Research & Creative Works Symposium
Schedule of Presentations & Exhibitions
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April 14th, 2023
Oral Presentations
Charismatic Leaders: A Comparative Study of Maoism and Leninism
This project aims to answer why Mao was a more effective charismatic leader than Lenin. A charismatic leader is a leader who convinces their followers to change their identities to reflect the identity of the leader. Through a comparative case study of most similar circumstances concerning communes in early Maoist China and the Leninist Soviet Union, evidence will be presented that explores Mao and Lenin’s leadership and policies, to evaluate the success of each individual as a charismatic leader. Both Lenin and Mao formed ardently national ideologies in response to Marxism. These ideologies were implemented by two charismatic leaders who had the ability to totally encapsulate the people of their states. This paper argues that Maoism was a more successful implementation of Marxism because of the Maoist-specific concept and presence of struggle; therefore it makes the argument that Mao was a more successful charismatic leader than Lenin. This can be examined in the comparison of Leninist communes and Maoist communes. The analyses presented will argue that Mao had a greater ability to change and control the identities of the Chinese people through the way that they engaged with nationalism and struggles.
Presenters: Micah Giblaint ’24
Sponsor: Alisa Gaunder, Political Science
Location: Olin 124
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I Am What I Am: A Queer Protest Through Music and Drag
Presenters: Eric Salinas ’25
Sponsor: Michael Cooper, Center for Integrative Learning
Location: Olin 110
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Tea Culture in China vs The West
I am exploring the differences in both tea and the culture surrounding it in China and countries in the western hemisphere, and how the history of these areas affects modern tea consumption. Tea is noticeably very different in taste between the East and west hemispheres, even if the same plant is being brewed. I have learned over my research that this is due to the difference in brewing methods for tea in these different locations, and how eastern tea culture has a large impact on this. Chinese style teas are meant to be enjoyed slowly, and drinking tea is more of a full experience than simply the consumption of a drink. It is intended to be drunk without additives as it is naturally flavorful, while western tea brewing methods make the tea bitter, and require additives such as sugar and creamers for those who don’t have a palette for the bitterness.
Presenters: Aidan Boswell ’26
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Language Learning Center
Location: Olin 113
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Poster Presentations
A Blue Whales Heart is Superior to A Humans Heart
The blue whale has the biggest heart on the planet weighing around 300 to 400 pounds. On average, their resting heart rates beat about 16-24 bpm. Whenever a whale dives, its heart slows down to around 4-8 bpm. When they ascend back to the surface their heart rates increase and beat around 30-35 bpm. In comparison, a normal, healthy human resting heart rate is around 60-90 bpm. A human with a heart rate as low as a whale would be close to death and would need medical assistance immediately. The purpose of this presentation is to provide information about heart function, heart rate, and Electrocardiogram readings to get a better understanding about the importance of heart health. Anatomical differences between whales and humans explains how whales do not experience negative health issues with extreme bradycardia and differing electrical impulses as humans would. Abnormal ECG waveforms indicate that the heart isn’t functioning properly and can lead to a heart attack. Getting a yearly electrocardiogram helps evaluate the heart health, heart rhythm and assess any abnormalities such as chamber function and electrical conduction. Monitoring heart health is a simple process that provides valuable insight into a person’s heart health.
Presenters: Madyson Runge ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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A Single 10-Minute Vape Exposure Alters Ventilation in Adult Rats
Presenters: Mila Fisher ’24
Sponsor: Jennifer Stokes, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Analysis of Transient Ethanol Exposure Effects on Facial Branchiomotor Neuronal Migration
Presenters: Swamy Trejo ’23
Sponsor: Kimberly McArthur, Biology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Are you Smarter than an Octopus?
Presenters: Tessa Lewis ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Bar-headed Geese: The Sherpas of the Bird World?
Presenters: Jason Lund ’24
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Biomechanical Effects on Barbell Back Squat: Barefoot vs. Running Shoes
Presenters: Madyson Runge ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density of NCAA Dlll Athletes at Southwestern University
Presenters: Cole Peck ’23, Grey Wagner ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Cardiorespiratory for a horse compared to humans
Presenters: Ryan Sambogna ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Caribou Eyes Change Colors, But It’s Not Good If Yours Do
Presenters: Neil Thomas ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Cheetah’s and their weird hearts
Presenters: Mia Paz ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Cleft Palate: Good for Loons, Bad for You
Presenters: Rachel Chiella ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Creating Allometric Equations for Assessing Plant Species Composition and Biomass
Presenters: Christine Vanginault ’23
Sponsor: Jennie DeMarco, Biology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Ducks: The Aerobic Athletes in the Sky
Presenters: Cole Peck ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Elephants; Too Hot to Handle
Presenters: Taylor Hubbard ’24
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Exploring Orbits Translation Surfaces with Barriers
Presenters: Rowan Via ’23
Sponsor: Noelle Sawyer, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS Lobby
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FitFusion: The CoFo Concept Website
Presenters: Brock Bloomquist ’23, Richard Maybury ’23, Chris Ojonta ’23, Christopher Smith ’23
Sponsor: Barbara Anthony, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS Lobby
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Flexibility: Learning from Squirrels and the Importance of Stretching
Presenters: Kate Quindara ’25
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Influence of Plant Maturity on Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Concentrations in Three Green Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars
Presenters: Holly Lawson ’23
Sponsor: Emily Niemeyer, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: FJS Lobby
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Largemouth Bass More Fit Than Humans?
Presenters: Michael Islas ’25
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Muscle Building Tips From Our Primate Relatives
Presenters: Zachary Moon ’24
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Physiological Effects of Wearing a Surgical Mask During Anaerobic Exercise
Presenters: Diana Combs ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Robotic Gardening
Presenters: Isaiah Guilford ’26, Hallie Martinez 26, Annalina Slover ’26, Eliana Solis ’26
Sponsor: Steve Alexander, Physics
Location: FJS Lobby
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Solving Sudoku Using Linear Algebra
Presenters: Isabella Robinson ’25
Sponsor: Fumiko Futamura, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS Lobby
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The Effect of Iron Stress on Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Light-harvesting in Coastal vs. Oceanic Environments
As climate change continues to affect ocean pH, iron stress will become a reality for more aquatic species, including photosynthetic diatoms. Diatoms contain two fused antenna-reaction center complexes: photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). PSII has a lower iron requirement, which allows diatom strains with a higher PSII: PSI ratio to be more resilient under iron stress. Our lab investigated the impact of iron stress on the light-harvesting processes of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum collected from both oceanic and coastal environments. The diatoms were grown in a range of iron concentrations. UV-vis was used to monitor the growth rate of diatoms and fluorescence lifetimes were measured to understand their light-harvesting dynamics, informing us about how these organisms adapt to their changing environment. We observe that as iron concentration decreases, the growth rate in diatoms also decreases. Studying diatom function under lower iron concentrations in oceans could further expand our understanding of how diatoms adapt to external stressors.
Presenters: Sanjana Nittala ’24
Sponsor: Sara Massey, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: FJS Lobby
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The Grade Optimizing Tool
As a part of the 2023 Computer Science Capstone, we developed a ReactJS web application that aims to help students improve their grades and organize additional study time needed for the classes that need grade improvement. The goal of this application is to assist students in improving their grades, while minimizing the amount of manual work required in determining where studying is most beneficial. With Figma, we modeled web pages to then implement in ReactJS. Implementing and designing a database was crucial when creating a scalable, cloud-based database. Firebase allowed us to utilize its data synchronization, user authentication, and cloud storage features which are crucial when developing modern web applications. Firebase, being a Google application, allowed easy integration with external libraries/packages and existing Google services. During the project, we learned how to create useful user interfaces, utilize Google Firebase in order to store grade information, apply outside APIs and frameworks to our project, and how to integrate all of those steps into a cohesive whole. These aspects involved learning database concepts, extensive knowledge of JavaScript and its usage, and how JavaScript and CSS can be used to create web applications that take and manipulate data.
Presenters: Jackson Gill ’23, Jose Rangel ’23, Braden Sullivan ’23, Cody Thompson 23
Sponsor: Barbara Anthony, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS Lobby
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The Little Bird with a Fast Heart
Presenters: Gianni Taisague ’24
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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The Pressure Is On
Presenters: Jack Hansen ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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The Sleep Apnea Champion
Presenters: Grey Wagner ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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There’s Snow Tomorrow: Helping Stop Climate Change with Biodiversity and Sequestration!
Presenters: Hailey Vickich ’25, Abigail White ’25
Sponsor: Jennie DeMarco, Environmental Studies
Location: FJS Lobby
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Translation Surfaces: The Math of How Pac-Man Teleports
Presenters: James Cosman ’25, Kalista Esquivel ’26, Miguel Grado ’26, Williams Reid ’26
Sponsor: Noelle Sawyer, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS Lobby
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Variations in Total Phenolic Content Among Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Gunpowder Green Tea
Presenters: London Johnson ’23
Sponsor: Emily Niemeyer, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: FJS Lobby
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Why Hippopotamus Don’t Need Sunscreen: Blood-Sweat and its Function in Skin Protection
Presenters: Diana Combs ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Why You Can’t Outjump a Kangaroo
Presenters: Samantha Martinez ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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You’re Not a Camel, Drink Responsibly
Presenters: Vincent Pedregon ’23
Sponsor: Edward Merritt, Kinesiology
Location: FJS Lobby
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Effect of Varying Irradiances on the Light-Harvesting of Coastal and Oceanic Diatoms
Photosynthetic Diatoms inhabit various aquatic systems. The fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein (FCP) is a unique light-harvesting antenna complex in diatoms that is highly capable of absorbing blue-green light. These antennas move excitations via consecutive downhill energy transfers to photosystem cores, where charge separation leads to photosynthetic reactions. Preliminary results show subtle differences in energy transfer between the coastal and oceanic strains of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum grown under high white light. Due to varying irradiance qualities in coastal and oceanic habitats, we hypothesized that diatoms sampled from such locations would present differences in their light-harvesting machinery and energy transfer pathways when grown under more stressful light conditions. In the current study, we have grown our diatoms in three different light conditions— high white light (40 µmol/m2s), low white light (20 µmol/m2s), and red-light (20 µmol/m2s). We measured pigment absorption and characterized the growth rate of each strain under different light conditions using UV-vis spectroscopy. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy was used to observe differences in energy transfer pathways and timescales. When grown under these stressors, coastal and oceanic diatom light-harvesting show more pronounced spectral differences. Under white light, both coastal and oceanic diatoms have similar growth rates. Phase contrast microscopy also reveals altered morphology in the red light incubated cells. The results of our study reveal how photosynthetic organisms can fine-tune their light-harvesting systems to better acclimate to environmental stressors.
Presenters: Meghana Nittala
Sponsor: Sara Massey, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: FJS Lobby
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Oral Presentations
Comparing Mao and Stalin: A Study of Totalitarian Leadership
This paper explores Mao’s leadership style during the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution in comparison to Stalin’s. In thinking about the differences between the two, we ask “Why was there more violence under Stalin than under Mao given they were both considered totalitarian leaders?” Through several possible explanations, we’ll explore Mao/Stalin as totalitarian, Marxism/economic reform, and the charismatic leadership from both leaders. We’ll argue that Mao’s leadership was influenced by Stalinist ideology and resulted in significant impacts on China’s landscape, including fear, censorship of criticism/dissent, and less individual freedoms. We’ll explain this thesis through a most similar systems design comparing the outcomes of China and The Soviet Union. Conducting a review of the secondary literature and translations of Maoist and Stalinist works, we’ll see the similarities and differences that explain the contrasting outcomes of a more violent and less violent regime.
Presenters: Jackson Winder ’24
Sponsor: Alisa Gaunder, Political Science
Location: Olin 124
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Covid-19 and Stock Market Performance
This study examines the relationship between stock market performance and Covid-19 cases and deaths using data from January 21, 2020 to February 6th, 2023. In addition, the impact of eight major pandemic related announcements, for example, the declaration of the Covid-19 virus as a pandemic, on stock performance are estimated. The S&P500 index is used as a proxy for stock market performance and the daily adjusted close price of that index is the dependent variable in this analysis. The total number of COVID cases and deaths in the US, the number of new cases and deaths per day, and the date of policy announcements are used as explanatory variables. Controls include the 10-year treasury bond yield, effective federal funds rate, inflation rate, and unemployment rate. All estimates are based on time-series OLS regressions on data drawn from the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis, Yahoo Finance, and the New York Times.
Presenters: Lexi Freeman ’23, Lauren Mackrell ’23
Sponsor: Dirk Early, Economics and Business
Location: Olin 105
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Curricular Imperialism: The impact of “anti-CRT” legislation on Ethnic Studies Classrooms in Texas
Presenters: Laura Carrasco-Torres ’24, Rebecca Ramirez ’24
Sponsor: Raquel Saenz-Ortiz, Education
Location: Olin 126
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The Representation of Birds in China
Birds appear in many ancient Chinese images, writing, and names. The Oracle Bone writing, the first documented writing system ever, made use of the characters of birds for many words and signs that are used even today. Even the oldest collection of poetry, the Book of Songs (Shijing) refers specifically to many bird species. Further, Tang dynasty poets as well as local historians documented which particular birds inhabited their respective areas. Overall, birds are routinely cataloged in specifics throughout Chinese literature. Through this representation of birds, Chinese writers reveal a vital interest in nature, and we can see that the environment is consistently important in Chinese culture. For my topic, I will explore how and where birds appear in Chinese literature and culture as an indicator of engagement with the natural world— how they are alive to the world around them. While I may not discover a groundbreaking conclusion nor find all that there is on this topic in the centuries of poetry and literature, this project aims to explore a less talked about subject and share that knowledge with peers.
Presenters: Maryn Medlock ’25
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: Olin 113
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Oral Presentations
Hoyoverse’s Representation of Chinese Culture in Genshin Impact
Hoyoverse’s hit game, Genshin Impact, explores and connects many aspects of real-life cultures into a fictional universe. In this presentation, we will be focusing on one region of the game’s world that represents many different facets of Chinese culture. From the folklore of the guardian Yakshas to the nuances of in-game fashion, we can compare these depictions to real culture in China and explore their significance. We will also delve into the significance of the game’s created religion and its relation to Taoism, the architecture of the region inspired by Chinese architecture, and its display of Chinese Opera. By comparing in-game scenes and character models to cultural artifacts and practices in the real world, we are able to get a sense of how Hoyoverse has thoroughly encompassed Chinese culture into their game.
Presenters: Katelyn Lucas ’26
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: Olin 113
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The Art of the Peasant: Ideology and State-Sponsored Art in Maoist China
This presentation explores Mao Zedong’s emphasis on art throughout the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Specifically, it looks at why Mao focused on art as much as he did and compares his government to other regimes that also emphasized the creation of art sympathetic to their cause. I argue that Maoist ideology sought specifically to encourage the creation of art by the lower class as a political tool, and contrast it with fascist Germany, which emphasized an upper class of artists for a similar purpose. Additionally, I consider the systems in place to facilitate the connection between the government and artists.
Presenters: Marcus Leese ’25
Sponsor: Alisa Gaunder, Political Science
Location: Olin 124
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Oral Presentations
Comparing the Charasmatic Leadership of FDR and Mao
My research will explore two influential politicians who were amongst the world’s most successful charismatic leaders: CCP Chairman Mao Zedong and US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Employing a most similar systems methodology, I will examine how despite similar rhetorical tactics, political strategies, and the unique charismatic bond pursued by both leaders China was not able to achieve the peaceful socialist reforms that FDR did due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and geographic scope. Conventional wisdom has tended to either avoid a comparison of cross-political ideologies or to attribute the resulting state of society as a direct product of political ideology. This paper takes up an underexplored thread of research seeking to explain socio-political outcomes outside the binary of democracy versus communism and contribute to our understanding of charismatic leadership across political ideologies.
Presenters: Mercedes Chervony ’26
Sponsor: Alisa Gaunder, Political Science
Location: Olin 124
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Flying Off the Handle: Witches as World-builders in the British Civil Wars
Presenters: Eugenia Gabrielle Agobe ’23
Sponsor: Jessica Hower, History
Location: Olin 126
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Horror Movies and Psychoanalysis
Presenters: Max McDaniel ’23
Sponsor: Jim Kilfoyle, English
Location: Olin 105
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Rest on the Flight into Egypt: Constructing Holiness through White Bodies
Presenters: Hannah Chock ’24
Sponsor: Kimberly Smith, Art and Art History
Location: Olin 110
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Veneration of Jade in Ancient China and Mesoamerica
Two ancient cultures from either side of the world shared a strong veneration of jade thousands of years ago: the Olmec of Central America and Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures of Neolithic China. I am interested in exploring a comparison between these two cultures and speculating about what the similarities may mean, if anything. Both areas practiced craftsmanship of religious jade objects, placed carved jade objects in ritual burials, had preference for certain colors, and engaged in trade networks to acquire and distribute jade. In both Mesoamerica and China, the smooth, detailed carving of the jades supports the deep importance that jade had to both cultures, and points to labor organization and specialization, denoting a complex civilization that separates them from the Paleolithic era. This project aims to simply discuss the similarities between these two otherwise vastly different cultures I noticed when taking Ancient Chinese art history and Ancient Andean art history courses at the same time.
Presenters: Kate Medlock ’25
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Other
Location: Olin 113
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Exhibitions
An Algorithmic Approach to Nicotine Addiction
In 2020, the NIH stated that 57.3 million individuals reported nicotine use, with 23.6 million having an addictive dependency on the substance. Health concerns surrounding nicotine use have increased as electronic cigarette devices have become popular recently, especially among young adults, and even children. Nicotine is linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart attacks, stroke, mental health issues, weakened immune system, and other respiratory diseases. Current options for recovering from nicotine addiction include therapy and medication; however, this is not an option for most users due to high costs and lack of insurance. Our team created an app that will use an algorithm to create a new approach to quitting nicotine at no cost so no groups are excluded from seeking help. Our app works differently from others by using an algorithm to take in the user’s current nicotine intake, triggers, and daily lifestyle to create a specialized plan to ‘wean’ them off the substance over a calculated amount of time. We hope that by giving users their own structured plan to follow, we can make their journey to quitting nicotine more feasible.
Presenters: Cynthia Bashara ’23, Annelise Bass ’23, Alejandro Medina ’24
Sponsor: Fay Guarraci, Psychology
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Automatic Spotlight Tracking
Using computer vision, this project aims to track a performer across a stage with a spotlight. This project intersects Computer Science, Theatre, and Engineering aiming to perform as accurately as a human spotlight technician. This will allow theatre companies to free up a staff member to help with more challenging and creative parts of a production. Additionally, I want this project to be more accessible than it’s higher-end alternatives. I am making a system that anyone from a middle school student to a Broadway lighting designer can use. I also am making this project open to improvement and expansion by other people, rather than being restricted by only my imagination. The project works by using a video camera that sends a video feed into a laptop. The inputs to the computer will be sensor data from the actor that describe position, direction of motion and speed of the actor. Using this data, software will be used to calculate the position of the spotlight in real-time. These coordinates will then be sent to the light-board or relevant hardware that will be a part of the spotlight in a continuous loop in order to track each performer automatically.
Presenters: Aidan Balakrishnan ’26
Sponsor: John Ore, Theatre
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Have You Walked A Mile In Their Boots?
“Have You Walked a Mile in Those Boots?” explores the psychology of color and represents experiences with mental illness in a large-scale fiber art installation. Artist Madison Devoe investigates how maps and their associations translate through different mediums to examine past traumatic events. As someone who personally struggles with mental health issues, normalizing the struggles of such experiences is integral to her personal growth and well being. Devoe visualizes her chaotic compositions of layered maps as a metaphor for overlapping obstacles in her life. Her mixed media collage and focus on mark making in her two dimensional work come together to show the varying degree of each obstacle, overlapping and creating complex webs of stressors. With this project, Devoe’s explorations in two dimensional media have spilled over into fiber installation, due to the intensely interactive experience a large scale floor piece can produce. Trauma from stressful events sits on a scale of severity and type creating uniquely specific instances for anyone who experiences it. Translating this through multiple media lets her demonstrate such a spectrum in the most tactile way possible. The extended labor and monotonous, meditative process used to create such detailed fiber work allows her to channel her experiences directly through the process of creating. Channeling these experiences through the psychology of color allows Devoe to ground her work in the instinctual reaction she is trying to pull from her audience. Being able to walk on the piece is integral in understanding the journey taken from Devoe’s perspective.
Presenters: Madison Devoe ’23
Sponsor: Kelsey Baker, Art and Art History
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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High Powered Rocketry
Our project is an opportunity for aspiring engineers to get hands-on experience through the assembly, testing, and launch of multiple high powered rockets. This project will occur in 3 main phases and to coincide, we will be pursuing a level 1 high powered rocketry certification in phase 2/3. Phase 1 is the preliminary phase, this is vital to gaining basic knowledge necessary to the rocket assembly process. Phase 2 builds a high powered ZEPHYR (Model:04997) rocket from a kit and launches it at an official AARG launch site. Since it will be the first time our group has launched a high powered rocket, it is essential to follow the kit for the first time we assemble it. In phase 3, we will be modifying another ZEPHYR (Model:04997) rocket with a creative and useful electronic mechanism. These creative modifications will be unique to each group. Throughout phases 2 and 3, we will be using a ROCKSIM software to map the flightpath of our rockets before they are launched. This King Creativity Project enables a unique opportunity for the future engineers out of Southwestern University to get a glimpse into the world of engineering.
Presenters: Braden Anderson ’24, Noah Pyles ’23, Angel Rodirugez ’24, Sabrina Woodward ’25
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Mapping Midwives at the Turn of the 20th Century
This project seeks to understand the coverage of reproductive services provided by midwives during the 1920s and 30s in Mexico City. This is continued work from a previous project where student researchers mapped the addresses of midwives from the Escuela Libre de Obstetricia y Enfermería (ELOE), this year we expanded the project to locate midwives’ patients. ELOE was one of many different alternative institutions of obstetrical learning that arose from the revolutionary movement of early 20th century Mexico. This specific institution equipped midwives with the knowledge and skills required to help birth children well into the 1930s, past the time of death given to the career by the current historical literature. Last semester, we focused on reading clinical records from the 1930s written in cursive and in Spanish, gathering names and addresses, organizing them in Google sheets, and finding and corroborating addresses using historical maps and Google maps, all through collaborative work experience. This semester, we are using software to visualize the distribution of midwives and patients in a map. By using visualization methodologies, historians are better positioned to examine the success of midwifery programs at the time. Our methodologies include using StoryMapJS, a story-telling map generated to visualize the traveling done by midwives. Our presentation includes a visualization of the work of these midwives within the borders of Mexico City. This curated map includes the coordinates, clinical history information, and actual pictures of the midwives.
Presenters: Samantha Alvarado ’23, Savanna Frieze ’25, Marley Sensenderfer ’25
Sponsor: Jethro Hernandez Berrones, History
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Product Design: Revisiting Poul Henningsen’s Artichoke Lamp
In 1958 Poul Henningsen designed the Artichoke Lamp for a popular restaurant in Copenhagen. The lamp was thought to be revolutionary for its time, due to the artful use of industrial materials and methods. This project is a study of the Artichoke Lamp, attempting to understand and re-design both its organic form, and the lights it produces. The realization of this project uses creative design methods taught to students in the Architecture and Design Studies minor, with engineering instruments available to students in the Fondren Jones Science Center. The design phase includes research and sketching, while the industrial design phase calls for the use of software such as AutoCAD and Rhino3D, and machinery such as the GlowForge laser cutter.
Presenters: Oliver Johnson ’24
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Mountains and Streams of Ink: Facsimile Works from the National Palace Museum, Taiwan
The art of ceramics has become an abstract art form, with pieces made for display, but the original functional forms of pottery have their own enduring beauty. For this presentation I want to focus on food-serving vessels or food-related pottery in ancient China and dive into the meanings. Recent archaeological finds have discovered food serving vessels such as one in the Zhongshan State tombs, with adaptable handle and lid. Other pieces of ancient pottery have remains of millet and rice and even cereal-type grains! There are jars assumed to be used to ferment alcohol, which were similar to the vessels for grain. But the alcohol would likely have had medicinal properties, with ingredients of ginger, rice, beans, snake gourd, yam, lily, and others. These functional forms of pottery show something of the Chinese value of the art of living. Even everyday ordinary serving vessels are part of the beauty and purpose of life.
Presenters: Jared Burton ’25, Rebecca Butterworth ’23, Henry Maxwell Colley ’25, Jonathan Crayton ’23, Emily Farnan ’25, Georgia Jackson ’26, Ethan Mills ’26, Oscar Roy ’25, David Salvania ’26, Matthew Sganga ’25, Ryan Tanner ’25, Zachary Vilo ’24, Isa Wilson ’26, Ira Worsham ’26
Sponsor: Allison Miller, Arts History
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Poster Presentations
Building a 3D Printer with an Integrated Lidar Sensor
In the last two decades, 3D printing has seen great innovation, with costs going down making it extremely accessible to the average consumer. 3D printing has many possible use cases such as cost-effective rapid prototyping, architecture, and even custom art. There are numerous 3D printers on the market, each with its advantages and drawbacks. One of the biggest difficulties in 3D printing is creating a level surface to print on. Some sensors are built into machines to help measure the unevenness of the surface, but they can be unreliable and inaccurate. The goal of this project is to take a popular sensor called lidar and attach it to a 3D printer to accurately and precisely compensate for an uneven surface. A lidar sensor uses light waves to generate an accurate 3D map of an environment; they are most commonly used in self-driving cars. The 3D printer that will be used is based on a community open source design called Voron, which will allow the attachment of the lidar sensor. This project will conclude with the testing and evaluation of current sensors used in printers compared with the lidar sensor.
Presenters: Domenic Cordova ’23
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FAB Walzel Lobby
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Oral Presentations
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Children’s Education as a Mobilization Tactic During the Chinese Cultural Revolution
The education that Chinese youth received under Mao Zedong is unprecedented and significant to the progression of the Cultural Revolution in China. The youth experienced drastic changes in their formal schooling that eventually permeated and restructured every aspect of their life. Why was Mao able to gain large support in the revolution from the Chinese youth in a relatively short period of time? I argue that when the educational institution was re-established under Maoist rule, there was a constant and forceful societal pressure to agree and follow Maoism in every action taken in life. This societal restructuring occurred through physical and psychosocial tactics aimed at prioritizing Mao and the fight for revolution. Thus, the implementation of new social norms and standards through formal schooling was most effective at gaining rapid and large support from the Chinese youth during the Cultural Revolution.The indoctrination of the lost generation continues to affect Chinese politics today and therefore, is vital to understanding the international world order.
Presenters: Valerie Gutierrez ’24
Sponsor: Alisa Gaunder, Political Science
Location: Olin 124
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Ancient Chinese Functional Pottery
Presenters: Steph Roothaan ’25
Sponsor: Carl Roberston, Other
Location: Olin 113
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Black Britons in Bridgerton and Regency era London
Presenters: Zoe Forde ’23
Sponsor: Jessica Hower, History
Location: Olin 126
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Reason for the Seasons: A Hands on Model
Presenters: Allison Hentges ’24
Sponsor: Michael Kamen, Education
Location: Olin 110
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Oral Presentations
Performing Gender through Clothing: “A Burden Imposed on Us to Beautify Our Dying Flesh”
Presenters: Riley Naugle ’23
Sponsor: Maria Lowe, Sociology and Anthropology
Location: Olin 110
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Genshin Impact – A Love Letter to China
The Chinese game Genshin Impact has become popular internationally. Because of this popularity, the game developers MiHoYo had the opportunity to showcase Chinese culture globally without common prejudices and political controversies associated with China in the world today. For example, they added a region in the game that was based on China. The geography and landscape were well-researched and based on real places in China. Outfits incorporated elements and symbols in accordance with ancient Chinese culture. Even foods were based on different styles of food in China from the various provinces. MiHoYo also annually holds a Lantern Rite Festival in-game. It is based on the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year. They put a lot of effort towards developing an annual festival. The animation is beautiful; there is always a long-cut scene; many characters come together for the event; the city of Liyue is also beautifully decorated; there are free in-game rewards given out; and they go out of their way to hire professionals to accurately depict their culture. The region of Liyue is truly MiHoYo’s love letter to China.
Presenters: Sabrina Zheng ’24
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Modern Language & Literatures - Chinese
Location: Olin 113
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Exhibitions
Fine Arts Performance A PREVIEW of Ride the Cyclone
Come and enjoy a sneak peak from our upcoming musical, Ride the Cyclone! The cast will be performing two songs!
Sponsor: Kerry Betchel, Theatre
Location: The Cove
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Oral Presentations
Helios House
Presenters: Finn Bishop ’24, Daniella Echevarria ’24, Gerald Jones ’26, Aleena Kahn ’24, Zeest Kahn ’24, Kate McCourt ’25, DeVonte Rogers ’26, Jun Vann ’26
Sponsor: Gabriel Pena, Melanie Hoag, Theatre
Location: Olin 105
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How Chinese language impact differently between native Chinese/English speaker
In Chinese, each character has its own definition, which helps native Chinese speaker to pick up the new vocab by understanding the definition of each character. However, in English language it is just a combination of the character which reader would not be able to understand what does the word mean by reading it.
Presenters: Yun-Huan Pai ’23
Sponsor: Carl Robertson, Modern Language & Literature - Chinese
Location: Olin 113
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The Story of Education
Presenters: Kathleen Burnett ’23, Vanessa Calabaza ’24
Sponsor: Alicia Moore, Education
Location: Olin 110
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Oral Presentations
Oral Presentations
Oral Presentations
Dual Language Programs
Presenters: Alexander Clark ’23, Jessica Kazmir ’23, Emma Jane Knigge ’24
Sponsor: Catherine Ross, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: FJS 100
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Effect of Varying Irradiances on the Light-Harvesting of Coastal and Oceanic Diatoms
Photosynthetic Diatoms inhabit various aquatic systems. The fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein (FCP) is a unique light-harvesting antenna complex in diatoms that is highly capable of absorbing blue-green light. These antennas move excitations via consecutive downhill energy transfers to photosystem cores, where charge separation leads to photosynthetic reactions. Preliminary results show subtle differences in energy transfer between the coastal and oceanic strains of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum grown under high white light. Due to varying irradiance qualities in coastal and oceanic habitats, we hypothesized that diatoms sampled from such locations would present differences in their light-harvesting machinery and energy transfer pathways when grown under more stressful light conditions. In the current study, we have grown our diatoms in three different light conditions— high white light (40 µmol/m2s), low white light (20 µmol/m2s), and red-light (20 µmol/m2s). We measured pigment absorption and characterized the growth rate of each strain under different light conditions using UV-vis spectroscopy. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy was used to observe differences in energy transfer pathways and timescales. When grown under these stressors, coastal and oceanic diatom light-harvesting show more pronounced spectral differences. Under white light, both coastal and oceanic diatoms have similar growth rates. Phase contrast microscopy also reveals altered morphology in the red light incubated cells. The results of our study reveal how photosynthetic organisms can fine-tune their light-harvesting systems to better acclimate to environmental stressors.
Presenters: Muhammed Yusuf Buhari ’23
Sponsor: Sara Massey, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: FJS 402
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Evolving Flying Machines in Minecraft Using Quality Diversity
Presenters: Alejandro Medina ’24, Mark Mueller ’24, Melanie Richey ’23
Sponsor: Jacob Schrum, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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Theatre as a Vehicle for Social Change
In this presentation, I explore how theatre is more than just entertainment, but rather is a vehicle for social change, a means by which values and norms can be challenged and even a forum for political discussion. In fact, it can be used as an opportunity to convey information and inspire action in regards to socio-political issues, further encouraging discourse and involvement in both salient and subtle political topics. This presentation explores how theatre can be used as a tool to educate and encourage audiences to question and explore politics through deliberation and discourse through comparing research from academic journals and articles, as well as studying political movements that advocate for using the arts to inform politics and vice versa. Theatre is a powerful tool that can be used to further educate audiences, influence engagement in political discourse and politics and be used as an opportunity to enact change in regards to our current (and future) political state.
Presenters: Hailey Cagle ’23
Sponsor: Kerry Bechtel, Theatre
Location: FJS 204
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Poster Presentations
A Better Future Because of Brigid
Presenters: Kennedy Cobb ’23
Sponsor: Eric Selbin, Political Science
Location: MCC Bishops
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An ImageJ Script to Analyze the Printability of Bioprinted Lattices
Bioprinting, an additive manufacturing method utalizing natural materials like bioinks/hydrogels, is an increasingly viable way to fabricate soft tissue equivalents. The Crosby lab is interested in bioprinting a blood brain barrier to test the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds in animal-free in vitro models. To fabricate this blood-brain barrier, we developed novel biomaterial inks, which must be tested under different printing conditions, such as temperature and pressure. Within bioprinting, the shape of a lattice is often used to determine the shape fidelity/viability of bioinks, and one way of measuring that is through calculating circularity values, which indicate how closely the lattice matches the CAD model. However, printing numerous lattices can require significant image processing. Having a script to process images all at once saves time and energy. Our script accepts a folder, presents the user with a selection from different thresholding extensions in Imagej, and applies that parameter to the remaining photos. The particles are then analyzed for circularity values, and the resulting images and calculations are stored in a folder. This script is an asset to researchers trying to analyze bioink printability, which can progress printing of structures to support cells and the delivery of pharmaceutical compounds.
Presenters: Sabrina Woodward ’25
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: MCC Bishops
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Anti-Racism and German Books for Young Audiences
Children’s books shape worldviews and communicate cultural values. Scholars and practitioners agree that it is important for children to be able to recognize themselves in stories, illustrations and narratives, and, at the same time, to learn about the different realities of life around them. Our project is to explore how children’s literature in Germany today reflects the increasingly diverse populations. The Poster Presentation offers perspectives on research into anti-racist children’s books, focusing on how texts and illustrations integrate messages of inclusion, empathy, openness, and curiosity.
Presenters: Bodhi Hassell ’24, Isabella Moore ’24, Mark Mueller ’24, Christine Vanginault ’24
Sponsor: Erika Berroth, International Studies
Location: MCC Bishops
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Attachment Anxiety and Personality Pathology within Minor-Attracted People
Presenters: Camryn Clegg ’23
Sponsor: Bryan Neighbors, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Calm Yourself Up? Converse Effects of ASMR on Heart Rate and GSR
Presenters: Madeline Bollinger ’24, Laurel Mulkey ’24, Vy Nguyen ’23
Sponsor: Carin Perilloux, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Designing Group Projects that Focus on Promoting Social Responsibility
Group projects for assessments have always been regarded as one of the most successful methods of learning on paper, however, in practice it can be difficult to motivate all the group members to equally contribute. This paper hopes to study methods to reduce social loafing, and focus on creating the proper framework of group projects to keep all members accountable. It’ll include the opinions of college professors as well as students that have had lots of experiences on group projects. The opinions taken from surveys and interviews will be used to create the foundation for the group project designed for Southwestern courses. The greater impact this project hopes to create group projects that are accommodating for FYS professors (First Year Seminar). All incoming freshmen must take an FYS class during their first semester at Southwestern as a melting pot class to meet new people, and get used to the workload change from high school to college. Therefore, FYS classes are the perfect target audience for this research in hopes of FYS professors implementing this research in their future curriculum.
Presenters: David Salvania ’26
Sponsor: Jim Kilfoyle, English
Location: MCC Bishops
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HAPI
Presenters: Ashton Frey ’23
Sponsor: Debika Sihi, Economics and Business
Location: MCC Bishops
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How Accurately Did Van Eyck Paint the Chandelier in the Arnolfini Portrait? A Geometric Analysis Contributing to a Decades Old Debate
Presenters: Oliver Johnson ’24
Sponsor: Fumiko Futamura, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: MCC Bishops
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How Actual Versus Expected Wait Time Influences Children’s and Adults’ Emotions
Presenters: Dominic Deanda ’24, Jackson Fowler ’23, Jack Hockenyos ’24, Arturo Jimenez ’23, Morgan Wiesner ’23
Sponsor: Karen Lara, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Missio/Monstrum: Tracking Attitudes Toward the Disabled in Antiquity
Presenters: Marley Sensenderfer ’25
Sponsor: Jeffrey Easton, Classics
Location: MCC Bishops
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Prepubescent Vaporized Nicotine Exposure Disrupts Sexual Motivation and Pubertal Onset in Female but not Male Long-Evans Rats
Presenters: Jazz Belfield ’23, Natalie Williams ’25
Sponsor: Fay Guarraci, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Self-Expansion and the Likelihood of Friendship Formation with Perceived (Dis)similar Others
Presenters: Ariyanna Easter ’23, Cassandra Keimig ’23, Jasmyn Rodriguez ’23
Sponsor: Erin Crockett, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Sexually Explicit Material Use and Interpersonal Engagement
Presenters: Megan Muskara ’24
Sponsor: Bryan Neighbors, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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Teach, Breath, Be
Presenters: Emma Presley ’23
Sponsor: Brian Neighbors, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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The Correlations Between Commitment to a Student Organization and College Retention Rates
Presenters: Cassidy Reynolds ’25, Mara Strohl ’25
Sponsor: Erin Crockett, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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The Effects of Chronic Caffeine and Fluoxetine Administration on the Sexual Functioning of Female Long-Evans Rats
Presenters: Reece Sandercock ’23
Sponsor: Fay Guarraci, Psychology
Location: MCC Bishops
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The Stage Management Mentorship Project: Furthering Stage Management Education Through the United States Institute for Theatre Technology & Conference Management
Presenters: Jaime Hotaling ’23
Sponsor: John Ore, Theatre
Location: MCC Bishops
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Ukulele for Dummies
Presenters: Henry McClure ’23
Sponsor: Steve Kostelnik, Music
Location: MCC Bishops
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Oral Presentations
An Exploration of Difference Distance Magic Graph Labelings
An oriented graph with n vertices has a difference distance magic (DDM) labeling if it is possible to label the vertices with distinct values from $|$ such that at each vertex the sum of the labels of vertices from the in-neighborhood is equal to the sum of the labels of vertices from the out-neighborhood. In this talk, the properties that must be true in order for various classes of oriented graphs to have DDM labelings will be examined. Some classes we may discuss include wheels, multipartite graphs, and regular graphs. In addition, we will discuss how bidirectional edges can create additional DDM labelings. The talk will conclude with a connection to creating home-away equalized tournaments.
Presenters: Kathryn Altman ’24, Lauren Calzado ’23
Sponsor: Alison Marr, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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Engaging Students in Mathematics Through Stories
Presenters: Leora Ammerman ’24, Katherine Donohoe ’25, Logan Ferguson ’24, Caitlynne Graves ’24, Allison Hentges ’24, Rebecca Ramirez ’24
Sponsor: Jami Locklear, Education
Location: FJS 402
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Georgetown Independent School District: Descripción General
Presenters: Achilles Armendariz ’23, Linsey Garza ’23, Melissa Zuniga ’23
Sponsor: Catherine Ross, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: FJS 100
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Queer Characters in American Musical Theatre
Queerness in American musical theatre was hidden in supporting characters and caricatures of queerness in what is known as the “Golden Age” of the american musical. Contemporary musicals now feature authentic, more nuanced queer characters and their stories. By looking closely at three pieces from different periods in the history of american musical theatre: Oklahoma! (Golden Age), Falsettos (Pre-Contemporary), and Fun Home (Contemporary), one can trace the rise the fully conceived LGBTQ+ character that goes beyond the caricature and 2 dimensional presentation and make logical conclusions as to where queer representation will go in the future. This research serves to highlight how queer representation in american musical theatre has improved due to diverse groups of collaborators, the recognition of gay literature, and shifts in American culture. While the industry has managed to develop queer characters and provide a space for queer people to express themselves, the data still shows a lack of representation.
Presenters: Trinity Denson ’23
Sponsor: Kerry Bechtel, Theatre
Location: FJS 204
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Oral Presentations
A Kinder World: Why we could all use theatre in our everyday lives to cultivate empathy and strengthen communities
Theatre pedagogical approaches to education are not always commonplace outside of the fine and performing arts. With significant educational budget cuts occurring annually since the 1980s, young students have a lesser opportunity to participate in educational spaces that elevate theatrical pedagogy. The lessons that a theatrical pedagogical approach provides community and empathy through practices such as the use of creative problem solving, collaboration among peers and teachers, and more, are integral in the support of students. If the use of these skills in creating community and facilitating empathetic growth in students, why are theatre pedagogical techniques not prioritized in public school education? Why is funding so hard to procure for theatre education? Students need a theatrical pedagogical approach that provides empathy through theatre practices, creative problem-solving skills, the ability to collaborate with peers, and creates a secure community. It is of the utmost importance that the generations of students to come not only have the skills developed from a well-rounded education, but also the community and empathy developed from a theatre pedagogical approach to give them a support system that empowers them and helps create a supportive community.
Presenters: Laine Parrish ’23
Sponsor: Kerry Bechtel, Theatre
Location: FJS 204
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Annie Purl: Un problema o una oportunidad
Presenters: William Hebl ’23, Chalyn White ’23, Samantha Youngclaus ’23
Sponsor: Catherine Ross, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: FJS 100
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Domino Antimagic Configurations
An antimagic square is an n x n grid of integers (normally using the values 1 up to n^2) whose rows, main diagonals, and columns add up to distinct, consecutive integers. The k-domino set is the set of distinct domino tiles where the two numbers on each tile are any number from 0 to k. Recently, antimagic domino squares were defined as antimagic squares formed by using the standard 6-domino set. In this talk, we discuss what other antimagic configurations (not strictly limited to squares) can be constructed from a subset of the 6-domino set such that the sums of the rows and columns form a set of distinct, consecutive integers. We will restrict our domino configurations to using at most four different dominoes. We will also explore the minimum sized k-domino set that will create such configurations.
Presenters: Anderson Johnson ’24, Paige Thompson ’26
Sponsor: Alison Marr, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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Improving the printability of gelatin-hyaluronic acid biomaterials via nanoparticle addition
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable membrane that protects cortical tissue from neurotoxins; however, this same selective permeability blocks many therapeutics from being delivered via the circulatory system. Using 3D bioprinting and a deep understanding of cell-material interactions, our aim is to fabricate an in vitro model of the BBB to evaluate the delivery of therapeutics to the brain. GelMA and HAMA have been used to simulate the extracellular conditions of the brain microenvironment. Previous work has focused primarily on the functionality and biocompatibility of these biomaterial inks to support cell propagation and proliferation but not much work has been done to understand the rheological and physical properties. We hypothesize that the addition of PLGA nanoparticles to GelMA and HAMA will improve the printability of our final construct, while serving as a way to study drug delivery across the BBB.
Presenters: Noah Pyles’23
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FJS 402
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Oral Presentations
Annie Purl: Estudiantes del Futuro
Presenters: Danielle Perales ’23, Isaac Steffes ’23, Liam Vela ’23
Sponsor: Catherine Ross, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: FJS 100
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Application of Biomaterial Inks to Mimic the Blood-Brain Barrier for In-Vitro Neurotherapeutic Drug Delivery Model
Presenters: Kristie Cheng ’23
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FJS 402
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Subtractive Edge Magic Labelings
Presenters: Alleen Koenig ’23, Casandra Nunez ’26
Sponsor: Alison Marr, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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The Everchanging Beauty of Theatre
From the classic works of Shakespeare to more modern pieces such as Frankenstein, Death of a Salesman, Waiting for Godot, plays have been adapted and redesigned by the imagination of the director and the production team. Theatre is adaptable and changeable through directorial concepts, script interpretation, and audience perception and response. This allows for the vision of the production to breathe, grow, be reconceptualized, and to create new interpretations of a text. Changes such as these allow the audience to connect with the characters, locations, or moments differently each time they view the production. 52 Pick Up by Rita Bozi and TJ Dawe, is a script that embraces the idea of flexibility within each performance and production, always allowing the audience to bring their unique perspective to the story. By producing this work, I am exploring the directorial and production process, creating three distinct performances using one central script. Post-production feedback from the audience will also be utilized to better understand the differences and dynamics between each rendition of the piece.
Presenters: Coby Novillo ’23
Sponsor: Kerry Bechtel, Theatre
Location: FJS 204
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Poster Presentations
“Color Changing Potions”: The Use of Acid-Base Chemistry to Make Science Accessible and Engaging at a 5th-grade Level
Presenters: Obehi Ozua ’23, Guadalupe Sanchez ’23, Swamy Trejo ’23
Sponsor: Carmen Velez, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Prothro Lobby
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A “Damn Good” Experience
Presenters: Teddy Hoffman ’24
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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All Things Wild Rehabilitation Internship
Presenters: Gabrielle Garza ’23
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Biology Abroad
Presenters: Andrea Goodart ’24
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Culture & Language Immersion in Granada, Spain!
Presenters: Grace Parmer ’23
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Engaging Elementary Students in an Acid-Base Chemistry Activity
Presenters: Abi Benavides ’23, Holly Lawson ’23, Alexandra Stalnaker ’23
Sponsor: Carmen Velez, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Engaging Students in the Scientific Method Beyond the Classroom
Presenters: London Johnson ’23, Michelle Nguyen ’23, Leo Toussaint ’23
Sponsor: Carmen Velez, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Experiencing SU London
Presenters: Tessa Elizondo ’24
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Fizzy Frenzy: The Explosively Educational Chemistry of Mentos and Diet Coke!
Presenters: Muhammed Yusuf Buhari ’23, Samuel Dawson ’23, Quan Le ’23, Jeff Toscano ’23
Sponsor: Carmen Velez, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Prothro Lobby
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History as a Discipline, The Museum as a Practiced Place
On my filter-Poster Presentations, I have described the numerous multifaceted benefits that I was able to take away from my internship experience at The Williamson Museum. This high impact experience helped me grow in many ways, both in the professional and the scholarly realms. As a history major I was told by my advisor that going into this experience, it is extremely important for me to focus on understanding the relationship between history as an academic discipline and the museum as a practiced place, and during my internship I focused my attention on just that. I utilized weekly journal entries in which I took what I did in the museum from that week, such as recounting the steps I took in the process of creating two entire new exhibits, and connected it to scholarly historical writing. By doing so, I was able to understand this relationship in a manner that has grown my historical capabilities immensely, as I can now utilize scholarly history in the museum and vice versa. Overall, through my academic internship experience, I was able to open new doors for myself by growing my understanding in the field I wish to pursue professionally.
Presenters: Jeremy Harper ’24
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Houston Angels Internship: Connecting Trust & Relationship-Building to Pediatrics
Presenters: Lillian Dolapchiev ’23
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Introducing Chemical Cross-linking and Magnetism to Fifth-Grade Students
Presenters: Andrew Hernandez ’23, Vincent Kim ’23, Richard Rodriguez ’23
Sponsor: Carmen Velez, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Location: Prothro Lobby
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New York Arts Program at Barrow Street
Presenters: Paige Evans ’24
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Optimizing Grape Harvest Timing and Yield using Linear Programming
Presenters: Arden Neff ’25
Sponsor: Barbara Anthony, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Population Health: What is it and Why it is important
Presenters: Natasha Ndele ’24
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Public Opinion in Georgetown
Presenters: Rachel Thompson ’23
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Community-Engaged Learning
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Research and Evaluation Within an Advocacy Non-Profit
Presenters: Kamrin Taylor ’23
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Sex Work and Human Rights
Presenters: Tessa Lewis ’23
Sponsor: Traci Giuliano, Psychology
Location: Prothro Lobby
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St. Davids Cardiac Rehabilitation Internship
Presenters: Madyson Runge ’23
Sponsor: Vanessa Mikan, Kinesiology
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Studying Abroad in Barcelona
Presenters: Elena Clark ’24
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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SU Amsterdam Experience
Presenters: Sierra Scruggs ’24
Sponsor: Traci Giuliano, Psychology
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Thank you isn’t Simple
Presenters: Phoebe Hamilton ’23
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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The NEST Empowerment Center
Presenters: Vanessa Calabaza ’24
Sponsor: Sarah Brackmann, Internship Office
Location: Prothro Lobby
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The New York Arts Program as a Musician
Presenters: Brayden Carr ’24
Sponsor: Sandra Hancock, Study Abroad & International Student Services
Location: Prothro Lobby
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Oral Presentations
Developing a Method to Streamline the Process of Using a DIY 3D Bioprinter
The development of 3D bioprinting promises to aid in the fabrication of biomimetic tissues for organ replacement, drug screening, and pathological modeling. Unfortunately, bioprinters can be cost-prohibitive for some laboratories and utilize proprietary software that limits what settings a user can manipulate. In response, many labs have developed low-cost open-source DIY extruders to convert thermoplastic 3D printers to bioprinters. When 3D printing, the settings used to print differ greatly depending on the material, especially when using various biomaterials. Currently the method to derive these settings is largely a guess and check process with no structure. We have formulated a procedure that streamlines the work of finding the correct settings for a specific extruder, the Replistruder 4 (Feinberg et al., HardwareX 2021). This procedure was also adapted to a novel bioprinter extruder that has been customized for a Creality Ender 3 V2 FDM 3D printer. This system will enable the widespread adoption of DIY bioprinters and will empower other labs to more efficiently advance research in the 3D bioprinting field.
Presenters: Domenic Cordova ’23
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FJS 402
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How to Yeet Actors and Influence Audiences
What does one expect when they go to see a theatrical production? They most likely assume that they will be viewing a narrative told by an ensemble of actors who are supported by technical elements, immersing the audience into the world of the story. Lighting, audio, and scenery have long been used to supplement the scripted performance for the actor as far back as the days of open-air theatre in ancient Greece. New advancements in each of these fields such as moving lights, holographic imagery, and stage-mounted speakers have begun to suggest that these design components can hold their own in terms of guiding audiences through the storytelling and live experience. By removing the theatre’s reliance on actors as a mode of storytelling, we propose that design elements can elicit the same emotional response from the audience and develop the same narrative as actors have traditionally done within a theatrical setting.
Presenters: Connor Bate ’23, Jaime Hotaling ’23, Maisie Jones ’23
Sponsor: Kerry Bechtel, Theatre
Location: FJS 204
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What is the Smallest Area? A Parabolic Parable
Presenters: Aaron Garza ’26, Kaiden Salaz ’26
Sponsor: Alison Marr, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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Window Symbolism and the Chica Rara Archetype in “El Tiempo Entre Costuras
El tiempo entre costuras de María Dueñas trata del desarrollo de Sira de modista joven en Madrid a empresaria en Tetuán, y de vuelta a Madrid como modista marroquí disfrazada y espía secreta a principios de la dictadura franquista y la Segunda Guerra Mundial. La nacionalidad marroquí de Arish, la nueva identidad falsa de Sira cuando vuelve a Madrid, le permite que viva una feminidad exotizada, algo más característica de la «chica rara» definida por Carmen Martín Gaite, al mismo tiempo que la personalidad real de Sira se sitúa dentro del papel extendido de la mujer de los años de la Guerra Civil. En su vida pública, Sira rechaza la feminidad española prescrita y acoge lo «raro» de su identidad exotizada. Su trabajo de espía requiere que observe su alrededor, y como chica rara, puede ocupar el papel de testigo más fácilmente. Su identidad y su feminidad están fragmentadas: por un lado, lo público y transgresivo, y por el otro, lo privado y tradicional. El análisis de esta fragmentación muestra cómo Sira cambia su presentación del género femenino para apoyar su trabajo de espía, usando la chica rara como herramienta, mientras simultáneamente persigue metas que coinciden con una feminidad más tradicional.
Presenters: Bailey Barlow ’23
Sponsor: Catherine Ross, Modern Languages and Literature
Location: FJS 100
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Exhibitions
Fine Arts Performance: Musicale
Location: Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center
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Oral Presentations
Creating a Mount for Bioprinting Modifications for an Ender 3
3D bioprinting will aid in fabricating biomimetic tissues for organ replacement, drug screening, and pathological modeling. Multiple groups have developed low-cost open-source DIY extruders to convert traditional thermoplastic 3D printers to bioprinters. Our design aims to address typical issues by engineering a low-cost open-source extruder for an Ender 3 FDM printer. Our design goals were to have a low center of gravity, extruder movement in all 3 dimensions, and the ability to retract. We achieved the first goal by moving the stepper motor to the bottom of the extruder. We then replaced the wheel-driven carriage with a linear rail to address the second goal, encouraging an even weight distribution and smoothing movement along the x-axis. To address the third goal, we designed a 3D-printed plunger piece that connects the biomaterial ink-loaded syringe to a lead screw directly attached to a motor. After multiple design iterations, we produced a prototype that could extrude a low-viscosity biomaterial ink (alginate at 2% w/v in PBS). This modification achieved our first two goals of lowering the center of gravity and enabling 3D axis movement. We are currently working to increase the torque of the extruder and to test the extruder’s retraction capabilities rigorously.
Presenters: Angel Rodriguez ’24
Sponsor: Cody Crosby, Physics
Location: FJS 402
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Oral Presentations
Applying Linear Algebra to Penrose Tilings
Presenters: Zekkie McCormick ’24
Sponsor: Fumiko Futamura, Mathematics and Computer Science
Location: FJS 403
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Titanium-Mediated Synthesis of Cyclobutanones
Four-membered cyclic structures are widely found in natural compounds and display a variety of biological activities, allowing them to be used in medical treatment. Despite the prevalence of cyclobutanes in pharmaceuticals, methods employed in the synthesis of these compounds rarely deviate from the traditional [2 + 2] cycloaddition between two alkenes. Because of this, a novel method for the synthesis of substituted cyclobutanones has been developed using low-valent titanium intermediates. The addition of Grignard reagents to a mixture of titanium(IV) complexes and tosylated cyanohydrins has produced cyclobutanones in yields approaching 31%. These “Kulinkovich reagents” are believed to act as 1,2-dicarbanionic intermediates that react with electrophilic cyanotosylates to produce substituted cyclobutanones. The optimization of this novel method is still underway.
Presenters: Richard Rodriguez ’23
Sponsor: Michael Gesinski, Chemistry
Location: FJS 402
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Oral Presentations
Queerhood: The Development of Queer Spaces, Their Lack of Protection and Inclusion in Urban Planning
Presenters: Swamy Trejo ’23
Sponsor: Wendie Choudary, Sociology and Anthropology
Location: FJS 403
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