many societies, the idea that it is immoral has led to laws that result in sex work being even more dangerous. This study shifts the conversation from whether it is immoral to whether it should be legal by suggesting the morality of sex work is irrelevant. Focusing on current laws and the effects they have shows that they do not make things safer for those who participate in sex work. The study looks at the attitudes of college students at Missouri Valley College regarding sex work by conducting a survey aimed at students’ beliefs that legalizing and regulating prostitution would lead to a safer work environment for its participants. The results will be shared and discussed throughout this paper. Chantel Richardson - “The Effectiveness of Criminal Profiling as an Investigative Support Tool” (poster session II) This study examines the effectiveness of criminal profiling as an investigative support tool. It dives into three scholarly studies and additional sources to examine the history, application, and limitations. This type of profiling is a behavioral analysis technique used by investigators to gather characteristics of suspects throughout similar patterns of Modus Operandi (MO), victimology, personality traits, and crime scenes. Despite its use, questions remain about its reliability and impact on case outcomes.This study surveys Missouri Valley College students to assess their understanding of criminal profiling and their beliefs about its usefulness in narrowing suspect pools and solving crimes more efficiently. It also explores whether students view profiling as scientifically supported and more applicable to certain crime types. Finally, students will determine how much they agree with the statement that Criminal Profiles accurately reflect the behavioral and personality characteristics of unknown offenders. Elizabeth Riggs - “The Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on Metabolic Health: Interactions with the Gut Microbiome” (session 1) The Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on Metabolic Health: Interactions with the Gut Microbiome Elizabeth Riggs School of Science and Agriculture This independent study examines how dietary polyphenols influence metabolic health, with a focus on their interactions with the gut microbiome and effects on insulin sensitivity. Polyphenols, found in foods like berries, green tea, and dark chocolate, do more than act as antioxidants, they interact with cellular signaling pathways that regulate metabolism and inflammation. This project explores how different polyphenol classes are metabolized by gut bacteria into bioactive compounds and how these compounds affect pathways involved in glucose metabolism, including Nrf2, NF-κB, and AMPK. By analyzing current research, the study aims to connect polyphenol intake with improvements in insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic function. It also considers how bioavailability and
differences in gut microbiota may influence these effects. Overall, this project highlights the link between nutrition and biochemical processes, with practical implications for dietary recommendations and metabolic disease prevention. Keywords: polyphenols, gut microbiome, insulin sensitivity, metabolic health, bioavailability, inflammation, glucose metabolism. Hannah Roberts - see Muller et al. “Student Mental Health Outreach” (session 17) Our project focuses on evaluating mental health awareness among college students at Missouri Valley and finding ways to improve support and reduce the stigma of asking for help. Our project is to better understand how students view mental health and find better ways to reach out to them. This will also give students an opportunity to share their own input on changes that could be made on campus. Reid Ronsley, Sydnee Wharton, & Rich Hart - “World War II in Jackson County, MO: Industry and Agriculture” (session 19) In collaboration with Jackson County, Missouri, legislators in the effort of building a World War II memorial to honor all who contributed to the war effort, both overseas and at home, we have been researching the ways in which Jackson County served as an industrial hub during the war. Jackson County was home to many key companies that manufactured products such as vehicles (B-25 bombers and landing crafts), engines, ammunition, radios and radio parts, and much more. These companies directly contributed to the United States’ victory during the war by providing our soldiers with the best tools and resources possible. Jackson County also saw a tidal wave of social change over the course of the war as marginalized communities fought for the right to work in positions they would have never been able to otherwise. Though much of the ground won was lost after soldiers returned home from overseas, the movements and values formed during this period ultimately served as foundations for the Civil Rights Movement in the future. Throughout our research, we’ve found that the people of Jackson County committed themselves to meeting the needs of soldiers overseas and civilians at home, despite the ongoing struggles. Roberta Rus - “Analysis of the Psychological and Ideological Dimensions of Dehumanization” (session 14) This paper investigates the nature of dehumanization and its psychological and ideological features. Includes a discussion of how people and societies create and maintain the concept that certain groups or people are not seen as entirely human. In addition to being caused by prejudicial attitudes, dehumanization occurs by connecting specific cognitive processes and beliefs to the elimination of humanity from another group. The ideological function of dehumanization is marked by the political language used within the dominant class in the creation of social
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