Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring Nitrogen Uptake Dynamics Of Wetland Plants In Floating Treatment Wetlands, Saroj Burlakoti

Student Research Symposium

• Nitrogen (N) is major plant nutrient that limit plant growth and are often over used aiming to improve plant growth and quality.
• Generally, only 2-10% of applied N is taken up by crops. Excess N can move into water and air impacting biodiversity, human health, air, and water quality (Fields, 2004; Sengupta et al., 2015).
• U.S. EPA has imposed regulations limiting the discharge of water containing nitrate-nitrogen concentrations exceeding 10 mg/L or 45 mg/L when expressed as (NO₃-) (U.S.EPA, 1986).
• Increasing demand for fertilizers – high cost
• Excess use – effect on ground and surface water quality
• Leachate …

Snac Patrons' Typical Use And Overall Evaluation Of Services, Joy Bruneel, Melody Loutzenhiser

Student Research Symposium

Food insecurity among students in higher education programs is a relatively new area of research with the first study being published only 14 years ago.¹ Over the years, the costs associated with higher education have steadily increased leading to more financial burdens for students than ever before. According to the 2019-20 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, over 4 million students nationwide struggle with food insecurity.²

While the incidence of food insecurity among students is increasing, many students are not taking advantage of community and university resources aimed at targeting this issue on college campuses.³ In a study …

Narcissism Online: The Impact Of Psychology Misinformation On Social Media, Alana Haupert

Student Research Symposium

a. Instagram and Tiktok have provided a platform for information to be received in bulk quantities. This has produced mixed results as this has affected psychology positively and negatively.

• Climate Change
• Covid Vaccines (Rousseau, 2021)
• Science deniers (Hyperskepticism)

b. In this presentation, I argue that Danish Bashir, an Instagram “Narcissist Abuse Recovery Coach,” uses Aristotelian appeals to establish himself as an expert and then overgeneralizes/overdiagnoses to gain more followers for a disorder that impacts only 6% of population (Stinson et. al, 2008).

c. To do so, I am analyzing Danish Bashir’s Instagram account with 474k followers and his reels for …

Response Adjustments In Math Anxiety: A Comparative Analysis Of Post-Error Speeding And Slowing, Leyla Karami, Tori Dehlin

Student Research Symposium

• Math anxiety is a worry or fear that occurs when people try to solve math problems, take tests, or even think about numbers” _{(Weir, 2023)}.
• Individuals with math anxiety avoid taking math courses or selecting math-related majors; Global Avoidance Effect _{(Suárez-Pellicioni et al., 2016)}.
• They show a tendency to complete the math task as soon as possible to leave the uncomfortable situation of math problem solving; Local Avoidance Effect _{(Suárez-Pellicioni et al., 2016)}.
• They are slower & more error-prone in math tasks _{(Núñez-Peña et al., 2017; 2024)}.

Solar Factors Influence High Frequency (Hf) Radio Propagation, Jayson Wiggins

Student Research Symposium

Although it has been around for over 100 years, high frequency (HF) radio is here to stay.

HF radio is in the range from 3-30 MHz, and is used by amateur radio enthusiasts, commercial airlines, and the Department of Defense.

Communication over greater distances than other methods is possible due to skywave propagation, a process in which radio waves are reflected by the lower regions of the ionosphere. This means changes in the ionosphere have important effects on propagation.

Lingering Effects Of Redlining On Secondary Education In Waterloo, Iowa, Emily Brennom

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

The Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC) of the federal government implemented the racially discriminatory housing policy known as "redlining" in the 1930s, which still has an effect on Waterloo, Iowa's educational system to this day. The practice targeted neighborhoods considered to be undesirable due to their racial or ethnic makeup, regularly denying residents services or putting tight restrictions on investment, insurance, and mortgage lending. The color-coded maps that HOLC assessors used to identify high-risk zones - areas populated by ethnic minorities were frequently designated in red - are where the term "redlining" first appeared. These laws lead to differences in …

How Rural Identity, Self-Reliance, And Stoicism Relate To Attitudes Toward Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Iowans, Taylor Brown

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

PROBLEM

• Rural areas represent 20% of the U.S. population (United States Census Bureau, 2022)
• Similar rates of mental illness among rural and urban people (Morales et al., 2020)
• Higher suicide rates among rural people (Brunk, 2010)
• Lower psychological help-seeking rates among rural individuals (Caldwell et al., 2004; Kirby et al., 2019)
• Rural residents tend to wait longer and until symptoms become severe to seek help (Stewart et al., 2015)

Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Functioning In Older Adults, Emily Swanson, Stephanie Rasco, Holden Sevening, Ava Schupbach, Terence Moriarty

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

Cognitive Impairment

What is it?

• An early stage of memory loss or other cognitive ability loss (such as language or visual/spatial perception) in individuals who maintain the ability to independently perform most activities of daily living.

Risk Factors

• Age
• Physical Inactivity
• Early stages of Alzheimers
• Cerebrovascular Problems

Shadows Of Redlining: Unveiling Disparities In Essential Social Services In Waterloo, Ia, Luke Abels

INSPIRE Student Research and Engagement Conference

This study explores the enduring impact of redlining on the distribution and upkeep of Waterloo, IA's community resources such as schools and childcare facilities. It assesses how these historical policies affect community development and individual well-being. Through a combination of GIS and qualitative methods, the goal is to highlight disparities in the availability and standard of vital services due to past and present socio-economic factors. This analysis will aid policymakers, urban planners, and advocates in bridging Waterloo's social equity gaps.

Education For Ethiopia Research Project Proposal, Shelby Hull

Student Research Symposium

In Ethiopia, it was found that within the population, only 24% of adults have finished their primary education (William Saint). The post-secondary enrollment ratio in Ethiopia is 0.8 percent in 2000. This puts Ethiopia at the bottom of the rankings, in the world, for attending secondary school (William Saint).

Violence And Danger In Children's Folklore, Alleyah Murphy

Student Research Symposium

Children's Folklore is described as games, traditions, songs, and rhymes that are passed down from person to person, anonymous in origin, have variation, and often have association with a group.

I decided to examine violence and danger in Children's Folklore.

Tsc Hub Re-Design: How Environment Affects Focus, Natalie Tanner

Student Research Symposium

Biophilia is often used in design because of its positive impact on mental and physical health for the users of the space. Bringing live plants into a space can improve the air quality. In addition to this it can help increase productivity which is ideal for a community space on a college campus where students need to focus and study. Studies have shown incorporating biophilia can improve productivity, creativity, key cognitive functions, overall well-being and encourage innovative thinking (Haiken, 2023) (Haiken, 2022).

Cloud Solutions For Clinical Trial Data Analysis, Kelli Nelson

Student Research Symposium

In clinical trials, how can we determine whether "rare but serious side effects" are results of the treatment or just random?

Cultivating A Love Of Reading In Young Children Through The Built Environment, Mattalyn Geddes

Student Research Symposium

First, the benefits of reading include parents reading aloud to their children as well as children reading silently on their own. Each has advantages and is largely influenced by the child’s age. So remember just because they are too young to read on their own doesn’t mean they can’t start reaping the benefits of reading by listening to those around them read aloud.

Reading supports cognitive development or in other words the ability to think, understand, problem-solve, and make decisions. During early childhood, millions of neural connections are made creating new brain cells and adding “more definition and complexity to …

Straw Bale Construction: Exploring The Possibilities Of A Construction Method Grounded In Earthen, Sustainable Materials, Lydia Yancey

Student Research Symposium

Straw bale construction is a unique and sustainable take on comfortable living. Contrasting straw bale construction and current traditional construction in terms of sustainability and efficiency, we take a look on how this form of construction could potentially revolutionize the future of sustainable living.

Straw bale construction goes back to the 1800’s during the civil war. They were originally meant to be temporary housing, but people quickly realized that there is comfort & durability in these structures.

La Bella English School, Rachael Barlow

Student Research Symposium

Mexico's transition to a globalized economy necessitates a proficient grasp of the English language. In an era marked by international trade, technology, and cultural exchange, English proficiency is no longer a luxury but a fundamental skill. In today's interconnected world, English has become the lingua franca for international communication, diplomacy, and business. It is the most widely spoken second language worldwide, opening doors to global opportunities and cross-cultural interactions. Access to English education equips students with the skills and qualifications to compete in a global workforce. Establishing English schools in Mexico promotes educational equity. The proliferation of English schools in …

Asymmetries In Ncaa Division I Tennis Players Compared To Control Group, Liz Cafferty

Student Research Symposium

Interlimb asymmetries are common between dominant and non-dominant sides.

Women's Safe House In Ethiopia, Ellie Ericksen

Student Research Symposium

This is the reality faced by numerous women and their children seeking refuge in safe houses throughout Ethiopia. Since 2022, the country has been engulfed in a brutal civil war. Rebel forces from the northern Tigray region have pushed back against the Ethiopian government, resulting in devastating bombings of cities and villages, claiming tens, if not hundreds of thousands of lives. The government's blockade in Tigray has severely restricted access to essential resources such as food, medicine, electricity, and communication, leaving 17 million people in dire need of assistance and resulting in widespread displacement. Amidst this turmoil, there have been …

Assessing The Influence Of ”Small Town Feel” On Wellbeing In Utah, Madison Fjeldsted Thompson

Student Research Symposium

Background

- Utah Wellbeing Project involvement

- Emergence of “small town feel”

• ”Please tell us what you value most about living in [city]?
• ”Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about wellbeing in [city]?

- Term and idea relatively sparce in existing literature

Themes And Ideas Of Violence In Children's Folklore, Sara Hamer

Student Research Symposium

The Tradition

Children engage with their feelings by participating in violent rhymes and songs they are masters of by controlling, engaging with, and creating parodies to experiment with playful protest.

Solace Space: College Students & Mental Health, Kelsey Wise

Student Research Symposium

In envisioning a safe place for college students struggling with mental health, we came up with Solace Space. It is a meditation room where students can go and feel the calming effects of Feng Shui and Light therapy to nurture students well-being. The design harmonizes elements of nature, optimizing energy flow for serenity. Soft, earthy tones and minimalistic décor create a calming ambiance. Advance light therapy fixtures simulate natural sunlight, aiding mood regulation. This intimate space becomes a sanctuary for rejuvenation. It’s holistic haven where students can explore mindfulness, find balance, and embrace the healing power of both ancient wisdom …

Concentrated Land Ownership, Inequality, And Community Change In Southwest Montana, Elizabeth Bennett

Student Research Symposium

• Amenity migration: Movement of affluent individuals from urban to rural areas for the scenic and recreational value
• Economic impacts
• Differing views of the West

Horizon Heights Refugee Housing, Isabella Smith

Student Research Symposium

Nestled gracefully along the tranquil banks of the Boise River lies Horizon Heights Apartments, a sanctuary for refugees seeking temporary housing. Upon their arrival in Boise, refugees have the opportunity to transition seamlessly into these welcoming apartments, offering respite for up to a month as they embark on their journey to find more permanent accommodations. Traditionally, refugees often find themselves housed in hotels upon their initial arrival, a costly arrangement that can quickly deplete their limited resources. However, Horizon Heights offers a practical alternative, providing a comfortable haven at a mere fraction of the expense, equivalent to just one-quarter the …

Community-Level Food Sovereignty And Wellbeing In The Upper Yakima River Basin: Framing Lived Experiences Within Multiscalar Food Systems Discourse, Alex Theophilus

Student Research Symposium

Broader Project Context

• Characterizing wellbeing in the Intermountain West
• Key themes include
• Individual and community wellbeing
• Population and demographic change
• Environmental change
• Rural-urban regional connectivity
• Food
• Community-identified salient issues

Hpipy: Decoding Host-Microbe Crosstalk With Computational Homology Models For Protein Interaction Prediction, Raghav Kataria

Student Research Symposium

Various pathogens affect plants

Fungi, bacteria, virus — Disease infection Loss to global agriculture economy

Molecular interactions regulate biological processes

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) crucial for understanding disease infection mechanisms

Enhances study of protein function and cellular behavior

Assessing Wma Stakeholders And Wildlife, Lane Arthur

Student Research Symposium

• Utah's Wildlife Management Areas are areas where people can hunt and fish, where wildlife can find healthy habitat, and more.
• Follow Administrative Rule R657-28-3
• Are experiencing an increase in recreational use not outlined by management objectives.

Farmers' Adoption Of Nutrient Management Plans In The Chesapeake Bay Watershed (Cbw), Edem Avemegah

Student Research Symposium

Farming and the Environment

• Some agricultural practices lead to environmental problems.

Mechanical Property Variability In Lpbf Ss316l Due To Defects Formation And Process Interruption, Tasrif Ul Anwar

Student Research Symposium

This project aims to understand the correlation between the manufacturing process, defect formation, process interruptions, and the resulting properties of components made with laser powder bed fusion techniques.

Designing For Wellness: Enhancing First Responder Well-Being Through Fire Station Interior Architecture, Caimbre Bunton

Student Research Symposium

Firefighters face numerous health risks from physical and psychological stressors inherent in their profession. Occupational hazards include exposure to toxins, respiratory issues, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases and heightened cancer risk. They are also at risk for mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation. Interior design interventions focusing on acoustics, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, health amenities, and containing and elimnating contaminants within the station are essential for mitigating these risks. These design strategies create a supportive and health focused environment for first responders so they can continue to support our communities. Station 45 is a model for …

The Effect Of Medical Interpreters On Patient Outcomes Through Overcoming Linguistic Barriers, Klaire Dilworth, Annie Heaton, Allison Orton

Student Research Symposium

Many patients feel overwhelmed by the excess of information and emotional stress of the health problems they are experiencing. This can be especially stressful in situations where there is a language barrier. This can cause a substantial discrepancy in the healthcare that different ethnic populations receive. It can be difficult for patients to communicate what they are feeling, understand what the providers are telling them. It can also be a disadvantage to medical providers, as they might be unable to understand the experiences and needs of the patient. Medical interpreters hold the responsibility to help patients navigate these stressful times, …