Student Research Symposium Program-Fall 2023

Steven Argueta - “The Bitterness of Chocolate” (session 12) A research of interest I have is on chocolate. Specifically on how chocolate plays a role in supply and demand, creating an unhealthy impact on both the world and the people it affects. I wish to talk about the ways companies have used toxic business practices in cocoa production in Africa and South, and Central America. Especially the exploitation of the people by inhumane business practices. I wish to emphasize how the role of capitalism has essentially created a new modern indentured servitude. For my sources, I will use accredited news publications on recent matters pertaining to chocolate companies like Nestle and how their business practices have created tension in countries with the most cocoa exports. However, it would also be essential to recognize the economic strain they have and ask whether these companies act out of pure greed. Can we as a society be okay with the amount of superiority used by these corporations over third-world countries? Chocolate has been a very prominent emphasis in the world of foods, so trying to recognize the dark business practices would be interesting to research. Trista Arnold - See Hiler Carson Ball - Art & Agriculture Collaboration Showcase Marina Barbara - “The Impact of Cholera in Non- Industrialized Countries” (poster session) Cholera is a bacterial disease of the intestinal tract that is caused by a microorganism called Vibrio cholerae. The people most likely to contract this disease are those who live in or travel to non-industrialized countries. This research will explore the causes, symptoms, epidemiology, and treatment of Cholera, as well as the effects this disease has demographically on non-industrialized countries. Raphael Battini - See Souza Jared Bedell - “Anthrax” (poster session) Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis. Historically, it’s been a concern since ancient times, with recorded outbreaks dating back centuries. The bacteria can be found in soil and affects both humans and animals. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated animals or their products, inhalation of spores, or ingestion of undercooked meat. In humans, anthrax can manifest in various forms: cutaneous (skin), inhalation, and gastrointestinal. Symptoms depend on the type but often include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers. Inhalation anthrax, the most severe form, can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress and is often fatal if not treated promptly. Understanding anthrax’s historical significance, modes of transmission, and diverse symptomatology is vital for developing effective preventive measures and treatments in the field of microbiology.

Olivia Bettencourt - Art Showcase Juliana Blackburn - Art Showcase

Mariona Bolano Manen - “Where the Spirit Meets the Bone: a Parallelism Between “ivy” and Emily Dickinson” (session 11) If history repeats itself, we can expect art to resurface through different artists, either by chance or inspiration. Emily Dickinson was one of the best American poets, born in 1830. Almost 160 years later, in 1989, Taylor Swift was born to become (one of) the best songwriter of our time. This project explores how over a century and a half later, the song “ivy” ( evermore , 2020) draws inspiration in both storytelling and lyricism from Dickinson. Mariona Bolano Manen - See Hiler Sydni Brandon - “Whooping Cough” (session 13) Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often ending in a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation. The disease primarily affects infants and young children, posing a significant risk to unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals. Complications can be severe, leading to pneumonia, convulsions, and even death, particularly in infants under one year old. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, with a combination vaccine given to children in multiple doses. Despite widespread vaccination efforts, outbreaks continue to occur, highlighting the importance of maintaining high immunization rates to control this potentially fatal disease. Jett Bridges - “Asthma” (poster session) I would like to present a poster board on asthma for my research symposium project at the end of the semester. I have learned a lot about it recently. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathlessness. It affects millions worldwide, significantly impacting quality of life and healthcare costs. While its exact cause remains elusive, both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Management primarily involves inhaled bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications tailored to individual severity. Shawn Browder - Art Showcase Yago Calduch Roig- Art & Agriculture Collaboration Showcase

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