digital experiences. The objective of this research is to analyze how these mechanisms are strategically implemented across different types of platforms, with a comparative focus on fitness and learning applications. The study adopts a qualitative and analytical approach, integrating theoretical perspectives on motivation, habit formation, and customer engagement with a structured comparative feature analysis. Selected platforms, including Strava, Nike Run Club, Duolingo, and Khan Academy, are evaluated using a feature matrix to identify patterns in gamification design. The findings aim to demonstrate that gamification functions as a strategic mechanism supporting engagement, retention, and long-term platform growth, while also considering its ethical implications. Patricia Uzoma - “Big Brother to Big Brands: How Marketing Influences Our Reality” (session 13) My project explores how modern marketing shapes consumer perception and influences how people understand reality. Inspired by the book 1984 , where “Big Brother” controls information and truth, this research examines how today’s brands use data and digital platforms to influence consumer behavior. Through personalized advertising, algorithm-driven content, and constant data collection, companies are able to target individuals with highly specific messages. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok play a major role in shaping what users see, which can affect their opinions, preferences, and purchasing decisions. This study uses a qualitative approach, combining analysis of themes from 1984 with examples of current marketing practices. It also explores ethical concerns, including privacy, manipulation, and the balance between personalization and control. The findings suggest that modern marketing does more than promote products - it actively shapes consumer reality. This raises important questions about how much influence brands should have over individual choices and whether consumers are fully aware of how their perceptions are being guided. Eduardo Vieira - “Unique Places in Louisiana” (poster session I) Louisiana is a great option for its unique food, history, and culture. This Louisiana brochure is the result of a project of tourism promotion to act as if I was hired by a Louisiana Travel Agency to promote the state as an attractive tourist destination in the United States. The information was collected from travel guides, websites, and articles. Different sources were used to find out about Louisiana’ history, famous places, food and cultural traditions. The research showed that Louisiana has a strong historical background influenced by French and Spanish cultures. The brochure highlights famous landmarks including St. Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street, and Oak Alley Plantation. The state is also known for important traditions such as Mardi Gras and traditional foods like Gumbo and Jambalaya. Another interesting finding is that
Louisiana offers unique experiences through river tours and local culture. The goal is to show why Louisiana offers visitors a unique and memorable travel experience. Learning about Louisiana helps people better understand cultural diversity in the United States and why this state is an important destination for visitors. Lucía Vizcaino Torres - see Moseley et al. “War and Reform: How World War II Reshaped Democracy in Jackson County” (session 19) Maurice Walker II, Joseph Hardimon, Henry Tropeia, & Samuel Essilfe, “Game Day Spring ‘26 Internship” (session 11) This presentation explores the experiences and insights gained through an internship in gameday operations within the sports industry. It will highlight both the personal learning experiences of the intern and the behind-the- scenes work required to successfully execute gameday events. Gameday operations involve extensive preparation, coordination, and teamwork to ensure that sporting events run smoothly for athletes, staff, and fans. Through this internship, responsibilities included assisting with event setup, coordinating with different departments, managing equipment and logistics, and supporting staff during live events. In addition to describing day- to-day responsibilities, the presentation will examine the expectations and requirements of completing an internship in this field. This includes communication with supervisors, maintaining professionalism, time management, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of live sporting events. The project will also discuss how these experiences contribute to professional development and provide valuable insight into careers in sports management and event operations. By combining personal reflection with an overview of operational responsibilities, this presentation offers a deeper understanding of the work that occurs behind the scenes to create successful gameday experiences. Abagail Walters - see Beltran et al. “Reading Through the Shift” (session 24) Ava Ward, DeNea Washington, Eddie Strong, Nick Parra, Yaneli Puga, & Makenzie Manning, “Project Real Talk: Health Awareness Service Project – The Six Steps to Strength” (session 5) We propose Project Real Talk: Health Awareness Service Project – The Six Steps to Strength as an initiative to improve mental health awareness and accessibility among college students. Our slogan, “It’s not that deep, until it actually is,” reflects how mental health concerns are often minimized until they become overwhelming. Through this project, we aim to encourage early recognition and open conversations. We focus on three primary objectives: increasing awareness of on- and off-campus mental health resources, normalizing conversations to reduce stigma, and
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