Estefano Delgado - “Environmental Factors Influencing Snake Detectability During Visual Encounter Surveys at Marshall Junction Conservation Area, Saline County, Missouri” (session 12) This study examines how environmental conditions influence snake detectability during visual encounter surveys at Marshall Junction Conservation Area, Saline County, Missouri. Surveys were conducted across multiple field seasons on two contrasting slopes, during which snake observations, search effort, air temperature, soil temperature, and time of day were recorded. Encounter rates were standardized as snakes per hour to account for variation in search effort and to evaluate changes in detectability under different environmental conditions. Preliminary results indicate that snake detectability varies with environmental factors, with higher encounter rates observed under warmer temperatures and at specific times of day. Seasonal variation also influenced detectability, reflecting shifts in thermal conditions and surface activity. Understanding factors influencing detectability is essential for improving the reliability of snake survey methods and ecological interpretation. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for environmental conditions when assessing snake populations and emphasize the value of small conservation areas in supporting biodiversity and sustaining reptile communities. Ongoing data collection will allow for further analysis of these relationships and improve understanding of how microclimatic factors influence snake activity in temperate ecosystems. Anastasija Dragovic - “Use of an Interpersonal Effectiveness Technique for Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder” (session 8) For individuals with characteristics associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), interpersonal difficulties and emotional dysregulation are major obstacles, often resulting in unstable relationships, impaired communication, and difficulty maintaining boundaries. While Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides structured strategies to improve interpersonal functioning, limited research has examined the practical application of these techniques in real-world counseling settings. This project draws on experiences from internship I to explore the use of DBT-informed interpersonal effectiveness skills— including DEAR MAN, GIVE, and FAST—to enhance clients’ communication, assertiveness, and ability to maintain self-respect in interpersonal interactions. Applied practice in clinical sessions highlighted how these techniques can reduce conflict, improve emotional regulation under relational stress, and support healthier patterns of engagement with others. Observations from the internship were contextualized with existing literature on DBT and evidence-based interventions for BPD, illustrating the effectiveness of structured interpersonal strategies in promoting relational and therapeutic outcomes. Overall, this project demonstrates the value of training in interpersonal effectiveness is a key component of counseling. The results highlight how these strategies can be used in a variety of clinical settings, promote better interpersonal and communication skills, and improve the long-term stability and well-being of clients. Abigail Dunn - “Limits of Federal Immigration Authority” (poster session II) This research examines how local resistance has undermined federal immigration objectives in the United States over the past decade. Immigration enforcement, led by ICE, relies on cooperation across federal, state, and local governments. However, sanctuary policies and non-cooperation have created significant conflict, reducing policy effectiveness. A student survey provided
primary data that deepened understanding of this issue at a small college level. Responses revealed patterns in awareness, perspectives, and experiences that were not as evident in secondary research. This added depth and strengthened the analysis by incorporating real-world viewpoints. Overall, findings show that local resistance disrupts intergovernmental cooperation, while survey results highlight how both policy dynamics and public perception shape understanding of immigration enforcement in smaller academic communities. Alexis Eddy - ART 334 Ceramics II Pottery Sale (visual art session) Alexis Eddy - see Beltran et al. “Reading Through the Shift” (session 24) Lake Epperson - “Greek Communities and the Collegiate Experience” (session 9) Greek life is one of the most recognizable, yet controversial and discussed components of collegiate life. Participation in Fraternities and Sororities during a student’s collegiate years can create many positive experiences. The value of the Greek community is not just the social events that students participate in, it is the traditions and rituals that become central to their experiences. College, for many, is overwhelming and uncertain in its direction, so Greek Life can create a sense of security, belonging, and safety for those who join these groups. These organizations create a lifelong bond between the members, their brothers and sisters, and their collegiate institutions. Greek life, however, is not just memories, friendships, and opportunities. Challenges exist with most organizations. Criticisms of Greek Life often spotlight inclusivity, cost, negative group behaviors, hazing, and accountability. Whereas, the media focuses heavily upon the negative aspects of Greek Communities, it is imperative to balance these critiques with the positive aspects of these communities. In this modern generation, Greek organizations are adapting and evolving to better reflect the values of the modern college students. Greek Life is a supportive and powerful part of the college experiences and assists students academically, socially, and personally by developing leadership roles, lifelong friendships, community engagement and service, and memories that last a lifetime. Samuel Essilfe - see Walker et al. “Game Day Spring ‘26 Internship” (session 11) LeeAnn Estill - “Anxiety in Relation to Place of Origin” (poster session II) There has been an abundance of research studies with a central focus of the mental health of college students, however narrow research on the mental health of international students. Studies are currently showing that international students learning in the United States are less likely to be diagnosed with a mental disorder or variety of mental disorders and have a higher rate of death by suicide. Notably females are of higher risk for death by suicide. This research study focuses on the mental health of college students and seeks to observe if there is any connection between a college students’ self-reported levels of anxiety, gender, social functioning, distance from home, and a perceived feeling of homesickness. A google survey will be sent to one hundred college students in the lower- level Psych 100 classes in a small, but diverse, college in a small midwestern town. The survey consists of sections of
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