Student Research Symposium Program Spring 2026

Cade Basson - “Does implementation of an early mobilization protocol improve clinical outcomes in adult mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit?” (session 20) Adults aged eighteen and older receiving care in the ICU while requiring mechanical ventilation are at a high risk for complications due to prolonged immobility. ICU-acquired weakness affects approximately 40% of mechanically ventilated patients and is associated with prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality, and impaired long-term recovery. Early mobilization protocols have demonstrated significant benefits in reducing ventilator days, decreasing ICU length of stay, and improving functional independence at discharge. The process of early mobilization includes initiating progressive, patient- specific, physical therapy within the first forty-eight to seventy- two hours of admission to the ICU. Throughout this capstone experience, an educational module will be developed in order to educate hospital staff on evidence-based early mobilization protocol specifically targeted at adult mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU setting. This intervention is particularly important for this population as middle-aged adults often have dependents relying on them to regain functional independence as quickly as possible. The goal of this project is to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare expenditure, and enhance the quality of care. The module will be nurse-driven, following strict safety guidelines. The rationale for this topic choice is because the protocol of early mobilization is primarily driven by nurses, has evidence to support the need for implementation, and addresses a gap in which early mobilization remains inconsistent despite the strong evidence supporting its benefits in the ICU setting. Sage Beltran, Elena Sanchez Campos, Aniah Castruita, Alexis Eddy, Lukas Garza, Kaya Gorrow, Dezmond Jones, & Abagail Walters - “Reading Through the Shift” (session 24) Due to Missouri’s shift in reading instruction, this study examines the reasons for the shift and the current reading challenges facing several at-risk third-grade students in area Title I elementary schools who are in both regular and special education classrooms. Over 9 weeks, 8 preservice teachers participated in small-group and one-on-one reading assistance during school hours, and they implemented meaningful activities that favored Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. A tutoring approach based on pre- and post-data was implemented using the iReady assessment tool, and guidance from classroom teachers helped preservice teachers support the elementary students effectively. The study features participant results, effective reading research data, and strategies from the book, Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balance Literacy Classroom (K-2), by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates. Filippo Bianchi - see Russell et al. “Fuel The Vikings” (session 1) Julian Bilezikjian - “Why a calorie deficit is the key to weight loss” (session 7) This is a presentation describing the efficacy of a calorie deficit, why it’s important, and how people can be misled regarding diets and weight loss. I will have research to back up my claims with cited evidence from reliable and recent sources. Ty Billingsley - see Curry “Better” (session 16)

Alena Blachowski - “Cronus” (session 3) Cronus’ is a collection of poems I have written about my own life experiences with time, love, and relationships with others and emotions. They all talk about specific details and scenarios that relate to the concept of time and how society has a constant need for everything to go fast. Some of the poems are about my experience being neurodivergent and the struggles associated with being undiagnosed as a small child. I wanted this to be personal and specific to me, but general enough that it could open discussion between others who are like me. Daytona Blaine - “The Impact of Anaerobic Capacity on Second-Lap Performance in the 800m” (session 20) My presentation explains how anaerobic capacity affects second- lap performance in the 800m. The 800m meter is one of the toughest races out there if not the toughest because you have to use both aerobic and anaerobic energy, and the second-lap is usually where the race decides the outcome. Here in this presentation I’m focusing on how having a higher anaerobic capacity can help those 800m runners keep their speed and fight off fatigue on lap two. I looked at a lot of data from timed trials, pacing splits, lactate measurements, heart rate, step frequency, VO2, and even power output, and these analyzed how athletes’ bodies handle the second-lap energy demands. These results showed runners with stronger anaerobic capacity had a better second-lap because they slowed down less, handled the lactic acid better, and used their energy more efficiently than those that had a lower anaerobic capacity. This shows that training anaerobically isn’t just for the sprinters, it makes a huge difference in a race. Without this type of training this race is going to be a lot harder and hurt a lot more. Coaches and athletes can use this data to help adjust the athletes training and race strategy to get better on the second-lap, which can result in a better time for the 800m. Jozelynn Bostick - see Anderson et al. ART 334 Ceramics II Pottery Sale (visual art session) Jozelynn Bostick - “How I Love Being a Woman” (visual art exhibit) This installation will be a feminist piece. I will be asking different women and girls what being a woman means to them and I will also ask them to send me a picture of themselves. I will then use their responses and photos and put them in my piece. I plan to install this piece from the ceiling using tape and string and also hang flowers, fairy lights, and decorations. I will have a banner that will be screen printed that reads the title of the piece “How I love being a woman”. Ashton Boyer - ART 334 Ceramics II Pottery Sale (visual art session) Jordan Bracamonte - “Restorative Justice, Victim Closure, and Satisfaction” (poster session II) This study examines how participation in restorative justice programs influences victims’ sense of closure and their overall satisfaction with the justice system. Traditional criminal justice processes often prioritize punishment over healing, which can leave victims feeling marginalized or emotionally unresolved. In contrast, restorative justice emphasizes dialogue, accountability, and repairing harm through facilitated interactions between victims and offenders. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research analyzes both quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews from victims who have participated in restorative justice programs. Key variables include perceived emotional

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator