St. Mary’s Project Presentation Information

The SMP has been the signature Capstone Experience since 1996, when the Honors College curriculum was adopted following the SMCMs 1992 designation as Maryland’s Public Honors College. Over half of SMCM graduates complete the capstone requirement via the SMP. In all Capstone Experiences, students work closely with faculty instructors/mentors to create a project that incorporates analysis, synthesis, and reflection in the process and/or end product. The final projects are presented to classroom and/or public audiences at the conclusion of the semester.

Monday

Anthropology & Sociology – Anne Arundel Hall, Blackstone Room – 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Art – Montgomery Hall, Upper Commons – 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Biology (with projects also in Marine Science and Neuroscience) – Schaefer Hall 106 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Chemistry & Biochemistry – Goodpaster Hall 117 – 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Computer Science – Schaefer Hall 165 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Economics & Business – Kent Hall 222 – 9:30 a.m – 2:30 p.m.
English – Glendening Annex – 9:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Environmental Studies – Cole Cinema – 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
History – Kent Hall 120 – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mathematics – Schaefer Hall, 165 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Political Science & Public Policy – Kent Hall 213 – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Psychology (also with projects in Neuroscience) – Goodpaster Hall 195 – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday

ALL PROGRAMS Posters Presentation – Rec Courts, Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Educational Studies – Learning Commons 214 – 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
International Languages & Cultures – Anne Arundel Hall, Blackstone Room – 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Performing Arts: Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies – Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater – 7:00 p.m.
Philosophy – Montgomery Hall, 103 – 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies – Wednesday, April 30 – Anne Arundel Hall Blackistone Room – 4:15 p.m - 6:30 p.m.

List of Projects of Distinction

Victoria Chazin art exhibit

Victoria Chazin, Art & Biology

The Student Government Association Award for Most Innovative in the Annual Student Art Exhibit

Project Title: The Hidden World Of Microscopy
Mentors: Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 11:00 AM, Montgomery Hall Upper Commons

Cicely Clark, Marine Science

Runner up, Best Undergraduate Poster Presentation at the March 2025 Conference for the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS)

Project Title: The Impact of Oyster Biodeposits and Sediment Resuspension on Nitrogen Activity in the Water Column
Mentor: Dr. Elka Porter
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, April 29, 10:00 AM, Poster Slot 60, ARC Rec Courts

Photo credit: Elka Porter
(Cicely Presenting her poster)

Ben Johnson, History

Margaret B. Marlay Award, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in either English or History

Project Title: Stonemasters: Ethical & Technological Advancements In Sport Climbing
Mentor: Dr. Christine Adams
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 2025, Kent Hall 120, Panel 3: 2-3:30 PM

Anna Landis, English

Margaret B. Marlay Award for English or History, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in either English or History

Project Title: It Never Truly Leaves: A Collection of Essays on Fear as a Parasite
Mentor: Dr. Karen Anderson
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 2025, Glendening Annex, Panel 3, 1:30-2:30 pm

Shannon Lutz, Psychology

Myron G. Marlay Award for Science, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in a field of the sciences.

Project Title: Narrative Therapy in a Peer Support Group for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Mentor: Dr. Kristina Howansky
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, April 29, 2025; 10:30 AM, Poster Slot 25, ARC Rec Courts

Melissa Martinez, Art

The SGA Cultural Relations Investigation and Actions Committee (CRI&A Committee) Art Award for Most Cultural/Social Impact in the Annual Student Art Exhibit

Project Title: My Dollhouse
Mentors: Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 2:15 pm, Montgomery Hall Upper Commons

Ella Price, History

Margaret B. Marlay Award for English or History, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in either English or History

Project Title: Charity, Confederates, and Catholicism: Point Lookout During the American Civil War
Mentor: Dr. Charles Holden
This project was completed and presented in December 2024. Read the news article

Luke Schwenk, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Myron G. Marlay Award for Science, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in a field of the sciences.

Project Title: On the Cutting Edge: Otodus megalodon Strengthened Tooth Edges through Zinc Incorporation in Enameloid
Mentor: Dr. Geoff Bowers
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 2025, Goodpaster Hall 117, 12:00 PM

Emma Jane Sheppard, International Languages & Cultures, with Concentration in Spanish & Environmental Studies

Geneva Boone Award for Outstanding St. Mary's Project

Project Title: Amazonian Spiritual Ecologies: The Cultural Politics of Environmental Perspectives
Mentor: Dr. M. Ximena Postigo
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room, 10:50 AM

Alex Stornelli, Physics

Geneva Boone Award for Outstanding St. Mary's Project

Project Title: Charged Polytropic Stars with a Cosmological Constant
Mentor: Dr. Anish Agashe
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, April 29, 2025; 10:30 AM, Poster Slot 21, ARC Rec Courts

Jayden Washington, Neuroscience

Myron G. Marlay Award for Science, which recognizes excellence in a St. Mary’s Project in a field of the sciences.

Project Title: The Influence of a GABA-NAM on Adolescent Depressive-Like Behavior
Mentors: Dr. Torrey Dennis & Dr. Aileen Bailey
This project was completed and presented in December 2024.

Samantha White, Art

Patti Runco Arts Alliance Award for Outstanding Work in the Annual Student Art Exhibit

Project Title: A Comprehensive Guide to the Female Body
Mentor: Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson
Presentation Date/Time/Location: Monday, April 28, 2025; 2:30pm, Montgomery Hall Upper Commons

The Tuesday morning of Capstone Days (9 am – 12pm), is a dedicated time for students to present their projects in poster form. Students are responsible for designing a large-format poster in the traditions of their particular discipline which summarizes the key elements of their project including: rationale, relevant literature and/or theory, methodological design and data collection, data analysis, findings and conclusions. In a style seen in many academic conferences, these posters are mounted on bulletin boards and organized in a large common space. The students are based at their respective posters for an assigned period of time, and attendees (including mentors, SMCM faculty and staff, family, friends, and community members) circulate among the posters, learning about the different projects and peppering the students with questions about their research.

Student	Project Title	Program	Mentor	Poster#	Time	Project Abstract
Anderson, Charlie	Exploration of Educational Levels Affecting American Voter Turnout	Poltical Science	Dr. Diana Boros	28	9:00	Education within modern American society has seen a shift over the past two decades. Education in many minds is just the information and facts a person knows and understands. But, over years formal education has more of an impact upon American society than previously seen. Higher numbers of Americans are undertaking an undergraduate degree at colleges or universities, than ever before. Along with the growth of graduate degrees, doctorates and other specialized degrees. This growth of Americans gaining higher levels of education, which will be further examined, has also made a larger gap between those who have not attended higher levels of education and those who have not. This gap showcases the faceting difference between these two groups, as well as differences between subsections of each group.
Barkdoll, Ryan	Muscle Growth and Sprint Performance in Anolis carolinensis: The Impact of Protein Supplementation and Exercise Training	Biology	Dr. Abby Beatty	37	10:00	The effects of exercise training and nutrition on the physiological and performance traits of mammals is a highly researched and understood topic. However, the effects of exercise training and nutrition in other vertebrates such as reptiles, is comparably under-researched. To address this, we examined the effect of sprint training in the presence and absence of protein supplementation on anole sprint speed, body condition, and muscle mass. The groups which received protein supplementation displayed drastic decreases in overall body condition, which is often correlated with poor health. Furthermore, neither sprint training nor diet were able to improve maximal sprint speed. Limb dissections of isolated muscle groups demonstrated no significant growth regardless of training or diet. However, for both of the trained groups, the lower portion of the hindlimbs were measurably smaller compared to the untrained groups, potentially indicating prioritization of the other muscle groups in the use of sprinting. In all, our results give greater insight into exercise training responses in reptiles whilst also providing alternatives for future research.
Baum, Theo	How Do Force Carrying Particles Get Their Masses?	Physics	Dr. Digesh Raut	22	9:00	In particle physics symmetry dictates the kind of interaction a particle can have. Gauge symmetry, the symmetry of gauge bosons (force carriers such as photons), forbids them from having mass, but in nature both massive and massless gauge bosons exist. The Higgs mechanism provides a theoretically consistent way to generate masses for gauge bosons by spontaneously breaking the gauge symmetry. In this work, we investigate the Higgs mechanism considering three different gauge symmetries: U(1), SU(2), and SU(2) X U(1). For each case, we analyze the resulting spectrum of gauge boson masses. We show that in each case the scalar Higgs boson gets a mass, while the number of massive gauge bosons vary. U(1) yields one massive gauge boson, SU(2) gives three massive gauge bosons, and SU(2)XU(1) results in three massive and one massless gauge boson. SU(2)XU(1) is in fact the symmetry of The Standard Model of particle physics.
Baynes, Ella (and others)	Income, Historical Segregation, and Access to Green Spaces in Baltimore, MD	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	22	9:00	Historic inequalities caused by redlining, a discriminatory practice of the systematic denial of property loans based on race or ethnicity, persist to the present day. In our study, we examined the impact on Baltimore City specifically, measuring greenspace accessibility through both public transportation and driving, as a function of both historic redlining grade and property price. Using housing data selected from historically redlined zones from Redfin and park information from Open Baltimore GIS database, we used Generalized Linear Models to test whether redlining grade and property price can predict distance to the nearest park. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We found that redlining grade had a significant effect on price per square foot, and that both had a significant impact on greenspace accessibility. Our results show that properties with a higher price per square foot were consistently closer to the nearest green space in all surveyed scenarios. Public transportation did not significantly affect the noted trends. These results can assist urban decision makers with improving greenspace accessibility in Baltimore City.
Bedasso, Henok	Philosophical Perspectives and Happiness of College Students	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	2	10:30	Philosophers have concerned themselves with ethics for millennia, trying to make sense of the world around them and the place humans have within this world. The present study looks at the philosophical perspectives displayed by young adults, and aims to explore the effects these mindsets have on individuals. We presented three philosophical scenarios to college students (N = 20) through one-on-one interviews asking how they would address the questions posed. A group of researchers evaluated and coded responses to the scenarios, and reached a consensus for what domain the participant ultimately fell under. The domains were philosophical perspectives (Hedonistic, Extentialistism, Collectivistic, Religious, and Stoic) and each response received one of these codes. Additionally, codes were tallied for each scenario. The results revealed that a majority of college students in the study were either existentialist (35%) or stoic (30%). The results are explained and tied back to previous research on college students and the lower levels of happiness that the population reports; college students reporting lower levels of happiness and having more self-focused philosophical perspectives is in line with the idea that individuals who are more self-focused are less happier than those who are not. Implications and findings are discussed.
Blackistone, Kolton	Coaching in Division III Soccer	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	3	9:00	A qualitative study analyzing different coaching methodologies at the Division III level in the United States. The goal of the study is to identify what coaching methodologies tend to be more successful than others. The study also aimed to gain an insight into the mindset of Division III coaches.
Belt, Vanessa (and others)	Income, Historical Segregation, and Access to Green Spaces in Baltimore, MD	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	22	9:00	Historic inequalities caused by redlining, a discriminatory practice of the systematic denial of property loans based on race or ethnicity, persist to the present day. In our study, we examined the impact on Baltimore City specifically, measuring greenspace accessibility through both public transportation and driving, as a function of both historic redlining grade and property price. Using housing data selected from historically redlined zones from Redfin and park information from Open Baltimore GIS database, we used Generalized Linear Models to test whether redlining grade and property price can predict distance to the nearest park. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We found that redlining grade had a significant effect on price per square foot, and that both had a significant impact on greenspace accessibility. Our results show that properties with a higher price per square foot were consistently closer to the nearest green space in all surveyed scenarios. Public transportation did not significantly affect the noted trends. These results can assist urban decision makers with improving greenspace accessibility in Baltimore City.
Bloom, Niccolo	Assessing Brain Damage and Doublecortin Expression in Downy Woodpeckers: A Potential Model for Traumatic Brain Injury	Neuroscience	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	49	10:00	Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects thousands of people a year, ranging from athletes to military personnel and everyday individuals. The woodpeckers (Family: Picidae) have evolved foraging and communication strategies for millions of years that require the ability to peck at tree bark to forage for insects. Previous research has debated whether woodpeckers receive brain damage through pecking. Many of these studies are mechanical, theoretical, or histopathological. Mechanical studies examine the physical forces involved when woodpeckers peck, such as impact forces and how their skulls may absorb shock to protect the brain. Theoretical studies use models or simulations to predict how woodpecker anatomy might prevent brain injury, often based on physics or an evolutionary perspective. Histopathological studies analyze woodpecker brain tissues under a microscope to look for signs of damage or cellular changes after pecking. Granted, if woodpeckers receive brain damage, they could be used as an animal model for Traumatic brain injury (TBI). On the other hand, if the woodpeckers avoid brain damage, they could be used as a preventative model for TBI. Our experiment utilized immunohistochemistry and Fluoro Jade C staining on woodpecker brains to investigate whether they receive brain damage. Our findings revealed a large concentration of FJC in Woodpeckers alongside Doublecortin(DCX) immunostaining.
Book, Nathan	The Study of a Novel Viologen Through The Process of Reductive Elimination:Potential Electron Sponge with a Functional Group for Application	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Andrew S. Koch	53	10:30	Viologens, a class of bipyridinium salts, exhibit electrochromic properties due to their three reversible redox states, enabling color transitions critical for smart materials and display technologies. Their color change from colorless dication (V²⁺), to vividly colored radical cation (V•⁺), and back to neutral (V). Through the manipulation of these three redox states, they have been incorporated into auto-dimming mirrors and aircraft (or airplane) windows. This study explores the synthesis of novel viologen derivatives via metal-free reductive eliminations using symmetrical and asymmetrical diaryliodonium salts. Special focus is placed on understanding the chemoselectivity of reductive elimination in the presence of electron-withdrawing groups like acetyl. Through microwave-assisted synthesis and water-free synthesis in inert conditions, we aim to generate a new viologen derivative with potential for expanded functionality and broad synthetic utility. These efforts build on prior work by the Koch group, seeking deeper insight into the electronic and steric effects that govern aryl group transfer and product selectivity.
Boone, Trinity	Bullying & Cyberbullying: How Does It Affect LGBTQIA+ Youth?	Psychology	Dr. Kristina Howansky	31	10:00	In-person bullying and online bullying both have serious adverse effects on victims of bullying and can cause emotional and psychological harm. Bullying towards marginalized groups specifically continues to be a significant problem in our world today. An example of a marginalized group that still experiences high rates of bullying is LGBTQ+ individuals. In this paper, I examine the effects of in-person bullying and online bullying on LGBTQ+ youth and explore how these forms of bullying can be prevented. Additionally, I highlight the importance of inclusivity and support online and in schools. My main project primarily focuses on the needs of St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) LGBTQ+ students, with my main goal being to provide accurate and accommodating resources for those who have become victims of bullying and cyberbullying. I have created a virtual pamphlet with LGBTQ+ resources in hopes that it will help students easily access important contact information and find where to report hate crimes and bullying on campus. I will be personally sending the pamphlet out to SMCM students via email, along with a short survey on Google Forms, to gather feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the project. After observing the pamphlet, the participants will fill out a demographics form and respond to various questions. As a result of the study, I aim to contribute to the development of effective intervention strategies and support systems that protect LGBTQ+ students from the harmful effects of in-person and online bullying.
Brennan, Thomas	The Works of Working Memory	Psychology	Dr. James Mantell	15	10:00	This study studied the relationship between sleep quality, test anxiety, and working memory performance to see how they correlate. The primary goal was to examine how sleep quality and test anxiety influence working memory, and to see if they interact with each other. Participants (N = 42) were completing the Short Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sPSQI) to measure sleep quality, the Cognitive Test Anxiety Scale to measure test anxiety, and two types of working memory tasks (digit span and 2-back task). Bivariate correlation analyses showed that there were no significant relationships between sleep quality or test anxiety with working memory performance. However, a positive correlation was found between sleep quality and test anxiety, which was an unexpected relationship. Multiple regression analyses found that sleep quality and test anxiety were not able to predict working memory performance. Some potential limitations of the study include a smaller sample size compared to the initial power analysis and potential construct validity issues if working memory tasks were not challenging enough for participants. Future work and research should seek other methods of working memory performance to ensure that it is accurately being measured to view relationships with other variables, such as test anxiety and sleep quality
Castañeda, Gia Mari M.	Evaluating Coral-Microplastic Interactions: Capacity, Effects, and Biomimetic Solutions	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	76	10:00	Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to coral reefs, disrupting their health by causing physical stress, impaired feeding, tissue damage, and the disruption of their symbiotic relationships. This project aims to analyze in detail how corals ingest and retain microplastics, along with the specific physiological effects these plastics have on them. By thoroughly examining these interactions, we propose coral-inspired biomimetic designs, particularly focusing on corals' adhesion mechanisms and retainment of microplastics, that can be utilized to filter microplastics from the ocean. The research was conducted through a comprehensive literature review using the PRISMA framework, focusing on studies related to coral-microplastic interactions and biomimetic technologies. Results of this research emphasize that coral-microplastic interaction is species-specific but suggest that coral-inspired filtration designs, particularly from species like Danafungia scruposa, can serve as effective scalable solutions. Findings from this analysis will provide insights into how natural coral behaviors can inspire scalable solutions to mitigate marine plastic pollution.
Caudell, Grace	Exploring the Presence of Staphylococcus aureus: A Study of Nasal Carriage and Water Bottle Contamination Among St. Mary's College Volleyball Players	Biology	Dr. Patricia Santos-Ciminera	46	10:30	Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that is commonly found on the skin and in the noses of healthy individuals, but it can also cause infections ranging from mild skin conditions to serious illnesses like pneumonia and bloodstream infections. This cross-sectional study examines Staphylococcus aureus in the nasal passages and water bottles from sixteen female student-athletes from the St. Mary’s College of Maryland volleyball team to identify factors that influence the presence of bacteria. Variables like water bottle cleaning frequency and environmental exposures were assessed to determine potential risks for bacterial transmission amongst college students– specifically in an athletic setting. 24 DNase-positive presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were molecularly tested: 20 confirmed as S. aureus by NucF/R PCR. Additional isolates were identified as S. lugdunensis and S. capitis, indicating potential pathogenic presence in reusable water bottles. The only observed trend consistent with expectations was that older bottles tended to have higher bacterial loads, with the >10-year-old bottle exhibiting the greatest contamination, and bottles less than one year old showing the lowest average bacterial counts, however, there were no significant differences amongst any groups that were tested. The findings from this study underscores the complexity of bacterial contamination and colonization, and suggests that additional variables may be influencing modes of transmission, warranting further exploration. While no significant differences were observed, our results provide a valuable framework for future research.
Chase, Sanai	Rattles and realities: A qualitative study on postpartum mood disorders	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	4	10:30	Many new mothers experience postpartum mood disorders (PPMDs), yet stigma, fear, and healthcare disparities often prevent them from disclosing their symptoms. This study explores the factors that influence whether and how women share their experiences with postpartum mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. It looks at the role of social support, cultural expectations, and provider-patient relationships in shaping disclosure. By understanding what encourages or hinders symptom disclosure, the goal of this research is to inform better screening practices, improve provider communication, and promote a healthcare system where mothers feel safe speaking up and receiving support.
Christman, Kaley	Effects of Limited Light Levels on Organism Abundance in Oyster Communities in the St. Mary’s River	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	79	9:00	Light is a vital resource in aquatic communities, however, light levels are commonly decreased by factors such as seagrass, pollution, and urbanization. Oysters can survive in a variety of salinities and tolerate a large range of temperatures, but the effect of limited light levels on oysters and oyster communities as a whole has yet to be studied. The objective of this study was to bridge this gap, focusing on the preferences of the organisms that live within the habitats created by oyster shells. This study used shaded and un-shaded cages filled with clean oyster shells in the St. Mary’s River to compare the colonizing communities. The cages were left undisturbed for 6 weeks, and the organisms within them were counted and recorded upon collection. Shaded communities were more diverse based on Shannon’s H, a diversity index based on species evenness and richness. These findings indicate how abiotic factors, including light levels, play an important role in structuring communities.
Clark, Cicely	The Impact of Oyster Biodeposits and Sediment Resuspension on Nitrogen Activity in the Water Column	Marine Science	Dr. Elka Porter	60	10:00	An excess amount of nitrogen negatively affects the health of an estuarine ecosystem. Oysters release nitrogen-containing biodeposits that potentially undergo denitrification, aiding in the removal of nitrogen. Six Shear Turbulence Resuspension Mesocosms (STURM) were used to mimic tidal resuspension. The experiment was run for 29 days with a tidal resuspension phase (R, days 1-22) and a non-resuspension phase (NR, days 23-29) where three tanks received a daily input of oyster biodeposits (BD) and three did not (noBD). Data were collected on resuspended particles in three different size classes: less than 0.7 µm, 0.7-30 µm, and greater than 30 µm. Preliminary results revealed that BD tanks contained a higher amount of organic matter during the NR phase, and as total suspended solids (TSS) increased, organic matter decreased. Also, BD tanks had a lower ratio of particulate carbon (PC) to particulate nitrogen (PN). Data analysis connecting particle size and oyster biodeposits as they impact nitrogen removal is ongoing.
Clemmer, Madelyn	Assessing Patterns of Pterois Volitans on artificial reefs of the Northwestern Florida, Gulf of Mexico, in correlation with busy fishing seasons and lionfish derbies.	Marine Science	Dr. Elka Porter	65	9:00	Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) are invasive predators in the Gulf of Mexico, posing a significant threat to native marine biodiversity. This field study examined differences in lionfish abundance, growth, and condition across artificial reefs in northwestern Florida, comparing data from May and July 2024, before and after a major lionfish fishing tournament. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), length-weight regressions, Fulton’s condition factor (K), generalized linear modeling (GLM), and multicollinearity tests were used to evaluate environmental influences on lionfish populations. Results indicate a significant increase in lionfish weight over length in July, suggesting accelerated growth due to reduced competition following removal efforts. GLM analysis identified depth, salinity, surface area, and temperature as significant predictors of CPUE, with CPUE decreasing as reef surface area increased—likely due to greater refuge availability. These findings underscore the resilience of lionfish populations and highlight the need for continued removal efforts and habitat-targeted management strategies.
Colasccio, Joe (and others)	Income, Historical Segregation, and Access to Green Spaces in Baltimore, MD	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	22	9:00	Historic inequalities caused by redlining, a discriminatory practice of the systematic denial of property loans based on race or ethnicity, persist to the present day. In our study, we examined the impact on Baltimore City specifically, measuring greenspace accessibility through both public transportation and driving, as a function of both historic redlining grade and property price. Using housing data selected from historically redlined zones from Redfin and park information from Open Baltimore GIS database, we used Generalized Linear Models to test whether redlining grade and property price can predict distance to the nearest park. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We found that redlining grade had a significant effect on price per square foot, and that both had a significant impact on greenspace accessibility. Our results show that properties with a higher price per square foot were consistently closer to the nearest green space in all surveyed scenarios. Public transportation did not significantly affect the noted trends. These results can assist urban decision makers with improving greenspace accessibility in Baltimore City.
Crain, Devon	Effects of Microplastics on the Symbiosis between White Clover and Rhizobia	Biology	Dr. Lorena Torres-Martinez	73	10:30	As plastic pollution becomes a national concern, little research has been done on its effects on terrestrial systems, more importantly agricultural land. Using the bacteria Rhizobia and Trifolium repens, we observe the effects of plastic pollution on plant performance by growing them in soil exposed to microplastics and analyzing their resulting biomass and above-ground height after a month or more of growth. We hypothesize that the plants exposed to both microplastics and rhizobium will show a decrease in plant performance.
Cross, Sam	Flu Season Trends at St. Mary's College of Maryland: An Ecological Study in a Small Campus Environment	Biology	Dr. Patricia Santos-Ciminera	42	10:30	This ecological observational study examined vaccination behaviors and influenza trends at St. Mary’s College of Maryland using both statewide historical surveillance data (2009-2025) and a campus-wide survey across all class levels (N = 260). The historical data revealed a significant decline in the seasonal influenza rates over time (β = -0.0113, p < 0.001) with notable peaks during the 2009-2010 and 2017-2018 seasons and a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza A (H3) was the most dominant subtype, and adults aged 25-64 accounted for the highest case burden. Survey responses indicated that vaccinated students were more likely to be cisgender women, live on campus, use personal protective equipment, report higher flu knowledge, and strongly agree that vaccination prevents influenza infection. There were also significant associations found between vaccination status and adherence to public health guidelines (p < 0.01). These findings highlight key behavioral and demographic predictors of flu vaccine uptake and support the coupled use of epidemiological and behavioral data to inform public health strategies in academic settings.
Dance, Meredith	An uptick in ticks? Tracking the effect of climate change on Lyme disease case rates	Biology	Dr. Patricia Santos-Ciminera	40	9:00	Within the last two decades, Lyme disease cases have been increasing at an alarming rate. In a similar vein, the average temperature in the United States has increased by 1.9°C and the average annual precipitation falling at 76.2cm. This study first provides a comprehensive literature review of the history of Lyme disease, the agent behind it, the vectors and hosts, and the role of climate change in the increasing case rates and spread of the vector. The data analysis is a longitudinal study that selected the years 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2022 to determine the effects of climate change as a timewide series. Between the years of 2001 and 2022, Lyme disease case rates increased by 337.83% and correlation data indicates that the two variables, temperature and precipitation, play a role in each region and vary by year. This is further reflected by case rates increasing independently of the increasing population throughout the years in both the high and low incidence designations. Despite the marginally significant values seen in the correlation and in the linear regressions, this study provides the framework for the investigation of the exact role climate change plays in the increasing diagnosis of Lyme disease in the United States and can provide a valuable insight into the increasing prevalence of this disease within low incidence states.
Dapp, Sara	A Social-Ecological Approach and Long-Term Analysis on the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	23	10:00	This research presents an in-depth analysis of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery through a social-ecological approach, examining complex interactions between environmental factors and anthropogenic factors. Application of the social-ecological framework (SESF) on the blue crab fishery in the Chesapeake Bay has yet to be researched on, even though the fishery is lucrative and economically valuable. A social-ecological model of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery was developed through iterative interviews with stakeholders using a mapping process in Ostrom’s social-ecological systems framework to represent that fishery’s structure and function. The model illustrated the interconnectedness of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery with social and ecological variables that move the fishery to sustainability in the face of ongoing climate change. The unpredictable nature and complexities of blue crabs lead to challenges in managing the fishery effectively. Analysis on a long-term fishery independent blue crab survey data provided broader investigation on the impacts of environmental factors on blue crabs in the Bay – specifically on temperature and salinity. Observed increases in temperature and decreases in salinity levels have occurred over time. Water temperature showed statistically significant relationships with blue crab CPUE and legal size, suggesting that higher temperatures are associated with a decrease in CPUE and a decrease in average size of legal crabs. Salinity had a negative correlation with blue crab CPUE and legal crab size, but was not statistically significant. Future research should continue to expand efforts to track environmental and social variables while also engaging in diverse stakeholder input across the Bay.
Davis, Raven	The Effects of Witnessing Domestic Violence on Adult Attachment Styles	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	29	10:00	Exposure to domestic violence (DV) during childhood has profound and lasting effects on an individual's social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. Research shows that such exposure can significantly hinder a child's ability to regulate emotions, leading to difficulties in managing negative or intense feelings. This vulnerability often results in increased risks for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The repercussions of witnessing or experiencing violence can extend beyond emotional challenges, affecting one's capacity to form healthy and secure attachments throughout life. Understanding how such disruptions during critical developmental stages influence behavior across the lifespan can foster a deeper comprehension of the long-term effects of exposure to inappropriate behaviors.
DeFrese, Axl	Incubation Egg-stravaganza! Understanding Plastic Responses to Incubation Moisture in Brown Anole Lizards	Biology	Dr. Jenna Pruett	47	9:00	Development is a critical period of an organism’s life, and in oviparous species, embryos develop outside of the mother, entirely subject to environmental conditions. In many reptiles, maternal nesting choices determine the environment their eggs develop in, which can have lasting impacts on offspring fitness. The effects of temperature are highly studied in reptile systems, but others like moisture are underrepresented in the current literature. The brown anole (Anolis sagrei) is a popular model organism, but they are not excluded from the lack of moisture studies on their development and survival. To determine the effects of incubation moisture on brown anole hatchling survival and morphology, we subjected eggs to seven different incubation treatments in the laboratory and documented their survival, as well as SVL and mass over time. We found that in the high moisture treatments, there was a significant positive relationship between moisture and greater mass and SVL, and that these effects decrease as they age. Additionally, survival greatly increases with higher moisture content. This study suggests that this may be a result of tradeoffs in resource allocation during development. Further research is needed to determine the long-term fitness implications and proximate causes of these morphological differences.
Dioko, Tiffany	Quantification of estrogen synthase (aromatase) in bird brains	Neuroscience	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	51	10:30
Dishong, Samantha	Investigating the Effects of Temperature on Pseudacris ocularis Development	Biology	Dr. Jenna Pruett	43	10:30	Learning which conditions should be used for rearing anurans in the laboratory as opposed to their natural environments can be tricky due to having to manually create their natural conditions in a not-natural environment. This experiment worked to decipher the most effective temperature conditions for rearing anurans in the laboratory, specifically Pseudacris ocularis. Using a 2x2 experimental design, Little Grass Frogs were raised from young tadpoles in four different temperature conditions: a constant low temperature, constant high temperature, fluctuating low temperature, and fluctuating high temperature. We aimed to find whether these differing temperature conditions led to changes in body growth or delays in the metaphorical process. The results found survivability throughout the treatments were all diminished compared to tadpoles that were not put into incubators and left in room temperature. Due to the questions behind the low survivability within the incubators, further experiments are needed to make sense of which environmental conditions lead to the most successful rearing of Pseudacris ocularis in the laboratory.
Doyle, Aiden	Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety in Athletics	Psychology	Dr. Jennifer Tickle	9	9:00	The purpose of this project is to provide athletes, coaches, and parents with a comprehensive guide of the experiences of pre-performance anxiety (PPA) in athletics to ultimately help athletes and all kinds of performers reappraise PPA as exciting and uplifting rather than inhibiting. Our goal in this literature review is to examine the psychological processes of pre-performance anxiety, explain how it differs from a stress response, and identify practical, evidence based interventions that will help boost athlete’s self-confidence in both the task at hand and in future experiences with pre-performance anxiety. PPA is a common experience among athletes that interferes with focus, concentration, and confidence, which can ultimately be detrimental to performance. This project aims to explore the psychological processes underlying this anxiety and identify interventions to manage it effectively by developing educational resources that promote a more holistic approach. By identifying cognitive strategies, such as reappraisal techniques that help athletes reinterpret anxiety symptoms as beneficial rather than harmful, the project seeks to provide athletes with practical tools.
Duch, Gracie	Crescent Loom Neuroscience Simulation: Analyzing User Engagement and Attention Using Eye Tracking Technology	Neuroscience	Dr. Elizabeth Leininger	16	9:00	Understanding attention spans and engagement patterns of individuals who are interacting with a neuroscience digital education platform is lacking in the neuroscience education field. With the emergence of digital platforms following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand how individuals interact and engage with digital educational tools to nurture effective learning. In the field of neuroscience, laboratory equipment used for educational purposes is often expensive and requires frequent upkeep and maintenance. Digital neuroscience educational platforms that simulate laboratory experiences may be an accessible and affordable option for programs without laboratory equipment. This study aims to use eye tracking technology, to collect and analyze user engagement and attention patterns in individuals who engage with Crescent Loom, a neuroscience simulation platform. This study will broaden our knowledge to best understand attention patterns of how individuals are interacting with a specific neuroscience simulation platform to best know how to effectively incorporate that in neuroscience education.
Falby, Bianca	Developing an Assessment Tool for Brain Stimulator Buyers	Psychology	Dr. Victoria Müller Ewald & Dr. James Mantell	10	10:30	Brain stimulators, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are associated with high levels of uncertainty when it comes to the quality, who is distributing it, and treatment effectiveness. At present, there doesn’t seem to be a tool that assists with this issue and there needs to be a solution so that buyers aren’t overlooking potential warning signs. This is important because when it comes to buying products, consumers are led to believe a certain product is reliable even though it’s not. A literature review was conducted to understand what tDCS is, how it works, and what criteria is needed in order to incorporate the applied portion of this SMP. The applied portion will consist of developing an assessment tool for brain stimulators on the market (specifically making a checklist of criteria to help someone purchasing brain stimulators). The results will be the development of the assessment tool and building a criteria list that is helpful for future use. The assessment tool will take into account the different parameters of a brain stimulator, what to look for when buying a brain stimulator, and how to pick out the best one. The applied project will be beneficial for consumers trying to decide which brain stimulator device to purchase.
Ford, Maddox	Light Pollution and Vertical Migration of Copepods	Marine Science	Dr. Elka Porter	61	10:00	Copepods are a species of zooplankton that are pivotal in many marine ecosystems for the role they play in the food web. We tested two hypotheses for our study on how light pollution affects the vertical migration of copepods (Acartia tonsa) in the Chesapeake Bay in the hopes to better understand and combat light pollution on planktonic communities. The first hypothesis was that light pollution affects vertical migration of copepods. We examined swim speed in cm/s to test this hypothesis, to which we found that the control group with no light was significantly slower than our variable group with light (p<0.001). To support this we followed it up with a secondary experiment that tested which direction (towards or away) the copepods would travel. Light was shined from the top and bottom of the graduated cylinder they were kept in. As observed, there was no significant difference in the direction the copepods swam (p = 0.866). After demonstrating the effects of light pollution on vertical migration we tested to see what wavelength of light would have less impact on the copepod’s swim speeds. We hypothesized that longer wavelengths of light would be associated with less movement, therefore having less of an effect on vertical migration. We used 620-750nm (red light), 495-570nm (green light), and 360-400nm (violet light), and measured their swim speeds. Using an ANOVA test we found that “red light” was significantly lower than regular light (p<0.001), which is around the same for natural no light conditions. This would suggest that red light would be a best suited alternative for coastal lighting.
Friedman, Emily Rose	Exploring the Role of Phosphorylation of Site S227 in Malate Dehydrogenase	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Pamela Mertz	55	9:00	Beyond its classical role as the catalytic interconverter of substrates malate and oxaloacetate (OAA) in the citric acid cycle, MDH demonstrates a high degree of adaptability to changing cellular demands and conditions. Under hypoxic conditions, MDH participates in a promiscuous reaction with α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) to form L-2-Hydroxyglutarate (L-2-HG), an oncometabolite. Further contributing to the complex regulation of MDH is experimental evidence of post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation. Here we sought to characterize the functional effects of predicted phosphorylation site S227 by leveraging phosphomimetic substitution. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the genetic sequence of MDH was altered to code for an aspartic acid in place of serine 227, which effectively mimics the localized negative charge that is imparted by phosphorylation. Kinetic data collected from OAA assays demonstrates an over eighty-fold reduction in S227D activity in contrast to wild type and suggests that phosphorylation of this residue may be a potent negative regulatory mechanism. Further, kinetic assays of L-2-HG production reveal that S227D processes α-KG at a velocity significantly closer to its OAA reaction rate in comparison to wild type, suggesting that the S227D phenotype inhibits the activity of MDH with OAA by a far greater magnitude than it effects its promiscuous activity with α-KG.
Fuentes, Leslie	The Roots of Negative Parental Reactions to LGBTQ Coming out	Psychology	Dr. Kristina Howansky	32	10:30	Latin culture influences the reactions of parents to their LGBTQ+ children within Latino communities. This highlights the difficult intersection of cultural expectations, religious beliefs, familial values such as familismo, and social pressures that shape parental responses. Latinx parents often react negatively to their children's sexual identities, with these responses stemming from traditional gender roles, religious teachings, and concerns for the child's safety and social acceptance. The review explores how negative reactions can lead to mental health challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals with Latinx families, where cultural and religious values create tension between love and societal expectations. Despite initial negative reactions, there is discussion how increased awareness, communication, and time passing can lead to greater acceptance. Implications for future research include the need for culturally sensitive approaches to support both LGBTQ+ individuals and their families in navigating these hard dynamics. Ultimately, understanding within the family unit is crucial for promoting the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in Latino communities.
Glover, Aidan	Kinetic Analysis of Human Mitochondrial Malate Dehydrogenase Phosphomimetic Mutant T212D with ɑ-Ketoglutarate and Oxaloacetate	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Pamela Mertz	54	9:00	Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is a key enzyme in the Krebs cycle that takes L-malate and NAD+ and converts it to oxaloacetate (OAA) and NADH. Under hypoxic conditions, MDH can also use ɑ-ketoglutarate (𝛼KG) as a substrate and convert it to L-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG levels are known to be elevated in cancer cells, which are typically hypoxic environments. We are studying phosphorylation, a type of regulation, of specific residues and how that affects the enzymatic activity of MDH with respect to both OAA and ɑKG. This is being done through the creation of phosphomimetic mutants, where the negative charge associated with phosphorylation is imitated by changing the residue of interest to a residue with a permanent negative charge, such as aspartate. In this project, threonine residue 212 of human mitochondrial MDH (MDH2) was changed to an aspartate residue (T212D). Preliminary kinetic assays were performed to determine the rate at which T212D converts OAA and NADH into malate and NAD+. Kinetic assays show that T212D is less active than WT. Mutant T212D has a Vmax of 22 μmol/min/mg, while WT has a Vmax of 120 μmol/min/mg, and T212D has a Km value of 7.3 μM, while WT has a Km value of 8.3 μM. This shows that T212D is less enzymatically active than WT MDH2 is with OAA. More preliminary kinetic assays were completed, but this time with 𝛼KG. These assays appear to show that once again, T212D has less activity than WT MDH2; however, further studies need to be done to confirm this.
Gonzalez, Alba	Investigating Melatonin Tolerance and Behavioral Adaptation in Zebrafish Over Time	Biology	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	48	10:00	Melatonin, a hormone crucial for circadian rhythm regulation, has become a common treatment for sleep disorders. While effective in the short term, the long-term neural and behavioral consequences of repeated melatonin exposure remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of daily and incrementally increasing melatonin doses on behavioral patterns in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Over 15 days, four groups of zebrafish were exposed to different melatonin regimens: Control (no melatonin), constant dose (0.03 mg/mL), and two incrementally increasing dose groups (changing every 2 days or every 4 days). Behavioral changes were measured via swimming patterns, mirror-bitting behavior, and social cohesion metrics. Results showed that zebrafish exposed to prolonged and increasing doses exhibited reduced activity, increased latency to initiate swimming, and signs of social withdrawal, indicating behavioral tolerance. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic melatonin exposure induces adaptive changes in neural circuits underlying sleep and social behavior, with potential implications for long-term melatonin use in a clinical context.
Grimm, Emelina	Synthesis of Bis(naphtholate) aza-boron-dipyrromethenes	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Daniel Chase	55	10:30	This project explores the synthesis of bis(naphtholate) aza-BODIPY dyes, a class of near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores with potential applications in bioimaging, photodynamic therapy, and optoelectronics. Aza-BODIPYs are structurally related to BODIPY dyes but feature a nitrogen atom at the meso-position, leading to red-shifted absorption and emission. The synthetic strategy involved aldol condensation to form chalcones from naphthol derivatives, followed by a Michael addition and cyclization to produce the aza-dipyrromethene core, and final boron complexation. Multiple synthetic challenges were encountered, including low reactivity and difficulties in protecting or modifying the hydroxyl group on naphthol precursors. While aza-BODIPY dyes were not successfully synthesized, intermediates such as TMS- and methyl-protected naphthol derivatives were prepared and characterized, offering insight into the limitations and opportunities for future optimization of this synthetic route.
Halper, Michelle	Cracks in the Mirror: Revealing self esteem and self-harm in SMCM undergraduates	Neuroscience	Dr. Victoria Müller-Ewald, Dr. Mantell	8	10:30	This study explores the relationship between self-esteem and self-harm in smcm students. Using four different scales: the general self efficacy scale (GSE), the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE), and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), scores were compared between students who reported that they have self-harmed and those who reported that they haven't. A significant difference was found in the scores of the RSE scale, the self-esteem scale, where students who reported that they self-harmed had lower self-esteem compared to their counterparts.
Harbourt, Patton	Investigating Heat Shock Gene Expression in response to cold stimuli in Different Latitudinal Populations of Brown Anoles.	Biology	Dr. Abby Beatty	41	10:00	Brown Anoles (Anolis Sagrei) are a Cuban lizard species which has become invasive to the relatively cooler Southern US. While their acclimation to colder climates has been well characterized by morphological studies, the genetic mechanisms enabling these changes remains unclear. This experiment aimed to better understand how the Brown Anole has successfully invaded colder climates. Utilizing quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), an experiment was designed to determine if members of the Heat Shock Protein (HSP) family are differentially expressed in response to cold shock stimulation. Here, I present a validated methodological procedure for examining HSP expression in the Brown Anole, spanning techniques from blood collection to gene expression analysis. Additionally, I present predictions for expression patterns in response to cold shock, and explore future research avenues utilizing the presented methods.
Harris, Giselle	Engaging Cultural Values and Social Norms to Enhance Latine Environmentalism	Psychology	Dr. Jennifer Tickle	35	9:00	Although the Latino population is the one of the largest minorities in the United States, they are often overlooked when it comes to environmental efforts. Latine environmentalism faces many barriers, one of the biggest being the concern-behavior gap. While Latines express high environmental concern, their engagement in PEB remains relatively low, potentially due to the individualistic focus of traditional environmental efforts. Research suggests that in collectivist cultures, social norms play a crucial role in driving PEB and that cultural values influence the relationship between PEB and its antecedents. To test this, three flyer variations were designed to evaluate the impact of social comparison, cultural values, and social norms on Latine environmental engagement. The main effect of time showed that after flyers were presented, there was an increase in perceived norms (injunctive and descriptive) and an increase in pro-environmental behavioral intentions. There was not a significant correlation between the presentation of flyers and pro-environmental behavior. Exploratory analyses further revealed that there were significant differences in behavioral intentions related to lifestyle and political behaviors. Future research should continue to work to close the concern-behavior gap and create environmental interventions to target Latine environmentalism.
Hatfield, Quinnten	SDR-Based Passive Radar: Modeling and Hardware Implementation	Physics	Dr. Anish Agashe	17	10:00	Passive radar systems offer low-cost, covert detection and tracking by exploiting illuminators of opportunity such as long-term evolution (LTE) base stations and frequency modulated (FM) radio broadcasts. With the growing prevalence of autonomous and unmanned vehicles across land, sea, and air, interest in passive radar technologies is expanding. This paper presents the modeling of an LTE-based passive radar system in both MATLAB and Julia, and introduces a framework for hardware integration using a software-defined radio (SDR) for implementing FM and LTE-based passive radar applications. By comparing simulation results to real-world SDR-based measurements, the limitations of the computer models and the practical deficiencies of the SDR implementation are evaluated. The results show that the models failed to accurately represent the noise, clutter, and ambient signal characteristics present in a real-world environment. These findings highlight the challenges in bridging simulation and physical implementation, and offer insights to guide future passive radar development.
Heath, Jeremy	Effects of Water Depth on Foot-Propelled Diving Waterbird Species in the St. Mary’s River.	Biology	Dr. Jordan Price	44	10:00	Aquatic ecosystems face increasing environmental pressures, necessitating effective monitoring strategies to track ecosystem health. Waterbirds can serve as effective bioindicators in these systems, reflecting changes in prey availability, habitat quality, and water contamination. This study investigated how water depth influences the distribution and foraging behaviors of foot-propelled diving waterbirds in an estuary located in Southern Maryland, USA. From January to March 2025, I conducted 30-minute observations at five locations along the estuary to collect data on waterbird dive durations, species distributions, and preferred water depths estimated using bathymetric data. Results indicated that water depths significantly affected diving waterbird distributions, with longer-duration diving species consistently favoring deeper waters compared to others, suggesting habitat partitioning among species based o n depth. These findings highlight the importance of water depth in structuring aquatic habitats and provide valuable insights for conservation efforts aimed at protecting waterbird populations and improving aquatic ecosystem management.
Hoffman, Holly	Evaluating Substrate Preferences of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in the St. Mary’s River	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	20	10:00	Macroinvertebrates for the foundation of most aquatic ecosystems and supporting their populations can promote the overall health and flourishing of entire ecosystems. In this study I investigated the substrate preferences of benthic macroinvertebrates in the St. Mary’s River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Three substrate types: oyster shells, leaf litter, and plastic netting were placed in test cages and analyzed for differences in macroinvertebrate colonization, including diversity, abundance, richness, and evenness. My main hypothesis was that oyster shell substrates would support the most diverse and evenly distributed communities due to their structural complexity and historical ecological significance in the region. Results suggest that oyster shell substrates supported a more diverse and stable benthic macroinvertebrate community, but additional sampling is needed. Observed trends and the influence of external factors such as fish predation suggest that further investigation may yield clearer insights into substrate specific colonization patterns in the St. Mary’s River.
Horton, Colin	Nocardia, Where Are You?: Uncovering the Hidden Bacterial World Beneath St. Mary's College of Maryland.	Biology	Dr. Patricia Santos-Ciminera	45	10:00	This study aimed to isolate and identify Nocardia spp. and other soil bacteria from various locations on the St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) campus using microbiological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. A total of 90 soil samples underwent paraffin baiting, resulting in visible growth in 46% of samples after 4 weeks of incubation. Subsequent culturing on Actinomyces Isolation Agar yielded 87 bacterial colonies, from which 15 unique morphologies were subcultured and analyzed. Biochemical tests were performed for all isolates, and nine were successfully sequenced for molecular identification. While Nocardia spp. isolation remains ongoing, several other soil-dwelling genera were confirmed, including Burkholderia, Glutamicibacter, Bacillus, Agrobacterium, and Achromobacter. Each isolate demonstrated distinct colony morphology, Gram staining characteristics, and biochemical profiles. The results underscore the microbial diversity present in SMCM’s soil and highlight the challenges associated with isolating slow-growing organisms such as Nocardia. This work contributes to a better understanding of soil microbial communities and supports future research into the ecological roles and pathogenic potential of environmental bacteria.
Ibrahim, Yohan	Towards a One‑Time Cure for Intermediate Uveitis	Biology	Dr. Samantha Elliott	40	10:30	Intermediate uveitis is a sight-threatening, T-cell-mediated inflammation of the uvea (vitreous and peripheral retina) that disproportionately affects children and young adults and often recurs despite long-term therapies. Genetic studies have identified two key specific genetic changes in the HLA‑DRB1 and IL2RA genes that predispose patients to intermediate uveitis. In this study, I integrated immunopathological and genetic insights to correct these genetic risk factors using CRISPR/Cas (gene‑editing tool), which potentially leads to a personalized, one-time curative strategy for intermediate uveitis. I proposed a multistep experimental humanized mouse model that establishes a proof-of-concept for precision genome editing. It consists of sample cell extraction and sequencing of patient HLA-DRB1 and IL2RA gene sites to confirm carriage of the variant alleles. Followed by the application of the genetic engineering tool, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to target these specific locations and correct the mutant version in vitro. After the edit, corrected cells are expanded and then introduced into the eyes of humanized mice carrying the same HLA-DRB1 and IL2RA risk alleles. Monitor the mice for ocular inflammation via imaging and inflammatory marker tests. This work lays the foundation for individualized gene therapy to cure intermediate uveitis, where future studies could investigate the human replica.
Illig, Kayla	Sensing the Oceans through an Octopod Perspective: Sensory Biology Literary Review	Marine Science	Dr. Elka Porter	62	10:30	Octopod intelligence and unique physiology have been topics of interest in various research studies since the 1960s. Most articles, however, are limited to specific questions, are challenging to find, or are inaccessible to the public. This especially applies to octopus sensory biology. In this paper, I have performed a literary review on the sensory system of octopuses, collecting knowledge from more than forty sources to address two main questions: 1) What are the unique anatomical adaptations included in the sensory system of octopuses, and how do they function, and 2) how do these features assist navigation, hunting, and self-protection? My synthesis aims to make octopus sensory biology more accessible to future marine biology students, and octopus enthusiasts alike, who are new to the topic. This review is divided into sections, discussing octopus ecology and its role in research, their vision, chemical and tactile receptors, nervous system function and distribution, olfaction, and color sensing. My research revealed relatively consistent information. Specifically, octopuses depend heavily on chemical and visual cues for object discrimination when hunting, despite their color-blind attribute. This has raised questions about the functionality of their camouflage capabilities, also included in this review. To find mates, octopuses are believed to rely on olfaction, which they also use to detect predators. Despite these consistencies, knowledge gaps were found in studies on olfaction and mechanoreception. This review provides a bigger picture of how octopuses use their senses in conjunction to explore and survive in marine habitats, which will also allow us to better protect them.
Johnson, Ashley	Fatherless Foundations: Examining the impact of absent fathers on their children.	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	72	10:00	Paternal absence is the act of a father being absent from their family who may not provide any form of explanation to their children for the reason behind them being absent. The risk of being in a household without a father has greatly increased. Furthermore, there are various negative impacts, such as damage to the abandonment schema, attachment insecurity, intimacy issues, anxiety, and depression.This study examined the extent of fatherly involvement (or uninvolvement) will be associated with attachment security, romantic relationship satisfaction, and psychological well being alongside if there was a statistically significant association between attachment security, romantic relationship satisfaction, and psychosocial wellbeing. A regression analysis and a correlational analysis was used to assess the given hypotheses. Results indicated partial support for both hypotheses. Specifically, for the first hypothesis all variables were statistically significant except for the impact on attachment which was only partially supported. Furthermore, the second hypothesis was also partially supported with a correlation being present for all variables except for the attachment security anxiety scale and father involvement. In conclusion, the results were in alignment with past research and have the potential to further discussion on the topic and provide more awareness for this demographic of individuals.
Johnson, Jordan	The Bushfire Effect on Australian Koalas	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	19	9:00	Australia, a country in the Oceania region, is home to many wildlife species, including the kangaroo, the world’s deadliest snakes such as the Inland Taipan, and koalas. Known for its iconic Great Barrier Reef and Outback, this country also has many natural hazards, such as the prevalent bushfires in Northern Queensland. The increase in bushfires in Northern Queensland, Australia, has continuously burned down wildlife populations due to human activity and climate change (Yu et al., 2020). Climate change has affected the temperature in Australia by increasing in the past 60 years, which will likely continue (CSIRO, n.d). Bushfires in Australia have been caused by both a decrease in rainfall and an increase in extremely hot temperatures (Yu et al., 2020). Therefore, climate change directly affects bushfires, threatening wildlife.
Jones, Daisha	Confessing Under Pressure: How Interrogations Lead to False Confessions	Psychology	Dr. Jennifer Tickle	13	9:00	False confessions are a critical challenge in the criminal justice system, often resulting from faulty police interrogation techniques. Lay people or non-expert witnesses generally perceive police interrogations as inherently reliable, often underestimating the psychological pressures and tactics that can lead to false confessions. The purpose of this study was to examine how lay people interpret the psychological and procedural factors that contribute to false confessions, focusing on two major interrogation techniques: the bluffing technique and the Reid technique. To achieve this, participants (n = 96) were presented with an interrogation video randomized to feature either the bluffing or Reid technique, accompanied later by an infographic. After watching the video, participants were assessed for their perceived guilt or innocence verdict of the suspect, as well as other interpretations of the interrogation. A follow-up assessment was conducted after participants reviewed the infographic. The results did not yield any significant effects suggesting that the interrogation technique influenced participants' interpretation of the suspect or the interrogation as a whole. However, the infographic did produce a few significant effects related to the details of the interrogation. Despite these findings, this study lays a foundation that could contribute to improving interrogation practices and informing future policy changes.
Kinch, Gavin	Building an Automated Water Incubation System to Measure Water Column Primary Production in the St. Mary's River	Marine Science	Dr. Cassie Gurbisz	64	10:00	The creation of the light-dark bottle method has opened up to our understanding of primary production in various environments and conditions. However there have been notable methodological issues surrounding the method for measuring net primary production. In the past few decades, there have been multiple approaches to making more accurate measurements of primary production. The technique we are researching is the AWIS system, adopted by Matthew Long and colleagues.The development of the DIY AWIS(automated water incubation system) was broken up into two developmental processes, programming and wiring. All components were wired together, to become a functioning unit, which was followed up by being programmed on arduino IDE to perform water incubations, to produce NPP data.
Kingsland, Tamani	Investigation of Quercetin-Liposome Induced Upregulation of Caspase-8	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Pamela Mertz	56	10:00	Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent disease characterized by the excessive growth of tissue along the mucosal lining of the colon and rectum; this excessive proliferation is influenced by mutations contributing to the overexpression of the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), an inhibitor of extrinsic TNFR1 mediated apoptosis. The facilitation of this pathway is regulated by an initiator protease named caspase-8 which cleaves/activates effector caspases-3 and 7. To date, the cytotoxic effect of liposomal Quercetin on a human CRC cell line (SW-48) has been observed by way of caspases-3/7 concentration; the effect on initiator caspase-8 concentration has yet to be studied. The purpose of this study is to validate the cytotoxic effect of Quercetin-loaded liposome treatment on TNFR1 mediated apoptosis in an SW-48 cell line relative to initiator protein caspase-8 concentration. I predict that an increase of intracellular caspase-8 will suggest Quercetin’s role in the caspase-8 cleavage mechanism. Cell viability was assessed by the Mitochondrial Reductase Assay (MTT) and the Human Caspase-8 ELISA. Liposomes were prepared utilizing Thin Lipid Film Hydration. Progress on the measurement of initiator caspase-8 concentration will contribute to the understanding of Quercetin’s influence on the initiation of the extrinsic TNFR1 apoptosis pathway.
Klasmeyer, Logan Michael	Determining Factors of LGB Hookup Frequency	Psychology	Dr. Kristina Howansky	26	10:00	Historically, facilitated hookups have been a longstanding way for people in the LGB communities to establish connections, while also keeping their lives secret due to social stigma. Though, with the virtualization of many hookup apps, younger LGB youth are participating in hookups earlier than previously looked at. Because of this, the current study examined three factors ( parental acceptance, type area one lives in, and acceptance in schools) that might cause LGB youth to engage more readily in hookups. The sample comprised of 163 LGB identifying participants ages 18-20 ( M = 19.25 , SD = 0.72) who were recruited via Qualtrics. Participants filled out a survey which asked to report how frequently they use apps like Grindr to facilitate hookups, their experiences with parental acceptance using the Parental Attachment Scale (PAS), their experiences with acceptance in schools using the Bullying and Exclusion Experiences Scale (BEES), and how many sexual partners they’ve had, as well as how frequently they’ve engaged in sexual contact. Contrary to our hypothesis, parental acceptance and the area in which someone lived was not a predictor of the frequency at which LGB youth participated in hookups, though there was a slight significance between acceptance in schools and hookup frequency, with bullying behaviors and witnessed bullying showing a significant interaction.
Kleine, Julia	The Effects Of Hypoxia On Crassostrea virginica Growth	Biology	Dr. Christina Goethel	78	10:00	Excess nutrients in an aquatic ecosystem can lead to increases in harmful algal blooms that often create large hypoxic (2 ppm) and anoxic (0 ppm) areas known as dead zones, which are defined as areas without enough oxygen to sustain life. These dead zones can lead to loss of aquatic life in these areas including organisms such as fish, shellfish, and many other organisms, making what is more specifically referred to as a biological dead zone. In this experiment we examined how stressful environmental conditions, such as hypoxia, can affect the Eastern Oyster’s growth and fitness. The results of a t-test performed between oysters kept in hypoxic conditions and normoxic conditions shows no significant difference between the average percent growth of oysters (p=0.4863). The results of a second ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the percent growth between the tanks as (p=0.761). The results showed no significant correlation between the growth of the oysters and the oxygen conditions they were exposed to. The findings from other studies suggest that the findings of our study are unusual and perhaps oysters were exposed to these conditions for long enough to see any effects.
Kopf, Kayla	“I Can Do It” : How Implicit Theories of Intelligence Affect Academics	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	1	9:00	This literature review explores the multifaceted nature of intelligence and its impact on academic performance, particularly through the lens of Implicit Theories of Intelligence (ITI). Traditional measures of intelligence, such as Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests, have been critiqued for neglecting emotional, social, and adaptive dimensions. Researchers emphasize the influential role of environmental and contextual factors in shaping intelligence. When analyzing academic performance in mathematics, Carol Dweck's ITI paradigm, which makes a distinction between growth (incremental) and fixed (entity) mindsets, reveals important implications for student motivation, resilience, and academic achievement. The review also emphasizes how motivation and learning styles differ by gender, with females frequently exhibiting higher levels of academic resilience. It has been demonstrated that prolonged academic success depends on intrinsic motivation, which is influenced by mentality and the learning environment.
Kreider, Savannah	Impacts of Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise on Living Shorelines in an Island at the Potomac River	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	24	10:30	Coastal erosion is becoming a prevalent concern to coastal communities as shorelines are becoming intensely affected as an indirect impact of sea level rise and lack of native vegetation. Considered a “green infrastructure” solution, living shorelines are implemented in hopes to sustainably slow the rate of erosion. St. Catherine’s Island is located along the Potomac river, and is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. The island, along with many shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, is experiencing rapid erosion as a direct result of anthropogenic changes. Recently, living shorelines were implemented to the island. From September 2024 to April 2025, we have been monitoring, measuring, and comparing these living shorelines to their effects on preventing coastal erosion. Erosion for each shoreline was measured through transect measurements, finding the slope of each transect from the high tide line until an indicated point more landbound. This continuous monitoring technique will serve as a base for future monitoring along the island and be stored on a GIS map. Each beach had a sediment trap placed to measure accretion over a four week period. Density of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAVs) was collected through random sampling using quadratic samples along three different depths within the living shoreline. Transect measurement profiles and sediment traps indicate less intense erosion on living shorelines, compared to exposed ones. As a majority of the current living shoreline currently is encompassed by riprap, the average density of SAVs were found to be 12.18%. Our results indicate a moderate efficiency of living shorelines, and we suggest the adoption of techniques such as addition of wetlands in replacement of riprap barriers, oyster reefs, and additional SAVs planted. These important components are necessary for the shoreline's stability and to sustain a greater amount of biodiversity within these coasts.
Kumah, Aimee M.	Toward the Feasibility of Acylated aza-BODIPYs	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Daniel Chase	57	10:00	Aza-BODIPYs are fluorescent dyes that have garnered widespread attention for their versatile, photophysical properties such as absorption and emission in the near-infrared (NIR) region, good photostability, and high fluorescence quantum yields. These properties make them ideal candidates for in vivo imaging and deep tissue penetration of cancerous cells. However, their biological applications are hindered by poor solubility and limited methodologies for targeted functionalization. This study focuses on the Friedel-Crafts acylation of 1,3,5,7-tetra(tolyl)-aza-BODIPY with various acyl chlorides at the 2- and 6-positions on the core for further functionalization. The synthesized derivatives will be characterized using 1H-NMR spectroscopy and thin layer chromatography to verify the structural modifications. We aim to enhance the photophysical properties of this aza-BODIPY and thus its performance with respect to in vivo cancer cell imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT), contributing to the growing research on their application in biological settings.
Lopez Perez, Mariely	Understanding ADHD Medication: Task Attention and The Placebo Effect	Psychology	Dr. Victoria Muller-Ewald, Dr. James Mantell	33	10:30	Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder often characterized by frequent and persistent inappropriate episodes of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity (Jansson et al., 2023; Coghill et al., 2017). ADHD is commonly treated with pharmacotherapies (medication), such as psychostimulants and non-psychostimulants (Jasson et al., 2023), but often has unfavorable side effects (i.e. insomnia, lack of appetite, decreased libido), which cause a large number of individuals to discontinue their medication regimen and go untreated for ADHD (Kolar et al., 2008; Colagiuri et al., 2015). Work suggests that the placebo effect can have a significant effect in alleviating ADHD symptoms, even in open-label studies where participants knew the drug was a placebo (Jansson et al., 2023; Sandler & Bodfish, 2007). To add to the literature, researchers designed an experiment to see if a placebo would alleviate the ADHD symptoms of participants through the measure of a CPT-3 pre and post-treatment assessment. Additionally, participants will be split into two groups, an open-label and a closed-label group, to see if participants’ ADHD symptoms will improve even when they know the medication is a placebo.
Lusk, Alaina	A Systematic Review on the Effects of Benzophenone-3 on Coral Bleaching	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	77	9:00	Sunscreen ingredient bans have been a widely debated topic due to its possible negative impacts on coral reefs. One ingredient that has been banned due to its harmful effects on corals is Benzophenone-3 (also known as Oxybenzone and BP3). The goal of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the impacts of BP3 on coral bleaching and mortality. Bleaching and mortality was collected from 5 papers and analyzed via a linear regression. As levels of BP3 increased, so did both coral bleaching and mortality. However, there is a lack of studies examining the effects of BP3 on coral bleaching, and more work needs to be done in order to make informed decisions about sunscreen bans.
Lutz, Shannon	Narrative Therapy in a Peer Support Group for LGBTQ+ Individuals	Psychology	Dr. Kristina Howansky	25	10:30	Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face many struggles in the United States due to societal views of their sexual or gender identity. One particular issue that these individuals may experience is family rejection, which is when the family of the LGBTQ+ individual is not accepting of their identity. This can lead to many mental health struggles including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, etc., so it is important that effective treatments be identified in order to help LGBTQ+ individuals cope with family rejection. Narrative therapy within a peer support group may be an effective method of therapeutic intervention for these individuals. The current study examined narrative therapy with a peer exchange component for LGBTQ+ individuals who experienced family rejection. 248 participants were randomly assigned to either write a narrative or neutral letter, to read a sample letter from a peer or a control reading task, and answered questionnaires relating to their family rejection experiences, social support, and mental health outcomes. Data indicated that immediately following the narrative exercise, anxiety and depressive symptoms were heightened, but participants also reported feeling more sense of control and self compassion. Additionally, depression symptoms were controlled among individuals who read the sample letter from the peer, indicating that this exchange component may help mental health outcomes. This research indicates that narrative therapy within a peer support group may be an effective treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals who are coping with family rejection and calls for more equitable policy and rhetoric towards this population.
Mandrugina, Maria	From LOL to BRB: A retrieval appraoch to texting abbreviations	Psychology	Dr. Nayantara Kurpad	11	10:00	In contrast to popular learning strategies such as rereading and note-taking, cognitive psychologists highlight retrieval practice (testing effect) as a more effective tool for long-term retention and conceptual understanding (Karpicke & Blunt, 2011; Roediger & Butler, 2011). In this study, we investigate whether retrieval practice increases learning of texting abbreviations (e.g., LOL), paired with emojis (e.g., 😂), in order to address the gaps in understanding how visual cues shape memory across ages. A total of 232 older adults (age 55+) and younger adults (18–35 years) were randomized to either the retrieval practice condition or the restudy condition. We hypothesized that retrieval practice would outperform restudy (H₁), and older adults would benefit more from emoji pairings than younger adults, while no age-related differences would be found in the restudy condition (H₂). After finishing an online exercise using Qualtrics, which consisted of a learning phase, distractor task, and final test, participants' data was analyzed using Jamovi. A 2×2 ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of the study condition, which aligns with our hypothesis. Findings indicate that emojis have the potential to bridge emotional and informational gaps in memory, particularly for older adults.
Mazingo, Jillian	The Impact of ACEs on Learning: Empowering Teachers through Awareness and Strategies	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	30	9:00	Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are connected to many negative outcomes for children. When investigating the role ACEs play in the classroom, it is clear that they negatively impact students’ academic success and factors of overall school success such as attendance, grade retention, engagement, and behavior. Educators play an essential role in the lives of ACE-impacted students, as they can implement strategies in the classroom to mitigate the harmful impacts of ACEs. These strategies include using restorative rather than punitive practices, fostering resilience and self-esteem, developing student-teacher relationships, and effectively communicating with parents. However, teachers are often not aware of the prevalence and impact of ACEs, and the need for these strategies. The present project was developed as an online source for teachers to gain awareness of how ACEs may impact their students and the actions they can take to reduce the harmful effects.
McClean, Jackson	A Fungus Among Us: Retrospective Survey of Chytrid Fungi in Maryland’s Amphibians	Biology	Dr. Abby Beatty	67	10:30	Pathogens are increasing the decline of global amphibian populations. The deadliest of which is chytrid, a fungus whose zoospores bind to an amphibian’s skin via flagellation in water. Once bound to an amphibian, chytrid spores degrade proteins responsible for osmoregulation in the skin, leading to subsequent organ failure and death. To determine if amphibians in Southern Maryland display a history of chytrid infection, preserved amphibians in the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Museum collection were swabbed and processed using presence-absence PCR. Methodologies for the surveying of wild populations have been previously verified; however, this work expanded on those methodologies to validate a procedure for detection in preserved samples, at a detection limit of 10 copies of DNA per sample. All 83 amphibians tested negative for chytrid infection, indicating that Southern Maryland does not contain chytrid. Additionally, water samples were collected and filtered across 5 state parks to survey natural populations for current infection; however, results are pending for the natural populations. Despite these negative results, research should continue to study chytrid spread as populations can quickly decline if untreated.
McConnell, Natalie	Love, Leashes, and Therapy: Therapists’ Perceptions of Kinky and Queer Clientele	Psychology	Dr. Kristina Howansky	69	10:30	Widely, societal and clinical spaces still do not hold a sex positive outlook that attempts to promote sexual well-being for both kink related practitioners and queer people. For queer practitioners, there is also still the reality that their sexuality can be a barrier to access of counseling services. This shows that there are still many external factors working to limit the ability for practitioners to live free from stigma, specifically due to a perceived lack of support by therapists. Therefore, research into mental health practitioners actual perceptions of people who are kinky and queer could elucidate the current levels of stigma for those seeking therapy. This is why interviews with mental health practitioners regarding their perception of these issues and experience with this intersection of clientele may be beneficial. For this project, the researcher has conducted a qualitative analysis from six therapists analyzing for themes across studies into their beliefs and perceptions around kink and the intersection of kink and queer clientele. Common themes included therapist attitudes towards clients (openness and acceptance), therapists’ experiences (in school and from their lives), as well as topics around societal stigma (normalization of kink and necessity for language around topics of sex).
McEvoy, Mary Rose	Parent-Child Emotion Regulation: Emotion Regulation Strategies Emerging Adults Learn from Parental Figures in Their Childhood	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	7	9:00	Prior research has looked at the impact of parents' socialization of emotion regulation (ER) strategies on children's expression of emotions and how they regulate their emotions. The current study aimed to build on prior research of young adults' ER strategies and parental ERSBs in childhood by assessing these factors in late adolescence and early adulthood. The purpose of the study was to examine whether parental supportive and unsupportive ERSBs (emotion-related socialization behaviors) positively correlate with young adults' emotion regulation strategies. We also examined whether parental ERSBs positively correlate with young adults' expression of both positive and negative emotions. The relationship between supportive parental ERSBs and young adults' negative emotion expressivity was statistically significant with a weak positive correlation (r = 0.224, p = .041). The relationship between young adults’ Positive Self-Talk and supportive parental ERSBs was statistically significant with a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.375, p = < .001). The relationship between young adults’ Thought Suppression and parental unsupportive ERSBs was statistically significant with a weak positive correlation (r = 0.289, p = .008). The results support previous research discussing parental ERSBs' influence on their children’s emotional expressivity and ER. The relationships between the variables are small but significant.
McKay, Cullen	Pre-Performance Anxiety in Athletics	Psychology	Dr. Jennifer Tickle	9	9:00	In response to the identified need for accessible, practical resources to help athletes, coaches, and parents manage pre-performance anxiety (PPA), we developed the website Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety in Athletics. This website serves as an applied extension of our research, aiming to translate different studies and research into a comprehensive resource that could assist athletes, coaches, parents, and athletic trainers.
Meisel, Samuel David	Detraining Impacts on Motor Memory of Front Crawl Swimming	Biology	Dr. Sarah Latchney	38	10:30	Motor memory is the ability to recall a memory and execute coordinated movements for familiar tasks. It helps athletes perform with consistent accuracy and timing. This form of implicit memory is a key component in sports performance alongside strength and endurance. After a sports season, athletes often reduce or stop training. This is a phase known as detraining. During this time, performance tends to decline. While strength and endurance loss have been well studied, motor memory’s role is less understood. This study examined motor memory in competitive swimming. Underwater video was taken of 16 St. Mary’s College of Maryland varsity swimmers before and after five to seven weeks of detraining. Researchers analyzed changes in the pulling phase of the freestyle stroke. Results showed a low correlation between time spent swimming during detraining and stroke changes. This suggests that a decline in sprint swimming performance over this period is not due to a loss of technique in the pulling motion. These findings highlight that other factors such as cardiovascular endurance may have a larger impact during detraining. Future research should explore how endurance influences motor memory to better guide off-season training.
Mekonnen, Yodahe	What factors are associated with vaginal susceptibility to infection	Biology	Dr. Patricia Santos-Ciminera	52	9:00	The female reproductive system undergoes dynamic changes throughout life, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, all of which influence the composition and function of vaginal discharge. The vaginal microbiome, the body’s most complex bacterial community, plays a crucial role in reproductive health by maintaining an acidic environment that protects against infections. Estrogen and progesterone regulate the composition and consistency of vaginal discharge, which in turn affects microbial balance. Disruptions—caused by hormonal shifts, antibiotics, or stress—can reduce protective Lactobacillus populations and lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs. This paper investigates additional lifestyle factors affecting vaginal health. Using NHANES data from 2001–2004, we performed logistic regression to explore correlations between vaginal infection and variables such as alcohol use, menstrual status, and physical activity. Results showed that binge drinking was associated with lower odds of reported vaginal infections, while moderate and vigorous physical activity were also significantly protective. Muscle-strengthening activity, however, showed no significant association. These findings suggest that lifestyle factors, in addition to hormonal and microbial influences, contribute to vaginal health and immune defense, supporting prior work that links behavior and microbiota balance.
Newman, Frank Joseph	Chemistry Demonstration Development and Implementation Assessment at St. Mary's College of Maryland	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Kelly Neiles and Doug Hovland	58	10:30	Demonstrations are a commonly used component in teaching chemistry classes to help students to link sub-micro and representational concepts to visible, tangible phenomena. Although there is little doubt of the value of demonstrations in a chemistry class, performing them does not come without challenges. Teachers/professors must consider relevance to the subject material, time commitment and most importantly, safety. The goal of this project is to create demonstration “kits” so that presenters at SMCM will be better equipped to facilitate complete audience interest and understanding of the concepts within the demonstrations. If this goal is accomplished, the department will have useful resources with which they can teach more effectively in classroom and school event settings.
O’Callaghan, Conor Charles	Context Dependent Memory and the Interaction of Familiarity and Lyrical Presence within Background Music	Psychology	Dr. James Mantell	6	10:00	This study observed the influences of audial familiarity and lyrical presence on word recall scores using the principles of context dependent memory (CDM). CDM is a phenomenon which occurs when an environmental stimulus is placed incidentally during a context for multiple occurrences; repeated exposures can then induce potential increases in recollection rates. This study used the word retention test which gives a word recall score. This study used six audial factors, with four being musical pieces, one ambient sound, and one being no audio output. The musical pieces were either familiar or unfamiliar and lyrical or instrumental. Audial familiarity and the lack thereof were effectively predicted using cultural norms and a song’s culture of origin. The familiar pieces were versions of an English traditional folk song called Greensleeves and the unfamiliar pieces were versions of the traditional Japanese folk song Sakura Sakura (Cherry Blossom, Cherry Blossom). Lyrical presence was either present or unpresent, but was labeled as lyrical or instrumental. The word recall test resulted in non-significant results meaning the study at hand did not induce CDM. The means of the results also inspire investigation into the idea that the familiar and lyrical piece (FL) may have been more attention diverting than the other factors.
Panagakos, Sophia	Effects of Oyster Biodeposits on Particle Dynamics in the Water Column	Marine Science	Dr. Elka Porter	59	10:30	Though denitrification is mainly studied on the bottom, studies are emerging about resuspended sediment particles, where median size and organic content may impact denitrification in the water column. A 29-day experiment, where tidal resuspension phases (days 1-22) and non-resuspension phases (days 23-29) were completed, utilized six STURM (Shear TUrbulence Resuspension Mesocosm) tanks, three containing additions of oyster biodeposits (BD) and three without (No BD). A Laser In Situ Scattering and Transmissometry (LISST) instrument measured particle sizes, volume concentrations, and bulk floc properties during resuspension, non-resuspension, and settling phases. Our preliminary results showed smaller particle sizes were denser than larger, but that larger particles appeared to dominate settling. Larger particles, formed by flocculation of smaller particles, were most apparent during the settling phase in the BD tanks. These preliminary results suggest that biodeposit addition may influence particle size dynamics, potentially affecting the nitrogen cycle in the water column.
Parkinson, Finn	How Aquaculture Method Influences Oyster Growth and Research Direction: A Meta-Analysis of Oyster Culture Techniques	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	80	10:30	Oysters play a significant role in marine ecosystems and coastal economies by filtering water, providing habitat structure, and enhancing biodiversity. Oyster aquaculture has expanded rapidly to respond to the growing demand for sustainable seafood, using two common cultivation techniques: bottom culture and off-bottom (suspended) culture. However, their differing effects on oyster growth remain unclear. This project aims to investigate whether the aquaculture method influences oyster growth rate or survival by synthesizing existing scientific literature. An initial search of Scopus using the terms “Oysters AND aquaculture AND method” returned 582 studies after the removal of duplicates and the exclusion of studies based on their titles and abstracts, 170 papers were reviewed. Of these 170 many were eliminated for lack of direct comparison between aquaculture methods or a focus on unrelated topics like genetics or pollution. In the end, only one to three studies were able to meet the criteria for inclusion in the comparison making a traditional meta-analysis ineffective. Despite this, figures generated in R highlight the important patterns and trends in the literature reviewed. Most studies explore oysters. Of the studies relating to oyster growth most studies focused on off-bottom systems.
Picker, Zoe	From LOL to BRB: A retrieval appraoch to texting abbreviations	Psychology	Dr. Nayantara Kurpad	11	10:00	In contrast to popular learning strategies such as rereading and note-taking, cognitive psychologists highlight retrieval practice (testing effect) as a more effective tool for long-term retention and conceptual understanding (Karpicke & Blunt, 2011; Roediger & Butler, 2011). In this study, we investigate whether retrieval practice increases learning of texting abbreviations (e.g., LOL), paired with emojis (e.g., 😂), in order to address the gaps in understanding how visual cues shape memory across ages. A total of 232 older adults (age 55+) and younger adults (18–35 years) were randomized to either the retrieval practice condition or the restudy condition. We hypothesized that retrieval practice would outperform restudy (H₁), and older adults would benefit more from emoji pairings than younger adults, while no age-related differences would be found in the restudy condition (H₂). After finishing an online exercise using Qualtrics, which consisted of a learning phase, distractor task, and final test, participants' data was analyzed using Jamovi. A 2×2 ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of the study condition, which aligns with our hypothesis. Findings indicate that emojis have the potential to bridge emotional and informational gaps in memory, particularly for older adults.
Pisanic, Abigail	Homelessness Without Barriers: Destigmatizing and Implementing Prosocial Understandings	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	36	10:30	Homelessness remains a pervasive issue in the United States, deeply intertwined with systemic and societal factors. Although many experience homelessness only briefly, a significant portion—approximately 22%—are chronically unhoused. Despite its complexity, public attitudes frequently misattribute homelessness to personal failings, reinforcing stigmatization and discrimination. This literature review explores the relationship between privileged individuals’ perceptions and the societal structures that shape these views. It highlights how stigma dehumanizes people living in homelessness and perpetuates harmful narratives. In response, prosocial behavior emerges as a promising countermeasure—encouraging empathy through education, direct interaction, and community engagement. By analyzing the definitions, perceptions, and consequences of homelessness, this review advocates for prosocial strategies as a means to reduce stigma and foster systemic change.
Plass, Joseph	Men and Mental Health: Interviews with Men in the Southern Maryland Area	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	71	10:30	This project explores the intersection of men's mental health and traditional masculinity by conducting interviews with men from the Southern Maryland area. The goal of this project is to understand how cultural norms and expectations surrounding masculinity influence men's perceptions of their emotional well-being and their ability to seek help. It will examine maladaptive characteristics associated with traditional masculinity, such as a forced mindset of strength and aggression, fragile and toxic masculinity, fear of the feminine, and harmful coping behaviors. In the interviews, these men will discuss how they dealt with hardships and what it means to be a man. This project aims to present harmful stereotypes in action and encourage open, honest conversations among men that inspire them to hold their mental health in higher regard.
Poissant, Elizabeth	The CSI Effect and Its Impact on Jury Decision Making	Psychology	Dr. Nayantara Kurpad	14	10:00	The current study examined the impact of the crime scene investigation (CSI) effect on jurors’ engagement with eyewitness evidence. Specifically, it is aimed to understand how a jurors’ engagement with crime-related television shows affects their perception of eyewitness evidence presented in trial, influences their final guilt decision, and further impacts their confidence in their decision. It was hypothesized that individuals who were more engaged with the video (i.e., answered engagement questions) would render more confident and non-guilty verdicts. To test this hypothesis, two one-way independent measures ANOVAs of three 3 conditions (viewer engagement: engagement questions after video, engagement questions during video, no engagement questions) between-subjects designs were used. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between participants' level of engagement and their decision or confidence in this decision. Although these results did not support the hypothesis, they may suggest that individuals’ decisions of guilt are not influenced by what they view on television. Future research should further investigate these indications to determine whether jurors are truly not influenced by crime dramas when asked to interpret eyewitness evidence.
Roberts, Aaron Christopher	Effects of Soil Microbiota on Coastal Forest Tree Resistance to Global Climate Change	Biology	Dr. Lorena Torres-Martinez	74	10:00	Climate change threatens the survival of coastal forests as it brings salt intrusion, flooding, and drought to coastal forest ecosystems. Salt intrusion, a major consequence of sea-level rise, can inhibit photosynthesis and reduce growth in several species of coastal forest trees. This literature review will provide insight into the complex interactions between soil microbiota and coastal forest trees with respect to coastal forest tree resistance to climate change, informing strategies for preserving ecologically important species in the face of global climate change.
Roche, Haley	An Overview of Hydrogen Activation using Low Valent Group 2, Group 13, and Group 14 Complexes	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Daniel Chase	54	10:30	Hydrogen gas is a vital resource that could provide promising alternatives to fossil fuel emissions, given its high energy density. However, utilizing hydrogen as a fuel source requires gas compression or liquefaction, which can be very energy intensive. In order to properly use hydrogen gas, catalysts are needed for dihydrogen activation. The most prominent dihydrogen catalysts today are transition metals such as palladium, platinum, titanium, rhodium, and ruthenium. These metals are in a finite abundance in the earth’s crust, so it is necessary to explore other catalytic options for hydrogen activation. This review explores the Group 2, Group 13, and Group 14 currently being used to improve dihydrogen activation.
Rutherford, Christina Rose	Brain Development, Emotion Regulation, and Attachment Style in Children	Neuroscience & Psychology	Dr. Sarah Latchney	50	9:00	Attachment style and emotion regulation skills in early childhood are strong indicators of later socioemotional processing and behaviors. Neural development is the link to understanding how physical processes within the brain shape behaviors. While early childhood behaviors have been widely studied, early childhood brain development has not. This study aims to investigate the development of the hippocampus and amygdala in children aged 4 to 8 years old and the relationship between brain volume, emotion regulation skills, and attachment style. The data were separated into three waves. Wave 1 was used to determine the relationship between brain volume, age, and attachment style from a cross-sectional perspective. Waves 2 and 3 consist of data from the same participants at two time points, a year difference between them, and were used to determine the relationship between brain volume, age, and emotion regulation skills longitudinally. The cross-sectional data revealed that brain volume showed a significant increase with at least two years difference in age. The longitudinal data showed that brain volume significantly increased within one year. Emotion regulation skills were not correlated with hippocampal or amygdala volume. The results support the idea that brain development increases significantly very quickly in early childhood.
Sampson, Myles	Critical Gaps in Exercise Science: Challenges in Applying Research to Athlete Recovery	Biology	Dr. Kevin Emerson	39	9:00	The field of exercise science is filled with so much information, sometimes it is accurate and other times it is not. It is an important tool and resource in our understanding of athletic performance and recovery. However, we can see in published research that it is not very reliable due to factors like the research design, population sample, and real-world application. Many studies rely on controlled environments, small sample sizes, or non-athlete participants, which does not take into consideration the unique psychological and physical demands athletes in various fields face. Also, the variety in training regimens, individual responses, and sport-specific requirements complicates the translation of generalized findings into personalized recovery strategies. This paper explores the disconnect between exercise science research and its practical use in athlete recovery and how addressing this gap is very important in advancing recovery and optimizing athletic performances
Snyder, Dani	Investigating the Impact of B Vitamins on the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease	Neuroscience	Dr. Elizabeth Leininger	5	9:00	Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects large amounts of the population in the United States, but not much is known on how to prevent and treat the disease. Because this disease affects so many people and decreases their quality of life, it is important for researchers to continue researching ways to prevent the onset of AD. The preclinical stage is a critical period for intervention because it is the period before the onset of symptoms. One potential way to prevent the onset of AD is supplementation of B vitamins, specifically vitamins B6, B9, and B12. Emerging evidence suggests a connection between B vitamins and the onset of symptoms due to the role these vitamins play in brain function. The few studies done on this show conflicting results, they differ in sample sizes, dosage of the vitamin supplements, and length of time, which likely causes the differing results. I propose a study that will allow for an examination of the effects of B vitamins on the onset of AD. The results of this study will further the research in this field and potentially lead to helping many people throughout the world.
Spielman, Camden (and others)	Income, Historical Segregation, and Access to Green Spaces in Baltimore, MD	Environmental Studies	Dr. Rafael Barreto de Andrade	22	9:00	Historic inequalities caused by redlining, a discriminatory practice of the systematic denial of property loans based on race or ethnicity, persist to the present day. In our study, we examined the impact on Baltimore City specifically, measuring greenspace accessibility through both public transportation and driving, as a function of both historic redlining grade and property price. Using housing data selected from historically redlined zones from Redfin and park information from Open Baltimore GIS database, we used Generalized Linear Models to test whether redlining grade and property price can predict distance to the nearest park. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We also compared property prices between redlining grades. We found that redlining grade had a significant effect on price per square foot, and that both had a significant impact on greenspace accessibility. Our results show that properties with a higher price per square foot were consistently closer to the nearest green space in all surveyed scenarios. Public transportation did not significantly affect the noted trends. These results can assist urban decision makers with improving greenspace accessibility in Baltimore City.
Stornelli, Alex	Charged Polytropic Stars with a Cosmological Constant	Physics	Dr. Anish Agashe	21	10:30	In GR, stars can be modelled as space-times containing a spherical fluid distribution. To analyse the properties of such fluid spheres, one needs to solve Einstein field equations (EFE). This can be done by either assuming an ansatz on the density of the star or on the relationship between the density and the pressure. The latter is known as an equation of state (EOS). A particular EOS of interest is the polytropic EOS given by, 𝑝 = 𝜅𝜌Γ. Using this, we construct several models of stars that satisfy basic physical acceptability criteria for a wide range of values for the constants, 𝜅 and Γ. Selecting a few feasible models, we find the mass profiles of the stars and perform a linear stability analysis. After this, we turn our attention to the purely relativistic phenomenon trapping of photons (null geodesics) and neutrinos (timelike geodesics) inside compact stars. We study this phenomenon within charged polytropic configurations with a cosmological constant in general relativity. We study several cases corresponding to physically relevant values of the central density, central pressure, and total charge of a star. Going beyond the traditionally studied case of neutral particles, we also study trapping of charged particles. We show that for neutral massless particles (and only for them), the trapping depends purely on the properties of the space-time. In all the other cases, the particle properties such as their charge and/or energy also affect the trapping. We present a detailed analysis of all these cases and find that trapping of all types of particles is allowed for a broad range of various parameters characterising the star configuration.
Tamegn, Hermla	The Impact of Cognitive Load on International and Domestic Student	Psychology	Dr. Nayantara Kurpad	12	9:00	Several studies have established a link between cognitive load and international students. However, there is limited evidence regarding how cognitive load impacts international students more advanced than domestic students in academic performance within school settings. The current study addresses a gap in research that has long been under-researched by examining the impact of cognitive load and anxiety on writing performance among international and domestic students. By diving deeper into these layers, the present study aims to highlight the difficulties both student groups face when completing a writing task under pressure, especially in a non-native language for international students. The results indicated a significant positive relation between cognitive load and anxiety for domestic students, supporting the hypothesis that high cognitive load increases anxiety levels. As for international students, no significant relationship was found; instead, pre-task anxiety had a higher impact on their anxiety levels. Additionally, domestic students scored higher than international students on the writing task, implying that language barriers and other external challenges might have played a role in international performance, as hypothesized. Overall, these outcomes shed light on the cognitive and anxiety difficulties international students might commonly face in academic settings compared to domestic students.
Tapponnier, Ezra	Flight, Fire-Breathing, and Phylogeny: The Speculative Biology of Dragons	Biology	Dr. Jenna Pruett	68	10:00	Cultures worldwide have different ideas about what dragons are. While there are some similarities, such as their reptilian origins and having the appearance of being a combination of multiple animals, there remains a tremendous amount of variation to explore. The question of what dragons would have been like had they been real presents an interesting opportunity to bring together numerous biological disciplines, including evolutionary biology, physiology, ecology, and cladistics, to build a speculative narrative about the evolution of dragons. Using literature, history, mythology, and biological concepts, I create phylogeny, morphology, and theorize about traits commonly associated with dragons. Dragons, which I have placed near dinosaurs and birds within the clade “archosauria”, have morphology that allows them to fly. However, as we observe in birds, flight severely limits body size, putting a damper on the enormous dragons that live in our imaginations. Though there are no organisms that can breathe fire, it is certainly possible with some modified venom glands and creative sparks. While current fossil evidence does not support the existence of dragons, their distinctive presence across cultures presents an opportunity to use the core principles of the Biological Sciences as a springboard for one’s own imagination.
Tippett, Julie	The Effect of Dogs Presence on Chicken Behavior	Biology	Dr. Kevin Emerson	42	9:00	Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) is a nonlethal depredation method that has been used for thousands of years, mainly for large herding animals like sheep. LGDs have been proven to be an effective nonlethal depredation control alternative to ineffective or harmful lethal methods. Understanding how this depredation method affects livestock animal behavior is important, as the ratio of time spent foraging versus being vigilant can affect the livestocks wellbeing. This study examines the effect of the presence of LGDs on chickens by using scan sampling. It was found that chickens do not change their behavior in response to LGD presence, but there was a sex difference in the chickens behavior, where roosters were much more vigilant and foraged less than the hens.
Vieke, Mathew	The Science of Sound: Evaluating Violin Quality through Spectra, Projection, and Playability	Physics	Dr. Charles Adler	18	10:00	The quest to replicate and surpass the craftsmanship of Golden Period violin makers, such as Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri ‘Del Gesù,’ has driven scientific and musical inquiry for centuries. This study examines three key factors influencing violin sound quality: frequency spectrum characteristics, sound projection in a concert hall, and playability as experienced by a classically trained violinist. Eight violins of varying price points and models were tested using physical measurements, frequency spectrum analysis, and decibel-level projection studies. Results suggest that high-quality violins exhibit consistent overtone distribution, superior projection with minimal sound degradation over distance, and enhanced responsiveness to playing techniques. While price is not an absolute determinant of quality, instruments valued above $15,000 displayed superior projection, and those exceeding $50,000 exhibited complex tonal versatility. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on violin acoustics, bridging the gap between objective scientific measurements and the subjective experience of musicianship.
Wells, Kylie	Utilizing Handheld and Cost-Effective Imaging Techniques to Calculate Phytoplankton Bioluminescence	Marine Science	Dr. Christina Goethel	66	10:00	Climate change is a global problem that is causing significant changes to planktonic populations and distributions. One change is the increase in prevalence and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the associated ecological impacts. Often these HABs are caused by dinoflagellate species, which have unique physiological capabilities including bioluminescence. Calculating bioluminescence usually requires large and expensive standard instrumentation. Specifically in the Chesapeake Bay, the only reports of bioluminescent phytoplankton have been due to HABs, and therefore sensing bioluminescence could be used as another HAB indicator. However, cheaper sensing is necessary as much of the Chesapeake is monitored by citizen scientists. To test different techniques, both a DSLR and iPhone 15 Pro were used to image bioluminescent plankton cultures. The images were then processed through both Adobe Photoshop and ImageJ, and intensity and color hues were recorded. This imaging process is valuable, especially for citizen science researchers, in noting when there may be increases of bioluminescence in local waterways. Further research should aim to use more recently developed DSLR cameras to increase the accuracy of luminosity values, encouraging further sensing and mitigation of HABs.
Westdorp, August Roholt	Different Methods for Assessing the Success of Oyster Reef Restoration Projects In the Chesapeake Bay: A Synopsis.	Marine Science	Dr. Cassie Gurbisz	63	10:30	Oyster populations within the Chesapeake Bay have reduced drastically over the last 100 years, resulting in oyster restoration being attempted across the Bay to try to stabilize and restore their population numbers. Successfully restoring an oyster reef requires careful planning and complex monitoring, so understanding the processes involved in oyster restorations is vital to avoid failed oyster reefs. This paper compiles the broad physical and biological factors that should be taken into account when planning an oyster reef restoration project, as well as key indicators to monitor. Before restoration starts, you must find and assess a location to see if it is suitable for oysters. Water quality, tidal action, depth, sediment, average dissolved oxygen concentration, and proximity to other self-sustaining oyster reefs are all indicators of whether a given location is suitable for oysters or not. Once a site is chosen, it must be closely monitored following restoration to determine the short-term success and health of the oysters on the site. Monitoring of the oysters and the physical factors of the ecosystem should continue consistently for at least several years to properly determine the progress and success of the reef long term.
Wilmarth, Elizabeth	Assessing the Impact of Cadmium Pollution on the Growth Rate of Chesapeake Bay Phytoplankton	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	75	9:00	Phytoplankton, microscopic photosynthetic organisms, are an indispensable part of marine ecosystems. They are essential carbon sinks, primary producers, form the base of the marine food web, and contribute to massive oxygen production. Skeletonema and Rhodamonas are two species of phytoplankton that are particularly prevalent in the Chesapeake Bay. Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal pollutant, had been found in high concentrations in the Chesapeake Bay, so it is crucial to understand how this pollution may impact these species. This study aimed to elucidate the impacts of cadmium pollution on the growth rates of Skeletonema and Rhodamonas. Cultures of these phytoplankton species were exposed to a variety of concentrations of cadmium and their growth was monitored through In Vivo Fluorescence (IVF) and growth rates were determined through cell counts. Both species showed negative growth rates when exposed to the highest concentration of cadmium, which is only slightly higher than the most recent study determined was present in the Chesapeake Bay. If regulations on cadmium pollution aren’t implemented, the Chesapeake Bay could be in danger of losing vast numbers of these key phytoplankton, which could cause trophic cascades and further climate change.
Zabriskie, Thomas	What Is the Role of the College Environment Combined With Individual Factors?	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	70	10:00	AUD is clinically recognized as a mental disorder and is diagnosed with multiple levels of severity using criteria from the DSM-5. This study examines the relationship between the college influences that may impact AUD development and individual factors such as genetics, family history, and psychological conditions. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to measure symptoms of AUD. This study hypothesized that there would be a significant correlation between college influence and AUDIT score, along with all other individual risk factors measured. This study also hypothesized that there would be a significant correlation between students who have two or more risk factors and a higher AUDIT score. Results from this study showed a significant correlation between college influence, genetics, and psychological conditions and AUDIT score. However, there was no significant correlation between family history and AUDIT score. This research shows that college influences may significantly increase the risk of students developing AUD, especially for students who have a genetic predisposition to AUD or struggle with mental health conditions. These findings suggest that colleges should implement prevention and intervention methods to reduce the risk of students developing AUD during their time in college.
Zobayer, Ameera	Effects of Environmental Sounds on Patients' Multiple Physiological Responses	Neuroscience	Dr. James Mantell	34	10:00	Hospitals are inherently stressful environments, often saturated with environmental noise that exceeds recommended decibel levels and poses serious risks to both patient and healthcare worker well-being. Prolonged exposure to hospital noise—ranging from medical equipment and televisions to conversational disturbances—can disrupt sleep, elevate stress hormones, impair cognitive function, and activate the sympathetic nervous system. This physiological stress response, mediated by the auditory cortex and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety, thereby slowing patient recovery and contributing to healthcare provider burnout. Inspired by research from Chen and Lin (2023), which examined how low-frequency hospital noise influences patient physiology, I proposed an investigation into the effects of different hospital lobby soundscapes on stress-related physiological markers, particularly heart rate and blood pressure. The study simulated three auditory conditions: (1) a loud environment with overlapping stress-inducing sounds; (2) a quiet room; and (3) a room with calming classical music. Although the results of my study did not yield statistically significant differences in heart rate or blood pressure across auditory conditions or feedback types, trends in the data suggest that environments with classical music or quiet may be associated with slightly lower physiological stress responses. These inconclusive results show how many layers are included when measuring stress in a simulated hospital environment but still support the importance of further research on hospital noises as a potential factor in reducing stress for both patients and healthcare providers.

The St. Mary’s Project includes an expectation of a public presentation of the student’s work in the endeavor. These presentations can take multiple forms (e.g., presented paper, poster presentation, panel discussion, recital, performance, gallery show, among others), and can be in venues internal or external to the SMCM Community. Other capstone experiences embed a presentation requirement either within the coursework or in a style similar to the SMP. The majority of presentations occur over the first Monday and Tuesday following the official last day of classes in the spring semester. Known initially as “SMP Days” and more recently termed “Capstone Days,” programs across campus host their students’ presentations. Typically, these presentations are held in a program’s primary academic space and invite all members of campus (and beyond) to the sessions. Some presentations do occur outside of these traditional Capstone Days, notably recitals of students completing a major in Performing Arts, with a concentration in Music, or students whose work has been accepted for presentation at a professional/academic conference outside of the campus.

Student	Project Title	Program	Mentor	Location	Date	Time	Project Abstract
Acevedo, Jaydin	Disconnected Efficiency: The Economic Impact of Remote Work on Small Business Productivity Post-Pandemic	Economics & Business	Dr. Peter Wang	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session II: 11-12:30pm	This study investigates the causal impact of the COVID-19-induced shift to remote work on small business productivity in the United States. Leveraging regional variation in remote work mandates across states, counties, and cities, comparing real wage trends, business survival rates, and profitability metrics for small businesses before and after the pandemic.
Adams, Alejandro	Functional Comparative Human Anatomy: Constructing an Osteobiography From an Unknown Individual	Biology	Dr. Jordan Price	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	10:20 AM	I constructed an osteobiography of an unidentified human skeleton through a comprehensive and comparative analysis of skeletal features that aims to provide insights into the individual’s life history, including age, sex, lifestyle, potential occupation, and health status at the time of death. By employing methods characteristic to Buikstra and Ubelaker’s (1994) Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains, I assessed various skeletal markers, including sex determination via the skull and pelvis as well as age estimation through cranial sutures, epiphyseal plate fusion, tooth eruption patterns, and the pubic symphysis. The analysis revealed that the individual was a male, aged between late 40s and late 50s. Notable findings included significant signs of late-stage degenerative joint disease (DJD) and osteoarthritis, evidence of a previous fracture in the right distal radius and ulna, compression fractures in the lower lumbar spine, and fused C2-C3 vertebrae. A distinctive characteristic was the prominent right gonial flare of the mandible, alongside observable signs of linear enamel hypoplasia in all teeth, coupled with severe gingivitis and periodontal disease. These dental conditions and severe evidence of trauma response in the skeleton suggest a potential link to low socio-economic status characterized by the poor dental hygiene, and a physically intensive lifestyle evidently leaning towards involvement in manual labor. While the assessment attempted to determine the individual’s origin through mandibular measurements, results remain inconclusive, warranting further investigation.
Alvarado-Santa, Ricardo	Potter's Path: Movement Through People, Lifeways, and Networks	Anthropology, with a concentration in Archaeology	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	3:30 PM	This paper seeks to look at movement through time and space along the Rappahannock River by examining ceramics from various sites along the shore and analyzing readings of lifeways and social practices.The Rappahannock River has a long history of migration, trade, and diffusion that is not well understood despite the efforts of many anthropologists. That does not mean, however, that it is a complete mystery, as the Woodland period, which stretched from 1,200 B.C. to A.D. 1600, is known as a period of change and movement, especially the Middle to Late Woodland. Where this is seen best is in the artifacts, particularly the myriad of ceramics that can be found along the Rappahannock. With each type of ceramic being closely associated to certain periods and places and through factors like temper, decoration, and surface treatment much can be gleaned as to the movement of people through time and space. Along with this we could gain information as to the role of lifeways and social practices within this movement, both as the driver of movement and the aspect being affected by said movement.
Armstrong, Melak	Her Life in Their Hands: The Impact of Gender Racial Discrimination of Black Women During Prenatal Care	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	10:40 AM	The project’s objective was to investigate how gendered racial discrimination impacts Black women’s experiences during their prenatal period. Gendered racial discrimination is defined as the intersection of gender discrimination and racism. Black women are disproportionately affected in the reproductive care system when examining the level of treatment by healthcare providers and external factors that play a role as well (Silvia et.al 2022). Gender discrimination and racism have been identified as factors that are present during prenatal care when caring for Black mothers; this has also negatively impacted Black mothers’ psychological and physiological well-being during and after birthing (Scott et al., 2019). Due to this type of discrimination, Black women’s prenatal care is at risk of worsening if researchers do not further educate the public and other health providers about the systemic risks. Within my study, I have recruited roughly 150 Black mothers to complete a survey, which consisted of two scales focusing on experiences of gendered racial discrimination and experiences within the perinatal period with pregnancy-related anxiety. They were also asked to answer five open-ended questions that asked about their overall experiences and feedback on how the healthcare system should better accommodate Black mothers' health.
Atinucci, Molly	Investigating the Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Childhood Pituitary Gland Volume	Psychology	Dr. Victoria Müller-Ewald and co-mentor Dr. Anandi Ehman	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	1:15 PM	Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can have life-long negative impacts on numerous aspects of an individual’s well-being. The current study utilizes a previously recorded public data set to study the neurobiological underpinnings of ACEs. In particular, the pituitary gland will be assessed because of its role in stress response regulation, its relationship with cortisol secretion (a critical stress hormone), and its feedback interactions with the hypothalamatic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Previous literature focuses heavily on examining the impact of ACEs on one’s mental health, physical health, and impairments on brain structures in adulthood. However, this current study begins to explore if these neurobiological impairments begin while individuals are still in their youth. The pituitary gland is evaluated via fMRI scans, in which pituitary gland volume, height, and length are measured. Sixty-eight youth scans are analyzed with children aged 4-11 years old. The fMRI analysis software, itkSNAP, is used for analysis. It is important to understand the neurobiology of ACEs and why the negative outcomes of ACEs occur to work toward the early prevention of ACEs and their effects.
Auber, Adrian	Investigating the Effects of Vaping and Sleep Deprivation on Seizures Susceptibility and Neuroinflammatory Responses	Neuroscience	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	1:40 PM	In this study, the comorbidity of vaping and sleep deprivation were investigated to uncover their effects on seizure thresholds and astrocyte activation, addressing the gap in the understanding of how these factors interact. While both vaping and sleep deprivation are known to impact neurological health, little is known about their combined influence on seizure susceptibility or their effects on astrocyte expression. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used as the model organism. Zebrafish are useful in research because of their physiological and genetic similarities to humans, making the findings from the study relevant to the health of humans (Hussen et al., 2024). Here, we hypothesize that vaping and sleep deprivation individually will reduce the seizure thresholds of the zebrafish, and the combination of vaping and sleep deprivation will reduce the seizure thresholds even more. We also looked at the expression of astrocytes within the brains of the zebrafish post-exposure and seizure threshold testing. We hypothesized that the brains of the combination of vaping and sleep deprivation will exhibit the highest expression of astrocytes, followed by the individual vaping and sleep deprivation groups, leaving the control group with the lowest astrocytic expression.
Baggott, David	Consumer Perceptions of Mortgage Rates: a multi-faceted study	Economics & Business	Dr. Talha Salam	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session III: 1-2:30 pm	This study explores consumer perceptions of mortgage rates through a multifaceted approach combining a literature review, content analysis of consumer complaints, and research via focus groups. The research identifies key factors that influence mortgage perceptions. These factors include financial literacy, generational attitudes, economic conditions, and communication from lenders. Findings indicate that financial literacy can affect consumer decision-making and satisfaction. Also, lower literacy correlates with riskier mortgage choices. Generational differences can highlight differing views on homeownership, with younger consumers being more weary and older generations focusing on long-term stability. Content analysis reveals that systemic issues such as interest rate manipulation, misleading practices and poor customer service make it hard for consumers to trust lenders. Focus groups reinforce these themes, emphasizing the need for clear communication and education. The study concludes that improving financial literacy, making the process more transparent, and addressing economic fluctuations are necessary to improve consumer experiences. Recommendations include starting targeted educational initiatives, enforcing better disclosure practices, and promoting policies that mitigate volatility in mortgage markets.
Baker, Dylan (and others)	Making the Invisible Visible through Culture, Art & Communication	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:40 AM	The ecosystem of the St. Mary’s River is filled with unique and ecologically essential plants and animals. Unfortunately, humans tend to focus only on a few species, particularly those that are edible or otherwise profitable. Equally, if not more damaging, in many ways we have become disconnected from the nature that surrounds us, causing it to become an invisible, unimportant background to extractive, exploitative, or careless human practices. Awash in the news of anthropogenic climate change and its effects, we often lose sight of our own ability to positively affect our local environment. Our project seeks to broaden the spotlight to include species that are often forgotten despite their invaluable ecological contributions to the river's biological diversity. We hope to not only cast the limelight on these underappreciated species and their symbiotic relationships, but also to expose some of our shortcomings as stewards of the natural world and emphasize the need for everyone to do their part to protect and restore our home habitat here at St. Mary’s College and throughout the St. Mary’s county community. Our primary avenues for driving this change were collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Intervention through the Climate Affect, the organization of Earth Day events including a giant puppet show with participant surveys, and the establishment of partnerships with local artists and activists.
Betch, Hailey	Bridging the Wage Gap: How Gender-Dominated Occupations Shape Labor Market Outcomes	Economics & Business	Dr. Silvio Borrero	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session II: 11-12:30pm	This study examines the gender wage gap and how occupational segregation influences labor market outcomes. Using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and statistical methods like t-tests and regression analysis, it analyzes wage disparities across male- and female-dominated fields. The results confirm that male-dominated industries offer higher wages and greater career advancement opportunities. While industries with more women show smaller wage gaps, these sectors often provide lower overall wages. Key factors driving wage inequality include occupational segregation, firm size effects, societal norms, and systemic biases. Despite higher educational attainment and workforce participation, women face structural barriers to high-paying jobs and leadership roles. These disparities impact economic mobility, labor market efficiency, and overall growth. This research contributes to gender equity discussions by highlighting policy solutions such as wage transparency laws, pay equity audits, and initiatives to increase women's representation in high-paying industries. As a woman preparing to enter a male-dominated field, this study holds personal significance and underscores the need for continued advocacy. Closing the gender wage gap is not just about fairness—it is essential for fostering innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
Boersting, Alessandra	Underreported and Overlooked: Perceptions of Masculinity and Reporting to Title IX	Psychology	Dr. Anandi Ehman	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	9:50 AM	Sexual victimization of males and Title IX remains significantly understudied despite research showing increasing prevalence rates. Furthermore, males face unique, understudied stigmas and myths. This mixed methods study sought to examine reporting differences between male-identifying individuals and female or genderqueer individuals, as well as examine the relationship between gendered stigma, perceptions of masculinity, male rape myth acceptance, and perceptions of and reporting to Title IX. A total of 118 students completed an online survey examining adherence to male rape myths, male gender norms, traditional feminine and masculine attitudes, as well as perceptions and attitudes toward Title IX. The results showed no significant difference in reporting intentions between males and females or genderqueer individuals. However, the results showed that participants' views of their masculinity and femininity affected reporting rates as well as perceptions of Title IX. Furthermore, through thematic analysis, it was found that many participants were uncomfortable with Title IX, believed that males are taken less seriously by Title IX, and that gender plays a role in how seriously a Title IX report is handled. The results show a continued need to examine male victimization and support for victims, as well as a need for systematic changes to Title IX.
Bragger, Ember	Craftsmanship and the Heart: Informing and Engaging Secondary School Students Through Media Use	Educational Studies	Dr. David Morris	Learning Commons 214	Tuesday, April 29	3:30 PM	Crafted in an evolving technical field, educational videos have presented themselves in current research to be a useful tool in promoting positive learning effects. Exploration of these effects has indicated that these videos have the potential to increase student engagement, interest in content, and overall learning within the classroom. The degree to which digital media affects students was found to be strongly tied to class environment, student mood, and what teacher or peer interaction accompanies a video (e.g., modeling, think-pair-share). To increase the chances of educational videos becoming a key support for students in the classroom, researchers have recommended that teachers and content creators create and share aim-focused videos that explore questions and help present multiple perspectives to students in an accessible format. This project explores the integration of these current-day recommendations through the creation of three research-based educational videos made for middle school students, with each of these videos addressing a different core subject (i.e., science, language arts, social studies). Each video examines what a student may wonder about in regard to current learning objectives that may be touched upon within the classroom but not discussed in depth, in efforts to promote positive classroom discourse and growth.
Brill, Thomas	Understanding Amazon’s Algorithm: A Study of Product Ordering	Economics & Business	Dr. Dan Savelle	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session I: 9:30-11am	In online shopping environments, where a product appears in search results plays a crucial role in shaping consumer decisions and influencing sales. Amazon, the world’s leading e-commerce platform, uses a complex algorithm to decide how products are ranked in searches and category listings. This research investigates what factors influence Amazon’s ranking system, focusing primarily on price, number of reviews, and ratings. The study examined 400 products across four categories- TVs, Laptops, Tablets, and Speakers. Collecting data such as price, review count, star rating, sponsorship status, key specifications, and brand information. Each product’s ranking position in two different search results sets of 50 was recorded. Regression analyses were then conducted using various independent variables, both with individual categories as well as combined, to assess their influence on search result position. The results showed that individual factors like price had minimal impact alone, but when combined with other variables like ratings, they became more predictive. Furthermore, combining data across categories revealed stronger patterns than analyzing each category in isolation.
Britos, Mark	Arcana	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Amy Steiger	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29	7:00 PM	“A severe drought endangers a commune on the outskirts of society. To find the next steps, the community decides to perform a ritual, but their misaligned intentions cause the ritual's magic to create an all-powerful deity. The commune has twelve hours to come up with an offering for the goddess to save them from the drought, or she will make the situation much worse.” Created collaboratively by the inaugural Ensemble Performance Capstone class in the Performing Arts Program, from its inception Arcana has been about the love and community people share despite their differences. The audience becomes members of the commune as they participate in its story and understand the humans behind the mask, experiencing the power of diverse perspectives and knowledge coming together to create an immersive theater experience. I worked on this piece as the groups director and dramaturg, working closely with the group and collaborators to lead the productions’ product and vision using a fleshed out director’s concept and comprehensive research.
Campbell, Tyler	Fallout and Phase-out: How Chernobyl Shaped European Nuclear Policy	History	Dr. Christine Adams	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 2, 11-12:30 PM	My research explores how the failures leading to the Chernobyl disaster influenced and continue to shape modern EU nuclear energy policy. My work will integrate the history and critical studies of the Chernobyl disaster with an examination of changes in European energy policy to better understand the lessons learned from Chernobyl.
Carson, Griffin	Flame-chosen of the Absolute World	Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	1:00 PM	Flame-chosen of the Absolute World is a character design, speculative biology, and sequential illustration project that takes places in a fantasy world. In a medieval-era fantasy world, multiple sapient species with human-level intelligence have formed new civilizations after a apocalyptic event made water poisonous to them, and spawned zombies and other monsters that torment them. Their primary defense is fire, including people who are born with the ability to create fire. The first set of illustrations focuses on a friendship between an elf pyromancer (a person who controls fire) and a dwarf necromancer (a person who creates zombies) that ended in a final confrontation and the elf's tragic death. The second set of illustrations focuses on a were-raven (a person cursed to turn into a raven-like monster) who was vivisected and left on an operating table to heal. During the design and illustration process, a wealth of concept art, concept writing, and extra illustrations were created that give additional context to the world and its characters.
Carter, Julia	Traces of Pain, Echoes of Healing and the Death Drive in Latin American Women's Poetry	ILC-Spanish	Dr. M. Ximena Postigo	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Tuesday, April 29	10:15 AM	I study the poetry of Latin American female authors who explore emotional and psychological struggles related to their experiences with death. My aim is to understand how their poetic images help us connect with others who face similar struggles, not by translating them into our world, but by encountering them in theirs. By adapting the psychological concept of the death drive, I explain how each poet articulates a deeply personal understanding of death. Alejandra Pizarnik (Argentina), Violeta Parra (Chile), Blanca Varela (Peru), and Blanca Wiethüchter (Bolivia) impart their personal relationships with death within their poetic work. In sharing these perspectives, they allow readers to engage with their inner worlds and grasp how they perceive themselves and the world around them. Poetry thus becomes a space of catharsis. Not only for the poets, who use writing to release and transform personal pain, but also for the reader, who enters that shared emotional world and takes on their burden. The act of reading becomes an empathetic exchange, where the poet offers fragments of her experience and the reader participates in witnessing and healing the poet. I demonstrate how poetry creates a shared emotional landscape, turning private expression into shared understanding
Cazares Ramirez, Yasmin	Thrifting Cultures: Second-hand Clothing Consumption in San Salvador, El Salvador, and St. Mary's County, Maryland	Anthropology	Dr. Brian Smithson	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	9:30 AM	This project explores the global journey and cultural significance of secondhand clothing through ethnographic fieldwork conducted in El Salvador and St. Mary’s County, Maryland. It examines how garments discarded in the Global North are transformed into commodities and cultural artifacts in the Global South. The study weaves together macroeconomic analysis, Consumer Culture Theory, New Social Movement Theory, Historical Materialism, and archaeological frameworks to uncover how secondhand clothing intersects with identity, labor, sustainability, and resistance. Through interviews and participant observation in spaces like Megapaca, Cultomarket, and Vintage Values, the project reveals how thrifting is both a response to and product of capitalist systems—simultaneously reproducing and challenging consumer culture. Thrift stores emerge not only as commercial sites but as modern dig sites and platforms for social care and community empowerment. Ultimately, this research reframes secondhand clothing as more than waste—it is a material witness to global inequality, environmental crisis, and the human capacity for reinvention.
Cecil, Emma	Barefoot, Bareback, and Bitless : An Analysis of Human-and-Horse Behavioral Ethics	English	Dr. Karen Anderson	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 3: 1:30-2:30 PM	Traditional views of horseback riding place emphasis on money and instill total control in the hands of the rider, with horses used as objects and only seen with utilitarian value. Through personal experience of growing up with horses as well as critical analysis, I argue for a more ethical way of riding and working with horses. In a selection of essays, I relay anecdotes of human-and-horse interactions by analyzing multiple different horses I’ve encountered in my life and what each one revealed to me about the equine world, tying in an abundance of horse media. In examining the behavior of horses in comparison to the behavior of riders, I argue for seeing the intrinsic value in horses and critique harmful systems of animal oppression in the equine world to promote a more holistic view of horses, as well as a healthier relationship in how we ride and interact with them.
Chapman, Brooke-Lynn	You Look Great	Art	Prof. Betsy Kelly & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	2:45 PM	Brooke-Lynn ‘Spike’ Chapman’s Capstone titled “You Look Great” is a body of artwork exploring the intersections between body image, chronic illness, and personal perception. Rooted in lived experience, the work reflects on how mental and physical pain manifest in and change one’s perception of the body, both from within and from others. Chapman draws from personal history, such as her ongoing health challenges, to confront the disconnect between appearance and reality. Through mixed media, self-portraiture, and narrative techniques, “You Look Great” looks into the phrase often used to dismiss or overlook invisible suffering. This project examines the tension between internal truths and external assumptions, using the body as both a subject and a foundation for emotional and physical struggles.
Chazin, Victoria	The Hidden World Of Microscopy	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	11:00 AM	Existing at the intersection between science, photography, and exploration, my artistic practice illuminates hidden worlds that often go unseen. Inspired by my father, who introduced me to science when I was very young, I developed an early fascination with discovery. Together through a small gray microscope, we explored the intricacies of the microscopic world, sparking a lifelong curiosity about the natural patterns and unseen structures of the earth and its creations. This fascination with microscopy and its beauty has evolved into my artistic practice that bridges the fields of science and photography. Through my work, I share this sense of wonder with viewers, offering them a glimpse into the microscopic and unseen. These details—the beauty of cellular structures, the elegance of organic forms—often remain hidden. My art reveals these patterns, creating connections between art, science, and the natural world. I create an immersive experience where the scientific meets the contemplative. In each piece, I explore how art can make the invisible visible, sparking curiosity about the complexities of life. My work incorporates a variety of photographic processes, ranging from black-and-white gelatin silver prints to cyanotype on glass and salt prints, each adding depth to the story I tell through imagery. The physicality of these processes, such as the subtle blue tones of cyanotypes or the earthy textures of salt prints, reinforces my goal: to draw viewers closer to the small, intricate wonders of the world. Each print is intentionally small in size, encouraging intimate engagement, as if the viewer is peering through a microscope lens alongside me.
Chojna, Kathryn	Orpheus Through Movement: Creating & Directing a Non Verbal Movement Show	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Diego Villada	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29	7:00 PM	Orpheus Through Movement is a non verbal movement show that I created & directed for my undergraduate senior project as a performing arts major with a concentration in theatre. In this document, I will detail my entire process starting with the initial concept & research, then moving on to the casting & rehearsal process, then the actual performance run, and finally my reflection on how this entire process has been.
Coates, Anaiah (and others)	Creating a Seed Library and Supporting Maryland's Native Tree Seed Collection & Distribution Efforts	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:20 AM	Our senior capstone project incorporates two initiatives: establishing a campus seed library and collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand statewide native tree seed collection. Our team developed a seed library containing fruit, vegetable, herb, and native flower seeds to encourage gardening, support pollinators, and promote local food security. Simultaneously, we partnered with Maryland DNR to broaden outreach efforts to county recreation and park programs, encouraging them to collect and donate seeds for native tree planting initiatives. Expanding seed collections statewide helps grow the next generation of resilient native trees as forests face increasing threats from disease, pests, and climate change. Together, these projects demonstrate how seeds can improve environmental resilience and foster community engagement.
Cruz, Mariana	ARCANA	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Amy Steiger	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29		Arcana is an original, collaboratively created theater production developed our Capstone project at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Set in a commune on the fringes of society, the story begins in the midst of a severe drought that endangers a commune on the outskirts of society. To find the next steps, the commune decides to perform a ritual, but the commune's misaligned intentions cause the ritual's magic to create an all-powerful deity. The commune has twelve hours to come up with an offering for the goddess to save them from the drought, or she will make the situation much worse. This project combines performance, storytelling, and visual design to explore themes of transformation, community, and belief. My work in Arcana included acting, character development, and leading the creation of the show’s visual identity. Personally, this process became a space of reflection on collaboration, cultural expression, and the power of performance as an opportunity of escape. Through ensemble work and experimentation, Arcana became not only a narrative of survival, but a personal journey of creative growth and discovery.
Dickens, Blaire	On Beginning Again	Philosophy	Dr. John Schroeder	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	11:10	My project is a series of connected essays philosophically examining repetition. The essays focus on repetition as it relates to frustration, art, intimacy, failure, and life. The project is primarily in conversation with Camus's The Myth of Sisyphus and the video game Getting Over it with Bennett Foddy.
Dioko, Tiffany		Biology	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	11:00
Doan, Khang	Thousand Words	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	9:15 AM	I believe beauty lies in simplicity and authenticity. A photograph of ocean waves is not just an image of water and sky—it is a sense of peace spreading, like a deep breath resonating within the viewer. A corner of a night market in Vietnam is not just a crowded scene; it is vibrant, bustling with energy, mixed with my own familiar memories. I take photos to connect. My art focuses on human emotions—those we all know and feel, but sometimes overlook as we rush through our days, letting them fade into forgetfulness. I believe that when a photograph is created with sincerity, it can touch the hearts of its audience without the need for explanation.
Dolan, Patrick	History, Community, and Ideology: A Case Study of SMCM	Philosophy	Dr. Barrett Emerick	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	12:30 PM	This project identifies reciprocal relationships between history, ideology, and community in American liberal arts colleges by conducting an extensive case study of their presence and interrelatedness in St. Mary’s College of Maryland. It has been found that ideology, defined as a network of assumptions which sustains and shapes the society it is a part of, is a necessary effect of the formation of communities. Change in an ideology is also a necessary prerequisite and, to an extent, synonymous with foundational changes to its community. Furthermore, while the ideology of a community is necessarily shaped by the community’s history, the community’s narrative for its history is in turn shaped by its own ideological views. While a liberal arts college is not always a particularly homogenous community, it necessarily replicates a general academic ideology, while being affected to a lesser extent by one or multiple ideologies particular to the institution.
Dowd, Loughran (and others)	Creating a Seed Library and Supporting Maryland's Native Tree Seed Collection & Distribution Efforts	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:20 AM	Our senior capstone project incorporates two initiatives: establishing a campus seed library and collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand statewide native tree seed collection. Our team developed a seed library containing fruit, vegetable, herb, and native flower seeds to encourage gardening, support pollinators, and promote local food security. Simultaneously, we partnered with Maryland DNR to broaden outreach efforts to county recreation and park programs, encouraging them to collect and donate seeds for native tree planting initiatives. Expanding seed collections statewide helps grow the next generation of resilient native trees as forests face increasing threats from disease, pests, and climate change. Together, these projects demonstrate how seeds can improve environmental resilience and foster community engagement.
Duran, Santiago	First-Gen and Figuring It Out: Navigating Resources at Small Liberal Arts College	Sociology	Dr. Andrew Cognard-Black	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM	First-generation college students (FGS), defined by the Center for First-generation Student Success, are the first in their families to attend college or whose parents did not earn a degree. Colleges and universities acknowledge the obstacles these students must overcome, providing incentives like application fee waivers and scholarship grants to allow them to attend and remain on campus. Even with this, helping them continue to graduate is an ongoing concern. This study investigates how college fairs contribute to retaining first-generation students and whether specific campus resources increase graduation rates. St. Mary's College of Maryland is the site evaluating how its support services affect student success. The research also examines how well our resources aid first-generation students. Data was collected using the NSSE Data taken from our school from 2019-2022 and through interviews of the first-generation students. The combination of both the interviews and NSSE will evaluate the success of the college's support and determine areas for improvement. By exploring SMCM's resources and student thoughts and experiences, this study aims to inform and provide policy to improve first-generation student success and promote educational equity and social mobility.
Eckart, Sam		Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	3:00 PM
Entner, Sarah	Out and About: Coming Out as Queer	Anthropology	Dr. Brian Smithson	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	10:30 AM	The project “Out and About: Coming Out as Queer,” is focused on building off existing studies conducted on the definition, generational differences, and identity expression pertaining to coming out. This project will utilize a survey and interviews that will look at how individuals view coming out and their personal experiences surrounding the event. In compiling the data, there will be discussion on rites of passage, liminality, and symbolic interactionist view with dramaturgical analysis. This research presents a new view on the idea of perpetual liminality. It will also include the presentation of a virtual museum exhibition utilizing stories from the interviews.
Eppard, Peyton	A Case Study of the St. Mary’s Arboretum	Environmental Studies	Dr. Barry Muchnick	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	10:40 AM	The St. Mary’s Arboretum provides a unique opportunity for the St. Mary’s College community to engage deeply with the natural elements of the campus, but lacks the recognition and meaning required to achieve its full potential. To improve the educational and aesthetic aspects of the St. Mary’s Arboretum, it is crucial to assess how effectively the current arboretum meets the standards of modern arboreta in order to determine where interventions will be most effective. This project examines the historical and current-day role of arboreta in environmental education, and synthesizes multiple stakeholder assessments of the meaning and efficacy of the St. Mary’s Arboretum to the St. Mary’s Campus. This project also seeks to identify ways in which the St. Mary’s Arboretum can be developed into a more meaningful and interdisciplinary aspect of the St. Mary’s campus. The St. Mary’s Arboretum currently suffers from a lack of clear direction and goal-sharing between the college administration and campus grounds team. Through the identification of issues with the current St. Mary’s Arboretum structure, this project aims to understand how the St. Mary’s Arboretum can be made to fit into the structure of a modern arboretum, and best serve the St. Mary’s community.
Estremsky, Anna	Examining Differential Tau Isoform Expression in Woodpeckers Vs. Other Bird Species	Biology	Dr. Daniel Tobiansky	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	2:00 PM	Traumatic brain injuries have devastating effects on quality of life and can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as CTE. Because there are currently no methods to detect biomarkers of CTE in living patients, it is difficult to do research in humans which is necessary to understand the mechanisms of damage. Dysregulation of MAPT, a gene encoding for the microtubule-associated protein tau, has been associated with neurodegenerative disease development. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the expression of the MAPT gene in woodpeckers to gain insight into its function in an organism that shows promise for serving as a model for brain damage research. Sections of the MAPT gene were amplified through polymerase chain reaction to verify their presence in mRNA transcripts. Amplified samples were viewed with gel electrophoresis to estimate the relative expression of splice variants. Gel bands revealed expression of exon 4a in the brain, which is typically associated with the peripheral nervous system. The microtubule-binding domain of the gene appeared as multiple bands representing isoforms of different lengths. These results reinforce that woodpeckers and other avian species have unique properties that make them an interesting model for researching the diverse functions of the tau protein.
Ezaliana, Juno	Microplastics, roll out: Effects of differing microplastic concentrations on terrestrial isopods	Biology	Dr. Jenna Pruett	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	1:40 PM	Microplastics in the terrestrial environment are a rising concern. Mitigation efforts are difficult or costly due to the size and quantity. Terrestrial isopods (Genus: Armadillidium) are a possible vector of mitigation due to their cosmopolitain range and their role as detritivores. Isopods were fed microplastics to observe how those microplastics were digested in their system.
Feldman, Emily	“Say Gay (If You Want To): Labeling & Identity in the ‘Queer’ Community”	English	Dr. Jennifer Cognard-Black	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 2: 10:45-11:45 AM	"Say Gay (If You Want To): Labeling & Identity in the ‘Queer’ Community" examines the labels queer individuals use to name their sexual identities, including how they label themselves and how others label them. Part One provides an historical investigation of labels from the late-nineteenth to the twenty-first centuries, including “homosexual,” “sodomite,” “lesbian,” “queer,” and “asexual" as employed by queer theorists in Europe and North America. These theorists include Michel Foucault, Judith Butler, Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, and others. Close readings of their writings reveal how, in their attempts to define the parameters of queer desire, the labels these theorists use reify the very stereotypes they wish to move beyond. Part Two is a more personal examination of sexual identity labels, following the writer's own evolving use of such labels—moving from “straight” to “bisexual” to “asexual” to “queer” and beyond, although the evolution is not completely linear. With this discussion, the writer seeks to answer questions that are central to this project, including: When sexual identity itself is so fluid, how does labeling function as a way of understanding the self and of explaining sexual identity to others? How do labels used in the “queer” community reflect this fluidity?
Field, Adina	Form, Function, and Perception: Disability in Ancient Rome Through the Lenses of Prosthetics	Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeolgy	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	2:00 PM
Fowler, Britney	Patterned Phases	Art	Prof. Betsy Kelly & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	10:15 AM	Patterned Phases is a series of 10 collages using the symbolic language of the tarot in order to explore themes of self-discovery and place in community. I draw inspiration from symbolist and surrealist ideologies, embracing the impermanence of experience and the significance of patterns in life. Based on this ideology, I believe it is our job in life to recognize and break these harmful patterns in order to create a better world. The work depicts the self being misled by the light of the moon eventually to their downfall, but regaining autonomy and realizing the light has always come from inside by the end of the narrative. I used a combination of collage and printmaking as metaphor to highlight the nature of impermanence and that life is an interaction of events people and place. Like a collage, you can choose how those pieces are meant to fit together.
Fritts, Lannon	The Role of Marginalized Peoples in Bringing to Life the Environmental Movement: A Call to Raise Their Voices	Political Science & Public Policy	Dr. Diana Boros	Kent Hall 213	Monday, April 28	Panel II, 10:15-11:15 AM	Since the establishment of Earth Day and the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, the environmental movement has blossomed at the global level. Concepts such as environmental justice and environmental racism have revealed the realities of the ways in which marginalized peoples are disproportionately affected by the wrath of climate change. Communities of color, for example, experience a pediatric asthma rate 7.5 times higher and a premature death rate 1.3 times higher than white communities. These injustices occur across the country and the globe. But what may be given slightly less attention is the ways in which these groups who are disproportionately affected by climate change are also the ones bringing the environmental movement to life. By briefly looking at political and social events and activism, this work observes the significant contributions of such peoples over the last 50-75 years. Black women, for example, play a significant role in advocating for their communities and the ways in which climate change and environmental degradation negatively impact them. Additionally, Indigenous peoples have historically and contemporarily been at the center of the fight for both their rights and the rights of the planet all around the world. By drawing on cases at the local, national, and international scales, I argue that marginalized peoples are undercredited for the ways in which they have brought the environmental movement to life. Additionally, I recognize that centering their experiences and voices is critical in continuing to drive the movement forward and fight climate change.
Galarza, Joel	Comparative Analysis of Eastern Oyster Restoration in Harris Creek and Little Choptank River	Biology	Dr. Jordan Price	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	1:00 PM	Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica), a keystone species within the Chesapeake Bay, have declined to approximately 3% of their historic levels due to overharvesting, disease, habitat loss, and other environmental changes. In response, large-scale restoration initiatives have been implemented under the guidance of Executive Order 13508 and the Chesapeake Watershed Agreement and have targeted tributaries such as Harris Creek and the Little Choptank River. This study compares and evaluates the restoration outcomes of these two major projects using standardized reef success metrics established by Maryland’s Oyster Metrics Workgroup, including oyster density, oyster biomass, and shell volume. Restoration success was assessed at three and six years post-restoration, with data sourced from NOAA monitoring reports and unpublished geodatabases. In this study I found that by year six, Harris Creek reefs exhibited significantly higher oyster density and biomass than those in Little Choptank. However, shell volume did not differ significantly between tributaries. Across both sites, reefs treated with both substrate and seed outperformed seed-only reefs in all metrics, and while layered substrates (e.g., stone and fossil shell) did not significantly outperform single-material substrates.All other substrate treatments outperformed reefs treated with mixed shell alone. Both tributaries demonstrated significant increases in oyster density and biomass over time, although only Harris Creek saw a significant increase in shell volume. These findings highlight the importance of substrate selection and treatment methods in restoration success and provide critical insights for optimizing future oyster restoration strategies in the Chesapeake Bay.
Garner, Josie	Investigation of the Correlation between Wolbachia in Germline vs. Somatic Cells in Adult Drosophila Melanogaster	Biology	Dr. Kevin Emerson	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	2:40 PM	Some of the world's most deadly diseases are carried by mosquito vectors. Although there have been various methods to control the spread of these diseases, more recent focus has shifted to biological prevention, such as the introduction of Wolbachia bacteria into mosquitoes. Wolbachia bacteria within the somatic cells of an organism can grant it disease resistance, which, in the case of mosquitoes, can help prevent transmission of things such as malaria, yellow fever, zika, and many others. However, the effectiveness of the resistance depends on bacterial load in the somatic cells of the organism, and vertical transmission of Wolbachia to the next generation is dependent on the bacterial load within the ovaries. To fully understand these bacterial-host interactions, it is necessary to be able to accurately quantify the Wolbachia concentrations within these two tissue types. This often requires ovarian dissections to determine the amount of Wolbachia within both the ovaries and soma. The goal of this project was to determine if there is a correlation between relative amounts of Wolbachia in the ovaries and soma, in order to remove the tedious and time consuming dissection step for future research.
Ghezai, Bana	The Gothic House: A Space of Home and Horror	English	Dr. Jennifer Cognard-Black	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 3: 1:30-2:30 PM	“The Gothic House: A Space of Home and Horror” is an exploration of the house as a symbol in Gothic literature. This project was inspired by a comment made by a Sociology professor who said that the people in someone’s family are supposed to be the ones who love a person the most, and yet they are also the ones who can inflict the most harm. Building on this idea, this project considers how a house can exist and operate in a similar gray area: as a space of love and harm. In the Western world, houses and homes are associated with familiarity and comfort, but they can also be spaces where the most violence occurs to their inhabitants. To delve deeper into this idea, this project analyzes house spaces in four books that fall under the Gothic umbrella from the 19th through the 21st centuries: Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, and Carmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream House. Each book creates a Gothic house as a symbol for its characters’ fears and psychological states, while also representing certain power dynamics within the characters’ social and cultural contexts.
Gieske, Amber (and others)	Making the Invisible Visible through Culture, Art & Communication	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:40 AM	The ecosystem of the St. Mary’s River is filled with unique and ecologically essential plants and animals. Unfortunately, humans tend to focus only on a few species, particularly those that are edible or otherwise profitable. Equally, if not more damaging, in many ways we have become disconnected from the nature that surrounds us, causing it to become an invisible, unimportant background to extractive, exploitative, or careless human practices. Awash in the news of anthropogenic climate change and its effects, we often lose sight of our own ability to positively affect our local environment. Our project seeks to broaden the spotlight to include species that are often forgotten despite their invaluable ecological contributions to the river's biological diversity. We hope to not only cast the limelight on these underappreciated species and their symbiotic relationships, but also to expose some of our shortcomings as stewards of the natural world and emphasize the need for everyone to do their part to protect and restore our home habitat here at St. Mary’s College and throughout the St. Mary’s county community. Our primary avenues for driving this change were collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Intervention through the Climate Affect, the organization of Earth Day events including a giant puppet show with participant surveys, and the establishment of partnerships with local artists and activists.
Gunderson, Nicole	To Be a Woman	Art	Prof. Betsy Kelly, Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	2:00 PM	The overarching theme of “To Be a Woman” is that experimenting with feminine gender expression is a forceful expression of joy in the face of danger, and that joy itself is an act of radical resistance. I wanted my work to feel very painterly despite my medium of choice here being digital photography. I played with different lighting styles and with face painting/makeup in these portraits as a love letter to drag culture while also leaving in a hint of some of the complexities and challenges that come from being an active participant in those spaces. It is a dangerous time for drag artists, but it is a deeply necessary and everlasting art form nonetheless.
Guy, Erin (and others)	Developing an Effective Environment for Composting at St. Mary's College of Maryland	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM
Hall, Elias	Where Magic Flows Free: Creating a world	English	Dr. Nadeem Zaman	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 1: 9:30-10:30 AM	For my SMP, I have focused on writing the first three chapters of a novel and creating the world in which the novel will take place. The first chapter explains the systems, gods, locations, and cultures that are featured in the following chapters and are important to the world as a whole. The second introduces the two main characters, their relationship with each other, and their initial conflict. The third chapter introduces the villains and the conflict that initiates the central plotline of the novel. While creating the world, I have worked heavily on creating a magic system, several religions, several cultures, and a few political structures. I have also written a critical section that analyzes what I did to create this world, why I chose to do it, and the theories that I have applied while working on this project. These theories include semiotic theory, queer theory, and several sociological theories.
Hennessey, Owen (and others)	Creating a Seed Library and Supporting Maryland's Native Tree Seed Collection & Distribution Efforts	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:20 AM	Our senior capstone project incorporates two initiatives: establishing a campus seed library and collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand statewide native tree seed collection. Our team developed a seed library containing fruit, vegetable, herb, and native flower seeds to encourage gardening, support pollinators, and promote local food security. Simultaneously, we partnered with Maryland DNR to broaden outreach efforts to county recreation and park programs, encouraging them to collect and donate seeds for native tree planting initiatives. Expanding seed collections statewide helps grow the next generation of resilient native trees as forests face increasing threats from disease, pests, and climate change. Together, these projects demonstrate how seeds can improve environmental resilience and foster community engagement.
Hergenreder, Jason	Seen Through Red-Lights: Madams, Prostitutes, and their Maintenance of Business and Health in San Antonio, Texas	Anthropology, with a concentration in Archaeology	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	1:00 PM
Hewit-Clark, Michaela	Why We Should Care About What We Watch	Philosophy	Dr. Barrett Emerick	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	11:50 AM	This project focuses on the portrayal and representation of people from marginalized communities in entertainment media (film and television). Specifically this project focuses on the ethical implications of the portrayal of African-Americans in American cinema and the impact of storytelling in shaping our perception of the world we live in.
Hines, Corinne	SimComming In The Classroom	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	9:25 AM	This article explores the cognitive, linguistic, and cultural benefits of employing sign language, specifically, Simultaneous Communication (SimCom), in general education classrooms. Grounded in bimodal bilingualism research, the study examines how code-blending and cross-language activation lead to language synthesis, executive function, and visual-spatial processing. These processes offer students with special benefits when sign and speech are combined, allowing for more advanced language development and mental flexibility. The article also criticizes the limitations of current sign language use in classrooms and calls for a more mindful, intentional, and culturally respective integration of sign language. Based on cultural insight from the Deaf world, the study builds an agenda for future research into if students are able to learn signs through extended, repeated, and embedded SimCom exposure without explicit instruction. Finally, the paper promotes sign language as a unifying teaching instrument and culture bridge between the hearing and Deaf communities, with the goal to instill empathy, accessibility, and cognitive development in elementary schools.
Hoctor, Zoe	Choice and Challenge: Feminist Theory & Rhetoric in 21st Century U.S. Reproductive Rights Speeches	Political Science	Dr. Diana Boros	Kent Hall 213	Monday, April 28	Panel I, 9-10:00 AM	This project traces the evolution of reproductive rights discourse in the United States, examining how twenty-first-century political speeches reflect and challenge feminist political theories of bodily autonomy. Drawing from ancient societies where women held influential roles, it highlights the paradox of historical empowerment and later suppression. The study contextualizes modern reproductive debates within a legacy of patriarchal political thought—from Aristotle and Rousseau to Locke and Hobbes—that excluded women from civic life. Feminist theorists such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Simone de Beauvoir, and bell hooks offer critical frameworks that reimagine autonomy and equality, influencing modern arguments for reproductive rights. Through rhetorical analysis of speeches by figures across the political spectrum—Clinton, Obama, Warren, Pence, and others—this project examines how language both reinforces and disrupts feminist ideals. The analysis demonstrates how terms like “choice,” “freedom,” and “sanctity” shape public opinion and policy. Landmark legal decisions, including Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, and Dobbs v. Jackson, are assessed as both reflections and drivers of ideological change. Ultimately, this work underscores the ongoing tension between feminist aspirations for autonomy and societal structures that limit women’s rights, illustrating how public rhetoric continues to serve as a battleground for reproductive justice.
Horn, Charlotte (and others)	Creating a Seed Library and Supporting Maryland's Native Tree Seed Collection & Distribution Efforts	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:20 AM	Our senior capstone project incorporates two initiatives: establishing a campus seed library and collaborating with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand statewide native tree seed collection. Our team developed a seed library containing fruit, vegetable, herb, and native flower seeds to encourage gardening, support pollinators, and promote local food security. Simultaneously, we partnered with Maryland DNR to broaden outreach efforts to county recreation and park programs, encouraging them to collect and donate seeds for native tree planting initiatives. Expanding seed collections statewide helps grow the next generation of resilient native trees as forests face increasing threats from disease, pests, and climate change. Together, these projects demonstrate how seeds can improve environmental resilience and foster community engagement.
Howard, Kris		Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	1:30 PM
Jacobs, Margaret	Force of Habit: The Relevance of Habit Interventions in Academia (and Beyond)	Psychology	Dr. Scott Mirabile	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	3:05 PM	It’s easy to talk about the habits we want as if there is some quality within us which resists self-actualizing transformations, but environment plays an equally crucial role in shaping habits and outcomes. Tailoring environments to foster healthy habits not only spurs workforce efficiency, saves money which would otherwise be dedicated to secondary and tertiary care methodologies, and offsets disability-adjusted life years for broader communities, but could also minimize human suffering on a mass scale, be used to prevent and treat mental and physical illnesses, and most importantly, could help people achieve their goals and fulfill their potential. Institutions of all kinds– but particularly academic subsets– should be made aware of the benefits conferred by tending to the habits and wellness of constituents, if not for the benefit of those individuals, then for the sake of the organization. To maximize this effect, the role of habits in shaping individuals, and societies at large should be stressed upon both the whole and its parts as early as possible with concurrent top-down and bottom-up approaches. Though the potential for gains cannot be easily quantified, this may be the best chance available to empower people to take their future into their own hands.
Johnson, Ben	Stonemasters: Ethical & Technological Advancements In Sport Climbing	History	Dr. Christine Adams	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 3, 2-3:30 PM	My project investigates the correlation between ethical and technological advancements that progressively pushed sport climbing's technical barrier over time.
Kallimanis, Chrysanthe	Let People Feel for the Sake of Justice	Philosophy	Dr. Barrett Emerick	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	10:30 AM	This project aims to define and give clear examples of climate injustice cases, while focusing in particular on the emotional stories expressed about these harmful injustices. It includes a discussion of feminist thought in order to tackle the oppressive nature of climate injustice that reifies the subordination of different minority groups. Empathy works as a framework in this project for understanding the unique experiences behind particular emotions, specifically focusing on Anger and Grief. The conclusion involves a call towards Hope, and understanding its role in creating space for justice to occur, especially when there are dominant voices who overpower the emotional scene.
Kinyanjui, Elise	Racial disparities in midlife morbidity and dementia risk: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study	Neuroscience	Dr. Elizabeth Leininger	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	3:30 PM	While the presence of vascular risk factors during midlife is strongly associated with incident dementia risk, their prevalence and impact can vary across different racial groups. Understanding these disparities can offer a more comprehensive view of individual vulnerability, as well as address inequities in dementia outcomes. This study used the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort to investigate racial differences in the association between morbidity clusters and dementia risk. An unsupervised machine learning model grouped participants together based on the co-occurrence of 14 midlife risk factors, resulting in 9 morbidity clusters with defining features. A cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate dementia risk, with additional stratification by race to examine the racial differences in the association. Clusters 2 (smoking), 5 (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia), 6 (coronary heart disease) and 7/8 (atrial fibrillation/heart failure; combined due to small sample size) were associated with increased dementia risk compared to cluster 1 (healthy). The cox model stratified by race showed a significant association with dementia for White individuals (HR(95%CI)= 1.91 (1.51, 2.42)) but not Black individuals in cluster 7/8. This disparity suggests that the interaction between risk factors and dementia incidence differ by race. Potential variations in disease prevalence and/or systemic disparities in healthcare may potentially explain this disproportionate impact. These findings highlight the importance of considering racial differences in midlife comorbidities when evaluating dementia risk.
Kline, Anna	Considerations at the Altar	Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	9:45 AM	Anna Kline’s Capstone project is a body of artwork that surrounds the intersection between Christian religion, society, and the body. The influences of Christianity on society are vast and complex, and within that history the use of the body and the image of the body are extremely common. Kline is interested in examining how both human and non-human bodies are used and seen within that sphere.
Kobialka, Holli	Something to Write Home About: Therapeutic Writing for Incarcerated Juveniles	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	12:25 PM	Incarcerated youth have limited opportunities for rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment while serving their sentences, leading to high rates of recidivism and an ongoing crisis of internalized problems. Therapeutic writing, specifically creative writing and expressive writing therapies, provides a unique outlet for these youth to relieve their symptoms and explore their creativity without saying a word aloud. Past studies suggest significant mental, emotional, and social benefits of creative and expressive writing methods for both incarcerated and non-incarcerated populations. Utilizing empirical research and therapeutic writing paradigms, we have developed a workbook entitled Something to Write Home About. The workbook offers research-grounded writing prompts and several resources targeted towards justice-involved youth to promote holistic rehabilitation and healing. In this review, we describe existing literature and the development of the workbook, as well as discussing treatment applications and potential roadblocks to the ultimate success of the book.
Koontz, Sophia	Native rhizobia outcompete commercial inoculants in cover crops under salinity stress	Biology	Dr. Lorena Torres-Martínez	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	3:20 PM	"Legumes such as Trifolium repens (white clover) are cover crops that are continuously rotated with regular crops to help farmers maintain soil health. Legumes form a highly specific mutualistic interaction with soil bacteria called rhizobia, where in exchange for carbohydrates the rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen for the plant. To promote this interaction agricultural companies sell pre-inoculated seeds of white clover to local farmers. However, indigenous rhizobia exist naturally in the soil and provide competition for commercial inoculants, which can be exacerbated by stressful environmental conditions such as saltwater intrusion that increase soil salinity. Here we implemented a manipulative experiment to investigate the effects of saltwater intrusion on the symbiosis of white cover with native and pre-inoculated rhizobia. We isolated native rhizobia from local non-agricultural soils and exposed sterile white clover seedlings to single and co-inoculations of a native rhizobia and a commercial rhizobia strain under normal watering conditions and saltwater intrusion (~12ppt). We found that under saltwater intrusion, white clover had higher growth benefits and higher performance when partnered with indigenous rhizobia instead of the commercial strain. The results of this study will shed light on possible methods of improving cover crop resistance to saltwater intrusion not only for clover but also for other legumes and native plants that rely on endogenous rhizobia.
LaBorie, Margot	Thermal Hysteresis in Maryland Caught Wolf Spiders	Biology	Dr. Jenna Pruett	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	11:25 AM	Many animals have adapted to survive below-freezing temperatures using antifreeze proteins (AFPs) or ice binding proteins (IBPs). These proteins work to keep the hemolymph of an arthropod from freezing to a certain extent, which differs depending on their habitat. These proteins lower the freezing point of the hemolymph without altering the melting point. The gap between the freezing and melting point is called thermal hysteresis (TH). Some animals, such as teleost fishes, have been found using AFPs. Many Arthropods have been found to use IBPs. Wolf spiders across the world have been found to use either. However, it is not known whether wolf spiders in Maryland and similar latitudes use these proteins to make it through winter, nor how the stressful experience of TH would affect their health. To test for these proteins, thirty wolf spiders were caught and subjected to decreasing temperatures until 0º celsius, with intent to expose the spiders to TH without getting to their critical thermal minimum. The melting point of the hemolymph is below 0º C, so TH was not reached. While all spiders showed evidence of IBPs in their hemolymph, it is unclear that AFPs are either present or absent. However, a TH range was found in every individual.
Laine, Madison	The power of participation: Investigating the academic, mental health, and social benefits of extracurricular activities	Educational Studies	Dr. David Morris	Learning Commons 214	Tuesday, April 29	4:30 PM	Research on the benefits of extracurricular activities has been mixed. Some scholars have suggested that extracurricular activities can promote students’ academic growth, health, and social skills, whereas others have argued they undermine students’ achievement and mental health because they require time away from academic tasks. I surveyed college students (N = 229) to collect data on their extracurricular participation, achievement, mental health, and prosocial skills. I created six regression models in which GPA, mental health, and prosocial skills served as criterion variables. These were regressed on demographic variables, variables measuring quality of extracurricular activity participation (i.e., group orientation, number of hours, amount of cardio) and type of extracurricular activity (e.g., sports, performing arts). I found that only gender predicted students’ GPA, and that only amount of cardio predicted their self-reported mental health. Type of extracurricular activity only predicted certain prosocial orientations. Findings support neither dominant theory of extracurricular participation, as they suggest that participation, in itself, neither clearly helps nor hurts students.
Landis, Anna Elise	It Never Truly Leaves: A Collection of Essays on Fear as a Parasite	English	Dr. Karen Anderson	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 3: 1:30-2:30 PM	It Never Truly Leaves is a lyric horror, creative nonfiction collection on childhood and adult fears. The collection explores personal fears, how parents impress their fears onto their children, and how fear effects the way we live. The essays develop a parasitic relationship between the narrator and fear. Through the essays, the narrator recognizes fear will be ever-present, inescapable, and is something to be worked with rather than against. Altogether, fear is recognized as an integral part of the universal human experience.
Lanzano, Anthony	"Good Enough" an original TV series	English	Dr. Jerry Gabriel	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 5: 3:45-4:45 PM	An original sit-com series I conceptualized based on my early college experiences. Revolving around 6 friends in their early college years, “Good Enough” is a show that focuses on who would otherwise be considered “background characters” showcasing the mundane and episodic realities of life on campus. Eli, Danny, CJ, Emma, Carolina, and John are college freshmen who realize early on that the “college experience” that they see in tv and movies is full of lies. They aren’t athletes, they aren’t cool, they aren’t even nerds, they’re just there. Included in this SMP are 3 scripts for different episodes (a 2 part pilot, and a bottle episode), an episode breakdown for 2 seasons, and a fully filmed episode titled “John and Eli’s Room”. This project took a lot of inspiration from classic sitcoms like Community, Seinfeld, How I Met Your Mother and more.
Lawrence, Pauline	Quantifying Juvenile Habitat Contributions to Adult Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) Through δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N Stable Isotope Analysis of Eye Lenses	Biology	Dr. Christina Goethel	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	9:40 AM	Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope (𝛿13C and 𝛿15N) analysis (SIA) of eye lenses provides a retrospective means to analyze life history trends in estuarine-associated fish species, including Leiostomus xanthurus. This study examines the relative contribution of juvenile recruitment from coastal versus estuarine nursery habitats to the adult population in L. xanthurus through SIA, which addresses current gaps in population connectivity and early life history dynamics of this species. A total length (TL) to eye lens diameter (ELD) relationship was established to estimate ELD at early juvenile stages (TL = 32.68 ∓ 1.84). Early juvenile laminar layers were extracted from 20 adult individuals obtained from coastal waters outside of the Chesapeake Bay for SIA. The 𝛿13C and 𝛿15N values were compared to estuarine (n =16, 𝛿13C= -20.37 ∓ 1.34 ‰, 𝛿15N = 15.19 ∓ 1.77 ‰) and coastal (n = 13, 𝛿13C= -16.14 ∓ 1.19 ‰, 𝛿15N = 12.55 ∓ 1.53 ‰) signatures to determine probable early juvenile habitat usage. Analysis revealed 20% of individuals reflected estuarine signals, 65% contained coastal signals, 10% fell between these two regions. This provides evidence that juvenile L. xanthurus from coastal shelf habitats successfully recruit to the adult population.
Leavitt, Mordecai	Small Worlds	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	3:30 PM	Small Worlds transforms scientific literature figures and data into paintings to exemplify how natural phenomena and science generate beautiful images. To a trained scientist, visual imagery is not considered when generating results. Instead, only the meaning of those figures is considered. The work created during this capstone simultaneously show viewers that within the field of science there is plenty of compelling imagery and to scientists that the data being generated has aesthetic appeal. The prints and paintings focus on molecular orbital calculations, which are computer-generated 3D models of electron systems in individual molecules. By stripping away the scientific context and the inherently flat display of a computer screen, the work allows the models to be viewed exclusively by their merit as art.
Leavitt, Mordecai	Synthesis and Characterization of 1st-Row Transition Metal aza-Dipyrromethene Chelates	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Daniel Chase	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	11:00 AM	A burgeoning field of chemistry is the development of transition-metal catalysts for industrially relevant reactions. Current catalysts are often efficient but utilize rare-Earth metals, which are both expensive and unsustainable in the long term, necessitating this transition. Styrene, an inexpensive fossil-derived compound, has the capacity to be selectively converted to a plethora of high-value products with broad uses as fine chemicals and industrial intermediates. A diverse range of catalysts have been synthesized and tested in the literature to selectively oxidize styrene to desired products, with moderate to high yields and catalyst resilience. Most catalysts have been developed with a specific product in mind, with the generation of others being incidental. Here proposed is to create a family of interrelated catalysts built with the same molecular scaffold and tuned electronic properties to stereoselectively oxidize styrene. The highly tunable electronic configuration of azadipyrromethenes presents a unique opportunity to explore this synthetic avenue. Initial research into the development of manganese (II) and iron (II) azadipyrromethene complexes has been conducted, with UV-vis, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy as characterization methods. Herein developments in metal-oxide complexes and styrene reactivity will be discussed.
Lecouras, Ariana	The History of Koinonia Farm: 83 Years of Faith Based Activism	Environmental Studies	Dr. Barry Muchnick	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:00 AM	Koinonia Farm’s story spans major historical shifts of the 20th century, offering a lens through which to observe how average Americans navigated sweeping economic, political, and social changes. Situated in southwest Georgia, Koinonia’s efforts to challenge the racial and political norms of the post-World War II Jim Crow South have largely been overlooked in broader historical contexts. This thesis explores how Koinonia’s foundational principles of equality and community shaped its responses to the boll weevil infestation, the aftermath of the Great Depression, the Brown v. Board of Education decision, and Cold War anxieties, while also examining the farm’s ongoing activism. Through archival research, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of Koinonia’s historical records, the farm’s enduring dedication to faith-based activism is traced since its founding in 1942. Koinonia’s persistence through violent opposition, economic challenges, and political targeting underscores its commitment to its values of equality and community. Koinonia’s history provides insight into how a group of average Americans applied their faith, creativity, and resources to navigate and address the shifting economic, political, and social challenges in the United States.
Lennon-Puthoff, Caitlin	Factors that Determine Accessibility in State Parks and Other Areas	Environmental Studies	Dr. Barry Muchnick	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:20 AM	Accessibility in Maryland’s state park system is limited, leaving the state’s population of people with disabilities without valuable outdoor recreation opportunities and programming provided by the state. Before park service employees can implement strategies aimed at improving accessibility in these areas, it is important to understand what factors contribute to state parks’ inaccessibility – and why these outdoor recreation areas are less accessible to people with disabilities than other areas of public life in Maryland. This project compiled and analyzed sources including scholarly works, publicly available resources from the state of Maryland, and information gathered from an in-person visit to one of Maryland’s state parks in order to integrate perspectives from the fields of disability and environmental studies into an analysis of factors that determine accessibility in Maryland’s state parks compared to other public areas. The three most important factors identified were economic, environmental, and social, all of which coalesce to form complex barriers uniquely affecting outdoor recreation areas like Maryland’s state parks. Through analysis of these factors, this project will increase understanding of the motivations behind lack of access, thereby indirectly improving the quality of outdoor recreation areas available to Maryland’s citizens with disabilities.
Lenz, Carter	Trouble on the Ister: Causes of the Collapse of the Danube Border in the 6th Century	History	Dr. Sarah Malena	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 3, 2-3:30 PM
Leshychyshyn, Sophia	The effect of local labor market diversity on corporate financial performance	Economics & Business	Dr. Peter Wang	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session II: 11-12:30pm	DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in economics can be a very sensitive subject. Proponents of supporting diversity, higher education initiatives, and increasing diversity in the workforce are hotly debated by various leaders in our society. Unfortunately, misunderstandings, lack of accurate data, fear of change, retaliation, or loss of support make this an arduous topic to research. This is especially true when limited to only publically available data. Despite this restriction, I attempt to uncover the existence of a relationship between diversity and company success. Specifically, this research focused on gender and racial/ethnic diversity in the hiring pool of S&P 500 companies' headquarters. To address the issue of reverse causality, an instrument was introduced to exogenously determine the local hiring pool diversity, affirmative action policies in high education from the 1980s-2000s, to be the influencer of the diversity variable. Through OLS and Two-Stage Least Squares regressions, the hypothesis of the existence of a relationship could not be disproven. This being said, only one measure of company success, inventory turnover, showed a significant relationship. The limitations, implications, and counter-arguments to the premise of the research are discussed.
Levit, Diana	Virtue Signaling and the Death of Doing	Philosophy	Dr. Michael Taber	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	3:00	As Ludwig Wittgenstein once wrote: “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.” And in the digital age, it has never been more important to understand just what those limits are. The concept of virtue signaling has arisen as a response to moral outrage, criticized as being just hypocrisy and being a way for others to assert their moral superiority over others without actually doing anything. But at the same time, virtue signaling does something important: it lets us know there’s something morally wrong going on. So what is virtue signaling, and how should we understand it? This project aims to analyze the rhetoric of virtue signaling, the reasoning behind it and its effects, how to identify it, and how we can enact social change in a world that seems to refuse it.
Lewis, Elisia	Rebranding Racial Integrity: The Veil of Progressivism in the Relentless Pursuit of White Supremacy in Virginia	History	Dr. Charles Holden	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 1, 9-10:30 AM	This paper argues that the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 was not a departure from the past but a continuation of antebellum racial ideology. Rooted in Antebellum Era fears of racial mixing, the Act enforced a rigid racial hierarchy through bureaucratic means, echoing earlier legislation and social constructs designed to uphold whiteness and control Black people. Drawing on primary sources from key supporters—Walter Plecker, John Powell, and Earnest Sevier Cox—the paper shows how eugenics was used to legitimize old anxieties about race, gender, and power. These supporters’ writings reveal how mixed-race people were viewed as a threat to white society not just for their existence, but for their ability to blur visible racial boundaries. The Act’s focus on classification, surveillance, and enforcement relied heavily on antebellum logic: that white supremacy must be upheld and Blackness contained. Through their words and actions, these men made clear that the Racial Integrity Act was about reinforcing Antebellum Era white supremacy using Progressive Era science.
Lonnberg, Nadia	Pop Cultural Videos and Their Impact on Multimedia Learning	Psychology	Dr. Nayantara Kurpad	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	12:50 PM	Popular media influences how individuals perceive themselves and the world. Grounded in psychological theories of learning, this study explores whether integrating clips from popular media, such as The Office and Modern Family and their impact on immediate and delayed performance, metacognitive judgements and cognitive load. Participants were recruited through an online research platform. In their learning session, they viewed a video that either contained clips from popular media or did not. The topics included were classical conditioning and working memory. Participants then completed an initial survey containing various measures, which included: a test on prior knowledge in psychology, metacognitive Judgments of Learning (JOLs), a cognitive load questionnaire, an immediate multiple choice knowledge test and questions related to concept and media familiarity. The follow-up survey included JOLs and a delayed retention free response knowledge test. Statistical analysis has revealed that popular media integration during a lecture does not have significant effects on immediate performance, long-term retention, learner confidence, or cognitive load, as both groups performed similarly. The results from this study informs education practice where educators can employ evidence-based strategies on what to leverage for improved student engagement and understanding.
Lopez Ramirez, Jonathan S.	La Frontera/The Border	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Tristan Cai	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	11:30 AM	Inspired by the stories of migrants crossing the border, I focused on a series of paintings bringing those experiences to a canvas. Each of the paintings uniquely depict a specific time of the day and also a unique location along the vast US-Mexico border. They are intentionally presented as a triptych and to be seen as a single piece of work to convey its multi-layered narratives. Themes are also present through the composition, for instance ‘Uncertainty and Hope’ when the perspective is facing towards the border wall with the United States behind it; Another theme is ‘Culture’ like the space before the wall is more vibrant with color relating to how vibrant culture is as a Mexican or Latino migrant. Lastly, a theme of ‘Connection’ is present through the borderline that is connected in each painting. The border is located in vastly different environments however the borderline is one big line that separates Mexico and the United States. Telling the story of migrants through landscape paintings by depicting them as rocks symbolizes their toughness and durability. The borderlands play a significant role in my identity. As a first-generation student and Latino, I strive to tell the story of my identity and history. Either telling the story of myself or presenting the stories of others, story-telling brings awareness to situations going on in the world, especially topics of Immigration.
Maljak, Kaitlin	The Role of Periodicals in the Creation of the Middle Class in England and the United States,1860-1899.	History & Anthropology	Dr. Christine Adams	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room (ANTH) Kent Hall 120 (HIST)	Monday, April 28 Monday, April 28	9:00 AM (ANTH) Panel 3, 2-3:30 PM (HIST)	This project looks at how periodicals helped shaped middle class culture in the United States and England in the latter half of the nineteenth century. As the industrial Revolution led to increased production, periodicals marketed a wide variety of consumer goods- especially related to fashion- satisfying the public’s desire for entertainment. This project emphasizes the connection between periodical literature and the emergence of the middle class as this emerging social group used periodicals to remain up to date on the fashion and beauty trends associated with middle class status. Advertisements and articles focused primarily on clothing for women and their children from the British Myra’s Journal of Dress and Fashion and the American-based periodical The Delineator, provide evidence of this link. This project will also examine fashion trends in Paris and New York to understand the fast turnover rate of trends and why middle class women used to fashion to maintain their position in society. Finally, this project interrogates the imagery, and the rhetoric deployed in periodicals that emphasized the gendered division of spheres, with the ideal woman in charge of the private sphere- when in reality the private and public spheres overlapped to a significant extent, due to the consumer-focused rhetoric championed in periodicals.
Markov, Esther	Queering Frankenstein: A Modern Retelling and an Exploration of its Legacy	English	Dr. Nadeem Zaman	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 2: 10:45-11:45 AM	This project is a modern retelling and exploration of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It consists of the first three chapters of a novel, which is an adaption of Frankenstein where two college students go on a journey to bring one of their classmates back from the dead, in order to avoid going to prison for his murder. The second portion of the project is a critical analysis of research that was completed to aid in the writing, which includes other Frankenstein adaptations and secondary analyses of the work. It also describes the wider idea of the work, and the choice to focus on a queer female perspective rather than the original book’s. The story deals with friendship, scientific ethics, “monstrosity”, and history repeating itself. On a wider scale, the project deals with literary adaptations and the retelling of well-known stories.
Martinez, Melissa	My Dollhouse	Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	2:15 PM	This project is a promise made from Martinez’s childhood self to speak on behalf of those who are often silenced by family trauma. The main goal in this project is to educate people about substance abuse and provide a voice for those affected by similar trauma who are not able to share what they are going through. This dollhouse is a visual representation of the struggles that plagued the artist and their family as a result of living with a person in active addiction. Each room invites viewers to explore the different scenarios and real life experiences the family faced together using mixed media to represent different feelings or events that took place in their lives. A mixture of acrylic paint and foam were used to adorn the dollhouse and its rooms and printed photographs as well as personal objects decorated the spaces inside. Light fixtures will be placed both outside and inside to bring life to the rooms of the house and play a role in creating the mood and context for these spaces. The wooden box beside the dollhouse contains wooden dolls to represent the artist’s family and were strategically painted to showcase their roles within the dollhouse structure. The box as well as the dolls were painted with acrylic and contain led lights to illuminate the inside of the box. For this project, Martinez chose to target memories from their teenage years as those were a time where they had to keep our struggles hidden from the rest of the family. They often had to put up a façade similar to the perfect stage a dollhouse sets for young children, and this can show viewers who may not have much experience with such subjects that their lives are not much different than they may seem. Martinez hopes to also showcase the brighter side of things by reserving a room in the dollhouse for happy photographs and mementos of their family, inviting viewers to experience a brief glance into the real parallels of the dollhouse. They hope for viewers to separate the hostility of the effects of substance abuse from the true nature of the person who it consumes.
Mazuzan-Blackwell, Dakota	Eat Your Plate, Not Your Mind: a Story of Food, Fantasy and Poetry	English	Dr. Karen Anderson & Dr. Jennifer Cognard-Black	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 1: 9:30-10:30 AM	“Eat Your Plate, Not Your Mind: A Story of Food, Fantasy, and Poetry” is a creative SMP that combines both prose and poetry into a single story depicting the dissociative mind of a woman suffering from bulimia. The main character, Anise, is so distraught about needing to eat to live that she dissociates into a fantasy world of her own making where she can avoid eating. However, her subconscious need to eat comes to the fore, making the characters Anise has created in her fantasy world start doing things to try and help her to learn to eat again. Within the story, prose represents the fantasy world Anise wishes to hide in, while poetry provides access to the fractured real world that she cannot survive in, with these two worlds competing for dominance within Anise’s mind as she traverses her bulimia. “Eat Your Plate” is inspired by fantastical food fictions such as Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes and Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate as well as collections of food poems such as Adrienne Su’s Peach State. These texts mix up the real with the fantastic, utilizing food to represent ideas about love, insecurity, desire, and basic hunger.
McGuinness, Claire	Assessing the impact of dental therapies on obstructed airways	Biology	Dr. Jordan Price	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	3:00 PM	Airway obstruction is a common issue that affects patients of all ages, and dental professionals play a crucial role to help identify and manage airway-related issues. Current research shows evidence linking dental interventions to improved airway health but there is limited research on how specific treatments improve obstructed breathing among different age groups, from infants to adults. Case studies from Pax Dental, a local dentist office in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, were analyzed to explore how dental and orthodontic treatments contribute to alleviating obstructed airway symptoms among both children and adults. Results showed that earlier interventions were associated with more significant improvements in long-term health and airway breathing. This study links the critical role dental professionals play in identifying and treating airway obstructions and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. Together they significantly improve long-term health outcomes
McHugh, Kendall	Foraging Impermanence	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	10:45 AM	Foraging Impermanence, incorporates natural inks and paints along with found objects to explore the themes that define our existence: life, death, and renewal. I find inspiration in symbolism, eco-art, and sustainable art practices, embracing the natural materials I have foraged and experimenting with their components to derive new and unseen things. There is an endless source of information that comes from experimentation with natural materials, and I have found that each interaction with these elements invites a deeper understanding of their intrinsic qualities-thier textures, patterns, cycles of growth and decay. Natural materials are transient, ever evolving into something new, and Foraging Impermanence reflects the transient nature of these naturalist elements as the inks and paints represented will evolve in tone and opacity gradually over time. By incorporating these remnants, there is a cycle of new life and representation into the passage of time inherent in all natural processes. Foraging Impermanence reflects my exploration and love for the natural world, bridging science with the arts through hands-on experimentation and abstraction. The process of creating materials from natural elements is inherently unpredictable, yet it has fueled my determination to continue experimenting with the raw materials that surround us, discovering their deeper potential and purpose. I am able to explore not just the physical forms of the materials, but also the intangible qualities—such as time, transformation, and the passage of life that they embody; something I know will continue to be the heart of my process. Through Foraging Impermanence, I have discovered not only new materials and possibilities, but also a deeper understanding of how nature itself operates—constantly evolving, adapting, and offering us endless opportunities for innovation.
McHugh, Molly	Mental Health Language Barriers: A Research-Informed Intervention for Spanish Speakers in Southern Maryland	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	11:05 AM	The number of people living in Southern Maryland who have a need for Spanish-speaking Mental Healthcare is disproportionately represented in the breadth of resources that actually exist and are readily accessible to people. The creation of a mental health resource database in Spanish was framed by a literature review that identified the need for improvements in access to the mental healthcare system and type of resources available. Upon completion of the literature review, we recognized an opening to assess the perspectives and needs of the population. This needs assessment was utilized to develop a resource to support the population. Informed by the scholarly and empirical research, an online database was created including information about common mental health conditions, information on how to access insurance and care, connections to Spanish-speaking providers. The website will hopefully be distributed to local individuals and community organizations that can benefit from it.
McQueen, Hannah	Flowers Forever	Art	Prof. Betsy Kelly & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM	One of my biggest inspirations is femininity and the nurturing qualities of both women and nature. These forces have the power to bring life and light into the world in a great variety of ways. Even though these life forces have been exploited and taken advantage of throughout history, both have endured. My work is centered around the domestic and common objects within this environment. I make a lot of items with functional uses. I am passionate about living life as art and making art for life. A lot of my textile artwork consists of clothing garments and accessories that I make by hand with second hand and natural materials, as a reminder to combat the human impact mass production and consumption has on the environment. Through my artwork in mediums such as textile arts, painting and sculpture I examine the societal expectations of those who have been continuously placed in restrictive boxes and explore our role as humans to each other, our community, and the natural world that we live in.
Meisner, Tomas (and others)	Developing an Effective Environment for Composting at St. Mary's College of Maryland	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM
Miller, Luke	The S.S. United States and the Protection of American Power and Affluence, 1952-1969	History	Dr. Charles Holden	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 2, 11-12:30 PM
Montenegro, Leonardo	Noun Town Chronicles: Vocabulary Acquisition Using Immersive Technologies	Psychology	Dr, Jennifer Tickle	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	9:00 AM	Desires to learn foreign languages have recently begun to be supported and bolstered by cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technologies that allow language learners to enter heavily contextualized and immersive learning spaces. Given the relevance of these technologies for language acquisition, the current study examines the effectiveness of different immersive technologies for vocabulary acquisition while also exploring attitudes towards immersive learning formats and their implications for supporting immigrants and migrant communities. Three groups of undergraduate students were randomly assigned to engage in a language learning task to practice Italian vocabulary using either flashcards and a poster (non-immersive), a language learning video game assisted by computer software (low-immersion), or a language learning video game assisted by VR technology (high-immersion). It was found that the learning task had a significant effect on vocabulary acquisition across the three learning conditions, however no significant differences in vocabulary acquisitions were observed between the learning conditions. Participants in the non-immersive learning environments acquired the most vocabulary relative to the other learning conditions. This research aims to support the development of current and future language learning applications by exploring what modalities and formats of learning are most conducive to vocabulary acquisition, particularly for migrant and immigrant communities.
Montgomery, Caleb	The French Resistance 1940-1944	History	Dr. Christine Adams	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 2, 11-12:30 PM	After the defeat in 1940, many people in France began to rise up and commit acts of defiance towards their German occupiers. Large resistance groups would emerge in 1940 and soon grow into very large movements and networks by 1942 and establish communications with the Allies in London as well as aid in the Liberation of France after the Normandy landings in 1944.
Mulholland, Brigid	The Lavender Club: A Historical Fiction Story	English	Professor Crystal Oliver	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 2: 10:45-11:45 AM	Set in 1920s Cape May, New Jersey, The Lavender Club follows Ruth Kearney and Ida Harrington who are unlikely partners, both in love and business, as they navigate their society during the prohibition while opening up their very own speakeasy - The Lavender Club. This historical fiction story examines family loyalty and conflict, the role of law enforcement at the time, societal norms, and being a woman during this time period. They face the fears of societal backlash as well as legal consequences, in a story that goes far beyond their romantic relationship and sexuality and instead encounters them as they are, as individuals and members of their communities. This story, which began in ENG 270: Creative Writing, and was continued during the 2023 summer Seahawk Undergraduate Research Fellowship, now culminates in this St. Mary's Project, where research informs the creative craft to bring Ruth and Ida's story to life.
Mulinix, Caleigh (and others)	Making the Invisible Visible through Culture, Art & Communication	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:40 AM	The ecosystem of the St. Mary’s River is filled with unique and ecologically essential plants and animals. Unfortunately, humans tend to focus only on a few species, particularly those that are edible or otherwise profitable. Equally, if not more damaging, in many ways we have become disconnected from the nature that surrounds us, causing it to become an invisible, unimportant background to extractive, exploitative, or careless human practices. Awash in the news of anthropogenic climate change and its effects, we often lose sight of our own ability to positively affect our local environment. Our project seeks to broaden the spotlight to include species that are often forgotten despite their invaluable ecological contributions to the river's biological diversity. We hope to not only cast the limelight on these underappreciated species and their symbiotic relationships, but also to expose some of our shortcomings as stewards of the natural world and emphasize the need for everyone to do their part to protect and restore our home habitat here at St. Mary’s College and throughout the St. Mary’s county community. Our primary avenues for driving this change were collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Intervention through the Climate Affect, the organization of Earth Day events including a giant puppet show with participant surveys, and the establishment of partnerships with local artists and activists.
Musselman, Meghan	Within a Storm	English	Dr. Karen Anderson	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 4: 2:45-3:30 PM	"Within a Storm" is a poetry collection that follows the story of a divorce, through the perspectives of all of the family members involved. It includes the point of view of the wife, husband, their daughter, and their two sons. Each perspective is associated with a different natural disaster ranging from a hurricane to a forest fire to an earthquake to the unpredictable weather of Florida. While creating this collection, I used my own experience from my parents' divorce, but also did research by reading divorce poetry and memoirs that already existed in the space. I found that little literature revolved around the perspectives of the children whose parents are enduring a divorce, which spoke to the necessity of my project. I want to emphasize that one story can be told in multiple ways and impact individuals in different ways.
Nemes, Chris (and others)	Developing an Effective Environment for Composting at St. Mary's College of Maryland	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM
Neppl, Sophia	Synthesis of Novel Aryl Viologens	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Andrew S. Koch	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM	Viologens are a class of molecules with unique redox properties that make them useful for a variety of applications including electrochromic materials, electrocatalysis, and energy storage systems. Hypervalent iodonium salts can be used to add aryl groups onto N-substituted 4,4’-bipyridine ring systems. Synthesis of novel N-aryl viologens were carried out under high pressure and temperature conditions inside of a microwave reactor. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to analyze reactions carried out in this study. A unique polarized aryl viologen was successfully synthesized under moisture free conditions.
Newman, Lillian	Not So “Reef Safe” Sunscreens: The Effects of “Reef Safe” Sunscreen Products on aiptasia	Biology	Dr. Elizabeth Hamman	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	10:40 AM	Coral reef ecosystems are an indispensable asset to human society, as they are utilized for food, medicine, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. My experiment monitored sea anemone health during sunscreen exposure to better understand the effects of “reef safe” compared to non “reef safe” sunscreen products on coral reef ecosystems. Sea anemones were used as a bioindicator because they are part of coral reef ecosystems and have a mutualistic relationship with zooxanthellae, like corals. The “reef safe” label can be misleading to consumers, as there is no legislation in place which evaluates whether a sunscreen can be marketed as “reef safe.” I exposed the anemone species, aiptasia, to two “reef safe” and two non “reef safe” sunscreen products. I measured pigment change, zooxanthellae concentration, and mortality rate over time. I found that “reef safe” Dermatone and non “reef safe” Neutrogena sunscreen caused significantly higher mortality compared to the other products. This indicates that “reef safe” sunscreen products may not be true to their marketing, as Dermatone caused higher mortality than non “reef safe” Sunbum. However, my zooxanthellae concentration analysis suggests that Dermatone exposure was healthier than alternative treatments, including the control group. My study should be repeated to explore this contradiction.
Newton, Caleb	Fight—for Democracy?: The Disconnect between Patriotic Black Service and Civil Rights from the Civil War to World War II	History	Dr. Charles Holden	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 1, 9-10:30 AM	My project aims to uncover a civil rights effort aimed at guaranteeing social justice for African Americans through the reflection left by black soldiers. I wanted to dive deeper into understanding a persistent fight for black civil rights in the United States that extended beyond the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Seeing that wars defined particular eras and values in the United States, I focused on the times around the Civil War, World War I, and World War II to interrogate the civil rights efforts of African Americans and the responses of the broader community. African Americans had a prolonged battle to obtain full, uninhibited citizenship. As such, my project highlights the black U.S. soldiers and how their service was used as justification for African American freedoms from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. My project details exactly why the support of using the memory of the black soldier shifted in the African American community. The varying levels of support for this line of argument, and the generations that it consumed, highlight how American prejudices steered the application of American ideals.
Oakey, Patrick	Future of Medicine: The Advancements of AI and Robotics in Surgical Healthcare	Biology	Dr. Abby Beatty	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	9:00 AM	The advancement of technology has fundamentally reshaped medicine, with surgery experiencing a dramatic evolution from rudimentary tools to sophisticated robotic systems. Here, I present a historical analysis of key 19th and 20th-century tools and technologies and their respective contributions to the advancement of surgical procedures. Next, I examine the first introduction of robotics in surgery leading to the development of present-day technologies. Lastly, I examine the transformative future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on modern surgery - examining its influence across pre-operative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. I discuss the implications of AI and robotics on the enhancement of surgical precision, improved patient outcomes, and the enablement of more complex procedures. Furthermore, my analysis addresses the critical ethical and legal considerations arising from the increasing adoption of AI in surgery, including potential biases, liability concerns, and the need for transparent and equitable implementation. By tracing the historical progression of surgical technology from the 19th century to the present-day, this work aims to provide insights into the future trajectory of AI in medical science, highlighting both its anticipated advancements and potential challenges for patient care.
Obi, Zane	Eudaimonia: The Love of Living	Philosophy	Dr. Michael Taber	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	2:20 PM	I believe a life well lived is a life lived to the fullest. You should aspire to do what makes you truly happy and satisfies your virtues. There are many ways to do this and for my SMP I want to discuss how to achieve true happiness/eudaimonia using alternative lifestyles as mediums to corroborate my thesis. I will discuss van life, boat life, camping, and nomadic wandering as examples of ways to achieve happiness outside of traditional norms. Further, using the personal stories of 2 people whom lived "off the grid" I want to demonstrate how there are multiple ways to achieve a quality life.
Oladipo, Abiola	Silica Loading in Nickel Bathless Electroplating	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Troy Townsend	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	11:30 AM	This study explores the technique of electroplating of nickel-based composite coatings enhanced with silica particles using a bathless electroplating method that includes the use of a reusable slurry made out of metal salts and water and not a tub of solution. Silica particles are a type of composite particles that increase the hardness and wear resistance of plated surfaces. The slurry was prepared with 1:1:5 mass ratio of boric acid, nickel chloride hexahydrate, and nickel sulfate hexahydrate. 7 slurries were made with increasing amount of Silica (SiO2) added, ranging from 0-2.5125g of SiO2, to assess the effect of loading on hardness and SiO2 particle distribution. Plating trials were performed at 3.2V at a constant current of 0.110A and a plate time of 20 minutes. To evaluate the hardness of each plating, Leeb’s Hardness Tester was used, while particle distribution and coverage were analyzed via optical microscopy and ImageJ. Results showed a clear positive correlation between silica loading and both hardness and particle distribution, with hardness increasing from 374.06 HL (no silica) to 426.45 HL at the highest silica loading of 2.528g. ImageJ showed an increase from 7477 μm² (0.395g) to 45450 μm² (2.2528g). These findings demonstrate that bathless plating is a plausible alternative for electroplating while significantly reducing chemical wastes.
Parizek, Sam	“Thou Idol Ceremony”: Shakespeare and the Political Theory of Legitimacy	English	Dr. Boros, Dr. O'Sullivan	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 1: 9:30-10:30 AM (English)	Shakespeare’s canon has long been analyzed as both a window and mirror to human constructs, both societal and psychological. This paper seeks to analyze how Shakespeare both deploys then-modern theories of political legitimacy, stemming from Classical antiquity to Machiavellian realism, and illuminates post-facto theories of political legitimacy, from the Early Liberal theorists to contemporary thinkers. I reveal Shakespeare as a window on his world’s politics and a mirror reflecting our own. This analysis concentrates upon Shakespeare’s two history tetralogies. In these plays, I argue that Shakespeare first critiques a purely doctrinal approach to legitimacy, and instead experiments with a realist-based approach, while also still authenticating the value of “sacramental legitimacy”. Ultimately, however, a pure realist approach also proves unsatisfactory; instead, Shakespeare presents a constructivist approach to legitimacy, rhetorically blending doctrinal and realist approaches to convince others, characters and audience alike, of political legitimacy. In the last plays of the tetralogy, Shakespeare reveals how both socio-cultural dissonance and immorality de-legitimize claimants, while coalition-based or retroactive justificatory approaches to legitimacy are affirmed. Also within these plays, an effort led by Jack Cade to annihilate legitimacy is assessed and then applied to the modern-day politics of Donald Trump. Lastly, I borrow Shakespeare’s use of drama as window and present my own Shakespearean play depicting the 12th-century English Anarchy, offering insight into the question of political legitimacy in 21st-century America.
Phan, Tri	Dynamic Study of Anion Exchange Resins for Adsorption of Chlorendic Acid	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Geoff Bowers	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	10:30 AM	Chlorendic acid is a persistent organic pollutant commonly used in flame retardants, raising environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates the adsorption efficiency of four anion exchange resins—IRA67, IRA400, WA30, and Dowex 1-X8—using batch experiments and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Adsorption behavior was analyzed with Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. Strong base resins showed higher affinity at low concentrations, while resins with higher total exchange capacities performed better at higher concentrations. Dowex 1-X8 outperformed expectations due to its small particle size. Results offer insight into selecting effective resins for removing organic contaminants from water.
Pilkerton, Maggie	Maryland Electoral System: Election Integrity and Partisan Animus	Political Science	Dr. Michael Cain	Kent Hall 213	Monday, April 28	Panel III, 11:45-1:15 PM	The study of affective polarization has gained prominence in political science, facilitating a deeper understanding of partisan animus and the anger within the electorate associated with polarization. In Maryland, several court cases represent either genuine flaws in the electoral system or a reflection of affective polarization among voters. By reviewing the literature on affective polarization, analyzing relevant lawsuits, and providing a systematic overview of the Maryland electoral system, this study establishes a foundation for understanding the motivations behind these lawsuits. This approach uses key informant interviews with Maryland election officials to gain insights into their attitudes toward the system in which they operate. These interviews consist of questions regarding voter registration, election integrity, election equipment, and administrative processes. The results of the interviews indicate both confidence in the Maryland electoral system and an awareness of areas requiring improvement. This study contributes significant insights to voting system research by allowing for a localized analysis, rather than a national one, that encompasses not only a literature review but also the attitudes of the officials responsible for administering elections.
Popielski, Luke	Preserving a Nation: The role of the Cherokee Phoenix in Cherokee Resistance	History	Dr. Kelsey Champagne	Kent Hall 120	Monday, April 28	Panel 1, 9-10:30 AM
Rhodes, Erin	Ribbons of Light: Poems on Seeing in Science	English	Dr. Karen Anderson	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 4: 2:45-3:30 PM	"Ribbons of Light" is a creative exploration utilizing poetry to investigate the implications of perception within the context of biological science. Through a series of free-verse poems, this collection weaves together the ideas, stories, and language of science, celebrating it as a profound way of understanding the world while questioning the harm that can come from its methods. These poems take on a variety of forms and subjects in a quest to capture the extraordinary depth of insight science offers while also grappling with the ethical dilemmas it often seems to overlook—questions of "should we?" that are so often overshadowed by the thrilling "what if?" and "could we?" Inspired by the work of established poets and ecopoets such as Pattiann Rogers, Louise Glück, Linda Bierds, Elizabeth Bradfield, and Alice Fulton, along with essayists bridging the intersections of science, art, and poetry, this collection is an attempt to both honor and challenge a field that the author deeply respects and struggles to embrace in equal parts.
Russell, Henry	Offshore Wind in the U.S.: Challenges & Solutions	Environmental Studies	Dr. Barry Muchnick	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	9:40 AM	Climate change poses an existential threat to the world which is driven by our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity. Offshore wind energy offers a clean and reliable alternative, yet has barely been utilized in the US, as this technology is widely adopted in Europe. This paper examines the key challenges hindering offshore wind development in the U.S., focusing on infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and community opposition. Through an analysis of two case studies—the Block Island Wind Farm and the proposed Maryland Offshore Wind farm—this paper applies these challenges to the case studies and finds that the US needs to invest in its infrastructure, streamline the regulatory process, and educate the public on offshore wind. The solutions presented in this paper can help offshore wind companies and policymakers grow the industry in the US to reduce our emissions and meet growing electricity demands.
Sabatini, Kristin	The Influence of Customer Reviews on Inflation: Examining the Link Between Price Change and Reviews	Economics & Business	Dr. Dan Savelle	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session I: 9:30-11am	Since the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has significantly impacted the prices of essential goods. This study examines whether customer reviews influence inflation on Amazon, as consumer feedback plays a crucial role in e-commerce decision-making. Prior research highlights the importance of review systems in shaping purchasing behavior and fostering trust, but the extent to which they affect product inflation remains unclear. To investigate this, I analyzed historical price trends and customer review data for household and beauty products on Amazon across four years (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023). Using multiple regression analyses, I explored the relationship between review ratings, the number of reviews, and price changes. The findings indicate no significant correlation between average review ratings and price adjustments. Instead, price increases appear to be driven primarily by broader inflationary trends rather than consumer feedback. These results suggest that while reviews influence consumer behavior, they do not play a direct role in shaping inflation on Amazon.
Salgado-Lara, Rony	Undermining from Within: Liberal Democracy and the Rise of Contemporary Authoritarian Legitimacy	ILC-Spanish	Dr. M. Ximena Postigo	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Tuesday, April 29	11:25 AM	Democracy has been at the forefront of modern day governments throughout the world and have shaped ethical means of controlling a nation. However, certain circumstances and leaders can give rise to the severe undermining and erosion to democratic practices and norms that ultimately lead to its backsliding. This work aims to explore such conditions as well as current key figures in the ongoing trend of democratic backsliding. An in-depth analysis will be conducted for the governments and presidents of El Salvador, Argentina, and the United States of America.. An initial definition of liberal democracy will be achieved, aiming to outline the basic conditions needed to be met in order for any government to fall under said category of democracy. Authoritarianism will be explored to identify certain practices and structures that can be compared to the key figures being highlighted throughout this work. Public opinion will also be assessed to determine the popularity such individuals gained, lost, or maintained throughout their continued tenure. Additionally, upon further research, a new definition of democracy will be established, one that problematizes liberal democracy by exposing how electoral legitimacy can coexist with authoritarian practices that undermine democratic principles.
Schindler, Isabella	Evolution of cadmium-resistant bacteria in agricultural soils	Biology	Dr. Lorena Torres-Martínez	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	9:20 AM	Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses serious risks to ecosystems and human health, often stemming from fertilizer and pesticide use. Soil microbes may adapt to this stress though, evolving resistance and offering potential for natural bioremediation. This study investigated whether industrial farming in Southern Maryland selects for cadmium resistant bacteria. Soil samples were collected from two natural parks (St. Mary’s River State Park, Assateague Island) and two farms (Kate Farm and T&A Farm), then plated on nutrient agar with increasing Cd concentrations (0–100 mg/L). Bacterial abundance was measured via colony-forming units (CFUs), and a two-way ANOVA tested the effects of type of soil and Cd concentration levels. Preliminary results revealed cadmium-resistant bacteria, especially in farm soils, suggesting that long-term exposure may drive microbial resistance. These findings highlight the potential for using native soil microbes in bioremediation strategies to restore contaminated agricultural lands.
Schwenk, Luke	On the Cutting Edge: Otodus megalodon Strengthened Tooth Edges through Zinc Incorporation in Enameloid.	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Geoff Bowers	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	12:00 PM	The largest shark ever known to exist, Otodus megalodon, relied on its teeth for every stage of feeding, frequently biting through bone while hunting marine mammals. Compared to its predecessors in the Otodus lineage, O. megalodon teeth experienced significantly higher mechanical stress during both puncture and draw phases. We hypothesized that O. megalodon evolved a structural adaptation by isomorphically incorporating zinc (Zn) into the fluorapatite enameloid to reinforce regions under high stress. To test this, we used X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to spatially resolve Zn concentrations in the enameloid of 15 O. megalodon and 5 O. obliquus teeth. These data were standardized on a per-tooth basis, combined into one dataset, and then grouped based on their location on the tooth. Statistical analyses show significantly lower Zn levels in basal regions of O. megalodon teeth, consistent with areas of the least mechanical stress. In contrast, the highest Zn levels were observed along the outermost cutting edges and tip, regions associated with peak functional demand. O. obliquus, the fish-eating ancestor of O. megalodon, also exhibited reduced Zn levels in basal regions; however, the overall spatial variation in Zn distribution was less pronounced. Unlike O. megalodon, O. obliquus showed no consistent enrichment along the edges compared to the interior regions of the teeth. These results indicate that as the Otodontids became more specialized mammal hunters, they developed a chemical strategy to reinforce their teeth in response to functional demands.
Shelton, Hanna	Lap Dogs: Historical Symbols of Wealth and Feminity	Anthropology	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	3:00 PM	Dogs are a man's best friend but what about a woman's best friend? Most dogs are bred to complete specific jobs like herding, hunting, and protection. Dogs develop to help humans with jobs and activities. So where did these small Lap Dogs come from and why are they so deeply tied into femininity and class? This paper looks into the origin of these lap dogs using the genetic information of the haplotype that made small domesticated dogs. As well as looking into the spread of popularity of these small dogs throughout the world. Two regions with a long history of small lap dogs are the Mediterranean and East Asia, Specifically Malta with the Maltese and China with the Pekingese. Looking into documentation, cultural artifacts, and burials will help get a better understanding of how small dogs were used to determine economic class as well as analyzing their persistent correlation with femininity in the historical and archaeological record. Overall, there is a lot of information that can help determine the origin of these small dogs as well as the impact they have had on society.
Sheppard, Emma	Amazonian Spiritual Ecologies: The Cultural Politics of Environmental Perspectives	ILC-Spanish	Dr. M. Ximena Postigo	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Tuesday, April 29	10:50 AM	The environmental worldviews of Amazonian Indigenous communities provide essential insights that deserve greater attention in the search for solutions to global ecological crises. Indigenous peoples share a deeply grounded connection with nature, recognizing that humans are only a small part of a larger whole. Yet, harmful extractivist practices in the Amazon rainforest continue to threaten lives and territories. To protect not only the Amazon but also the planet for future generations, these destructive—and often illegal—activities must come to an end. However, ending extractivism is not enough. We need to repair our relationship with nature. I argue that learning from the perspectives of Indigenous Amazonians can guide us toward more sustainable ways of living. Therefore, we must recognize Indigenous thinkers as teachers and partners. Studying their ideologies also requires critical engagement with the work of anthropologists who have studied Amazonian communities, while avoiding ideologies that have historically silenced Indigenous knowledge. Combining Western scientific knowledge with Indigenous epistemology and practices offers a more holistic approach to environmental issues. Through an analysis of Amazonian extractivism and the writings of Indigenous intellectuals and committed anthropologists, I explore paths to embrace an environmental ethic that challenges Western epistemologies and affirms the value of Indigenous knowledge.
Simon, Taylor	Tiny Traces: Deciduous Teeth as Biomarkers of Prenatal Stress	Anthropology, with a concentration in Archaeology	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	1:00 PM	The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis seeks to understand the effects of stress on early life, spanning the first 1,000 days post-conception. Birth phenotypes, such as reduced birth weight or early birth term, have known associations with an increased rate of morbidity and mortality. Identifying signs of early-life stress in the beginning stages of a newborn's life can aid in fast intervention to prevent developmental deficits. Deciduous teeth are one of the first structures to develop in utero, signaling that they may be privy to some of life’s earliest stressors. This pilot study hypothesizes that highly stressed children will exhibit deciduous canines with reduced crown volume, resulting from the prioritization of energy investment in vital anatomical structures. New Mexico is home to many environmental, socioeconomic, and systemic stressors, affecting individuals from the moment they are conceived. Thirty-two individuals were sourced from the New Mexico Descendant Imaging Database (NMDID), providing demographic data and CT files of the individuals. CT data were collected using the Horos software and analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics. Independent T-tests showed no association between birth phenotype and crown volume; however, ANOVA results indicated sexual dimorphism between male and female canines.
Sims, Avery	Case Studies on the role of AI in fraud detection in financial institutions	Economics & Business	Dr. Talha Salam	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session III: 1:00-2:30pm
Smith, Ashley	Polarization's Impact on Terrorism's Discourse and Policy Responses	Political Science	Dr. Matthew Burger	Kent Hall 213	Monday, April 28	Panel II, 10:15-11:15 AM	Polarization among both the electorate and political elites has been on the rise for decades now, and this increasing animosity influences the forms that political violence takes in the country. In the past, the broad applicability of terrorism as a term has led to public discourse on the topic to generally focus on a specific archetype of terrorist, despite the broad range of actors participating in terrorism with different motivations and goals. Policy responses to terrorism also tend to focus on a specific archetype of terrorist, which leads to weaker policy that is less capable of combating terrorism as a whole. In this paper, I will use data from START’s Global Terrorism database, as well as ANES survey response data, in order to highlight three different historical periods with varied levels of political polarization, in order to investigate its effect on public discourse regarding terrorism, as well as counterterrorism policy.
Smith, Brianna	“These kids are just like other teenagers”: Understanding the needs of juvenile justice teachers and their students	Educational Studies	Dr. David Morris	Learning Commons 214	Tuesday, April 29	4:00 PM	Juvenile justice teachers serve critical roles in the education of youth, yet few scholars have focused on the work they do. In this mixed-methods study, I surveyed 174 teachers to better understand their needs as well as the needs of justice-involved students. I found that teachers in long-term facilities had higher self-efficacy for student engagement and classroom management than teachers in short-term facilities, but felt similarly capable when it came to teaching in culturally relevant ways. In their open-ended responses, educators in juvenile justice facilities described finding joy in their work and the connections they make with students and colleagues. Many expressed a sense of duty to serve their community by helping an underserved population. A common challenge for teachers was coming up with lessons that would work in a justice facility, and noted that access to materials provided by organizations like BreakFree helped them overcome those challenges. They reported that it was sometimes difficult to support the academic needs of their students, many of whom had experienced trauma and had not satisfied more fundamental needs. Teachers noted that students need more individualized attention and access to therapeutic services when they are reintegrated into traditional schooling.
Sosa, Brianna	Antitrust Laws in the Era of Digital Monopolies	Public Policy	Dr. Todd Eberly	Kent Hall 213	Monday, April 28	Panel III, 11:45-1:15 PM	The evolution of antitrust laws, from the Sherman and Clayton Acts to modern regulatory frameworks, reflects the changing dynamics of market competition. Historically, antitrust policies focused on curbing monopolies and protecting consumer welfare in traditional industries. However, the rise of digital monopolies presents unique challenges that these earlier laws were not designed to address. As technology companies, particularly in the digital sector, gain unprecedented power over markets and consumer data, traditional antitrust approaches are increasingly under scrutiny for their inability to regulate these new forms of monopoly. This comprehensive analysis addresses the research question: How do contemporary antitrust laws address the challenges posed by digital monopolies, and what are the economic and legal implications for market competition and consumer protection? The study will explore current debates and legal frameworks, comparing approaches in the U.S., European Union, and China, to understand how each region addresses the growing influence of digital platforms. By analyzing the intersection of antitrust law, economic theory, and digital markets, this paper will highlight the complexities and potential reforms needed to ensure fair competition and safeguard consumer rights in the digital age.
Sprague, Jason	Arcana, theatre's influence on the creative experience.	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Amy Stieger, David Smith, and Dr. Heidi Castle-Smith	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29	7:00 PM	In this paper, I argue that forms of theatre that include greater generative collaboration, and audience interactivity produce more compelling and engaging performances. This paper largely draws upon my personal experiences in theatre design, supplemented with scholarly literature, and follows the chronological order of the creative process in theatre. First, I explore devising; scriptwriting, moment-work and improv games as well as character creation that, when done collaboratively, produces more nuanced and organic stories. Then, I examine the design process, focusing on how the audience is incorporated into the theatre experience and how designers focus on details in production that facilitate interactivity. I end this paper with a reflection on audience and academic reviews of the performance as a whole, and a statement on the eternally incomplete and transitive nature of theatre and the arts at large.
Stevenson, Vincentt	Religious Allegory	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Tristan Cai	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	1:45 PM	I have always felt connected to niche genres of Electronic Dance Music, such as Breakcore and Electro Swing. These music genres, especially breakcore, have a strong connection to the themes of queer identity, mental health issues, and nostalgia, which I relate to. My current body of work takes the form of album covers and merch for the fictional musical artist Religious Allegory, through the medium of digital collage. I use familiar themes of religious tropes, renaissance imagery, and dark humour in my work. I also use graphic design elements from different genres and time periods to help convey these themes.
Symmes, Lorelai	Like Mother, Like Daughter	Psychology	Dr. Ayse Ikizler	Goodpaster Hall 195	Monday, April 28	10:15 AM	Eating disorders (EDs), characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, arise from biological, environmental, psychological, and sociocultural influences (Barakat et al., 2023). Research highlights familial factors such as an emphasis on appearance, modeling of disordered eating, and body weight criticism in the development of disordered eating pathology (DEP) (Cooley et al., 2008; Handford et al., 2018). However, maternal influences remain understudied. This study examined the impact of perceived maternal body image attitudes (PMBIAs) and perceived maternal weight-related behaviors (PMWRBs) on daughters’ body satisfaction and eating pathology. Participants were 146 young adult cisgender women, primarily from a liberal arts college in Southern Maryland, who completed online self-report questionnaires. Linear regression analyses showed that both PMBIAs and PMWRBs significantly predicted daughters' body satisfaction and eating pathology. Two moderation analyses tested whether PMBIAs moderated the relationship between PMWRBs and daughters’ body satisfaction or eating pathology. Contrary to hypotheses, neither yielded significant results. These findings suggest that while PMBIAs and PMWRBs independently influence daughters’ body satisfaction and eating pathology, they do not interact as initially expected. Further research is needed to explore additional factors contributing to these relationships.
Tarleton, Cole	The Case Against Amazon: Evaluating the Negative Effects of Amazon	Economics & Business	Dr. Peter Wang	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session I: 9:30-11am	The practices of Amazon have come under increasing scrutiny for their anti-competitive behavior. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the negative effects of Amazon on third party sellers and small businesses operating on the Amazon marketplace. Amazon’s ability to play the role of both seller and owner means that they have a leg up on the competition. The monopolistic behavior of Amazon destroys small businesses' ability to compete and innovate. The evidence suggests that Amazon trademarked brands operating in the same neighborhood as third party sellers leads to higher discount percentages and lower prices, despite there being similar features and reviews.
Tolson, Chloe	Depths of Justice (Part 1)	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Tristan Cai	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	3:15 PM	As an animator, I am interested in telling stories that contain educational lessons. For my capstone project titled: Depths of Justice Part 1. I created a hero's tale about a diver Jack who discovers a town full of fish people who are in distress because they have been attacked by a shark named Jaws McGraw. When I imagined telling the story, I was inspired by the western genre of film because it seemed perfect for a hero’s tale, and would allow me as an animation to exaggerate the visuals and make the message more accessible to a wider audience. The main character, Jack, is human and I drew him so that he was relatable to many people. Through Jack, we can all learn through our mistakes and realize that we, as humans, are not that different from the animals. Animals, like us, are just trying to survive.
Vallone, Basil	Arcana	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Amy Steiger	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29	7:00 PM	Arcana, a new play written by Basil Vallone with contributions from the inaugural Ensemble Performance Capstone class and directed by Mark Andrew Britos. A severe drought endangers a commune on the outskirts of society. To find the next steps, the commune decides to perform a ritual, but the commune's misaligned intentions cause the ritual's magic to create an all-powerful deity. The commune has twelve hours to come up with an offering for the goddess to save them from the drought, or she will make the situation much worse. Audiences will be invited to make active choices that affect the outcome of the story as they become part of the performance community.
Velasco, Nadia	From Coins to Code: How Mobile Money Could Affect Financial Institutions in Bolivia	Economics & Business	Dr. Asif Dowla & Dr. Matthew Fehrs	Kent Hall 222	Monday, April 28	Session III: 1:00-2:30pm
Verdier, Emma	Pâtisserie Lapin	Art	Prof. Patterson & Prof. Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	11:45 AM	Pâtisserie Lapin is a cafe themed product line with an accompanying story. The fictional cafe, Pâtisserie Lapin, is staffed by a family of rabbits whose goal is to spread the happiness of baking to the rabbit world. Pen illustrations of charming mascots and delicious pastries create a story within a brand - one that is irresistibly sweet.
Vonderheid, Cole	A study of double reductive elimination of diaryl-Iodonium salts using 4,4 dipyridyl	Chemistry & Biochemistry	Dr. Andrew S. Koch	Goodpaster Hall 117	Monday, April 28	9:30 AM	Hypervalent iodonium reagents offer an efficient and environmentally sustainable reagent for a broad range of organic synthesis. These complexes participate in C-C bond formation that resembles reductive elimination, a classical organometallic reaction. Despite the usefulness of these complexes, there have been no noteworthy results for double reductive elimination. Herein, Diphenyl Iodonium salts and 4,4 dipyridyl were used to synthesis viologens to study the reductive elimination properties. Synthesis was conducted under high pressure and temperature conditions in a microwave reactor. The analysis was carried out using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
Wade, Michael	Characterizing Maryland Shoreline Management Perceptions With Q-Methodology	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	8:40 AM	Maryland’s shoreline management process requires substantial cooperation between shoreline property owners and shoreline management professionals, but confusion regarding federal legislation and state shoreline regulations has driven a rift between these two communities. The shoreline management process in Maryland is guided by federal legislative frameworks that promote community participation within the shoreline management field. Existing research has thoroughly studied these frameworks as well as property owners’ and professionals’ roles within them, but not compared these community perceptions with one another. This study examines the interrelationships between the perceptions of a Maryland coastal community and shoreline management professionals through Q-methodology, a social research method that identifies overarching perspectives from respondent data sets. Analyses show that property owners and professionals are advocates for shoreline management and recognize its importance, but property owners do not fully understand the restrictive nature of the shoreline management process. Professionals, working within regulations, frustrate property owners by limiting their management choices. Shoreline management education that informs property owners about the intricacies of the shoreline management process would promote a shared understanding of shoreline management limitations. Resolving this knowledge gap would greatly benefit both communities, prompting stronger communal relationships and improving shoreline health through more productive shoreline management.
Walker, Lilian	Understanding the Interconnectedness of Water Governance, Community Economies, and Resilience within Jamaica	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:00 AM	This paper examines the ecological framework of water access in Jamaica, focusing on the unequal access of water and how the emergence of community economies have emerged as an outlet for resilience. I draw on personal experiences from previous visits to Jamaica, and being on the ground during Hurricane Beryl in July 2024. Here, I immediately noted the uneven distribution of resources after the power and water was off for days in residential communities, but still working in the areas that hosted tourists. From this experience, I aim to first understand why there is this unequal access to water. I highlight the government entities and historical systems that have influenced present day socio-political and economic systems. I then turn to underscore the intersection of community economies and the tourism economy that reveal the complex dynamics of resource allocation, focusing on water. I draw on ethnographic observations and field notes to reveal ways in which the local and tourist markets intersect and are able to coexist in everyday life. From the anecdotes set forth, I conclude that community economies have manifested as an outlet for resilience in Jamaica.
Wanamaker, Judith	The impact of testosterone level variation in female brown anoles on color signaling and social behaviors.	Biology	Dr. Abby Beatty	Schaefer Hall 106	Monday, April 28	11:40 AM	Much research has been conducted on the antagonistic behavior of male brown anoles (Anolis sagrei), but the same is not true for the female members of the species, despite exhibiting similar variation among hormone concentrations, colorations, and responsive behaviors. Existing literature has found that male color signaling is affected by testosterone levels, with higher testosterone corresponding with increased signaling and antagonistic behaviors. This study seeks to investigate the presence of a similar phenomena in female brown anoles, where natural variation of testosterone levels have been observed, but have not yet been tested in relation to color, morphology, or behavior. We conducted a series of observational tests involving antagonistic interactions between female anoles in the presence of food competition, then used ImageJ to examine the frequency of antagonistic behaviors in relation to color morphology. We then conducted an ELISA assay using fecal samples from the tested individuals to determine overall testosterone levels. We found that higher testosterone and certain dewlap characteristics were correlated with antagonistic behaviors, and that there is a relationship between testosterone, saturation, and dewlap flaring. We also found that dorsal morph did not have a significant relationship with testosterone level nor behaviors.
Weedon, Claire	Music of the Southern Maryland Landscape	English	Dr. Jerry Gabriel	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 5: 3:45-4:45 PM	SlackWater is focused on interpreting and documenting the changing the landscape of Southern Maryland. The SlackWater editorship is collection of oral history research and podcasts for SlackWater Volume IX: Music as well as the development of new online content for the SlackWater website.
Weiss, Ray (and others)	Developing an Effective Environment for Composting at St. Mary's College of Maryland	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	10:00 AM
Wells, Summer	The Ritual of Repair: Design, Community, and the Making of Arcana	Performing Arts: Theater, Dance & Performance Studies	Dr. Heidi Castle Smith & Prof. David Smith	Montgomery Hall, Bruce Davis Theater	Tuesday, April 29	7:00 PM	Arcana is an original, ensemble-devised play that explores how communities respond to crisis, difference, and the unexpected arrival of power. Set in a post-industrial commune housed in an abandoned paper mill, six witches attempt to end a drought through a ritual, only to accidentally summon a deity, Aranza. As each member presents a different idea for how to solve the crisis, the audience is invited to participate in the story and influence its outcome. The production draws attention to broken systems and relationships (unclosed circles, unspoken truths), and how unity can only be achieved through shared understanding, vulnerability, and collective care. The piece celebrates difference as strength, and wholeness as something built piece by piece. I served as both co-Scenic Designer and sole Lighting Designer for Arcana. My scenic contributions focused on world-building through hand-drawn draft renderings and paint elevations for key spaces like the Greenhouse-Spiritual Sanctuary and Command Room. As Lighting Designer, I created cue sheets, light plots, and lighting concepts that supported mood and emotional arcs throughout the show. My work explored how design elements could reflect the spiritual and structural fractures of the play, and how, by the final ritual, they could help knit the broken pieces back together.
Wheatley, Athena	The Grimoire of Eschaton: A Novella	English	Dr. Jerry Gabriel	Glendening Annex	Monday, April 28	Panel 5: 3:45-4:45 PM	A novella written in a modern fantasy world which I plan to write in in the future. The Grimoire of Eschaton is a story about Rascal, a young necromancer who loses her spellbook in a small town and must find it with the help of a friend, Stissy. However, shortly after she loses it, the town becomes cursed, and everyone suspects that she is the one who did it.
Wheeler, Tiffany (and others)	Making the Invisible Visible through Culture, Art & Communication	Environmental Studies	Dr. Parisa Rinaldi	Cole Cinema	Monday, April 28	11:40 AM	The ecosystem of the St. Mary’s River is filled with unique and ecologically essential plants and animals. Unfortunately, humans tend to focus only on a few species, particularly those that are edible or otherwise profitable. Equally, if not more damaging, in many ways we have become disconnected from the nature that surrounds us, causing it to become an invisible, unimportant background to extractive, exploitative, or careless human practices. Awash in the news of anthropogenic climate change and its effects, we often lose sight of our own ability to positively affect our local environment. Our project seeks to broaden the spotlight to include species that are often forgotten despite their invaluable ecological contributions to the river's biological diversity. We hope to not only cast the limelight on these underappreciated species and their symbiotic relationships, but also to expose some of our shortcomings as stewards of the natural world and emphasize the need for everyone to do their part to protect and restore our home habitat here at St. Mary’s College and throughout the St. Mary’s county community. Our primary avenues for driving this change were collaboration with Paperhand Puppet Intervention through the Climate Affect, the organization of Earth Day events including a giant puppet show with participant surveys, and the establishment of partnerships with local artists and activists.
White, Aura	Beyond the Diagnosis: Family, Culture, and Autism in the African American Experience	Anthropology	Dr. Bill Roberts	Anne Arundel Hall, Blackistone Room	Monday, April 28	2:30 PM
White, Samantha	A Comprehensive Guide to the Female Body	Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	2:30 PM	In Samantha White’s A Comprehensive Guide to the Female Body, appropriated imagery of male anatomical structures from medical textbooks are incorporated into drawings of the female form, conveying the ways in which the medical research gender gap has caused the tendency to view the male body as the default. The artist utilizes common tropes in medical illustration such as the carbon dust technique (a method of drawing commonly used by traditional medical illustrators that involves dry-brushing graphite dust onto paper) and textbook-style labels. When those stylistic tropes are employed alongside the appropriated images, a sense of medical authority is created in the works despite the nonsensical subject matter they depict. Despite it all, the only truth ultimately depicted in the final works is the detailed and documented reality of the male form submerged in the murky waters of femininity. When these figures are combined with the features of lab rats, a species whose females are also commonly neglected in medical research, a dialogue is created about the ways in which social gender hierarchies and medical study interact.
Wolinski, Hayden	A Product of Its Time	Art	Prof. Carrie Patterson & Prof. Betsy Kelly	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	9:30 AM	All decisions are influenced in one way or another by the foundational memories of our pasts. And the divide between art and marketing begins to blur when advertisements employ creative uses of time and memory to sway our choices. But where does the line between nostalgia and absurdity lie? I am using Blender 3D to create a series of products that have been advertised in a way that challenges their original time period; fictional objects placed in adverts that exist in another memory. His continuing fascination with this notion has pushed him to explore these subjects in a satirical context. These objects use nostalgia as a means of mocking the viewer rather than inviting them in, and create an unmissable offer for an audience of none.
Woodbury, Eleanor	In the Studio: A Study of Creation	Art	Prof. Tristan Cai & Prof. Carrie Patterson	Montgomery Hall Upper Commons	Monday, April 28	10:30 AM	In my work, I explore the intimate nature of creative spaces and the fleeting moments that define the artistic process. The studio is my sanctuary where I delve into the artistic mindset. By building realistic workspaces and allowing the viewer to enter this space, I invite them to see themselves reflected in the work. My paintings document the evolving environment of an artist's studio, capturing both still snapshots in time and the changing conditions of the studio that influence the process of creating. Through the interplay of natural and artificial light, color contrasts, and brushstroke quality, I aim to create an atmosphere that feels tangible and invites immersion into the creative process.
Wright, Kacie	Love in All Forms: A Case Study of Love in the Shonen Genre	Philosophy	Dr. Barrett Emerick	Montgomery Hall 103	Tuesday, April 29	1:40 PM	Within the philosophical search for the definition of love, the role of culture in which the research is done is of great importance and often overlooked. This tendency extends past Western traditions and to the understanding of Japanese culture and the non-separation between religious ideals and philosophy. This non-separation is displayed through the effects of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shintoist beliefs, which are still widely regarded as both religious and philosophical. In this project, I aim to examine the role of culture in shaping our understanding of love and how this understanding can be informed by diverse perspectives, particularly in the cultural tenets that inform the media produced within them. Additionally, my project seeks to define different types of love, such as romantic, familial, and the love of life. I will utilize these findings to investigate how the shonen genre of Japanese culture influences love in a case study of the anime and manga series Jujutsu Kaisen. Through my analysis, I will expound upon how the understanding of love is pervasive throughout different societies while also maintaining the integrity and importance that the study of culture provides.

Student	Project Title	Program	Mentor	When it was presented	Project Abstract
Adams, Katherine	Senior Recital: Kat Adams	Performing Arts, Music Concentration	Prof. Ellington Carthan	April 13, 2025	Trumpet and piano piece, three brass ensemble pieces, and singing/playing trumpet in two songs.
Garnish, Chloe	Introduction to Mathematics Applications: Optimization and Mathematical Modeling	Mathematics & Economics	Dr. Sara Chari	April 11, 2025, at the VA-DC-MD regional meeting of the Mathematical Association of America	Throughout this paper we will showcase various mathematical modeling and optimization applications using numerous concepts that college mathematics majors will encounter during their undergraduate education. Our goal of the paper is to bring awareness to the importance of applications of mathematics, as college classes are often focused on methods of computation or theory. In the paper we will touch on applications utilizing linear, non-linear, and theoretical mathematical methods. The examples covered will range from theoretical math- ematics topics such as graph and set theory to more applied concepts relating to physics, chemistry, biology, and economics.
Kumwembe, Alexus Annika	Understanding the Large Scale Structure with Enhanced Multiplet Catalogs	Physics		Meeting of the American Astronomical Society, January 18, 2025	We demonstrate that measurements of the gravitational tidal field made with spectroscopic redshifts can be improved with information from imaging surveys. The average orientation of small groups of galaxies, or “multiplets” is correlated with large-scale structure and is used to measure the direction of tidal forces. Previously, multiplet intrinsic alignment has been measured in DESI using galaxies that have spectroscopic redshifts. The DESI Legacy Imaging catalog can be used to supplement multiplet catalogs. Our findings show that galaxy positions from the imaging catalog produce a measurement similar to the measurements made with only spectroscopic data. This demonstrates that imaging can improve our signal-to-noise ratio for multiplet alignment in DESI.
Levy, DeAvanti	Senior Recital: DeAvanti Levy	Performing Arts, Music Concentration	Prof. Jeffrey Silberschlag	April 12, 2025
Sievert, Alayna	Combating Negative Stigma Around Mathematics with Growth Mindset Instruction	Mathematics & Educational Studies	Dr. Janet Varner	April 2025, in a class session of Math 161, Math for Teachers I	Mathematics tends to be the subject in school which students fear, avoid, or even hate. There exists this notion that math is a skill that people either have, or lack. This could be due to previous negative experiences in the subject, poor content instruction, or the fact that mathematics questions typically only have one right answer. Either way, there exists a common negative stereotype towards mathematics that seems to develop as students progress through school. This negative stigma is limiting students’ understanding of mathematics real world applications and diminishing their motivation to learn the subject. To combat these negative stereotypes, I have created a series of lesson plans and lesson seeds surrounding growth mindset instruction to increase student engagement and motivation in mathematics classrooms. My lesson plans include a wide range of instructional methods to reach a wide audience of students, emphasize the importance of real-life applications, and overall, bring more liveliness into the classroom. Mathematics instruction should not fall into one category, that being lecture, and instead students should experience different ways of learning and demonstrating their understanding in mathematics classrooms.

Schedule

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Projects of Distinction

List of Projects of Distinction

Victoria Chazin, Art & Biology

Cicely Clark, Marine Science

Ben Johnson, History

Anna Landis, English

Shannon Lutz, Psychology

Melissa Martinez, Art

Ella Price, History

Luke Schwenk, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Emma Jane Sheppard, International Languages & Cultures, with Concentration in Spanish & Environmental Studies

Alex Stornelli, Physics

Jayden Washington, Neuroscience

Samantha White, Art

Posters

Presentations

Past Presentations