Presentation Schedule

Emerson Porter  (2025). “The Darwinian Challenge to Rational Theism: James Rachels.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. John Lemos.

Through the perspective of James Rachels, Emerson Porter walks through several of the traditional arguments for the Abrahamic God, explaining how and why Rachels believes that Charles Darwin's case for evolutionary biology disproves them. She will also go through several cases for the design argument and how if we accept Rachels perspective about evolutionary biology, these newer attempts at making the design argument work also seem to fail.

Michael Wlochal  (2027). “The Effect of the Boron Anomaly on the Mixed-Alkali-Effect on Thermal and Electrical Properties.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Caio Bragatto.

In this work, we studied the effect of the Boron Anomaly on the Mixed-Alkali-Effect within Lithium-Sodium-Borate glasses on the properties of activation energy and glass transition temperature (Tg). By using borate glasses, we explored the effect that the difference in borate structures affected properties of activation energy and Tg. The Mixed-Alkali-Effect describes the non-linear change in thermal and electrical properties as the percentage between the two alkalis changes. With this work, we explored the variance caused by the combination of both the Boron Anomaly and the Mixed-Alkali-Effect

Jelani Ragins  (2025). “Educating the Electorate.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Stacy Haynes Moore.

I want to share the findings of my research. I am a senior majoring in history with focuses in education and politics. This semester I am conducting a pilot study about civic awareness and civic education in our Coe community. My goal is to understand more about these three questions: How are participants engaging with politics? How are participants engaging in their local community? How are participants aware of white supremacy structures in community and politics? The depth of these questions will be broken down into a questionnaire that allows for open dialogue between the researcher and the participant.

Reagan Kreamer  (2026). “The Invisible Struggle: The Role Of Supportive Communication During Infertility.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a narrative examination of qualitative research on health transitions and the difficulties experienced by women dealing with infertility. This is a review of qualitative studies that have been published between 2021-2025. For this project, two objectives will be answered: The first is to identify the impacts of the challenges of infertility and the needed support for women going through infertility. To accomplish this, my project will explore four questions. An example of one of these questions is: What types of supportive messages are reported as helpful by women dealing with infertility? For the second objective, I will convert my qualitative findings into an infographic for SaraaSits, a faith-based software that meets the needs of today's working professionals who balance work obligations with caring for their elderly parents and children. They allow one to learn caregiving that is integrated with religious principles, providing one with the tools to offer comprehensive treatment.

Ashley Zuber  (2027). “The Power of Communication: Supporting Patients in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a narrative review of qualitative studies published within the last five years (2021–2025) concerning health transitions and challenges faced by patients navigating type 2 Diabetes. My goals for these projects are twofold: first, to identify the impact of these challenges and the social support needs of this population. For the second goal, I will convert the findings from the qualitative studies in my narrative review into an infographic for Wandering Educators. To achieve my goals, my project explores four questions for example What are the impacts of these challenges on individuals, and what specific support needs arise? My research will allow readers to learn more about how they can help support people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It will allow people to see how they should help others when they find out someone they know has type 2 diabetes.

Kadence Lisk  (2025). “Navigating Cancer Care: Challenges and Social Support Experienced by Patients.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a literature review of qualitative studies published within the last five years, examining the health transitions and challenges faced by patients undergoing cancer treatment. My goals for these projects are to identify the impact of the challenges that cancer patients face and the social support that has been reported helpful by cancer patients. To accomplish this, my project addresses questions such as, ‘What types of supportive messages are reported helpful by family caregivers navigating Cancer?’ For the second goal, I will convert the findings from the qualitative studies in my narrative review into an infographic for Edgy TV. Edgy TV is a Canada-based company specializing in entertainment, marketing, media production, publishing and hospitality. Its mission is to promote multiculturalism through multimedia, fostering development and growth, creating employment opportunities, empowering women, and giving a voice to marginalized immigrants who deserve dignity.

Jessica Meisinger (2027). “The Reality and Challenges of A Caregiver’s Role in Assisting an Individual with Alzheimer’s Disease.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

The research discussed within this project presents a narrative review of qualitative research conducted  2021 and 2025 regarding transitions and challenges experienced by caregivers navigating support for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease. My primary goal for this project is first to identify the weight of these challenges and what type of social support they require. To accomplish this, I will explore four questions, including how do supportive messages impact family caregivers navigating Alzheimer’s? My second goal is to compile my research and transform it into an infographic for Wandering Educators, a website created to publish articles on academic field-related issues.

Gracey Swanson (2026). “Internship Presentation: Anamosa State Penitentiary.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

To fulfill my internship requirement I interned as a correctional officer (CO) at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. This internship allowed me to become fully certified as a CO. I underwent many training experiences: academy, being pepper sprayed, OJT, FTO, etc. I worked many units in the institution, learning how to communicate, rehabilitate, and use my discretion and authority effectively. 3/13/2025 Revision: To fulfill my internship requirement I interned as a correctional officer (CO) at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. This internship allowed me to become fully certified as a CO. I underwent many training experiences including a 3 week long academy where I learned defensive tactics, practiced use of force scenarios, searched cells, learned information about gangs, and learned how to administer proper pat downs. I also got pepper sprayed, shadowed (followed around other COs), and participated in FTO (field training— learning while doing the job). I worked many units in the institution with different privilege levels, learning how to communicate, rehabilitate, and use my discretion and authority effectively.

Brendan Murphy (2025). “RISE internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

I was an intern at the Reintegration Initiative for Safety and Empowerment (RISE) program in the fall of 2024. RISE is a non-profit organization that is a part of Fresh Start Ministries in the 6th Judicial District. RISE supports people who were recently incarcerated and housed in halfway houses by providing items such as hygiene products, clothes, transportation, and workshops. I had the opportunity to lead a workshop on mock job interviews and helped create an exit survey for people who recently graduated from the program.

Emeline Niyirukundo (2025). “Our Future.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

In the fall of 2024, I was a fellow with Our Future, a nonprofit organization dedicated to social justice and community advocacy. As a fellow, I worked on developing a mentorship program for English Language Learner (ELL) students, aiming to bridge academic and social gaps for refugee and immigrant youth. I collaborated with local organizations, navigated challenges in program implementation, and gained insight into the systemic barriers these students face. This fellowship also allowed me to connect with community leaders and activists, deepening my understanding of nonprofit work and reinforcing my commitment to addressing educational inequities in marginalized communities.

Alex Van Dee (2025). "Willis Dady Works Internship." Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Neal McNabb.

I had the opportunity over the summer to intern at the Willis Dady Works Center in Cedar Rapids. During this internship, I was able to help get resources to individuals experiencing homelessness, help them apply for assistance, and work with the outreach team at Willis Dady to assist with spreading resources and give assistance to more people experiencing homelessness. Through this experience, I was able to learn in depth about the factors impacting homeless individuals, the top reasons people became homeless, what they need the most assistance with, and figure out what issues arise with law enforcement.

Alexia Morganti  (2025). “Meditations on Human Impact and Greed: Heartbeat.” Faculty Sponsor, Margaret LeMay, MFA.

Alexia Morganti's Honors Thesis is on her fantasy trilogy, Heartbeat, that she has been working on for the last decade. It discusses how the novels further the discussion of oppression, genocide, enviromental issues, and human greed through how those topics are presented in the fantastical world of Aisha.

Rachel Weishman  (2025). “Ghosts in the Family Tree.” Faculty Sponsor, Margaret LeMay, MFA.

Poetry collection.

Sophia Kepros Caballero  (2025). “The Birth of a Mother: The Significance of Written Records of Motherhood Through Poetry.” Faculty Sponsor, Margaret LeMay, MFA.

The manuscript The Birth of a Mother with an introductory essay outlining mother poets throughout history. As well as the significance of written records capturing the experiences of mothers in history.

Janessa Marshall  (2025). “My Fall 2024 Internship at Tanager Place.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

In Fall of 2024 I participated in an internship at Tanager Place. This came with so many learning curves and opportunities for growth. In my presentation I will talk about the vision of my internship placement, what I learned from the internship and my personal growth.

Kyra Phillips  (2026). “Is Justice Really Blind? The Attraction-Leniency Effect and Implications for Legal Decision-Making.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ellen Lee.

Past research investigating an attraction-leniency effect on jurors’ perceptions of guilt and sentencing has yielded mixed results. While many mock-jury studies have found that physically attractive defendants are less likely to be found guilty and tend to receive shorter sentences, meta-analyses indicate small effect sizes. Other evidence suggests that an attractiveness-leniency effect may depend on factors such as crime severity or relevance to attractiveness. Some studies have even found a “reverse halo effect” whereby physically attractive defendants receive harsher punishment than less attractive defendants. This literature review examines the controversy surrounding the attraction-leniency effect and its implications in the courtroom.

Sofia Davis  (2025). “My Internship Experience.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

As a Youth Service Worker on the Inpatient Team, I provided direct care services, ensuring each interaction was individualized, strengths-based, and professional. My focus was on building therapeutic relationships based on trust and respect to support client healing and growth. I created a safe, supportive environment, helping clients address challenges and promote personal development. This internship taught me to stay calm and solution-focused in difficult situations and to build strong connections with both clients and coworkers. Gaining hands-on experience with trauma-informed care deepened my understanding of working with adolescents and strengthened my passion for supporting them.

Kelly Smith  (2025). “Internship for Waypoint as a Domestic violence Advocate.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

During my time as a Domestic Violence Intern, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of domestic violence and the emotional, legal, and social challenges that survivors face. The responsibility of helping individuals navigate such a difficult and often traumatic period was both challenging and rewarding. The experience taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and confidentiality when working with survivors. I also learned valuable skills in crisis intervention and advocacy.

Reagan Kreamer (2026), Kadence Lisk (2025), Brianna Starry (2025), Mady Jeziorski (2026), Jada Harris (2028), Brayden Harti (2028). “Creating Communication Deliverables for Aura Coffee UK.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

For the Work-based learning requirement for COM 231- Small Group Communications, our small group has partnered with Aura Coffee. This project aims to develop content deliverables that highlight Aura Coffee's dedication to athletic performance and wellness. Our team will create informative, research-driven content emphasizing the importance of the brand values. To accomplish this, our small group has delved into research about health and wellness trends to see how they align with Aura Coffee's mission. Our small group will be able to produce two blog posts, two infographics, and a video. These deliverables will effectively communicate the benefits of Aura Coffee's products in the context of fitness and wellness.

Gad Kanago  (2025). “Navigating Sarcoma: Challenges, Supports, and Communication Strategies for Patients and Caregivers” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a narrative review of qualitative studies published between 2021 and 2025, concerning health transitions and challenges faced by individuals navigating sarcomas or their caregivers. My goals for these projects are twofold: First, to identify the impact of these challenges and the social support needs of this population. To achieve this goal, my project explores questions such as: What challenges do individuals/family caregivers encounter during a health transition due to sarcoma? Second, I will convert the findings from the qualitative studies in my narrative review into an infographic for Riipen Partner Saraa Sits, a healthcare organization committed to enhancing patient education and support services. These infographics are intended to succinctly encapsulate the support needs and effective coping strategies for patients and caregivers, thereby empowering them with vital, accessible information. 

Lincoln Johnson (2025). “Wandering Educators Project for Small Group Communications- Lincoln Johnson.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

I would like to do is present about the paper I wrote for my Riipen Partner Project. What this includes is a brief description of what the project was about, how my group went about tackling this assignment, and then breaking down specifically what I did for my paper. This breakdown will include the selection of questions I picked, who I interviewed and why I interviewed them, and finally how I turned the questions and responses into a paper for Wandering Educators website. I plan on making a Google Slides presentation short bullet point sections to support the oral presentation.

Evan Daugherty (2027). “Cancer Work.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a narrative review published within the last 5 years from (2021-2025) concerning health transitions facing challenges by family caregivers navigating cancer. My goals for this project is to first identify the impact of these challenges relating to cancer and the social support needs of this population. To maintain this goal, my project explores the following four questions: What challenges do family caregivers encounter during a health transition due to cancer? For the next goal I will convert the findings from the qualitative studies in my narrative review to an infographic for Saraa Sits. Sits provides an app catering to the needs of today’s busy professionals who navigate career demands while caring for children and aging parents, through a faith-based lens.

Jaden Fuqua (2025). “Internship- CRUSH Recovery Center.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

I am currently interning at CRUSH Recovery Center, which is a Recovery Community Center located in the Human Services Building. This internship has fueled my desire to help, understand, and promote social well-being to those with substance abuse disorders. I have had the opportunity to meet with peers, create workshops, and receive lots of training such as de-escalation and Narcan administration. Outreach to community partners is one of my favorite parts of the internships. I was also able to attend drug treatment court with some of our peers to understand the reality of the judicial system.

Maria Bello  (2026). “Washington Term- Fall 2024.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

In the Fall of 2024, I interned at Bruckheim & Patel, a criminal defense law firm in Washington D. C. As an intern, I assisted my attorney supervisor with trial preparation, BWC footage review, and legal document drafting. I also went on jail visitations with my attorney supervisor where I presented to clients the reviewed BWC footage along with other evidence that the government would use in their case. I learned about the different approaches to drafting a good defense argument and theory, as well as ins and outs of trials and court proceedings. This experience allowed me to network with a variety of legal professionals, and I gained hands-on experience on what being a criminal defense attorney is like.

Ally Anderson  (2026). “RISE Internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

I was an intern at the Reintegration Initiative for Safety and Empowerment (RISE) program in the fall of 2024. RISE is a non-profit organization that is a part of Fresh Start Ministries in the 6th Judicial District. RISE supports people who were recently incarcerated and housed in halfway houses by providing items such as hygiene products, clothes, transportation, and workshops. I had the opportunity to lead a workshop on mock job interviews and helped create an exit survey for people who recently graduated from the program.

Sydney Kepros (2025). “SCJ Internship: RSH Legal.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb, Josh Christensen, J.D.

Intern at RSH Legal law firm working on civil litigation cases with a focus on personal injury claims. I learned a lot of about different types of documents frequently used within civil litigation and how the whole litigation process works

Jocelyn Johnson  (2026), Ro Mpemba (2026), Arianna Haggard (2026). “From the U.S. to Czechia: Black Americans’ Experiences and Perspectives on Studying Abroad.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. John Chaimov.

This oral presentation will be delivered by three junior students who studied abroad in the Czech Republic. In our presentation, we’ll share what we learned during our time in Czechia—from its culture and current events, to the countries and areas we visited and the experiences we had. We’ll also discuss our interactions with other international students at our host university and reflect on the key takeaways from both our classes and our time in the country.

Maggie Nansamba  (2025). “Study Abroad in Thailand.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. John Chaimov.

During my semester abroad at Rangsit University in Thailand, I immersed myself in a vibrant academic and cultural environment that broadened my global perspective. Through diverse coursework, I gained insights into Thai society, business, and language, while engaging with peers from around the world. Beyond the classroom, I explored Thailand’s rich heritage, from historic temples to bustling markets, deepening my appreciation for its traditions. This transformative experience enhanced my adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and personal growth, preparing me for future global opportunities. My time at Rangsit University was both academically enriching and personally rewarding.

Nathan Litterer  (2026). “My Time on New York Term 2025.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ben Schmidt.

I'll be talking about my time in NYC and giving my best advice, reflections, and tips for people to use to decide whether NYC is for them or not. I'll cover the events I went to, the work I did with my internship, and just the dynamic cultural and social experience it was in contrast to Iowa.

Molly Baker (2025). “Internship with the Iowa Golf Association.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ellen Teller.

The PJ Boatwright Internship, established by the United States Golf Association (USGA) in honor of P.J. Boatwright Jr., provides aspiring golf administrators with hands-on experience in tournament operations, governance, and player services within Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) across the country. During my internship with the Iowa Golf Association (IGA) as a PJ Boatwright Intern, I gained extensive experience in championship administration and golf event management. My role involved assisting with tournament operations, tracking Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Player of the Year points, and coordinating event logistics. I worked closely with IGA staff, volunteers, and players to ensure the smooth execution of events, handling responsibilities such as course setup, and scoring. This experience deepened my understanding of the standards and best practices of Allied Golf Associations, refining my skills in event planning, player engagement, and operational efficiency. Through this internship, I developed a strong passion for championship administration and honed my ability to manage large-scale sporting events with professionalism and attention to detail. Although this internship did not correlate with my major, I was able to apply the skills I gained at Coe on the job.

Oyin Adewuyi  (2025), Chloe Nannyombi (2024 University of Iowa), Esther Amisi (2027 Mount Mercy University). “Investigating Mental Health Experiences and Solutions within the Greater Cedar Rapids Community.” Faculty Sponsor, Anne Harris-Carter, Health Equity Manager, Linn County Public Health.

This study examines the current impacts of institutionalized racism on mental health within minority, specifically African American, populations of the community by exploring individual experiences with mental health support systems. By conducting focus groups with community members and providers, our focus on access, supports, barriers, and outcomes of seeking professional support led to some key themes. These include identity, communal and independent support, as well as the effectiveness of mental health service outreach. Ongoing findings highlight disparities in care, structural barriers and the need for more inclusive, culturally competent, equitable, and efficient mental health support.

Jessica Adams  (2025). “Libraries in the Political Space.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Kim Lanegran.

This project evaluates the political nature of libraries. Public libraries in the United States represent some of the few remaining free public spaces in America. Using the Cedar Rapids Public Library's Downtown location as a case study, I'm investigating what it means to be political and exist in the public space. This research was done using interviews, observation and reviews of existing literature. Attention is given to contemporary contentious issues including debates around censorship and public access.

Gracie Urbatsch  (2025), Anja Mills (2025), Ryan Thoreson (2026), Luke Powers (2025). “Effects of Monetary Incentives from Pharmaceutical Companies on Provider Performance.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Chelsea Lensing.

With the new administration introducing changes to leadership at key government health agencies—including the FDA, NIH, CDC, and HHS—policy shifts impacting healthcare regulations are expected. This research explores the relationship between pharmaceutical company payments and provider performance, focusing on Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) scores. Using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, we analyze state-level and individual provider outcomes to determine whether incentive-based payments influence physician performance. Our findings indicate no significant correlation between pharmaceutical payments and MIPS scores, raising questions about the effectiveness of financial incentives in improving healthcare quality.

Jocelyn Grech  (2025). “SCJ Summer/Fall Internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

I had the opportunity to intern at the 6th Judicial District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the summer and fall of 2024. The internship entailed being a Residential Officer at the Lary A Nelson Center. Daily tasks included working closely with clients by checking them in and out of the center, report writing, conducting investigations, conducting hearings, and providing resources and support; along with supervising clients to make sure they are on track to re-enter society successfully. This internship opportunity has given me insight on how community corrections works in the state of Iowa.

Caden Evans  (2025). “United States Marshal Service.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

In the summer of 2024, I interned with the United States Marshal Service. During my internship I worked with a task force which was primarily in charge of street operations and dealing with fugitives, court security which was in charge of making sure court rooms were safe when inmates were present, and booking which was in charge of keeping inmates detained until their hearings. Throughout this internship I learned a lot about the difference between local and federal enforcement.

Cassie Jenecke  (2026). “My Internship with the Polk County Justice Center.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

The Polk County Justice Center is located in the Downtown area of West Des Moines. I acted as a general intern at the Justice Center to get experience in all areas of the office including civil, criminal, and drug and gang. This presentation covers the ins and outs of my internship and how it helped me to finalize important decisions for myself.

Evan Bender  (2026). “Washington County Sheriff Department - Summer Internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

Over the summer I completed a 140 hour internship with the Washington County Sheriff Department. In that time I spent my time rotating through the different units in the department, this included: Dispatch, Jail, Patrol, and SRT/SWAT team. Within this time in the different units I learned what goes on behind the scenes of being a deputy, for example the people behind the radio directing the officers. I learned what deputies go through in real life situations, and how to handle the different situations. I learned what the routine is like for a jailer in the department and how to handle inmates held in the jail. Finally, I learned how the SRT team operates in crisis situations. I can say this experience solidified why I want to be an officer in the next couple of years.

Yenifer Salgado  (2026). “My Experience as an Intern at the Riverview Center.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

For a presentation on my experiences interning at The Riverview Center.

Alyson Collins  (2025). “Catherine McAuley Center Internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

For my PowerPoint presentation, I will be describing the lovely experiences I had at the Catherine McAuley Center downtown Cedar Rapids during the semester of Fall 2024. Some of these experiences include working in the Language Lab helping adult learns from all around the world practice English on the computer. We encourage our students to write, speak, and read English to help develop their skills faster. I've also attended conversation classes where all levels of English learners practice speaking. In addition to this, I've attended work meetings to better understand how to use their software.

Abbie White  (2025). “Human Resource Internship.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

Discussing my experience working with Coe College as the HR intern. Description of the positions, learning goals, and work that I was involved in. These include the services HR provides and my opportunities like new system work, interviews, updating information, and more.