Digital Commons Network^™

Racism On Social Media, Britton Larsen

Student Research Symposium

For centuries, racism has been an issue in society; however, the emergence of social media has drastically altered the landscape of the vulgarity and encounter of racist content. Social media has become a crucial communication, advocacy, and information battleground. While these platforms have provided a voice through which underprivileged populations become equal in terms of advocating for equality and justice, the same platforms have nurtured the breeding ground for hate messages and discriminatory ideologies. This research will look to explore the relationship between social media and racism, doing so to look at how these social media platforms amplify racist content …

Measuring Small Currents At Fast Speeds Using A 2Nd Generation Electrometer, Donna Metcalf

Student Research Symposium

The Electron Emission Test (EET) chamber in the Utah State University Materials Physics Group (MPG) is used to determine the electron yield of highly insulating materials. An electrometer is employed alongside the EET chamber to measure the output current of 10-6 to 10-14 pulses of 10-7 seconds to DC duration. In previous years, a first- generation electrometer was used for these measurements. However, the introduction of a new electrometer presents an opportunity to achieve faster measurement speeds and improved sensitivity to smaller current values.

The Meme-Ification Of Barbie: How Social Media Turned A Movie Into A Cultural Phenomenon, Jayke Martin

Student Research Symposium

The 2023 Barbie movie became a cultural phenomenon, driven by an innovative marketing campaign that leveraged memes and user- generated content, particularly on TikTok. Users embraced the movie's catchy songs and dance routines, sparking widespread excitement. Strategic brand collaborations with Crocs, Cold Stone Creamery, and NYX, combined with the fashion industry's embrace of pink, amplified the film's impact. Notably, the extensive use of fluorescent pink paint led to a global shortage. The teaser trailer, which parodied 2001: A Space Odyssey and premiered before Avatar: The Way of Water, generated early buzz by challenging audience expectations. The “Barbenheimer” phenomenon emerged when …

Sizzling Success: The Impact Of Wendy's Twitter Roast Campaign, Bryan Mortensen

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

The Wendy’s Roast Me social media campaign created massive engagement, increased brand awareness, and improved brand reception. The reason that I choose to analyze this campaign is because I wanted to read more Wendy’s roasts.

The social media platform that I have chosen to analyze is TikTok, however I did do some research on Twitter as well in order to be able to compare their performance.

Today, I am aim to answer three questions:

• How did TikTok compare to Twitter?
• What made this campaign so successful?
• Can we apply anything from this campaign to others

Environmental Racism: The Role Of Racism In The Unequal Distribution Of Environmental Hazards And Resources In Urban Areas, Acadia Petersen

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

There is a large difference in the number of environmental hazards and environmental resources that people live with depending on their race. This is very damaging as certain minorities are being provided with fewer resources and more polluted areas, leading to worse health outcomes.

There is “A strong association between non-white and poor communities and the location of hazardous waste sites…Studies on air quality have documented that minorities and the poor face higher levels of air pollution than other groups” (Pinderhughes 1996).

The Apple Effect: Unveiling The Power Of Social Media Marketing In Apple's Advertising Mastery, Annie Ploehn

Student Research Symposium

This research dives into the top marketing strategies shown by Apple on their Instagram page. Five main themes have been identified: Creativity, people, nature, emotion, and technique. Through each of these themes we see how Apple fosters a sense of belonging and uses this marketing strategy to encourage continued company growth.

Child Protective Services Accountability And Reform: The Role Of Judicial Oversight, Caseworker Training, And Systemic Failures In Protecting Vulnerable Children, Amiah Kuykendall

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

What is the purpose of this project?

▪ Investigate systemic failures

o Research question:

▪ How does judicial oversight influence CPS caseworker accountability in child abuse cases, and what legal measures can be taken to ensure policy enforcement?

Educational Policy And The Ballot Box: The 2024 Ghanaian Election Through Students' Eyes, Ebenezer Botsio, Irene Kyereh, Stephen Kwame Ameko

Student Research Symposium

The Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, introduced in Ghana in 2017, marked a major shift in educational access by removing financial barriers at the secondary level. While several studies have examined its implementation and socio-economic impacts, limited attention has been given to its political consequences, particularly among young voters. This study examines the impact of the FSHS policy on the voting decisions of university students in the 2024 general elections. Grounded in historical and contemporary policy contexts, the study traces Ghana's educational reforms from the Nkrumah era through the FCUBE initiative to the FSHS policy, situating them within a …

Are Logan Police Officers Equipped To Deal With Domestic Disturbances Effectively, Jaden Baugh

Student Research Symposium

If officers do not have proper training to deal with domestic violence, then they become ineffective tools to help the public. We as the public need officers to keep the peace but if there is improper training they are ineffective

Frequency Of Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Among Women Diagnosed With Gestational Diabetes, Hailey Koster

Student Research Symposium

• Consuming fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes and improved pregnancy outcomes. ¹

• However, the majority do not meet the recommendation of five servings per day or 400 g per day according to the World Health Organization.²

Wiped Out?: Testing Peribacillus Frigoritolerans Against Hospital Disinfection Techniques, Alexis Lupus, Ashtyn Whatcott, Asaria Zizumbo, Cade Neuberger

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Hospital disinfection is essential to patient health, as harmful bacteria can compromise patient health. Factors like pathogen type and cleaning frequency influence disinfection efficacy. Sani-Cloth® disinfectant wipes are widely used in healthcare settings and have shown high effectiveness, particularly on surfaces such as iPad screens. The Sani-Cloth® disinfectant wipes tested in this experiment protect against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria .This experiment evaluates three types of Sani-Cloth® wipes against Peribacillus frigoritolerans, a gram-positive soil bacterium. Given the range of microbes introduced in hospital environments, especially in high-traffic areas like emergency departments, identifying the most effective wipes helps ensure optimal infection …

Tiktok Triumph: Unpacking Duolingo's Marketing Success, Kylee Malcolm

Student Research Symposium

Duolingo, a language learning app, has an infamous social media presence across many platforms. Recently, they took their risky humor to the next level by killing their mascot (don’t worry, there’s a happy ending!)

Their platform on TikTok typically receives more engagement from users and brands, because that is where they first went viral for their ‘threats” against users.

Unveiling The Success: Analyzing The Social Media Marketing Of Hailey Bieber's Rhode Skin 'Lip Shape' Campaign, Kensington Clements

Student Research Symposium

For this project, I’m looking at Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Skin Lip Shape campaign and how it was marketed on social media. I decided to focus on Instagram because Hailey is the most active there.

From Vulnerabilities And Concern To Action: How Perceived Climate Vulnerabilities And Concern For The Great Salt Lake Desiccation Shape Utahns’ Migration Intention, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Establishing Mixed-Biofilm Systems: To Transform Waste Into Value-Added Products, Jessica Silva Cuero

Student Research Symposium

The bioeconomy, which leverages biological agents such as microbes to convert waste (e.g., agricultural waste, wastewater, etc.) into valuable resources (Fig 1.), offers a sustainable solution to global waste challenges while generating new economic opportunities.

Social Media Health Campaign: Combating Rsv In Infants Through Education And Advocacy, Kyndie Jorgensen

Student Research Symposium

Education and awareness surrounding RSV has made people more aware of how it is spread and what it is. Less communication campaign work has been done to help people understand the symptoms of RSV in healthy adults who may pass it to infants and to support parents in advocating for their child's safety.

The Effectiveness Of Social Media Campaigns In Promoting Agricultural Education And Careers, Regan Christensen

Student Research Symposium

72% of adults in the US are now using at least one social media site, according to a PEW Research Study.

Genomic And Metabolic Network Properties In Thermophiles And Psychrophiles Compared To Mesophiles, Amal Saeed Alblooshi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Thermophiles and psychrophiles are extremophilic microorganisms that thrive in harsh conditions. Thermophiles are mostly located in hot springs, prosper in high temperatures. Psychrophiles thrive in extremely cold environments, including polar regions and deep-sea habitats. Although they play a crucial role in biotechnology and environmental research, their mechanisms of adaptation are still not well understood. The main objective of this thesis is to understand the genomic characteristics and metabolic network features in thermophiles and psychrophiles compared to mesophiles. The genomes of 59 species among thermophiles, psychrophiles, and mesophiles were collected from the NCBI database. These genomes were used to analyze their …

Establishing Methods For In Vitro Static Culture Of Gut Microbiomes For Nutritional Intervention Studies, Jeremy Case

Student Research Symposium

The National Cancer Institute reports colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer death for individuals under 50 in the United States (American Cancer Society). These rates continue to rise with poor diet, microbiome dysbiosis, and gut inflammation being the primary drivers.

Our lab performs nutrient- intervention studies on DSS/AOM colitis-induced mouse models fed the total Western diet, reflective of the average American’s diet. A poor diet promotes gut microbiome dysbiosis and subsequent colitis, ultimately yielding colon cancer. We seek to understand how the introduction of a bioactive compound may lessen or promote these effects in in vivo mouse models. …

Understanding Carbon Storage Of Uinta Mountain Fens, Eleni Christley

Student Research Symposium

• Peat is partially decomposed organic matter that forms under cool, inundated conditions.
• Peatlands, a type of wetland, are critical carbon sinks and store about 30% of the globe's soil organic carbon.
• Not much is known about peatlands in Utah, nor do we understand the factors that may contribute to carbon storage

How Does Social Media Influence Gen Z'S Perception Of American Politics?, Payden Dalley

Student Research Symposium

This study examines whether social media influences Gen Z voters depending on which app they use and their political affiliation. Specifically, it explores how social media platforms shape perceptions of the American political system by analyzing survey responses from Utah State University students regarding the most recent election. Understanding this influence is crucial, as social media plays a central role in shaping political information, particularly for young voters. The findings will help determine whether social media can be used in future elections and which platforms are the most reliable for each party. Given the limited research on the role of …

Implications Of Positive Nitrogen Fixation Capabilities Of Peribacillus, Weston Farley, Ariana Long

Student Research Symposium

Recent studies highlight the versatile role of Peribacillus simplex in sustainable agriculture. This bacterium has been shown to alleviate saline and alkaline stress in maize, promoting plant growth and improving crop yield under challenging conditions and enhance agricultural sustainability by supporting soil health and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Its role in fixing nitrogen and improving plant health makes it an essential player in eco- friendly farming practices.. Other species of Peribacillus have been shown to fix nitrogen, suggesting that our sample bacteria may also have these same capabilities.

• Our goal in this research is to determine whether …

Pinkwashing Palestine: Exploring The Perceptions Of Utah College Students, Addison Fish

Student Research Symposium

The United States' role in the escalation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine has become a subject of heated political debate, especially on college campuses.

• This project investigates college students’ perceptions of pinkwashing and Israel

• Aims to understand how their perceptions affect their stance on the occupation

• Goal is to provide insight into how we can understand and critically engage with pinkwashing narratives and support Utah-local advocacy movements, as well as broader political campaigns in the U.S

Glowing Engagement: Analyzing Social Media Reactions To Rhode Skincare's Ad Campaigns, Jetta Van Brocklin

Student Research Symposium

Context & Relevance: Analyzing social media reactions to Rhode Skincare’s ad campaigns offers insights into consumer behavior, brand perception, and marketing effectiveness, which are crucial for businesses in the influencer-driven beauty industry.

Why it matters: Social media can shape a brand's reputation, impacting sales, loyalty, and image. Brands like Rhode Skincare must understand audience reactions to refine campaigns and boost ROI.

Primary Goal:

• To assess how social media reaction to Rhode Skincare's ads influence consumer perception and brand loyalty. Hypothesis:

• Positive social media reactions to Rhode Skincare's ad campaigns correlate with increased consumer trust and purchase intent, …

Breaking Bad, Breaking Ads: A Super Bowl Social Media Case Study, Aliyah Walker

Student Research Symposium

This study examines PopCorners' 2023 Super Bowl ad featuring Breaking Bad characters and its impact on digital engagement. The campaign was selected due to its nostalgic appeal and strategic use of humor to captivate audiences. This research focuses on Instagram Reels as the primary platform for analysis.

Unmasking The Threat: Utilization Of Digital Health Communication Techniques In Addressing Smoking And Vaping-Induced Lung Cancer Amongst Youth, Emily Wells

Student Research Symposium

The correlation between cigarette sales and lung cancer mortality in the United States is going down. However, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer- related deaths globally, with high mortality rates among both men and women. The research will explore the direct and indirect causes of lung cancer, emphasizing early intervention to prevent the onset of the disease.

Sos: Success Or Survival, Quinn Balser

Student Research Symposium

Research Question: How does unmet basic needs insecurity (food, housing, and financial insecurity) impact college students' academic performance, mental health, and engagement within campus residential communities?

Overveiw: Traditional student development theories often assume students' basic needs are met. But recent data shows food and housing insecurity is rising, especially among marginalized groups, challenging our understanding of student success.

Religious Trauma And Young Adults: What Is Their Perspective?, Ethan Lefevre

Student Research Symposium

How does religious trauma influence young adults' perspectives on organized religion and spirituality?

Farmstead Therapy: Intergenerational Connection And Sense Of Place Via Equine Therapy, Kaleb Griffeth

Student Research Symposium

Therapy has become a crucial element within society. It has offered relief, understanding, and hope for a changed future to hundreds of millions of people just in the last five years (SAMHSA, 2004).

On another front, division between generations seems to be growing by the month. Political, social, and economic differences between generations “X”, “Z”, Alpha, and Baby Boomers make it appear that there is no connection whatsoever across age gaps.

Because equine therapy has proven a succesful branch, especially for those of a younger demographic, Farmstead Therapy was a project designed to bring together the skills of the older …

Disjunction In Arachnospila (Pompilidae: Hymenoptera): Convergent Evolution Or Recent Dispersal?, Bridger Jorgensen, Steven Madsen

Student Research Symposium

Convergent evolution is defined as unrelated species evolving similar traits. A disjunct distribution is the appearance of species or groups of species in disconnected geographical areas. Is the disjunction we see in Arachnospila due to a recent disjunct distribution/long distance dispersal event or long-term convergent evolution?