Sheraton (Plaza Foyer)
Lucas Feldkamp*
, University of Wisconsin-Stout;
Allison Rucinski*
, University of Wisconsin-Stout
This poster highlights results of a project in Cultural Anthropology that studied historical trends in coming out and surveyed current college students to determine the importance of coming out for the LGBTQ community today. Is coming out still relevant today or has its significance changed for this generation?
Sara Thane*
, University of Montana-Missoula
Nearly one hundred years after gaining the right to vote, women remain underrepresented in Congress. The campaign financing patterns of female candidates may be one factor contributing to this continued underrepresentation. This research compares how male and female candidates finance their campaigns and evaluates how these strategies impact election outcomes.
Nancy Dennehy*
, Arcadia University
Based on analysis of films produced since the 1930s, I discuss stereotypes presented during each era of American history. These stereotypes include bloodthirsty savage, heroic stoic, and loyal sidekick, among others. Various Hollywood tropes set Native Americans apart as “other” (that is, as deviants from a Euro-American norm).
Joseph Theall*
, Marist College
Is Hitchcock's Frenzy his swan song to a gender that he loves to torment? Or is Hitchcock's relationship with femininity a more complicated revealing of the dangers of patriarchal society? This poster will deal with these questions, and reveal what Tania Modleski calls a "thoroughgoing ambivalence towards femininity."
Isabel Cháidez*
, Elmhurst College
An analysis of an ideal form of multicultural education for public schools in the United States. Academic, social, and societal benefits as well as political and economic challenges are discussed with a focus on the Latino student population and the importance of dual-language programs.
Marilyn Love*
, Chapman University
Vodou is a syncretic religion that imbues aspects of West African indigenous traditions and Catholicism. The Vodou “lwa” that occupy positions of power are predominantly male, whereas their female counterparts are generally consorts. My argument is that each of these “lwa” is legitimized through the male gaze and her relationships to men.
Andrew Siva*
, Emory & Henry College
Gender identity has long shaped the way people perceive those around them, from systems of oppression to basic social organization in hunter-gatherer societies. In the modern world, issues of transgenderism and evolving concepts of gender as it relates to biological sex have created a myriad of controversy.
Kristin Snapp*
, Point Park University Honors
Although the number of female athletes participating in professional sports is on the rise, the number of women working in sports media to provide fans with reports and commentary is still meager in comparison to that of men. Research will document this disparity and show what will change it.
Jessica Laguerre-Joseph*
, California University of Pennsylvania
This poster displays images and information about three stereotypes of African American women and the strain the stereotypes have on black women and the black community.
Sheraton (Plaza Foyer)
Natalie Bond*
, Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
David Brooker*
, Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
Kristen Burkholder*
, Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
Madeline Kopper*
, Clarion University of Pennsylvania;
Kirsten Bare*
, Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Changes in the focus of higher education because of increased budgetary challenges have forced many academic departments to rethink their curriculums. We took a closer look at honors programs throughout all fifty states and several Canadian provinces discussing how economic and public policy conditions drive curriculum in honors programs.
Tiffany Ernst*
, University of North Carolina Wilmington
NCHC’s Partners in the Parks projects immerse students in various National Parks, promoting experiential learning through week-long educational adventures. In December 2013, fifteen students and instructors gathered in the Florida Everglades to explore the challenge of an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.
Karla Sanabria Véaz*
, University of Puerto Rico-Recinto De Rio Piedras
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of integrating a recreational and academic curriculum into the school system by using alternative education. Using a mixed research design, this study proved that this integration is possible because both teacher and student enjoy and learn in the educational process.
Lauren Colie*
, Virginia Commonwealth University;
Dylan Halpern*
, Virginia Commonwealth University
Auctus is an online undergraduate research journal that takes advantage of the latest forms and definitions of research and ways to present that work. This dynamic, millennial-friendly platform, coupled with a reimagining of publication management, provides a replicable model that other educational institutions can employ to recognize diverse undergraduate research.
Beenish Kamran*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Honors students collaborated with the YWCA and tutored at the afterschool Homework Clinic. Research was done to determine the best practices for STEM learning in afterschool programs. It was determined that a collective impact approach is best in order to create a productive learning environment and strong afterschool programs.
Collin Townsend*
, South Dakota State University
This project is a vehicle to determine the efficacy of the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy's pre-acceptance program and gauge the level of increased success, if any, exhibited by the pre-accepted students compared to previous years’ professional program students who did not have the opportunity to be pre-accepted.
Savannah McCully*
, University of Northern Colorado
This presentation explores bystander intervention programs on campuses, comparing learning outcomes, facilitation techniques, and social media campaigns. The results of this honors thesis applied project include the final design chosen for a bystander intervention program to reduce sexual assault for the UNC.
Abby Taylor*
, Defiance College
An intriguing exploration of a hand hygiene project I implemented in Cambodia and its outcomes. In addition, the planning and building processes of hand-washing stations I built are examined alongside the cultural and environmental challenges faced. Personal observations of Cambodia and its hand sanitation practices will also be discussed.
Catherine Ritchey*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Squirming and screaming children at the eye doctor who are too afraid of the scary machines to sit still? Send them to outer space! Students in UAB’s Science and Technology Honors Program have designed AstroOptics, an interactive space simulation to obtain quality ocular images while reducing children’s fear and distraction.
Laura Capps*
, Purdue University;
Cody Wilson
, Purdue University;
Rebekah Thomas
, Purdue University
This presentation focuses on the stability of evaluative scores given to teachers about their performance in the classroom. Using the observational method known as the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), we examine scores for two highly experienced kindergarten teachers to determine the stability of these scores over time.
Brandon Curry*
, Purdue University
This project aims to educate children about the origins of their food. Research by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) reveals startling truths about the lack of understanding in this area. This project provides a lesson that will improve children’s understanding of the need to sustain the food supply.
Katherine Hymel*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Science and Technology Honors Program class cohort tackled the challenge of enhancing mathematical concepts in the exhibits at McWane Science Center. This project was completed in the first installment of the Skills for Leadership and Innovation sequence, which is essential to the maturation of students entering the honors program.
Tianjiao Zhang*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
The UAB Regional Science Olympiad Tournament, developed completely by undergraduate students as a leadership project, has been instrumental in promoting an interest in STEM fields among high school students. This poster is on the organization, structure, and development of the UAB Science Olympiad Tournament.
Amanda Schwarz*
, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
How can international service-learning projects have a positive impact on education in the Dominican Republic? Reach Out, a Shippensburg University Honors Program initiative, has explored this question since its creation in 2009. This project focuses on the design and implementation of a language arts curriculum at our partner Dominican school.
Amber Rolland*
, University of Central Arkansas
The course "Scorned Landscapes" explored places scorned by UCA students and mainstream America. Through studying abroad, I was able to compare these narratives and mental maps to those I collected from native Italians and Greeks, providing insight into how different backgrounds influence ideas about what is other, not us.
Lindsay Gahr*
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania;
Katelyn Hill*
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania;
Sara Werwie*
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The read-aloud has long been identified as an essential component of literacy instruction. Through a survey and analysis, the findings will inform teacher educators, university supervisors, and future educators of how they can more effectively bridge the elements of theory/research to practice for pre-service teachers.
Autumn Frykholm*
, Joliet Junior College
This poster addresses a pedagogical comparison between the United States and Japan, two countries that were once ranked at the top in education but have now fallen significantly far below. The poster will identify the most recent top-ranked countries, Canada, Finland, and Australia to provide insight into their pedagogical methods.
Samantha Anderson*
, Youngstown State University;
Elizabeth Rogenski
, Youngstown State University
A student organization at the Youngstown State University is currently utilizing its relationship with a local nonprofit organization to create and provide service opportunities and programs for student members. This poster will provide details of the organization’s programs/events as well as its end goal to achieve from implementing these programs.
Danica Roberts*
, Southern Polytechnic State University;
Valerie Washington*
, Southern Polytechnic State University;
Bri Mason*
, Southern Polytechnic State University
Three honors students supervised by a faculty member and the honors director analyze the effects of a university merger. Researchers will host social events and, through the interaction between the two student bodies, will formulate and explore avenues for a smooth transition into one student body after the merger.
Karley Berry*
, University of Central Arkansas
Teacher candidates from the University of Central Arkansas have limited experiences in urban education, particularly in the Little Rock School District only miles away. The biases associated with urban communities and students were explored by these student teachers in the design and implementation of a middle school school transition program.
Sheraton (Plaza Foyer)
Jessica Weiss*
, University of Montana-Missoula
The concept of mindfulness, based in Eastern philosophies, has radically changed approaches to psychotherapy. An important component of mindfulness is a nonattachment approach to life “characterized by curiosity, openness, and acceptance,” as opposed to rigidity, or refusal to cope with difficulties. This study examines whether and how practicing nonattachment works.
Tasnuva Enam*
, Wesleyan College
The purpose of the present study was to investigate how people recognize a familiar object. Results showed that color and texture were dominant over only some categories of orientation (90 degree and half aspect), not all.
Daniel Gladis*
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Surviving Together Alone examines Polish immigration to the United States between 1880-1930 in an attempt to understand why their rates of unionization were low. This study primarily focuses on the pillars of Polish immigrant society – the church and fraternal and kinship networks – and their collective relation to unionism.
Samantha Musick*
, Elmhurst College
A study focusing on Queen Elizabeth I’s gender and its impact upon history. A conclusion was formed through examination of King Henry VIII’s reign, the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, relations with Spain and the Spanish Armada, and her relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh.
Jessica Szafranski*
, Elmhurst College;
Kate Johnstone*
, Elmhurst College
Because research is highly valued in society, this study investigates the effects of research-based stereotype threat. Findings suggest that because researchers’ findings can be extremely influential, writers of research papers must be cautious in conveying negative messages to readers.
Adam Cohler*
, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Although law enforcement has a legal obligation to read possible suspects their Miranda Rights, the consensus for law enforcement is to circumvent the system and obtain these waivers. My research shows that police often take advantage of suspects to obtain potetntially incriminating evidence.
Lea Carroll*
, Walsh University
The deceased Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez drastically shaped the country and the people’s perception of the government. This study compares his administration to the current one under Nicolas Maduro. In addition, the study analyzes how Chavez’s time in office has impacted the public’s expectations of Venezuela, especially its government.
Joseph Burns*
, Longwood University
The transportation infrastructure in Prince Edward County, Virginia, led to the April 23, 1951, student strike at the Moton School. Significant on multiple levels, discrepancies between the quality of transportation provided to White and Black students in Prince Edward ultimately contributed to the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education.
Adam Ripp*
, University of Nebraska-Kearney;
Shelby Rowan*
, University of Nebraska-Kearney
University of Nebraska-Kearney students will discuss the significance of rural living and the necessity of its incorporation into collegiate curriculum. This modification, if implemented, would positively stimulate civic engagement and cultural adaptation in the comprehension of the value of rural dwelling in today’s society.
Jacob Blair*
, Eastern Kentucky University
Should a journalist have to reveal his or her sources in a federal court? There has never been a federal shield law to protect a reporter’s sources, yet forty-nine states in addition to the District of Columbia have shield laws.
Dylan Bogard*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This poster looks at development plans for Elkhorn City, KY. This in-depth study focuses on Ecotourism and the Creative Class as means for development. Research conducted in the city helps to analyze key factors for growth. The development ideas here could be applied to the rest of Appalachia.
Matthew Boggs*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Logan Durham*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This poster presentation will discuss how presidential candidates have reached through the various media outlets of their time to influence voters, how the voters’ brains will then secrete chemicals similar to those seen when falling in love, and how this process translates into votes for those particular candidates.
Colby Qualls*
, University of Central Arkansas
As modern industrialized countries continue to prosper, the beloved ideals of self-expression and individuality affect the process of disposal of the dead. This situation is readily apparent when comparing openness to alternative methods of corpse disposal between Generation X and the Millennials.
Anjali Martin*
, Eastern Michigan University
Examining data collected from faculty interviews and over three hundred students, this poster examines the implications of being a member of an honors college and its impact on political knowledge by showcasing the role of honors colleges, in addition to identifying potential links between membership and the formulation of social networks.
Joseph Fisher*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Joshua Lang*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This poster will analyze the popular TV political dramas, The West Wing and House of Cards, through the lens of prevailing ethical theories. The characters in both series display ethical theories, such as the utilitarianism of Mill and deontology of Kant, through the decisions they make.
Halle Graham*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Hannah March*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Vivian Nguyen*
, Eastern Kentucky University
This presentation defines and categorizes human trafficking as articulated by anti-slavery organizations. Armed with statistics about human trafficking in the United States and abroad, it describes various efforts to fight this epidemic. Lastly, the audience is presented with specific ways that it can aid in the victims’ climb to freedom.
Jamie King*
, Eastern Kentucky University;
Jessica Miller*
, Eastern Kentucky University
During 1996-2007, Guatemala served as one of the largest suppliers of internationally adopted children into the United States. However, in 2008 all intercountry adoptions from Guatemala ceased. This poster will explore the effects of this closure on the physical, social, and cultural health of fostered and adopted Guatemalan children.
Cristiana Wilcoxon*
, Chapman University
Obtaining legal guidance is expensive, and many people cannot afford an attorney. It is necessary to bridge the gap between the privileged few who understand contract law and the general public to avoid the abuse of human liberties. This project outlines the key characteristics of modern unconscionable contracts.
Tyler Dube*
, Suffolk University
Are there similarities between the Holocaust and the American War on Drugs? This project explores whether the Five Stages of Destruction as identified in Raul Hilberg’s historical work, The Destruction of the European Jews, can be seen in the American War on Drugs.
Rebecca Lange*
, University of Cincinnati
This study investigates the effects of implicit emotional attitude on an employer’s decision to employ an ex-offender. Employment plays a vital role in reducing chances of recidivism and implementing pro-social behaviors. Changing implicit bias and stigmas about hiring ex-offenders benefits both ex-offenders and society.
Shawnam Osman*
, Suffolk University
Who are the parties to this four-decade long War on Drugs? The mere verbiage of the phrase calls for serious considerations of the initiative. This research explores how policies proposed to deter drug consumption, distribution, and production have evolved into a means of racial control.
Shampagne Robinson*
, Suffolk University
The Fair Tax proposal would replace the federal income and payroll tax, meaning what people make is what they deposit in the bank. Is there empirical data that supports what this tax plans to do and the effects of the tax if the rate were to change?
Amelia Mimms*
, Tennessee Technological University
Antisocial personality disorder is closely linked to adult criminal behavior. While antisocial personality disorder, sociopathy, and psychopathy are largely similar, important diagnostic distinctions differentiate them. Psychopaths specifically suffer from a life-pervasive, treatment-resistant personality disorder. If they are victims of abnormal psychology, should psychopaths be held legally responsible for their crimes?
Samantha Allen*
, Gardner-Webb University
This poster will examine the Disney relationships people idealize from childhood in order to determine whether or not these relationships are actually likely to succeed, based on research in the field of intimate relationships.
Naomi Sigler*
, Eastern Kentucky University
Pro-pot or no-pot? With data collected through surveys and interviews, this study explores the perceptions and usage of marijuana in an honors community. It also analyzes how tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chief psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, affects the brain and grades.
Christina Flaherty*
, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
This goal of this project was to measure Baccalaureate nursing student’s (BSN) thoughts related to eating and beliefs related to current stress, depression, and anxiety to provide foundational knowledge on the correlation among these mental health states and disordered eating behaviors.
Braden Weinmann*
, Angelo State University
The Music Absorption and Addictive Behaviors study is oriented to examine a potential relationship between an individual's ability to become absorbed in a piece of music and his or her addictive tendencies. The influence of anxiety is also explored in order to discover trends in coping behavior.
Jack Shelley-Tremblay
, University of South Alabama;
Tyler Bell*
, University of South Alabama
Research looks at the effects of carbohydrate cravings on cognitive impairment in the chronic pain condition known as Fibromyalgia.
Riley Foreman*
, Missouri State University;
Erin Buchanan
, Missouri State University
Meaning/purpose in life scales were examined in various delivery methods (computer, handwritten) to determine the effect of item order on question reactivity. Results indicated that inter-item correlations were not consistent, and actually reversed signs (i.e., positive to negative) across computer and handwritten forms.
C. Yoonhee Ryder*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
This poster will provide background information on Islamic jurisprudence in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. This investigation will include an examination of the role of Shari'a law in current politics and its effects on other Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and Central Asia.
Kayleah Cumpian*
, Northeast Texas Community College
In 1892, Colorado voters gave a plurality to a populist, James B. Weaver. But what was populism? My State of Texas Caldwell-prize-winning work shows that populism was a pervasive movement of rural protest that extended even into the twentieth century through the work of Congressman Wright Patman.
Tyler Bryant*
, University of West Florida
This project explains how the Yakuza pose a greater threat than other crime syndicates or terrorist organizations and how they thrive and operate internationally with little resistance. It concludes with what actions could prevent the Yakuza from expanding their power and possibly undermine their current operations.
Nora Trotman*
, University of West Florida
One of the major qualitative methodologies for American politics and comparative politics is the technique of elite interviewing. The purpose of this project is to identify the best practices of this methodology as well as gauge the utilization of this approach in these two fields.
Conner Smith*
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania;
Jennifer Willford
, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
The purpose of this study is to investigate attitudes of students planning to enter health services vs. non-health service careers towards persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This study is significant because the results will better inform the training of those who work with individuals with disabilities.
Ana Martinez*
, Northeast Texas Community College
Historians have considered the era after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) as especially bleak for Hispanics. Being Spanish speakers in anti-Mexican America, Hispanics are often either omitted from history, alluded to as emigrants, or reduced to “Juan Cortina, Bandito” stereotypes. My poster shows the post-treaty resilience of Hispanics.
Elyse Coleman*
, Northeast Texas Community College
With Americans today devising autonomous, computer-driven automobiles and dreaming of employing methane hydrate as an alternative fuel, it is time to reconsider the train of the nineteenth century. Using Texas as a case study, this poster shows how trains were a most efficient, humane, and useful mode of transport.
Miranda Mendoza*
, Northeast Texas Community College
The numerology of the Hebrews has had an explosive global impact on creativity. The unification of math with meaning typified the remarkable creativity of the late-Gothic era. Gematria also underlies Boolean meaning in the digital revolution and represents a paradigm for creativity in honors.
Alice H. Abboud*
, University of Puerto Rico-Recinto De Rio Piedras
Many Levantine immigrants arrived in Latin America mostly between the mid nineteenth century and late twentieth century. Most immigrants came from the Levant region of Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. They participated or developed economic activities such as commerce (mostly street vending, handicrafts, clothing stores, and restaurants), agriculture, and textile industries.
Anna Tyson*
, University of Alabama at Birmingham
An assessment of how sleep problems and increased cortisol reactivity to social stress may affect the future health of primarily African American adolescents. A clarification of how HPA axis hyperactivity and overexposure to cortisol may relate to self-reported health, blood pressure, and BMI.
Timothy Lee*
, Chapman University
Similar to Holland's Theory of Vocational Choice, preference of moral theory could also provide insight into student’s choice of college major. If this is true, perhaps there are underlying reasons and benefits to students of a certain major favoring either utilitarianism or deontological ethics.
Amber McDaniel*
, Arcadia University
For over a century, Americans have obsessed over the idea of hip: a counterculture movement of nonconformity that has penetrated America since the early twentieth century. From its racial beginnings and its literary parallels to today's complex self-proclaimed hipsters, the story of hip has become the story of America.
