Presentation Schedule

Rebecca Gabrielsson (2027). “A New Bound for the Maximum Number of Plane Graphs on n Points.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Adam Sheffer, City University of New York.

In this research, we push our understanding of plane graphs in two related ways by improving the current best bounds for two properties that have been studied by many past works. First, we prove that for any set of n points, the expected number of isolated vertices in a random plane graph is at least n/2079 , improving upon the previous n/3083 . As an application of this bound, we obtain that any set of n points have at most O(181.26^n) plane graphs, improving upon the previous O(187.53^n).

Andrew Livaudais (2027). “Investigation of the Role of CBU1267 in Coxiella burnetii Glucose Metabolism.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Christopher Stead.

The Mexican axolotl is primarily known for its regenerative abilities. To more understand their regenerative abilities, we studied the genes Eyes Absent 2 (Eya2), a protein tyrosine phosphatase, and Sox9, a transcription factor. We performed surgeries to collect tissue from the axolotls from 0-13 days post amputation. The RNA from the tissue was extracted through homogenization and millions of copies of our gene was created through RT-PCR. Agarose gel electrophoresis was conducted to analyze the PCR bands. The Sox9 and Eya2 genes were expressed through all studied regeneration phases contrasted to original hypotheses of Sox9 being expressed primarily in the blastema and Eya2 in the wound epithelium. 

Walker Law (2027). “Kinematic Optimization of SHMS and HMS in Hydrogen Elastic Events for Deuteron Electro-Disintegration Studies at JLab.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Carlos Yero, The Catholic University of America.

Deuteron electro-disintegration (D(e,e'p)n) is a nuclear reaction in which an electron beam collides with a deuteron nucleus, ejecting the proton and causing the neutron to recoil. The D(e,e'p)n experiment tests various theoretical frameworks, such as Final State Interaction (FSI) and Plane Wave Impulse Approximation (PWIA). To study the (D(e, e'p)n) reaction at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab), we optimized the kinematic measurements of the Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS) and High Momentum Spectrometer (HMS) using chi-squared optimization on a hydrogen elastic scattering reaction (H(e,e')p) using experiment reconstruction (data) and Monte Carlo simulation (SIMC). The chi-squared optimization method implemented calculates the optimal global spectrometer offsets to best align the SIMC and data histograms. This study prepares the SHMS and HMS for accurate kinematic measurements during future D(e,e'p)n studies at JLab.

Kevin Arteaga (2027). “My Independent Research of Upstream and Downstream Primer Pairs for Amplification of Cyp26B1 cDNA Segments in Upper, Middle and Lower Regions via PCR.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Randolph Christensen.

Axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) are animals capable of regeneration when compared to mammals. The purpose of the experiment was to analyze the location of primer attachment and level of expression of the Cyp26b1 gene. Primers of three distinct locations of the gene sequence were designed for the Cyp26b1 gene to see if they are expressed during axolotl regeneration. I collected axolotl tissue to extract RNA and produce cDNA. Following cDNA synthesis I used PCR to amplify Cyp26b1. Following PCR I used gel electrophoresis to examine PCR results. After accumulating convincing positive results and negative results.

Lincoln Johnson (2026). “Hurtful Communications to the Parents of Someone Diagnosed with Down Syndrome.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project presents a summary of qualitative studies exploring the experiences of parents and guardians of children with Down Syndrome. It investigates the different hurtful messages they encounter within their informal networks and the subsequent negative impacts of these interactions. Additionally, the project highlights effective communication strategies to address these challenges.

Enya Gleeson (2027). “Navigating the Dark Side: The Impact of Hurtful Messages on Survivors of Sexual Violence.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This research project explores the “dark side” of interpersonal communication by examining the lived experiences of sexual violence survivors. Utilizing qualitative studies of communication from close others, this study identifies specific hurtful speech acts that hinder the recovery process and analyzes their subsequent negative impacts. Furthermore, the research highlights supportive actions reported  by survivors. By contrasting these communicative behaviors, the project provides insight into how messages from close relationships can either devalue the survivor’s experience or facilitate long term healing.

Jenna Rieder (2027). “The Impact of Hurtful and Supportive Speech Acts Among Individuals Living with HIV.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a review of qualitative studies examining both hurtful and supportive speech acts aimed at individuals living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The purpose for this project is to examine speech acts that participants have deemed hurtful, as well as identify the impact and effects of those acts. Additionally, this project explores the types of supportive messages people living with HIV have identified as well as their respective impacts. This work will expand our knowledge of communication patterns are effective or ineffective in regard to communicating with an individual living with HIV.

Giana Akins (2026). “My Internship at the Linn County District Attorney's Office Victim Witness Division.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

In order to fulfill my internship requirement, I worked with the Victim-Witness Coordinator within the Linn County District Attorney’s Office.  My internship helped me better understand what happens to victims after crimes and during the court process. I was also able to work directly with victims of crimes ranging from class A felonies to serious misdemeanors. 

Keke Allen (2026), Arianna Haggard (2026). “Repair Vs. Punish: What Should Justice Look Like.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

Restorative justice is a way of addressing crime focused on healing and rebuilding relationships. It aids in repairing the harm caused by crime and holding the offender accountable for their actions and for their impact on the victim and community. We have researched restorative justice practices and learned how it is being actively used within Chicago. In this presentation, we will discuss why we believe restorative justice is another good alternative for fixing harm, and that retributive justice isn’t always the solution to how crime should be addressed.

Fatima White (2026). “My Adventure in New York City!” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Alissa Boguslaw.

This presentation contains multiple photos and videos that chronicle my experience on the Spring 2025 New York Term. I will be touching on some of the experiences that I had with my classes and I will be talking about my two internships that I had during the term. I will also share experiences that I had with the staff of the term and fellow students.

Maria Bello (2026), Davis Sharp (2026). “The First Summer of the Global Pathways Program.” Faculty Sponsor, Joe Demarest, Director, C3, Dr. Alissa Boguslaw.

The Global Pathways Program immerses students in the world of citizen diplomacy and international community engagement. In the summer of 2025, Maria Bello and David Sharp became the first to participate in a new experiential learning opportunity that builds on Iowa’s strong network of international partnerships, including its longstanding relationship with the Republic of Kosovo. The program leverages global initiatives to support broader community goals and strengthen cross-cultural ties.

Carlie Miller (2027). “Washington Term Experience.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

During this past fall semester, I had the opportunity to take part in the Washington Term Experience. During my semester, I interned at Bruckheim & Patel which is a small criminal defense firm that specializes in DUI charges. Some of my daily responsibilities included reviewing and summarizing body-worn camera footage, reading grand jury testimonies, client meetings, jail visits, trial preperation, and many other meaningful tasks. Outside of my internship, I took two valuable classes that enhanced my experience. One being Introduction to Lobbying as well as a Seminar course where we visited museums, listened to speakers, and toured the city.

Katherine Davis (2027). “My Study Abroad in Japan.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. John Chaimov

I just wrapped up an amazing study abroad experience at Nagoya Gakuin University in Japan! I’m excited to share my journey in an upcoming presentation where we'll chat about cultural differences and what it’s like to get comfortable in a new environment. Join me for some fun discussion and let’s explore how I've made incredible friendships along the way. It’s going to be a great time, can't wait to see you there!

Katie Kerlik (2027). “Experiences Studying Abroad in Japan.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Bethany Keenan.

The students who studied in Japan will describe their experiences while abroad.

Drake Wooden (2026). “Experiences Studying Abroad in Japan.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Bethany Keenan.

The students who studied in Japan will describe their experiences while abroad.

DaQuon Cheadle (2027). “Experiences Studying Abroad in Japan.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Bethany Keenan.

The students who studied in Japan will describe their experiences while abroad.

Chloe Zimmerman (2026). “What Makes a Successful Language Program?” Faculty Sponsor, Professor Sarah Kress.

This presentation explores what makes language programs successful, focusing on early exposure, instructional design, teacher preparation, and access. Drawing on research about the critical period for language acquisition and models such as dual language immersion, it examines why bilingualism is increasingly valuable for employers, national security, and communication in a global society. The presentation also addresses barriers, including program funding and teacher shortages, and highlights effective classroom strategies that support meaningful, developmentally appropriate language learning in K–8 settings.

Aaron Foote (2026). “Internship in Health Psychology at St. Lukes.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Courtney Brennaman, PhD, CRC, Health and Rehabilitation Psychologist, UnityPoint Health St. Lukes,

Dr. Lexi Davelaar, PhD, Health and Rehabilitation Psychologist, UnityPoint Health St. Lukes, Dr. Samantha Brown.

My experience as a psychology intern in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Wing at UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s. Through observations in health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and neuropsychology. I examined the role of psychology within a hospital setting. This internship expanded my understanding of psychology in medical environments through direct exposure to clinical and professional interactions, providing insight into how psychological concepts inform patient care and rehabilitation. These experiences contributed to my development as a more knowledgeable and culturally competent psychology student.

Olivia Smith (2026). “Have You Ever Seen A Crowd Goin’ APESHIT?: The Carters and the Art of Black Assertion.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Kate Kunau, Professor Aunna Escobedo, Dr. Ranelle Knight-Lueth, Grant Wood Catalogue Raisonné Project Manager.

This thesis examines The Carters’ music video “APESHIT” from their album EVERYTHING IS LOVE as a site of art-historical reassertion. It analyzes how the video’s imagery both engages and disrupts Euro-Western aesthetic dominance within the Louvre, while contributing to the overdue recognition of Black art and culture. Through the history of the museum and visual analysis of key scene breakdowns, this essay considers the significance of filming in the Louvre, how it critiques the Eurocentric canon, and how the video celebrates Black creativity. Here, classical high art becomes a vehicle for optical defiance through the medium of contemporary performance.

Alli Hagness (2027), Ximen Markway (2027). “Mystery Brain Identification and Preservation.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Alexander Toftness.

Upon finding an unidentified, sectioned brain discovered in storage at Coe College, we set out on a mission to determine its origin and preserve it for teaching. The specimen, stored in fixative for decades, appears to be significantly degraded. Plastination, developed in 1977 by Gunther Von Hagans, is an advanced technique in which specimens are preserved through the replacement of biological fluids with curable polymers. Following our participation at the 10th Toledo Plastination Workshop we developed a goal to plastinate our human brain specimen here at Coe. 

Katherine Davis (2027). “Experiencing China.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. John Chaimov.

I was invited by the US Education without Borders and the US China Green Institute for a week and a half to come learn about the history and modern technology within China. Along with building forgiven relationships.

Gabby Collins (2026). “‘Until the Boys Come Back’: The Woman's Land Army of America in World War I Propaganda.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Bethany Keenan.

Through analyzing written and visual propaganda produced by the Woman's Land Army of America (WLAA), this thesis examines why the organization failed to leave a lasting impact after the end of World War I. By comparing internal writings with public articles, it becomes apparent that the WLAA attempted to respond to criticisms through downplaying the intended social impact of their organization. Visually, the WLAA's propaganda fails to break from tradition and reinforces the temporary nature of the organization. As a result, the organization would dissolve shortly after the war ended without meaningfully changing women's roles in the labor force.

Rory Jones-White (2026). “The Fall and Rise of an Apex Predator: The Elimination and Conservation of Wolves in the West.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Derek Buckaloo.

The wolf was once a key apex predator in the United States, but by 1926 wolves were methodically exterminated by their most prominent predator, humans. Wolves have been unpopular within the US since settlers came from Europe due to settlers expansion to the West and conflict over resources like livestock. However, in 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone as conservation policies shifted to protect endangered species. This triggered a trophic cascade throughout Yellowstone as the wolves brought balance back to the ecosystem. History, politics, and ecological changes with the extermination and restoration of wolves in Yellowstone. 

Zachary Linder (2027). “Nitrate Analysis Across Iowa.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Drew Westberg.

Water pollution has been an increasing topic of concern across the state of Iowa. Recent conservation efforts have shifted to target growing agricultural pollutants in the Middle Cedar Watershed. Last summer, I began working with the Cedar Rapids Water Department in modeling these practices, and how they remove pollutants. This semester, I have continued my work by combining geographic layers and soil compositions to analyze where these pollutants are most likely to accumulate.

Jakema Levy (2026). “My Internship with Tanager Freedom Schools.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

In the summer of 2025, I interned as a Servant Leader Intern for the CDF Freedom Schools program at Tanager Place. I assisted in helping 6th-8th graders improve their literacy skills, while also making sure they were able to still have a fun time.I served as a positive role model for the Freedom School scholars, delivered the Integrated Reading Curriculum to a class of ten or more scholars, served as an energetic Harambee (morning pep rally) each morning of program, and was essentially a case worker for the scholars. Over the course of this internship, I was also provided with opportunities of continuing and a higher position!

Kimberly Contreras (2026). “My Internship at Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Gina Hausknecht.

I interned at Crisis and Advocacy Services (CAS), an organization that provides free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. During my internship, I learned about the many services they offer, including 24-hour crisis response, victim support in court, counseling referrals, and community education programs. I also had the opportunity to observe how advocates help victims before, during, and after court, making sure they feel supported and safe throughout the process. This experience helped me understand how emotional and complex these cases can be, especially for victims. 

Shannon Grogan (2026). “Internship - TurnUp Activism.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Neal McNabb.

In the fall of 2025, I interned at TurnUp Activism, a nonprofit social justice organization geared towards preparing youth for civic engagement. My internship entailed researching and summarizing legislation, participating in grassroots activities like phone banking to encourage local people to contact their legislators, and registering young people to vote.

Lexi Hammer (2027), Ryan Thoreson (2026), Nathan Morrissey (2026). “Cost Benefit Analysis of Increased Access to Social Media.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ryan Baranowski.

This research estimates the economic and health costs of mobile-based social media, focusing on Instagram's mobile release. Using a Regression Discontinuity model with IPUMS data, we find that these platforms significantly increase time spent alone. This shift toward social isolation is linked to increased risks for chronic conditions like depression, diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, resulting in millions of dollars in annual medical costs. We conclude by recommending policy interventions, such as platform subsidies or usage barriers, to mitigate these hidden societal costs of social media.

Ian Kearney (2026), Kaitelin Konz (2026), Ashanti Wyatt (2026). “The Industry Production Trilemma.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ryan Baranowski.

This research project presents the Industry Production Trilemma, a framework that splits U.S. industrial production into three shares: foreign outsourcing, domestic labor, and domestic capital. We apply ternary space analysis, a visualization method, where each industry is plotted as a point inside an equilateral triangle that displays all three shares at once and tracks how they shift over time. Using this approach across ten industries from 2008 to 2024, we find that labor's share falls broadly regardless of the cause, that reshoring does not reliably restore jobs since automation captures most of the gains, and that each industry follows a distinct adjustment path shaped by its trade exposure and technology.

Landen Powell (2026), Jack McMann (2027), Sam Rouse (2027). “Granger Causality Testing Inflation.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ryan Baranowski.

Our presentation will examine if the monetarist explanation of inflation is reflected in real data across different countries. It will use Granger testing to examine the causal power of money growth as well as other theoretically important variables on inflation. The results show that a strict monetarist explanation of inflation always being a monetary phenomena is not supported.

Giana Akins (2026). “My Internship at Kids on Course.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Samantha Brown.

For the fall of 2025, I was allowed to intern at the Zach Johnson Foundation with Kids On Course. This internship allowed me to work with kids who are below reading level to help get them back on level and succeed throughout the rest of their lives. I was able to work with students at Harrison @ Madison elementary school, grades 1-5. 

Michael Caudill (2027), Loriana Noriz-Diaz (2028), Kiyah Mundell (2028). “Advocating for Educational Rights.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Stacy Haynes-Moore.

Future educators head to the Iowa State Capitol to advocate for educational rights with legislation.

Neah Randle (2027). “Inner Authority: Demanding Education in Higher Ed.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Molly Staheli.

During my Practicum in Education this semester, I experienced new people, environments, standards, and expectations. The entirety of these experiences has led me to gain a stronger sense of self, community, and confidence in my abilities as a future educator. Our field placements and classroom conversations have gained a place in my rhetoric, practices, and research. This semester's symposium presentation will address standards within higher education and ways to amend those standards to fit potential student needs and boost engagement. Let’s talk more about exploring our inner authority and what that means for trying unorthodox approaches!

Zachary Linder (2027). “Applying to Off-Campus Experiences.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Brittney Miller.

Coe provides many opportunities to apply for national fellowships and off-campus research experiences. I will talk about my experiences in applying to the Goldwater and Truman fellowships over the last two years, how these have helped me form my identity as a student leader on campus, and using those passions to research at the University of Washington last summer, and Biosphere 2 this upcoming summer.

Katherine Merino-Leal (2027). “Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Brittney Miller.

Oral presentation to students who may be interested in scholarship applications 

Gabrielsson, Rebecca (2027)

“Applying for REUs, Internships, and the Goldwater Scholarship as a Mathematics and Physics Student.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Amber Shaw, Dr. Brittney Miller.

This talk will focus on applying for REUs, internships, and the Goldwater scholarship. I will discuss how the application process works for each of these, how I found out about each opportunity, and how it went when I applied for REUs, internships, and the Goldwater over the last two years.

Reagan Kreamer (2026). “Romantic Jealousy in Monogamous Relationships.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This presentation explores romantic jealousy in monogamous relationships through a qualitative analysis of lived experiences. It focuses on different types of jealousy, including power and sexual jealousy, and examines how each creates challenges within relationships. Additionally, the presentation analyzes how individuals communicate in response to jealousy, highlighting both integrative and compensatory communication strategies. The findings demonstrate how these responses can shape relationship dynamics by establishing boundaries, encouraging self-reflection, and influencing how individuals navigate conflict within close relationships.

Ashley Zuber (2027). “Jealousy in Polyamorous Relationships.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

This project is a narrative review of qualitative studies published within the last fifteen years (2011–2026) concerning jealousy in polyamorous relationships. My goals for this project are to identify the factors that contribute to specific types of jealousy, how those factors can be prevented, effective responses to jealousy, and the outcomes of these strategies for persons in polyamorous relationships. To achieve my goals, my project explores three questions, for example: What strategies are effective in preventing jealousy, and what are the benefits of using these strategies? 

Sophia Fain (2027). “Jealousy in Romantic Relationships.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Oluwadamilola Opayemi.

My research project focuses on jealousy in romantic relationships. Jealousy often stems from insecurity, perceived threats, and misunderstandings of a partner’s behavior, leading to conflict and emotional distress. Drawing on qualitative studies and participant examples, this project explores the causes, as well as prevention and response strategies for jealousy. Overall, it provides a clearer understanding of the topic and highlights ways to reduce conflict, build trust, and improve relationship stability.

Landen Powell (2026). “The Role of Debt and Credit in the U.S. Economy.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ryan Baranowski.

This work is taken from the students thesis on an analysis of economic polices of the New Deal era in comparison to other time periods. The presentation will look into the role of money in the United States and provide an analysis of how the federal deficit is not a risk to the economy. In addition it will assess other financial dynamics that prose a real risk as opposed to the myth of the government being in debt. The presentation will show that an updated fiscal understanding is needed for sovereign monetary systems like the United States.

Trent Wilkerson (2026), Jacob Brecht (2026), CJ Coker (2026), Kyle Cole (2026). “The Sweet Spot for a Quarterback’s Share of the Salary Cap.” Faculty Sponsor, Dr. Ryan Baranowski.

This study examines whether there is an optimal “sweet spot” for the share of a team’s salary cap allocated to a quarterback and how that allocation impacts team performance. Using recent NFL data, the analysis compares quarterback cap percentages with team success metrics, quantified by the Blue Score. The findings suggest a nonlinear relationship, where both underpaying and overpaying quarterbacks can reduce team efficiency, indicating that a balanced cap allocation may maximize overall performance and roster flexibility.

Lily Mayo (2026). “My Internship at RSH Legal.” Faculty Sponsor, Professor Josh Christensen.

During my time at a personal injury law firm, RSH Legal, I was immersed in the every day tasks and operations. My duties ranged from helping write a demand letter to settle a case, to redacting sensitive information on medical documents to prepare for trial. This experience helped confirm my passion for law, and allowed me to confidently submit my law school applications.

Emily Velasquez (2026). “Organizational Development as an Intern.” Faculty Sponsor, Arial M. People and Culture & Organizational Development Manager.

Working under a Coe Alumnus, I was granted the rare opportunity to work in an organizational development and people and culture department of an international company during the midst of a very large change management project. My internship focused very heavily on the organizational components that happen in the background of tackling such a large project while still ensuring that people and their needs as employees remain a focal point for the work we do.

Kylee Traywick (2027). “My Internship Through Mercy Family Counseling.” Faculty Sponsor, Kelsey Holladay, LISW, PMH-C, Mercy Family Counseling.

This presentation explores my experience working alongside Kelsey Holladay, a Licensed Independent Social Worker specializing in perinatal mental health care at Mercy Family Counseling. Over the course of this semester, I assisted Kelsey in a number of tasks and assignments including supporting ongoing projects, conducting research, developing resource materials, and presenting at a staff case conference. I also had the opportunity to network with graduate-level interns and explore areas of personal interest. This presentation reflects on the skills I developed, as well as the challenges and insights that shaped my understanding of the counseling profession.