Digital Commons Network^™

Social And Economic Impacts Of Snac, Sara Marshall, Carson Johnson

Student Research Symposium

Food security is a common concern among college students.¹ Compared to 10% of U.S. households experiencing food insecurity², many college campuses report food insecurity prevalence about four times the national average.³ Approximately 39% of Utah's higher education student's face food insecurity.⁴ The stability of food for an individual can greatly impact different aspects of life including social and economic factors, such as social relationships.⁵

Impact Of Snac On Academic Success, Maeci Armstrong, Alivia Fonnesbeck

Student Research Symposium

This study aimed to address the impact of the intervention of SNAC. Based on the results, the USU SNAC pantry has made a substantial positive impact on students’ academic performance.

The main themes of participants’ comments indicate that SNAC helped them have more energy, increased focus, and increased time spent at school. These results are consistent with other studies that discuss the impact food pantries have on students’ academic success [1].

Participants expressed gratitude for the alleviation of food insecurity stressors, allowing them to better concentrate on their studies. These findings resonate with prior research highlighting the crucial role food …

The 2022 Hunga Tonga Volcanic Eruption's Impact On Radio Communications, Spencer Brothers

Student Research Symposium

On January 15^th 2022, the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption, Figure 1, ejected unprecedented amounts of water into the stratosphere. The resulting plume may present temporary opportunities for long distance radio communication.

Engineering Faculty Perspectives On Student-Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) In Course Completion: A Work-In-Progress, Michaela Harper

Student Research Symposium

How do engineering faculty perceive student use of GAI assistance in undergraduate course completion?

Towards Fast, Realistic Gas Plume Simulation For Lwir Hyperspectral Images To Improve Deep Learning Identification Models, Scout Jarman

Student Research Symposium

• Longwave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral images (HSI) are taken from airborne platforms and can be used to find gas plumes.
• Detection and identification of gas plumes has applications in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security
• Deep learning can be used to identify gases from a large library of materials,  but can be difficult to apply in practice

Voices On The Mountain: Beaver Mountain Oral History Project, Jasmine Lowe, Cedar Williams, Zoe'swanna Mcgee, Cassie Evans

Student Research Symposium

Through oral history interviews with a wide variety of people with connections to Beaver Mountain, we explore the memory and significance of Beaver Mountain to the community of Cache Valley from multiple perspectives.

6 Fundamental Stages Of Play In Daycare Design, Jacey Jensen

Student Research Symposium

THE 6 STAGES OF PLAY RESEARCH

The six stages of play are fundamental for children's growth and development as they provide valuable opportunities for learning, socialization, and self-expression. Through play, children engage in sensory exploration, develop essential motor skills, and enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and creativity. Each stage of play- from solitary play to cooperative play- builds upon the previous one, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development in a progressive manner. Play also allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, helping them develop communication skills, and emotional resilience. Overall, the six stages of play provide a …

Simulating Low Gravity Particle-Laden Flow, Ryan Lewis

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Affiliating Cultural Heritage Through Material Analysis, Lucy Mattinson

Student Research Symposium

The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology’s collection includes seven metal tipped arrows. These arrows have no documentation, notes, or additional archival information. My aim was to use material analyses to link these arrows to where they came from and learn how to preserve them for the future.

Housing Strategies For Human Trafficking Survivors, Brynne Rindlisbacher

Student Research Symposium

This study addresses the critical importance of providing comprehensive aftercare services to survivors of human trafficking, highlighting the significance of supporting their healing journey and empowering them to rebuild their lives. The lack of dedicated aftercare facilities tailored to the needs of human trafficking survivors exacerbates their vulnerability to ongoing exploitation and psychological distress. The approach involves collaboration with experts in trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and social services to design and establish the aftercare center, incorporating best practices and evidence-based interventions to address the diverse needs of survivors. Upon implementation, the human trafficking aftercare center demonstrates tangible outcomes in terms of …

Children’S Folk Economy: The Practice Of Trade With Folk Objects, Danika Westwood

Student Research Symposium

Almost anyone can look back on childhood and remember an item or object that was a “hot commodity” in school. These items were traded, collected, and bargained over, and it’s still the same for children today. But why?

• It’s a recent development (mid 19th century) that children have their own belongings.
• Folk objects in Material Folk Culture are often used to determine social standing, which is adopted early by children because they’re a folk group with low power.
• My hypothesis is that children’s folk-economies are heavily based on visuals (meaning color and shape).

Cultural Competency In Medical Interpreting, Riley Wheelwright-Grammer

Student Research Symposium

I conducted a review of the academic literature about cultural competency within medical interpretation settings and found several themes.

A Critique Of Free Market Epistemology, Preston Winn

Student Research Symposium

Why care about economic systems?

We mostly take these for granted, but they impact:

• Resource Allocation
• Distribution of Wealth
• Individual Freedom
• Innovation
• Social/Environmental Impact

Third Place Theory In Library Design, Becca Mathis

Student Research Symposium

The concept of the "third place" in library design has gained significant attention in recent years, reflecting a shift in libraries' roles from mere repositories of books to vibrant community hubs. This poster explores the application of third place theory in library design, aiming to understand its implications for creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. This research investigates the key elements of third place theory and their implementation in contemporary library architecture. the findings highlight the importance of fostering social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging, and accomodating diverse user needs in designing third place libraries.

How Do International Sanctions Impact The Trade Relationships Of Targeted States?, Colin Martinez

Student Research Symposium

What are economic sanctions?

• Action taken by one country or group of countries to harm the economic interest of another country or group of countries, usually to bring about pressure for social or political change.” (Oxford)

• “Sanctions can include travel bans, asset freezes, arms embargoes, and trade restrictions.” (Council on Foreign Relations)

• “Sanctions can be either comprehensive or selective, using the blocking of assets and trade restrictions to accomplish foreign policy and national security goals.” (OFAC)

Human Interpreters Help Break Down Language Barriers In The Medical Field, Jadon Chism

Student Research Symposium

Differing languages can create barriers in many aspects of society. None are as impactful as the language barriers built in the medical field. These barrier can prevent patients from getting the proper care they need. Medical interpreters are specifically trained to bridge these barriers.

• Online translation services are readily available in today’s world; however, they are unable to confront the issues faced by non-English speakers in the medical field.
• Human interpreters can directly confront each language barrier faced within the medical system.

Crisis, Conflict, And Cuneiform: A Spatial Analysis Of The Late Bronze To Early Iron Age Transition In The Near East, Kiersten Stapley

Student Research Symposium

In this project, I examine and spatially analyze topographic position index (TPI) data from over three thousand archaeological sites inhabited before, during, and directly after the “Late Bronze Age Collapse” in the Near East. This project seeks not to prove a particular hypothesis as to the primary reason for the societal “collapse” in the entire Near East over three thousand years ago, but rather to shed some light on how this event affected settlement locations across the region, and perhaps, provide clues as to the factors that resulted in the dramatic shift seen during this period.

Identify And Quantify The Adverse Effects Of Plastics In Water-Soil-Plant System, Junjie Tang

Student Research Symposium

Plastic pollution has become impossible to ignore.

- Within that roughly 20-year span, we have generated 2.5bn tonnes of plastic waste and each year we produce about 380 million tonnes. More.

- Plastic waste:

(1) beaches

(2) landfills

(3) fruits and vegetables

(4) human organ

Ice Cream, Soda, Cherry On Top: Jump Rope Rhymes In Children's Folklore, Amalia Sepulveda Gridley

Student Research Symposium

The following methods were used for this research project:

• Memories of my own childhood
• Speaking with those close to me about their jump rope experiences
• Academic journals for the purpose of jump rope rhymes

Neural Machine Translation Vs. Computer Assisted Technology: Machine Translation Post Editing Human Quality Assurance, Sarah Aland, Sarah Kane, Kenya Merida Millan

Student Research Symposium

What is neural machine Translation (NMT) and Computer Assisted Technology (CAT)?

An Indigenous Kitchen: Using Design To Preserve Indigenous North American Food Cultures And Edible Plants, Alida Cummings

Student Research Symposium

Examine the causes and the detriment of reduced rood access, loss of knowledge, nutritional deficit, and reliance on imported foods on Indigenous American populations, with emphasis on the Pueblo, Diné, Apache, Hopi, and Zuni peoples of the American Southwest. Examine attempts to restore cultural food knowledge and Indigenous plant cultivation. Examine traditional foodways of the American Southwest. Propose and demonstrate possible solutions brought about by use of architecture and interior design.

Human Centered Design, Alexis Freeman

Student Research Symposium

This research project explores the impact of design on mental and physical health, emphasizing its role within healthcare and therapy settings. Delving into the specific connections between environmental design and human well-being, this study investigates how thoughtful design principles influence quality of life. It also explores the physical health benefits gained from well-designed spaces, access to natural light, ergonomic considerations, and good air quality. Recognizing the holistic approach in Eastern medicine, Haven explores how traditional healing philosophies can connect with modern design principles.

Unique challenges are presented in patient-centered settings. where the impact of design extends beyond aesthetics. Design elements …

Unveiling Mental Health Disparities: An Analysis Of Latino Immigrant Communities In The United States, Ben Higbee, Alex Garces

Student Research Symposium

The problem of mental health in the Anglo-American community is different from the problem of mental health in the Latino immigrant community. In the book The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, Villavicencio humanizes illegal immigrants through her portrayal of their lives and individual stories and struggles that other inhabitants of the United States don't normally notice. Numerous illegal immigrants come to the United States alone and one of the effects of being alone and far away from their culture is depression or other mental health conditions. Many other immigrants feel this depression and try to deal with its symptoms …

Musical Play: Ethnomusicology In Childhood, Grace Lefler

Student Research Symposium

What is Musical Play, and why does it matter?

• Musical play is voluntary, improvised, and fun.
• It functions to allow children, especially immigrant children, to express emotions, enter the playframe, and engage in cooperative play.
• Musical play lets children pretend without high social risks, lowering anxiety.

La Lengua: Sociolinguistic Perceptions And Impacts Of The Spanish Language In The U.S., Spencer Mullen, Talon Broadbent, Angela Beutel

Student Research Symposium

Spanish has historically been one of the most prevalent languages spoken in the United States, yet it often faces misconceptions of being "un-American". There is a common misconception that Spanish speakers of Latino descent are predominantly Mexican and presumed to have crossed the border illegally. American culture has historically lumped these diverse communities under broad terms like "Hispanic" or "Latino", neglecting the individuality within. However, this narrative fails to capture the reality of the Latino community, which is comprised of individuals from various countries, each with distinct cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and linguistic practices. This diversity fosters a vibrant and …

How Do Youth Winter Sport Leaders Perceive Disparities In The Intermountain West?, Mitchell R. Olsen

Student Research Symposium

• Winter sport has a unique culture and context in the Intermountain West
• More needs to be done to address disparities across traditionally underserved youth
• This project aims to understand youth sport leaders' perspectives on disparities across race/ ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status

Chateaus Of France: A Study Of Historic Architecture, Kameron Mabbutt

Student Research Symposium

This research project delves into the realm of historical architecture, focusing specifically on the opulent and elegant French Chateau style. The primary aim of this study is to engage in the practice of recreating historically accurate architecture and designs from the French Chateau era, spanning from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Through this endeavor, the project seeks to gain a deeper understanding of period-specific architectural elements that defined the aesthetic of this iconic style.

The research methodology involves a comprehensive examination of archival materials, historical documents, and scholarly publications related to French Chateau architecture. Additionally, hands-on exploration and experimentation …

Social Justice In Design, Baylee Paskett

Student Research Symposium

Access to Healthy Food:

Ensuring that this grocery market offers affordable and high-quality fresh produce will make nutritious food accessible to all residents regardless of income levels. Implementing programs or partnerships that provide subsidies, discounts, or vouchers for low-income individuals or families will provide the locals with healthy food options that are more affordable.

Lady Macbeth, High Schooler: Young Adult (Ya) Retellings Of Shakespeare, Samantha Wallace

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

• William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
• Macbeth (1606)
• Popularity of retellings
• Young Adult (YA) literature

Research Questions

• How do these novels portray Lady Macbeth compared to the original play? Focus on femininity, motivation, violence, & madness
• What are the effects of these portrayals?

Improving Behavioral Health Outcomes Through The Built Environment, Lucinda White

Student Research Symposium

Primary Care Clinic cares for patients from 0-18 years old and specializes in youth needing behavioral health care. The safety and comfort of patients and staff are the most important priority and inform all design decisions. Typical Behavioral Health clinics feel more like a prison than a place of help and healing. The goal of Primary Care Clinic is a safe, comforting, and typical environment for all.