Digital Commons Network^™

Implications Of Positive Nitrogen Fixation Capabilities Of Peribacillus, Weston Farley, Ariana Long

Student Research Symposium

Recent studies highlight the versatile role of Peribacillus simplex in sustainable agriculture. This bacterium has been shown to alleviate saline and alkaline stress in maize, promoting plant growth and improving crop yield under challenging conditions and enhance agricultural sustainability by supporting soil health and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Its role in fixing nitrogen and improving plant health makes it an essential player in eco- friendly farming practices.. Other species of Peribacillus have been shown to fix nitrogen, suggesting that our sample bacteria may also have these same capabilities.

• Our goal in this research is to determine whether …

Social Media Health Campaign: Combating Rsv In Infants Through Education And Advocacy, Kyndie Jorgensen

Student Research Symposium

Education and awareness surrounding RSV has made people more aware of how it is spread and what it is. Less communication campaign work has been done to help people understand the symptoms of RSV in healthy adults who may pass it to infants and to support parents in advocating for their child's safety.

Evaluating Exoelectrogenic Potential Through Hydrogen Production, Alec Merryweather, Jaxon Schenk, Hannah Castillo, Madison Weiers

Student Research Symposium

This research project investigates the electrical output of local exoelectrogenic bacteria to develop sustainable energy sources. By identifying and optimizing these bacteria, the aim is to advance microbial electrochemical cells. The experiment involved collecting and culturing local bacteria, then measuring their hydrogen production through the use of an H2Blue test. Successful outcomes could lead it to become an eco-friendly energy solution.

Xbox's Social Media Ads: Themes, Reactions, And Engagement With Game Pass Promotions, Talmage Robertson

Student Research Symposium

Subscription based entertainment has broken into the video game industry. Xbox Game Pass has set the trend for the future of subscriptions in gaming, but how does the marketing of Game Pass rope players to subscribe?

Glowing Engagement: Analyzing Social Media Reactions To Rhode Skincare's Ad Campaigns, Jetta Van Brocklin

Student Research Symposium

Context & Relevance: Analyzing social media reactions to Rhode Skincare’s ad campaigns offers insights into consumer behavior, brand perception, and marketing effectiveness, which are crucial for businesses in the influencer-driven beauty industry.

Why it matters: Social media can shape a brand's reputation, impacting sales, loyalty, and image. Brands like Rhode Skincare must understand audience reactions to refine campaigns and boost ROI.

Primary Goal:

• To assess how social media reaction to Rhode Skincare's ads influence consumer perception and brand loyalty. Hypothesis:

• Positive social media reactions to Rhode Skincare's ad campaigns correlate with increased consumer trust and purchase intent, …

Breaking Bad, Breaking Ads: A Super Bowl Social Media Case Study, Aliyah Walker

Student Research Symposium

This study examines PopCorners' 2023 Super Bowl ad featuring Breaking Bad characters and its impact on digital engagement. The campaign was selected due to its nostalgic appeal and strategic use of humor to captivate audiences. This research focuses on Instagram Reels as the primary platform for analysis.

Unmasking The Threat: Utilization Of Digital Health Communication Techniques In Addressing Smoking And Vaping-Induced Lung Cancer Amongst Youth, Emily Wells

Student Research Symposium

The correlation between cigarette sales and lung cancer mortality in the United States is going down. However, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer- related deaths globally, with high mortality rates among both men and women. The research will explore the direct and indirect causes of lung cancer, emphasizing early intervention to prevent the onset of the disease.

Kosher Kitchens: A Balance Of Faith And Function, Kirra Mcentire

Student Research Symposium

Jewish dietary regulations (kashrut) are followed as a religious practice derived from the Torah, teaching what food one can eat and how to prepare it. The customs require the separation of meat and dairy, the consumption only of specific beasts, and the adherence of ritual slaughter (shechita). Being kosher is a way in which Jewish individuals can be spiritually trained and obey God's commandments while generating a sense of sanctity within daily life.

Aside from religious significance, keeping kosher also emphasizes ethical eating and cultural heritage. The practice promotes humane treatment of animals, cleanliness in food handling, and enriching Jewish …

Farmstead Therapy: Intergenerational Connection And Sense Of Place Via Equine Therapy, Kaleb Griffeth

Student Research Symposium

Therapy has become a crucial element within society. It has offered relief, understanding, and hope for a changed future to hundreds of millions of people just in the last five years (SAMHSA, 2004).

On another front, division between generations seems to be growing by the month. Political, social, and economic differences between generations “X”, “Z”, Alpha, and Baby Boomers make it appear that there is no connection whatsoever across age gaps.

Because equine therapy has proven a succesful branch, especially for those of a younger demographic, Farmstead Therapy was a project designed to bring together the skills of the older …

From Vulnerabilities And Concern To Action: How Perceived Climate Vulnerabilities And Concern For The Great Salt Lake Desiccation Shape Utahns’ Migration Intention, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Disjunction In Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera): Convergent Evolution Or Recent Dispersal?, Bridger Jorgensen, Steven Madsen

Student Research Symposium

Convergent evolution is defined as unrelated species evolving similar traits. A disjunct distribution is the appearance of species or groups of species in disconnected geographical areas. Is the disjunction we see in Arachnospila due to a recent disjunct distribution/long distance dispersal event or long-term convergent evolution?

Pinkwashing Palestine: Exploring The Perceptions Of Utah College Students, Addison Fish

Student Research Symposium

The United States' role in the escalation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine has become a subject of heated political debate, especially on college campuses.

• This project investigates college students’ perceptions of pinkwashing and Israel

• Aims to understand how their perceptions affect their stance on the occupation

• Goal is to provide insight into how we can understand and critically engage with pinkwashing narratives and support Utah-local advocacy movements, as well as broader political campaigns in the U.S

Establishing Mixed-Biofilm Systems: To Transform Waste Into Value-Added Products, Jessica Silva Cuero

Student Research Symposium

The bioeconomy, which leverages biological agents such as microbes to convert waste (e.g., agricultural waste, wastewater, etc.) into valuable resources (Fig 1.), offers a sustainable solution to global waste challenges while generating new economic opportunities.

Religious Trauma And Young Adults: What Is Their Perspective?, Ethan Lefevre

Student Research Symposium

How does religious trauma influence young adults' perspectives on organized religion and spirituality?

Sos: Success Or Survival, Quinn Balser

Student Research Symposium

Research Question: How does unmet basic needs insecurity (food, housing, and financial insecurity) impact college students' academic performance, mental health, and engagement within campus residential communities?

Overveiw: Traditional student development theories often assume students' basic needs are met. But recent data shows food and housing insecurity is rising, especially among marginalized groups, challenging our understanding of student success.

The Effectiveness Of Social Media Campaigns In Promoting Agricultural Education And Careers, Regan Christensen

Student Research Symposium

72% of adults in the US are now using at least one social media site, according to a PEW Research Study.

Indian Education And Computing For All: A Case Study Of Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Computer Science, Waqas Ahmad

Student Research Symposium

Research shows that integrating computer science (CS) into other disciplines leads to more equitable participation for all students.

Connecting CS learning to students’ families, communities, and interests leads to increased student engagement.

We designed a middle school social studies unit that integrated CS to teach about why treaties still matter through the lens of food sovereignty.

Effect Of Geomagnetic Activity On Radio Propagation In The 14 And 18 Mhz Range, Stuart Barney

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this experiment was to discover if the magnitude of a geomagnetic event has a notable effect on the reliability of the reception of a radio transmission given the location of origin.

Cultivating Connections: How @Sigmaalphasorority Strengthens Sisterhood Through Social Media, Sheridan Brown

Student Research Symposium

My topic explores how Sigma Alpha uses social media to cultivate sisterhood and community across its chapters

Measuring The Dynamics Of Snowflakes, Jameson Chamberlain

Student Research Symposium

Transport dynamics of small spherical particles are reasonably understood. However, there is a lack of research on the impacts of how a snowflake’s shape or morphology affects fall speed.

Comparative Analysis Of An Aquatic And Dry-Land Catching And Throwing Exercise On Reaction Time And Inhibitory Executive Function, Haein Choi

Student Research Symposium

Fast and accurate reactions are crucial for fall prevention. The ReacStick measures reaction accuracy by requiring immediate motor responses without delay. This study compared the effects of aquatic and land-based catching and throwing exercise on reaction accuracy to explore effective fall prevention training methods.

Nontraditional Legal Service Providers (Nslps) Can Increase Access To Justice, Brookelyn Harvey, Emma Blanscett

Student Research Symposium

Individuals who have lower incomes have minimal access to quality legal services. USU's Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) co- created with lawyers, social workers, and other professionals a new initiative, the Community Justice Advocates (CJA) Program.

Effect Of Shear Stresses On Microalgae Biofilm Productivity, Tansley Mazurkiewicz, Jacob Watkins

Student Research Symposium

Algae harvested from the Central Valley Water Reclamation Facility was cultivated in nine 27-gallon Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs) to study the effect of shear forces on biofilm productivity. These bench- scale RABRs, with panel entry angles ranging from 0° to 90°, were designed using computational fluid dynamics. Each acrylic panel had dimensions of 0.220x2.5x12 inches with v-shaped grooves (each with an angle of 90°) running the length of each panel. Three depths of v- grooves were tested in triplicate, these depths being 0.055 in, 0.11 in, and 0.165 in. The RABRs were run with a peripheral velocity of 0.1225 …

Motherhood Within The Patriarchal Family: An Analysis Of Frankenstein And The Scarlet Letter, Yasamin Osqueezadeh

Student Research Symposium

Frankenstein and The Scarlet Letter critique the typical patriarchal family mold. • Frankenstein critiques the gender inequalities within motherhood and creation, reimagining the family by removing the mother figure.

• Hawthorne critiques the patriarchal treatment of women by creating an all- women family structure, arguing that households can survive with a sole mother figure.

• Although he does not offer an alternative family model like Shelley, Hawthorne attempts to recreate the female role.

• Both of their arguments are informed by biographical aspects, as Shelley and Hawthorne had—according to patriarchal society—atypical mothers.

• Their alternative family models are highly …

Spray Science: Visualizing Droplet Behavior At Different Pressures, Phoenix Sestak

Student Research Symposium

Fluid mechanics is an important part of modern technology. Many designs in engineering are influenced by how we can manipulate fluids and their flows. One application of fluid manipulation can be seen in pressurized sprays. These sprays are present in industries like agriculture and transportation.

Earthquakes In Creeping Fault Zones? Mineralogic And Grain Size Controls On Frictional Behavior, Ainsley Macdonald

Student Research Symposium

1. Motivation

• Faults can creep or be locked to produce earthquakes.

• This behavior may be influenced by minerology and grain size

• Serpentine minerals and clay are known to promote creep along faults

• Does mineralogy promote creep along the Bartlett Springs Fault, CA?

Reducing Biochemical Oxygen Demand In Carbon Rich Wastewater Using Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors, J. Dietrich Storrer, Jared Maughan, Autumn Kirkham, Isaac Smart, Gavin Sherwood

Student Research Symposium

The USU Frulact Project aims to reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in wastewater from the Frulact facility in Logan, Utah. By using Rotating Algae Biofilm Reactors (RABRs) combined with activated sludge, the project seeks to break down pollutants and lower BOD levels. This innovative system also explores the potential of algae for bioproducts. Ultimately, the project works toward cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment.

A History Of The Valved Horn, Valerie Szerdi

Student Research Symposium

Hunting horns were created in France. Designed for hunting parties for King Lois XIV.

Translating Political Cartoons: The Fight For Peace In Central America, Eden Ward

Student Research Symposium

In 1987, the Esquipulas II treaty was established by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. Political cartoonists celebrated the peace it was trying to establish in a variety of different fashions. An olive branch, a suitcase, a white dove and a bag of teddy bears all represent peace in these cartoons.

Does Exercising With A Romantic Partner Improve Physical, Emotional, And Relational Well-Being?, Abbie Whitehead

Student Research Symposium

While exercise is known to benefit both physical and mental health, working out with a partner may amplify those benefits. Could exercising with a romantic partner further enhance these outcomes---while also improving relationship quality?