Digital Commons Network^™

Growing Alum Crystals, Todd Carroll, Daniela Gutierrez Rubio, Kevin Dang, Samuel J. Whempner

Research & Creative Achievement Day

One of the easiest crystal growth experiments uses Alum powder to dissolve in water. The dissolved material slowly forms with seed crystals to create larger crystals. As the dissolved material is depleted, more is added to continue the crystal growth. Four different concentrations were used for seed crystal growth. Those crystals were attached to a string and hung in a bath of Alum solution. Different strategies were used to grow crystals and in some cases dissolve crystals.

Comparison Of Total Distance And Sprint Distance Between Positions Of Division Ii Female Soccer Players, Tamas Sebestyen, Jonathan P. Bayer

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Introduction: To manage player health, minimize injury, and optimize performance in NCAA Division II soccer, this study analyzed positional demands using GPS technology. The findings provide insights into enhancing training plans and recovery based on specific positions. Methods: NCAA Division II female soccer players were tracked during sixteen in-season competitions using 10 Hz GPS wearable technology. Players were grouped into tactical roles including Wing Backs (WB), Center Backs (CB), Defensive Midfielders (6), Attacking Midfielders (10), and Forwards (9). Key metrics analyzed included Total Distance (TD), Total Sprint Distance (TSD), and Distance per Minute (D/M). Results: Forwards (9) and attacking midfielders …

Weatherwise Bench, Ella R. Carr, Beckett Malaise, Dominic Perez, Matt Wooden

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Current outdoor seating concepts seem to be either heavy and bulky yet durable or light and easy to move, but lacking durability. How about combining the best of both worlds to create a seat that is light and easy to move, but also durable. WeatherWise is a sleek, carbon fiber bench that incorporates a honeycomb core to ensure a lightweight product that is also durable. The carbon fiber provides a sleek look and added strength. The design allows the bench to be outdoors in all types of weather from hot, sunny summer days to cold, snowy winter nights. The design …

Loneliness And Health Behaviors, Haylee Goral, Jianna Bigio, Ashley Bustamante, Ruby Maton, Sullivan Morefield, Avery Owen

Liberty University Research Week

No abstract provided.

Machine-Learning Based Airbrakes Control For Rocket Apogee Targeting, Sara Schweitzer, Christopher Brown, Daniel Isenhour

Liberty University Research Week

In rocketry, small variations in weather and launch conditions can cause large differences in the highest altitude (“apogee”) a rocket can reach during flight, which makes targeting a precise altitude difficult. Airbrakes—small and deployable surfaces that increase drag—can actively adjust a rocket’s climb to achieve the intended apogee. Our goal is to develop an airbrake deployment approach that can translate to real rocket applications for teams lacking resources such as high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel testing, or multiple test launches. Therefore, rather than using a control method that continuously adjusts the amount the airbrakes are deployed into the airstream, …

Exploration Of Preservative-Surfactant Aggregation Effects On Biologic Drug Formulations, Joseph Turmelle

Liberty University Research Week

A key challenge in the development of injectable drug formulations is the need for multi-dose administration, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination. To reduce this risk, preservatives such as phenol (PhOH) and benzyl alcohol (BzOH) are commonly added to formulations. However, preservatives can aggregate with other critical excipients, particularly surfactants such as polysorbate 20 (PS20). This aggregation leads to physical instability, often observed as turbidity or precipitation. Previous work has shown that preservatives induce the formation of large, unstable aggregates with surfactants at pharmaceutically relevant concentrations. The purpose of this study is to characterize and understand this phenomenon of …

Evaluation Of Social Connectedness And Loneliness Scale As Predictors Of Flourishing, Abigayle Minger, Aaron Hall, Faith Davis, Isaac Uehling, Kailyn Rowland, Tanner Simoneaux

Liberty University Research Week

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the roles of social connectedness and loneliness as predictors of the subsequent levels of flourishing. This study will use multiple regression analysis from data collected on 478 U.S. adults to determine how each of the six levels of the Secure Flourishing Index are predicted by the UCLA Loneliness Scale and Social Connectedness Instrument. More specifically, how does social connection, or loneliness, act as a predictor for happiness and life satisfaction, mental & physical health, meaning & purpose, character & virtue, close social relationships, and financial & material stability. Previous literature indicates that …

Association Between Preexisting Chronic Conditions And Hospital Outcomes Among Pediatric Trauma Patients In The United States, 2000-2019, Grace Sibert

Liberty University Research Week

The prevalence of chronic disease among children in the United States has increased substantially over the past two decades. Children with chronic disease experience higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization, disparities that may be amplified following traumatic injury. However, nationally representative longitudinal data examining these associations remains limited. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID) from 2000 to 2019. Pediatric patients (=18 years) hospitalized for traumatic injury were identified using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. Chronic conditions were classified using the HCUP Chronic Condition Indicator and grouped into major diagnostic categories. …

Aerodynamic Performance Analysis Of High-Powered Rocket Airbrakes, Simon Babcock, Samuel Worthington, Sophia Batchelor

Liberty University Research Week

This research investigates the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to derive a coefficient-of-drag (Cd) profile for a high-powered rocket with an active airbrake control system to drive precise apogee control and trajectory prediction. High-fidelity CFD simulations are used to produce a reliable drag-coefficient function across relevant Mach numbers with airbrakes retracted and extended into the relative airstream, enabling more accurate trajectory modeling and control strategies for rockets employing aerodynamic drag modulation. This accurate drag characterization is critical as small deviations in the rocket’s Cd can significantly alter the predicted launch behavior and stability during high-powered flight. Prior work in …

Development Of A Teaching-Laboratory Protocol For The Separation Of Adulterant Compounds Caffeine And Quinine Used In Illicit Drugs, Rachel Boktor

Liberty University Research Week

Adulterant compounds are added to illicit drugs to dilute their potency, mimic their effects, and cheapen production. Adulterants caffeine (21%) and quinine (20%) are most frequently combined with fentanyl. Despite their prevalence, there is limited empirical literature on the physical separation of adulterant mixtures. This study aimed to develop a traditional bench-scale separation scheme for isolating legal adulterants from a binary mixture. We hypothesize that differences in water solubility and extraction behavior of caffeine and quinine would enable their separation into distinct fractions. The separation scheme involved selective dissolution, gravity filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, drying, and solvent removal. Following physical separation, …

The Role Of Medical Nutrition Therapy In Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review, Alexis Snyder

Liberty University Research Week

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is type of high blood sugar with an onset during pregnancy that leads to insulin resistance. Annually, 5-9% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. GDM frequently causes excessive birth weight, breathing problems, preeclampsia, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia following pregnancy. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the primary treatment for GDM, but actual dietary guidelines tend to differ between various studies. This narrative literature review aims to synthesize current studies on the effectiveness of MNT for the management and outcome of gestational diabetes. Specifically looking at pathophysiology of the disease, blood …

Effect Of Static Stretching On Power Output During A Wingate Test, Anna Ruegsegger, Maddie Kliment

Liberty University Research Week

Background: This study examined the effect of short duration static stretching on power output from a maximal cycling test called a Wingate test. There are debates in the current literature on whether static stretching or a different method is best to include in the warmup to enhance subsequent performance. Static stretching has been shown to have a negative effect on muscle strength and power due to changes in musculotendinous stiffness, neuromuscular factors, and reflex sensitivities. It has been suggested that short duration static stretching does not have a negative impact on performance, but longer duration does. Methods: 17 females volunteered …

The Effect Of Early Sport Specialization On Psychological Burnout In Youth Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Caitlynn Ybarra, Brylee Starling

Liberty University Research Week

Context: The prevalence of youth athletes specializing in a single sport prior to puberty has steadily increased, often driven by aspirations to achieve elite performance status and secure scholarships. Clinicians, however, have observed significant negative consequences associated with early specialization, including psychological burnout, premature retirement, amotivation, and exhaustion. Within youth athletics, how does single-sport specialization early on compare with multi-sport participation when looking at the impact it has on psychological burnout throughout growth and maturation?

Methods: Across the included studies, early single-sport specialization was consistent in having higher levels of psychological stress and burnout symptoms when compared to multi-sport youth …

Relationships Among Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Reactivity, And Heart Rate Variability, Miriam Bowser

Liberty University Research Week

Ability emotional intelligence (EI) and trait EI have been correlated with heart rate variability (HRV), suggesting adaptive regulation facilitated by the autonomic nervous system. Emotional reactivity (ER) is also positively correlated with EI, possibly because individuals with higher EI are more sensitive to emotional information. The current study utilizes a cross-sectional design (N = 71) to measure trait and ability EI, self-reported emotional reactivity, and HRV. The current study found no relationships among trait and ability EI, suggesting that they encompass distinct underlying constructs. EI did not have a relationship with HRV, which could be due to the study’s small …

Diagnostic Ultrasound Used For Post-Traumatic Scar Tissue: A Type 4 (Rare) Case Study, Savanna Martin

Liberty University Research Week

Background: Patient is an 18-year-old male who presented with a palpable, mobile mass on the anterior portion of the lower left leg. The patient reported that the mass had been present for approximately three years, following a run-in with the edge of metal bleachers while playing football. A small mass was noted the following day, but the patient was able to continue normal activity. His primary care physician recommended observation only, as the mass did not impact activities of daily living. Differential Diagnosis: Differential considerations included lipoma, synovial cyst, or non-calcified soft tissue mass.

Treatment: Diagnostic ultrasound confirmed the presence …

Prayer As A Predictor To God Attachment, Levi Morgan, Hampton Still

Liberty University Research Week

Attachment theory describes the innate desire for infants to form bonds with their caregivers, which impacts biopsychosocial functioning across the lifespan. Attachment theory has expanded to religious and spiritual contexts to describe the innate desire for individuals to form a relationship with God. One prominent religious practice is prayer, which is a relational tool performed by an individual or a group to communicate with and form a stronger relationship with God. Prayer has demonstrated relationships with various positive mental health outcomes and a stronger attachment to God. However, previous literature has yet to examine the relationship between various forms of …

Environmental Limitations Of A Low-Cost, Cots Lora Meshcore Node Network, Robert Thompson, Alexander Weir, David Zelinsky, Hannah Murai, Judah Sotomayor

Liberty University Research Week

During catastrophic emergencies, when the existing cellular infrastructure is rendered unusable, reliable off-grid communication equipment can save lives. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of low-cost consumer radio hardware utilizing LoRa wireless technology in an emergency communications scenario. During catastrophic emergencies, when the existing cellular infrastructure is rendered unusable, reliable off-grid communication equipment can save lives. LoRa is a wireless communication technology that can be easily deployed with low-cost radio hardware. Due to its low power consumption, flexible deployment, and wide range, LoRa modules are well-suited for setting up a network in an emergency response scenario when traditional communication …

Hope: A Vital Sign In Behavioral Health, Isaac Uehling, Alexis Lykins, Jade Gordon, Kelsey Messer

Liberty University Research Week

Hope at its core is the key motivating factor for patient’s pursual of behavioral health interventions, and is a critical upstream factor in the success of behavioral health treatments. The current understanding of hope is centered around goal-making and pathway engagement (Snyder et al., 1991). Although these concepts contribute to hope’s definition, they don’t fully encapsulate the multifaceted nature of hope. Our current study is a continuation of a previous study that expanded the definition of hope through an explorative lens by developing a multi-dimensional instrument – the Powers of Hope Scale. This scale assesses an individual’s level of hope …

Non-Isothermal Phase-Field Model Of Pa6 Crystallization, Joshua Tozer, Ephraim Zegeye, Hayoon Kim

Liberty University Research Week

Syntactic foams are high-performance materials consisting of a material matrix embedded with hollow particles. This study investigates the crystallization behavior of a nylon 6 material with hollow glass micro balloons for the purpose of elucidating the microstructure and optimizing the properties of the composite through phase-field simulations. This work expands on existing literature by synthesizing material relationships to account for the variation of the interfacial energy with temperature, where the interfacial energy refers to not only that between the amorphous and crystalline phases of nylon 6 but that between any phase of the nylon and the glass micro balloons. Such …

The Effects Of Digital Restriction On Psychological And Physiological Well-Being, Rachel Anderson, Andrew Gatto, Caroline Berghuis, Kaden Randlett, Lilianna Franke

Liberty University Research Week

Past research on digital restriction has shown that limiting smartphone usage could have a significant effect on psychological well-being. We also propose that smartphone restriction could have an effect on physiological well-being. To understand these effects, we completed a mixed-methods randomized delayed intervention factorial experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to smartphone restriction immediately (1A) or delayed (1B), or social media restriction immediately (2A) or delayed (2B). During each lab visit (baseline, two weeks, and four weeks), data on perceived well-being and smartphone screentime logs were collected. To assess physiological well-being, heart rate variability (HRV) was collected using Polar-brand H10 chest …

Active Barrier Cream Against Poison Ivy (Urushiol), Amanda Witherell, Annalee Gardner, Luthien Jones

Liberty University Research Week

Urushiol is an immunotoxic compound composed of a 3-substituted catechol and an alkyl side chain that contains 0-3 degrees of unsaturation. It is the substance in poison ivy that causes a negative response when it contacts skin. Commercial barrier creams currently exist that claim to protect the skin against urushiol but only serve to form a barrier between the oil and skin. This project aims to create a barrier cream that both forms a physical layer to protect the skin and neutralizes the urushiol as it sits on the cream. To neutralize the urushiol, it is proposed that either the …

Neuroplasticity On The Water: Transforming Mental Habits Into Elite Performance, John Paul Fryrear, Dayne Harter, Jada Ward

Liberty University Research Week

This proof-of-concept study examined whether a brief cognitive intervention could enhance key psychological skills in collegiate athletes. Twenty-four student-athletes from a university rowing team completed three workshops targeting neuroplasticity, attentional control, and emotional intelligence. Pre-, post-, and competition-based assessments, supplemented by qualitative feedback, indicated small but meaningful improvements in growth mindset, attentional control, and reductions in adverse competitive cognitions. Although most quantitative changes were not statistically significant, qualitative findings supported positive shifts in mindset, trust, and emotional regulation under pressure. Results suggest that targeted mental skills training may benefit athletes’ psychological adaptability despite methodological limitations.

Histological Quality Of Immersion Vs Intravascular Fixation Of Fresh Tissue, Andrew Hodges, Bright Danso, Gretchka Mair, Kingsley Ampong, Rebekah Satalino

Liberty University Research Week

Tissue fixation is a fundamental determinant of histological quality, preserving cellular architecture through protein cross-linking and enzymatic inactivation [6]. Among fixation approaches, intravascular (perfusion) and immersion methods differ significantly in mechanism and outcomes. Perfusion fixation rapidly distributes fixative via the vascular system, often producing more uniform preservation, whereas immersion fixation relies on diffusion, which may result in delayed penetration and heterogeneous tissue quality [5]. Despite these limitations, immersion-based preservation remains widely used in anatomical education and commercial specimen preparation due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness [2]. Reports suggest that fixation quality can influence analyses, including morphology, antigenicity, and staining reliability, …

Comprehensive Characterization Of Lake Floor Sediments, Clarks Hill Lake, Southeastern Usa., Oluwatunmise Emmanuel Akanmu

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Oluwatunmise Akanmu¹, Aguinaldo Silva², Jéssica Franzon Cruz Santo³, Edward L. Lo^1,4

¹School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, Georgia Southern University

2Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

3Faculty of Data Science, SENAI São Paulo

4Institute of Water and Health, Georgia Southern University

Sediment geochemistry plays a fundamental role in regulating nutrient availability, cycling organic matter, and moderating primary productivity in aquatic systems. The Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir) is a temperate reservoir filled in 1952 along the Savannah River, which forms the Georgia–South Carolina state line. The …

Predicting Diabetes Using Logistic Regression: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Pima Indians Diabetes Dataset, Caroline Andrew, Ibrahim Aliu

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Introduction: Globally, Diabetes affects an estimated 589 million adults and caused approximately 3.4 million deaths equivalent to one death every six seconds, with type 2 diabetes accounting for most cases. The Pima Indians of Arizona have one of the highest documented prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes globally, making their population central to diabetes research. Although the Pima Diabetes Dataset has been widely used in predictive and machine-learning studies, few investigations have applied rigorous multivariable epidemiologic methods to quantify the independent contributions of key demographic and metabolic risk factors. This study aimed to characterize diabetes risk factors and quantify independent …

What Is Philosophy For? Reading Wittgenstein After Cavell, Maggie L. Zhang

2026 Claremont Colleges Library Undergraduate Research Award

This literature review examines two major strands of Cavellian scholarship on Wittgenstein, arguing that their relative separation has obscured the insights each offers the other. Cavell’s “therapeutic” reading of Wittgenstein understands his philosophical project not as a theory of language but as an activity aimed at dissolving the philosophical fantasy of such a theory. This approach has been taken up along two largely distinct lines of inquiry: one focused on the Tractatus and the debate between substantial and austere views of nonsense, and another centered on the Philosophical Investigations and its relation to ordinary language philosophy, particularly in light of …

Characterizing The Red Line Noise Curve, Bennett Korotko, Jilian Paulson, Cole Owen Bucholtz, Daniel O'Shea

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The telescope dome on top of Cudahy Science Hall is currently without a telescope, due to the vibrational noise from the Red Line trains which pass closely by, roughly every five minutes. In this work, we design and implement an experiment to characterize the excess noise signal generated by these trains, working towards the future implantation of a new telescope. We construct simple geophones to detect the vibrational signal, which is then analyzed using power spectral density (PSD) estimates. We consider the effects of location, time of day, and detector noise on our analysis and discuss potential implications.

Effects Of Exercise And Chemotherapy Treatments On Survival And Climbing Activity In Drosophila Melanogaster With Different Mitochondrial Genotypes., Amber A. Haines

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Mitochondrial variation plays a role in energy production, physical performance and responses to physiological stress. This study investigated how Drosophila melanogaster, fruit flies, mitochondrial differences and exercise affected survival under the cisplatin and climbing abilities. Fruit flies with different mitochondrial genotypes were assigned to exercise and non-exercise groups. These groups were then split and assigned to either sugar or cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug. Survival rates and climbing ability, a measure of neurodegeneration, were monitored after the treatment. This study will provide information about how mitochondrial variation and exercise can influence responses to environmental and chemical stress.

Deep Tissue Massage-Induced Muscle Damage Associated With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (Doms), Stress, And Rhabdomyolysis, Lily M. Ekert, Ella R. Halopka, Micah Maddio, Marisa Wood, Bailey Kerkow, Logan Murphy, Ashley Wise

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Deep tissue massage is a common treatment method used to aid in muscle recovery, reduce pain, and promote overall physical well-being. However, there is limited research explaining its biochemical effects at a cellular level, particularly in relation to muscle damage and systemic inflammation. Severe cases of muscle tissue breakdown are Rhabdomyolysis, which is discussed with an emphasis on clinical evidence rather than biochemical aspects. The goal of this study is to determine whether deep tissue massages cause cellular damage and tissue inflammation. This testing will be done through quantitative measurements of biomarkers within the bloodstream. In previous studies, four specific …

What Do Healthy Eaters Do?: A Qualitative Analysis Of Self-As-Doer Healthy Eater Identities, Ava N. Krolnik, Esther A. Gauerke, Megan L. Ekern, Georgia R. Jeddeloh, Isabelle C. Okeson, Riley G. Buck, Madeline Bersch

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Healthy eating is critical for promoting longevity, lowering risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and maintaining a healthy weight. However, only 1 in 10 Americans are meeting dietary guidelines and 60% have one or more diet-related chronic diseases. Research on psychosocial factors like the Theory of Planned Behavior and identity may help promote the engagement of healthy eating behaviors. Longitudinal research suggests that factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intentions predict long-term eating behaviors and lifestyle changes when intentions are internalized and believed. Research also demonstrates that constructs such as the self-as-doer identity predict healthy …