This experiential learning program in the Dominican Republic provided undergraduate students with the opportunity to observe healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings while participating in community-based service. In partnership with a local organization on the country’s northern coast, students engaged in medical brigade activities that served rural Dominican residents and Haitian refugees with limited access to healthcare. Nazareth University students shadowed physicians and other healthcare professionals during patient consultations and assisted with clinic operations, including patient intake, triage support, medication distribution, and provided speech and occupational therapy. Participants also contributed to the construction of a permanent community clinic while learning about the social determinants of health affecting the region. Exposure to cross-cultural communication, healthcare-related Spanish vocabulary, and collaborative teamwork with local providers further enriched the learning experience. Overall, this program highlighted the importance of culturally responsive care and community engagement in global health initiatives. The experience reinforced the value of service-oriented care and provided participants with a broader perspective on healthcare disparities and the role of healthcare professionals in improving access to care worldwide.

keywords: Healthcare, therapy, travel

Sleep has been a rising interest as neuroscience research widens. Throughout the past four years in college, one thing that stood out to me the most was sleep. People do not understand that sleep is an important part of our everyday functioning. If we lose out on too much sleep, then it could affect other aspects of our life. For this project, I conducted five interviews with 2 Neuroscience MD’s and 3 Psychology PhDs to help answer my question of “Can dreams predict future events?” Each interview helped to answer my enduring question along with the content from courses that I took at Nazareth including Anatomy and Physiology, Neuropsychology, and Physics. During the poster presentation, I will walk through the interviews that I held and the main points of each interview from these professionals. This is an important topic for me because as a Psychology major, I see myself doing neuropsychology research as a future career. Doing this research and this presentation would excel my studies in this area and contribute to my future professional goals.

keywords: Neuropsychology, Sleep Deprivation, Dream Research, Cognitive Function, Qualitative Interviews 

Self-regulated learning (SLR) is the intentional process by which students take control of their learning through goal setting, self- monitoring, and self-reflection. The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) is a 10-scale assessment of students' awareness and use of learning and study strategies related to skill, will, and self-regulation components of strategic learning. This study examines the correlation between SRL and academic performance in DPT students. Academic performance measures include the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and NPTE practice exam (PE). A convenience sample of 43 DPT students was used. The LASSI and PE were administered at defined points in the DPT curriculum, and the NPTE data were collected from the July 2025 administration. Findings include a low, negative correlation between the LASSI Attention subscale and PE performance, a low, negative correlation between the LASSI Using Academic resources subscale and NPTE scores, and a low, positive correlation between the LASSI Selecting the Main Idea subscale and NPTE scores. Identifying elements of SLR that correlate with academic performance and ultimately progressional licensure supports early identification of key strategies that support success in physical therapy students. It is necessary for physical therapy education programs to allocate resources to develope SLR in DPT students. 

keywords: LASSI, DPT, Self-Regulated Learning 

In this poster I will be presenting on the effect that dance has on children and teens and how it can act as a form of therapy similar to talk therapy. The topics covered will look into mental health, depression, and how dance serves an outlet for self expression.

keywords: mental health, therapy, self expression

U.S. sports media frequently frame professional women’s soccer differently than the men’s game, shaping public perceptions of gender equity in athletics. Although previous scholarship has identified disparities in the frequency and tone of coverage between men’s and women’s leagues, there is less research on how these framing patterns operate across contemporary digital and multimedia platforms during a period of significant growth for women’s soccer. This project analyzes media coverage of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) from 2018 to 2024. Using a purposive sample of news articles, headlines, photographs, broadcast segments, and social media posts from major U.S. sports outlets to gather a wide range of types of media coverage, this study analyzes the dominant frames surrounding women’s soccer, including performance-based narratives, emotional or personality-driven portrayals, economic legitimacy, and marginalization, in comparison to the men’s professional leagues to enable direct comparison. By applying framing theory to contemporary sports coverage, this project evaluates whether women’s soccer continues to be positioned as secondary or exceptional despite increasing attendance, investment, and international success. Understanding these patterns is critical to assessing how media narratives sustain or challenge gender inequity in professional sports, as such narratives shape public perceptions of athletic legitimacy and value.

keywords: Gender Equity, Sports, Media Framing

"Dancing Through Pain: Causes of Injury Stigmatization in Pre-Professional Dancers" is a research paper turned into a CARS poster presentation. This research aims to aid in the understanding of why pre-professional dancers have a tendency to not seek medical attention for their injuries. An analysis of peer-reviewed sources surrounding injury occurrence, injury reporting, treatment of dance injuries, and dance injury prevention will be discussed in order to thoroughly understand the different potential reasons for this stigmatization of injury reporting. In addition, an analysis of collected survey data from collegiate dancers and from Nazareth University athletic trainers will also be conducted throughout each section to further add to the published research. The goal is to come to a conclusion about the main causes of stigmatization of injury leading to the lack of seeking medical attention in pre-professional dancers. This is an important topic because injuries within the dance world are so stigmatized, leading to less injury treatment and the development of chronic conditions. My hope is to come to a conclusion about why dancers are so afraid of reporting their injuries to help mitigate this problem.

keywords: Injury, Stigma, Reporting, Dancers, Medical Attention

Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become highly popular topics in the United States, especially in discussions about education, workplaces, and public policy. CRT is an academic framework that examines how racism can be embedded within institutions, laws, and social systems, while DEI refers to initiatives and policies designed to promote diversity, fairness, and inclusion in organizations. Despite these differences, public discourse frequently merges the two ideas, which can lead to confusion and political controversy. This project dives into how CRT and DEI are represented in contemporary media discourse. Using discourse analysis, this research examines TikTok videos presenting both supportive and critical perspectives, identifying patterns in how creators explain, critique, or defend these concepts. Key themes include debates over equality versus equity, concerns about performative diversity initiatives, criticisms that these frameworks have become overly politicized, and misunderstandings about systemic racism. These discussions reflect broader social problems, including systemic inequality, stereotypes about marginalized communities, and differing interpretations of race as a social construct. When comparing these perspectives, this project highlights how social media shape public understanding of complex social issues and contribute to ongoing debates about race, representation, and social justice. Ultimately, the research shows the importance of examining digital discourse to better understand how controversial social concepts are interpreted and discussed in society.

keywords: Critical Race Theory, DEI, Social Problems, Digital Media, Media Discourse

The Walt Disney Company’s theme parks and resorts are an ever-changing landscape of fantasy beloved by millions, making them powerful in shaping the values of their consumers. Since the opening of Disneyland in 1955, gender roles have immensely evolved within society, prompting Disney to make updates to its attractions to reflect these new cultural norms. This study examines the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as a case study of how Disney navigates the changes in gender roles that have occurred over time. This research aims to highlight the specific adjustments made within the ride while working to keep its nostalgic and magical appeal. Additionally, through discourse analysis, this study explores how audiences and Cast Members alike respond to Disney’s efforts to modernize the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. This project contributes to a larger cultural conversation about the evolution of gender roles and the public backlash that can arise when classical institutions adapt to societal changes.

keywords: Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney, Discourse Analysis, Gender Roles, Public Discourse 

This project examines the effects of participation in organized sports on the social development of children and adolescents, with a focus on the impact that sports can have on identity formation and their communication with others. Concepts related to identity formation, social interaction, and social penetration theory will be applied to investigate the development of communication among youth athletes. Social penetration theory is the idea that relationships between individuals deepen with increased interaction between the individuals. Team sports allow athletes to communicate and to develop relationships with one another due to the shared experiences between team members and interactions with coaches.

Often the physical and psychological benefits of sports for youth populations is examined, yet there is little discussion regarding the communicative and social benefits of sports. As a result, this project focuses on the ways in which youth who participate in organized sports can develop important communication skills and a sense of identity through their participation in sports.

According to social penetration theory, youth athletes can form relationships with others within their teams through their shared experiences in sports. Applying Social Penetration theory to interviews, this project investigates the impacts that communication skills within sports can have upon youth athletes’ development and sense of identity and belonging. By applying these concepts to youth athletes who participate in organized sports, this research demonstrates the impact that participation in sports can have upon the interpersonal relationships and social development of youth athletes.

keywords: Youth sports, identity formation, teamwork communication, social development, peer interaction

This project examines the impact of disability on the family unit, with particular attention to households in which a parent serves as the primary caregiver for a person with a disability, and non-disabled siblings reside in the home. This project seeks to broaden understanding of the pitfalls of our restricted and far from comprehensive disability benefits system- and related support programs- highlighting how gaps in services impact family units. This is not meant to position able siblings and parents as a priority over disabled individuals, but to acknowledge the role they play in the life of the disabled and vice versa, and the health risks they are vulnerable to. The way disability is viewed and supported is not comprehensive, and if the care people rely on isn’t comprehensive, how can they succeed? If their disability is not viewed in tandem with their humanity, how can they actualize? A review of science and health literature published from 2000-2026 was conducted, utilizing databases for information on the reverberation of disability, and interventions to improve the family unit and health consequences. Informed by both scholarly literature and lived experience as the sibling of a person with a disability, who has seen firsthand the changes that need to be enacted to further the advancement of people with disabilities, and understands the reaches of disability that have yet to be seriously contended with.

keywords: Disability, Health Outcomes, Families

Climate Change denial is a widespread phenomenon characterized by a degree of skepticism around the concept of climate change or various aspects of scientific consensus concerning the topic. Various cognitive and social mechanisms have been identified in explaining individual’s skepticism and how it is formed, and while there is large variance in the specifics of belief among individuals, some overarching themes become apparent when looking at research on the subject, namely distrust in various forms of generally accepted authorities, such as scientific study and well trusted traditional news sources, due to perceived ulterior motives, such as politics or financial gain. Researchers have observed that this distrust of science, historically trusted news media sources, and other generally accepted sources is not limited to the subject of climate change, and extends to other issues such as vaccination and the COVID-19 pandemic as well. My project will expand on this research via survey, and examine the underlying dispositions, beliefs, and mechanisms by which distrust in historically accredited institutions and scientific study proliferate and spread. This topic is important because trust in legal institutions, science, and media that disseminate and verify information is imperative to stable democratic government.

keywords: Climate Change Denial, Politics, Institutional Trust, Survey

The arrival of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations in 2021 significantly altered American college sports. Because athlete advertising, brand deals, and athletes’ self-promotion are primarily seen through sports reporting and social media, NIL is closely connected to issues in communication and media representation. By examining these forms of communication, this project investigates how media coverage of NIL shapes public perceptions of college sports and contributes to ongoing debates about the future of the NCAA system. While NIL was intended to provide athletes with fair compensation for the revenue their performance generates, it has also raised concerns about how media attention and financial incentives may be influencing the operations and ethics of college sports. A related issue is the NCAA transfer portal, which allows athletes to switch universities more easily in pursuit of better athletic or financial opportunities. Critics argue that NIL opportunities, combined with simpler transfers, may lead athletes to move schools frequently to secure better sponsorship deals or media exposure. This dynamic could reduce team cohesion, shift recruiting toward athletes with strong earning potential, and push college sports toward a “pay-for-play” model similar to professional teams.

This research examines how NIL is represented and discussed in sports media and by the athletes themselves, including self-promotional videos, social media posts, and brand partnerships. Drawing on concepts from advertising in sports media, the project uses discourse analysis to review sports media reports, athlete social media content, and marketing collaborations, with the goal of identifying common themes in how NIL opportunities are framed.

keywords: Name-Image-Likeness, collegiate sports, athlete advertising, discourse analysis

Digital platforms are often designed for those without diverse needs in mind. For many deaf individuals, sign language is their first language. This can make navigating text based digital communication forms feel like a foreign language. This can create barriers to participation and limited access to information, making them feel excluded from digital communities which are meant to create connections. Additionally, limited accessibility features can further prevent meaningful online engagement.

This project expands on previous research about how digital communication and media affect individuals of the disabled community. My poster showcases challenges the Deaf community faces through digital media such as language barriers, exclusion, and limitations. I have analyzed content such as videos, which mostly rely on audio. Although videos can have closed captions, they are not always accurate. This occurs often on YouTube, by any creator and video form. They can have errors which lead the audience to misinformation. My poster also shows examples of inclusive practices that will improve digital accessibility. As a photographer and graphic designer, I am interested in identifying if content is designed with the consideration of Deaf communities.

This project is guided by Universal Design, which argues that products and environments are designed for the largest audience from the beginning of the design-making process. Instead of adding accessibility features once the design is finished, this concept encourages creators to understand the diversity of users. Now, creators assume audiences will understand the language the same way. Using Universal Design highlights the importance of accessible communication.To analyze current media, this project uses content analysis to evaluate patterns in digital media. A case study of YouTube demonstrates how tools such as closed captions are used to highlight the gap between availability and effectiveness.

keywords: Inclusive, educational, informative, helping those who can't express their feelings themselves.

This project examines how women-centered sports media platforms reshape representations of women athletes by challenging the traditional dynamics of the male gaze in sports coverage. Mainstream sports media have historically marginalized women athletes, frequently emphasizing appearance, sexuality, or individual exceptionalism rather than athletic experience. In contrast, emerging digital platforms created by and for women athletes offer alternative forms of storytelling that foreground collective experience, emotional labor, and shared identity. 

Drawing on feminist media theory and the concept of the male gaze, the project explores how women-centered sports media create space for athletes to represent themselves outside of the visual and narrative frameworks that have historically defined women’s sports coverage. The study focuses on digital sports media platforms in the United States that emerged during the 2010s and 2020s in response to longstanding inequities in mainstream sports journalism. 

Using qualitative discourse analysis, the project analyzes athlete-driven narratives across articles, interviews, websites, and social media storytelling produced by these platforms. The analysis examines how themes of teamwork, advocacy, sacrifice, and shared memory are communicated through language and narrative structure. By foregrounding collective identity and athlete voice, women-centered sports media introduce new communicative practices that challenge traditional sports journalism and expand how women athletes are represented and understood within contemporary media culture.

keywords: Women’s Sports Media, Representation, Male Gaze, Discourse Analysis, Women Athletes 

Artificial intelligence is changing how people see and interact with news on X. This project looks at how social media algorithms, which now include AI technology, affect the visibility of news stories posted by news outlets. While algorithms have long shaped what content appears on users’ timelines, newer technologies may influence how posts are recommended, organized, and promoted on the platform. Because many of these systems are proprietary and not fully public, it can be difficult to know exactly how they operate. Using Agenda-Setting Theory, this study focuses on how news topics gain attention on the platform. Agenda-Setting Theory explains that media may not tell people what to think, but it strongly influences what people think about. On X, trending topics and recommended posts can highlight certain news stories and shape what users see as important. This project uses content analysis to examine posts from major news outlets on the platform and analyze patterns in engagement, trending topics, and visibility. By studying these patterns, the project examines how AI-supported algorithms on social media might shape public conversation and influence how audiences receive news online.

keywords: X, Agenda-Setting Theory, artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, news visibility

Social media plays a large role in how young adults find and interact with information. This project studies how young adults respond to content that supports their beliefs compared to content that challenges them. While social media platforms use algorithms to recommend personalized posts, users still decide what they choose to engage with and what they ignore. Because of this, many people may mostly see opinions that are like their own.

This study uses a survey to collect data about how young adults respond to different types of posts. Participants report how they react to content they agree with and content they disagree with. These responses include actions such as liking, commenting, sharing, ignoring, muting, or blocking posts. The results will be analyzed using content analysis to identify patterns in how users interact with different types of content.

This research is guided by Selective Exposure Theory, which explains that people prefer information that supports their existing beliefs and often avoid information that challenges them. The study explores how both user behavior and platform algorithms may contribute to echo chambers and shape online discussions.

keywords: Social media algorithms, selective exposure, young adult online behavior, social media engagement, echo chambers

Predictions over what the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will bring to humans are at the forefront of numerous current discussions and debates in various fields. While we have come to expect these debates in STEM disciplines, it is important to consider AI use within literary studies as well. This project assesses the capabilities, limitations, and implications of generative artificial intelligence implementation in literary studies, which in turn emphasizes the human potential for literary analysis in comparison. I intend to gather evidence from various academic articles to present and assess concerns that scholars are voicing over the potential drawbacks of AI use in literary studies. I also seek to expand the parameters of this project by a comparative examination of two critical text analyses: one by me, an English student, and one by ChatGPT of the well-known short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The comparison will be multi-level, focusing on both content and form, and the secondary source materials will be utilized to inform my analysis. The choice of Gilman’s text is pertinent because, having been published in 1892 and experiencing a resurgence of popularity among literary critics in the last 50 years, it presents as having significant literature attached to it, resulting in plenty of published content for AI databases to draw upon to generate a–theoretically–sophisticated response. My goal is to convey in which ways human literary analysis is superior to AI-generated analyses as a means of understanding how the pervasiveness of AI-generated content is impacting literary studies, as well the importance of recognizing the irreplaceable strengths of human literary analysis. 

keywords: literary studies, literary analysis, generative-artificial intelligence

In this poster, Abby Pattermann will discuss her global virtual team project on X-Culture Consulting, completed with international students at UNC Greensboro and Ateneo de Manila University. X-Culture is an experiential learning project that connects students with different small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to help them expand into new markets. The team chose X-Culture Consulting itself as their SME to analyze how the company can continue to expand its reach to businesses in additional countries. The poster will provide a brief overview of the teaming process through the X-Culture experience, identify disciplinary connections to the School of Business and Leadership curriculum, demonstrate the use of trade and scholarly data in the decision-making and recommendations, and offer a logical argument for the varying recommendations for the company.

keywords: Target Market, SWOT Analysis, Promotional Materials

My CARS presentation will examine how the very prominent social justice issue of racism in Shakespearean literature continues to resonate in modern society. Through close textual analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare, there will be exploration of the represented racial prejudice and how these portrayals reflect the social attitudes of that time period. This canonical text will be compared with the contemporary piece “Get Out” by Jordan Peele that has similarly incited discussions about racial discrimination in modern society. The comparison highlights both similarities and differences of how racism is expressed in society today along with the discourse that is associated with it while considering social and historical contexts of both pieces. Ultimately, this study will demonstrate how Shakespeare’s literature reflects the social tensions of their own time as well as provide a framework for examining the persistence of what representation looks like in modern society. In doing so, the presentation demonstrates how analysis of literary cannons can lend itself to analyzing social issues such as racism within society throughout different time periods. 

keywords: Shakespeare, Othello, Get Out, Jordan Peele, Evolution, Modernity

In this poster, the team of Kenna Ellis, Sophia Nortz, Logan Tobias, Tarah Macneil, and Anthony Rozler will discuss their intensive global virtual team project on Finnish Schools International. They are a private school company that promotes the Finnish education system, which is considered to be one of the best in the world. Their goal is to culturally diffuse the Finnish education system and expand into different countries and Markets. The poster will provide a brief overview of the teaming process through the X-Culture experience and the company selected, identify disciplinary connections to the School of Business and Leadership curriculum, demonstrate the use of trade and scholarly data in the decision-making and recommendations, and offer a logical argument for the varying recommendations for the company.

keywords: International, Leadership, Education, Cultural Collaboration. 

Language and literature in the classroom play an important role in shaping student’s different identities, emotional development and sense of belonging. My project is going to look at how teacher communication and literary classroom texts affect which voices are valued and represented. I will be expanding off of research I have done previously on a paper on the impact of power dynamics and language within the classroom. In the paper I looked at how teacher talk can either empower or marginalize students. Building off of that idea, I will explore in my project how similar dynamics are seen, not only in teacher language, but in the classroom books that they have. I will be diving deeper into the language used in literature, the types of stories that are in the classroom, and how they influence which student’s identities and experiences are seen or overlooked. I am going to be looking at the fields of literacy studies, education, and child development. Literacy studies will help analyze character and representation in classroom books, while education and child development will help understanding emotional growth and equity. One children's book I will be focusing on is, “My Mouth is a Volcano” by Julia Cook. It is about a young boy who struggles to control his urge to interrupt others. The second children's book is, “The Day You Begin” by Jaqueline Woodson. It is a story that follows several children who feel like outsiders because of who they are. These are going to be main examples of how classroom books can relate to student identity, voice, control, and belonging in the classroom. I am looking to learn from this for my own future classroom, but also inform others of how important it is to empower children through language, literature, their own experiences and cultures.

keywords: Idenity, power, inclusion.

This project is a market expansion analysis developed through the X-Culture program for Nature’s Nectar. They are a Zambian company that produces premium organic honey. The purpose of the project is to evaluate potential international markets and recommend specific countries for the company’s expansion. We looked at the global honey industry, competitors, consumer preferences, and market opportunities. The people in this group each had their own virtual international teams and ended up focusing primarily on Germany and the United States as potential markets that Nature’s Nectar could move into.

We did secondary research using academic articles, industry reports, and government sources related to organic food markets, trade regulations, and consumer demand for natural honey. We also interviewed real consumers to better understand how potential buyers evaluate premium honey products. Using this information, our teams developed recommendations for market entry strategy, logistics, pricing, and operational considerations for Nature’s Nectar’s potential expansion. We will be displaying our information in the form of a poster.

We chose to participate in this project because it allowed us to apply the skills we’ve learned during our time in the Nazareth University Business Leadership program to a real company. The project is important because it demonstrates how companies can expand into international markets while promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting communities with actionable steps.

keywords: International business, market entry, global market expansion, sustainability

In this research paper I plan to explore how dance movement therapy can be utilized as treatment for mental health disorders and cognitive impairments. Specifically, mental disorders such as anxiety and depression and cognitive impairments such as Parkinson's. Dance movement therapy can be used for a plethora of different reasons, anything from physical pain to mental health concerns. However, it is often overlooked when it comes to treatment because many people are intimidated by the word dance in the name of the therapy. The basis of dance movement therapy is that all movement is dance and all movement can be healing. It can be catered to whatever the client needs at the time, partially why dance movement therapy can be utilized as treatment for various ailments. I would like to also research what could be done to promote dance movement therapy as a primary treatment for certain disorders or diseases. Specifically I will be looking into how emphasizing the mind body connection will open more doors for dance movement therapy to be considered a valid treatment. 

I plan to do my research through mostly academic and peer reviewed journals. These will discuss what dance movement therapy is and how it can provide treatment for many different ailments. These journals will serve the purpose of being background information for everything within this paper. They will help to build connections between dance movement therapy and the treatment of different ailments. The other portion of my research will consist of studies done on dance movement therapy being used as treatment for mental disorders and diseases. This will be supplemental to the argument that DMT should be used more regularly as a treatment option. There has been a lot of research done on dance movement therapy being used as treatment, however it is often paired with another treatment. DMT as a single treatment is something that I want to look into during this research.

keywords: recognition as valid treatment, dance movement therapy, and DMT relationship with disorders and impairments 

In this poster, the team Najmo Yussuf, Marissa Andrews, Collin Husband, and Brennan Farr will discuss their intensive global virtual team project on Nature’s Nectar. Nature’s Nectar is a honey company in Zambia that mainly focuses on premium organic honey, using sustainable practices that are trusted by businesses worldwide. Through research, our group has found new opportunities for market entry in Germany and the United Kingdom. The German and British markets offer several growth opportunities for Nature’s Nectar to meet the demand for honey consumers. The poster will provide a brief overview of the teaming process through the X-Culture experience and the company selected, identify disciplinary connections to the School of Business and Leadership curriculum, demonstrate the use of trade and scholarly data in the decision-making and recommendations, and offer a logical argument for the varying recommendations for the company.

keywords: Teamwork, leadership, organization, time management

Exploitation in the dance industry has persisted from its early foundations to the present day, embedded within wage structures, hierarchical power dynamics, and cultural narratives that have framed dance as one's passion rather than labor. Historically, ballet institutions, such as the Paris Opera, established rigid systems that normalized unequal treatment and limited autonomy among dancers. These structures have remained deeply ingrained which have manifested into inconsistent pay, harmful work environments, gender imbalances in leadership and inadequate protection against abuse. Utilizing scholarship and journalistic investigations, this paper will examine how structural inequities are sustained through institutional traditions, patterns of sexism, and the glorification of artistic sacrifice. Research conducted by Herrera-Guzman, Lee, and Heetae highlights the persistent gender disparities within ballet collaboration networks, while the authors of Enhancing Dance Welfare call attention to the urgency of creating reforms that protect the dancer. Journalistic and narrative reflections further illustrate how exploitation is reinforced by the societal belief that artistic passion negates the need for fair compensation and labor protections. By analyzing the intersection of these factors and dissecting quantitative data provided by the Dance Data Project, this paper will argue that exploitation in the dance industry is not coincidental but systemically rooted in institutional norms that prioritise artistic output over a dancer's well being. Purposeful reform requires reframing dance as labor, implementing protection policies, and challenging the cultural ideologies that justify abuse within the industry.

keywords: Dance exploitation, Wage hierarchies in the arts, manipulation dance industry

This project focuses on using oral history as a tool for capturing the history of the Rochester, New York Italian-American community. A small team attended an annual gathering, celebrating Italian Heritage in Rochester, to conduct oral histories. The results were significant, as members of the team interviewed fifteen community members and learned about their family history, which shed light on immigration, linguistic changes over time, and the history of Rochester, New York.

Results from this experience included increased student understanding of the positive benefits of oral history as a tool for public history, and allowed students to understand the importance for public history and the benefit of collaboration and shared authority with institutions like the Frank DiMino Casa Italiana cultural center and Cugini Di Roc, the Italian non-profit organization that created the Italian Heritage Day festival. The interviews were added to the growing collection of oral histories collected by the Frank Di Mino Casa Italiana, which traces the linguistic changes from generation to generation and the evolution of Italian culture in Rochester, New York.

keywords: Public & Oral History, Italian Language, Linguistic Change, Frank Di Mino Casa Italiana, Cultural Heritage

The Fayum Depression in northern Egypt is a major fossil site known for its diverse vertebrate remains spanning from the Eocene to Oligocene epochs. Fossils recovered from this site include carnivores, primates, whales, and non-mammalian vertebrates like birds, fish, and reptiles. Among the reptiles are a number of snakes including a putative dwarf boa (Tropidophiidae). Modern dwarf boas are found in Central and South America, and the Caribbean; however, there are fossils referred to the family from Europe and Egypt, which suggests a broader distribution. Here we describe a new partially articulated snake skeleton from the early Oligocene (~29 Ma) the Jebel Qatrani Formation, and compare isolated parts of the skull and vertebrae to previously described material and extant dwarf boa species. The specimen, held at Duke University, is preserved in two blocks that were CT scanned, allowing easy accessibility to digitally analyze and isolate 3D models of the skeletal remains. Preserved snake skulls that retain skull material are uncommon due to their fragile nature. Therefore, careful examination of the skull and vertebral features provides insights to the morphology and evolutionary history of Tropidophiidae. These findings can help expand the current knowledge of geographic distribution of dwarf boas beyond their modern range and contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of ancient African snake faunas.

keywords: Paleontology, CT Scan, Northern Egypt, Fossil Snakes

We are discussing our experiences while studying abroad in the Dominican Republic in January of 2026. The experience focused on healthcare and medical outreach in rural parts of the country. It was tailored to pre-health and therapy students and allowed us to do hands-on work in our intended fields. Our community partner and host was 7Elements, a non-government organization that does medical brigades in local communities. Our presentation focuses on our key takeaways from the experience, including what major public health concerns were discussed, how we were able to contribute to 7Elements mission, and what we will use from this experience in our future careers. These experiences were extremely impactful and sharing our stories will bring visibility to global health issues and bring awareness to the lived experiences of people in this region.

keywords: Study Abroad, Experiential Learning, Healthcare, Medical Outreach 

Palaeophis is an extinct genus of marine snake from the enigmatic family Palaeophiidae. Palaeophis lived during the Eocene epoch (about 56-34 million years ago), and are only known from their fossil remains.They have mainly been found in the northern hemisphere in locations such as South America, North America, North Africa, India, Europe, and East Asia. These snakes lived in warm, shallow coastal waters, so they were not deep sea dwellers. Fossil snakes like these can be identified and studied through their vertebral characteristics. Snake vertebrae display many unique morphological attributes that can provide insight to researchers. Nonetheless, paleontologists often find these fossils as isolated vertebrae, rather than complete skeletons. This poses a significant challenge for accurately interpreting and classifying the remains. We will be studying a total of 9 vertebral fossils that were found in the Fisher/Sullivan site of the Nanjemoy Formation in Stafford County, Virginia. Through closely observing and examining the anatomical features of the remains in our collection, we will be able to classify them as belonging to juvenile or adult individuals, and be able to reconstruct the vertebra’s position in the vertebral column. Additionally, we will be able to determine if the fossils are from one species of snake or multiple species of snakes. However, the characteristics of the vertebrae may not match those of already discovered and named species. In that case, after analysis and comparison, we then may be able to conclude that we have found a new species of snake within Palaeophis.

keywords: Paleontology, snakes, anatomy 

Science, technology, engineering and math, are considered the bridge to the future. Despite seeing STEM careers on the rise, a smaller number of women join these fields in comparison to men. One explanation for this deficit is that women perform more poorly on spatial awareness tasks. Students with stronger spatial visualization skills had higher academic performance and graduation rates in STEM compared to those who struggled with visuospatial tasks (Savanna, 2025). The current study aimed to explain why a gender difference is present in spatial ability tasks, specifically mental rotation, and how we can lessen this gap. We were interested in identifying if empathy was a mediating factor in women’s ability to successfully complete a spatial orientation task, or if merely the presence of an object in the scene would help. We first hypothesised that men would score better than women on the control task with no objects present. Secondly, we hypothesized that men and women would score equally in the conditions which included human figures or objects. The research was done using convenience sampling, and followed typical experimentation protocol using mental orientation tasks. The project will be presented using a psychology style research poster.

keywords: Spatial Orientation, Gender Differences, Empathy 

Despite music therapists using active and passive music therapy interventions in treatment, there is lack of evidence to support one intervention being more impactful on mood than the other. Utilizing a cross-over design, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of active and passive music therapy interventions on the mood of individuals. The aim was to answer whether active music therapy interventions are more effective than receptive/passive music therapy interventions in impacting mood. Participants were all undergraduate students with a mean age of 20.3. A senior student music therapist facilitated an improvisational intervention followed by a receptive intervention. Participants completed a mood scale structured after the Profile of Mood Scales (POMS) (McNair, 1971). Means were calculated for intensity for each emotion at baseline, following improvisation, and following music listening. The differences in the means were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, where there was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety intensity after each intervention. After analyzing changes in mood intensity by case, active MT interventions were found to have an effect on different emotions than the passive MT intervention. This suggests that active and passive MT intervention affects mood differently and the effect of both used together may be the most effective in improving mood in clients.

keywords: music therapy, mood changes, passive interventions, active interventions 

The purpose of this project was to investigate the molecular basis of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). LVNC comes from mutations or deletions in the gene PRDM16. The gene, PRDM16, codes for a transcription factor concentrated in compact myocardium during heart development.

In order to find the mechanisms behind PRDM16 transcriptional regulation, the objective was to find the protein binding partners that might function alongside PRDM16. In order to do this, we used PRDM16-BioID2 knock-in mice to find the biotinylation of proteins that interact with PRDM16 inside living cells. There were 6 mice that were used in the experimental and control groups of PRDM16-BioID2 KI mice collected at the E13.5 embryonic day. The experimental group was injected during the E10.5 stage with 2.5 mg/mL of biotin with a 450 uL/20 g dosage. The control group of mice was injected with saline only. The proteins were extracted from 6 hearts per group. Biotinylated proteins were enriched from streptavidin beads. The streptavidin pull-down efficiency was investigated using western blots for the input, pull-down and flow-through samples from both groups.

The biotinylated proteins were found to be enriched specifically in the biotin injected group in contrast to the control group, which suggests that this experiment was successful. This means that there was no antibody signal found in the streptavidin pull-down lanes, yet the signal for biotinylated proteins were found in the pull-down lane. This means that the biotinylated proteins were detected in the pull-down lane for the biotin-injected group, which means that there were proteins that did interact with PRDM16. There were weaker signals found in the control pull-down lane. The next steps would be to collect more embryonic mouse heart samples and to send the samples for protein identification from mass spectrometry.

keywords: PRDM16, Left Ventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC), transcription regulation, biotin, streptavidin 

This is a poster presentation needed for Dance history and aesthetics. I will be presenting on Carolyn Adams, who is someone who is so important in the world of modern dance. Carolyn Adams played a pivotal role in shaping American ballet during the late twentieth century, particularly through her long-standing association with the Joffrey Ballet. As one of the company’s leading ballerinas from the 1960s through the 1980s, Adams became closely identified with its innovative fusion of classical technique and contemporary experimentation. She was instrumental in premiering and sustaining works by choreographers such as Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, helping to define a distinctly American ballet aesthetic that balanced theatricality, athleticism, and emotional immediacy. Beyond performance, Adams contributed to dance history as a répétiteur, educator, and preservationist of the Joffrey repertory, ensuring the transmission of key twentieth-century works to new generations. Her career reflects the broader evolution of American ballet from European-influenced tradition toward a more eclectic and culturally responsive art form, securing her legacy as both an interpreter and guardian of modern dance heritage.

keywords: Dance, History, Modern, Performing Arts 

My project will explore how Gideon Obarzanek contributed to dance history. He explores motion sensory and technology within his choreography and is a trailblazor in incorperating technology into dance. I will present this through a poster with different dances and contributions Obarzanek has offered to the dance world. I choose this project because I find the integration of technology and dance very interesting, Obarzanek does so in a very inovative way without using videos and soly relying on his dancers interactions with the technology itself.

keywords: dance history, technology, innovation, choreography 

I am going to present a poster about the impact that Alvin Ailey has had on the modern dance community and why he is important to include when looking at the history of modern dance. I researched Alvin Ailey as a person, dancer, choreographer, impactful person of color. I compiled all of that information into an informative poster to portray why he is an important person in modern history. I chose him as someone to present on because he was introduced briefly in class and really peeked my interest. People of color were not portrayed in modern dance early on in history, and Alvin Ailey was on of the first to truly make an impact.

keywords: Dance, history, impactful 

Yvonne Rainer is an American choreographer, filmmaker, and feminist artist who played a central role in the development of postmodern dance in the 1960s. Rainer rejected the emphasis on spectacle, virtuosity, glamour, and emotional drama that defined much of modern dance at the time. Instead, she focused on ordinary movement, everyday actions, and task-based choreography, helping to redefine what could be considered dance. Throughout her career, Rainer has significantly influenced contemporary dance, performance art, and interdisciplinary artistic practices, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of movement as a whole. I will be delivering this presentation as a poster.

keywords: Post-modern dance, choreography, movement, mold-breaking 

Within this project, I will be examing the life of well-known American choreographer and dancer, Kyle Abraham, and the contributions he made in the development of the post-modern world of dance. I intend to present this information to the Naz community in the format of a poster.

In reaserching the topic, I will seek to find information within articles and websites, as well as tangible forms, such as books in the library. I hope to deliver my understanding of Kyle Abraham with full confidence through speaking, establishing an ability to interpet the information, making connectes and showing a transference in learning.

In attending Dance History/Aesthetics, it was required to create a poster for CARS, but it was all my doing to explore the dancer, Kyle Abraham. With this, I find it to be an improtant investigation because in order to expand your knowledge, it is essential to take on challenges, such as uncovering an unfamiliar artist to you.

keywords: Post-modern, Kyle Abraham, A.I.M., 

I will be presenting about Edna Guy and explaining how and why this person has impacted or influenced the concert dance history.

keywords: dance, dance history, edna guy 

I will be presenting about the life/dance career of Archie Savage as a poster presentation.

I have read articles and watched videos on Archie Savage's dance strides throughout his career.

This is a required class project.

keywords: History, Dancer, Performance 

My project is a poster presentation that showcases the work and immense contributions of Pearl Primus in the modern dance world. I will showcase her types of choreography as well as her ideologies when creating movement. I will be speaking to those interested as well as providing imagery to show pieces of choreography that encompass Pearl Primus' career and life as a choreographer. I chose to present on Pearl Primus because of her contributions to choreography in the modern dance world today, despite the adversity she faced being born in Trinidad and immigrating to the United States.

keywords: Choreography, Dance, History, Culture 

This project is a part of the Dance History and Aesthetics course. Researching the effect the Bennington summer school has had on the fruition of Modern Dance, and the influence this school had on dance education. This is required for class.

keywords: Modern Dance, History, Bennington Summer School, 

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a serious and complex clinical condition characterized by widespread overactivation of the body’s coagulation system, resulting in both excessive clot formation initially and followed by increased bleeding risk due to the depletion of clotting factors. The purpose of this poster is to explore the clinical concerns surrounding DIC and to highlight the laboratory findings that aid in its diagnosis and monitoring. This poster examines the underlying mechanisms of DIC, the conditions that commonly trigger it, and the key laboratory results used to identify the disorder. This topic was chosen because DIC is a particularly interesting and important condition within the medical field due to its complex pathophysiology and its association with many different underlying diseases. Understanding the laboratory findings associated with DIC is especially relevant for medical professionals, as early detection and accurate interpretation of results can play a critical role in patient diagnosis, management, and survival.

keywords: CLS, Laboratory testing, DIC 

This is a poster presentation for Dance History and Aesthetics. I will be presenting on Camille A. Brown and how she explores the power of dance as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social connection. Drawing from African diasporic traditions and contemporary choreography, Brown highlights how movement can communicate history, identity, and resilience. She discusses her creative process, emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestral roots while pushing artistic boundaries. Through examples from her own works, Brown demonstrates how dance can challenge stereotypes, inspire community, and amplify underrepresented voices. My presentation ultimately reveals dance as both an artistic expression and a meaningful platform for education, empowerment, and change.

keywords: Dance, Culture, History 

My project focuses on acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a rare but highly treatable form of myelogenous leukemia. To execute it, I researched current literature and created a case study illustrating the disease’s presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. I have also researched a clinical presentation seen in APL which is known as DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation), a rare but life-threatening condition in which widespread clotting occurs in small blood vessels. I then designed a visually engaging poster to clearly communicate the key points, including the molecular basis of APL and its unique responsiveness to therapy. I chose this project because APL is both medically important and fascinating. Presenting it visually allows viewers to quickly grasp the significance and impact of this rare leukemia and all it's presentations.

keywords: acute promyelocytic leukemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, case study 

I will be presenting my research that I have gathered on the Henry Street Settlement House and the lasting impact this organization has had on the modern dance world. This research is done as a part of my Dance History class.

keywords: Dance History, modern dance, impact 

This research project examines the language used by adult females in informal personal narratives, with a focus on both macrostructural and microstructural elements. While existing research has extensively explored conversational storytelling, where the listener is an active participant in the construction of the narrative, there remains a gap in understanding narratives produced solely by the speaker in informal contexts. Given that effective personal narratives require coherence, organization, and purposeful structure, this study investigates how speakers integrate macrostructure (e.g. story grammar, organization) and microstructure (e.g. syntax, vocabulary) to achieve these goals. Narrative samples were collected and examined through the application of multiple established narrative analysis protocols. Particular emphasis was placed on engaging with each framework in practice, including following procedures for segmenting narratives, identifying structural components, and coding linguistic features. Working across protocols allowed for direct comparison of how each framework captured aspects of macrostructure and microstructure, while also highlighting patterns in structure, development, and coherence. The results of the different analytic frameworks were compared across narrative types and across speakers to determine the most clinically useful analyses. This poster presents the results of these different comparisons and discusses clinical implications for future use.

keywords: research, language, analysis, linguistics 

I will be presenting my research on Louis Horst and his impact and relevance to the past and continuous development of modern dance. This research is done as a part of my Dance History class.

keywords: Dance History, Modern dance, influence 

There is currently major difficulty in providing adequate research opportunities to students attending primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). A limited number of professors available to mentor research is a substantial roadblock, as it restricts how many students can engage in university sponsored research. To combat this issue the current work sought to design and implement an introductory ecology course and laboratory manual. The manual was constructed with the intent of exposing students to a wide range of data collection methods, the experimental design process, and introducing them to the fundamentals of statistical analysis.

Each module of the lab focuses on one major area of ecological importance and was designed to emphasize hypothesis driven research and data analysis. The areas of ecological importance examined include invertebrate biodiversity, aquatic ecology, animal behavior, and ecosystem ecology. Each lab begins with a reading of foundational literature, which will inform student hypotheses as well as provide them with familiarity with core concepts. The modules have the goal of developing proficiency with R programming, examining biodiversity, and, when applicable, assessing the effects of anthropogenic driven climate change on ecosystems. The labs have been designed with data collection as a primary focus, aiming to provide proficiency in R. This ensures that students can analyze data they themselves collected using the R programming language.

After completing the lab course, students will be capable of designing their own hypothesis driven experiments that produce results which can be statistically analyzed. All students will learn how to effectively and appropriately communicate scientific results in the form of lab reports, proper figure creation, and formal presentation of their results in both academic and public settings. Students at PUIs obtaining these skills will lead to increased qualification for research opportunities within the field of ecology which may have otherwise been inaccessible to them.

keywords: student skills, course design, ecology 

My public health internship was conducted at Rochester Hope, where I gained experience in community health nursing and outreach focused on promoting health within the community. In this poster, I will discuss my responsibilities throughout the internship and how they enhanced my understanding of cultural competence. This internship was particularly meaningful to me as both a public health and nursing student, as I aimed to expand my knowledge of effective ways to provide care to communities outside of hospital and clinical settings.

As an intern, I designed a measles vaccine survey and developed health promotion materials in both Spanish and English. The survey was conducted within the food pantry to assess the vulnerability of the population utilizing these resources and to determine the need for a measles vaccination clinic. In addition, I provided Spanish translation services to community members as needed and assisted in delivering medical care under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse. These services included burn care, diabetic management, health education, and assistance during medical emergencies.

keywords: Community Health, Health Promotion, Internship, Spanish Translation Services 

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (CsPbX3; X = Cl, Br, I) were synthesized and compared using three distinct methods: hot-injection, benzoyl halide-assisted synthesis, and microwave-assisted synthesis. The nanocrystals were characterized by UV–Vis absorbance and photoluminescence spectroscopy to determine their optical properties and to assess the influence of halide composition on emission across the visible spectrum. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) was measured using standard dye references, including Coumarin 343, Nile Red, and Fluorescein, to evaluate emissive efficiency. Comparative analysis demonstrated that precursor chemistry, halide source, and heating method substantially affect phase purity and emission characteristics. These findings elucidate key relationships between synthesis conditions and the structural and optical properties of CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystals. A comprehensive understanding of these synthesis–structure–property relationships is essential for assessing the suitability of CsPbX3 materials in photovoltaic and light-harvesting applications, particularly as tunable candidates for next-generation solar cell technologies.

keywords: chemistry, synthesis, nanocrystals 

This poster presents a Summer 2025 Neuroimaging Research Internship conducted at Robert Morris University (RMU) as part of the PANTHER Project, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) modeling initiative focused on improving computational simulations of head trauma. Accurate biomechanical modeling of TBI requires high-resolution, anatomically precise brain geometries created from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The objective of this project component was to generate three-dimensional brain models for use in finite element injury simulations. Using 3D Slicer software, advanced neuroanatomical segmentation techniques were applied to isolate relevant anatomical structures and ensure geometric fidelity for downstream computational modeling. Python-based automation scripts were also developed and implemented to streamline the segmentation workflow, reduce manual variability, and improve processing efficiency. These workflow optimizations enhanced reproducibility across datasets and contributed standardized imaging inputs to a multi-institutional modeling collaboration. By generating high-quality anatomical models for predictive simulations, this work supports ongoing efforts to refine injury mechanism analysis and advance computational tools used in traumatic brain biomechanics research.

keywords: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), neuroimaging, finite element modeling, MRI segmentation, computational biomechanics 

Porphyrins are macrocyclic compounds that are essential for metabolism in living organisms. Porphyrins can be complexed with a variety of metal ions through metallation reactions, allowing for various roles in photosynthesis, oxygen transport, and redox reactions. This research aims to explore the patterns and correlations between the structure, stability, and spectroscopic characteristics of different metallated porphyrins. In this study, free-base tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), a porphyrin derivative, is synthesized using a modified Adler-Longo method and subsequently undergoes metallation reactions. Zinc, Nickel, Iron, and Manganese are selected for insertion to investigate the influence of ionic radius and electronic configuration on porphyrin structure and electronic properties. The free-base and metallated tetraphenylporphyrins are characterized using spectroscopic methods to evaluate structural modifications, changes in electronic transitions, and relative stability associated with metal incorporation.

keywords: Tetraphenylporphyrin, Metallation, Spectroscopy 

This project highlights a public health education initiative conducted at a summer camp, where I designed and delivered lessons to children ages 5–14 on topics including hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, and general wellness. The goal of this project was to introduce foundational health knowledge and promote healthy habits among youth who may have limited exposure to comprehensive health education in their school curriculum.

To execute this project, I used a structured methodology to develop age-appropriate lessons that incorporated credible health resources, educational videos, and interactive online materials designed specifically for children. Content was selected from reliable websites and adapted to ensure that it was relatable, engaging, and understandable for different age groups. Lessons included demonstrations, guided discussions, and hands-on activities focused on proper handwashing, balanced nutrition, the importance of regular physical activity, and personal hygiene. These strategies were used to reinforce learning and encourage campers to apply these habits in their daily routines. I chose this project because many important health topics affecting children are not addressed early enough due to gaps in health education. During my presentation, I will also discuss how limited early health education can contribute to long-term health issues and how introducing these topics at a younger age may help children develop healthier habits before patterns become difficult to change.

keywords: Health education, childhood health promotion, hygiene nutrition and exercise, youth health disparities, preventive health education 

Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals that exhibit fluorescent behavior when illuminated. These optical properties are a direct result of quantum confinement effects associated with the size of the dots, their absorption and by extension the fluorescence. As the size of the particles increases the absorption and emission spectra demonstrate longer wavelengths showing a direct link between the growth of the crystals and their optical behaviors. Quantum dot research allows scientists to conveniently explore reaction kinetics and spectroscopic properties by controlling reaction conditions such as time and heat. This project synthesizes and classifies cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots to investigate the connection between absorption, fluorescence, and particle size, as well as the underlying growth dynamics that dictate the size distribution of the dots. Given the hazardous nature of the materials used in quantum dot synthesis, this research also explores safer, pedagogically accessible methods to demonstrate the key concepts underlying quantum dot optical behavior, such as the electromagnetic spectrum and structure-property relationships, in a high school laboratory setting.

keywords: Fluorescence, quantum dots, emission spectra, size distribution 

This presentation highlights my internship experience at Rochester Hope, a grassroots nonprofit on Rochester’s Clinton Avenue that provides food pantry services, community meals, and weekly resource events for over 650 families. Alongside direct service stocking shelves, assisting guests, and organizing food I focused on helping make the space more welcoming for everyone, especially Muslim guests observing Ramadan.

I entered this internship with two guiding questions: how I could better support the diverse community at Rochester Hope, and how I could assist Muslim guests during Ramadan. Using a participant-observer approach, I documented my experiences through weekly journals while also taking action. I researched appropriate foods for Suhoor and Iftar, identified and labeled Halal items, and worked with staff to think about ways the pantry could be more inclusive.

As a Somali-Muslim student pursuing Public Health, this work felt personal. It showed me that care goes beyond meeting basic needs; it means understanding people’s identities and experiences. This presentation reflects what I learned about dignity, cultural awareness, and what it truly means to care for others.

keywords: Cultural competency, community health, food justice, dignity, internship experience 

Developing students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills is a central goal of chemical education. A guided inquiry-based, multi-outcome laboratory experiment in which organic chemistry students design and test a liquid–liquid extraction procedure using solubility switching and pKa values. Students predict solubility behavior, propose an extraction sequence, and then implement it in the lab. This activity reinforces acid–base concepts, strengthens critical thinking, and engages students in authentic problem solving by moving beyond a predetermined protocol.

keywords: Chemical Education, Novel Organic Chemistry Lab Experiment 

As a nursing and public health student I worked with Neuvola, a free nationwide system of maternity and child health in Finland. During my study abroad internship I helped to provide comprehensive care for families from pregnancy to age six. I assisted in the performance of regular developmental health checks, vaccinations, family planning, breastfeeding support, and counseling. Using observational and clinical assessment techniques public health nurses in Finland are able to assist families in many areas of health. Through an informational poster viewers can learn of the large impacts these clinics have on society, providing educational and physical support for the community. It is important to present the many ways public health can be achieved in other countries to inspire people to join in the effort or create a way to help their community on their own. Reading on the impressive statistics for public health in Finland I felt it was necessary to observe the methods their healthcare system uses with the hope to carry some of that knowledge back and improve my own neighborhood.

keywords: public health, maternity, childcare, nurses 

We worked as a group to draft questions and connect with Rochester community members who identified themselves as being from South Asia or having South Asian heritage. We used the practices of public history and oral history interviews to conduct interviews with participants. In doing these interviews we gained a better understanding of the South Asian community in Rochester. We are hoping to continue to expand this project and interview other members of the South Asian community. We chose this project because we wanted to help expand the community connections with the Center for Public History and the South Asian community. As a group we felt that this project was important because there is a large South Asian community in Rochester and we wanted to help preserve their history and stories.

keywords: Public history, oral history, Rochester, South Asia 

Rochester Hope is a community outreach organization that provides food and essential resources to individuals experiencing food insecurity. The focus of this internship project was to develop healthy, practical recipes based on the food ingredients available each week through Rochester Hope’s food distribution program. The goal of this project was to promote healthier eating habits while ensuring that recipes were accessible, affordable, and realistic for individuals and families utilizing community food resources.

To carry out this project, weekly inventories of available ingredients were reviewed and used to create nutritious recipes that community members could prepare using the foods provided. Recipes were designed with a public health perspective in mind, emphasizing balanced nutrition, simplicity, and minimal additional cost. Consideration was given to factors such as limited kitchen resources, ease of preparation, and the nutritional value of ingredients in order to support healthier dietary choices within the community.

This project was chosen because food insecurity is closely connected to broader social determinants of health, including income, access to nutritious foods, and overall health outcomes. By developing recipes tailored to available food supplies, this initiative aimed to reduce barriers to healthy eating and help individuals make the most of the foods they receive. This experience highlighted the role that community-based organizations can play in promoting nutrition education and improving public health through practical, accessible interventions.

keywords: Nutrition, recipes, Public Health 

Computational analysis and modeling require large data sets which can present several ethical and practical dilemmas. Concerns about source data, including confidentiality, systemic bias, poor quality, and scarcity, can have serious implications for accuracy, validity, and reliability in machine learning work. In the era of generative artificial intelligence and large language models, techniques to simulate real-world data through algorithms and statistical models have gained traction for producing large, custom datasets that mimic real world data. Called synthetic data, this information can consist of text, tabular information, and/or multimedia (images, videos, sound) and is designed specifically to mitigate challenges with real data. Our class generated synthetic data to provide proof of concept testing for proprietary machine learning models on behalf of our experiential learning partner: an international predictive sports analytics startup. While the player/game statistics that we needed to integrate into the analytics models are publicly available; other information was incomplete or could not yet be collected by our partner. We tested a variety of statistical and neural network machine learning models to create synthetic sports data from the Synthetic Data Vault (SDV), an open-source Python library developed by MIT's Data to AI Lab. Our work evaluating the synthetic data process as an integrated technical and ethical practice also benefitted from our interdisciplinary capstone teams majoring in Ethical Data Science; Business, AI & Innovation; and Technology, AI & Society.

keywords: Synthetic Data; Machine Learning; Sports Analytics 

This research looks at the question of "What are the experiences of people who stutter (PWS) when using voice assistant technology?" The research was collected by looking for peer-reviewed articles on the experiences of people who stutter and automatic speech recognition technology or voice assistant technology (e.g., Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice-activated software). These articles were then put into an annotated bibliography and used to create a literature review before being put into a poster presentation for CARS. The research done will be presented through a poster format. This topic is important because it could help inform therapeutic activities for people who stutter and those with other types of Fluency Disorders. It can also help this population in their day-to-day lives. Research into this topic could potentially inform (or provide guidance to) voice-assistant technology companies on making their product more accessible for PWS.

keywords: People Who Stutter (PWS), Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Voice Assistant Technology, Inclusive Training 

Currently, there is a gap in the literature regarding what supports are available to caregivers of stroke survivors and how these supports may influence caregiver well-being and occupational balance. This study aimed to examine and interpret caregivers’ perceptions of resources and supports following the transition into a caregiving role. To do this, a voluntary survey was distributed to caregivers of stroke survivors through Facebook groups and our on-campus university’s clinic to collect information related to their relationship with the stroke survivor, as well as their caregiving roles, daily routines, occupational balance, and perceived support since becoming a caregiver. To further explore our survey’s findings, two interviews were conducted via Zoom to obtain more in-depth perspectives and further expand on recommendations for improving support for caregivers. Our interviews focused on identifying the forms of support caregivers perceived as most effective for promoting mental health, maintaining occupational balance, and supporting engagement in meaningful activities. This study was conducted to better understand the impact of caregiving on quality of life following a significant role transition and to identify areas where caregivers may benefit from additional support. Our findings from this study are aimed to inform occupational therapy practice by highlighting potential intervention targets and resources that may enhance caregiver well-being and support sustained engagement in meaningful occupations and improve occupational balance.

keywords: Occupational Balance, Wellness, Stroke Survivor Caregiver, Role Shift 

This project looked at the current research that has been done on autoimmune disorders and their mental health implications. To do this, a literature review was conducted. It compiled already existing research to find patterns amongst studies. This review analyzed specific mental health problems, anxiety and depression, and how autoimmune disorders impact the development of such disorders. Autoimmune disorders have been found to cause both physical hardships and psychological distress. Synthesizing the research can identify where there are gaps in the literature and what has been consistently proven. The complexity of autoimmune disorders and constantly being overlooked by clinicians is a driving force of this research. This delay in diagnosis can cause extended periods of time without treatment and negatively impact one’s physical and mental wellbeing. It’s important to support individuals living with autoimmune disorders to improve their quality of life. There are many struggles associated with having an autoimmune disorder. With better understanding of how they can impact mental health, we can promote better health outcomes and education for clinicians and those living with autoimmune disorders.

keywords: autoimmune disorders, mental health, anxiety, depression 

For our X-Culture project, we focused on the SME, EnglishHelper. Our objective was to develop a business plan to accelerate the company’s growth and tackle the global issue of weak foundational literacy (LSRW) skills. We collaborated with peers worldwide, integrating diverse perspectives and research. Our main challenge was identifying the most suitable country for market expansion. Each group member selected a different target country, contributing key insights into the plan’s execution. Our presentation will showcase these target markets, examining their similarities, differences, and the strategies pursued. 

Methodologies used in this project included deep analysis of EnglishHelper, market analysis, evaluating the product and sales, and marketing tactics. Substantial research and prior knowledge were necessary in order to find information and create a plan for English Helper. We will be delivering our experiences through our poster by breaking up our findings into different sections and providing a visually appealing yet informative brief of our findings. 

All of the research done was based on the countries that we thought English Helper would have the most success in, both as a growing business and in solving the enduring global challenge.

keywords:  International Business, Global Market Expansion, Literacy Development Plan, SME Growth.