Tag: Capstones

Jessica Woods

The Effect of Storytelling on Business Success: How Connection Bridges the Gap Between Product and Consumer

Decades of research have been dedicated to discerning why some businesses are successful and others aren’t. Many analyses have been made, speeches given, and papers written, but the true path to success has eluded discovery while well-meaning pursuers of the answer are overwhelmed with sources of incomplete advice. I’ll be taking four years of business education and combining it with my passion for literature to propose that the missing link between a “by the book” business and true success is the element of story.

BUS 499, Business Strategy and Policy

Christy Silverthorne

S100

4 – 5 PM

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Taiga Yamane

Taiga Yamane

The power of mind

In life, individuals encounter nerve-wracking and stressful situations that they would like to avoid but cannot. Example situations can be a job interview or client negotiations in business and game-change moments in sports. In the competitiveness of business and sports, success does not only come from physical skills or technical expertise. We can elevate our performance by the power of the mind. The incorporation of visualization techniques or mental imagery into preparations has emerged as an effective tool for individuals who are seeking to enhance their performance. By imaging success and mentally rehearsing the scenarios, individuals can anticipate their stress and perform effectively. I would like to delve into the benefits of those techniques for performance improvement and examine their applications in both business and sports in this project. This essay also aims to explain the potential of visualization techniques as a powerful tool and my practice model.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

2 – 2:30 PM

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Carissa Cole

Biochemical Pregnancies

Biochemical pregnancies are an early-stage miscarriage and one of the most common types. Unfortunately, it can take an emotional toll on the parents who are trying to conceive a child. In this paper, I go through some of the reasons that this event may occur. It is first important to understand the process of fertilization, implantation, and development of the conceptus. With an understanding, it is easier to grasp the complexities of pregnancy and why mistakes may occur during development. Early miscarriage can occur for a few different reasons. Research has found that most occur from chromosomal abnormalities, specifically aneuploidy and sperm DNA fragmentation. There is also evidence that there can be endometrial complications. The thickness of the endometrium plays a role in keeping the fertilized egg alive. Findings also suggest that implantation can determine if a biochemical pregnancy happens. The mother’s uterus can reject the implanting embryo, and there seems to be a preferred window of implantation that allows the conceptus to survive. Most interestingly, it has been found that women who undergo in-vitro fertilization are less likely to have an early miscarriage when compared to those who have a sporadic pregnancy. While there is some research dedicated to answering the question of why chemical pregnancies occur, there is not much dedicated to preventative measures. Evidence does suggest that there are a few, specifically preventing aneuploidy, but there are minimal resources dedicated to this research. Overall, biochemical pregnancies are an unfortunate occurrence that plagues many women, and because of this, more time and resources need to be dedicated to research on early pregnancy loss.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

Womack 100

1:30 – 2 PM

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Taylor Copenhaver

The Association Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Cognitive Impairment in Adulthood

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed 23 journal articles, both empirical studies and literature reviews, dating from 2013 to 2023 examining the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive impairment in adulthood. Many researchers found significant results suggesting that the decline in the cognitive function of memory is associated with PTSD. Additionally, researchers concluded that neurocognitive disorder is strongly associated with PTSD, but the specific neurocognitive disorder of Alzheimer’s disease is not directly correlated with PTSD. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the comorbid relationship of PTSD and depressive symptoms is the strongest correlation with cognitive impairment. When it is not comorbid, PTSD is more closely associated with cognitive impairment than other mental disorders. A few limitations within the research are that many of the studies included symptoms of mental disorders and not clinical diagnoses, the sample sizes of some studies were not large enough to make a generalization of the researched population, and there is not enough evidence to suggest a causal relationship between PTSD and cognitive impairment.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

10 – 10:30 AM

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Chase Dean

Listening Project

Guy Itzchakov defines high quality listening as listening that offers empathy, interest-taking, and unconditional regard.

Bushnell University traditional undergraduates are emerging adults. Monisha Pasupathi’s research shows that high quality listening helps emerging adults become more confident in their adult decisions through emerging adulthood.

What I sought to do is provide a space in the community to discuss what it takes to practice high quality listening and how easy it can be. During a gathering of Bushnell students at chapel I explained the elements of high quality listening and in one gathering we practiced high quality listening.

I then asked students throughout the next 3 weeks to practice the skills to develop comfortability in high quality listening. Once they had practiced this level of high quality listening they were to put stickers on a poster board in Womack Hall as a checkmark of their practice. I sought to get 30 stickers on this poster

After the 3 weeks had passed we had a total of 15 stickers on the poster board

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Richardson 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Ethan Ferry

The Therapeutic Benefits of Well-Integrated Religion and Spirituality

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

10:30 – 11 AM

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Daniel Furman

Effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Head Injuries on Athletes

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

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

11 – 11:30 AM

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Katie Johnson

Continuous Glucose Monitors

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

Bucher Room

10 AM – Noon

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Sarah Lemke

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

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

BTM 499, Senior Capstone

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

P103

10:30 – 11 AM

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Victoria Messer

Ethical Implications of Social Media Screening in Applicant Evaluation

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

1:30 – 2 PM

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Kalani Miller

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

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

BTM 499, Honors: Senior Thesis

Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

L203 (click here to view the live stream)

1:30 – 2:30 PM

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Sam Morehouse

The Effectiveness of a StoryBrand Framework

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

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

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

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

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

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

11:30 AM – Noon

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Brooke Silvernail

The Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad

Before I had gone to Granada, Spain, I had always dreamed of knowing what it would be like to travel to a different country and learn about its culture. Now that I have studied abroad, I know all of the ins and outs of how to study abroad: finding a program, preparing for departure, starting your experience, and enjoying your stay. Although it may seem like an arduous task, the hardest part to studying abroad is getting there. After listening to my story, you will learn about the study abroad process and get a glimpse of what it feels like to be an international student.

SPAN 499, Senior Capstone

Jenae Cazares

P103

11:30 AM – Noon

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Zoe Tomlin

An Understanding of Jonah.

This capstone paper is about the Biblical book of Jonah. It is taking all the elements found in Jonah and tying in psychological theories and ideas to see if Jonah was truly a loser or if there is another element of the story people have been missing. Jonah is a prophet called by God to go to the great city of Nineveh and preach to them about repenting or else they would be destroyed. The city of Nineveh is hated by most and does many sinful acts, so it would be understandable that Jonah would want to avoid that area. According to Jonah, he would rather die then help the helpless. But Jonah is God’s prophet and he is called to deliver God’s Word.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

James Berry

P114

1 – 1:30 PM

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Cole Vamos

Social Anxiety, Depression, and Peer Pressure Amongst College Life

In this evidence-based synthesis paper, I reviewed findings and discoveries across 15 empirical studies ranging from 2001 to 2023 to summarize current knowledge and new information about social anxiety, peer pressure, and depressive disorders within college students. I included different demographics and geographics, ethnicity, age, and gender. The main methods of research conducted through these studies were questionnaires to access and categorize the different levels of anxiety or depression, depending on the study. These methods allowed discoveries with emerging adults entering college life, and those who already attend college, therefore showing where these symptoms form or have originally formed prior to college life. Overall, there was an increase in prevalence of cases of college students dealing with different forms of social anxiety, as well as depressive symptoms. Symptoms varied depending on cases, the majority related to negative habits like drinking or drug addiction which led to negative self-esteem, even deliberate self-harm. Furthermore, future studies will only extend further knowledge or develop more evidence based facts about depressive symptoms and social anxiety amongst college life.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Erin Mueller

Womack 100

11:30 AM – Noon

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Ian Woodcock

Synthetic Generation of Genomic Datasets using Synthetic Data Vault

Many wonder what the mysterious world of coding can allow you to do. The first things that come to mind are software UI (User Interface) or UX (User Experience), maybe game development, and many other things out there. But there is one field that may seem to be hidden from the world. All are found in some virtual underground dungeon. No, I am not taking you to the dark web. I am talking about data analysis and machine learning. Python is the best programming language that allows you to manipulate Excel datasets. From containing personal information of customers to numbers of statistics of a store and their items. We can use those kinds of datasets and use one to program it to run through an algorithm to give us simply a score. In this, we will be dealing with DNA genomic datatsets and we will put it through an algorithm that creates synthetic genomic data. The score will specifically focus on the broadness to unuiqueness of the type of genomic data in the original dataset and the new dataset.

SFTE 499, Senior Capstone

Ernest Bonat

Richardson 100

10 – 10:30 AM

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Jasmine Aguilar

A Campaign Gone Global

Student interest in study abroad is on a continuous rise, however the number of participating Bushnell students have gone down. To resolve this, a public relations campaign plan was specifically designed for the Bushnell Global Programs. The planning model used in the campaign plan was the R.O.S.T.I.R model, which stands for research, objectives, strategies, implementation, and reporting. Research was conducted by using peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and comparing other universities’ programs. This information gathered was put into the campaign plan to support decisions made. The campaign plan is to be used by the faculty advisor of Bushnell’s Global Programs and the student global ambassadors as a yearlong plan and tool to promote the program and increase participation rates. At the end of the campaign plan, the faculty advisor and student global ambassadors can reflect on whether objectives were met and can continue to utilize the plan in the following years. Keywords: global programs, study abroad, public relations, campaign plan

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader and Kelsay Rychener

PFB 003

2:30 – 3 PM

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Lydia Batenhorst

Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss: Themes of Deception and Death in Women’s Stories in the Hebrew Bible

In my capstone, I will be studying five women from the Hebrew Bible: Eve, Rebekah, Jael, Delilah, and Jezebel. What a fascinating group of widely upsetting and despised women! My objective is to explore how we might be able to redeem these characters, focusing on their strengths and other interpretations to provide a perspective that is contrary or new to the typical reading of these characters. In order to do so, I narrowed the lens, concentrating on the destructive themes of deception and death in these stories. For the first theme, I have chosen to focus on three women whose stories reflect the tensions of deception: Rebekah, Jael, and Delilah. For the second, two of the most despised women in the Hebrew Bible – Eve and Jezebel – will be analyzed through this theme of death. I believe this exploration will be worthwhile and important because their characters are often used – whether explicitly or implicitly, whether intentionally or unintentionally – to define and limit perceptions of women. By recovering and renewing their stories and roles, we are recovering the more positive portrayals and perceptions of women while challenging the largely negative common beliefs of and standard narrative for women that has been laid upon us, justified in the “deceitful, seductive, weak-willed, unreliable, temptress” narrative, portrayal, and interpretation of women likes these five.

ENG 499, Senior Capstone

James Watson

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Cameron Binaley

Preventable Catastrophe in Law Enforcement: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Siege Against the Branch Davidians and David Koresh

From February 28th to April 19th 1993, an event took place known as the Waco Siege. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to conduct a Siege and investigation into the religious cult known as the Branch Davidians and their fanatic leader David Koresh. This Siege ended with the death of four ATF Agents, Steve Willis, Robert Williams, Todd McKeehan, and Conway Charles LeBleu, and 76 Branch Davidians, 20 of which were children, 2 pregnant women, and their leader David Koresh. This event is often referred to as one of the biggest failures in recent law enforcement history, and rightfully so. However, I argue that the ATF did use Reasonable Force against the Branch Davidians on the basis of the Branch Davidians beliefs and illegal activity, the the information the ATF had on David Koresh and the Branch Davidian, and, Legal Aftermath of the Siege.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

P103

1 – 4 PM

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Shay Coons

Applying Therapeutic Interventions to Build Resilience in Children from Homes At-risk for Abuse

Throughout history, with startling prevalence, children have faced maltreatment within family and home settings. Early intervention specialists have long emphasized the need to implement intervention programs highlighting the development of resilience, social-emotional skills, and improving the family dynamic. Therapeutic intervention strategies for children in homes at-risk for abuse may be effective in promoting resilience in children and predicting successful life outcomes. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends in therapeutic intervention strategies. First, resiliency is regarded as a protective factor for children at-risk for abuse. Next, researchers have highlighted the importance of developing social-emotional skills in children at-risk for abuse. Moreover, parental involvement in interventions for children in homes at-risk for abuse is of paramount importance. Finally, the impact of current interventions on children at-risk for abuse has shown promising outcomes. Children demonstrating features of resilience exhibited reduced perception of being threatened and lower states of anxiety. Intervention methods such as Child-Centered Play Therapy, focused on the development and improvement of social-emotional skills, have demonstrated a decline in externalizing negative behaviors. A holistic approach to intervention, involving parent education, is an important aspect of improving family dynamics in homes at-risk for abuse and preventing retraumatization. Current intervention strategies have demonstrated positive outcomes in promoting social-emotional skills and altering neural patterns for response inhibition among children at-risk for maltreatment. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore developmental stage differences that could impact the effectiveness of particular interventions and ensure that they are developmentally appropriate.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

2:30 – 3 PM

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Carina Haas

How can we be more connected within the church?

The student was interested in creating an event on how people can feel more connected within the church. An event was created at One Love Church where people can learn more about communication and have a time of getting to know one another and connect with one another.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

2 – 2:30 PM

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Brosnan Johnson

Periodontal Disease and Periodontistry

The primary cause of tooth loss is periodontitis. Close to 50% of the adult population has a form of periodontitis or swelling of the gums due to bacteria lying just beneath the surface of the gums. Oral health is important to the general health of a person and it is the first line of defense against diseases and other bacteria entering the body. Dental caries can lead to adverse health effects and can even be the cause of death. Dental disease can also cause and be caused by stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Periodontistry is a field that has been around for a long time to help combat this. Periodontists can do a myriad of procedures in order to help prevent gum recession and bone loss as well as other signs of periodontistry. Hygienists can also help prevent periodontitis by performing procedures such as scaling and root planing. Periodontistry is a vital role in keeping the mouth healthy and also the body overall.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Jordan Kuykendall

Relationship between Genetics and Personalities

Genetics and personalities, two very interesting topics that could very possibly have correlations and a relationship with each other. Understanding how genetics plays into personality disorders is another aspect that does not go deep into detail mainly because there is not enough research around the subject. The biggest aspect of genetics that plays into one’s personalities is the nature versus nurture aspect. The environment that someone is surrounded by during the developmental stages of their lives play the biggest role in the idea of genetics and personality disorders. There are ten different personality disorders that are typically related to the environmental aspects of genetics. However, not enough information has been discovered to determine if there is actually a correlation between genetics and personalities, but it is currently being looked into and further studied and maybe in future years the idea of genes correlating with personality and personality disorders will probably be deeper in understanding and further the knowledge of the possibilities.

BIOL 499, Senior Capstone

Paul Allee

L203

2:30 – 3 PM

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Alex Locati

The Danger of Difference and How Teachers Can Cultivate Success

Teaching is historically a profession dominated by white, middle-class, women from rural towns. As the diversity of the United States population continues to increase, so does the need for teachers and educators to respond to and accommodate the learners of these different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds that appear in their classrooms. Currently, there is a gap in academic performance between different groups of students, and it is important that we address this issue. White, Black, Hispanic, boys, and girls should all have an equal opportunity for a quality education that prepares them for their future. Ignorance and avoidance of differences between teachers and students can cause issues and create a hindering learning environment where students are not able to receive the help they need. In the context of a student-centered learning environment, this research focuses on how teachers can use culturally responsive pedagogy to understand how to address the needs of all students in their classrooms, and in Oregon specifically. Through the culturally responsive practices of differentiation, meaningful relationship, and continuing education and training, teachers can learn how to best approach their student’s learning and consequently, serve the achievement gap in Oregon.

IDS 499, Senior Capstone

Brian Mills

L203

3 – 3:30 PM

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Eric Marbley Jr.

The Impact of Retirement on Athletes’ Mental Health

American adults nearing retirement may experience mental health struggles. Specifically, in professional and collegiate sports many athletes are not prepared for the mental health challenges they will encounter when it is time to step away from their sports. Athletes who are near retirement may experience poor mental health surrounding diverse factors. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends regarding the impact retirement has on athletes’ mental health. First, many factors contribute to the mental health struggles of athletes in retirement. Next, athletic injuries play a substantial role in retired athletes’ mental health. Moreover, when athletes retire from their respective sports a loss of identity may take place. Lastly, athletes may be reluctant to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health in the sports setting. These variables may exist because of the lack of preparation not solely by the athlete but by the athlete’s support system as well.  Collegiate athletes have extremely full schedules with schoolwork and game preparation. Researchers have found that retired athletes reported greater depressive symptoms than active players. This may be due to the fact that retired athletes are more open to sharing their mental health status and thus, mental health professionals are more aware of the retired athletes’ mental health challenges. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to further explore the impact that mental health may have on athletes’ ability to perform while playing their sports, and to have a clearer understanding of how to care for athletes in retirement.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

2 – 2:30 PM

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Meagan Mollahan

US College Student Vulnerability to Suicidality

American college students are experiencing increasing mental health challenges. Specifically, suicide is the second leading cause of death amidst college students. Multiple factors impact the mental health of college students and may lead to their increased vulnerability to suicidality. Therefore, this presentation will review four research trends concerning factors that escalate college students’ suicidal ideation. First, depression and sense of burden are prominent in contributing to risk of suicidality. Equally important, fear of rejection and lack of belonging perpetuate desires to isolate and withdraw from society and life altogether. Moreover, minority students face greater stress and vulnerability to suicidal ideation than their Caucasian or heterosexual counterparts. Lastly, negative coping strategies escalate suicidality, while positive coping strategies have the potential to encourage resilience. Regardless of whether the perception is true, students with depression are more likely than non-depressed students to perceive other people as viewing them as a burden, better off dead. The more an individual avoids their emotions, and isolates themself, the greater their sensitivity to being rejected. They feel unwanted and alone. Minority students face even greater emotional distress and may feel unsafe in college solely because of who they are, leading to higher suicidality risk. In an attempt to escape overwhelming emotions, students commonly turn to alcohol and other substances; but for many, these practices only increase distress and suicidal ideation. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore ways to reduce the stigma of suicide and mental health struggles in men.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

1:30 – 2 PM

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Taylor Quirk

The Impact of Trauma on Emotion Development in Childhood

Throughout history, children have been subjected to diverse traumas in their homes by their parents, caregivers, and “trusted” adults. Experiencing these traumas can hinder a growing child’s development in their emotion regulation, their attachment styles, and their mental health. Experiencing trauma may impede emotion development in children and adolescents. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends in childhood emotion development impeded by trauma. First, children may be subjected to betrayal trauma in their own households, most often by their mothers. Next, domestic violence trauma in childhood predicts concurrent co-morbid mental health disorders. Moreover, children experiencing sexual abuse trauma have been linked to developing insecure or disorganized attachment styles. Finally, experiencing trauma in childhood is negatively linked with children’s emotion regulation development. Maternal betrayal trauma and negative parenting styles are revealed in the psychological and emotional distress which these children experience at home. Early exposure to household violence and intimate partner violence is likely to derail children’s emotional well-being. Children experiencing sexual abuse have been associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, along with psychological challenges and distress. Emotion regulation is a common concern found among children experiencing diverse traumas. Future directions in research will be reviewed, including the need to explore parent education regarding building a healthy and nurturing environment for children so they may be provided with safe and encouraging emotional growth in the face of life’s challenges.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

3 – 3:30 PM

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Samantha Silver

Concerns Facing Mental Health Awareness for Student-Athletes

Mental health awareness for student-athletes stood out to me for my capstone because of the hopelessness I heard from other athletes and the frustrations that were voiced by athletic directors and athletes alike. This catapulted me into the creation of my capstone which focused on the importance of mental health awareness in our student-athletes at Bushnell University. Many students had voiced that they felt pressure to perform so much so that it caused crippling anxiety and fear that if they made a mistake they would instantly be pulled from their sport. This carried over into their lives and made it so they felt as if they were not allowed to show weakness, or voice that they were struggling with something happening in their lives. When faced with depression, anxiety, or other issues that presented themselves instead of getting help the student-athletes would try to ignore it and push the issue to the back of their minds. To the athlete, this was easier than taking on the fear of being seen as weak or feeling the pressure to be perfect. The way I designed this project was based on interactions with some of the teams on campus. I met with these teams three times over the course of this semester. The focus of the meetings was to ensure that they were aware of the many mental health support networks that we had on campus and what they thought could be improved. From these meetings I was able to learn that there are more stereotypes surrounding different teams than most people realize. Having these come to light and be addressed would be a huge stepping stone in helping some of these athletes take the next step in receiving help for their mental health struggles. Some of the teams were difficult to get in contact with or they did not respond because of their busy schedules. In the future, I would like to have a powerful hand like the athletic director possibly step in and have all the coaches and teams participate. The hope would be to have all teams from Bushnell University cooperate. This would make it so that bigger steps could be taken in the future and the topic of mental health awareness among student-athletes be taken more seriously.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

11 – 11:30 AM

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Jordan Strehlow

Exploring Christian Couples’ Marriages

A great deal of research has been conducted regarding the effect of religion on marriages and satisfaction in marriages. However, little research has been done to analyze the effect that reading the Bible has on a marriage. Based on previous research on religion and marriage satisfaction, I hypothesized that participants who read the Bible more times a week will be more satisfied with their marriage. The study’s findings revealed that there was a weak correlation between reading the Bible more times a week and marriage satisfaction.

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

PFB 003

3 – 3:30 PM

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Melissa Swick

Homelessness and Opioid Addiction

An opioid epidemic is raging in America, a crisis that has steadily increased since 2000. At the same time, the number of people experiencing homelessness and opioid addiction has also increased. Individuals with a history of homelessness are at increased risk for opioid addiction. Thus, this presentation will review four research trends that examine opioid abuse and being homeless in America. First, there is a critical relationship between homelessness and opioid use disorder (OUD). Second, chronic pain contributes significantly to OUD in people who experience homelessness. Third, treatment programs for OUD in people experiencing homelessness vary in their success rates. Fourth, there are many barriers to successful treatment of OUD for people experiencing homelessness. The rates of opioid abuse in people who experience homelessness are almost three times higher than for those who are housed. Researchers have discovered that people who experience homelessness are at increased risk of OUD because they have higher rates of chronic pain than people in the general population. Managed opioid programs may result in improvements in the health and social well-being of people who experience homelessness. There are numerous barriers, however, to treatment adherence for people who experience homelessness. Future directions in research will be discussed, including the need to explore the impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals who live in small towns or rural areas and experience homelessness.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Bucher Room (view livestream here)

3:30 – 4 PM

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Karissa Bailor

Understanding the Impact of Online Influencers

The Internet has provided a unique opportunity for online entertainment, and a more direct way to connect with online influencers. Parasocial relationships between online content creators and their viewers, however, may have a negative impact on the viewers’ finances, trust, and personal worldviews. Recent research trends will also be reviewed, e.g., findings that online Influencers maintain the successful promotion of products or potential scams, and online influencers maintain strong influence on children and adolescent viewers. Future directions will also be reviewed including the fact that psychology researchers have not adequately investigated the psychological impact of Influencers; current research is heavily focused on marketing benefits, while few studies have researched the often blind trust between viewers and influencers, the psychological impact and benefits of influencer marketing. Researchers must explore the far-reaching effects of social media influencers on developing children and youth.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

3:30 – 3:55 PM

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Nicolas Cazares

Modern Approaches to Spinal Cord Repair

Spinal cords are one of the most sensitive parts of the human body and damage to them can massively hinder one’s quality of life. This presentation will go over medical research of spinal cord repair. The first section is an overview of what the spinal cord is including, cellular make-up, biological function, and detailed anatomy. The second section of this presentation will discuss the history of research within this field dating back to the 1960s. Following this I will look at modern approaches to spinal cord repair and discuss the pros and cons of each method.

MATH 499

Brian Carrigan

P103

1 – 1:30 PM

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Sam Dodd

Benefits of Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs) have long been anathematized since their inception with the first edition of Dungeons & Dragons, though in recent times, they have been seen as more of a blessing. Engaging in tabletop role-playing games may positively impact adolescents and emerging adults in regard to self-discovery, the classroom, critical thinking and communication skills, and as clients in mental health therapy. Recent trends in research will be discussed, e.g., those who engage in TRPGs may benefit from increased self-discovery and may utilize acquired skills to apply to their work as clients in therapy. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to examine the effects of TRPGs on overall mental health in children, adolescents, and adults.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

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1:30 – 1:55 PM

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Jared Dodson

The Darkest Nights Have the Brightest Stars: Reevaluating Light and Darkness in Johannine Literature

The imagery of light and darkness has always connoted very strong ideas through many diverse cultures. So too is light and darkness a key theme in Johannine literature. St. John of Patmos consistently uses the theme of light and darkness to demonstrate realities concerning the nature of God and those who follow him. The task presented here is to reevaluate traditional understandings of John’s use of light and darkness in light of the broader narrative of scripture. This paper will seek to envision the theme of light and darkness in Johannine literature as a continuation of this theme as found in the Hebrew scriptures. This project will also explore the interpretations of the theme utilized by the early church fathers Origen and Gregory of Nyssa, and will explore how their contrasting perspectives both portray distinct aspects of light and darkness as used by John. Distilling each of these sources into a coherent understanding of John’s imagery and use of light and darkness, this paper will demonstrate how God can be experienced and is present in both light and darkness.

CM 499, Senior Capstone

Agametochukwu Iheanyi-Igwe

L203

Click here to view the live stream

10 – 10:30 AM

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Kaitlynn Edrington

Fleischer Animation Studios and the American Dream

During the period 1921 to 1941, the idealism of the American Dream prevailed, and can be seen through the lens of early animated media. Current histography reinforces that early animation image ideals and successes come from the Walt Disney studios, excluding many studios in operation, and innovating the field before them, namely Fleischer Studios. Literature and academics have addressed Fleischer Studios and the founders Max and Dave Fleischer in relation to animation innovation and depictions, but often do not reflect on the influence their personal lives had on their work. Doing so removes the diverse voice their experience as Jewish immigrants/first generation Americans from tenement housing in Brooklynn New York gives to the images and depictions of American life they created. The works of Mark Langer among others bring context and regional comparison of the Fleischer Studio’s works to other studios at the time nationwide but does not fully acknowledge the impact of the founders and the studio as an entity as a reflection of American society. The innovations and inventions of Max Fleischer, the themes and topics shown through the medium of animation, and the business dealings that led to the quick rise to fame and later paved the way for their downfall provide a unique viewpoint to an up and rising form of media as well as depictions and reality of American social life. This paper and accompanying presentation aims to draw these points together and put on display the unique diverse image of American social life and the ideal of the American dream as told through early animation.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

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9:30 AM – Noon

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Fern Gardea

The Impact of Parents with Mental Illness on their Children’s Health and Quality of Life

Mental health is currently a popular topic in the United States; mental illness is another matter. Further, we fail to acknowledge and talk about the countless children who live in the shadows with parents who experience mental illness; few acknowledge what these children live with daily. Parents experiencing mental illness may negatively impact their children’s development, including their emotional and mental health. Recent trends in research will be reviewed (e.g., mental illness in parents and the resultant anxiety, depression, and poor emotion regulation in their children; parenting styles in parents with mental illness and the impact on their children). Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to explore the role and potential impact of psychotherapy for parents with mental illness and for their children, in addition to whole family therapy, as well as the negative effects on children of parents who utilize poor parenting styles.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

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2:30 – 2:55 PM

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Daniel Gerlach

Engaging Polarization With Peacemaking Tactics and the Teachings of Jesus

We live in some of the most polarized times in our nation; but how do we make productive steps to change this? As followers of Jesus, I believe we are supposed to be the light of the world by being peacemakers. In an effort to bring communication tactics and the scripture to guide us on how to do this, I made a short, five-episode podcast series called “Peacemaking In Our Time” as my capstone project. Come check out my presentation on the discussion of how this project went, what I learned, and how we can make strides in navigating our conflicts and differences. Follow this link to listen to the podcast on Spotify: Not required for attendance to my presentation – https://open.spotify.com/show/7lw7NrlIYCzH2eYxXASO5k?si=f94f16cb073b4680

COMM 499, Senior Capstone

Doyle Srader

L203

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1:30 – 2 PM

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Jonathan Rambousek

Barriers to Mental Health Care Among Active-Duty Military and Veterans

When military personnel come home from deployment or transition out of the military, they often do not know that they need mental health care. If they are aware that they need help, service members and veterans likely do not know where to look for that help. A culture of stigma may foster mental health care avoidance in active-duty and military veterans. Researchers have recently suggested that entrenched attitudes against mental health treatment seeking and risks to career advancement are likely to blame. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for researchers to delve more deeply into the role veteran status of providers could play in the likelihood of service members and veterans entering and continuing treatment, as well as the need for more effective non-pharmacological interventions.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

3:00 – 3:25 PM

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Stella Reaka

Substance Use in Prison: A Never Ending Cycle

Issues regarding the prison system evoke concern worldwide, in part because punishment has largely replaced rehabilitation. Individuals with substance use disorders in the prison system are being punished for their disorders rather than getting the treatment they need in order to be successful in society. Recent trends in research will be reviewed, e.g., prison release from prison without treatment, and evidence that ongoing treatment after release results in higher risk of recidivism and lethal overdose. Future directions will also be reviewed, including the need for researchers to explore the impact of increased rehabilitation on society.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

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2 – 2:25 PM

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Emmalee Rusk

A History of John Hinckley v. United States and Incarceration of the Mentally Ill

John W. Hinckley Jr. attempted to kill President Ronald Reagan, killing White House Press Secretary James Bradley in the process. The jury of the trial of John W. Hinckley Jr. v. United States found him Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. This sent the people of the United States into an uproar as they desired justice.

The Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 was then put in place to restrict the use of the Insanity Plea. 

However, the Act is now under scrutiny for an unfounded relation between it and the mass incarceration of the mentally ill in U.S. jails and prisons today. This presentation comes to the defense of the Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984 from these allegations through the history of John Hinckley and his attempted murder of President Reagan, the trial, and the affect of the Act.

HIST 499, Senior Capstone

Melisa Ortiz Berry

Bushnell History Symposium, P103

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9:30 AM – Noon

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Drenna Thompson

Gender Expression on the Autism Spectrum

Gender expression on the autism spectrum is currently a highly salient topic, with researchers indicating a high rate of fluid and unique identity within this population. Autistic individuals are more likely than neurotypicals to have a non-conformist relationship to gender, whether that be identifying outside the binary, disregarding gender roles, or being transgender. Recent trends in research will be examined, e.g., how autistic children express their gender identity and the struggles they face, and how queer people contacting gender clinics often also receive referrals for an ASD evaluation and potential diagnosis. Future directions will also be reviewed including the need for ASD-specific sex education, as well as inclusion of ASD voices in related research.

PSY 499, Senior Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

Join by Zoom

4:00 – 4:25 PM

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