Plastic Souls: The Construction of Identity and Connection in Online Culture Margot Massey Project Mentor(s): Erika Pazian, PhD; Maia Chachava, Stephen Robison My project, Plastic Souls, investigates how online culture shapes human connection and personal identity within Generation Z (b. 1997–2012), a generation that has grown up alongside the rise of online social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Social media enables hyperconnectivity and fosters creative connection, yet this constant visibility is accompanied by heightened surveillance, performative self-expression, social comparison, and exposure to curated ideals, all of which shape how individuals construct and present their identities online. Through a visual arts approach, this project explores these dynamics through the creation of seven oil paintings and two life-size figurative sculptures that examine themes of connection and the construction of identity. The work is framed through the lens of Old Hollywood and Western cinema, and emphasizes performance, spectacle, and the tension between authenticity and persona. This project draws inspiration from Edward Hopper’s depictions of isolation, alienation, and the watchful spectator. Together, these cinematic and painterly influences highlight the duality of social media as a space of both visibility and disconnection, where users are simultaneously performers and observed subjects. This presentation contextualizes my project within a conceptual framework to connect these pieces to broader discussions on contemporary digital culture. Plastic Souls aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how Gen Z navigates identity, connection, and self-expression in an era dominated by social media. This project offers a culturally reflective perspective on the evolving dynamics of visibility and alienation in digital life. Effects of Tannins on Immune Cell counts and Growth of the Common Goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) ‡ Grace Palmandez Project Mentor(s): Jason Irwin, PhD; Mary Poulson, PhD Tannins are used as an alternative to medicines when rearing or keeping ornamental fish. A study on cardinal tetras showed that there was a positive gain of body growth and length, as well as increased survival rate (Nurhidayat, et al., 2016. Nusantara Bioscience. Vol. 8, 1-4). In another study on Betta splendens, tannins resulted in an elevated red and white blood cell count, with increased survival (Malawa, et al., 2022. Aquaculture International. Vol. 30, 3269-3288). This study hopes to replicate these results in Carassius auratus , the common goldfish, to help improve what is known about the use of tannins and their effects on common ornamental fish. The fish will be treated using tannins from the Indian almond leaf, Terminalia catappa , in five dosage groups—a control, 1.3mL/L, 1.84mL/L, and 2.6mL/L. There will be twelve tanks in total with five fish occupying each tank. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Tannin, goldfish SOURCE Form ID: 232 Presentation Type: Oral Presentation (May 20, 9:30am–5:00pm) Keywords: Studio Art, Social Media, Identity, Connection, Gen Z SOURCE Form ID: 219
166
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator