Student Research Symposium Program Spring 2025

Alexis Eddy - “Angel” (poster session 1) The work is a graphite portrait on 11”x8” paper. It’s a depiction of an angelic figure. There’s a halo of sorts, framed by the wings around the face of the figure. There’s long hair obscuring most of the figure besides their face, which is angled down. Two sets of eyes look to the left, unfocused, while the ‘main’ set of eyes looks slightly behind and above the viewer. The figure, and specifically the halo above them, is emitting brightness, lighting the background. For this piece, I was inspired by different depictions of angels, mostly those which talk about multi-winged and multi-eyed angels of lovecraftian proportions. Though, I wanted to humanize those descriptions a bit more, as many angels were also described as being human in form. For the halo, I was inspired by different Medieval paintings which depict angelic figures with intricate and ornate golden halos, with different designs and embossing. Townsend Ellis - “The Effects of Playing Multiple Sports During Childhood on Cognitive Performance” (poster session 1) Cognitive performance can be influenced by many things during childhood, including athletic activities. This study looks to find a distinction between levels of cognitive performance of participants that played multiple sports during childhood and those that did not. During this study, participants will complete a demographic survey that will determine the sports played during childhood. After completing this set of questions, participants will complete a cognitive performance questionnaire. Cognitive performance scores will be averaged and any differences of the groups will be analyzed. The current hypothesis is that participants that played in more than two sports during childhood will have a higher level of cognitive performance. These findings could be used to help increase the cognitive performance of the next generation, which is not only beneficial to the children but also to the future of society. We may want to encourage participating in a variety of activities to enhance cognitive development and performance. Other implications and future research will be discussed. Jena Emerson - “Understanding Gestalt Language Processing in Education” (poster session 1) This project examines Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), a unique language acquisition style commonly observed in autistic children. Unlike analytic language processors, who learn language by breaking it down into individual words and grammatical structures, GLP students acquire language in larger chunks, or scripts, before gradually breaking them down into meaningful parts. While this approach to language development can be effective, it often leads to difficulties in spontaneous speech, sentence formation, and overall communication, particularly in academic settings. Over time, with appropriate intervention, they can learn to analyze and restructure these chunks in flexible, meaningful language. However, a lack of awareness about GLP in educational environments can result in misinterpretation of these speech patterns, potentially leading to inadequate support or misdiagnoses. This research explores the characteristics, challenges, and diagnoses of GLP, as well as effective intervention strategies such as Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and speech therapy approaches tailored to GLP learners. By increasing awareness and understanding, educators, therapists, and caregivers can implement strategies that foster meaningful language development and communication skills, ensuring that children with GLP receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

Caue Alexandre Espindola Correa - “The Role of Mathematics in Sports Gambling” (session 2) Sports betting has grown into a massive industry worth billions, thanks to the rise of online platforms and the mix of entertainment and profit. At its core, math plays a huge role in shaping betting strategies—whether it’s calculating probabilities, managing risk, or spotting market inefficiencies. Bookmakers rely on statistics to set and adjust odds, factoring in things like player injuries and betting trends. For bettors, knowing concepts like expected value (EV), probability distributions, and regression analysis can help them make smarter wagers. More advanced techniques, such as Monte Carlo simulations and Bayesian updating, improve predictions, while game theory and the Kelly Criterion help balance risk and reward. Books like Mathletics and The Logic of Sports Betting show how a data- driven approach can give bettors an edge. This seminar breaks down the math behind sports betting, covering odds formats, statistical modeling, line movements, and decision-making strategies—giving participants the tools to make more informed, profitable bets over the long run. Richard Evaristo - “How has Mental Health in Law Enforcement Changed for Better or Worse?” (poster session 2) The Importance of Mental Health in Law Enforcement: How has mental health in law enforcement changed over the years, and has it improved or worsened? This research paper examines these questions by gathering insights from both active and retired law enforcement officers, ranging from newcomers to seasoned professionals. Additionally, input was collected from non-law enforcement individuals regarding their perceptions of how mental health has evolved within the profession. One method used in this research was conducting interviews, which included questions about the strategies officers use to maintain their mental well-being while performing their duties effectively and ensuring the safety of themselves and the public. The research concluded that law enforcement officers now have access to various tools to support their mental health without compromising their effectiveness. However, the success of these resources largely depends on the department’s ability to foster a healthy work environment. Elise Falcetti - “Emotional Intelligence & Involvement in Music” (session 7) Emotional intelligence is something humans can be born with and develop throughout their lifetime. Many outside factors are responsible for the development of emotional intelligence from youth through adulthood, including a person’s experience with music. Music is part of most people’s lives but in different ways and in various amounts.Previous research has demonstrated a positive correlation between involvement in music in youth and higher scores of emotional intelligence later in life.The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between involvement in music and emotional intelligence. The study will measure music appreciation and creation, and evaluate links between these and participants’ emotional intelligence scores. Participants will complete a brief survey measuring the constructs, and data obtained will be analyzed using a comparison of means and correlation tests. The results of this study may be used to improve education and overall development of youth. The findings may also be helpful for adults who are looking to improve their overall well-being through the lens of emotional intelligence.

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