USF 2024 Schedule

Opening Session

Coulter Science Center, 203 Lecture Hall 

Livestream

Welcome

Dr. Ingrid Ilinca
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Honoring the Memory of Dr. David Stubbs, ’68

Don Lofe, Jr.
President and Chief Transformation Officer

Thaddeus Stubbs ‘99,
Son of Dr. David Stubbs

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kali Wright-Smith
Associate Professor of Political Science

Keynote Speaker
Ayush Manandhar, ‘17

“Crafting Public Policy: Bridging Data Analysis and Storytelling”

Crafting effective public policy requires the intersection of understanding data-driven empirical evidence and the quintessential stories those data points represent. From studying the uptakes in a social health insurance program to assessing socio-economic inequalities among vulnerable groups, researching and analyzing data provides the vital facts on which good public policy is built. Also crucial, however, is the marriage of these facts to the surrounding backdrop and relevant human narratives.

In this presentation, Ayush Manandhar’17, MPP, will describe his experience bridging these two integral components in advancing research on healthcare policy. He will discuss the value of using econometrics and data analysis paired with programming to derive results on a range of healthcare policy issues including health insurance enrollment, care inequities for senior citizens, and Medicare program implementations. He will also illustrate the significance of understanding the context behind each policy issue, not only as an avenue to personally grasp the complete picture, but also to fully inform policy practitioners and stakeholders.

Ayush will also outline the liberal arts educational journey that helped weave these skill sets into his career. From studying Calculus, Statistics, and Microeconomics to Expository Writing, History, Politics, and Literature, Ayush will illuminate his post-graduation experiences at Georgetown, the Embassy of Nepal, and Acumen and share how the lessons learned from the Halls of Westminster can be applied to life outside the Columns.

Student Presenter, Introduced by Dr. David Jones

Lauren Halamicek

“Self-Efficacy and Presentation Anxiety”
The effects of verbal persuasion, role-modeling, and mentor programs have on self-efficacy to reduce presentation anxiety were studied. Manipulations did not affect changes in self-efficacy, presentation anxiety levels, or presentation skill reports, but presentation skills were improved.

Academic Awards

Presentations

Comparative Analysis of Women and Politics

Moderator: Kali Wright-Smith
CSC 304

Lindsey Bennett

“What Germany and Belgium’s Electoral System Reveals about Gender Equality in the Lowest House of the National Legislature”
This paper explores if the underrepresentation of women in politics could be due to the electoral system of a state by exploring Germany and Belgium’s lower houses of the national legislature. 

Ashley Ghannoum

“Women’s economic empowerment in Iraq and Afghanistan ”
This comparative case study ultimately evaluates the economic empowerment of women within Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout, the paper describes the oppression that Iraqi and Afghani women face economically, and how improving economic empowerment is necessary, and would be beneficial. 

Heather Ripperger

“The Avoidable Death: Maternal Mortality in Chad and Libya”
This paper explores maternal mortality by comparing how this health problem is impacted and created in Chad and Libya. 

The First-Year Experience Unveiled

Moderator: Karen Tompson-Wolfe
CSC 329

Vi Lowe

“The Importance of Osteological Analysis in the Archaeological Record”
How do we know what the lives of our ancient predecessors were like? Explore the methods of bone analysis used by archaeologists to determine a person’s traits, including diet, occupation, religion, and ethnicity, that highlight the life story of the individual, the culture they were a part of, and the importance of osteology. WSM Instructor: Kristine Mallinson

Keely Garman

“Stonehenge: A Potential Religious Site”
This presentation examines Stonehenge and its surrounding areas for evidence that may fulfill the four requirements that determine if an archaeological site had religious significance for those who constructed it. Modern controversies and the ethics of doing archaeological digs at potential religious sites will also be discussed. WSM Instructor: Kristine Mallinson

Haley Schnake

“Light Pollution and Its Harmful Effects on the Ecosystem”
Pollution is often thought of as some physical object that isn’t properly disposed of or harmful gases in the air, but one form of pollution that nobody thinks of or sometimes even knows about is light pollution. This presentation explores the causes and effects of this on human health and wildlife, and the research being conducted in this area. WSM Instructor: Bharat Dhital

Shelby Ward

“Meditation in Teaching”
Meditation is a self-regulation practice that grounds one in the present moment, allowing one to erase the stressful thoughts of what they did yesterday or have to do tomorrow. By focusing on their breath in mindful meditation, teachers can transform back into their normal state of being and ensure they’re helping their students academically and emotionally develop. WSM Instructor: Natasia Sexton

William Crabtree

“Colorblindness”
This presentation examines the basic science of color vision deficiency, how it is passed down, examples of this deficiency and how it affects the people who experience it. WSM Instructor: Bharat Dhital

Sacred Medieval Pilgrimages

Moderator: Heather McRae
CSC 207

Eden Stark

“The Human Search for the Divine”
This panel explores premodern pilgrimage in Ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and East Asia through three papers: Eden Stark’s “The Human Search for the Divine,” Quin Kemper’s “Experiential Existence as Pilgrimage in Zen Buddhism,” and Anna Cox’s “To Die a Proper Death.”

Quin Kempker

“Experiential Existence as Pilgrimage in Zen Buddhism”

Anna Cox

“To Die a Proper Death”

Machine Learning

Moderator: Katie Price
CSC 204

Isaac Herod

“Examining Randomness in PRNGs”
This paper examines datasets of thousands of randomly generated numbers using various pseudo-random number generators in Python and R to determine the degree of randomness. Machine learning models will be utilized to detect tendencies in these algorithms.

LeAnn Turk

“Estimating Rotation Angle of an Electric Motor ”
This paper will focus around predicting the rotation angle of an electric motor at k based on other conditions occurring around that time. This will involve creating linear regressions and performing statistical analysis to determine the best model(s).

Ayanda Huate

“Analyzing Sociodemographic Bias in Machine Learning Models for Cancer Survival Outcomes Prediction”
This project aims at exploring sociodemographic bias in machine learning models for lung cancer survival outcomes prediction. The employed approach will integrate clinical features and sociodemographic data to build the machine learning model, and to analyze and address bias and potential mitigation.

Posters

EDU 392: Research for Content Teaching

Moderator: Barri Bumgarner
Coulter Science Center Atrium

PJ Bledsoe, McCailyn Drainer, Ethan Everhart, Dinah Garrison, Celissa Kennedy, Caragan Lockard, Annette Ramirez, Sophie Reimer, Rozallyn Schneider, Tabitha Skuta, Adisyn Stalzer, Marcus Stephens, Glen Straka, Courtney Street

Future teachers will share research for their specific content areas or grade level. As part of their preparation to teach varying texts in their future classrooms, these students will be connecting research to state standards and expectations.

Presentations

Sports and Science

Moderator: Katie Price
CSC 329

Lane Martin

“The Effects of NBA Player Chemistry on Winning”
This study looks to examine the performance relationships between various NBA players and their effect on team winning outcomes. By looking at play-by-play data and intraplayer statistics, player "chemistry can be measured and attributed to team success.

Ryan Pemberton

“NBA Draft Scouting System Analysis ”
The study looks to examine how machine learning models could assist NBA scouts in their selection process based on the statistics of the incoming collegiate players and the curent needs of the organization.

Trent Rueckert

“MLB Pitcher Performance based on Height”
This paper explores MLB pitcher performance from 2000-2019 based on height. The study will explore the relationship between pitcher height and success in the MLB, and the implications of size and athletic prosperity.

Geoffrey Schultz

“Predicting the Perfect Bracket in NCAA March Madness”
This paper explores the trends in the NCAA March Madness tournament and uses machine learning techniques to predict tournament outcomes. Analysis will be done with the intention of creating a 2024 bracket that accomplishes a 75% prediction accuracy rate.

Creative Writing Panel

Moderator: Jeremy Reed
CSC 205

Shelby Weathers, Timothy Fitzpatrick, Daryan Walden

“This creative writing panel will feature student writers reading their creative work in different genres and contextualizing their work with discussion of their influences, drafting process, and future writing goals.”

History Research

Moderator: Mark Boulton
CSC 207

Katelyn Swayze

“American Witchcraft in Legal and Public Opinion”
The evolution of how witchcraft is treated in the legal system and by the public. Starting with the Salem Witch Trails and ending with today's legal cases that were filed by The Satanic Temple.

Lindsey Bennett

““For Suffering Humanity Everywhere”: Exclusion in Women’s Suffrage During the Civil War Era and Its Implications for Other Social Movements ”
During the Suffrage Movement and around the Civil War, suffrage leaders alienated certain demographic groups to achieve their goals. This created a schism in the suffrage movement that impacted the cause for years to come.

Michael Carpenter

“Beyond the Battlefield: Military Innovation in Asymmetrical Warfare”
Military innovators like Hannibal Barca, Francis Marion, and Vo Nguyen Giap are major influences on the way armies fight today. They used strategies and tactics innovative at the time on and off the battlefield to succeed in battle and politics.

Scientific Explorations

Moderator: Laura Stumpe
CSC 204

Steven Muller

“Probing Photophysical Properties of Porphyrins on the GO”
Porphyrin–graphene oxide (GO) conjugates are considered as promising candidates for photonic applications. In this study, we investigate the photophysical properties of porphyrin–GO nanohybrids using a combination of spectroscopic techniques providing valuable insights into the design and optimization of nanohybrids.

Brooks Chandler

“Measurement of Ionizing Radiation in the Atmosphere using Rockets ”
In this study we will measure the amount of ionizing radiation in the atmosphere at different heights using a film badge dosimeter attached to a rocket. Then we will compare the results to theoretical values.

Francois Moua

“A Computational exploration of the Mechanics of the Solar System using Python Code”
This study utilizes the efficiency of Python code to investigate the mechanics of the Solar System. Through the implementation of numerical methods and algorithms we simulate the motion of planets in the Solar System.

Global & Transnational Studies Thesis Projects

Moderator: Kali Wright-Smith
CSC 206

Ally Oglesby-Watson

“Interconnections Between Water Policy and Indigenous Peoples”
This paper explores the interconnections between water policy and indigenous cultures, highlighting the innate and often ignored ties humans have with water.

Maddie Marrerro

“Improving Our Understanding of the Refugee Experience ”
This paper explores the complex issues surrounding refugee care and how data collection can play into our understanding of the refugee camp experience, culminating in how domestic non-profits can provide care for refugee clients in times of crisis.

Jonathan Banza

“BRICS - build a strong youth labor force for a robust global economy”
This paper examines the issue of youth unemployment across BRICS members through analyzing economic policies that will drive demand for labor. The paper further seeks to understand how economic integration and cooperation amongst BRICS will foster an economic environment that strengthens the job market for the youth.

Mohamed Ismacil

“Reimagining Sovereignty in a Globalized World: Challenges and Adaptations in the 21st Century”
This paper delves into the examination of sovereignty criteria, leveraging case studies from both recognized and unrecognized states, to propose a new framework for understanding statehood.

Presentations

Issues in Applied Ethics: Health Care and the Environment

Moderator: James McRae
CSC 207

Ashley Ghannoum

“Savior Siblings and Using One Baby for Another Through Genetic Manipulation”
This paper examines the ethics of using genetic manipulation to create “savior siblings” to provide organs or tissues for children suffering from serious illnesses.

Earthis Pascua

“Water Scarcity and States’ Security in the United States ”
This essay investigates interstate disputes like Florida v. Georgia and the effects that pollution and climate change have on sources of clean drinking water.

Elizabeth Rodriguez

“Buddhist Ethics and Marine Species Extinction”
This paper uses concepts from Buddhist ethics to offer solutions to the problem of anthropogenic species extinction in the world’s oceans.

Hannah Rush

“Ethical Issues in Gender Affirming Care in Trans Youth: The Ethicality of Existing Legislation”
This essay discusses the ethics and legal implications of gender-affirming care for trans youth in the United States.

Security Studies Thesis Projects

Moderator: Kali Wright-Smith
CSC 329

Matt Trout

“Reasonable Suspicion in the Age of Predictive Policing”
This paper will explore the intersection of predictive policing and the reasonable suspicion doctrine; it will create a practical guide for how courts and legal practitioners should weigh predictive policing in reasonable suspicion cases.

Jenna Frisella

“Applying Post 9/11 Policies to Current Threats ”
This paper explores how counterterrorism policies that were passed following 9/11 may need to be evaluated and changed to be applied to current threats. It specifically focuses on financial counterterrorism policies and their level of effectiveness.

Adam Luetkemeyer

“Illegal activity on the Dark Web: How well are US government agencies handling and preventing illegal activity?”
This paper explores how affective US government agencies are in dealing with illegal activity on the dark web by discussing terrorism, exploring past dark web cases, and discussing specific agencies' roles.

Mason Needham

“Plea Bargains: Creating an Unjust System”
My paper talked about the harm that a plea-bargaining system does to minority and racial groups. Then I found different reforms to plea bargain systems and discussed what impacts reforms could have.

Issues in History and Politics

Moderator: Heather McRae
CSC 206

Timothy Skonecki

“How did the Politics of Ancient Rome contribute to the Rise of Julius Caesar?”
Julius Caesar was the agent of change that took Rome from republic to empire. However, this presentation also explores the ways in which Caesar was only able to do so because of the efforts and manipulations of the leaders that preceded him.

Kirsten Rushing

“Victorian Obessesions ”
This paper explores how the concept of leisure influenced Victorian culture, as evidenced by travel guidebooks for Wales. It explores how the idea of leisure underlies the Romantic movement, and how both themes combine in Victorian guidebooks.

Jake Troutt

“Ukraine and Finland, Underdogs and their Successes against Foreign Invasion”
An analysis of Ukraine’s performance in the current conflict against Russia discovering that an apt comparation to the Russo-Finnish Wars can be made in order to explain the current difficulties Russia is facing in trying to conquer the country.

Women, Gender, and Social Issues

Moderator: Amanda Gowin
CSC 204

Taylor Miller

“Addressing Food Insecurity at Westminster College”
This paper examines the prevalence and impact of food insecurity among Westminster College students, proposing community-focused solutions grounded in public health and ethical theory in order to promote action and improve student health outcomes.

Maddie Marrerro, Ally Oglesby-Watson

“A Holistic Overview of Maasai Women’s Health ”
After traveling to Tanzania this past January, we’d like to share our experiences and findings surrounding menstrual, dietary, FGM, marriage, and birthing practices within the Maasai and their holistic cultural and health impacts.

Chris Marberry

“Finding the Balance: Gender Roles, Perceived Power, and Effective Leadership”
Leaders in the workplace with androgynous styles utilize both masculine and feminine traits to create an optimal leadership approach. This paper examines their advantage over traditional styles, emphasizing follower perceptions of leadership and power.

Psychology Research

Moderator: Ryan Brunner
CSC 306

Michaela Beedy, Christina Bayer, Natalie Archambault

“Are we prepared for the worst?”
Policies about safety are a requirement on college campuses, but how do students best receive this information? Our project examines the effect of personalization of information on feelings of overall safety and preparedness on Westminster’s campus.

John Stannard, Ian Bock

“Scarcity of Time and Task Choice”
Feelings of scarcity can cause people to make poor decisions when it comes to using resources wisely. The current study creates feelings of time scarcity to assess whether participants get worse at distributing their time between fun and difficult tasks.

Soft drinks and snacks will be provided for guests and students as they enjoy the posters and projects.

Posters

History and Social Change Posters

Moderator: Mark Boulton
CSC 126

Faith Beckmann, Eden Stark, Kirsten Rushing, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Luke Chudy, Katelyn Swayze

“Ghostly Reflections: Student Curators Unearth the Spirit of New Orleans in Haunted House Museum Exhibit”
We seek to integrate the often-overlooked tales of ghosts into the museum world. We will navigate the nuances of folklore, legend, and history, to amplify the haunted experience but also to deepen the public's understanding of the cultures that define New Orleans.

Lila Eckert, Emelia Hilse, Natalie Benton, Madison Scott, Jake Troutt

“Building Civic and Community Engagement”
This project investigates how college students participate in campus activities, community service, and civic engagement. It seeks to identify the factors that promote or prevent engagement in campus, community, or civic spaces and create proposals for enhancing participation.

Ethan Everhart

“The Myths and Realities of Voodoo in West Africa, Haiti, and New Orleans”
This poster analyzes the myths and realities of Voodoo in West Africa, Haiti, and New Orleans. It explores how the religion is practiced in these areas and how it has been misconstrued in popular culture.

Nicholas Wisehart

“History of Apple Computers”
This display will have the first 3 generations of apple computers created under the leadership of Steve Jobs. I will discuss how Jobs turned the company apple around with his CSA philosophy. This presentation will also show the similarities and differences in these computers.

Palentology Research

Moderator: Dawn Holliday
Coulter Science Center Atrium

Jonathan Goforth

“Petrographic analysis of Paleozoic strata, southeast Callaway County, Missouri”
Paleozoic strata divided into three major massive-bedded carbonates in Callaway County were evaluated. Petrographic analysis of these carbonates indicate warm, shallow, marine conditions. Further analyses revealed diagenetic alteration of carbonates to mosaic and microcrystalline quartz.

Eliza Siebert, Dulcie Rosales-Foster

“Brachiopod Abundances and Diversity of the Middle Creek Member: An Interpretation of Environmental Conditions”
In this project we will use hen eggs to extract and purify the enzyme lysozyme. Our research will focus on the effectiveness of the mechanisms used in purification as well as focus on quantification of our results.

Faith McRoberts

“Determining Vertebral Position Along the Axial Skeleton of a New Ceratopsian From Grand River National Grasslands, South Dakota”
The fossil ceratopsian, known as “Shady”, has produced a number of dorsal vertebrae. Using comparative qualitative and quantitative analyses, this study attempts to determine the vertebral position of each dorsal vertebrae along the axial skeleton.

Madison Scott

“Preliminary morphological comparison of carnivorous teeth: potential predation-scavenging of a ceratopsian”
A comparative quantitative analysis of carnivorous teeth from the Hell Creek Formation provides information about potential scavengers and predators responsible for dismemberment of a ceratopsian dinosaur skeleton. This study assesses possible carnivores responsible for the disarticulation of the ceratopsian.

Biology and Biochemistry Research

Moderator: Dawn Holliday
Coulter Science Center Atrium

Laney Fonke, Tatum Covey

“Quantifying Prevotella in the Oral Cavity of College Students”
Prevotella is an oral bacterium that can be correlated to oral health and habits. QPCR will be used to quantify bacterial DNA or RNA, in an attempt to quantify Prevotella.

Emma McKee, Tatum Covey, Laney Fonke, Heather Ripperger

“Purification of Lactate Dehydrogenase”
Lactase dehydrogenase is found in most cells and is responsible for converting pyruvate to lactate and vice versa. We will isolate and purify the enzyme using chromatography and electrophoresis along with other methods.

Austin Daro, Kaleb Hinkle-Pruett, Corbin Harrison, Nicholas Rembecki

“Purification and Characterization of the Enzyme Bromelain”
We will extract and purify the enzyme bromelain from the fruit and juice of pineapple. In addition to observing the enzyme rate, we will further characterize the enzyme by looking at how different factors affect the reaction rate.

Jaya Salgaonkar, John Stannard, Hugo Jover, Paige Hurley

“Purification and Characterization of β- Galactosidase”
In this experiment we will extract β-Galactosidase from the popular fruit, peach. In addition to the isolation process, we will strive to further characterize this enzyme by examining different properties.

Madelynn DePaul, Heather Bell, Kamaro Tennant, Brooks Chandler

“Pineapple Stem Bromelain Purification: Identifying Enzyme Activity”
This research describes the purification of bromelain from the stem of pineapple. We will employ biochemical techniques such as homogenization, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and chromatography. We will measure enzyme rate throughout the purification process.

Tucker Brown, Sophia Reed, Shyann Michaels

“Purification of Lysozyme from Egg Whites”
In this project we will use hen eggs to extract and purify the enzyme lysozyme. Our research will focus on the effectiveness of the mechanisms used in purification as well as focus on quantification of our results.

Physiology Research

Moderator: Dawn Holliday
Coulter Science Center Atrium

Raigan McKee, Ashton Martin, Delaney Kaiser, Toby Hughes

“Vo2 Turnt for Three Warm Up Protocols”
Stretching is essential prior to exercise. We will examine the effects of static, dynamic, and a mixture of the two stretching protocols on Vo2 max, lactate, and hematocrit after the Bruce Treadmill Protocol to determine the efficacy of each method.

Paige Brennecke, Katherine Donnell, Madelynn DePaul, Kamaro Tennant

“Brush Busters”
Neem oil has anti-microbial properties. Participants will brush their teeth with neem oil-containing or neem oil-free toothpaste. Nutrient agar plates will be prepared to culture their oral bacteria before and after brushing, followed by gram staining and microscopic examination.

Emily Berry, Malena Bixby, Maile Peck, Paige Sunneberg

“Sigh, Another Exam Day”
State anxiety is common among undergraduate students before exams. We will examine if performing a physiological sigh before exams will decrease state anxiety. Heart rate and perceived anxiety will be assessed to measure the effectiveness of the physiological sigh.

Emma McKee, Audrey Henkenmeier, Michaela Beedy, Kirsten Schrader

“Is Your Life Off the Rails?…Just Exhale!”
Ketone production is influenced by lifestyle habits. We will use a breath ketone meter to measure the daily ketone levels of our Greek life participants. By knowing their ketone production levels, participants can make better lifestyle choices.

Kaleb Hinkle-Pruitt, Niklas Olsson, Claire Janson, Nolan Deane, Jason Pesold

“The DOMS Dynamo: Exploring the Potential of Tiger Balm, Emu Oil, and Apitoxin in Alleviating Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Collegiate Male Athletes”
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in athletes is typically treated by topical ointments. We will examine the efficacy of three ointments on DOMS symptoms at various times post-exercise in the Westminster College Baseball Team.

Engineering Projects

Moderator: Bernie Hansert
CSC 205

Bryce Bryant

“Interactive V4 Engine”
A representation of a functioning 4-cylinder motor. This project will display the components inside of a motor and will allow viewers to see how the motor works.

Bode Gebbink

“Low-Cost Baseball Scoreboard”
This project is to be a fully functional scoreboard to be used to keep track of a full-length baseball game. Practically, this would be for underfunded schools looking for a cheaper alternative to a large, analog scoreboard.

Ryan Howard

“Compact Baseball Rebounder”
A portable baseball training tool used to work on ground balls, picks, and come backers year-round.

Amir Martin

“Mouse Trap Car”
A car propelled by the released potential energy stored in a mouse trap.

Lane Martin

“Mechanical Robot Arm”
The mechanical robot arm will integrate a servo-driven base for rotational control, a hydraulic system for strong lifting and grabbing capabilities, and a 3D printed body.

Josh Morales

“Testing the Orientation of Wind Turbines”
This project will compare two wind turbine configurations, and which will generate the greater electrical energy by measuring voltage outputted.

Steven Muller

“Nuclear Power Plant Model”
This model aims to simulate the design and introduce the engineering principles behind a nuclear power plant and serves as a tool for education on the concepts and energy generation from nuclear power plants.

Andrew Pemberton

“Random Basketball Season Simulator”
This project will predict the outcomes of NBA basketball games played by a single team in a 29 game season using the past performance of the players and weighted probabilities.

Reading Achievement and Assessment Case Studies

Moderator: Casey Echelmeier
CSC 207

Sophie Reimer, Courtney Street, McCailyn Drainer, Annette Ramirez, Celissa Kennedy, Caragan Lockard, Adisyn Stalzer

“Posters”
Future elementary teachers will share research gathered from and analyzed from their case study. The preservice teacher will detail support for improving reading skills of elementary students, as well as their own insights into reading assessments overall.

Moving Toward Universal Design for Learning: A Case Study

Moderator: Sarah Hairston
CSC 204

Augustine Annan, Sam Buckner, Bryce Hale, Katelynn Jackson, Brysan Jeffries, Charlotte Kurtz, Avery Roland, Keigan Vaughn

“Posters”
This group poster presentation presents several case studies of future educators’ approach to meeting the requirements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through the framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).