Student Research Symposium Program Fall 2025

to deliver a unified and consistent global brand experience. It evaluates Apple’s current market position as one of the world’s most valuable and influential retailers, sustained through innovation, design leadership, and a premium customer experience. The analysis traces Apple’s retail evolution over the past years, from its early focus on physical Apple Stores to a sophisticated hybrid model that blends in-person and digital engagement. The research also explores how social media marketing reinforces this ecosystem, enhancing consumer trust and long-term loyalty. By connecting supply chain precision, minimalist retail design, and narrative-driven marketing, the study reveals how Apple transforms each stage of its value chain into an opportunity for differentiation. Finally, it forecasts that Apple will continue leveraging its integrated ecosystem to strengthen brand loyalty, expand service-based revenue, and redefine the future of global retail experiences. Margaret Unger - “The Global Impact and Prevention of the Zika Virus” (Poster Session I) This poster will examine the origin, transmission, and global effects of the Zika virus (ZIKV). First identified in Africa in 1947, Zika gained worldwide attention during the 2015–2016 outbreaks in South and Central America. The presentation will highlight how the virus spreads—mainly through Aedes mosquitoes and from mother to fetus—and the serious health risks it poses, including microcephaly in infants and neurological disorders in adults. The poster will include visuals showing Zika’s transmission cycle, global outbreak data, and prevention strategies recommended by the CDC and WHO. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of disease surveillance, mosquito control, and vaccine research. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how emerging viruses can spread rapidly in a globalized world and how proactive public health measures can reduce future outbreaks. Lucía Valdivia Escabias - “How TikTok, Brand Activism, and FOMO Drive the New Generation of Shoppers?” (Session 14) The current presentation discusses how social media, especially TikTok, has redefined consumer behavior through the combination of entertainment, emotion, and commerce. TikTok short-form videos provoke impulse purchases among Gen Z consumers, the new shoppers` generation. These videos are emotionally charged experiences that shift fun and shopping, creating a culture of “scroll and buy”. Beyond impulsivity, as brand activism has become central to trust and loyalty, social media now influences why consumers purchase. By the end of this presentation, you will see how Gen Z appreciates authenticity and endorses brands that express their social and environmental ideologies, which rewards purpose-driven marketing and shuns performative activism. Finally, have you heard about the FOMO effect? It is “Fear of Missing Out”, and it encourages new users to follow trending brands and makes them feel a part of the customer group. Could you belong to this community without knowing it? Gabriela Vasquez - “Insights on the American Opportunity Tax Credit” (Poster Session II) The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a federal tax benefit designed to support postsecondary students in their first four years of higher education by offsetting qualified education expenses, making it more affordable. This credit has helped over 8 million students in their pursuit of college, totaling

$12.7 billion in tax savings. IRS Form 8863 is used to claim the AOTC, report qualified education expenses, and calculate the credit amount eligible for students. This tax credit does have limits and credit rules to take into consideration, especially with a student’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income. Clear outlines will be provided through the filing process to help ensure proper filing, in order for a qualifying student to get the maximum benefits. In addition, recent updates to this tax credit, including inflation-adjusted income thresholds and clarifications will be addressed. This tax credit can make a meaningful difference in reducing the financial burden of college, encouraging students to invest in higher education with greater confidence and clarity. Ilsen Ventura - “The Strength Within Struggle: Understanding Success in Dyslexic Learners” (Poster Session III) This project explores how dyslexia, often labeled as a disability, is actually a different and valuable way of learning. Drawing from The Gifted Dyslexic (Jones, 1986), Successful Dyslexics (Fink, 1995), and Spelling Improvement for College Students Who Are Dyslexic (Guyer et al., 1993), the work highlights the creativity, problem-solving ability, and resilience of dyslexic learners. Jones emphasizes that gifted dyslexics compensate through imagination and persistence, while Fink shows how personal passion can fuel reading comprehension and motivation. Guyer’s research demonstrates that multi- sensory instruction helps transform frustration into real skill development. Together, these studies reveal that when dyslexic students receive early and individualized support, they turn challenges into strengths. The visuals—a brain full of ideas, an open book ignited by passion, and letters in motion—illustrate the energy and creativity of dyslexic thinking. This project encourages educators to redefine success by embracing diverse learning styles and recognizing dyslexia as a unique pathway to innovation and achievement. Lucas Vilaca - “Poster of Montana” (Poster Session II) Discovering Beautiful Montana, The scenario is that I am working for the Csa Tours and I am responsible for creating a poster that will bring readers to visit this state. I chose Montana because it is one of the most beautiful and fascinating states in the United States, known for its vast open spaces and stunning nature, and also to experience the true spirit of the American West. To research Montana, I used travel brochures, online articles, and official tourism websites. I also looked at maps and photos to understand the geography and main attractions of the state. I learned that Montana is one of the least populated states in the U.S., but it has some of the most remarkable landscapes. It is home to parks like Glacier and Yellowstone, where visitors can hike, fish, and explore nature. The cities of Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena show Montana’s history, art, and culture. The state is also known for skiing, snowboarding, and rodeos. In conclusion, Montana is a great destination for people who love adventure, peace, and beautiful scenery, and learning about it made me value the importance of protecting nature and appreciating the beauty of the American West. Abagail Walters - see Meghan Ansani, “Interactive Session: Poverty and Economic Insecurity” Shelby Welling - “Hepatitis” (Session 23) My hepatitis student research symposium presentation represents a group of infectious diseases that affect the liver and remain

Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator