Tag: Capstones Spring 2022

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule

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

Return to schedule