The Student Research Symposium is a professional opportunity for our students to share academic, professional, and creative work with the entire campus community. Twice a year, students can participate in the Symposium with submissions of original research, reviews, scholarly essays, creative writing, performance, film and original artwork. During the symposium, outstanding student work is recognized with three awards for excellence in undergraduate student research.
STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM DECEMBER 8, 2025 MALCOLM CENTER FOR STUDENT LIFE
Symposium Registration Lobby, Malcolm Center for Student Life 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Bacon Conference Room B 8:45 A.M. Dr. Cynthia Bice, Vice President of Academic Affairs
Poster & Visual Art Sessions Malcolm Center Gymnasium Session I: 10:00-11:00: Biology, Ag, Conservation, & Nursing - Set up 9:30 AM Session II: 12:00-1:00: Business & Travel - Set up 11:30 AM Session III: 2:00-3:00: Education & Social Sciences - Set up 1:30 PM Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity (HONR 180) ongoing Presentations Malcolm Center: Bacon Conference Rooms A (North) and B (South) and Multipurpose Room (Ground Level) Ferguson Center: Formal Lounge (second floor) Murrell Memorial Library: Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning Technology Center: Eckilson-Mabee Theatre 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Session 3: Democracy (Multipurpose Room) Kennedy Omey, “Should You Vote in the 2028 Presidential Election?” Eva Agcaoili, “From Polarization to Proximity: The Importance of Local Community in American Democracy” Reid Ronsley, “Individualism through a Post- Apocalyptic Lens” Angelica Mancilla, “The Power of Diversity: A Lesson from Nature to Democracy” (session chair) Judges: Marsha Lashley, Bathsheba Love, Jyoti Chhetri Session 4: Performance: Experience and Identity (Eckilson Mabee Theatre) Erika Rehmer, “Hi Ren: A Journey of Self-Discovery” Tru Naumovitz, “Disability Advocacy: Where Can We Go From Here” Uriah Clay, “The Keys” Guylah Rose, “Colorguard Experience and Performance” (session chair) Judges: Chamara Jayasundera, Mia Johnson, Madison Woodworth
9:00-9:50 AM Session 1: Using Science to Solve Problems (Bacon A) Hailey Holland, “Unveiling Pesticide Molecule Permeation in Crop Tissues Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)” Faraja Nyasa, “Beating Polio: How Science Stopped a Global Threat” Amanda Norton, “Diabetic Foot Wound Therapies” Alayna Allen, “Scanning Electron Microscopy: Bridging Fundamental Principles and Cutting-Edge Materials Analysis” Juliana Blackburn, Session Chair Judges: LaQuentin Black, Beatriz Bartolome Kateb, Alicia Jones Session 2: Body and Mind (Bacon B) Vanessa Andrade, “Scars” Taylor Dominger, “Body Image in Adolescents” Keyonie Gaddy, “Syphilis: A Comprehensive Overview of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment” Timothee Carpentier, “The Psychological Game” (session chair) Judges: Tonya Eddy, Axel Garcia, Abby Hebert
Interactive Session: Ongoing: 9-3 (Bacon, Gym, Bistro) Meghan Ansani, Ara Aranguren, Elena Campos, Aleyah Chapman, Tatem Clary, Carlota Davila, Angelica Mancilla, Benjy McMeekin, Juanjo Ninahualpa, Mia Nole, Taylor Olendorff, Kennedy Omey, Roberta Rus, Luca Stadtfeld, Tia Storms, Jasmine Summerford, Fletcher Thompson, and Abagail Walters, “Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity” 10:00-10:50 AM Poster Session I: 10 AM-11 AM Biology, Ag, Conservation, Nursing (Malcolm Gym) 1. Riley Howell, Janessa Avila, & Madison Mills, “Athletes and Mental Health” 2. Julia Brown, “The Causes, Pathogenesis and Prevention of Meningitis” 3. Erica Burch Palomino, “Detection of Microplastics in Tissues of Marine Mammals By Py-GC/MS and Raman Spectroscopy” 4. Marcela Casal Ferreiro, “The Impact of the Helicobacter Pylori” 5. Christopher York, “The History and Changing Epidemiology of West Nile Virus” 6. Lucas Evans, “The Plague Unveiled: From Fleas to Frontiers of Microbiology” Poster A Judges: Tiffany Bergman, Jim McMeachin, Mariia Karabchevskaia 7. Maisie Harrhy, “Application of Powder X-ray Diffraction for Structural Characterization of Biologically Active Compounds in Analytical Chemistry” 8. Camden Jackson, “Understanding Cholera” 9. Amaiya McClinton, “Athlete’s Foot: Prevention and Treatment” 10. Avery Mohr, “Efficacy of Proper Food Handling to Prevent Foodborne Botulism” Poster B Judges: Kevin Gasser, Austin Kostelnik, Brian Flinn 11. Ethan Phillips, “Overview of the Measles Virus” 12. David Schlageter, “Dengue Fever” 13. Kenley Thornhill, “Smallpox” 14. Makayla Casjens, “Applications of Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy in Veterinary Diagnostics: A Review of Biomarkers, Diseases, and Species-specific Case Studies” 15. Makayla Casjens, “Food Safety Knowledge and Perceptions Among a Diverse College Population: A Case Study of Missouri Valley College”
16. Georgia Price and Ellie Gutcher, “College Nutrition Sources and Realities Within Prevention/Treatment of Injury as Well as Performance Within Collegiate Sports” Poster C Judges: Peggy Sherman, Taylor Thomas, Sophie Cott 17. Pablo Perez and David Garcia, “The Effects of MVC’s Campus Diversity on Attitudes Regarding Nutrition, Athletic Performance, Food Economics, Health and Safety” 18. David Garcia and Pablo Perez, “Impact of Socioeconomic Diversity at MVC on Food Spending Habits and Access to Healthy Options.” 19. Rose Szymanski, “Effects of Campus Food and Nutrition on Self-Esteem” 20. Kayla Cowell, “What Is Whooping Cough Disease?” 21. Toni Jarreau, “Structure to Safety” Poster Group D Judges: Christina Wilson, Brittani Heuszel, Andy Linsenbardt 22. Jordan Pasbrig, “Structure to Safety” 23. Kloee Mills, “Theranostic Application of Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated Coordination Polymers: Combining Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Targeted Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer Management” 24. Aaralynn Ranck, “Tuberculosis and Its Effects on the Body” 25. Miranda Wilson, Gia Parisi, Hannah Thier, & Marcela Ferreiro “Caffeine Can Be Killer: The Dangers of Energy Drinks” 26. Kellen Fitzgerald, “The Disease Rabies” 27. Alexis Duenas, “Detecting Microplastics in Water: A Review” 28. Paige Burns, “Warm Water, Cold Reality: The Brain-Eating Amoeba at Work” Poster Group E Judges: Tonya Eddy, Bathsheba Love, Madison Woodworth 29. Madi Scott, “Breaking Down Impetigo: The Science Behind Infection and Healing” 30. Raquel Garcia, “Ringworm (tinea)” 31. Erica House, “The Sacrifice of Love-” 32. Mykai Taylor, “Understanding the Microbiology of Leprosy” 33. Azelea Shelton, “Strep Throat” 34. Margaret Unger, “The Global Impact and Prevention of the Zika Virus” Poster Group F Judges: Chamara Jayasundera, Axel Garcia, Waylon Hiler
Session 5: Barriers to Health (Bacon A) Tori Evans, “Barriers to Healthcare Upon Incarcerated Individuals” Whitney Trent, “Vaccine Education to Improve Vaccination Rates Among Young Children” Alayna Allen, “Malaria: The Mosquito-Borne Killer” Logan Gosney, “HIV: Stop the Stigma” (session chair) Judges: James Menz, Abby Hebert, Nate Pouliot Session 6: Innovation and Creation (Bacon B) Kennedy Omey and Fletcher Thompson, “Mindstream, A New Approach to Social Media Technology” Elizabeth Riggs and Isla Baeza, “Synthesis and Evaluation of a Magnesium Glycinate Tripeptide Chelate” Luyando Masocha, Jadwin Farington, Abraham Preston, and Naomi Rodriguez, “The Sweet Chemistry of Love: Understanding Esters, Aromas, and Attraction” Jyoti Chhetri, “Smart Mirror From a Raspberry Pi” (session chair) Judges: Douglas Roberts, Raphael Battini, Julia Vidallon Session 7: Movement (Multipurpose Room) Erika Rehmer, “The Power of Mobility: Unlocking Potential” Blake Andrews, “Powerlifting Program” Daniel Palomares, “Protecting the Core: Why Physical Education is Key to Elementary School Success” Tatem Clary, Jaiden Rose, and Preston Nicholson, “Level the Playing Field” Jill Sentner, Session Chair Judges: James Rowlett, McKenna Christensen, Alicia Jones Session 8: Graduate Session I (Ferguson Formal Lounge) Milisha Butner, “Treating the Whole Person- Complex Comorbidity: Treating PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and Psychosis ” Katarina Ribar, “Tailoring Support in End-of-Life Care: The Counselor’s Role” Andres Rueda De Leon, Session Chair Judges: Lisa Rice,
11:00-11:50 AM Session 9: Teaching & Learning (Bacon A) Tara Rivas, “Bridging the Gap: Supporting Student- Athletes to Continue Their Sports and Education Beyond High School” Amanda Holley, “The Impact of In-Depth Nurse Training on Quality of Care and Turnover in Long- Term Care Facilities” Noel Nunn-Faron, “Educational Advocacy” Tru Naumovitz, “A Dive Into Supplemental Instruction” (session chair) Judges: Raphael Battini, Marsha Lashley, Mia Johnson Session 10: Understanding Problems (Bacon B) Jaedyn Smith, “Clostridioides Difficile Infection - If We Can Understand It, We Can Fix It, If We Can Fix It, We Can Prevent It” Dejha Grassadonia Porter, “The Global Impact of COVID-19” Tiffani Riley, “The Risks of Vaping: An Educational Module for Adolescents” Allison McAlpin, “Developing a Discharge Checklist to Decrease COPD Recidivism” Kloee Mills, Session Chair Judges: James Menz, Jim McMeachin, Lisa Rice Session 11: Environment and the Intersection of Visibility and Voice (Multipurpose Room) Marissa Schaldecker, “Misinterpretation of Silence: A Critique of a Peer-Review Interpretation of the Story ‘Drown’ By Junot Díaz” Estefano Del Aguila, “Seasonal Demography and Microhabitat Selection of Snakes at Marshall Junction Conservation Area, Saline County, MO” Derel Morris, “America Has a Problem: The Interrogation of Genre and Country Music Through a Critical Analysis of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Album” Luyando Masocha, “Modern Day Molly Malone” (session chair) Judges: LaQuentin Black, Taylor Thomas, Sophie Cott
12:00-1:00 PM Poster Session II: 12 PM-1 PM Business & Travel (Malcolm Gym) 1. Braden Best, “The Clean Vehicles Tax Credit” 2. Peyton Pinter, “What is an efficient Home Improvement Credit?” 3. Gabriela Vasquez, “Insights on the American Opportunity Tax Credit” 4. Abigail Dunn, “EITC Made Simple: Who Qualifies, How It Helps, and How to Claim It” 5. Miguel Amaro, “The Role of Agri-Tourism in Diversifying the Rural Economy” 6. Damon Williams, “Why Is There Such a Thing as Residential Clean Energy Credit?” Poster Group G Judges: Douglas Roberts, Taylor Thomas, Brian Flinn 7. Luke Sarich, “Team Roping” 8. Gaspard Bidault, “Poster of Missouri” 9. Leonardo Goncalves, “Poster of Alaska” 10. Laura Plaza, “Poster of California” 11. Juan Esteban Moya Salcedo, “Poster of New Jersey” 12. Kiyoshiro Iguchi, “Poster of Massachusetts” Poster Group H Judges: Christina Wilson, Tiffany Bergman, Austin Kostelnik 16. Daniele Condrutz, “Internship Opportunity” 17. Brayden Shannon, “AI: The Hidden Poison” 18. Luiz Marinelo & Jose Neto, “The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness for College Students” Poster Group I Judges: Rina Fedorowich, James Rowlett, Madison Woodworth 19. Felix Holzer, “How Does Instagram Affect the Athletic Performance and Mental Well-Being of Professional Men’s Basketball Players?” 20. Alexander Ballinger, “Cutting Rates in the Dark: The Fed’s 2025 Challenge” 21. Mason Thompson, “Photography Journey” 22. Lazar Ziric, “What is Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)” 23. Jesse Shannon, “Child Tax Credit” 24. Tomas Ayapé, “Tiny Habits, Remarkable Results: The Power of Small Changes” Poster Group J Judges: Lisa Rice, Peggy Sherman, McKenna Christensen 13. Lucas Vilaca, “Poster of Montana” 14. Hikaru Nomiya, “Poster of Arizona” 15. Ethan Oldman, “UK Football”
25. Andres Nicolas Umbacia Veloza, “Made, Moved, and Marketed: The Art of Apple’s End-to-End Brilliance” 26. Ethan Quarchioni, “The Impact of Democracy on Contemporary Film: Censorship and Political Narratives” 27. Ethan Quarchioni, “Complicating Wakanda: A Critical Response to Afrofuturist Readings of Black Panther” 28. Xavier Adams & Aydan Ranzie, “Are NFL Running Backs Replaceable?” Poster Group K Judges: Tonya Eddy, Jen Livengood, Jyoti Chhetri Session 12: Working in the Field (Bacon A) Kalyani Das, ”Community Diversity Assessment of Minnows (Cyprinidae) in the Salt Fort Creek, Saline County, MO” Nathaniel Pouliot, “Closing the Loop: Reflections and Insights from My Internship Experience” Logan Cunningham, “Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Darters (Percidae) in the Salt Fork Creek, Saline Co., MO” Makayla Casjens, “A Spatial and Temporal Comparison of Sunfish (Centrarchidae) Community Composition in the Salt Fork Creek, Saline County, Missouri” (session chair) Judges: Bathsheba Love, Axel Garcia, Alicia Jones Session 13: Humans & Animals (Bacon B) Carter Taylor, Braelen Toles, and Kellen Fitzgerald, “Chirality and Its Importance in Animal Medicine” Owen Prince, Cooper Anderson, and Clayton Yanits, “The Life of Rodeo Athletes” Christopher York, “Diversity and Community Structure of Herpetofauna at Marshall Junction Conservation Area, Saline County, MO” Kelsey Laird, “Alpha-Gal Syndrome” Mia Nole, Session Chair Judges: Chamara Jayasundera, Abby Hebert, Brittani Heuszel
Session 14: Doing Business in 2025 (Multipurpose Room) Lucía Valdivia Escabias, “How TikTok, Brand Activism, and FOMO Drive the New Generation of Shoppers” Taylor Olendorff, “Ready, Set, Decorate!” Julius Krueger, Elijah Hynes, and Victor Parisi, “Foreign Exchange Markets and Business – A Quick Overview” Sydnei Cummings, “America From the Eyes of a Pimped Butterfly” (session chair) Judges: Sophie Cott, Marsha Lashley, Andy Linsenbardt Session 15: Graduate Session II (Ferguson Formal Lounge) Andres Rueda De Leon, “Grief, Social Disconnection, and Development in Middle Adulthood” Jim McMeachin, “An Ongoing Analysis of Psychological Theory as Depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thunderbolts* ” (session chair) Judges: La Quentin Black, Stephanie Gooden, Julia Vidallon 1:00-1:50 PM Visual Art Exhibit (Malcolm Bistro Area, 1st Floor) Alena Blachowski, “Victory” Juliana Blackburn, “Applicability” Boe Caplan, “Life, Death, and Rebirth” Jyoti Chhetri, “Smart Mirror” Sophie Cott, “I Want To Go Home” VAE Group 1 Judges: Brittani Heuszel, Peggy Sherman, Rina Fedorowich Maria Herrero and Elisa Melus Garces, “Queen of Hearts” Lauryn Pycke, “Form and Expression- A Ceramic Flower Box” Jericka Renner, “Watch Rocko Bird Watch” Marissa Schaldecker, “The Light Shining Through” Jaelyn Williams, “The Art of Photography” VAE Group 2 Judges: Paul Troth, Taylor Thomas, Axel Garcia
Session 16: Creative Processes (Bacon A) Nelius de Jager, “Poetry as Reflection: Translating Life Into Language” Elizabeth Hurst, “Sacred Geometry and Cultural Divergence: Patterns of Architectural and Spiritualism Across Early Civilizations” Declan McLean, “Yggdrasil: The Connections Between Religions and Myths” Jaelyn Williams, “The Art of Photography” (session chair) Judges: Jen Livengood, Nate Pouloit, James Rowlett Session 17: Athletics at Work (Bacon B) Jules Garret, Jakari Johnson, Heliamar Mora, Matheus Curi, Melanie Perez Moreno, Braylon King, Anthony Greer, “Game Day Behind the Scene” Evans Kiptoo, “Finding Identity Through Sports” Sophia Zinn, “Factors That Affect Athletic Performance” Madison Woodworth, “Overcoming Plateaus in Weightlifting: Madi Edition” (session chair) Judges: Christina Wilson, Kevin Gasser, Tonya Eddy Session 18: How We Argue (Multipurpose Room) Tyler Bird, “How the Modern World is Changing How We Argue” Deborah Mhizha, “Society” Reid Ronsley, “‘Transgender Ideology’ and the Rise of Transphobia” Eva Agcaoili, “Ethnography As Counter-Data in the Academy: The Politics of Women of Color’s Lived Experience in Collegiate Debate” (session chair) Judges: Okey Peter Onyia, Michael Wissman, Andy Linsenbardt Session 19: Graduate Session III (Ferguson Formal Lounge) (1 PM-2:30 PM) Nicholas Belmore, “Placenta Therapy and Its Impact on Wound Healing” Brandy Lake, “Fertility Treatments and Female Cancers” McKauley Prothero, “Bridge the Gap Between Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Health: The Importance of Childhood Immunizations” Eddy Ndayikengurukiye, Session Chair Judges: Tiffany Bergman, Abby Hebert, Beatriz Bartolome Kateb
Session 20: Debate Session A (Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, Murrell Library) Kennedy Pittman, Kannon Kover, Blake Andrews, and Aiden Serrano, “Artificially Enhanced: Exploring AI in the Classroom Through Debate” Tara Rivas, Moriah Bolin, Josilyn Sandoval, and Charlotte Hoffman, “Is It Even an Opportunity Anymore?: Exploring College Affordability and Accessibility Through Debate” Malia Todd, Session Chair 2:00-3:00 PM Poster Session III: Education & Social Sciences (Malcolm Gym) 1. Ivan Alexander Aires Soria, “Role of Community Policing in Crime Prevention” 2. Caden Filer, “How DNA Has Changed Forensic Sciences” 3. Carlie Lamparter, “Body-Worn Cameras” 4. Markus Stepanoff, “How Mexican Drug Cartels Adapted Their Smuggling Strategies in Response to Heightened U.S. Border Security” 5. Kiaka Pio, “The Fentanyl Epidemic’s Grip on Missouri and the Nation” 6. Jordan Woyshner, “The Change We Have Made for Special Education Students Since 1965” Poster Group L Judges: Tonya Eddy, Mia Johnson, Jyotti Chettri 7. Sydney Righter, “Will Diagnostic and Early Intervention of OCD Symptoms Decrease the Risk of More Severe Compulsions in Adulthood?” 8. Ellie Bennett, “ADHD and the Environment” 9. Ilsen Ventura, “The Strength Within Struggle: Understanding Success in Dyslexic Learners” 10. Luis Lara-Hernandez, “The Impact of ADHD on Learning and Behavior in Elementary Classrooms” 11. Aidan Oldham, “Diversity, Equity, and Democracy in Education: Where Does It Fit?” 12. Jillian Frost, “Question: What Can We Do in Schools in Terms of Early Speech Therapy Implementation in the Classroom?” Poster Group M Judges: Jen Livengood, Jim McMeachin, McKenna Christensen
13. Tisha Solopa, “Literature as Legal Advocacy: The Role of Literature in Shaping Public Perception of Legal Systems” 14. Gracie Metta, “How Can IEPs Be More Helpful for Regular Education Teachers?” 15. Eva Agcaoili, DeRel Morris, and Toni Randle, “Who Said it First?: A Podcast Examining the Etymology of American Slang and the Politics of Semantic Drift” 16. Joao Tavares, “How Bad Can It Be? ADHD for a High-Performance Athlete” 17. Frank Reaves, “RSV” 18. Luyando Masocha, “ C. diff : When Good Bacteria Go Bad — The War Inside the Gut” Poster Group N Judges: James Menz, Axel Garcia, Douglas Roberts 19. Elizabeth Riggs, “The Hidden Epidemic: Raising Awareness About Lyme Disease” 20. Silas Morton, “Adapting Classrooms for Students With Dyslexia” 21. Sam O’Connell, “How Learning Disabilities Affect Athletic Performance” 22. Ara Aranguren Armendariz, “From Tool to Distraction: The Impact of Mobile Phones on Student Success” Poster Group O Judges: Abby Hebert, Bathsheba Love, Alicia Jones 23. Brynn Delatte, “Social Media: How It Makes Us See Ourself” 24. Kaden Khammanivong, “Experiences of Racism and Opinions About Critical Race Theory in College Students.” 25. Eddy Ndayikengurukiye, “Academic and Social- Academic Stress” 26. Eddy Ndayikengurukiye, “Sexual Assault Against Men” 27. Jillyen Sentner, “Whisperings of the Soul” Poster Group P Judges: La Quentin Black, Chamara Jayasundera, Nate Pouloit 28. Inigo Munoz Sainz, “Politicians: The Disease of the European Union” 29. Malia Todd, “Accessibility in Higher Education: Are Colleges Truly Inclusive?” 30. Mia Nole, “The Power of Equality: Understanding Feminism” 31. Antyiva Robertson, Kellyce Brookes, and Erin Klasing “Connections of Volleyball” 32. Jadwin Farington, “Democracy in the United States in the Digital Era” Poster Group Q Judges: Kevin Gasser, Madison Woodworth, Okey Peter Onyia
Session 21: Internships (Bacon A) Marco Ferraro, “First Steps in Real Estate: Lessons From Inside a Local Brokerage” Luis Palomino, “From the Crow´s Nest to the Dash Sideline” Martiniano Sansone, “Summer Business Operations Internship” Estefano Delgado, “Chasing Flying Squirrels: Lessons From My Internship at Lassen” (session chair) Judges: Austin Kostelnik, Taylor Thomas, Brittani Heuszel Session 22: Economics (Bacon B) Benjamin McMeekin and Carlota Davila, “Climate Change and the Economic Impact of Flooding” Lucía Torres Vizcaino, “Ration Cards, Black-Market, and Social Control in Málaga During the Spanish Post- Civil War Period (1939-1952)” Victor Aparicio Reques, “The Economic Impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup” Xhuliano Marku, “The Evolution of Economic Thought: Major Schools and Their Modern Influence”(session chair) Judges: Paul Troth, Peggy Sherman, Andres Rueda De Leon
Session 23: Prevention & Health (Multipurpose Room) Brianne Jones, “An Education Module About How Hourly Rounding Can Reduce Patient Falls During Hospital Stays in Older Adults” Anna Hunter, “Proper Bowel Regimen in People With Developmental Disabilities” Quincy Scotten, “Physical Therapy vs Medication Therapy” Shelby Welling, “Hepatitis” Sophie Cott, Session Chair Judges: Tiffany Bergman, Sophie Cott, Stephanie Gooden 3:00-3:50 PM Session 24: Debate Session B (Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, Murrell Library) Bianca Sarbu (session chair), Amirah Anthony, Trevyon Chatman, Luke Sarich, Branden Brewer, and Queralt Carbo, “Unseen Crisis: An Exploration of the Student Mental Health Crisis Through Discussion”
Awards Reception Bacon Room, Malcolm Center for Student Life | 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. *Seasonal Live Entertainment Courtesy of Professor Jim Menz* 4:30 P.M. | Closing Remarks & Presentation of Awards Dr. Joseph Parisi, Missouri Valley College President Excellence in Student Research Awards Best Poster | Best Creative Work | Best Presentation | Best Graduate Capstone Fall 2025 Student Research Symposium People’s Choice Award
ABSTRACTS
Xavier Adams - “Are NFL Running Backs Replaceable?” (Poster Session II) This project is based on the question of whether NFL running backs are truly replaceable by examining the statistical impact of the league’s number one leading rushers from the past five years. This research project will focus on analyzing the performance of the top running backs and comparing their contributions to the overall offensive output of their respective teams. Key statistics such as each running back’s rushing/receiving yards and touchdowns, as well as their yards per carry, and their impact on team success will be evaluated and printed down. The goal of my project is to determine if the production of these elite running backs significantly affects their team’s performance, or if their contributions can be replicated by other players. This research will shed light on the evolving role and value of running backs in today’s NFL offenses and whether investing in high-profile running backs is a sound strategy for team success. Eva Agcaoili, DeRel Morris, & Toni Randle - “Who Said it First?: A Podcast Examining the Etymology of American Slang and the Politics of Semantic Drift” (Poster Session III) With popular social media platforms such as X and TikTok, American English slang has become widely accessible. Words such as “gyatt,” “finna,” and “rizz” have permeated Gen Z’s vocabulary. With their seemingly stealthy integration into mainstream media and language, the loss of the etymology behind the words has allowed for semantic drifting. In this podcast, we explore the etymology behind popular slang words that have been co-opted by modern media trends and discuss the impact of the popularization of words rooted in cultural vernacular. Through discussion, we identify key modern slang terms popularized by social media, discuss linguistic theory and how/why their meanings have shifted, and aim to uncover their history to undo the process of semantic bleaching. Eva Agcaoili - “From Polarization to Proximity: The Importance of Local Community in American Democracy” (Session 3) In a recent poll from Politico, 59% of Americans said that political polarization is “much” or “somewhat” worse than it was 5 years ago. From the 2024 revival of the Make America Great Again campaign, through a global pandemic, accusations of stolen elections, and an insurrection in America’s Capitol, the politics of American Democracy have become increasingly volatile. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) stated in Politico’s article, “We have a crisis of connection and meaning in this country, and Trump is a symptom, not the cause, of that crisis”. In this presentation, I explore how the elevated emphasis on national politics has increased the political divide in America’s two-party system and how a shift to local and community action might begin to reduce polarization and repair the divide. Eva Agcaoili - “Ethnography as Counter-Data in the Academy: The Politics of Women of Color’s Lived Experience in Collegiate Debate” (Session 18) In this presentation, I continue to explore the critical gap in literature on the lived experience of women of color in collegiate debate. Using data collected from ethnographic interviews, I use the methods of reciprocal ethnography and counter-storytelling
to answer the research question: How does autoethnographic and ethnographic research contribute to the deconstruction of white structures of communication in Academia? I analyze the narratives of women of color’s time in collegiate debate to map out themes of epistemic violence, desire and belonging, and colonization, and use these stories as counter-data to resist the traditionally white methods of research. Using theories of Pinayism and Critical Whiteness Studies as a lens, I argue that a process of internal and external decolonization can occur through telling and amplifying the counter-narratives of black and brown women’s experiences in academia. Ivan Alexander Aires Soria - “Role of Community Policing in Crime Prevention” (Poster Session III) The project addresses how community policing can help to ward off crime within urban areas. Compared to the old system of reactive policing, community policing focuses on active interaction based on trust, communication, and cooperation between the police and the population. The study focuses on how such alliances can lower crime rates, instill confidence within the population, and enhance community security. Using the data provided by the National Institute of Justice and the literature available on the topic, it was found that community policing enhanced the level of cooperation between citizens and police, lowered the fear of crime, and decreased crime against people. The research finds out that community policing is a good model for creating safer and more integrated urban communities because it promotes collective responsibility and problem-solving. Alayna Allen - “Scanning Electron Microscopy: Bridging Fundamental Principles and Cutting-Edge Materials Analysis” (Session 1) Scanning Electron Microscopy serves as a premier surface- sensitive analytical platform utilizing focused electron beam illumination to yield sub-nanometer resolution imaging of specimen topography and composition. The technique provides quantitative and qualitative assessment of surface microstructure, textural properties, and elemental distribution across hierarchical length scales. This exposition addresses the theoretical underpinnings of SEM analysis, including thermionic and field emission electron source characteristics, elastic and inelastic scattering processes governing electron-specimen interactions, and signal transduction mechanisms for image reconstruction. It will also highlight key applications of SEM in analytical chemistry, such as materials characterization, failure analysis, and biological imaging. This technology continues to push research forward and improve how we study and design new materials. Alayna Allen - “Malaria: The Mosquito-Borne Killer” (Session 5) Malaria, caused by the parasite Plasmodium, is a protozoal disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria remains a major global health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and chills. In severe cases, malaria can also lead to anemia or organ failure. Each year, malaria causes approximately 600,000 deaths, mostly consisting of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria’s treatment involves artemisinin-based combination therapies, while prevention focuses
on bed nets, mosquito control, and vaccines. This presentation discusses malaria’s cause, transmission, symptoms, treatment, and ongoing efforts toward global eradication. Miguel Amaro - “The Role of Agri-Tourism in Diversifying the Rural Economy” (Poster Session II) My project is based on my internship experience at a tourism farm and pumpkin patch. During this period, I had the opportunity to observe how agri-tourism connects agriculture, business, and community. I learned about the daily operations of the farm, including crop management, event organization, and customer service. More importantly, I saw how the combination of agriculture and tourism can create new economic opportunities for small farmers and for young people interested in agribusiness. In my presentation, I will describe what I learned about farm management, teamwork, and marketing strategies that attract families and schools. I will also share my personal perspective on how agri-tourism can be an innovative and sustainable business model for the future. This experience helped me understand the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture and how creativity and hospitality can turn a traditional farm into a successful tourism destination. Meghan Ansani, Ara Aranguren, Elena Campos, Aleyah Chapman, Tatem Clary, Carlota Davila, Angelica Mancilla, Benjy McMeekin, Juanjo Ninahualpa, Mia Nole, Taylor Olendorff, Kennedy Omey, Roberta Rus, Luca Stadtfeld, Tia Storms, Jasmine Summerford, Fletcher Thompson, & Abagail Walters, “Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity” What causes poverty in the United States? What are its effects? How might we work to abolish it? What are the challenges faced by those who experience poverty or economic insecurity? This semester, students in HONR 180: Introduction to Honors developed their understanding of poverty in the U.S. by reading and discussing Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, By America. Desmond provides an enlightening and morally challenging account of poverty in the U.S. that highlights how it is woven into the fabric of American political and social institutions, as well as its devastating effects on the lives of far too many of our neighbors. To bring attention to this issue, which all of us are implicated in, students from the course will be conducting an exercise and distributing information about poverty and economic insecurity. Look for their tables outside of the Bacon Room, in the Malcolm gymnasium, and in Starbucks. Cooper Anderson - see Owen Prince, “The Life of Rodeo Athletes” (Session 13) Vanessa Andrade - “Scars” (Session 2) The piece I will be reading is a creative nonfiction memoir. This paper explores the transformation of disgust to love. This piece gives people a kind reminder that things can feel and be ugly for a while, but that feeling does not last forever. One day, things will be overcome, and you’ll look at life with a new perspective. It’s a reminder that challenges can look different for everyone. Everyone’s troubles look different, and no one experiences the same life, but we are all familiar with the same feelings, like sadness, disgust, love, and anger. Scars are a beautiful reminder of all the hardships people deal with, whether they’re physically visible or internally felt. Anyone and everyone can overcome anything they set their mind to. You are not your past, but you
are your future. How you handle yourself determines how you want your scars to be perceived. Ara Aranguren - see Meghan Ansani, “Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity” Blake Andrews - “Powerlifting Program” (Session 7) This presentation will explore a powerlifting program that is geared towards more elite lifters. What makes this program special is how it breaks down the more specific “sticking points” in a lift and shows you exactly what you need to do to fix those for the greater good of the lift. Most programs are focused on building overall strength, and this is good for new lifters to build a good baseline, but when you get to a certain level, you really need to zoom in and break down the little parts before you move on. My philosophy is that there are always multiple answers to a problem, and so no universal program can exist. This is why we aim for specificity. This program also uses science to manage fatigue. I use a mix of the RPE scale, the RIR scale, and percentages to formulate the perfect program. Hours of research went into this because it takes more than one ingredient to make a good meal. Amirah Anthony - see Bianca Sarbu, “Unseen Crisis: An Exploration of the Student Mental Health Crisis Through Discussion” (Session 24) Victor Aparicio Reques - “The Economic Impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup” (Session 22) The most important sporting event in the world is around the corner. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This project analyzes the economic impact of the tournament in the U.S., especially on host cities, focusing on key areas such as tourism, marketing, sponsorships, and job creation. The research explores how this tournament can boost local economies through infrastructure investment, global exposure, and increased consumer spending. The project also looks at how the World Cup could benefit local businesses, create jobs and internships, and support new infrastructure projects across the country. In addition, the study investigates the opportunities for the United States to enhance its international image as a destination for tourism and sports, particularly in soccer. Finally, it explores how the event could help accelerate the growth of soccer in the U.S. and open new opportunities in the sports industry. Ara Aranguren Armendariz - “From Tool to Distraction: The Impact of Mobile Phones on Student Success” (Poster Session III) Mobile phones have become essential tools in college students’ daily lives, providing access to information, social networks, and entertainment. However, excessive use can negatively impact multiple aspects of students’ lives, including academic performance, mental health, sleep quality, and social interactions. Research indicates that students who frequently use their phones in class tend to have lower grades. Using the phone a lot is also linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. Digital fatigue and constant connectivity reinforce these behaviors, creating a cycle that hinders learning and well-being. Strategies such as digital minimalism, setting time limits for phone use, and promoting healthy sleep habits can help mitigate these negative effects. Educators can also encourage responsible phone use through interactive classroom activities and incentive-
based approaches. By addressing both individual behaviors and classroom practices, students can achieve improved concentration, mental health, academic success, and more meaningful social connections. Janessa Avila - see Riley Howell, “Athletes and Mental Health” (Poster Session I) Tomas Ayapé - “Tiny Habits, Remarkable Results: The Power of Small Changes” (Poster Session II) The tiny actions that we take every single day seem to be insignificant. But over time, it creates long-term changes. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear explores how tiny changes lead to remarkable results. By building stronger and positive habits and breaking the bad ones, it will change people over time. So, in this Poster titled “Tiny Habits, Remarkable Results: The Power of Small Changes”, I will go through the core principles of James Clear’s analysis. By focusing on how habits work, why we should make tiny changes, the link between cue and reward, the role of our environment, and how we can break our bad habits. This presentation will show some practical ways to add positive and lasting change in our everyday lives. So, by focusing on small improvements and the power of tiny changes, it highlights that success does not require big changes. However, big results often come with small and manageable steps. Isla Baeza - see Elizabeth Riggs, “Synthesis and Evaluation of a Magnesium Glycinate Tripeptide Chelate” (Session 6) Alexander Ballinger - “Cutting Rates in the Dark: The Fed’s 2025 Challenge” (Poster Session II) This project explores the Federal Reserve’s role in managing the U.S. economy in 2025. The Fed has a dual mandate to promote price stability and maximum employment, which requires balancing multiple economic goals at the same time. Policymakers this year faced challenges such as changes in tariffs, shifts in labor market conditions, and interruptions to government data reporting caused by a government shutdown. These factors affect the Fed’s ability to make timely and informed decisions. The project uses publicly available data from sources such as FRED, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other government datasets to track key indicators, including interest rates, unemployment rates, and inflation. Using charts and visualizations, the project shows how monetary policy decisions interact with labor markets, government actions, and fiscal policy. This poster aims to demonstrate how data visualization can clarify complex economic relationships and make policy trade-offs easier to understand. By presenting current economic indicators and highlighting the challenges of decision-making in a year with incomplete data, the project provides insights into how the Fed navigates uncertainty. Nicholas Belmore - “Placenta Therapy and Its Impact on Wound Healing” (Session 19) The purpose of this systematic review is to question the results of placenta therapy in wound healing, specifically chronic foot ulcers. This researcher often finds patients with chronic, hard- to-heal wounds that have failed to close with standard wound therapy. Unhealed wounds often lead to chronic pain, infection, and sometimes amputation. This researcher had heard of using a placenta-based treatment using the amnion and chorion layers of the placenta that would increase healing rates, reduce inflammation, and provide standard-of-care dressings to still
be used in wound care management. This researcher hopes to create a “Gold Standard” of care for patients who qualify for this type of therapy through the use of this research. This Systematic Review involved gathering information from source documents and scholarly articles. Reviewed studies, meta- analyses, systematic reviews, and controlled groups/trials were all read and reviewed to help answer the topic. Electronic sites such as PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used as the basis of this project. Research took place over two semesters. Inconsistencies immediately arose in this researcher’s Systematic Review. Many studies utilize different timeframes when testing their clinical groups, or base their results on healing outcomes and not on a timeframe at all. A final inconsistency was the terminology of the name of the biomedical placenta material used in the wounds. By using the systematic process, this researcher can understand what is being used, although it was hard to determine the exact layer of the placenta used in the wound. These inconsistencies are vital components to process organization of standard of care for patients. This researcher still concluded that the use of placenta material decreased healing times as well as healed some wounds considered “unhealable” prior to this methodology. It was also found that no patients had adverse reactions during the application process. Ellie Bennett - “ADHD and the Environment” (Poster Session III) This project is about changing the physical environment of a classroom to help students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I want to focus specifically on seating in classrooms and how it can help students who have issues sitting still. Based on my research, nature is a big help with those types of students. I want to talk about how nature can be incorporated into a classroom setting that is easy and doable for teachers. Research also provided that certain seating arrangements could help students focus better and not be a distraction to others. Different seating arrangements could also help those students who need something to do, not channel that energy into disruptive behavior that results in behavior problems, as a misdiagnosis. Another article describes that the home environment could also help to an earlier diagnosis, which could help in the long run. Braden Best - “The Clean Vehicles Tax Credit” (Poster Session II) This academic research poster will discuss the Clean Vehicles Tax Credit. The Clean Vehicles Tax Credit was a federally designed initiative to help promote the sale and purchase of green energy vehicles. This poster will discuss the tax credits’ ultimate objectives, how successful they were at reaching them, the overall eligibility process, and why they were ultimately done away with by the United States government recently. This poster will also discuss the federal government’s reasoning behind the tax credit and its ultimate economic reasoning from an accounting perspective. This study will look at data directly from the IRS and US accounting firm data on the overall scope and success of the Clean Vehicles Tax Credit. From the perspective of accounting and taxation, this research poster will give an in-depth perspective of the Clean Vehicles Tax Credit, giving a complete view of the objectives of creating clean energy tax credits and their ultimate objective from both a governmental and an accounting view. Gaspard Bidault - “Poster of Missouri” (Poster Session II)
Kellyce Brookes, Antyiva Robertson, & Erin Klasing - “Connections of Volleyball” (Poster Session III) Volleyball is more than just a sport to us; it’s a team effort that depends on trust, communication, and connection. Each of us plays a different position, from DS to OPP to MB, and we’ve learned how each role has its own challenges and responsibilities. Our project focuses on how these positions come together on the court and how that teamwork relates to balancing life off the court, especially when it comes to school and personal goals. Through our experiences as student-athletes, we’ve seen how playing volleyball teaches discipline, time management, and emotional balance. Practices, travel, and games take up much time, so learning how to organize schoolwork and rest is just as important as training. We also looked into research on how student-athletes perform academically and mentally, finding that teamwork and structure often help reduce stress and improve motivation. Our presentation will show how volleyball builds character, leadership, and teamwork that extend far beyond the game. Julia Brown - “The Causes, Pathogenesis, and Prevention of Meningitis” (Poster Session I) Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which are protective membranes of the brain and the spinal cord. It is a serious and sometimes fatal disease which can be brought about by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or, less often, by parasites. Bacteria in particular, meningitis is a serious health issue in the world, in that it progresses quite rapidly, and is accompanied by severe complications. This paper will describe the microbiological etiology of meningitis, its transmission, symptoms, assessment devices, and the current treatment and preventative measures. The information was obtained through laboratory culture methods research, Gram staining, and review of the commonly used pathogens (i. E. Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae type b). Bacterial and viral forms were also compared to highlight the differences in their diagnosis and the progression of the disease. The findings indicate that meningitis caused by bacteria presents with more severe clinical conditions, such as fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status, of meningitis caused by viruses is self- limiting in the majority of cases. The most helpful laboratory tests include diagnostic tests, e.g., cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and culture. The prevalence of the illness worldwide has significantly reduced on account of the application of inoculation initiates against N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae. Microbiology, as well as the diagnosis of meningitis, is highly significant in the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis before it develops. The success or failure in reducing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with this infection involves ongoing community health interventions, including vaccination, early diagnosis, and antibiotic stewardship. Erica Burch Palomino - “Detection of Microplastics in Tissues of Marine Mammals by Py-GC/MS and Raman Spectroscopy” (Poster Session I) The article Microplastics in fat, melon, and other tissues of marine mammals: Evidence of translocation examined microplastic contents in marine mammals in Alaska, California, and North Carolina by performing pyrolysis- gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and Raman spectroscopy. Py-GC/MS displayed types of polymer at a molecular level, which was achieved by heating the samples, whereas the Raman spectroscopy non-invasively
The scenario is that I am working for the Missouri Tourism Board, and I am responsible for creating a poster that will bring readers to visit this state. I chose Missouri State because, for me, it was important to learn about this. I used mainly online articles and documentaries on YouTube. I was really interested in it because I learned a lot of information, like history. I learned that Jazz music was really famous in Kansas City in the past, and I also learned that the bear is the most famous animal in Missouri. There are 6 famous cities in Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield, Jefferson City, and St. Joseph. The famous landmark, The Gateway Arch in St-Louis. Raising Barns in the South and the goal is to build a barn for the community, which is the main tradition. There is also the BBQ in Kansas City, which is probably the most important food in Missouri, but on the other hand, there is also the iconic M-I-Z and its first-in- the-nation Homecoming. Missouri State is maybe not the most famous State, but with the nature, culture, and traditions, you will feel good in that State for sure. Tyler Bird - “How the Modern World is Changing How We Argue” (Session 18) The modern world is changing how we argue with technology and social media. This has made traditional face-to-face discussion move to the internet, where digital forums dominate public debate. The internet has made it easier for everyone to share opinions instantaneously, expanding public debate beyond word of mouth. Debates are no longer limited to one place or culture. People from around the world can share ideas and learn from different perspectives. This has also changed the quality of arguments, replacing reasoned evidence-based debate with shorter ones fueled by emotion and influenced by algorithms that create echo chambers where people only encounter other people with the same beliefs as them. While the modern world allows more voices to be heard, it also increases misinformation and polarization. Overall, the modern world is reshaping argumentation by making it faster, more accessible, but also I made this piece as a part of a set that showed the struggles that female athletes go through. This specific work was a representation of how dance is not viewed as a high competition sport despite the physicality required to be a skilled dancer. I chose to represent these dancers as two children and an adult to show the progression that can happen due to perseverance. For them it is victory because despite not being taken seriously by many, dancers have an important place in both the competitive athletic world and in the artistic world of expression. Juliana Blackburn - “Applicability” (Session 15) This artwork invites viewers to explore the intersection of the mundane and the profound through the lens of urban expression. By focusing on the graffiti and stickers on the back of a street sign, it challenges our perceptions of everyday objects, highlighting how external influences shape our understanding of the ordinary. The official sign with the informal, often chaotic nature of street art prompts reflection on the layers of meaning that can emerge from what is typically overlooked. more fragmented and emotionally charged. Alena Blachowski - “Victory” (Session 15) Moriah Bolin - see Tara Rivas, “Is it Even an Opportunity Anymore?: Exploring College Affordability and Accessibility Through Debate” (Session 20)
measured larger, microplastic particles through their vibration spectrophotometers. It was found that 72 percent of the studied mammals had microplastics in such tissues as subcutaneous fat, melon, and acoustic fat pads, most frequently polyester and polyethylene. The smallest particles and single polymers were identified by Py-GC/MS, and the color, size, and shape of the particles were identified by Raman spectroscopy. The paper shows that the combination of Py-GC/MS and Raman spectroscopy is suitable to detect and describe microplastics in organic tissues, which makes it applicable in evaluating environmental pollution and possible health hazards of microplastics to marine mammals and humans. Paige Burns - “Warm Water, Cold Reality: The Brain-Eating Amoeba at Work” (Poster Session I) The free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, or as it is commonly called, Brain-Eating Amoeba, inhabits warm freshwater environments that pose a rare threat to human health through the development of primary amebic meningoencephalitis or PAM. During water activities such as swimming or diving, the amoeba can enter the human body through the nasal passages and migrate along the olfactory nerve through the cribriform plate, and invade the central nervous system, where it will rapidly eat away at the brain tissue. Clinically, the infection begins with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, but it will swiftly progress to stiff neck, seizures, coma, and death, with most cases resulting in fatality. Current therapeutic options are very limited, and the prognosis remains poor, making prevention close to impossible. This poster will review the organism’s life cycle and environment niche, detail the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of PAM, outline diagnostic and treatment challenges, and propose practical strategies for public-health prevention. Milisha Butner - “Treating the Whole Person- Complex Comorbidity: Treating PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and Psychosis ” (Session 8) Working with clients who present with multiple co-occurring disorders requires a comprehensive, individualized approach that integrates evidence-based interventions with clinical insight and empathy. This capstone focuses on a male client in his late fifties diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Psychosis. The complexity of this case highlights the challenges clinicians face in addressing overlapping symptoms. The primary goal of this project is to explore how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effectively applied to support symptom management and promote psychological stability. Emphasis is placed on practical intervention strategies, treatment planning, and the importance of therapeutic alliance in fostering safety and engagement for clients with complex mental health needs. By examining the practical application of CBT within this case, the project aims to demonstrate how structured, evidence-based interventions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of adults coping with trauma and psychosis. Boe Caplan - “Life, Death, and Rebirth” (Session 15) A mixed media painting that combines both oil paint and linoleum printing. This piece explores how life and death co- exist. Exploring how still lives can portray death while also bringing in a mixture of abstract elements with this mixed media. This painting is both realism and abstract, portraying how
these two worlds of life and death are intertwined. This painting depicts a fruit bowl still life and a linocut snake skeleton that is mixed into the fruit. Mixing both painting and printing, the artist’s favorite mediums, can show the energy and dedication to this piece. Elena Campos - see Meghan Ansani, “Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity” Timothee Carpentier - “The Psychological Game” (Session 2) In high-level sports environments, the difference between victory and defeat is held in detail. The higher the level is, the smaller the details are, and, from a physical point of view, the differences between two teams are close to none, being left with only mental skills. From early research on the importance of mental skills in the 1960s to our modern vision of it, studies have multiplied and proved the effect of the mind on the body in high-level sports. This review chose to study the role of mental skills, specifically Mental Toughness (MT), Mental Energy (ME), Decision Making (DM), and Mindfulness, in college and professional men’s volleyball. As a way of understanding the importance of those components, this review also examines the impact of mental training on performance. Six (6) peer-reviewed articles between 2019 and 2025 were analyzed, and after a thorough review, they revealed a relation between levels of Mental Toughness, Mental Energy, and Mindfulness, and performance in men’s professional and college volleyball. It has also shown the necessity of training those components as a way of improving performance and underlines the necessity for future papers to examine results on different sports and on larger configurations. Marcela Casal Ferreiro - “The Impact of the Helicobacter Pylori” (Poster Session I) Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic infections in the world, as it is a bacterium that afflicts the stomach lining. The symptoms may be mild or without symptoms over a long period, and since many people do not have problems with the syndrome, they are unaware of its availability. The products of these bacteria are strong enzymes and poisons that destroy the protective barrier of the stomach. It can lead to stomach inflammation, stomach pain, nausea, peptic ulcers, and digestive problems in the long run. Infectious diseases that are long-term may, in certain cases, increase the risk of stomach cancer. The main ways of transmission of H. pylori are saliva, intimate contact, and contaminated food and beverages. A diagnosis can be obtained by endoscopy, stool testing, and breath testing. Treating demands a lot of medications simultaneously in order to completely eliminate the infection. Makayla Casjens - “A Spatial and Temporal Comparison of Sunfish (Centrarchidae) Community Composition in the Salt Fork Creek, Saline County, Missouri” (Session 12) The spatial and temporal distribution of centrarchid species and their hybrids provides insight into habitat use and species interactions between closely related species in stream systems. Green Sunfish, Bluegill, and their hybrids were sampled at three sites along Salt Fork Creek in Fall 2025. Standard measurements were taken from each individual, they were assessed for ectoparasites, and they were then released unharmed at the point of capture. Data from each site were compared to results from previous years to analyze if and how the community has changed over time. The purpose of this study was to compare spatial and temporal patterns, assess microhabitat selection, and evaluate
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