Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Building Community Through Athletic Activities, Alyssa Taylor

Student Research Symposium

Community is important to mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

Do Modern Queer Musicians Conceal Their Identity?, Cristina Chirvasa

Student Research Symposium

Musicians such as Elton John, Jennifer Knapp, and George Michael have told stories of concealed identity, unfair treatment, and internal turmoil due to the tension between authenticity and marketability. A lot has changed since then: musicians are even more accessible with the invention of the internet, and in cases like Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, function as a brand of their own.

Chemtrails: Deadly Skies Or Dangerous Misinformation?, Abigail Foust

Undergraduate Research Symposium

A common sight on a clear day is a thin strip of white across the otherwise blue sky: A contrail. Most people do not think anything of these contrails, and assume they have little to no impact on the world at large. Suppose for a moment, however, that they are not as harmless as some believe. Suppose these cloud trails are actually composed of dangerous chemicals, and are being used by sinister forces in a conspiracy to kill off the weak, mind-control the population, or simply dull our minds in preparation for a government takeover. As far-fetched as this may …

Hogan's Heroes: Fact Or Fiction?, Mark Granicke

Undergraduate Research Symposium

When it first debuted in 1965, Hogan’s Heroes was not met with the fondness it later garnered. Set in Stalag 13, a fictional German Luftwaffe (Air Force) prisoner of war (POW) camp during World War II (WWII), the show follows the American POW Colonel Robert E. Hogan and his band of compatriots as they run a secret sabotage operation within the camp under the nose of the inept camp commandant Colonel Wilhelm Klink. Hilarity ensues as Hogan and crew outwit the Germans, portrayed as bumbling idiots, in all sorts of missions, from smuggling prisoners, stealing plans, blowing up trains, and …

The History Of The Billboard Hot 100 And Its Process, Brileigh Cates

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Billboard Hot 100 has been around for decades, and it is believed without much accreditation. What really is Billboard, and why is it so popular? Why have other charting companies not taken up as much popularity? How does Billboard determine the popularity of artists? How has this changed with the introduction of the internet? This research project addresses all of these question, allowing the validity of the data collection to be addressed.

American Resistance: The Bund And Their Opposition, Emily Copeland

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This Honors Thesis investigates American opposition to the German American Bund during the turbulent 1930s. It reveals the differing attitudes within American society during the German American Bund's peak. While some embraced fascist ideologies, others protested against them, highlighting the intricacy of American politics leading up to World War II. This study explores the efforts undertaken by Americans to counter the fascist doctrine of the German American Bund on democratic soil. The research gathered insight from documents and artifacts at institutions such as the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, Curtis Laws Wilson Library, and other archival sources, investigating the …

Neurodiversity And Openness In Responses To Al In Writing, Joely Grace Hall

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Neurodivergent individuals encompass a broad spectrum of cognitive profiles, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, depression, anxiety and other neurological differences and learning disabilities. Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (Al) technologies have rapidly evolved, permeating various aspects of society, from healthcare to education and employment. Al often makes mistakes when analyzing papers written by neurodivergent students and flags them for plagiarism, when there is no plagiarism in the paper. We want to investigate why this happens and ways to work around this. We have put together a Prolific survey to get general opinions on Al, neurodiversity types and writing classes. With …

The Search For The Akwamu People In The Americas, 1729-1733, Ben Brown, Justin Pope

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This Poster presentation attempts to trace the journey of one nation of Africans into the Americas. In 1729, the Akwamu Empire, in modern day Ghana, West Africa, suffered a terrible collapse. Rival African armies enslaved thousands of Akwamu subjects and sold them to European slavers on the Gold Coast. This nation later led the biggest island wide slave revolt prior to the age of revolution in the Americas. Using primary and secondary resources such as the "Transatlantic Slave Trade Database," we will attempt to identify the European slave ships that purchased enslaved Akwamu people and trace their journey into the …

Gender And The Billboard Top 40 Charts Between 1958 And 2023, Brileigh Cates, Justin W. Pope

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Is there an inherent bias towards male artists in the music industry? Evidence has been shown in previous studies, the most recent being from 2017, that there may be bias towards male artists appearing in Billboard Magazine s Hot 100 list. This study not only updates previous data to include 2017 through 2023, but also looks at the top 40 charts on a week-by-week bias as opposed to the year-end charts that other studies used for their data. We coded each song so as to indicate the gender of the artist(s) as well as whether or not the artists appeared …

Voices On The Mountain: Beaver Mountain Oral History Project, Jasmine Lowe, Cedar Williams, Zoe'swanna Mcgee, Cassie Evans

Student Research Symposium

Through oral history interviews with a wide variety of people with connections to Beaver Mountain, we explore the memory and significance of Beaver Mountain to the community of Cache Valley from multiple perspectives.

Floating Homes | A Response To Rising Sea Levels, Caroline Nemelka

Student Research Symposium

Every year, an average of 25 million people are displaced by disasters, typically extreme weather events like floods and storms. By the century’s end, flooding alone could displace up to 50 million people. According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), higher seas are projected to displace or impact approximately 680 million individuals residing in low-lying coastal zones by 2100. Studying nations like the Netherlands, known for its innovative land reclamation and flood management strategies, can provide valuable insights into addressing this impending housing crisis. Using this information allowed for a community of hypothetical floating homes to …

6 Fundamental Stages Of Play In Daycare Design, Jacey Jensen

Student Research Symposium

THE 6 STAGES OF PLAY RESEARCH

The six stages of play are fundamental for children's growth and development as they provide valuable opportunities for learning, socialization, and self-expression. Through play, children engage in sensory exploration, develop essential motor skills, and enhance cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and creativity. Each stage of play- from solitary play to cooperative play- builds upon the previous one, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development in a progressive manner. Play also allows children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, helping them develop communication skills, and emotional resilience. Overall, the six stages of play provide a …

Affiliating Cultural Heritage Through Material Analysis, Lucy Mattinson

Student Research Symposium

The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology’s collection includes seven metal tipped arrows. These arrows have no documentation, notes, or additional archival information. My aim was to use material analyses to link these arrows to where they came from and learn how to preserve them for the future.

La Lengua: Sociolinguistic Perceptions And Impacts Of The Spanish Language In The U.S., Spencer Mullen, Talon Broadbent, Angela Beutel

Student Research Symposium

Spanish has historically been one of the most prevalent languages spoken in the United States, yet it often faces misconceptions of being "un-American". There is a common misconception that Spanish speakers of Latino descent are predominantly Mexican and presumed to have crossed the border illegally. American culture has historically lumped these diverse communities under broad terms like "Hispanic" or "Latino", neglecting the individuality within. However, this narrative fails to capture the reality of the Latino community, which is comprised of individuals from various countries, each with distinct cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and linguistic practices. This diversity fosters a vibrant and …

Housing Strategies For Human Trafficking Survivors, Brynne Rindlisbacher

Student Research Symposium

This study addresses the critical importance of providing comprehensive aftercare services to survivors of human trafficking, highlighting the significance of supporting their healing journey and empowering them to rebuild their lives. The lack of dedicated aftercare facilities tailored to the needs of human trafficking survivors exacerbates their vulnerability to ongoing exploitation and psychological distress. The approach involves collaboration with experts in trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and social services to design and establish the aftercare center, incorporating best practices and evidence-based interventions to address the diverse needs of survivors. Upon implementation, the human trafficking aftercare center demonstrates tangible outcomes in terms of …

Children’S Folk Economy: The Practice Of Trade With Folk Objects, Danika Westwood

Student Research Symposium

Almost anyone can look back on childhood and remember an item or object that was a “hot commodity” in school. These items were traded, collected, and bargained over, and it’s still the same for children today. But why?

• It’s a recent development (mid 19th century) that children have their own belongings.
• Folk objects in Material Folk Culture are often used to determine social standing, which is adopted early by children because they’re a folk group with low power.
• My hypothesis is that children’s folk-economies are heavily based on visuals (meaning color and shape).

Cultural Competency In Medical Interpreting, Riley Wheelwright-Grammer

Student Research Symposium

I conducted a review of the academic literature about cultural competency within medical interpretation settings and found several themes.

A Critique Of Free Market Epistemology, Preston Winn

Student Research Symposium

Why care about economic systems?

We mostly take these for granted, but they impact:

• Resource Allocation
• Distribution of Wealth
• Individual Freedom
• Innovation
• Social/Environmental Impact

Third Place Theory In Library Design, Becca Mathis

Student Research Symposium

The concept of the "third place" in library design has gained significant attention in recent years, reflecting a shift in libraries' roles from mere repositories of books to vibrant community hubs. This poster explores the application of third place theory in library design, aiming to understand its implications for creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. This research investigates the key elements of third place theory and their implementation in contemporary library architecture. the findings highlight the importance of fostering social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging, and accomodating diverse user needs in designing third place libraries.

Chateaus Of France: A Study Of Historic Architecture, Kameron Mabbutt

Student Research Symposium

This research project delves into the realm of historical architecture, focusing specifically on the opulent and elegant French Chateau style. The primary aim of this study is to engage in the practice of recreating historically accurate architecture and designs from the French Chateau era, spanning from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Through this endeavor, the project seeks to gain a deeper understanding of period-specific architectural elements that defined the aesthetic of this iconic style.

The research methodology involves a comprehensive examination of archival materials, historical documents, and scholarly publications related to French Chateau architecture. Additionally, hands-on exploration and experimentation …

An Indigenous Kitchen: Using Design To Preserve Indigenous North American Food Cultures And Edible Plants, Alida Cummings

Student Research Symposium

Examine the causes and the detriment of reduced rood access, loss of knowledge, nutritional deficit, and reliance on imported foods on Indigenous American populations, with emphasis on the Pueblo, Diné, Apache, Hopi, and Zuni peoples of the American Southwest. Examine attempts to restore cultural food knowledge and Indigenous plant cultivation. Examine traditional foodways of the American Southwest. Propose and demonstrate possible solutions brought about by use of architecture and interior design.

Human Centered Design, Alexis Freeman

Student Research Symposium

This research project explores the impact of design on mental and physical health, emphasizing its role within healthcare and therapy settings. Delving into the specific connections between environmental design and human well-being, this study investigates how thoughtful design principles influence quality of life. It also explores the physical health benefits gained from well-designed spaces, access to natural light, ergonomic considerations, and good air quality. Recognizing the holistic approach in Eastern medicine, Haven explores how traditional healing philosophies can connect with modern design principles.

Unique challenges are presented in patient-centered settings. where the impact of design extends beyond aesthetics. Design elements …

Unveiling Mental Health Disparities: An Analysis Of Latino Immigrant Communities In The United States, Ben Higbee, Alex Garces

Student Research Symposium

The problem of mental health in the Anglo-American community is different from the problem of mental health in the Latino immigrant community. In the book The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, Villavicencio humanizes illegal immigrants through her portrayal of their lives and individual stories and struggles that other inhabitants of the United States don't normally notice. Numerous illegal immigrants come to the United States alone and one of the effects of being alone and far away from their culture is depression or other mental health conditions. Many other immigrants feel this depression and try to deal with its symptoms …

Crisis, Conflict, And Cuneiform: A Spatial Analysis Of The Late Bronze To Early Iron Age Transition In The Near East, Kiersten Stapley

Student Research Symposium

In this project, I examine and spatially analyze topographic position index (TPI) data from over three thousand archaeological sites inhabited before, during, and directly after the “Late Bronze Age Collapse” in the Near East. This project seeks not to prove a particular hypothesis as to the primary reason for the societal “collapse” in the entire Near East over three thousand years ago, but rather to shed some light on how this event affected settlement locations across the region, and perhaps, provide clues as to the factors that resulted in the dramatic shift seen during this period.

Lady Macbeth, High Schooler: Young Adult (Ya) Retellings Of Shakespeare, Samantha Wallace

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

• William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
• Macbeth (1606)
• Popularity of retellings
• Young Adult (YA) literature

Research Questions

• How do these novels portray Lady Macbeth compared to the original play? Focus on femininity, motivation, violence, & madness
• What are the effects of these portrayals?

Neural Machine Translation Vs. Computer Assisted Technology: Machine Translation Post Editing Human Quality Assurance, Sarah Aland, Sarah Kane, Kenya Merida Millan

Student Research Symposium

What is neural machine Translation (NMT) and Computer Assisted Technology (CAT)?

Improving Behavioral Health Outcomes Through The Built Environment, Lucinda White

Student Research Symposium

Primary Care Clinic cares for patients from 0-18 years old and specializes in youth needing behavioral health care. The safety and comfort of patients and staff are the most important priority and inform all design decisions. Typical Behavioral Health clinics feel more like a prison than a place of help and healing. The goal of Primary Care Clinic is a safe, comforting, and typical environment for all.

Stream Fungal Biodiversity And Leaf Decomposition, Vale Miller

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

CURRENTLY ONGOING PROJECT We are investigating the possible impact of aquatic fungi biodiversity on leaf litter decomposition and respiration. Four different species of aquatic fungi were placed into flasks with leaf cores (A, B, C, and D), one with no fungi as a control, and one with all four species in equal amounts (ABCD). So far, there seems to be little to no effect on respiration between the species and similar results in the flasks with all four species. Based on this information, biodiversity has yet to show a significant impact in leaf respiration and little to no effect on …

Hugh Of Saint Victor On Reading And Study, Weston Fields

Beets Paper Contest

REL 341: Studies in Medieval Scholastic Theology

Thesis: Hugh's educational schema, with its dual emphasis on liberal arts and scripture, serves to sanctify all aspects of life.

Ordinary Days (April 10-13, 2024), Lindenwood University

Student Theatre Programs

Event program for Ordinary Days (April 10-13, 2024), Lindenwood University.

To view the photos from this production of Ordinary Days, please click here.