Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Growing Alum Crystals, Jackson A. Struhar, Alexis M. Freiboth, Ana N. Schneider

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Alum, also known as Potash, is used to can pickles. Alum powder was used to create seed crystals. The seed crystal was hung in a jar submerged in distilled water with alum powder dissolved to attempt to grow an Alum crystal over the Spring semester. Three different concentrations were used to determine changes associated with crystal growth and quality. Numerous strategies were employed throughout the semester as growth methods worked and did not work.

Growing Large Alum Crystals, Wyatt N. Laborde, Will Gunderson, Kyle R. Behrens

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Alum forms a colorless cubic crystal that can grow to the size of a small apple over the span of 2-3 months of growth in a concentrated solution. Many different seed crystal solutions were used to obtain large clear seed crystals. The best seed crystal was attached to a string and suspended in various concentrations of Alum solution to allow for the seed crystal to grow into a large crystal. By monitoring the weight of the crystal, the solution concentration was adjusted for optimum growth.

Health Education For Caregivers Of Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disability (Idd), Madison M. Conlin, Jack Lux, Megan Hesse, Sadie Olson, Violet Nelson, Christina Chao, Anna Peterson, Johanna Shubert

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: Winona State University nursing students partner with Home and Community Options (HCO) during their population health clinical experience. HCO’s mission is to “empower and support people with developmental disabilities,” with a vision of ensuring that all individuals thrive and are valued members of their communities (Home and Community Options, n.d.). The Healthcare Director at HCO identified a need for additional staff education related to common health conditions affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including arthritis, diabetes, and depression or other mental health concerns. In response to this identified need, nursing students developed evidence-based educational strategies to enhance …

Social Dominance In Cd1 Female Mice, Hannah G. Casselman, Eli Illescas-Huerta, Nancy Padilla-Coreano

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Social rank and dominance have a profound impact on the survival of many animals. Social dominance fosters social stability and modulates neuroactivity, immune response, and endocrine function. Understanding and measuring social rank in laboratory mice is crucial when assessing social behavior. Previous research has focused primary on dominance in male mice based on measurements of aggressive and competitive behaviors. However, it remains unclear how social dominance is exhibited in female mice and which behavioral assays are most effective for measuring their rank. Males tend to be aggressive and territorial, whereas females engage in less aggressive and visibly competitive behaviors. Given …

Higher Than Cloud Nine By Grace Ahrens, Grace Ahrens

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This is a poster presentation on a novel written by me. The poster will feature the book's cover, synopsis, and a few printed lines and paragraphs from the book. This novel is my spring semester project for the Winona Wordsmiths club.

Moving And Grooving: Staying Safe, Active, And Connected, Seth J. Brewers, Norah Clough, Megan Hefti, Sydney Kiefer, Abigail Knoernschild, Jessica Miley, Boyd Skelley, Gavyn Soderstrom

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Background: The Holmen Area Community Center (HACC) is a community-based organization whose mission is to facilitate opportunities and interactions that connect all generations. Nursing students at Winona State University offered wellness checks for community members, mainly older adults, which included blood pressure screening, foot care, fall risk assessments, hearing checks, memory screens, and gentle shoulder massages. During these experiences, community members and staff requested more information and interactive sessions focused on safety education, disease prevention, wellness promotion, and emergency preparedness. Problem Statement/Purpose: Recent feedback showed a growing demand for interactive sessions and support that builds confidence in managing health needs …

Design And Fabrication Of A Composite Torpedo Baseball Bat, Peyton A. Lee, Carter Mathison, Jaden J. Schwantz, Noah Misukanis, Cole V. Stalberger

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Observing current trends in Major League Baseball, there has been increasing interest in torpedo-style wood bats due to their unique weight distribution. Unlike traditional bat geometries, the torpedo design shifts more weight toward the hands, improving balance and allowing for greater control throughout the swing. This project applies the same concept using composite materials so that high school and college players can also have access to this design innovation. The proposed bat is constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polymer with an epoxy resin to create a lightweight and durable structure. The design aims to maintain the performance benefits of the …

Purification And Investigation Of Bromelain Enzyme From Pineapple, Elsie J. Dahnert, Leah O. Hanson, Regan E. Stafanoni, Reyna Olson, Eion D. Hinkle, Muaj-Infinite S. Yang

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Bromelain proteins are a group of digestive protease enzymes that act as a chemical defense to prevent grazing. Bromelain is often taken as a dietary supplement in an attempt to support digestion, and it is used as a meat tenderizer in the restaurant industry. Extracting Bromelain from pineapple, especially the skin, leaves, and stem of the plant, can create a value-added product from what is widely considered to be agricultural waste. In this research, we examined the difference in Bromelain concentrations between the flesh of the pineapple and the skin, leaves, and stem of the pineapple, and the efficacy of …

2026 Conference Program, Georgia Southern University

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Conference Program

2026 Urs Abstract Booket, Undergraduate Research Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Complete Schedule of Events for the 28th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Ceramics Personified: Baba, Jennifer Trahant

Liberty University Research Week

Ceramics Personified explores the balance between functionality and artistic expression in ceramic design. This finished piece, created using wheel-throwing techniques, hand tools, and a green glaze, investigates how a utilitarian object can also serve as a visually engaging work of art. A process video accompanies the final piece, documenting each stage from formation to kiln firing. This work demonstrates that functional ceramics can also exist as expressive, visually compelling objects.

Rain: The Biologist, Jennifer Trahant

Liberty University Research Week

This mixed-media sculpture focuses on creating a stylized fantasy creature that tells a story through its design. The piece combines different materials and techniques, including sculpting, making miniature clothing, casting resin eyes, airbrushing color, and using yarn for hair, to build a character that feels expressive and intentional. Inspired by the custom doll redesign community, this project looks at how small details and material choices can shape personality and suggest a narrative. Each part of the sculpture works together to give the character a sense of life and individuality. Overall, this piece shows how pulling techniques from different art practices …

India: Live Model Portraiture, Jennifer Trahant

Liberty University Research Week

India: Live Model Portraiture explores how charcoal can balance accurate likeness with expressive mark-making. While careful attention to proportion, value, and line captures the model’s physical presence, looser marks in the background add movement and begin to blur the boundary between the figure and its surroundings. Rather than aiming for perfect realism, the drawing allows moments of abstraction to bring more life and energy into the subject. This piece shows how charcoal portraiture can move beyond simple replication to create a stronger sense of body and spirit.

The Role Of Group Guidance With Psychodrama In Promoting Self-Adjustment: Does It Really Work For Adolescents?, Hanifa Salsa Bila, Dian Ari Widyastuti, Sri Tutur Martaningsih, Agungbudiprabowo Agungbudiprabowo, Taquddin Abd Mukti

Buletin Konseling Inovatif

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of group guidance using psychodrama techniques in improving self-adjustment among students. The study employed a quantitative approach with an experimental research design, specifically a pretest–posttest control group design. The participants consisted of ten students, divided into an experimental group of five students and a control group of five students. The experimental group received group guidance with psychodrama techniques, while the control group received treatment as usual. The research participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-adjustment scale, which had been analyzed for validity and reliability using …

System For An Interactive Ambient Character Using Mmwave Radar For Presence Detection And Acoustic Event Recognition, Hanumanth Godari

Defensive Publications Series

A system can use an on-screen digital character powered by an artificial intelligence framework to provide an interactive ambient display. The system may integrate a millimeter-wave radar sensor for camera-less presence detection and a far-field microphone array for acoustic event recognition of ambient household sounds. Based on data from these sensors, the digital character could, for example, acknowledge a user entering a room or react to specific sounds, such as music or a doorbell. This allows a display's idle screen on a computing device (e.g., a smart display, television, or tablet) to function as a dynamic, context-aware interface. The interface …

Speculative Media Delivery Protocol With Distributed Conditional Verification, Jinpeng Wang

Defensive Publications Series

Generative AI interactions typically suffer from sequential processing bottlenecks, leading to significant delays between user input and media playback. Existing streaming protocols are reactive and cannot transmit data before a request is finalized, while standard synchronization techniques fail to address the underlying generation latency. A speculative media delivery protocol is disclosed to mitigate these delays. Multiple sealed media streams represent competing predicted responses that are pushed concurrently to a playback buffer. These streams are governed by a logic manifest containing combinatorial and temporal unlock conditions. A designated verifier node evaluates interaction states, such as silence detection or safety tokens, to …

System And Method For Asynchronous Orchestration Of Physical Inventory Updates Using A Time-Bound Two-Phase Commit Protocol, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

A system and method for orchestrating physical inventory updates across distributed network infrastructures utilizing a time-bound two-phase commit protocol. The system decouples the validation of a material order from its execution to prevent data drift and partial failures in asynchronous environments. A commit token mechanism provides a temporary cryptographic key carrying the pre-validated state of a transaction. This allows the system to perform dry-run simulations and enforce inventory reservations over long latencies without locking underlying database resources.

Keywords: asynchronous orchestration, physical inventory, two-phase commit, commit token, distributed systems, supply chain management.

Split-Chassis Architecture For Hdd Memories, N/A

Defensive Publications Series

A modular architecture for data storage devices is described that decouples the electronic control circuitry from the electro-mechanical storage assembly. The architecture utilizes two separate modules: a logic sled and a sealed media cartridge. The logic sled contains the active processing and driving components, while the sealed media cartridge houses the mechanical storage elements and specific calibration data. A compression connector links the two modules, facilitating field-repairability, simplified data recovery, and interface upgrades without discarding the storage media. This modular approach mitigates electronic waste and enhances the adaptability of magnetic storage systems.

Keywords: Modular Storage, Split-Chassis, Logic Sled, Sealed Media …

Establishment Of A Hek293t Cell Model System To Investigate Direct Intracellular Interactions Between Amyloid-Β (Aβ) And The Nlrp3 Inflammasome, Cristina Sinobas Pereira

Dissertations

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. While Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation is a defining pathological feature, increasing evidence highlights chronic neuroinflammation as a critical contributor to disease progression. Soluble Aβ assemblies can act as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which links amyloid pathology to sustained inflammatory responses in the brain (Heneka et al., 2015; Nakanishi et al., 2018). However, the molecular mechanisms by which specific Aβ conformations influence inflammasome assembly remain incompletely understood.This study aimed to investigate whether distinct aggregation states of amyloid β42 (Aβ42) are …

April 23, 2026, James Madison University

The Breeze, 2020-

The Breeze is the student newspaper of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.