Tag: Capstones Spring 2026

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

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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

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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

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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

11:30 – 11:55 AM

Goodrich 204

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

2 – 2:25 PM

Goodrich 204

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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

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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

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