Keyonie Gaddy - “Concerns of Polymers in Microplastics on Human Health” (session 10) Tiny 5 millimeter pieces of microplastics enter our bodies everyday. How much we consume on a daily basis is yet to be known. While highly durable due to the polymer properties which create a prolonged shelf life, they are extremely harmful on the human body. Not only are microplastics bad on humans they are bad for the health of all ecosystems. Waste that gets dumped into different ecosystems like our oceans end up in animals most of which we consume like seafood. Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, leading to various health risks. Once inside the body, polymers from microplastics may cause inflammation, disrupt cellular functions, and could possibly contribute to the development of chronic conditions, such as respiratory issues, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. There is a lack of information on the additives that are used in the plastic industry. With further research on the topic we could continue to learn all of the ways microplastics are harmful to the environment. Glenda Gallardo - “Understanding and Healing Different Types of Loss” (session 8) Grief is a natural response to loss, extending beyond the death of a loved one to include changes in relationships, identity, health, or future expectations. It is a deeply personal and complex emotional experience that affects thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. While often associated with sadness, grief can also manifest as anger, confusion, or even relief. Unacknowledged grief may shape one’s emotional landscape in unexpected ways, influencing daily life and mental health. This presentation explores the many faces of grief and its impact on individuals, offering perspectives on how to navigate loss in a meaningful way. Participants will gain insight into the different forms of grief and learn about approaches to coping and healing that support emotional resilience and personal growth. By understanding grief as a natural part of life, individuals can develop strategies to process loss while continuing to move forward. Axel Garcia - “Scars of a Nation: the Cambodian Genocide” (session 16) The Cambodian genocide, perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979, was the result of historical, political and economic events. French colonization (1863-1953) exploited the country’s resources, extracting wealth while imposing power structures alien to local needs. At independence, Cambodia was weakened, with a dependent economy and a fragmented society. France, after plundering what it was interested in, left the region without establishing solid foundations for stable development. In this power vacuum, and in the midst of the Cold War, the Khmer Rouge emerged, led by Pol Pot, with a radical ideology that sought to destroy any trace of foreign influence and modernity. His regime established an agrarian utopia based on terror, executing intellectuals, minorities and dissidents. The brutality of his rule left almost two million dead, making it one of the worst tragedies of the 20th century.
David Garcia - “Should Political Knowledge Determine Voting Rights Worldwide?” (session 16) Many people believe that democracy is the most fair system of government, but does universal suffrage always produce the best results? In this presentation I will explain the argument of Brennan in his book “Against Democracy” where he criticizes uninformed voting, particularly in the US. By introducing the concept of epistocracy and exploring cases of different countries such as Germany and Singapore/China I will try to analyze the effects of limiting or weighing votes according to political knowledge and how it raises a lot of ethical concerns. Finally, by showing all those concerns I am going to offer an objective evaluation of whether democracy should continue to be the standard around the world. Makoa Goeas - “The Risks of Rapid Weight Loss in Combat Sports: An Educational Module” (session 14) Rapid weight loss is a common practice in combat sports. It is done to give athletes a competitive advantage in a lower-weight category. Examples of methods used to achieve rapid weight loss are caloric and fluid restriction, sauna suits, laxatives, and diuretics. Some of the sports that have been researched include judo, wrestlers, taekwondo, and MMA athletes. Rapid weight loss can lead to acute problems, including significant dehydration. It can also lead to more serious complications, such as kidney failure and eating disorders. These are only a few of the complications potentially caused by rapid weight loss. The educational module that was developed targets athletes who participate in sports with weight classes and is directed toward early athletes, potentially junior high and high school aged, and their coaches. This project hopes to educate athletes on the dangers of rapid weight loss so that they can participate in healthier options to lose weight. Samuel Green - see Harp - “Behind the Game: The Hidden Work of Athletic Interns” (session 14) Darius Green - “Inflation Impacts Lower Income Families” (session 2) Inflation disproportionately hits lower-income families since inflation increases prices of absolute essentials as wages all too frequently lag behind. Increased food, shelter, transportation, and medical care expenses push these families into paying more of their limited household income for the essentials with too little remaining to save or even to make discretionary purchases. Inflation diminishes purchasing power of earnings and government subsidy programs as well, further reducing personal security. Low-income households, in contrast to higher-income groups, have fewer assets that appreciate in value over time, such as stocks or property, and thus it becomes more challenging for them to meet rising costs. Such a financial burden can lead to greater debt, reduced access to quality health care, and long-term economic instability.These issues must be addressed by specialized policies such as wage readjustments, social safety net extension, and attempts at price control of essential commodities and services. I will use a review of the recent literature on inflation and income to prove my point of how inflation affects lower income people.
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