Psalm 139

The doctrine of divine sovereignty has long been a debated and often misunderstood topic in Christian theology. Psalm 139 offers one of the most intimate and comprehensive portraits of God’s sovereign attributes in the Scriptures. This paper argues that God’s sovereignty, as presented in Psalm 139:1–16, serves as the means and foundation for a deeply loving, comforting, and intimate God. This is relevant for every believer who wrestles with the idea of a relational and sovereign God. This claim will be substantiated through a review of theological literature on divine omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence; an exegetical reading of Psalm 139:1–16; engagement with the Openness theology objection; and practical and devotional application drawn from both scholarly sources and homiletical reflection. Having established that God’s sovereignty is the foundation for His loving, comforting, and intimate character, we can be assured as believers that we have comfort in suffering, God’s presence in loneliness, and God’s ear in prayer.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

10 – 10:25 AM

Goodrich 109

Return to schedule

Shane Makoto Becker

Nippon Navigator

Nippon Navigator is a travel itinerary website dedicated to helping visitors new and returning to help plan their trip to the world of Japan. You can plan and edit your entire itinerary, including attractions, restaurants, sightseeing, gardens, and many more all while giving you the necessary details and ways to help you decide what to do. You can also look at information that would be useful before heading to Japan, from custom forms and VISA information, to useful apps, phrases, and even help you decide how to travel around the city and to/from the airports. My website will give users an easier experience planning their entire trip around Japan and take away the stress of planning.

The process to build the entire site all relies on my coding structure that I built entirely from scratch. It has the building blocks of HTML, CSS, and Java-script for the structure of the site. I also use the React toolkit to help give the website some fluidity and animation to make the site look professional. I also created a backend to help talk to the frontend and a database to help store user data and also store some activities data to keep the code folder clean. I also deployed the website for others to explore and take a look at the website themselves and see my project that I am proud of making.

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Shijo John

10 – 10:25 AM

Goodrich 209

Return to schedule

Elizabeth Box

Greater than Disagreement: Extending the Welcome of Christ to our LGBTQ+ Brothers and Sisters

There has been a rise in conversation around how to address the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church in recent years, sparking debate across denominations.  I intend to prove, through scholarly sources and research, that LGBTQ+ people can be welcomed into Christian communities to wrestle with their questions and receive Christ’s love, regardless of the church’s stance on homosexuality. This is relevant to the common man who may wonder how to minister and connect through differences in convictions. First, I will demonstrate that the LGBTQ+ community experiences pain that the Church can address. Second, I will show that Jesus’ ministry provides a model of meeting pain with love and an invitation to wrestling in relationship with God. Third, I will provide evidence that navigating relationships by addressing both personal regulation and empathetic engagement with another fosters the sense of safety necessary for sharing pain and beginning to wrestle through questions. Having established that all LGBTQ+ can be welcomed into Christian communities to wrestle with their questions and receive Christ’s love and, I will advocate that church communities should meet the pain of  LGBTQ+ community members with empathy, honor questions that they have as an opportunity to draw near to God, and celebrate the transforming work of God as it unfolds in their lives.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

10:30 – 10:55 AM

Goodrich 109

Return to schedule

Rose Gwillim

Attachment Styles in Leadership: Implications for Leader Emergence, Communication, and Leadership Styles

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I included 18 peer-reviewed journal articles, 10 of which were published in the past 10 years. with the purpose of examining how attachment theory can affect individuals in leadership roles. The others date back to 1992, and I also included Bowlby’s text from 1982 for his information about his foundational theory.  I focused specifically on how attachment theory can be used to better understand its effects on leader emergence, communication within organizational settings, and leadership styles. Recent research has supported that the internal working models established in early childhood carry into adult relationships. Research suggests that these implications can be applied to individuals in leadership roles because of the position’s relational component. Each study has found evidence supporting the notion that attachment styles affect people in leadership roles. Across all studies, researchers have found that securely attached individuals are more likely to be recognized as leaders than those with an insecure attachment. Researchers also have discovered a positive relationship between secure attachment and transformational leadership, a widely recognized leadership style, and a negative relationship between insecure attachment and transformational leadership. Most research that has been conducted has focused on leaders with secure attachments, so future research should focus more on leaders with insecure attachments to better understand their effects on leadership.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

2 – 2:25 PM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

William Haberfield

Competitive Anxiety in Youth Sports

In this capstone paper, I examine the multidimensional nature of competitive anxiety in youth sports, emphasizing the interaction between psychological and environmental factors. I reviewed 15 empirical studies between 2021 and 2026 in my evidence-based synthesis. Competitive anxiety, comprising cognitive and somatic components, can negatively affect performance, well-being, and long-term sport participation. The current literature explores how internal psychological factors, such as age, self-confidence, self-efficacy, resilience, and mental toughness, and external influences, including coaching pressure, parental expectations, and competitive context, shape anxiety experiences in youth athletes. Findings indicate that mid-adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to competitive anxiety due to developmental and social pressures, while increased experience and self-confidence serve as protective factors. Environmental pressures, especially from coaches and parents, are consistently linked to elevated anxiety, though emotional intelligence may mitigate these effects. Additionally, participation in higher levels of competition and team-based sports is associated with lower anxiety levels. I also evaluate intervention strategies, including psychological skills training, pre-competition routines, and enhanced social support systems, which have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anxiety and enhancing performance. Despite limitations such as reliance on cross-sectional designs and self-report measures, the literature highlights the importance of adopting a holistic, developmentally informed approach to managing competitive anxiety. Understanding these dynamics can inform coaching practices, parental guidance, and intervention programs aimed at promoting athlete well-being, performance, and sustained engagement in sport.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

1 – 1:25 PM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Marlee Heiken

Marlee’s Capstone

Visual Robotics’ Quickpick 303 application previously featured an outdated graphical user interface and lacked integration with its newest camera capability, the Template Finder. This project aimed to modernize the application and implement this feature to enhance usability and functionality. Over the course of the semester, I developed a new version of the application using Next.js, React, and Flask, while fully integrating the Template Finder. This feature enables users to train cameras to recognize objects and automate pick-and-place operations using a Universal Robot arm. The result is a more intuitive, efficient system that improves user interaction and expands the capabilities of robotic vision applications

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Shijo John

10:30 – 10:55 AM

Goodrich 209

Return to schedule

Ayden Krupke

Forensic Taphonomy and Entomology in Post-Mortem Interval Estimation: A Multidisciplinary Framework for Criminal Investigation

The estimation of the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) remains one of the most formidable challenges of forensic science. The myriads of environmental variables that can influence decomposition encompasses this conflict. This presentation explores the critical synergy between forensic taphonomy and entomology, arguing that a multidisciplinary framework is necessary for achievement of high-precision timeline generation within criminal investigation. Beginning with a historical analysis of the 1935 Ruxton and 2002 Westerfield cases, it illustrates the foundational role that entomological evidence may play in securing legal convictions. The discussion transitions into the mechanics of decomposition, detailing both physical and chemical progression from autolysis and putrefaction to skeletonization. Key quantitative methodologies are examined, including Total Body Score (TBS), Accumulated Degree Days (ADD), and the analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Additionally, the stable isotopes within the Cadaver Decomposition Island (CI). Furthermore, this presentation highlights the precision offered by necrophagous insect succession and colonization, specifically discussing members of the Calliphoridae and Coleoptera families as indicators of the minimum PMI (mPMI). Through the synthesis of qualitative taphonomic and quantitative entomological data along with soil chemistry, investigators can mitigate environmental confounding factors such as indoor microclimates and physical barriers. This capstone concludes that the future of forensic precision is determined by the integration of overlapping clocks, supported by modernized technology like hyper-spectral imaging, to result in a holistic, legally robust reconstruction of death events.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

11 – 11:25 AM

Goodrich 104

Return to schedule

Turner Livingston & Maria Velarde Manzanilla

Marketing Capstone Presentations

For the digital marketing capstone, each student spent their time working with a local non-profit that was in need of marketing help. Students created strategic plans and then spent the semester implementing those plans and analyzing their results. 

During the presentation, the students will share the strategic plan they created for their nonprofit, go over the actual work they implemented and share the results they achieved. 

The students will also give overall recommendations for the nonprofits moving forward.

MKTG 499, Senior Capstone

Christy Silverthorne

1 – 1:55 PM

Goodrich 109

Return to schedule

Montanah Love

The Effects of Mental Development Programs on Competitive Anxiety in Athletes

In recent years, there has been an influx of concern for athletes’ mental health, including the overwhelming anxiety levels that they face surrounding competitions and performance. There have been protocols and programs designed or adapted to fit this rising need for tools to mitigate anxiety in athletes. In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 15 empirical research articles published between 2021 and 2026. These articles focused on the effects of competitive anxiety on athletes’ performance or how mindfulness-based programs can decrease anxiety in athletes. I included five additional sources to define terms and gain a deeper understanding of the effects of competitive anxiety on athletes. Current research indicates that these programs are useful in reducing anxiety and improving performance and focus in athletes. Future research should include the long-term effects of mental development programs on anxiety reduction, and which categories of athletes are most affected by competitive anxiety.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

1:30 – 1:55 PM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Jane Miller

History of Women in the Church

Women are an important part of the body of Christ and have been subject to centuries of theological back and forth on their rights, positions, and roles. I intend to demonstrate, through scholarly resources and research, that women have led, taught, and held positions of authority in church history. This is relevant because it is commonly argued that women should not lead, teach, or hold positions of authority in the church, but there is a history of women doing so. Knowing this history can help the church make well-rounded decisions on women in ministry. First, I will present the history of women in the church. Second, I will present the history of theology and Biblical interpretation of women in the church, and then I will present current theology and Biblical interpretation of women in the church. Having established that there have been women leaders in church history, I will advocate that the church today should consider this history when making theological decisions on women in ministry. 

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

11 – 11:25 AM

Goodrich 109

Return to schedule

Sayer Pescosolido

The Third Century Crisis: A Perspective of Civilization Then and Now

The Third Century Crisis gives perspective on the economic instability, political structure, and foundation of ancient society, further helping us understand our own.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Stephen Andes

11:30 – 11:55 AM

Goodrich 109

Return to schedule

Annika Poet

Veterinarians are Not Just Human Doctors for Animals

Veterinarians and doctor fulfill an essential niche of society by protecting the public and promoting proper health practices. Their history, while intertwined, reveals the important differences between health professions. Years of dedication and commitment are required to complete the educational requirements, along with continual learning. Differences in species and clientele highlight the differences in clinic structures. While both face challenging scenarios daily, veterinarians must balance ethical and financial concerns, challenging clients, and distressing diagnoses while providing the best care for each animal. Despite the similarities, veterinarians are simply human doctors for animals.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

10 – 10:55 AM

Goodrich 104

Return to schedule

Alexandra Rocha

Military Identity Disruption and Veteran Mental Health During the Transition to Civilian Life

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2025, all of which examined military identity and veteran mental health during the transition to civilian life. I focused on how military identity disruption functions as a central factor influencing psychological outcomes among veterans following separation from service. Military identity has been conceptualized as an internalized system of values, roles, and norms developed through participation in military culture. Across the literature, researchers consistently found that the transition to civilian life involves significant changes in roles, social identity, and institutional environments, which may contribute to challenges in adjustment. Psychological factors such as trauma exposure and moral injury were associated with ongoing distress and shifts in self-concept, while institutional factors, including barriers to care and experiences of institutional betrayal, influenced help-seeking behavior. Additionally, changes in role structure and loss of purpose were identified as contributing factors to identity disruption during reintegration. The removal of clearly defined responsibilities and group-based roles was associated with difficulties in establishing new roles and maintaining a sense of direction in civilian life. Although existing research examines the challenges associated with this transition, there is limited research examining how these factors interact over time and how veterans’ strengths contribute to successful adjustment. Future research should further explore these areas to better inform institutional support systems and improve outcomes for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

11 – 11:25 AM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Loreto Siniscalchi

The Effects of Mind-Body Connection and Self-Talk in Athletic Competition

In this evidence based synthesis paper, I reviewed research from 16 empirical studies dated between 2020 and 2025, to address the importance of the mental side in athletic performance. It is not the only factor to consider when it comes to an athlete’s abilities in competition, rather there are a substantial number of minor factors that go into becoming an elite athlete. An increasing amount of research over the last decade suggests that psychological processes have a large effect on an athlete’s ability to perform to their full potential, specifically when considering the relationship of the mind and body during competition. One key aspect or psychological trait is the idea of self-talk, a cognitive technique athletes use to manage their in-game emotions, stay focused and improve the results of their play is a significant process, even potentially off the field as well. In this paper, I address how stress reactions, mental processes, and emotional control affect abilities during competition as well as how self-talk can be a beneficial psychological resource for all athletes at all sorts of levels. The research that has been done as of late shows that communication with oneself, emotional control, and mental exhaustion or burnout can all have a large impact on physical performances, especially when stakes begin to rise. It has been found that self-talk techniques enhance self-assurance, focus, and performance in a variety of sports or statuses. Furthermore, roles or positions involving prolonged physical stress, like pitching in baseball, emphasize the significance of resilience and emotional control when competing. I also review the significance of educating youth athletes psychological skills to promote long-term athletic growth and enjoyment of the game. Athletes, coaches and sport psychologists may be able to incorporate strategies that improve both athletic abilities and proper mentality skills with a better understanding of how these psychological processes and physical performances clash with one another.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

11:30 – 11:55 AM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Kyle Solomons

Bill Mate – Budget Tracking App

Bill Mate is a project that I started a while back. When I first came to the United States, I kept track of my roommates bills in a notebook. It slowly evolved into a website. At the moment, the current setup I have with my roommates has a couple components, a “Bills” google form and a “Payments” google form. Since I am the one paying all the shared expenses, its pretty straightforward; when we receive a bill, I upload it to a spreadsheet via the form, the form is linked to another form that does the split calculation, from there it goes to an html page to my roommates can view their ‘totals’ on a private site that I set up for us. At certain dates, an automatic email is sent to them with their current totals so they can see how much they owe me.

I really enjoyed working on that, so I decided to turn it into an app. I built an app that does everything my current ‘website’ does but specifically for Apple devices. There was a slight learning curve as I have never coded in swift before.

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Shijo John

11 – 11:25 AM

Goodrich 209

Return to schedule

Abby Weston

Binary Pullback Parking Functions

In this talk I will introduce parking functions, specifically, the weakly increasing and decreasing binary pullback parking functions. After briefly reviewing the background and motivation for the project, I will present some of the findings from my research over the summer at the Combinatorics and Coding Theory in the Tropics REU at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce.

My project focused on a generalization known as the (k, l)-pullback parking functions. In this case, each car can park in its preferred spot, k spots behind its preferred spot, or l spots ahead of it. I will then introduce the binary pullback parking functions, a special case that restricts the parameters of the (k, l) pullback parking functions. 

The main result of this presentation is the bijection between the weakly increasing and the weakly decreasing binary pullback parking functions, given by a simple formula that acts as a mirror.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

10 – 10:25 AM

Goodrich 204

Return to schedule

Ana Augusto

The Impact of Excessive Smartphone and Social Media Use on College Students’ Ability To Sustain Focus, Maintain Productivity, and Think Creatively

The use of smartphones and social media is becoming increasingly prominent, directly modifying the way humans interact with the world around them. Although these technologies offer convenience and access to information, they also negatively impact university students’ focus and productivity, as excessive use has been associated with neurological and cognitive changes. In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 21 empirical studies published between 2016 and 2025, all of which examined the effects of excessive smartphone and social media use on focus, productivity, and creative thinking among university students. The studies indicated that constant exposure to information promotes cognitive overload, which in turn reduces individuals’ ability to sustain attention. This may be associated with structural and functional brain changes similar to those observed in behavioral addictions, even though the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not recognize smartphone addiction as a formal condition. Excessive smartphone use has been shown to be related to difficulties with multitasking, fear of missing out (FOMO), and nomophobia, which is a psychological fear of being disconnected from one’s smartphone. These factors may compromise self-regulation and academic performance in university students. A curious finding was the concept of technoference, in which the mere presence of the device, which may negatively affect concentration and learning due to the habitual urge to check messages and social media. Not all studies have pointed in the same direction regarding excessive smartphone use and academic performance. Some researchers have suggested that smartphone use does not necessarily affect performance directly, but rather through mediating factors such as procrastination and mind-wandering. Small sample sizes and geographical restrictions were limitations in the studies I reviewed. Future research should explore strategies to promote healthy digital habits so that technology use enhances, rather than hinders, students’ academic performance and well-being.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

10:30 – 11 AM

Return to schedule

Grayson Bolanos

Pixels and Piety

This capstone project examines whether participation in collegiate esports influences the relationship between students’ preference for online social interaction and their level of Christian contentment at a Christian university. The written review surveys existing research on online social interaction, problematic Internet use, emotional regulation, Christian contentment, and daily spiritual experiences to evaluate how digital communities may shape spiritual development. Because esports teams communicate and build community primarily through virtual platforms, this project investigates whether such environments can function as a form of Christian fellowship for Christian students who favor online interaction. Through a literature review, empirical study, and presentation, the project explores how digital team-based engagement might support or hinder spiritual well-being within Christian higher education. 

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 103

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Violet Chadwell

Honor as a Cultural Concept: Eastern, Western, and Biblical Understandings and Their Impact on Christian Living

Interpreting Scripture relies on a deep understanding of the culture that was present at the time of its composition. Forming reliable interpretations, then, requires historically and culturally informed scholarship. Because of the Biblical emphasis on honoring and loving God and others, the concept of honor in particular is something that must be examined to reduce the risk of distorting Scripture and weakening our authentic connections with one another, and to detach us from our own cultural and linguistic biases. Any Christian seeking to live out the callings of Christ and grow in relationship with others must recognize that studying the cultural implications behind our beliefs is not optional— it is essential to being in community and embracing God-ordained diversity. This paper will first explain how the concept of honor can be understood, followed by its understandings in Western and Eastern cultures. Following this, it will speak on the Biblical interpretations of honor and will be rounded out by illustrating how we can apply this knowledge to our lives as Christians. Having established these things, this paper will show how deeply understanding cross-cultural implications helps Christians embody and actualize gospel teaching. The aim herein is to steer faithful Christians toward deeper understanding of diverse cultures through a solid grasp on the cultural building block of honor- increasing awareness of God’s design for unity across cultural and linguistic barriers.

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Goodrich 104

2 – 2:30 PM

Return to schedule

Jacob Courtney

The Epigenome: Epigenetic Mechanisms and How the Epigenome Relates to Human Health

Epigenetics can be simply described as the changes in gene function without altering the DNA sequence. This involves methods such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the role of non-coding RNA. Epigenetic functions are part of normal genetic processes, such as genomic imprinting, which is important for the correct gene transmission from parents to offspring. Preventing gene expression in some cells and ensuring they are expressed in others is important to ensure certain cell types are effective at their specialized jobs. Outside factors can contribute to one’s epigenome as well, such as environmental chemicals and diet. By using the principles of epigenetics, doctors and scientists can use it to benefit patients, such as silencing genes that could potentially cause cancer (oncogenes). It plays an important role in gene regulation, development, disease, and therapeutic uses. This presentation will explain in depth what epigenetics are, and its effects on the human body that will help readers equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to make better decisions about their health as it relates to their epigenome.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Goodrich 109

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

Noely Flores Fonseca

The Psychology Behind Limerence, Obsession, and Love

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed psychological research that explained the differences between limerence, obsession, and genuine romantic love. I reviewed fifteen studies published between 2005 and 2025 to explore how people regulate their emotions, process information, and the different attachment styles that differentiate limerence, obsession, and romantic love. Limerence is an under-researched condition that was first introduced by the psychologist Dorothy Tennov and it is characterized by intense idealization and uncertainty about reciprocation, which causes distress to the sufferer. Obsessive love is characterized by controlling attitudes, insecure attachment, and dependency. These behaviors can be linked to psychopathological traits or even criminal behaviors. Genuine romantic love reflects mutual affection and care, secure attachment, and stability. Sociocultural influences, gender expectations, and the way a person responds to unrequited love or being rejected can shape how these experiences are manifested. One of the main limitations is that there is not much research on limerence and therefore, it can be confused with obsessive behaviors. Future research should focus on the distinctions between these two to improve therapeutic treatment and diagnoses.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Emma Fournier

The Impact of Mental Health Stigma on Help-Seeking Behaviors in Athletes

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 17 empirical studies. These studies were published from 2020 to 2025, addressing the impact of mental health stigma on help-seeking behaviors in college athletes worldwide. The culture of physical and mental toughness in sports can create a stigma around mental illness, acting as a barrier to help-seeking behavior and possibly leading to negative long-term psychological outcomes for athletes. There are many psychological challenges that exist, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders (ED), and suicidal ideations (SD). While focusing on those psychological challenges, I reviewed primary barriers to help-seeking, effective interventions, and facilitating factors in athletes. In recent years, the studies of mental health concerns have spiked in athletic environments. The primary concern is how to reduce the stigma around help-seeking and normalize treatment methods by hiring team counselors, changing the social and team dynamic, and leveraging support roles in trainers and coaches. There may be a disconnect between available services and athlete access or utilization related to the narrative of mental toughness. Future research should address the stigma that exists and validate solutions and interventions that work for each sport and athlete.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Gracie Hamilton

The Importance of Canine Vaccinations

The importance of canine vaccines is often brushed aside by owners who do not fully understand the risks and who are concerned about their cost. Denial of these vaccinations decreases the longevity of the animal’s life and increases their chances of contracting a deadly disease that could have been easily prevented through early immunization. This research inquiry discusses the significance of immunizations for dogs and separates them into two separate groups known as Non-Core and Core Vaccines. Non-Core vaccines are recommended based on the lifestyle of the pet and include the Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Influenza, and Rattlesnake vaccinations. Core vaccinations are given to every canine, regardless of lifestyle and can even be required by law (Rabies). These include the DHPP (Distemper-Parvo) and Rabies vaccines. Each shot protects against its own bacteria, virus and or toxin. These, along with vaccine form, virology, toxicology, bacteriology and the requirements for each shot are heavily discussed and compared throughout. Overall, the goal of this research project is to inform the public of the importance of vaccinating their canine, in order to prolong their lives and prevent the spread of infectious zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Goodrich 109

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Albert Jennings

Mindfulness And The Key To Performance Anxiety

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2025, all of which aimed to study the correlation of mindfulness levels and performance anxiety in athletes. Researchers have recognized mindfulness as an effective strategy for lowering anxiety and increasing athletic performance.There are many types of mindfulness practices such as, physical activities like yoga as well as mental practices like visualization. Those practices help athletes regulate emotional and physiological responses to stress. Empirical studies have demonstrated that mindfulness fosters greater attentional control, self confidence, and emotional regulation while reducing cognitive disruptions that impair performance. Additionally, mindfulness-based interventions have shown improved recovery, resilience, and overall well being among athletes and coaches alike. Beyond its immediate performance benefits, mindfulness promotes a long-term mental health and self-awareness practice. making it a valuable framework for both competitive and personal development. Athletes can achieve greater composure and effectiveness under pressure. Mindfulness not only mitigates anxiety but also fosters resilience, recovery, and mental clarity qualities essential for both athletic excellence and lifelong well being. The synthesis of recent research supports mindfulness as a multidimensional tool for performance enhancement and stress management within sport psychology. 

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

1 – 1:30 PM

Return to schedule

William Jewell

“The Electric Chair”: Exploring Memory Through Dystopian Fiction and the Short Story Cycle

In this presentation I will be discussing how dystopian fiction, memory, and the short story cycle are relevant to my work of fiction. Dystopian fiction has been a powerful genre for stories such as “Those Who Walk Away From Omelas” and “The Lottery,” which explore troubling yet plausible worlds. In my work, “The Electric Chair,” I examine memory through the genre of dystopian fiction. I will discuss how I use memoy as a key storytelling mechanic by telling the story backwards through flashbacks. Finally I will explain the short story cycle and why I was inspired to use its form in developing my larger work in which this story will be a part of.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Diffenderfer

Goodrich 203

11:30 AM – Noon

Return to schedule

Jon Kleespies

Laughing Matters

Family dynamics are incredibly complex, and navigating different parenting styles within households poses challenges. How families communicate and use humor in Christian homes can significantly shape adolescents’ development and experiences. This study explores how family communication patterns, measured through conversation and conformity orientations, relate to humor use in the home and the potential impact on adolescent outcomes. Investigating humor within these communication patterns may provide insight into how families reach communication goals, manage conflict, build stronger relationships, and support healthier psychosocial development. This research includes Christian couples who are co-parents of at least one child. Both parents completed the Humor Orientation and Family Communication Patterns scales separately through a Microsoft Forms survey, ensuring responses are collected from each partner within the same family.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Goodrich 103

2:30 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Adrie Lader

Escalation of Stalking in Intimate Partner Violence: Risks, Impacts, and Prevention Strategies

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 16 empirical studies published between 1999 and 2025, all of which aimed to study the escalation of stalking within intimate partner violence (IPV) and its associated risks, impacts, and prevention strategies. I focused on identifying the behavioral and psychological factors that contribute to intense stalking, as well as its relationship with coercive control and potential to progress into sexual assault and homicide. Research has shown that stalking often serves as the predecessor to severe and lethal violence, particularly driven by rejection, jealousy, or power-seeking motives. Victims often experience prolonged anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and long-term health consequences due to fear and surveillance. The studies I reviewed emphasize the growing role that technology has in stalking behaviors, which adds complications to detection and legal intervention. Prevention strategies highlighted the importance of professional training, early risk assessment, and community response. However, there are limitations due to inconsistent definitions of stalking, underreporting among marginalized groups, and limited longitudinal data that link stalking behaviors to future violence. Future research should prioritize the development of standard risk assessment tools, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and examine the cultural and technological factors that influence stalking dynamics. Understanding that stalking is both a criminal justice and a public health issue is essential for improving prevention, response, and victim protection.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

1:30 – 2 PM

Return to schedule

Isabella Lafon

Guardians of Faith: Why Parents are Key to the Faith Development of Their Children

The spiritual development of children has long been influenced by a complex interplay of home, school, and church, yet recent studies highlight that parental involvement remains the most significant and formative factor in shaping a child’s faith. This paper argues that parents—not church programs—are the primary and most effective disciplers of their children, and that faith formation is strongest when the home and church operate in partnership rather than in isolation. This topic is increasingly relevant in contemporary Christian contexts, where many parents feel under-equipped to lead spiritually, while church leaders assume parents are already doing so, creating a widening gap in children’s discipleship. To address this, the paper examines research on parental influence in academic and socioemotional development, studies detailing how parents shape children’s images of God, data on father-child religious relationships, and literature that equips parents to disciple confidently within the home. It also reviews historical and modern church practices to reveal how the shift toward age-organized ministries inadvertently encouraged families to relinquish their discipleship role. Through this progression, the paper demonstrates that effective faith transmission requires intentional parental engagement supported—but not replaced—by the church. Ultimately, the argument advocates for a renewed model in which parents embrace their God-given responsibility as spiritual leaders, and churches commit to equipping, guiding, and collaborating with families. Only through this restored partnership can the next generation receive a faith that is lived, shared, and sustained.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Goodrich 104

2:30 – 3 PM

Return to schedule

Noah Mancione

Data Analysis and Forecasting in the Non-Profit Sector

This Capstone explores my experience interning as a data analyst for a nonprofit organization, highlighting the key challenges analysts often face in this sector. I describe the type of project I worked on during my internship and present a synthetic data model I created to demonstrate the types of analyses, insights, and mathematical modeling that data analysts may develop in a nonprofit context.

MATH 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Wilmarth

Goodrich 103

11 – 11:30 AM

Return to schedule

Lorelai Murphy

Inclusive Learning for Neurodiverse Students in Primary Education: Definitions, Current Deficiencies, and Potential Adjustments to Classroom Learning

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings from 15 empirical studies published between 2023 and 2025, with the intention of understanding primary classroom settings and inclusive learning for the neurodiverse community. It is important to understand what neurodiversity is as well as some of the common types of neurodiverse disorders that are presented in education. Many of these studies outline the differences in processing information, cognitive changes, and behavioral differences between individuals with different neurodiverse disorders. Disorders such as attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, down syndrome, and dyslexia are some of the commonly seen neurodevelopmental disorders in primary education, which is why more adjustments to pedagogy and sensory-aware classrooms are noted in these studies. This research highlights setbacks and deficiencies in the current learning styles for elementary students both neurodiverse and neurotypical. Understanding these classroom presentations is important to create steps in new learning strategies such as school-connectedness. Support from teachers and classmates, the importance of physical education, collaborative work, and avoiding demeaning labels are all ways in which teachers can be more inclusive towards their neurodiverse students. Furthermore, researchers recognize the importance of educational staff understanding neurodiverse disorders, specifically to increase engagement in the classroom, grow their academic success, and set up neurodiverse students for an equal opportunity future.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Goodrich 209

2 – 2:30 PM

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Emma Reposa

Learning About God Through Christian Contemporary Music

Musical Worship in the contemporary Christian church serves as a highly effective means of learning about God. Worship leaders serve as musical and spiritual leaders in the church. They serve the congregation through musical participation with spiritual leadership, helping believers interpret themes of songs along with orienting hearts, mind, and focus towards God in preparation to hear His word. In addition, musical expression functions as a powerful mode of communication through emotional and theological responses conveyed in ways that spoken teachings alone cannot fully achieve. Ultimately, worship songs can be inspired and directly drawn from Scripture, embedding a Biblical theme and language in music to deepen the congregation’s knowledge of God. These elements in musical worship cultivate a deeper relationship with music, God, and biblical understanding through musical participation.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Goodrich 203

10:30 – 11 AM

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Abigail Askew

Street Outreach as opposed to Street Preaching: The Importance of Theologically Sound Evangelism

Street preaching, sometimes referred to as open-air preaching, is, in simple terms, the act of sharing the Gospel and biblical truths in a public setting. While this sounds like a great means of reaching unbelievers who wouldn’t otherwise be likely to enter into a church to receive the word, it is ineffective at best and harmful at worst. Most street preachers use methods that do not paint a proper picture of Christianity, rooted in a poor understanding of theology. In order to properly share the Gospel message in public forums, speakers must have a proper understanding of both the theology of evangelism and the process of salvation, as well as the psychology behind receiving feedback. The best way to accomplish this is through relationship-building evangelism and outreach methods.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Pomajevich 114

11 – 11:30 AM

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Hannah Beers

Perfectionism in Christian Musical Worship

Pastors and church leaders are not immune from perfectionism; in fact perfectionism is very common in the church. Does this attitude of perfectionism held by leaders effect their ministry and their congregations? I intend to prove, through scholarly sources and research that perfectionism is sometimes dangerous but can be handled in a healthy way. This research address primarily church leaders and pastors but is also relevant to anyone involved in a church, especially worship. First, I explore a Christian perspective of perfection in comparison to a secular psychological one. Second, I research musical worship and the spiritual formation that happens when one worships. I also explore how perfectionism effects this formation process, and if the attitudes of the leader play a role. Third, I will demonstrate what types of perfectionism are dangerous in business leadership roles and apply them to the church structures. This research establishes that some forms of perfectionism and beneficial to healthy striving, but some are obsessive and damaging. I will conclude by giving some practical tips for how to manage perfectionism in yourself, and how to lead without leaving a bad example for our volunteers and congregations.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Pomajevich 103

10 – 10:30 AM

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Xanti Celaya

Capstone Proposal: Addiction, Redemption, and the Church: A Sociological and Theological Perspective

Addiction is a pressing issue in our times causing great harm to families and communities every day. I intend to prove that Christians in America are uniquely and advantageously positioned to address the addiction crisis and help addicts find meaningful recovery. First I will explore the state of the American addiction crisis and the factors that complicate finding recovery. Second I will describe the current state of the Christian response to addiction and explore how the ideas, resources and institutions put forward by Christins are addressing this issue head on today. Third I will use the best scholarly and theological resources to briefly describe what a heathy theological outlook and methodology could look like for an individual or local church looking for opportunities to serve people battling addiction In doing this I will also demonstrate how Christians have a future serving in this space. I will advocate for Christians to continue to invest money and energy into the cause of addiction recovery by providing practical ways for my listener to get involved.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

David Reed

Pomajevich 103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Ruby Daniels

The Placebo Effect as Treatment for Depression

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 15 empirical studies between 2015 and 2025 to summarize the effectiveness of placebo treatment for depression. In addition, I utilized the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 TR) to underscore the clinical aspects of depression with a greater focus on the diagnostic criteria. The number of individuals diagnosed with depression has increased significantly over the past few decades, and researchers have been tasked with finding alternative treatments for this population. Given the low-risk nature of placebo treatments, there have been increased efforts to evaluate placebo treatments in clinical settings. In this paper, I outlined the specific features of the placebo effect, delving into its history, complexities, success, ethical concerns, and its effectiveness. With the rise in placebo research, scientists have found that individuals with depression are highly influenced by the placebo effect, especially when compared to individuals who are taking antidepressants. Aside from medication, placebos have been compared to alternative approaches to treatment, such as psychotherapy and physical exercise, along with the benefits of the cooccurrence of multiple treatments. Ethical concerns regarding deception and the nocebo effect have been debated within the scientific community, with the consensus being that open-label placebos are the moral solution to treatment. While there have been successful studies on open-label placebos for depression, it is evident that a larger sample of participants is needed for this type of study. Furthermore, studies on placebo treatment approaches have found that the dual expectations of participants and researchers play a large role in the success of the placebo. Moving forward, it is important to foster safe and positive environments within research studies and clinical settings to maximize the impact of placebo treatments.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

10 – 10:30 AM

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Myka Delamarter

Psychological Foundations of Crime: Understanding Motivation, Behavior, and Rehabilitation

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 17 empirical studies published between 2019 to 2024 to understand the cognitive and behavioral patterns within criminal behavior. This field of study encompasses the analysis of thoughts, behaviors, and underlying motivations that contribute to criminal attitudes. Criminal psychologists, also known as forensic psychologists, investigate these patterns to provide evidence-based explanations for deviant behavior. These contributions to the criminal justice system are essential because it offers a psychological perspective on the factors that influence criminal behavior. A particular focus on psychopathy—a personality disorder characterized by emotional, interpersonal behavior, and impulsivity—are relevant in forensic psychology. By investigating these psychological factors, criminal psychologists contribute to identifying the root causes of criminal actions and developing appropriate intervention strategies. Their work is not only implemented in legal proceedings, but it also informs rehabilitation efforts and policy-driven actions to address criminal behavior. Understanding the connection between mental disorders and criminal behavior is vital for developing comprehensive approaches when managing crime within society. Some limitations from the research conducted was that researchers discovered that self-reports limited the expansion of their studies. This also caused bias opinions and hindered the outcome. Ultimately, the findings supported the integration of psychological expertise into the justice system and improves our understanding of criminal behavior.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

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Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

10:30 – 11 AM

Maddii Desemone

Coral Reefs: Battling Against the Odds

Coral reefs have always brought a sense of awe to the oceans, making them less daunting and more colorful. They are romanticized in movies and documentaries, yet very little said about how they are in danger of going extinct. Just like every other organism that has been endangered, corals are clearly suffering on multiple fronts: growth, reproduction, and finding food. The zooxanthellae living within their tissues supplies them with their food, but due to the increasing water temperature and acidity levels, these photosynthetic algae are being forced out, leaving the corals a stark white, a process called coral bleaching. Ocean acidification is a leading cause of corals being unable to grow and reproduce, which is ultimately leading to hardships for coral reef ecosystems and coastal communities that depend on the biodiversity to feed their families and economies. However, laws and measures have been put in place to better help the corals recover, scientists are learning how to grow coral, and everyday people are finding ways to lower their greenhouse gas emissions so less ends up affecting the oceans. While there is still a lot to be done and a lot to change, there is still a lot of hope for the future of coral reefs.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Womack 100

2 – 2:30 PM

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Aaron Gold

The Link Between Excessive Screen Time and GPA

I reviewed 40 empirical studies and meta-analyses ranging from 2011 to 2025 in this evidence-based synthesis paper. Additionally, I utilized the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2022), the International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Revision (ICD-11; World Health Organization, 2021), some government statistical websites, and one student survey. I used these sources to research the connection between screen time and grade point average (GPA). Additional factors I discussed included sleep, physical activity, level of addiction, and time-management. The findings conflict as to whether screen time can directly affect GPA; however, regarding physical activity and sleep I found significant contributions to academic performance. In this paper I also discussed the definition of addiction, and I reviewed studies advocating for a broadened and more specific definition for addiction. Some limitations included the samples mainly consisting of nursing students and underdeveloped research regarding behavioral addiction. Future research could include more graduate-level students, a more diverse sample from a broader population, as well as research into behavioral addiction and their potential neurobiological bases.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Seth Handman

Duty: The Downfall of The Hero

Heroes, especially male heroes, are often portrayed as physically powerful and masculine in literature.This tradition in English literature began with the character Beowulf and continues into modern day film and literature. In order for these characters to be truly human and relatable, they must show weaknesses. In fact the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of a hero may provide a true window into the character’s heart and motivation. In this presentation, I compare the eponymous character of Beowulf and Okonkwo in Thing Fall Apart, both of whom are supernaturally strong, hyper-masculine, hero-like protagonists with a deep sense of duty. I argue that it is their sense of duty that ultimately led to their downfalls.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

Connie Diffenderfer

Pomajevich 114

10 – 10:30 AM

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Sara Hart

The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships and Attachment Styles

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings across 24 empirical studies from 2009 to 2025 to summarize how childhood trauma affects adult attachment styles, specifically secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment. Childhood trauma creates enduring changes in emotional control and attachment styles which ultimately may influence a person’s capacity to develop and sustain healthy relationships in adulthood. In this paper, I investigated the lasting impact of early trauma, which often manifests as trust issues; fear of abandonment; and challenges in conflict resolution, commitment, and intimacy. I examined the development of symptoms like fear of closeness or dependency and explored how unresolved trauma can influence parenting, potentially leading to transfer intergenerationally. In my synthesis, I also reviewed therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and attachment-based therapies that aim at healing attachment wounds and fostering secure adult relationships. I discovered that the research emphasized that self-awareness together with emotional work and supportive relationships and resilience serve as essential tools for people to overcome early adversity. Additionally, I identified two main research limitations which include small sample diversity and self-report data reliance, and I suggested future research directions to study trauma recovery. I concluded by emphasizing the need for expanded mental health services and increased public awareness to promote healthier relationships and disrupt cycles of intergenerational trauma.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Isabella Hernandez

The Impact of Sports Participation on Children’s Biopsychosocial Development

In this evidence-based synthesis review, I focused on the biopsychosocial effects of team sports on adolescence maturation. I analyzed 15 articles dating from 2015 to 2024, in which the researchers were finding positive and negative effects. In this synthesis paper, I aimed to understand how activity levels shaped their development through the different stages of adolescence. This review highlights the negative effects of early specialization, overworking, and stress, which can hinder adolescents’ maturation. This revealed research about psychological maturation, the effects of how parents can determine dedication, coaches shape mindsets, and the benefits of remaining active during adolescence. Additionally, I examined the physical effects of sports, including injury risk, improvements in overall strength and physical health, enhancements in well-being, and the effects of same age and different age play. This review illustrates how sports can serve as a preventative measure by allowing children to learn basic time-management and engagement, reducing the likelihood of delinquent behaviors. I also compared sports participation with other extracurricular activities, revealing that both have similar positive effects on adolescent maturation. Finally, I addressed certain limitations and future research such as community restrictions, parental influence, and individual factors. I concluded that sports participation offers numerous benefits, including enhanced social interactions, increased social support, improved physical ability, emotional intelligence, attention span, and decision-making skills.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

1 – 1:30 PM

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Breanna Hilton

The Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Children in School

In my analysis paper, I reviewed research on one of the most common childhood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this analysis paper, I synthesized a total of 23 studies done between 2014 and 2025, with 22 of the research articles from the last five years. The studies were about children with ADHD symptoms in school, a variety of interventions, school specific effects, as well as other factors. The goal of this analysis paper was to analyze studies on the symptoms of ADHD that children experience. I also discussed common interventions used to treat ADHD as well as newer successful interventions. Medication has become the typical treatment when it comes to ADHD interventions, but there are many other successful interventions that may be better for the child. I also addressed the importance of proper and early diagnosis in children because it can significantly affect the child’s development. Parents and teachers are accountable for the child’s development and success in the classroom and in everyday life. The studies presented many strengths including the representation of multiple cultures and the room for future research. The studies took place in different cultures around the world and was not limited to the United States. There is room for future research and the studies presented the importance of continued research. One limitation that came up in the research were that most studies were measured by subjective reports, meaning someone rated the severity of ADHD symptoms before and after. This can be subjective based on the person’s judgement and opinion. Another limitation was that a few studies were conducted with a small number of participants. This is important to consider, because a few people don’t properly represent a big population of people. Lastly, another limitation was that a few studies were self-reported which can create skewed data. Overall, the research articles provided valuable data and allows for future research.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Siefke 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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