Jo-Elle Natividad - “4K.E.E.P.S. Suicide Prevention Program: Addressing Teen Suicide in Rural Communities” (session 15) Teen suicide is a growing public health crisis, especially in rural communities where mental health resources are scarce. Through my work with the 4K.E.E.P.S. suicide prevention program, I gained firsthand experience in identifying at-risk students, conducting screenings, and implementing early interventions in school settings. This program plays a vital role in bridging the gap for students who may otherwise lack access to professional support, offering crisis response, coping strategies, and referral services. Drawing from Durkheim’s sociological framework on suicide and social integration, I explored how isolation, academic pressures, and familial struggles increase vulnerability among adolescents. Engaging in this work strengthened my ability to conduct risk assessments, establish trust with high- risk students, and collaborate with school staff and families to create safety plans. These experiences have shaped my clinical approach, reinforcing the necessity of community-based interventions and early prevention efforts. My presentation will highlight the impact of 4K.E.E.P.S., the challenges of addressing suicide in underserved areas, and how this program has enhanced my skills as a counselor. By combining research, clinical application, and real-world challenges, I aim to contribute to the ongoing conversation on improving suicide prevention efforts in rural schools. Tru Naumovitz - “Performance of Distinction in Debate: Dramatic Interpretation” (session 21) Dramatic interpretation focuses on the characterization and storytelling of anywhere from one to multiple characters. The event seeks to either advocate or raise attention or awareness to topics and themes the public may not be as aware of. This performance of distinction was a nationally qualified performance of distinction. Kevin Bacon, reflecting upon his role in Taking Chance by Ross Katz, stated: “The military’s care of the remains is something few people know anything about... They handle these details with a reverence and honor that is nothing short of incredible.” Bacon is certainly right in concluding that not many are aware of everything that comes with being a military escort. Very specific standards must be met in order to honor the sacrifice of those who have fallen. Not only this, but an immeasurable emotional burden comes with having to bring a fallen soldier home, back to their family and friends, and back to the brothers and sisters they shared the battlefield with. With the drama Taking Chance by Robert Katz, because it is time we acknowledge the unsung heroes of military valor: escorts. Tru Naumovitz - “Ethics Bowl: Exploring the Ethical Situation of the DNR and Improper Consent” (session 19)
Tru Naumovitz - “The Synthesis of Tyranny and Modern Aged Social Media” (session 1) The biggest threat to democracy will always be tyranny. If you can convince the general population of a democracy that tyranny should be voted in, then this is a direct process of uprooting democracy as we know it. One of the main ways to convince a population of such a thing is through indoctrination. In the modern era, most of the information that we intake comes from social media. How is tyranny planted in our social media, and how does it affect us? Using the works of Cass Sunstein, #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2018) and Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (Crown: New York, 2017), I will seek to answer this question. Nienke Nijendijk - “The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Mental Health in College Students” (poster session 1) Childhood adversity is a well-documented risk factor for poor mental health outcomes, yet its impact can vary based on cultural background and access to protective resources. This study aims to examine the relationship between childhood adversity and mental health in college students, with a focus on potential cultural differences and the role of social support as a mitigating factor. Approximately 100 undergraduate students will complete an online survey assessing their childhood adversity, mental health symptoms, and perceived social support. It is expected that students with higher levels of social support will report better mental health outcomes than those with lower levels of support, even when experiencing similar levels of childhood adversity. By analyzing these relationships, this study seeks to provide insight into how early life experiences shape mental well-being and whether social support can serve as a buffer against negative outcomes. The findings will contribute to a broader understanding of mental health disparities among students from different backgrounds and offer valuable implications for improving mental health support systems in higher education. Nienke Nijendijk - “Race, Ethnicity, and Students’ Trust in Law Enforcement” (poster session 2) Trust in law enforcement is a critical factor in maintaining an effective justice system, influencing public cooperation, perceptions of fairness, and compliance with laws. However, existing research suggests that minority racial and ethnic groups exhibit lower levels of trust in law enforcement due to historical and contemporary experiences of discrimination, bias, and systemic inequalities. This study examines the relationship between race, ethnicity, and students’ trust in law enforcement, exploring whether these factors shape perceptions of police legitimacy and fairness. Approximately 100 undergraduate students from a liberal arts college in the Midwest will complete an online survey assessing their trust in law enforcement, personal experiences with police, and perceptions of bias. It is expected that minority students will report lower levels of trust in law enforcement compared to their White counterparts, reflecting broader societal patterns of mistrust rooted in systemic disparities. By analyzing these relationships, this study aims to contribute to discussions on procedural justice, bias reduction in policing, and strategies for improving police-community relations. The findings will provide insight into the role of race and ethnicity in shaping trust in law enforcement and offer implications for fostering more equitable law enforcement practices.
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