hierarchies and how this language is then applied to the creation of institutional structures or cultural storytelling that corresponds with dominant values and institutions. In most cases, these dominant class structures continue to validate the logic used in justifying the exclusion of members of the targeted group by representing each targeted individual or group as a threat or as not fully belonging to the dominant group. This research concludes that dehumanization is the result of both individual perceptions and collective ideologies interacting. By identifying how each of the dimensions operates in relation to one another, it becomes possible to better identify the impact of dehumanization on social exclusion, discrimination, and violence. Additionally, through this understanding, more critical and empathetic approaches to human difference can be developed. Jean Russell, Mason Lipsey, Filippo Bianchi, Xavier Adams, & JD Adams - “Fuel The Vikings” (session 1) Our diverse and select group has decided to collect data this semester to jumpstart a project visualizing what is next for Missouri Valleys Food service. With the addition of Qdoba, many students have varied their eating habits. We have used surveys and interviews to show what the student population would like to see expanded upon. The goal was to have a strong idea of what exact changes and additions students would use most often. We have already met with both food services and the president to see how our ideas would be able to be manifested into real-life results. Conceptually, this just ties into us as a group, defining roles that can spread us out to find results to work towards advanced productivity to reach a defined goal. These concepts tie into real-world situations and apply real business skills of applying data to stimulate change. Ashtyn Sagely - “Understanding the Hidden Values of Misunderstood Insects” (session 12) Many of the most essential species in environmental science are also the most disliked. Insects such as cockroaches, maggots, mosquitoes, wasps, termites, and earwigs often provoke fear or disgust long before their ecological value is considered. This project examines how these commonly misunderstood insects perform critical environmental services that sustain healthy ecosystems. Through decomposition, pollination, soil engineering, and natural pest control, these species contribute to nutrient cycling, plant growth, agricultural stability, and overall biodiversity. By synthesizing scientific research on each insect group, this project highlights the gap between public perception and ecological reality, arguing that negative attitudes toward these species can hinder conservation efforts and reduce support for biodiversity initiatives. The project concludes with the development of an educational brochure designed to increase awareness of the ecological importance of these insects and challenge long‑held misconceptions. Copies of the brochure will be distributed at the Missouri Valley College Student Research
Symposium, throughout the Collins Science Center, and at Vanguard Academy, a STEM school in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. By expanding access to accurate, engaging information, this project aims to shift public perception from fear to informed appreciation, ultimately supporting a more ecologically aware community. Elena Sanchez Campos - see Beltran et al. “Reading Through the Shift” (session 24) Martiniano Sansone - see Hurst et al. “Team Insight” (session 13) Bertram Sarina - “Athlete Mindsets” (session 18) This project explores the neuroscience of flow state and how anxiety and overthinking influence athletic performance, particularly under pressure. Athletes often show inconsistent performance in high-stress situations— some excel while others struggle—suggesting a strong connection between mental state and physical execution. The concept of flow state, often described as being “in the zone,” represents an optimal psychological condition where movements are automatic, focus is heightened, and confidence is elevated. In contrast, anxiety triggers a stress response that can disrupt coordination, increase muscle tension, and impair decision-making. Overthinking further interferes with performance by shifting control from automatic, trained movements to conscious processing, which slows reaction time and reduces efficiency. This research aims to better understand how these mental factors interact within the brain and affect performance outcomes. By examining the balance between automaticity and conscious control, the project highlights why athletes tend to perform best when they trust their training rather than overanalyze their actions. Ultimately, the findings can help identify practical strategies to improve performance consistency and mental resilience in competitive environments. Jazzmin Sentner - “Perception, Reality, and Moral Judgement: An Investigation into the Powers of Social Media” (poster session II) How one perceives the world around them is how their reality is formed; this has been demonstrated in numerous psychological experiments time and time again. It’s no secret of science that attention and perception are key cognitive functions that drive the processes of observation, comprehension, and discernment within the human mind. How far, though, do these processes shape one’s moral character, reasoning, and judgement? How easy is it to mold and weaponize a person’s core values, just by controlling where their attention goes, what they see, and what they think they know? How easy is it to use these tools of manipulation to influence positive change? Through comprehensive reviews of studies pertaining to both extraordinary and quiet cases of moral manipulation that are demonstrated on social media, as well as literature
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