Student Research Symposium Program Fall 2025

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-

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