Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring And Improving Generative Ai Usage At Belmont University, Stiles Logan, Wyatt Jones

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Abstract

The development of widely accessible generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has significantly impacted higher education. Professors and students alike now have the capability to synthesize information from across the whole internet in seconds, which gives rise to new methods of learning, teaching, and cheating. Through this project, we will form policy recommendations regarding both student use of and faculty instruction on generative AI at Belmont, with the goal of creating a more equitable and effective learning environment. The ways in which Belmont University chooses to handle this development will significantly impact the quality and equity of instruction and …

Data-Driven Default Prediction: Insights From Lending Club, Shumaila Gilani, Viktoria Kleer Kliimand

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending has transformed consumer credit markets by providing an alternative to traditional banking institutions. LendingClub, a pioneer in this space, facilitates lending between individual investors and borrowers through a data-driven risk assessment model. Our research aims to enhance loan default prediction by developing a more precise classification model based on LendingClub’s historical loan data, ultimately improving risk assessment for investors.

Utilizing a dataset of approximately 650,000 loans from 2007 to 2015, we construct a predictive model to classify loan default risk. Our approach focuses on key financial indicators, including interest rates, borrower grades, debt-to-income ratio, and delinquency history, …

Advancing Study Abroad As A Marquee Offering In Graduate Programs, Natalie Thibault, Kameron Ziesig Sherrill, Levis Padron, Troy Maxoutopoulis

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The purpose of our Scholarship, Performance, Art, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) Symposium presentation is a direct ask to leadership about the incorporation of study abroad programming as a marquee offering of graduate programs, including Massey programs. The undergraduate study abroad program is much more robust and bringing attention to graduate programs is one of the desired outcomes of our presentation.

We believe that studying abroad is a solution that

1. Helps Belmont deliver on its 2030 vision to be the “leading Christ-centered university in the world”

2. Is critical AS business students to develop cross-cultural literacy fluency as a coveted …

Preventing Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections In Icu Patients, Emma Veres, Riley D'Andrade, Josie Cowart

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Group Members: Josie Cowart, Riley D’Andrade, Emma Veres

CLABSI Project Summary

Our Change Project aimed to determine factors that contributed to central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and to develop an intervention that will reduce this complication in the hospital setting. Some contributing factors to this complication are staffing ratios, length of time the central line is in place, frequency of dressing changes, and training for he nursing staff on CLABSI prevention. Upon discussing with ICU nurses, we decided what intervention could be most beneficial in the hospital setting, and we developed a concept of an online course that would need …

Physical Activity Curriculum And Marketing Strategy For Dale Vuelta To Empower Young Girls In Mexico., Reagan A. Dodson, Eunice M. Lee

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that nearly one-third of the world’s adult population are physically inactive, not meeting the global recommendations of at least 150 minutes of necessary physical activity per week (WHO, 2024). Adolescent girls were less active than adolescent boys, with 85% in comparison to 78%. In Mexico, 88% of girls, ages 11-17, are physically inactive (WHO, 2022). In Mexico, the stigma around girls practicing sports remains strong; gender-based violence grows by the year, and girls are often bullied, questioned, or discouraged from participating in sports (B. Möller, personal communication, September 23, 2024). Dale Vuelta, a non-profit …

The Cybernetic Unconscious, Samuel Davenport

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The internet is the most perfect incarnation of a process that has repeated across centuries and networks. In the mind, we call it psychosis, in society, we call it religion, and on the internet, it is becoming the singularity. My comic, ELDERNET,
is a cyberweird analysis and critique of the internet as the collective locus of the unconscious. Drawing inspiration from media from French post-structuralist philosophy to 1920s Weird Fiction, I reveal the representations of horror within the automatic network.

Family Drama: Unpacking Your Communication Style In Relation To Authority Figures, Makenzie Boylston, Averie Owens, Abbey Fies, Rose Kores

SPARK Symposium Presentations

An important aspect of our personality is how we communicate. Our expressiveness and communication skills drive our interactions and interpersonal experiences. Previous research has found that a family’s usage of transparent communication and expression influences the children’s future behavior and attitude in terms of leadership and sociability (Huang, 1999).There is additional research that found that one’s communication with authority figures, such as teachers and physicians, is impacted by how the authority figure communicates with them (Drury, 2003; Frymier & Houser, 2000; Kiesler & Auerbach, 2003). Our study examined the correlations between familial expressiveness, authority figure communication skills, and one’s dominance. …

After The Play: A Collection Of Creative Nonfiction Short Stories On The Mental Health And Pressures Surrounding College Athletes, Megan E. Konermann

Undergraduate Theses

This collection of creative nonfiction forefronts the often-overlooked mental health struggles and pressures that collegiate athletes face. These short stories explore the usefulness of the genre to engage readers on a deeper level and reveal real experiences. Each of the three stories incorporates nonfiction aspects collected in interviews conducted with current collegiate athletes and creatively models the literary style and technique of a prominent literary figure. In sharing these creative nonfiction short stories, this project works to build a connection between the reader and these athletes, fostering future support, empathy, and understanding.

Game Changer: Visualizing Player Progress, Brielle Croke

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This project focuses on analyzing athlete performance and strength metrics for a sports facility using historical data spanning over 10 years. The facility tracks athlete performance throughout the year, and this study aimed to explore patterns in the data while introducing Power BI as a visualization tool for the first time. The project involved extensive data cleaning and merging multiple datasets to align player records with their performance history. The cleaned data was then loaded into Power BI and Python for analysis. Various analytical methods, including K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) clustering and bootstrapping, were applied to uncover trends in player development. …

Analysis Of The Tennessee Covenant Marriage, Lucy C. Spivey

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Most recent data from the World Population Review suggests that Tennessee’s divorce rate (3.3% per 1,000 people) is among the highest divorce rates in the country (2024). Although the country and state average rate has decreased in the past five years, many Tennesseans are concerned at the number of failed marriages. House Bill 0315, introduced by Republican Representative Gino Bulso, is a result of this growing concern. House Bill 0315, better known as the “Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act,” aims to strengthen Tennessee marriages by limiting divorce options for couples and requiring a premarital counseling course (Jenkins, 2025). Proponents of this …

A Theorem On Parity That's So Odd, You Can't Even, Cara Admiraal

SPARK Symposium Presentations

In the study of Pythagorean triples (PT's) of integers $(a,b,c)$ satisfying $a^2+b^2=c^2$, it is natural to wonder: do we learn anything new by considering the triples of the form $(\pm a, \pm b, c)$? What about the triple $(b,a,c)$? The analysis of primitive PT's (PPT's), viewed as rational points on the unit circle, behaves predictably depending on one's answer to either question. In the former, one can quadrisect the unit circle and perform an analysis on each quadrant. In this talk, we focus on proving a bijection between two types of PT's, establishing a double cover of the set of …

Analyzing Musical Emotions: A Multi-Dataset Approach To Sentiment And Mood Classification In Songs, Mahad Syed

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Music evokes a wide range of emotions, yet most music recommendation systems focus on sound and listening patterns rather than the meaning of lyrics. This project enhances lyric-based emotion recognition by applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) to classify song lyrics into emotional categories.

I used eight datasets from Kaggle, including collections of lyrics, emotion labels, and audio features, providing a strong foundation for analysis. Our approach combines traditional NLP techniques (like TF-IDF and Word2Vec) with advanced deep learning models (such as BERT and XLNet) to classify lyrics into categories like happy, sad, angry, calm, romantic, and …

“If, In That Strife, ‘T Were Given To See / The Glory Of Thermopylae”: Connections To The Classics In The Alamo And The Texas Revolution, Austin M. Pritchett

SPARK Symposium Presentations

This historical research paper argues that connections to classical tradition were made in the rhetoric and symbolism of the Texas Revolution as a means of creating a national identity as Texans and as a way of garnering support from the Unites States for their cause.

Having established the background of the Texas Revolution of 1835-1836, the famous Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, and the Battle of Thermopylae in ancient Greece, I bring forth examples from primary sources of important figures using comparisons to classical history. The classical connections made in those writings were used to justify their …

Social Media's Impact On Youth, Nina Greco

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Social media poses a growing threat to youth, exposing children to inappropriate content, unhealthy comparisons, mental health challenges, addiction, and more. In collaboration with the non-profit organization Wired Human, which is dedicated to creating safe online environments for children and raising awareness of the long-term risks, we have conducted extensive research and advocacy efforts. As part of this initiative, we surveyed students aged 16 to 25 to better understand these dangers. Partnering with Wired Human, we presented our findings to leaders at The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., urging action to protect children online. In this presentation, we will …

Effectiveness Of Music Therapy In Managing Pain And Anxiety In Pediatric Burn Patients Compared To Traditional Methods Alone, Alejandro Miguel Santos, Maekalagail Santos

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Introduction:

Burn injuries are among the most painful conditions for children. While pharmacological interventions are commonly used, non-pharmacological strategies like music therapy are gaining attention for their potential to improve patient outcomes. Previous research indicates that music therapy can reduce pain and anxiety in various settings, but its impact on pediatric burn patients remains underexplored.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of music therapy in managing pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients, comparing it to traditional pain management methods alone.

Research Question:

Does music therapy affect pain and anxiety in pediatric burn unit patients when added to …

The Health Impact Of Clinical Training On Nursing Students In Cambodia, Kimberly Aguilar Mondragon, Felicia Kim Yee

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Clinical training presents significant challenges for nursing students worldwide, particularly evident in developing countries like Cambodia, where these difficulties are intensified by a lack of training, resources, and health issues like stress and fatigue. Many students struggle without adequate guidance, forcing them to navigate complex clinical environments independently. These factors not only impact students’ confidence and academic performance, but also their health and well-being. Through this study, we can gain insight into nursing in a developing country that hasn’t been widely studied, contributing to global nursing research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the health impact …

Perfectionism, Anxiety, And Depression: A Comparison Of Student Mental Health At East Texas A&M University: Honors Vs Non-Honors, Connor Hall

Honors Theses

Honors students at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) may have higher expectations to succeed due to greater course load and pressure versus students who are not in the honors program. These expectations can lead to stress that may cause perfectionism, anxiety, or depression (Rice, 2006; Wan, 2022; Van Praag, 2004). This study sought to determine if higher expectations and course load could lead to differences in mental health in honors versus non-honors students at East Texas A&M University. In order to determine these mental health characteristics, data was gathered using responses to a Qualtrics survey sent to 7527 ETAMU undergraduate …

The Impact Of Race On Sentencing Outcomes In The United States, Tijana Krivokapic

Honors Theses

The United States, with just 5% of the world’s population, houses nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners. Moreover, the racial composition of the United States prison population is 56.8% White, 38.0% Black, 2.9% Native American, and 1.5% Asian (Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2023). This highlights the disproportionate presence of minority offenders in the prison system, prompting concerns about racial disparities in sentencing. While research on sentencing is robust, much of the research relies on outdated data sources. This study adopts a contemporary approach by utilizing current data to examine whether the race of an offender affects two essential sentencing …

The Impact Of Quiet Quitting On University Students: A Phenomenological Investigation Providing Student Perspectives And Institutional Implications, Molly Caldwell

Honors Theses

This study explored the potential phenomena of quiet quitting in higher education among college students and how they approached their role as a student. The researcher sought to understand if the disconnect observed in current students resembled quiet quitting behaviors and to determine if there was a phenomenon beyond student disengagement. The research questions investigated whether a phenomenon was occurring among college students independent of disengagement, if college students engaged in behaviors indicative of quiet quitting, and if students perceived that quiet quitting had any impact on their educational outcomes such as grades, involvement, graduation, or job prospects. Data collection …

The Implications Of The Scientific Developments Behind Oxidative Stress, Heat-Shock Proteins, And Antioxidants On Neurodegenerative Pathology, Nolan Wilbourn

Honors Theses

Homeostasis is essential for the health and development of all organisms, serving as a universal defense mechanism that ensures the stability of physiological processes faced with external and internal stimuli in the form of health challenges (Archana et al., 2017). Maintaining homeostasis is crucial for our health, as it helps keep the body's internal balance. However, this delicate equilibrium is challenged by various environmental factors, such as diet, exposure to chemicals, and fluctuations in temperature (Collier et al., 2017). These disruptions can lead to dysfunction in cellular processes, particularly affecting the production and regulation of proteins vital for biological functions. …

Equine Whole Body Vibration Therapy: An Explanation On Whole Body Vibration On Equine Health And Performance, Lauren Amour

Honors Theses

The objective of this study is to assess outcomes of varying protocols of whole body vibration (WBV) on equine performance based on improved blood circulation. Two American Quarter Horses (AQHA; Equus caballus; n=2; 1, eleven year-old mare; 1, five year-old gelding), will be subjected to whole body vibration therapy on an EQUIVIBE platform for 3 weeks at the ETAMU Equine Lab (33.1872132, -95.9313238). Times spent on a WBV plate will be 15 minutes, 23.5 minutes and 30 minutes at 30hz. A standard washout period of 72 hours will be in place between each week of treatment (Atalaia et al., 2021). …

The Effect Of Female Athlete Menstrual Cycles On Their Athletic Performance, Millie Allgood

Honors Theses

Previous research studying the effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance has focused on women who do not participate in any athletic activity or participate at a recreational or professional level (Dupuit et al., 2023; Ekenros et al., 2022). Few studies have tested collegiate athletes and those which have examined theoretical effects or psychological impacts rather than direct performance outcomes (Carmichael et al., 2021). It is widely agreed upon that reproductive hormones have broad influences throughout the body including body composition, response to stress, appetite, energy expenditure, and blood-glucose regulation. These factors directly contribute to physiological abilities such as …

Drinking Behavior And Performance In Neonatal Swine, Yasmine Taylor

Honors Theses

This behavioral study analyzes the relationship between water intake and growth performance in pre-weaned piglets. Growth is paramount in pork production, and maximizing growth in weaned piglets has been thoroughly researched. However, one crucial aspect of growth is often overlooked: water, especially in neonatal piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if there is a positive relationship between water intake and performance in pre-weaned piglets by observing different behaviors. Weights were recorded at birth, after 7-10 days, and at weaning. Piglets were observed three times a day, in the morning, afternoon, and evening, for 21 days via scan sampling. Observation …

Strike Up The Band!: Examining The Marching Arts Activity And Its Relationship To Music Education In America, Harmony Rutherford

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to re-introduce the history of the marching arts activity to the upcoming generations of music educators through a historical analysis that thoroughly examines the marching arts activity from the early twentieth century to the present. This analysis will seek to uncover the musical and visual concepts that contribute best to a well-rounded education in music, as well as personal and professional growth in students. This analysis will also seek to expose the concepts that impair students’ growth, both artistically and personally. The information from this analysis will inform a single arrangement designed for a …

The Effects Of Diverse Bitter Gourds On Newly Formed Mcf-7/G1p3 And Mcf-7/Vector Cancer Cells, Eder Colmenero

Honors Theses

Breast cancer has become one of the deadliest cancers to affect women worldwide. Although treatments have been developed, no cure has been found for this disease. An emerging field with cancer treatments shows how isoflavones can be critical to limiting hormone-related cancers. In this study, the effects of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) extracts will be investigated in two separate cell lines. These cell lines include MCF-7 and G1P3 with the G1P3 cell line being the more aggressive cancer. Bitter gourd, which is mainly harvested in Asia, has been shown to display apoptotic features when contracting cancer. Although it is unknown …

The Effects Of Maclura Pomifera On Mcf-7/Vector And Mcf-7/G1p3 Breast Cancer Cells, Khushi Bhatt

Honors Theses

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer, mainly affecting women worldwide. The most aggressive type is Triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 10-15% of the total amount of breast cancer cases. The majority of breast cancer cases are regarded as estrogen receptor-positive, accounting for 70% of the total number. Current treatment options consist of immunotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Research in breast cancer treatment has been a topic of interest in recent years, as the rate of individuals becoming diagnosed is increasing. The Osage orange, or Maclura pomifera, is a fruit native to …

Experiences Of School Based Agricultural Educators At The Middle School Level, Kayla Gossett

Honors Theses

A middle school (MS) agricultural education program is the starting point for many students to explore agricultural industries and occupations associated with food, fiber and natural resources (National Council for Agricultural Education, 2002). “Middle school is an important time in the development of agricultural education students and plays an important role in increasing agricultural literacy in our society,” (Jones, Doss, and Rayfield, 2020). MS agricultural programs have been recognized since 1988 (Golden et al., 2014), yet there has been minimal research regarding these programs. This phenomenological study explored the experience(s) of School Based Agricultural Educators or SBAEs and examined how …

Profiting On The Kentucky Derby, Bailey Korfhage

Undergraduate Theses

This paper analyzes the quantitative data of horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby to recognize statistically significant variables to predict the horse that comes in first or in-the-money. This analysis is specific to the post-implementation of the points system that began for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs, the host of the Kentucky Derby, changed the methodology of qualification for a horse to enter the race; instead of qualifying with highest earnings in lifetime starts, the institution implemented a points system that awarded different proportions of points depending on the value of various prep races leading up to the …

First Record Of Corella Japonica In California, Lauren M. Stefaniak, Marie L. Nydam, Susanna López-Legentil

Marine Science

Many ascidian (sea squirt) species are common members of fouling communities, particularly on floating substrates such as docks and pilings and through maritime transport, have been introduced worldwide. For the past 30 years, marinas in Southern California have been regularly monitored for introduced species due to their proximity to the international shipping terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. Here, we report on the first record in the eastern Pacific of an ascidian in the family Corellidae (O. Phlebobranchia), Corella japonica, found at the Newmarks Yacht Centre in Los Angeles Harbor. This study further highlights the importance of continuously …

Impact Of Targeted Oral Health Education Intervention On Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Salena Patra, Noor Hachem, Diya Sodha, Imani Allen

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impairs motor neuron function, leading to difficulties in movement, speech, eating, and even breathing. As the disease advances, patients with ALS struggle with activities of daily living (ADLs), including maintaining oral hygiene due to reduced muscular control. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an oral hygiene education intervention on oral hygiene practices, oral health outcomes, and quality of life in middle-stage patients with ALS. The study will compare the effects of a specified educational intervention to those of no targeted education, using quality of life assessments as a …