Digital Commons Network^™

Questioning The Effectiveness Of Environmental Policy Implementation Related To Ocean Pollution., Lydia Knobloch

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

From Concept To Stage: The Creation Of Costumes For Cats, Joylin Lescalleet, Phoebe Countryman

Student Scholar Symposium

This presentation will explore the creative and technical processes behind the creation of the costumes for the musical CATS, which was performed by Lipscomb’s Department of Theater in November 2024. It will entail the journey from conceptual renderings to stage-ready costumes.

A Small Red Flame: Negative Theology And Divine Presence In Brideshead Revisited, Camille Floyd

Student Scholar Symposium

In Evelyn Waugh’s novel Brideshead Revisited, Captain Charles Ryder slowly and unassumingly converts from atheism to Catholicism. Waugh subverts the stereotypical conversion narrative, which defines systematic theology strictly defines as a person’s “turn” or “move towards” God. Negative theology, also known as apophatic theology, is an approach that relies on negation to describe divine nature. Looking at Brideshead Revisited through the lens of negative theology notices a subversion of the conversion narrative to see how God works invisibly, overtime, and in ways not translatable to the human vocabulary. Through memory, Charles Ryder’s experience transforms. He glimpses divine presence at work …

Presenting, Camille Floyd

Student Scholar Symposium

In Camille Floyd’s collection, “Presenting,” the lyric speaker describes her internalized gaze, obsession with connection and understanding, and modes of presenting to others. Floyd’s work examines the feminine experience in different moments and spaces. The collection features the speaker wrestling with how she relies on and trusts in memory, religion, and the normalized rules around movement and being.

Investigating The Use Of Indole Compounds As Potential Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Arlo Colvard, Kyle Brawner

Student Scholar Symposium

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal inflammatory disease that primarily affects premature infants. In NEC, bacterial factors are thought to elicit an excessive immune system response.This robust inflammatory response leads to excessive apoptosis of the epithelial cells comprising the barrier between the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and the underlying tissue allowing for bacterial invasion of the underlying tissue, leading to ischemia, necrosis, and potentially sepsis and death. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an immune system modulator, has been shown to be preventative against the pathogenesis of NEC in a murine model. However, no research has been conducted …

The Loss Of Meg3 Causes Abnormal Alveolar Epithelial Progenitor Cell Differentiation, Arlo Colvard, Gianluca Digiovanni, Isabella Gaona, Sergey S. Gutor, Ujjal Singha, Taylor P. Sherrill, David S. Nichols, Yunli Zhou, Jonathan A. Kropski, Jason J. Gokey

Student Scholar Symposium

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial lung disease (ILD) characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The prognosis of IPF is poor, with the only curative option for the disease being lung transplantation. Prior studies have described increased expression of the lncRNA Meg3 in the lungs of IPF patients. Increased expression of Meg3 is associated with impaired lung repair through inhibition of lung basal progenitor cell differentiation. In this study, the lung alveolar epithelium was investigated in murine models of IPF and organoid culture. Lineage tracing and immunofluorescence confocal microscopy techniques were employed to identify the cell fate of …

How To Trade Memecoins, Antoine Testaud De Marchain

Student Scholar Symposium

This poster presentation aims to introduce high school and college students to the world of cryptocurrencies, with a focus on memecoins and how to trade them.

The poster will be divided into three key sections:

1: What are Cryptocurrencies?

-What is cryptocurrency, and how does it work?

-Centralized vs Decentralized exchanges.

-A little bit about the blockchain technology and its networks.

2: What are memecoins?

-Definition and unique characteristics of memecoins.

-Why memecoins have gained popularity.

-The role of social media and online communities in driving trends.

3: How to trade Memecoins (Core of the poster)

-Step-by-step guide to setting …

Complex Numbers And Phone Signals, Ava Barrett, Rebecca Brazeal, Javier Gutierrez

Student Scholar Symposium

Though widely used, complex numbers are often introduced in coursework without real-world context. Our team examines their application in electromagnetic waves and communication systems, focusing on how they help model and analyze phone signals. By connecting concepts from physics and math, we demonstrate their role in signal modulation and transmission. Through this project, we aim to highlight the practical importance of complex numbers in modern technology and provide a clearer understanding of their use in communication systems that power everyday devices like smartphones.

Gamergate And The Woke Mind Virus, Gavin Graves

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This text concerns the formation of beliefs that would shape the 2014 harassment campaign of GamerGate. Specifically, how GamerGate was perpetuated by stereotypes and ideas in Geekdom that spanned from the 60’s Disco Demolition to the Internet’s Wild West that ended in 2013. These include ideas like simulated ethnicity, geek melodrama, nerd determinism, and nerd fatalism. It also discusses the views and beliefs on anonymity, critique, and social capitals of the Wild West Internet and how the changing views of these led to resentment that started the movement. Drawing from historical research, I studied the history of moral panics like …

The Effect Of Diet On Hydrogen Sulfide Tolerance Of Extremophile Fishes, Kyliyah Walker, Michael Tobler, Bethany Williams

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Poecilia mexicana are a species of live-bearing fish that have adapted to surviving in hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) abundant waters. Sites that are high in toxic H₂S are also characterized by low levels of oxygen, making any organism that inhabits these tough conditions to be deemed extremophiles. Tolerance of these multiple stressors is impacted by numerous external environmental factors. The question being addressed in this study is if diet affects how well these fish tolerate H₂S. I used 80 laboratory-bred female P. mexicana originating from two sulfidic and non-sulfidic population. Half of the fish from …

Measuring Welfare Of Wild Tarantulas During Field Surveys Using Heart Rate, Tim Angelo Artiaga Lopez, Becky Hansis-O'Neill, Aimee Dunlap Phd

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Tarantulas (Theraposidae) are predatory arachnids that can help control populations of herbivorous arthropods. We have been monitoring populations of the Missouri brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) in Missouri glades for three seasons and have questions about their welfare during these surveys. Unlike mammals, arthropods are not extensively researched and there are only a few known facts about measuring their welfare. Managing stress for wild animals during field surveys is important for reducing the potential negative impacts of research. In mammals, increased heart rate is positively correlated with negative stress and eustress. Using the same logic, we hypothesized that heart rate could …

Comparing Love And Vaping: An Event-Related Potentials Study, Sandra J.E. Langeslag, Caitlynn Harriman, Telora O.J. Thomas

Undergraduate Research Symposium

People seem addicted to their beloved. This study aims to compare love and addiction. The research examines how craving, attention, valence, and arousal differ between a beloved and a vape. 14 participants who were in love and vaped at least once a day have been recruited so far (5 women, 9 men, 22-49 years) and data collection is ongoing. Participants completed questionnaires, a computer task, and valence and arousal ratings. During the computer task, participants viewed pictures of their beloved, vaping strangers, and neutral strangers while their electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Participants experienced more craving for their beloved than a …

Timothy Amukele Biography And Introduction To His Songs, Arissa Ford

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Timothy Amukele is a composer whose music is not well known, even though he has made important contributions to the world of vocal music. His work is rarely studied in schools or performed in concerts, which means many people miss out on experiencing his unique style and creativity. This project aims to change that by sharing information about Amukele’s life, his musical influences, and what makes his compositions special. By studying and performing his music, this project helps bring more attention to composers who deserve to be recognized but are often overlooked. Including underrepresented composers like Amukele in performances is …

The Price Of Neutrality: Swiss Policy And Complicity In Wwii, Dave Quintal

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This poster presents my research into Switzerland's neutrality during World War II, a topic I found to be considerably more nuanced than commonly understood. While maintaining official neutrality, Switzerland engaged in significant financial transactions with Nazi Germany, including the movement of looted gold through its banking system. These actions, justified as necessary for neutrality, directly supported the Nazi war effort. Furthermore, Swiss refugee policies imposed restrictive measures, resulting in the denial of asylum and forced repatriation of persecuted individuals, notably Jewish and Roma refugees. The lack of post-war scrutiny changed in the 1990s, when revelations surrounding dormant Holocaust-era bank accounts …

Examining The Relationship Between Gambling Advertising & Gambling Behavior, Ilkim Green, Eric Wickenhauser, Hannah White Ph.D

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Gambling advertising has become increasingly prevalent across various media platforms such as TV, social media, real-life advertising, etc. With advertisements designed to influence attitudes, intentions, and behaviors of potential and existing consumers, this review aims to compile existing research to examine the measurable effects of gambling advertising. Studies indicate that young people and problem gamblers are especially vulnerable to these advertisements, which normalize gambling and contribute to increases in gambling behavior. This effect on behavior is dose-dependent; increased exposure to advertising is associated with greater gambling engagement. While responsible gambling messages are often included in advertisements, they remain largely ineffective …

Nazi Weapons: Bad People, Good Technology, Fabian Grabski

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This project explores the integration and historical significance of three iconic World War II-era German weapons: the V-2 rocket, the STG-44, and the MG-42. Each of these weapons helped revolutionized military technology in its own right, reshaping the battlefield dynamics and influencing future weapon design. The V-2 rocket, as one of the first long-range guided missiles, marked the dawn of modern missile technology, while the STG-44 is recognized as a precursor to the modern assault rifle, blending the characteristics of both submachine guns and rifles. The MG-42, with its high rate of fire and advanced design, set the standard for …

Nazi Propaganda From 1933-1939, Benjamin P. Robinett

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This presentation highlights the role propaganda played in Nazi Germany from 1933-1939. The party used propaganda to manipulate the public into supporting it through specialized techniques developed by Joseph Goebbels. He tailored the works to be eye-catching, based in real military involvements, and used concepts such as “name calling” and “testimonial” to reinforce the claims. Film in particular allowed a new level of manipulation through the introduction of visual and auditory cues that enhanced its effectiveness. Through the constant use of targeted media, the Nazi party gained further control of the public, influencing the people into giving their support.

How The Allies Won World War Two, Joshua Powell

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Everybody knows the story of the Allied Powers Defeating the Axis Powers, along with the major operations, however, not many know the details or the forgotten people who made that victory possible. These are just a few of those.

Intimate Partner Violence And Brain Injury In Women: Understanding Prevalence, Symptomatology, And Consequences, Jacob T. Perez

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a current or former partner. While IPV can affect anyone, women are particularly vulnerable and disproportionately affected. Physical IPV often includes experiences of repeated trauma to the head, face, and neck, including strangulation. These injuries can result in a range of consequences, including comorbid conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, along with neurological effects like reduced brain connectivity and white matter integrity. Common brain injuries associated with IPV include traumatic brain injury (TBI), which results from blunt force trauma; subconcussive/repetitive blows, caused by head …

Jewish Resistance: Lions Not Lambs, Jacob Stein

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Characterized often as being led like lambs to the slaughter, Jews during the Shoah are further degraded by the myth that they never fought back. This research intends to investigate and track the myriad forms of resistance Jews partook in against the Nazi regime, from the ghetto wars to revolts within the death camps themselves there are countless acts of heroism and rebellion to be found in first hand accounts. By highlighting these moments the idea of Jewish passivity can be laid to rest.

Microrna-Mediated Regulation Of The Parkinson's Disease-Associated Gene, Lrrk2, Peyton B. Hanser, Pavithra Madamarandawala, Wendy Olivas

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease. LRRK2 is one of the main PD-associated genes, as both familial mutations and its abnormal overexpression are associated with PD progression. However, underlying molecular mechanisms leading to LRRK2 abnormal overexpression are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that regulate target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by binding to a specific sequence in their 3’ UTRs (untranslated regions at the ends of mRNAs) and blocking translation of the mRNA. Previous studies have identified miR-205 as one regulator of LRRK2. However, the LRRK2 3’ UTR has many other computationally-predicted miRNA …

Comparing Romantic Love And Chocolate Craving, Oluchi Onyegbula, Sandra Langeslag

Undergraduate Research Symposium

People in love often crave their beloved, and some people who enjoy chocolate crave chocolate. This study explored the differences in craving, pleasantness, and arousal for the beloved and for chocolate. It also measured whether people exhibited a greater attentional bias for their beloved or chocolate. It is hypothesized that participants would experience greater craving, pleasantness, and arousal for their beloved than for chocolate. Additionally, some difference was expected for attentional bias toward the beloved and chocolate, but the directionality was not predicted. Six participants (M = 23.83 years, SD = 3.66) who reported being in love and self-identified …

Holocaust Denial: "Revisionist" Or Conspiracist?, Kathleen E. Powell

Undergraduate Research Symposium

This research poster investigates Holocaust denial, analyzing whether it represents legitimate historical revisionism or conspiracist ideology. It highlights the tactics and narratives employed by self-proclaimed "revisionists." The study explores frequently used rhetorical tactics, false claims of evidence, as well as legal responses. The findings emphasize the importance of legal and educational countermeasures to protect historical truth.

Stonewall:The Spark Of Queer Culture, Mariah M. Geisler

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The rebellion classified as Stonewall didn’t birth the gay liberation movement but spread it farther than it had gone before. Stonewall challenged people’s understanding of the laws pertaining to gender expression. The history was portrayed as being a reflection of white centralism, while the reality is that the event was built off the backs of racial minorities. Through a further understanding of 1960s gay counterculture, people can better realize the reasons for Stonewall. Stonewall was the historical event that popularized the spread of gay liberation movements, it gave people hope for a more accepting future. The present still feels the …

Intergenerational Childhood Maltreatment: A Maternal Pathway Analysis, Carly E. Williams, Theresa A. Moore

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The purpose of this study was to analyze literature surrounding intergenerational violence through the maternal pathway and determine effective methods for assisting at-risk mothers with breaking the cycle of childhood maltreatment with their own children. The majority of research on cyclical violence has been focused on paternal perpetrators and physical or sexual abuse of children; it was not until the last few decades that studies focused on all forms of abuse such as physical, sexual or emotional, and even more recently, neglect. Researchers sum the vast concepts of abuse and neglect into one term: childhood maltreatment. The project reviewed the …

Visualizing And Evaluating Binary Classifier Performance With Contingency Space, Colin D. Kehoe, Azim Ahmadzadeh

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Traditional metrics for evaluating binary classifiers, such as Accuracy, F1 Score, and True Skill Statistic (TSS), often obscure the underlying tradeoffs between true positive and true negative performance—particularly in imbalanced or high-stakes domains. This poster introduces the Contingency Space, a two-dimensional representation of classifier behavior defined by true positive rate (TPR) and true negative rate (TNR). Within this space, scalar performance metrics become geometric surfaces, revealing how scores vary across the entire landscape of possible classifier outputs.

We present a Python package that implements this framework, enabling users to map model predictions into the Contingency Space, visualize metric surfaces …

Does Legal Cynicism Mediate The Relationship Between Parental Incarceration And Child Delinquency?, Elizabeth Rose Bishop, Theresa Moore

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Research has explored the extent of the prison boom from its origin in the 1970s to the present where the issue of high prison populations remains today. However, the inmates are suffering a multifaceted array of consequences to their actions. Directly they are serving a legal sentence but indirectly families that are left behind also suffer unforeseen aftermaths. Literature diving into the prison boom and wide array of implications of incarceration has only recently begun and, as it has increased over time, has begun to turn the lens to this vulnerable population that has been left behind. Families that are …

Peer Influence: The Silent Influence Of Self Esteem And Youth Crime, Tyler C. Stoker, Theresa Moore, Hannah White

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Although juvenile arrests in the United States decreased by 14% from 2016 to 2022 (7), youth crime remains a significant concern in many communities (9). This makes it imperative to investigate predictive and protective factors of youth crime (9). A well-established predictor of youth crime is self-esteem. Research on youth rehabilitation programs, such as juvenile detention, drug abuse prevention, and gang violence prevention centers, demonstrate self-esteem is negatively associated with recidivism rates and youth crime activities (6, 8). Further, positive peer influence in adolescence is shown to promote prosocial and adaptive behaviors (CITE), while deviant peer influence predicts problem behaviors, …

Nazi Propaganda Of Ww2, Abigail J. Ante Ms

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Nazi propaganda was an essential tool for its consolidation of power, employing a variety of techniques that evolved in response to a changing political climate. As the Nazis changed their focus from Nationalism to waging war, the propaganda adapted accordingly.

Phenotypic Variations Between The European Paper Wasps, Senna V. Horak, Thomas Hagan, Sara Miller

Undergraduate Research Symposium

The European paper wasp (Polistes Dominula) is a widespread invasive Hymenoptera species in the US, commonly known for their black and yellow markings. Phenotypic variations, primarily in color patterns and size, play a significant role in understanding their interactions among other wasps and effects of environmental factors on the species. In this study, we examined phenotypic variation within and between populations by measuring head width, intertegular distance, and femur and tibia length.