The Rev 2024 Edition Magazine Launch

Prof. Angie Smith, Creative Director of CreativityUnleashed UK and Faculty Lead for The Rev Magazine

The Rev Editors:

Kathleen Muller, Laurel Petersen, Ashley Busby, Mariah Wright, Susannah Schools, Ethan Alcee, Victoria Harris, Jonathan Reese, Maverick Douglas, Pamela Bryant, Aryanna Zeigler

This work is supported by the RSC libraries, the Carol Ann Donahue Endowed Fund, and the English, Writing and Culture department at Sage. We would like to give a special thanks to Chris White, Sofia Baldwin and Amy Pass for their support throughout the year and with our magazine launch.

Zoom Information: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85439370112?pwd=MDNsZ0VHMHdlMGpENEhIZlYvVXpxUT09

Meeting ID: 854 3937 0112

Passcode: 981187

Student presenters: 

Lily Glatt, Kierra Robinson, Allison O'Kane, Michaela Meyer, Kaitlyn Czerow, Sophie Kolankowski, My Grumbling, and Katlyn Hebert

The workshops are designed as a new business series to engage our community and to integrate our students in more internship and career opportunities. In addition to the practical application of knowledge, this will create a pipeline for new MBA students, build our campus awareness in the region and open added sponsorships and support for our student needs.

Students presenters:  

Eseleifoh Akhimien-Mhonan, Anna Breidenbach, Teagan Breton, Cy-Mier Dace, Blake Decker, Mathieu Durkin, Leandro Guzman, Tahirou Hamidou, Kennedy Jones, Michael Karpinski, Sanouse Magane, Marcus Meheret, Richard Parks, Tomas Pesko West, Adeline Potter, Dylan Scherillo, El Hadji Iba Sy, Aimee Warman, and Pan Young

Students presenters: 

Bailey Bates, Gabrielle Deck, Kahlil Dowdy, Madeleine Marchinko, Angela Silecchia, and David Adadjo

Student presenters: 

Shae McEvoy: Understanding the Effects of Social Anxiety within Interpersonal Relationships

Corey Topple: The Effects of Parenting on Children’s Mental Health Throughout Life

Raylynne Kuhn: Silent Witnesses: Exploring the Consequences of Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence

Jeana Monaco: Attachment Styles of Individuals with ADHD: A Lifespan Perspective

Brooke Hernandez: Effective Treatment Options for Victims of Sexual Abuse

Maxsen Langlais: The Effects of Childhood Parental Divorce On The Emerging Adults’ Mental Health

Margaret Carboy: The Positive Psychological Effects of Music Therapy on Cancer Patients

Jake McElwee: Physical Injuries Affect Mental Well-Being in Athletes

Malena Gereau: Juveniles are more susceptible to coerced confessions 

Angelo Magnotta: The association among Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, coping strategies, and academic success in undergraduate college students

Examining the Impact of Poverty on Children's Development and Early Education Experiences: Insights from Volunteer Work in Cape Town, South African Township Schools

Sita Sako, Doris Adams Ferguson ’53 Memorial Fund for Sociology 2023-2024 Scholar

Ali Schaeffing, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography

This study investigates the impacts of poverty and the value of early educational experiences, as observed in a township setting outside Cape Town, South Africa. The research is based on participant observation as a volunteer in a school for underprivileged children ages 2-4, coupled with a literature view on the multifaceted effects of poverty on children's cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical growth. This work highlights the pivotal role played by supportive school environments in mitigating the adverse consequences of poverty on student populations. This research project is dedicated to exploring successful strategies and interventions employed in environments where children are confronting socio-economic difficulties. Utilizing qualitative analysis and observational data, the study aims to uncover approaches that support the holistic development of children experiencing poverty and segregation.

Learning In Action 

Eileen V Brownell, PhD, Associate Professor of Management

This session provides an overview of the work of  Business Administration students.

Meditation and Performance

Alexandra Queeney (‘24), Business Administration, BBA Concentration in Marketing 

As part of my internship for ReGenIGNITE, I will be presenting my research on how meditation practices and focus on mind, body and spirit reduces anxiety and stress in female athletes and the direct connection to improved performance levels. My main role in this internship has been to define an issue related to the ReGenIGNITE mission and research the topic to create content for ReGenIGNITE’s website/ social media. 

Website and Social Media for a Small Business

Adeline Potter ('24), Business Administration, Marketing Intern with ReGenIGNITE

In this presentation, I will be presenting my experience as a marketing and social media intern with ReGenIGNITE. My focus in this internship has been to create content for social media, as well as re-develop the website.  I’ve learned the art of strategic content creation for alignment with brand image using Word Press with the goal of increased website traffic and visual appeal. 

Working with the Y and Y I Stayed 

Anna Breidenbach ('24), Business Administration 

Anna has been interning with the YMCA over the past year in her capacity of Social Media Intern. Listen to what she has learned, how she has networked and most importantly, what it means to really connect your values with an organization's mission and values and the power of building community and relationships.   

#1. Olfaction in College-Aged Females During Different Phases of Their Menstrual Cycle

Zavia Allen, Sage Baker, and Kylie Reed Reed                                                                                                              Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

This study investigated olfactory sensitivity in college-aged females throughout the course of a single menstrual cycle. The influence of female sex hormones on olfaction has been previously investigated, but revealed inconsistent results (Martinec-Nováková, 2014; Navarrete-Palacios et al., 2003; Stanić, Ž, 2021). The study also explored the effects of oral contraceptive use on smell. Participants consisted of twenty college-aged, biological females who had been naturally cycling or taking oral contraceptives for at least three months. The participants performed a smell test using the Sensometrix Smell Test Kit in which they ranked nine different scents by pleasantness and intensity. In addition, participants attempted to identify each scent. It was hypothesized that when estrogen peaks between days 10-18 of the menstrual cycle, olfaction is more sensitive and the participants will record higher intensities and more accurate detection of scents. This hypothesis suggests that olfactory sensitivity is modulated by sex hormone changes, specifically the fluctuation of estrogen that occurs throughout the course of a menstrual cycle and when using oral contraceptives.

# 5. The Comparison Between Residents and Commuters on Food Insecurity at Russell Sage College

Zahra Arshad, Gina Franko and Lydia Ragubir

Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

Food insecurity is the inconsistent access to nutritionally adequate foods required for healthy living and normal growth development. In recent years, the prevalence of food insecurity on college campuses has increased (Breuning & Laska, 2023; Ahmad et al., 2021; Zigmont et al., 2021). The current study aims to analyze what components of college life have the biggest impact on food insecurity. It was hypothesized that resident students would be more at risk of experiencing food insecurity than commuter students. An anonymous survey using a Likert Scale (1-5) was distributed online to undergraduate students on the Russell Sage Campus. Based on a preliminary assessment of raw data collected, participants of the survey were evenly distributed among first-year students, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Survey results indicate that 54.5% of the participants were commuters, and 45.5% were residents. The majority of participants seemed to have had previous knowledge about food insecurity. Additionally, roughly half of the participants surveyed had completed a course in Nutrition Science. Also, more commuters consistently ate regular meals, as opposed to residents, suggesting that residents are at a higher risk of experiencing food insecurity, which supports our hypothesis. To combat this discrepancy in food security between commuters and residents, college campuses should make food more accessible or be made aware of this possible problem.

#6. Patching Through: The Future of Global Immunization

Zahra Arshad and Lydia Ragubir, *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference   

Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English, Honors Program Director, Stacie M. Kutz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology and Health Sciences, Biology Program Director 

Despite the abundance of vaccines in Western countries, countless “zero-dose” children or children who have not received routine immunizations exist globally, especially in underdeveloped countries. In 2021, there were 18 million “zero-dose” children, the highest reported number since 2005 (CDC, 2023). With the increase of global socioeconomic disparities, vaccine administration is becoming more difficult and expensive, including their safe and efficient transportation and distribution. Shelf life, improper storage, and contamination after opening are all concerns in vaccine distribution. Currently, vaccines are transported in multi-dose vials and require storage in ultra-low freezers, which are not always available, thus decreasing the shelf life of the vaccine, since they may only remain at room temperature for a few hours before expiration. Many mRNA vaccines must be kept within the “cold chain” range of temperature to avoid the risk of bacterial growth and denaturing the RNA molecule.

Besides transportation, distributing vaccines to underdeveloped countries raises concerns such as the availability of health professionals to administer them and the need for routine and serial immunizations in “zero-dose” children. To combat these issues, microarray patches (MAPs) have been proposed as an alternative to current injectable immunizations. Microarray patches use transdermal technology to administer vaccines. These patches can be applied to the body to allow microscopic projections to penetrate the skin to deliver the vaccine. They provide many benefits such as painless delivery, facilitating self-administration, and reduction of the cold chain burden. MAPs are needle-free therefore reducing discomfort and providing reassurance for individuals with trypanophobia or needle anxiety. In areas where there is limited access to storage and difficulty transporting vaccines, MAPs offer a safer and more practical method of delivery. Furthering the development of MAPs as an alternative to current injectable vaccines can help bridge the gap between the socioeconomic disparities of vaccine administration globally. 

#12.Comparison of Olfaction in College-Aged Males and Females

Mackenzie Fido and Patricia Ladmer

Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

The main objective of this research study was to compare olfaction in college-aged males and females. From previous studies, males were indicated to have a larger threshold to sensitivity of an array of smells compared to females (Ferdenzi et al., 2012). Males on average have larger nasal cavities than females suggesting that males might be more sensitive to smells. Nine scents were presented to each subject who ranked on a Likert scale from 1-5, pleasantness and potency of the given scents and were asked to identify the scent. The results suggest that females had higher potency rankings for each scent than males. Pleasantness of scent, however, varied throughout the trials between males and females. Females were also able to identify scents more accurately. Larger nasal cavities of males do not seem to convey greater ability to smell, and reasons for female sensitivity are discussed.

#18. The Decline in Male Sexual Health: A Deep Dive

Zakhariah Chowdhury, Joseph Johnson, and Drew Rankin

Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

This study explores the decline in male testosterone levels over the past century. Multiple meta-analyses and outside research papers were used to draw correlations and conclusions. The relationship between testosterone levels and obesity, fitness, and environmental factors were studied. Generally, all of these factors have contributed to the.a steady decline in testosterone in male populations worldwide. Regular exercise has been shown to increase testosterone levels and reduce obesity. Testosterone levels increase and are sustained longer as the intensity of exercise increases. Environmental factors, such as air and water pollution, and chemicals in processed food can also impact male testosterone in a multitude of ways. Due to the nature of these environmental factors, many males will not even notice the negative side effects on testosterone until extensive damage has been done.

#23. Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Among Russell Sage College Students: Understanding the Impacts of Decreasing Pandemic Safety Measures

Natalie Gifford

Elizabeth Narcisi, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences 

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) commonly inhabits the anterior nares of 30% of the healthy population (Hamdan-Partida et al., 2010). S.aureus colonization can range from asymptomatic carriage to the onset of minor to life-threatening infections. This study aimed to determine whether the prevalence of S.aureus colonization among students of Russell Sage College demonstrated an increase in response to the relaxation of COVID-19-related safety measures. Additionally, we hypothesized that among those positively colonized by S.aureus, healthcare-related majors will show a higher prevalence of S.aureus colonization. Participants in this study were undergraduate students enrolled at Russell Sage Colleges. Students were provided a questionnaire eliciting information regarding academic majors, relationships with healthcare facilities, involvement in sports in high school and/or college, campus residency, and community type. Students were instructed to swab each nostril and inoculate on a small mannitol salt agar plate. Additionally, the participant’s dominant hand was cultured on large plates using the same medium. Plates exhibiting positive growth were sub-cultured, Gram-stained, and then a Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test was performed. Data collected was then compared against previously documented data from microbiology classes taught by Dr. Elizabeth Narcisi at Russell Sage College.

#25. Examining Countries Utilization of Protein Subunit and mRNA Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 to Compare Effectiveness

Alanna Dumas and Rachel Zuppardi

John A. Tine, Ph.D., Department of Biology and Health Sciences

In 2019, the emergence of a new fast spreading disease that became known as Covid-19 was reported in China. Within just 50 days, there were 70,000 infected and more than 1,800 casualties and that number grew exponentially over the next year (Shereen et al., 2020). The Internal Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses designated the virus that causes COVID-19 as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS-CoV-2, and declared a global pandemic in 2020 (Shereen et.al, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 contains spikes composed of S proteins on the surface of the virus that play a large role in infection (Huang et al., 2020). Researchers quickly went to work on producing vaccines that would prevent the transmission of this highly infectious virus by targeting the S protein. Several different types of vaccines were developed including protein subunit vaccines, mRNA vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and viral vector vaccines (Mayo Clinic, 2023). To better understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of the mRNA and protein subunit vaccines, we have reviewed the safety, efficacy, need for booster shots, and long-term effects of these approaches. Although both approaches have resulted in successful COVID-19 vaccines, we hypothesize that protein subunit vaccines are more effective than mRNA vaccines based on the success of this approach for vaccination against influenza and hepatitis B viruses. The efficacy and safety profiles of both protein subunit and mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will be compared in countries where these approaches were used for large scale vaccination. Factors such as levels and duration of neutralizing antibody responses, requirements for booster inoculations, protection from hospitalization, severe disease and death, and the frequency and type of adverse events will be considered.

#27. The Impact of Practice and Game Timing on Sleep and Athletic Performance

Allison Basila and Hethar Scutt

Marci Murphy, MS, ATC, CSCS, Assistant Professor in Health Sciences

Numerous factors influence the daily functioning of the body, with sleep standing out as one of the most crucial. This holds particularly true for athletes because adequate rest is necessary for an athlete's physical and mental preparedness. This plays a large role in optimal athletic performance and in reducing the risk of potential injuries. How does the time of day for practices and games impact an athlete’s ability to perform and affect sleep duration? It is hypothesized that shifting from morning to later practices can be beneficial for athletes' circadian rhythms and cognitive function. Based on previous literature, results show that athletic performance early in the morning disrupts the sleep cycle, which can result in health issues, and can negatively impact cognitive performance. It is common for athletes to get less sleep on nights before early morning games and practices due to other responsibilities that they have to attend to. Adjusting practice or game times to later hours may help resolve these issues to avoid disruption of circadian rhythms and performance is better when cognitive functioning is greater. Additional information was considered, such as performance levels during different days of the week and individual differences in sleep cycles.

#29. The McCRISPR Recipe Revealed

Sage Baker, Alexander Burns, Zakhariah Chowdry, Alanna Dumas, Reigniel Esconde, Brendan Espinal, Mackenzie Fido, Madison Hunea, Patricia Ladmer, Drew Rankin, Owen Reinartz, Molly Shayne, and Peyton White

Kristi LaMonica, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, Chair, Department of Biology and Health Sciences

CRISPR are sequences in the genome that function to edit genes. It does this by recognizing a target DNA sequence and using a gRNA sequence that acts as a guide to locate which genes need to be edited. Cas9 is the protein that binds to the segment of DNA that needs to be edited. Together the gRNA and the Cas9 protein search for the DNA sequence that matches that of the gRNA. Once it finds a match Cas9 binds to that segment of the DNA and cleaves it. The cell is able to repair its own DNA via non-homologous and homologous recombination. This technology allows for a highly precise and straight forward process.

In this study we are using CRISPR to introduce a stop codon the LacZ gene. When the early stop codon is inserted it prevents the production of 𝛃-gal. 𝛃-gal will produce a blue color when hydrolyzing X-gal. With the addition of the stop codon the colonies will be a white color representing that the production of 𝛃-gal has been disrupted by CRISPR.

#31. Insights from Women with Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring Home Life Data

Kayley Duncan, Husna Majid and Fatima Kaba

Kristi LaMonica, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, Chair, Department of Biology and Health Sciences

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a range of motor and non-motor symptoms. Major symptoms include tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia, and difficulty with speech. While there have been strides made with understanding PD, research regarding women with Parkinson’s is filled with gaps and mostly anecdotal evidence. The PD Avengers women’s group in collaboration with the Fox Insight team from the Michael J Fox Foundation is in the process of disseminating a series of detailed surveys collecting detailed data from women in all hormonal stages of life. We have access to the survey data through our mentor, an author of the survey. Here we begin to explore data on life at home.

#34. St. Peter's Health Partners (A Member of Trinity Health): Laboratory

Shawntavia Bailey

Stacie M. Kutz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology and Health Sciences, Biology Program Director 

My internship took place at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany NY. The goals for this internship included learning the technique of drawing blood, becoming accustomed to rules and expectations of the hospital for its phlebotomists, building strong communication skills with patients and other faculty such as nurses and doctors, and learning what type of tests are run from the blood drawn. I accomplished my goals in this internship by working closely alongside other St. Peter’s inpatient phlebotomy team members.  I was taught certain techniques to acquire blood from patients with tough veins, aftercare of the blood for transport to the lab so that blood tests can be done, and how to handle patients who are anxious about getting their blood work done. Working in the hospital was very therapeutic and eye opening. To see different patients every shift and hearing their backgrounds and often knowing their illness based off the blood draw test having to be done, makes you more connected to them. I also surprisingly learned about burnout and compassion fatigue and how to evade it and or cure it. I thoroughly enjoyed this internship and I would recommend this internship specifically to anyone who wants to go into medical school and/or peruse a career in the health field because it gives you a great overview of what you may deal with in the health “world”. 

#36. The Effect of Cardiovascular Exercise on Memory

Amelia Geesler and Isabella Provost

Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

Researchers have found that exercise affects memory (Chan, A. S., 2005). In our study we investigated how moderate cardiovascular exercise specifically affects short term memory in college students. The participants completed a memory test before and after moderate exercise. They walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes with a 0.5 incline and 3.0 speed. Also, before each memory test, we took their blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. We collected all this information because we wanted to see if the participants' test scores improved after moderate cardiovascular exercise or not. We also wanted to see if fitness plays a role in memory and if exercise has a greater effect on memory if they are in better shape. We believe that moderate cardiovascular exercise will improve their short term memory.

#3. Art Therapy and Trauma Coping Mechanisms

Margaret Angstadt and Morgan Dempsey

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs 

#7. Gender Roles in Tennessee Williams' Writing

Daniel Kagan *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference

David Baecker, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre, TIS Resident Director

Gender dynamics in the 1950s are usually thought of as being fairly conventional, so Tennessee Williams’ representation of women in charge during this decade shows just how far ahead of his time Williams was. Williams not only was much more open about his sexuality as a gay man than would have been acceptable during that time, he was also taking risks in his portrayal of gender roles and sexuality. This can best be seen through characters in his plays, such as, Princess Kos in Sweet Bird of Youth (1959),and Mrs. Stone in Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (1950). These female characters were written ahead of their time due t o their power over and attitudes towards their male counterparts. Princess Kos demonstrates this through escaping blackmail, and even making Chance, the male lead, into a gigolo for her. The other character, Mrs. Stone also shows control over her male lover, and is said to “dominate '' her late husband in their productions of Romeo and Juliet. Such control and influence for women in a relationship drew attention to the various power dynamics within heterosexual relationships. This research explores Williams’ representation of powerful women and the significance of these portrayals in the 1950s when influence over relationships was dominated by the conservative majority.

#8. Surplus Learning with Graphic Novels

Daniel Kagan

Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English, Honors Program Director

Graphic novels are very popular within all ages. They become an influential medium in the world of literature, entertainment, and even education. There are a lot of factors that contributed to its popularity. They have a unique visual appeal that creates an immersive reading opportunity. These novels cover a wide range of characters from superheroes (“Invisible”), Greek legends (“The Odyssey”), war survivors(“I Survived” book series) to just a normal family (“Squished”). They are written in different genres such as memoirs, historical books (“They Called Us Enemy”), or classical books (“Poe: Stories and Poems"," Iliad”). A lot of graphic novels have been adapted into the movies and TV series, bringing these stories to a broader audience. The growing popularity of graphic novels reflects their ability to blend storytelling and art in a way that applies to a lot of readers. Students enjoy reading them and learning history and some important events through them. They are used as the starting point for some uneasy thought-provoking conversations. The question arises: Should the use of graphic novels be more widely used in education? The objective of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive overview of some benefits and limitations of the graphic novels as an educational tool.

#10. Trauma Informed Expressive Arts Therapy in Children with Autism 

Maya Dean, Marielle Stolk, and Kathryn Bathrick

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs 

#14. Therapeutic Interventions for Prisoners/Offenders with Trauma

Zariah Motley, Sebastian Pucowski, and Rowan Brown

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs 

#17. Art Therapy and Attachment/Parent Loss

Naiya Garvin and Skylar Zygmont 

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs 

#20. Art Therapy with First Responders/Deployed Parents

Benjamin Shibu and Emilie DeGroff 

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs 

#22. Art Therapy and Sexual Abuse

Carlos Ilert and Raylynne Kuhn 

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC , Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs

#33. The Effect of Skin Pigmentation and Nail Polish on Pulse Oximeter Measurements

Mena Abdelmeged and Danielle Williams *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference, 

Mary S. Rea, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Director, Post-Baccalaureate & Undergraduate Premedical Studies

During the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic patients crowded the emergency rooms of hospital, experiencing hypoxia from the ravages of the virus. Physicians observed that patients who were Covid-19 positive, who identified as African American or with dark skin pigmentation exhibited lower or even higher SpO2 measurements, which led to inaccurate diagnosis of Hypoxia. It was hypothesized that dark pigmented individuals will experience inaccurate saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2) measurements using a pulse oximeter. The relationship between skin pigmentation and pulse oximetry was observed utilizing two participatory groups. No significant differences were observed in pulse oximeter readings and skin pigmentation for the first group. This study continued looking at the interactions between skin pigmentation, nail polish, and skin markers on pulse oximeter readings. Thirty participants were recruited. A modified version of the Fitzpatrick Scale was used to determine skin pigmentation. Data was collected in five different trials using clear polish, black polish, and a black skin marker. Skin marker and black nail polish in medium brown/dark brown skin participants showed a significant (p=0.025) in oximeter readings compared to pale/fair skin. Interestingly with skin markers and black nail polish, smokers had a significantly lower % oxygen reading (p=0.0468) compared to non-smokers. As pulse oximeters continue to evolve with advancement in technology, manufacturers need to account for the various skin types as they were originally designed for fairskin individuals. Once various skin types are accounted for in updated oximeters, doctors will be better equipped to address hypoxia within diverse populations.

#38. How the Human Papillomavirus Affects Men
Emily Cumo *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference                                         

Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English, Honors Program Director

While there have been technological developments in the fight against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious virus transmitted through touch and which impacts an estimated 42 million Americans, only women have preventative care including exams, pap smears, and testing to help avoid or detect HPV. Vaccinations for the Human Papillomavirus are available and have been becoming more widely accepted and administered at the correct times. In 2021, the rate of vaccination rose to 58.5 % of adolescents 13-15 years old receiving the vaccination (National Cancer Institute) In 2018, only 39.9% of people ages 18-25 received the vaccination (Boersma and Black, 2020). There are low risk strains that may never show symptoms or the infected persons develop genital warts. There are also high risk strains that cause cancers in both women and men. Men account for about 4 out of 10 cancer diagnoses caused by HPV according to the American Sexual Health Association. Despite these numbers women have the option for regular testing to determine if they have been exposed to one of the cancer causing strains, while men do not have access to testing. Men are typically only tested if there are complications already present from HPV due to there being no tests developed with a high enough accuracy rate. The Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester is using the PCR testing for HPV with modifications to detect the virus in anal samples from men (Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory Testing Catalog, 2023). Studies also show that penile swabbing, urethral brushing, and even seminal samples can detect HPV in men (Giovannelli et al., 2007). It is important that new technologies be developed to detect the presence of or to prevent HPV in men beyond the vaccine so that we can further reduce the incidence of this potentially deadly virus.

References

ASHA. (2019). What Do Men Know About HPV?. American Sexual Health Association. https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/what-men-should-know/#

CDC. (2023, August). HPV Vaccinations. National Cancer Institute, Cancer Trends Progress Reports. https://progressreport.cancer.gov/prevention/hpv_immunization#:~:text=In%202021%2C%2058.5%25%20of%20adolescents,(HPV)%20vaccine%20as%20recommended.

Giovannelli, L., Migliore, M. C., Capra, G., Caleca, M. P., Bellavia, C., Perino, A., Viviano, E., Matranga, D., & Ammatuna, P. (2007). Penile, urethral, and seminal sampling for diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection in men. Journal of clinical microbiology, 45(1), 248–251. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01576-06

#40. Treating Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in String Instrumentalists with Technology

Denique Bennett *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference                                   

Tonya J. Moutray, PhD, Professor of English, Honors Program Director, James Brennan, PhD, PT, MA, Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Playing a string instrument requires many physical demands. On average, instrumentalists play 1300 hours in nonergonomic postures per year (Kochem & Silva, 2018). Overusing specific muscles in these positions puts string instrument players at higher risk of developing various upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSD). UEMSD are defined as injuries to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Technology has extended the capabilities of upper limb rehabilitation utilizing robots, telerehabilitation, and virtual reality (Moulaei et al., 2023). Technology-aided rehabilitation is a well-supported field of neurological rehabilitation and could be beneficial in treating UEMSD in string instrumentalists as well. Limited statistics are available on both the population of string musicians in the United States and those diagnosed with a playing-related UEMSD. Since these disorders can negatively affect the playing careers of long-term string instrument players, there is a need to discover preventative measures and implement treatmentsthat are currently being used for musculoskeletal disorders. Because research in the field is emerging, my research project in HSC 450: Research Methods for Health Sciences was to design a sample research study to address a gap in the research. The process of designing the study as well as researching this medical concern enabled me to understand the role of technology in healthcare better. In addition to this, emerging technologies must be explored further to be applied to under-researched medical conditions such as playing-related UEMSD.

EMH 430: Expressive Arts in Grief and Healing Interactive Table Presentations: Healing and Connecting Through Art

Tracy Gilbert, ATR-BC, LMHC, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Assistant Professor/Program Director of the Creative Arts in Therapy and Expressive Arts in Mental Health Programs

Students presenting include: 

Chelsie Brozowski, Laura Farkas, Adamaris Lazu, Semira Lewis, and Fiona Mulligan

#2. Effectiveness of Mental Health Policing Practices

Evan Keihm

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

The pervasiveness and complexity of mental illness in communities can contribute to an intersection with law enforcement. It’s believed that 10-20% of police interactions involve individuals suffering from a mental illness (Willis et al., 2023, p. 157). Police being in constant contact with such individuals places them in a position where they are a primary responder. Thus, it’s important that proper techniques and protocols be established to ensure that persons with mental illnesses are properly taken care of and receive positive outcomes from police encounters. In order to better understand police practices, this literature review will focus on the dynamics between police and mental illness, police response models and practices, and the future direction of effective practices.

#4. Sexualization of Women in Video Games

Alexia Cusack

Michelle Napierski-Prancl, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Sociology 

The sexualization of women in video games is an issue prevalent in the gaming industry, and is of concern to feminist scholars. Review of this field is important because sexualization present in the media has an impact on the consumers who engage with it. The research presented in this paper includes a detailed review of the relevant literature surrounding women’s sexualization in video game content, in women’s studies, psychology, and sociology. Four themes were found to be present throughout the analysis: objectification, self-objectification, sexual harassment, and perpetuation of gender stereotypes. The paper presents original research employing content analysis on the way sexualization of female characters has changed over time in the video game series Street Fighter. Street Fighter was selected for analysis due to its high profit in the gaming industry spanning over 40 years since the series was first released in 1987. The method of analysis will be comparing two entries in the game, the first being Street Fighter IV released in 2008, coinciding with research at the time finding increased sexual attire in female characters. The second game for analysis is Street Fighter 6, released in 2023; the two entries in the series will be compared in their sexualization of playable female characters. The sexual portrayal of female avatars/characters in video games causes perpetuation of harmful stereotypes towards women.

#9. How Outdated Police Tactics Influence Rates of Juvenile False Confessions

Anthony McElligott

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

False confessions represent a complex and troubling phenomenon within the criminal justice system, often leading to wrongful convictions and injustice. False confessions occur when an individual confesses to a crime they did not commit either voluntarily or under police pressure, despite the absence of physical or factual evidence linking them to the crime. Generally, juvenile false confessions are often a result of outdated police interrogation tactics which have been linked to false imprisonment, stunted prefrontal cortex development, and emotional trauma. With newer police interrogation tactics showing reduced rates of false confessions, the reasoning that old-school police interrogations still work on juveniles should no longer be acceptable. This literature review will concentrate on primary points regarding police contamination, minor brain development, police tactics such as maximization in addition to minimization, and will conclude with recommendations on how to lower rates of juvenile false confessions.

#11. Female Representation in the Marvel Cinematic Research

Merideth Diegel

Michelle Napierski-Prancl, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Sociology 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a media franchise of superhero films by Marvel Studios. The films in the MCU exist in a shared universe where the movies and their characters are interconnected with each other. The MCU is broken into five phases, each consisting of multiple movies released within a certain timeframe, with a central overlapping plot specific to the phase. 

This study will examine the portrayal of the female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how the representation of women has improved over time. Through Content analysis, seven characters will be examined. Through random probability sampling one character for each of the five phases was selected. For each phase a list of all characters that have been featured in more than one scene in each specific phase was placed into a randomized spin the wheel. After reviewing the sample, non probability sampling was used. Purposive sampling was used where it was determined two more key characters should be included. 

This study aims to explore both the positive and negative depictions of women in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It will investigate how the female characters are portrayed in comparison to the male characters and whether the representation has evolved over time. The study also aims to look at whether there are positive and negative effects of how women are portrayed in the MCU on society and audiences.  

Keywords: Marvel, Film, Female representation, cinema, gender stereotypes, socialization.

#13. The Influence of Music on Aggression Delinquency and Gang Creation

Cendy Ordonez

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

As time progresses, societal advancements continue to shape the way individuals think and behave, with media outlets playing a pivotal role in this process. From traditional print media to modern digital platforms, the evolution of media has had a profound impact on how individuals communicate and perceive the world around them. The rise of social media, in particular, has had a significant impact on the younger generation. Various media outlets have a significant impact on people's behavior and mindset in today's culture, which might encourage violent behavior and delinquency, particularly among young people. According to the American Bar Association, a juvenile is defined as an individual who is under the age of 18 and subject to the jurisdiction of juvenile court due to their status as a minor. There are multiple studies that have shown that juveniles are more likely to be influenced by the media, particularly music, due to various factors such as cognitive development, socialization processes, and susceptibility to peer influence. Music is a media platform that has tremendous influence on the youth and it has many effects on the way they act and perceive the world around them. There are many genres of music that promote negative messages and that promote aggressive and delinquent behavior among the youth. This research will explore the effects that music has on youth behavior in relation to aggression and delinquency, while also looking at the different factors of music that contribute to gang creation and peer pressure among young people.

#15. Was Shakespeare a Feminist?

Jenna Wilkinson

Michelle Napierski-Prancl, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Sociology 

William Shakespeare is one of the most famous playwrights of the 16th century. His plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth, have been celebrated for their universal themes, complex characters, and enduring relevance to contemporary society. Through his exploration of human emotions, relationships, and societal issues, Shakespeare's works have influenced countless writers, artists, and thinkers, thus shaping our understanding of the human experience. Though the word feminist did not appear in English jargon until the late 1800s, some have proposed that William Shakespeare, arguably the most famous playwright ever to exist, in all his Elizabethan glory, was a feminist. Shakespeare is known to have written some of the most three-dimensional female characters in literature. But do these characters point to a feminist playwright? This topic focuses on the concept of feminist theory and how it can be applied to Shakespeare, as well as analyzing six of the most common plays studied in schools across the United States (according to the College Board), to determine whether or not Stratford upon Avon's own William Shakespeare was a feminist.

#16. The Effects of the Sensationalization of Violent Crime on Society

Jenna Wilkinson

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Currently, there is over 300 police dramas have aired on American networks (Dowler, 2018). This does not include dramas from other countries, true crime coverage, and movies. With all of this media in high circulation, it causes wonder as to whether this sensationalized representation has any effect on society. Current literature suggests that an overconsumption of crime dramas that focus on violent crimes can lead to a distorted reality of the criminal justice system and forensic identification, increased fear and anxiety, and a skewed view of victims. This topic focuses on the psychological and sociological impact of consuming sensationalized crime on individuals and society as a whole. It explores the "CSI Effect" and investigates if constant exposure to sensationalized crime stories can contribute to an increase in fear and anxiety, can shape the way the criminal justice system is viewed, and/or can introduce bias in the way victims are viewed.

#19. Psychological effects of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy on Caregivers and Victims

Kyana Aguirre

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

When we think about child abuse; we don’t necessarily think about “medical” child abuse. Medical child abuse is just as significant as any other form of abuse. One of the main forms of medical child abuse is known as “Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy” (MSBP). Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a form of medical abuse that is imposed on a child or someone who is under the care of someone else. In most cases of MSPB the mother of a child is the abuser and acts on this form of abuse due to their own mental illness. Understanding the underlying psychological motives and risk factors associated with Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is crucial to effectively identify, intervene, and protect victims of MSBP. This academic research paper will focus on identifying MSBP and understanding all aspects of this mental disorder and form of child abuse. This paper will try to establish a topology within MSBP based on victim age, degree of harm, and victim’s short term and long-term outcomes, as well as the caregiver’s motives. Factitious disorder imposed on another is a deeply concerning form of child abuse that requires increased recognition, so that we can either prevent or put an end to the abuse of vulnerable individuals through the medical field

#21. LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Intervention, Treatment and Prevention

Shauna Ferris

Michelle Napierski-Prancl, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Sociology 

The point of this paper is to understand the complex intersectionality between LGBTQ+ youth’s mental health in hopes of finding proper treatment, resources, and interventions to help alleviate negative mental health symptoms. This topic holds great significance because according to Terra et al. (2022), LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to have mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse disorders compared to heterosexual cisgender youth. Considering these mental health disorders disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ youth they are more likely to have suicidal ideations and experience negative mental health symptoms. More specifically, according to Wang et al. (2021), the LGBTQ+ youth prevalence rate of suicide attempts was 4.2% which is more than non-LGBTQ+ peers. Focusing on intersectionality within the community, it is well documented in the literature that black, Hispanic, and Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals face higher amounts of minority stress compared to white non-Hispanic LGBTQ+ individuals which is a driving factor in mental health disparities according to Watts and Thrasher (2023). Minority stress can be understood according to Meyer (2015), as sexuality preference disparities that lead to unique and hostile stressors related to their sexual identity that result in negative health effects that disrupt overall quality of life. This community as a whole experiences stigma and discrimination due to their race and or sexuality which is a result of adverse mental health outcomes. To properly treat and prevent these negative mental health outcomes, intersectionality must be understood, and the idea that people are not just one identity but rather complex individuals that have layers to be seen.

#24. Juvenile Diversion: Does it effectively reduce recidivism?

Emily Calder

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Juvenile diversion is a controversial topic that has gained more attention recently regarding whether or not it is an effective way of reducing juvenile delinquency. The debate concerning the usefulness of youth diversion ranges from youth having no punishment and taking advantage of the opportunity to youth utilizing the resources and support to correct their behavior. To determine the utility of diversion, this research will compare and contrast a Developmental Diversion model, the Growing Up FAST model, Wilderness therapy, Community-Led, Police Initiated programs, and the addition of skill training and mentoring. Aside from the different models, there are countless other factors that play a role in whether or not a diversion program is effective for a juvenile, including mental health disorders, adverse childhood experiences, and parental involvement. The effectiveness of juvenile diversion in reducing recidivism is dependent on several factors such as, juvenile’s willingness to participate, effective models, family support, and available community resources.

#26. The Impact of Military Culture on Military Sexual Assault (MSA)

Anna Church

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Military sexual assault (MSA) is an ongoing issue that our service members have been facing since the beginning with little to no change. MSA is a non-consensual sexual act or sexual harassment that is forced upon a service member who is enlisted in the military (Uniformed Services University, 2023).  Power dynamics, gender norms, and lack of accountability cause MSA. To address the prevalent issue of MSA, this literature review will focus on the factors and topics contributing to these crimes such as the military culture, the impact of deployment, stereotypes, and more.

#28. The Influence of Childhood Experiences on and Sexual Homicide and Sexual Sadism

Ryan Smith

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Exploring the intricate dynamics of human behavior and its underlying determinants is a multifaceted endeavor encompassing various disciplines, from psychology to criminology. Within this expansive field of study, researchers have long been intrigued by the role of early life experiences in shaping individual trajectories and influencing later outcomes. This literature review will assess childhood influences on the development of sexual sadism—specifically, social environment, the trauma they endured whether it was sexual or physical, and attachment issues. By understanding the childhood experiences of sadism by studying adverts’ childhood experiences on the development of sexual sadism interventions and strategies can be suggested.

#30. "The King of Cocaine"

Serina Garmendiz

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Pablo Escobar, otherwise known as the “King of Cocaine,'' rose to prominence in the early 1970s in Medellin, Colombia, and dominated the cocaine operation in Colombia for most of the late 1900’s. For nearly 20 years, Pablo Escobar controlled not only the cocaine trade of South America, but at some points maybe even had more power than the president of Colombia himself. A criminal mastermind who was able to negotiate serving a prison sentence in a prison he built that was given the name “La Catedral”, Escobar used overwhelming violence to become one of the world’s most wanted men, until his death in 1991. While seen as a hero to some in his hometown Medellin for building a football stadium, school, new homes and hospitals, Escobar also affected the lives of millions of people by exporting 500-800 tons of cocaine into the U.S and Central America. While the Medellin Cartel may have disbanded after Escobar’s death in 1991, Escobar and the cartel have left a lasting impact on the world by using any means necessary to rise to power and refine drug trafficking to this day. Through multiple studies, this research will show the growth of Pablo Escobar and his influence within the Medellin cartel. Further, this study will also go on to talk about the legacy of the medellin cartel and history of cartels.

#32. Missing Persons 

Abigale Paju

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Throughout the world, millions of people go missing every single day, but it is not always clear what causes this tragic phenomenon and every single victim's story is different. Some may be found safe and sound while others may never be seen again. There are also situations where the missing person may be a victim of foul play. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, there are over 600,000 missing person cases in the United States alone. The exact number of missing persons cases is not known at this time as many cases may not be documented or reported by authorities. When it comes to missing persons, it can be anyone regardless of age, race, gender, educational background, or ethnicity (National Missing Persons Coordination Centre 2023). Since there is no specific group of victims, it leaves friends and families lost trying to find answers on how this could have happened in the first place. In this paper, I will be discussing the potential causes, consequences, and challenges of missing people to answer the question “Why do people go missing?”

#35.The Development of Female Serial Killers 

Fatima Reyes

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

The phenomenon of serial killing has historically been depicted as a predominantly male-centric phenomenon, with infamous figures such as Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, and Jeffrey Dahmer dominating public consciousness. However, the emergence of female serial killers’ challenges traditional perceptions and necessitates a comprehensive examination of the factors contributing to their development. Although male serial killers have dominated the news and academic research, it is important to comprehend the evolution of female serial killers in order to fully appreciate the complexity of violent criminal behavior. The rise in female serial killers calls into question long-held beliefs and prejudices regarding gender and violence, highlighting the necessity for a more thorough investigation of the elements that influence their criminal paths. This paper aims to explore the intricate developmental paths that lead to female serial killers and the way in which biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors interact to determine their behavior.

#37. Juvenile Delinquency

Isabella Vano

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

Repeated incarceration can permanently change a youth's course in life. Chronic delinquent recidivism, or the continuation of delinquent behavior, is a serious concern since opportunities and prospects may be severely limited by this never-ending cycle. Numerous initiatives have been put in place to interact with and watch over young people to lessen violent juvenile recidivism. While some of these programs are successful, others might not properly assist in the rehabilitation of young people. Understanding and implementing techniques which provide opportunities to help keep young people away from the dangers of the streets are vital. This research will determine causes of chronic violent delinquency. Furthermore, this study will also determine if programs and treatment focused on addressing the issue of chronic violent delinquency are effective in lowering recidivism.

#39. The Re-Emergence of the Taliban and its Subsequent Social and Political Consequences

Ryann Hotaling

Christina Lane, PhD, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Law, and Behavioral Science

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and the subsequent withdrawal of US forces have led to a myriad of differing extreme socio-cultural impacts within Afghanistan. One of the most major of which regards the current treatment of Afghan women and girls. This research will delve into the political processes and decision making around the removal of US troops from Afghanistan, the subsequent Taliban takeover, as well as the major negative impacts on the people of Afghanistan. The primary focus of the paper will be these events, the current state of Afghanistan, with a focus on the Taliban's governance, placing additional emphasis on its impact on the lives of women and civilians.

Disney 100 Campaign

Lindsey Elwell

Leah Rico,  Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design

After Walt and Roy Disney created it in 1923, Disney has become one of the largest entertainment companies worldwide with a presence in over 133 countries.1 After 100 years of storytelling, a lack of relevancy has been identified for Disney’s '90s and 2000s media amongst Gen Z. As the generation reaches adulthood, some reported feeling as though they are too old for Disney’s child-based media often see a liking towards it as childish, naive, and cringe-worthy.2 However, for many Disney media has served as a form of escapism from their lives.2 As a generation, 79% of Gen Z has reported a common feeling of loneliness as well as been rated as the most depressed.3,4  Despite their struggle with mental health,  53% of Gen Z claim to feel happy and 40% comforted when they see media from their past.4 With that said, movies and music are among the top triggers for nostalgia.5 Nostalgia can occur as a result of sounds, smells, sights, and tastes associated with the individual’s past.3  Studies have shown that nostalgic experiences psychologically counteract feelings of loneliness and disconnection, resulting in a feeling of newfound peace, joy, and a sense of belonging within an individual.3 In addition, music is very important to Gen Z as they largely feel that it allows them to better connect to their emotions.4 As we become more aware of how technology can positively affect our lives, the use of immersive VR and AR technology has become more prevalent. It has been used in a variety of ways, including showcasing products, enhancing shopping experiences, and improving marketing strategies by allowing users to interact with or see products in a space before purchase.6 VR and AR technology has also made its way into the entertainment industry, allowing users to become immersed in numerous media such as movies or video games, as well as provide interaction between characters and virtual worlds.7 Gen Z has embraced this new immersive form of technology with 40% owning virtual reality headsets.9 To solve Gen Z’s problem, an immersive music and movie-based VR experience would aid in improving Gen Z’s well-being. Using VR has several benefits for mental health, including helping treat anxiety, PTSD, and stress within the user.8 This means that by immersing themselves as a character in Disney’s media, the participants will be guaranteed to improve their mental health by tapping into the benefits of using virtual reality and nostalgia.4 

1.Mission. “About.” The Walt Disney Company Europe, Middle East & Africa, The Walt Disney Company, 8 Jan. 2020, thewaltdisneycompany.eu/about/. Accessed 29 February 2024.

2. Arnold, Michael. “Are Teenagers Too Old for Disney? Let’s Ask One.” Disney Dining, 9 June 2023, www.disneydining.com/are-teenagers-too-old-for-disney-lets-ask-one-ma1/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024. 

3. Lok, Dan. “How Disney Movies Are Driving Sales and Breaking World Records Using Nostalgia Marketing - Dan Lok.” Dan Lok - Canadian Business Entrepreneur and Influencer, How Disney Movies Are Driving Sales And Breaking World Records Using Nostalgia Marketing, 10 Sept. 2022, Accessed 29 February 2024.

4. Farrant, Theo. “From Boomers to Zoomers: A Simple Guide to Each Generational Cohort.” Euronews, 10 Dec. 2023, www.euronews.com/culture/2023/12/10/talkin-bout-my-generation- from-boomers-to-zoomers-a-simple-guide-to-each-age-group. Accessed 29 February 2024.

5. Harlow, Stephanie. “How Are Gen Z and Millennials Driving Nostalgia?” GWI, 13 Nov. 2023, blog.gwi.com/tr ends/nostalgia-trend/#:~:text=Gen%20Z’s%20nostalgia%20has%20extended, clips %2C%20and%20Von%20Dutch%20caps. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024. 

6. Syuyva, Eugene. “How Augmented Reality Influences Our Daily Lives: Litslink Blog.” Litslink, 13 Dec. 2023, litslink.com/blog/how-augmented-reality-transforms-our-daily-lives. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024. 

7. Hamad A, Jia B. How Virtual Reality Technology Has Changed Our Lives: An Overview of the Current and Potential Applications and Limitations. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 8;19(18):11278. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811278. PMID: 36141551; PMCID: PMC9517547.Accessed 29 Feb. 2024. 

8. Expanding. “Expanding Mental Health Uses for Virtual Reality.” Psychiatry.Org - Expanding Mental Health Uses for Virtual Reality, The American Psychiatric Association, 21 June 2021, www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/expanding-mental-health-uses-for-virtual-reality. Accessed 29 Feb. 2024. 

9.Auxier, Brooke, and Jana Arbanas. “While We Wait for the Metaverse to Materialize, Young People Are Already There.” Deloitte Insights, Deloitte, 27 July 2023, www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/gen-z-and-millennials-are-metaverse-early-adopters.html. Accessed 31 Mar. 2024. 

Love Into Extinction

Alexandra Frisbie

Leah Rico,  Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design

Climate change is the most urgent crisis of our time.1  With fossil fuels accounting for over 90% of carbon dioxide and 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel is the biggest contributor to global climate change.2  Saving the planet requires collective action through political activism from everyone.3  Through collective action, people can demand responsible change from the fossil fuel industry. Collective action happens through clear, persuasive messaging communicated to the audience. Effective use of typography has its own visual language that can elevate the meaning of verbal language.4 Poetry is a meditative practice that can encourage positive behaviors and adaptive functions through storytelling.5 To inspire people to act, they must feel that the cause is personal. It is scientifically proven that our brains are wired for stories. Most brains retain stories longer than plainly stated facts.6 As a global leader in sustainable business, Google is striving to inspire audiences through poetry with an ecological message using Google Fonts. It is projected that 79% of marketers will prioritize storytelling in 2024, as it adds valuable context to resonate with consumers.7 Research shows that integrating visual and verbal language in marketing improves communication amongst audiences.8 Google can connect to audiences through a multi-faceted strategy of storytelling. Animating a poem as a structure for storytelling will provide an emotional experience to which viewers will personally connect.

Resonating with audiences in this way can inspire people to use their voices against the fossil fuel industry and advocate for climate action. The key message of the campaign will be to emphasize the impact of a person’s choices and the power they have in using their voice. The campaign will use an animated poem as a vehicle to inspire people to join Fossil Free University. FFU is a free training course for anyone who wants to learn how to fight the fossil fuel industry.9

1.Gamble, Stephen. Visual Content Marketing : Leveraging Infographics, Video, and Interactive Media to Attract and Engage Customers, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/sagecollege-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4462540.

2. United Nations. (n.d.-b). Causes and effects of climate change | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%20%E2%80%93%20coal%2C%20oil%20and,they%20trap%20the%20sun's%20heat.

3. Hormio, S. (2023). Collective responsibility for climate change. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 14(4), e830. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.830

4. When typography speaks louder than words — Smashing magazine. (2012, April 13). Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/04/when-typography-speaks-louder-than-words/

5. Warren, T. H. (2021, September 29). Opinion | Why poetry is so crucial right now. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/29/opinion/poetry.html

6. Smith, D., Schlaepfer, P., Major, K., Dyble, M., Page, A. E., Thompson, J., Chaudhary, N., Salalι, G. D., Mace, R., Astete, L. H., Ngales, M., Vinicius, L., & Migliano, A. B. (2017). Cooperation and the evolution of hunter-gatherer storytelling. Nature Communications, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02036-8

7. Baker, J. (2023, August 1). New report reveals the 4 ingredients of effective brand storytelling in 2023. The Drum. https://www.thedrum.com/news/2023/07/26/new-report-reveals-the-4-ingredients-effective-brand-storytelling-2023

8. Gamble, Stephen. Visual Content Marketing : Leveraging Infographics, Video, and Interactive Media to Attract and Engage Customers, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/sagecollege-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4462540.

9. Mandel, K. (2023, March 2). Ayisha Siddiqa is making the world think differently about climate action. TIME. https://time.com/6259119/ayisha-siddiqa/

21GRAMS Capstone Project

Joseph Karam

Leah Rico,  Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design

It is estimated that at current rates, 52% of the global population will have some form of myopia by 2050.4 Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, is an eye disease that is affecting people at alarming rates. In today’s world, one of the biggest offenders for myopia is usually a smartphone. There are around 6.94 billion smartphones today,2 corresponding to around 85% of the global population owning a smartphone,2 with 95% of the US population owning one.2 Gen Z in particular is a demographic that is greatly affected by myopia, where 95% of people ages 18 to 29 own one.2 Currently, Gen Z averages around 9 hours of screen time per day, about 2 hours more than both the US and global averages.1 One possible way to address this issue for Gen Z is take advantage of the fact they already use their phones all the time as a way to break up their screen time throughout the day. The 20-20-20 rule, where a person looks up from their phone for 20 seconds about every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away, is a common, simple, and effective way to reduce eye strain and the chances of developing myopia,3 so creating an app that encourages and helps people to develop this habit would be a good avenue to approach tackling this issue. In order to encourage Gen Z to use this app and continue to use it, gamification will be used. Gen Z are more responsive to gamified health campaigns than traditional ones, and 97.6% of a sample of 170 members of Gen Z agree that gamifying health campaigns is more effective than traditional ones,5 Gen Z is rapidly becoming one of the most affected by myopia, and one of the best ways to reduce this effect is to create a gamified mobile app that encourages them to regularly look up from their smartphones.

[1] Howarth, Josh. “Alarming Average Screen Time Statistics (2024).” Exploding Topics, Exploding Topics, 4 Dec. 2023, explodingtopics.com/blog/screen-time-stats.

[2] Howarth, Josh. “How Many People Own Smartphones? (2024-2029).” Exploding Topics, Exploding Topics, 14 Dec. 2023, explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-stats.

[3] Kaur, Kirandeep, et al. “Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review.” Ophthalmology and Therapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9434525/.

[4] Nouraeinejad, Ali. “More Than Fifty Percent of the World Population Will Be Myopic by 2050.” Beyoglu Eye Journal, National Library of Medicine, 17 Dec. 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8759558/.

[5] Zain, Nurul Hidayah Mat, et al. “Winning the Needs of the Gen Z: Gamified Health Awareness Campaign in Defeating Covid-19 Pandemic.” Procedia Computer Science, Elsevier, 19 Feb. 2021, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050921001198?via%3Dihub.

Airbnb Live

Sarah Masse

Leah Rico,  Assistant Professor, Program Director of Graphic + Media Design

Gen Z is experiencing a loneliness epidemic. They have fewer shared memories or experiences than previous generations, spending 1000 hours less making in-person connections each year than older generations2. Instead, Gen z spends an average of 10 hours a day online, causing a disconnect between themselves and the outside world4.  Because of this, 73% of Gen Z feel lonely, and many lack basic social skills1, making it harder for them to make or keep connections with people their own age. Gen z is also very anxious due to growing up in an age of economic distress, job insecurity and the rise of social media—where most of what you see is faked3. The gap between Gen z’s digital lives and real world lives is major. They look to social media for advice about where to travel and when5. 63% of gen z said they would prefer spending money on live events or experiences over saving for their retirement6. Focusing on live events will draw out Gen z’s desire for experiences over tangible objects. By inspiring Gen z to travel together with Airbnb, the loneliness epidemic will be addressed and they will begin to make real life connections. This will result in lower rates of anxiety and depression, greater self esteem, and increased empathy towards others7. This will be done through Airbnb Live, a new feature on their app and website that connects Gen z who are traveling to the same live events & providing volunteer opportunities. Giving them the opportunity to bond & feel part of something greater.  

1.Wang, Yichuan, et al. “What Makes Hosts Trust Airbnb? Antecedents of Hosts’ Trust toward Airbnb and Its Impact on Continuance Intention.” Journal of Travel Research, vol. 59, no. 4, 2020, pp. 686–703,

2.Bakhtiari, Kian. “Gen z, the loneliness epidemic and the unifying power of brands”. Forbes magazine. July 28th, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kianbakhtiari/2023/07/28/gen-z-the-loneliness-epidemic-and-the-unifying-power-of-brands/?sh=7bcae2d16790

3.Mueke Robinson, Victor, et al. “A tourism Inflex: Generation z travel experiences” Journal of Tourism Futures. Vol. 5. August 16, 2019.

4.Nguyen, Viet Hoang, et al. "Travel intention to visit tourism destinations: A perspective of generation Z in Vietnam." The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business 8.2 (2021): 1043-1053.

5.Schroeder, Kelsie. “From hashtags to holidays: How Gen Z is using social media to drive sustainable travel” Savanta. April 13th, 2023. https://savanta.com/us/knowledge-centre/view/from-hashtags-to-holidays-how-gen-z-is-using-social-media-to-drive-sustainable-travel/

6.Sheidlower, Noah, and Juliana Kaplan. "Gen Z and millennials powered a massive live-events comeback that will carry into more concerts and travel next year." Business Insider, Dec 07, 2023. ProQuest, https://sagecolleges.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/gen-z-millennials-powered-massive-live-events/docview/2899051265/se-2.

7.Brody, E. Jane. “Social Interaction is Critical for Mental and Physical Health”. The New York Times. June 12, 2017. 

EXTRA UNLEASHED
Olivia Wunderlich

Prof. Sean Hovendick, Chair, Department of Visual & Performing Arts

Chewing gum has many benefits, Consumer trend data report that the main reasons people chew gum are "to freshen breath," "just to enjoy the taste," and for a "healthy mouth."1 According to NPD Group, a consumer research firm, chewing gum was the number one snack choice for adults aged 18 to 54 from 2015 -2019.1 Gen Z's adventurous and impulsive nature makes them perfect candidates for trying out new and innovative flavors, especially when it comes to snacks like gum. Drawing inspiration from popular treats like Airhead Extremes and Takis, EXTRA can create a lineup of bold and unconventional flavors that appeal to this demographic's desire for excitement and novelty.

Producing creative solutions that will capture Gen Z's attention, my intention is to produce quality content that resonates with the target audience producing a new flavor line with three new flavors with targeting packaging and marketing strategies .

By focusing on engaging social media platforms, innovative flavors, sustainability, and online community building, EXTRA can effectively connect with Gen Z and establish itself as a relevant and appealing brand for this demographic by incorporating humor, trendy visuals, and relatable messaging.

To effectively introduce our new flavor line to the GenZ market, we are proposing a comprehensive set of deliverables that will cater to their taste preferences and showcase our innovative flavors in a visually appealing manner. As an example packaging that expresses that uniqueness while fulfilling practical functions can go a long way toward hitting those targets.2

References

1. Leveille, Gilbert, et al. "Benefits of Chewing Gum." Nutrition Today, vol. 43, no. 2, March-April 2008, pp. 75-81. Ovid, doi: 10.1097/01.NT.0000303316.67157.5.

2.Demetrakakes, Pan. "Fresh Breath in a Fresh Package: Gum and Mints Place Unique Demands on Packaging, from Portability to Politics." Food & Beverage Packaging (Troy,

Mich.), vol. 74, no. 6, BNP Media, 2010, p. 24-.

Group 1: The McDonaldization of America

Aicha Diop, Givanna Bianchi, Angie Randazzo, Brooke Galka, Gabby Martinovich

Group 2: Obesity in Children and Adolescents 

Kendall Lapham, Jessica Rupnarain, Anjalee Deonauth, Jacky Luo, Alexis Seaburg 

Group 3: The Reality of Black Prenatal Care

 Madison McDermott, Kaiden Simpson, Elizabeth Onorato, Calie Haller, Sonia Bouda

Group 4:Safe Haven Guardians: Reducing the rate of infant deaths

Muskan Naeem, Bernice Marrero, Klein Aboki, Bailey Thibodeau, Shelby Bilicki

Group 5:  Importance of Postpartum Depression Screening: What’s So Difficult About Having a Baby?

Ru Rowe, Shannon Russell, Bhumani Mangar, Jessicka Jarrett, Denicole Alberty

Group 6: Drug Overdoses and the Antidote

Marlena Doyle, Morgan Rossignol, Madison Byrnes Kristina Caraballo, Mackenzie Rockwell

Group 7: Prenatal Pins

Chelsea Lane, Abigail Woods, Brian Scimeca, Venissa Narayan, Kaylee Adair

Group 8: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Adolescents

Laya Mathai, Tessa Buckey, Jennifer Halliday, Trevor Kozak, Nazeema Jafarallie

Group 9: Hugs not Drugs

 Ashley Curcio, Carly Burns, Alexa Kraiza, Jaidyn Labeau, Kaitlin Liu

Group 10: Behind the Smoke

Tristan Balc, Randy Johnson, Samantha Wager, Jenny Bryan

Group 11: Stop stigmatism on mothers with SUD

Emma Vander Baan, Laurie Atiste, Britania Allen, Kaylin Cato, Ashley Reinke

Group 12: Face off Against Childhood Obesity

Cora Weaver, Haley Vaeth, Hunter Riley, Justin Mayo

Group 13: Maternal Health Matters: Educating Against Addiction Stigma

Shae Barrett, Melanie Brown, Layla Carnahan, Trudelly Hamilton, Sharlene Marquez

Group 14: The Silent Killer 

Amelia Lore, Jennifer Acker, Juan Neira

Disability Inclusion in the Health Classroom on Sexual Education

Jaclynn Coviello, Zahra Arshad, Brooke Salvino, and Gabriella Marchello

Dr. Ekaterina Kagan, Dr. Moutray

The purpose of this research presentation was to evaluate the inclusion that occurs in the health education classroom when teaching students with various intellectual and physical disabilities. While researching on this topic, there are a few highlighted sections that were looked for with the effectiveness of this inclusion, this included different types of inclusion,modifications to lessons, sexual education around the world and interviews of personal experiences with teachers. Various articles were evaluated looking for strategies, statistics,effects of the unit on students both with and without disabilities and more to help solidify the conclusion question of “How can we improve inclusion in sexual education?”. Through researching this topic, it was found that in the United States there is no curriculum or standards for teaching any form of health education for students with disabilities, leaving many health teachers to create curriculums by themselves without help or guidance. This shocking discovery inspired us further to look for any type of standards that may exist in our country and around the world. New Jersey is the only state to have any sort of small guidelines for teachers around the country to model off of, which can lead to a hole of student’s health education and possibly not even have this education offered to them. Standards for special education health classes are needed to ensure students are given the same opportunities as the students who do not suffer from any disability.

Using Art Therapy to Enhance Social and Emotional Wellness in Neurodivergent Individuals

Morgan Dempsey,  *Presented at 2024 Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference

Professor Moutray, Professor Green, Professor Gilbert

Living in a world that prioritizes connecting digitally rather than personally makes social wellness a challenge for all, and social connection and emotional regulation may be especially challenging for individuals who are neurodivergent or developmentally delayed. Using art therapy as a way to develop emotional regulation while simultaneously expanding social connection may be an advantageous way to support neurodivergent individuals to thrive. This presentation will discuss my internship experience in Expressive Arts in Mental Health which involved working with neurodivergent and developmentally delayed individuals of all ages to create art for therapeutic purposes. In my involvement, individuals created art activities that focused on gratitude, building self concept, improving motor skills and more. Most importantly, we constructed a space in which individuals were able to expand their connections socially and therapeutically away from digital technology, face to face with their peers around them, and in a safe setting. In researching further about the advantages of art therapy for this population as will be discussed in secondary sources, I am better able to understand challenges that clients may face in day to day life, in regards to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways that art therapy can be used as a resource.

Soil to Soul: Exploring the Health Benefits of Gardening

Raylynne Kuhn 

Sandra Penny, PhD, Assistant Professor Physics

As the power of technology begins to rise, many humans find themselves devoted to the indoors sitting behind a screen. Whether this equates to their work environment or their form of entertainment, this constant connection to technology has shown a negative impact on mental well-being. While technology is prevalent in society, some people continue to spend their time connecting to the outdoors. Previous studies have shown that people who are involved in community gardening gain several benefits from the process, such as stress reduction, increased self-esteem, better coping skills, and increased sense of connectedness. In this paper I focus on the multitude of benefits that people receive from gardening, especially as they relate to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, physical, financial, environmental, social, spiritual, occupational and intellectual. I used a mixed-methods procedure to examine these dimensions. First through a literature review, which provided information that would help support my claim that gardening benefits a person’s overall health. Then, I distributed a “Soil to Soul” survey to determine people’s perception of the connection between gardening and well-being. With the responses from 186 participants, I am not only able to add to the already existing literature that shows the benefits of gardening on overall health but also see the needs of our community when it comes to the barriers between us and the world of gardening in Albany, New York.