Pages of A Wandering Mind 

This exhibit is an immersive installation exploring the process of self-discovery through wandering, uncertainty, and creative reflection. Inspired by a poem about embracing new perspectives, the work draws from my own college experiences and design journey, highlighting themes of imagination, memory, identity, and growth. Visitors navigate the space using a small “map” that guides them through interactive pathways, symbolizing the choices and shifts in perspective that shape a person’s life. Designed to resonate with students and individuals facing self-doubt or imposter syndrome, the installation offers a supportive and reflective environment that encourages viewers to recognize their progress, trust their journey, and view wandering not as being lost, but as an essential part of becoming who they are.

Presenter(s): Jaydrian S. Bendewald

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 200 (Upstairs in MUC)

The Invisible Thread: Visualizing Sustainability in Film Production 

The Invisible Thread: Visualizing Sustainability in Film Production is a visual communication campaign that examines the often-overlooked environmental impact of film and television production. Through a large-format infographic poster supported by augmented reality, the project translates research on carbon emissions, material waste, energy consumption, transportation, and digital streaming into accessible and visually compelling formats. The campaign maps each stage of production, from pre-production through distribution, using structured data visualizations and targeted case studies designed for filmmakers, investors, studios, and audiences. By breaking down complex sustainability data into digestible visual systems, the project demonstrates how individual decisions accumulate into significant ecological consequences. Rather than presenting sustainability as an abstract moral issue, The Invisible Thread reframes it as a design and systems challenge embedded within everyday production workflows. The AR posters function as both visual identity and conceptual entry point. Each poster centers the campaign’s slogan and incorporates distinct color palettes, motion, and visual cues drawn from specific stages of filmmaking. The intention is not to immediately instruct or persuade but to spark curiosity and invite closer examination. The augmented layer deepens viewer engagement by revealing additional content through interaction, reinforcing the idea that environmental impact is embedded within processes that are often unseen. Together, the physical and digital components position the campaign as an investigative and educational platform aimed at fostering greater awareness and accountability within the entertainment industry

Presenter(s): Yaslin Ruedas

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 201 (Upstairs in MUC)

Motionary - A Global Education App For Students K-12 

Motionary is a global education application designed to support K–12 students by making learning more engaging, inclusive, and enjoyable. As educational gaps continue to affect students worldwide, there is a growing need for accessible and innovative learning tools. Motionary addresses this need by providing curriculum-aligned content across core subjects while integrating real-world connections into everyday learning. The app uses interactive lessons, multimedia resources, and collaborative tools to encourage active participation rather than passive learning. A key feature of Motionary is its use of fun, colorful characters and visually engaging materials that help simplify complex concepts and maintain student interest. Lessons include easy-to-understand questions supported by graphics and interactive elements, making content accessible to students with different learning styles and academic abilities. The platform also incorporates adaptive learning technology to personalize instruction based on individual progress, ensuring that students receive appropriate support and challenge. Teachers can access built-in assessment tools and progress tracking dashboards to monitor performance and adjust instruction as needed. Accessible across multiple devices, Motionary is suitable for both classroom and remote learning environments. Overall, the app promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while expanding educational access and preparing students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to succeed in an increasingly connected world. 

                            Presenter(s):  Gina Gras

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 202 (Upstairs in MUC)

ILUS (Layers in Motion: Beneath the Skin) 

ILUS, meaning beautiful in Estonian, is a Data Visualization and Design research project that transforms dermatological science into an interactive, multisensory experience. The project investigates how cosmetic ingredients commonly found in everyday skincare products, such as parabens, phthalates, and PFAS, move beneath the skin and influence the human body. While this information typically resides within scientific journals and chemical databases, ILUS translates it into an accessible visual language that bridges science, design, and public awareness. At the heart of the project is the campaign, “Layers in Motion: Beneath Your Skin,” which transforms data into discovery through motion, color, and material. The installation comprises five panels that invite audiences to engage with scientific data through tactile exploration, revealing hidden information with 3D glasses, uncovering health statistics through scratch-oƯ surfaces, and utilizing sliding mechanisms to identify skin types and personal care needs. A rope-guided pathway visualizes the day and night rhythm of skincare absorption, while take-home cards oƯer participants personalized, data-informed insights that connect scientific findings to their daily routines. Expanding the project’s reach beyond the physical installation, ILUS includes a series of augmented reality (AR) Posters that activate through mobile devices. When scanned, these posters bring visual data and scientific imagery to life, allowing audiences to experience the flow of cosmetic ingredients beneath the skin through dynamic, motion-based visualizations. This digital layer extends the project’s interactive ethos into public and virtual spaces, reinforcing its core commitment to accessibility and engagement. Grounded in principles of human-centered and participatory design, ILUS redefines data visualization as an embodied, aesthetic, and educational act. By merging design, science, and technology, the project demonstrates how visual communication can make complex research tangible, cultivate curiosity, and empower individuals to make informed, conscious decisions about what they apply to their skin. 

                            Presenter(s): Izabelle B. Neubaner

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 203 (Upstairs in MUC)

Dial Tone: Trouble with the Connection...

My thesis show explores and critiques the impact of consumerism, technology, social media, and nostalgia of the 1980s and ’90s through an immersive, multi-room experience on our sense of identity and human connection. The use of humor helps to make these topics approachable. This installation is a culmination of my graduate school work, bringing together the themes, research, and media that have shaped my artistic practice. 

This work is about the growing disconnect in a society where digital interactions increasingly replace physical and emotional ones. The superficial connections fostered by our devices are contributing to a mental health crisis marked by isolation, aggression, and misinformation. Drawing on personal memory, cultural critique and research, the installation acts as a reflective space for the topics that are being brought to light. 

The installation will be constructed using five distinct rooms, each designed to evoke a particular aspect of the themes I explore. Nostalgia Identity, Evolution of Technology, Social Media and Perception, Branding and Consumer Culture, and Grief and Disconnection. 

Through a mix of media with painting, printmaking, sculpture, video, and installation the exhibit will create an emotional and psychological journey displayed using humor and familiar imagery. The construction will involve lumber, plywood, cloth, plastic, iron, aluminum, paper mâché and collected vintage devices, among other materials. There will be around 50 paintings, screen-printed wallpaper, sculptural objects, video/animation, photography, and interactive elements. 

                            Presenter(s): Andrew Hembd

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Amber Hansen

Poster Number: 204 (Upstairs in MUC)

OKO App and Web Design 

OKO is an app and website designed to deliver friendly, understandable weather updates and simple, actionable guides that make preparedness feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Instead of alarm, it focuses on clarity, and breaking down forecasts into what they actually mean for your day and your safety. Through small, timely reminders and thoughtful tips, OKO helps users build everyday resilience in manageable steps. It also creates space for connection, oƯering a supportive community where preparedness feels shared, empowering, and human. 

                            Presenter(s): Emily Kurtz

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 205 (Upstairs in MUC)

The Silhouette, A Photo-film project

My work explores psychological turmoil and its influence on how we experience the world, depicting how personal histories and intense human conditions reshape our perception of reality. Working across photography, printmaking, installation, and video-based art, I investigate hidden truths within subjective distortion, uncovering the obscurities of the human mind and emotion. Through this interdisciplinary approach, my work transforms inner psychological landscapes into shared visual experiences, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of perception and the fragile boundaries between inner and outer worlds. I want this work to resonate beyond personal experience and communicate a universal human experience through the language of photography and film. By addressing the emotional realities that many people experience, I like to build a sense of connection and empathy, towards our shared human experiences of pain, loss, and the ongoing search for identity. 

                            Presenter(s): Shirin Jafarizadeh

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):   John Banasiak

Poster Number: 206 (Upstairs in MUC)

Veratridine inhibits the mTORC2 tumorigenic pathway, suppressing metastatic colorectal cancer 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes approximately 900,000 deaths annually worldwide. The survival rate for patients diagnosed with localized CRC is 90 percent; however, once the cancer metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to a dismal 15%. There is a clear need for a new generation of targeted therapies that can safely and eƯiciently target the metastatic features of CRC cells. Our lab has shown that Veratridine (VTD), a lipid-soluble plant alkaloid, can enhance the expression of a ubiquitinlike protein called UBXN2A as a colon-specific tumor suppressor protein. UBXN2A binds and negatively regulates the Rictor protein, a key member of the mTORC2 signaling pathway. This results in suppression of mTORC2-AKT’s downstream signaling pathway in cancer cells. We hypothesize that the VTD-UBXN2A axis decreases migration in human CRC tumors. Human colon cancer cells and patient-derived xenograft cell lines in 2D and 3D spheroid forms were used to complete this project. Real-time cell migration and invasion analysis using xCELLigence technology and Cytation 1 cell imaging system revealed that the VTD-UBXN2A axis can suppress metastatic characteristics of CRC cells, including cell proliferation and migration. Small-molecule targeted compounds have been successfully developed in clinical medicine to prolong the survival time of patients with advanced tumors. This ongoing study will provide detailed insight into the therapeutic efficacy of a potential targeted therapy to safely and effectively target CRC cells while normal cells can remain intact. 

Presenter(s): Kate Schraufnagel

Student Award Recognition: UDiscover Project

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Khosrow Rezvani

Poster Number: 100

Injury Alters Sensory, Motor, and Integrative Elements Underlying Operant Conditioning in the Medicinal Leech 

Pain is a complex experience that has both sensory and affective components. Many current pain assays focus on assessing the sensory component of pain and neglect the emotional component. We used leeches (Hirudo Verbana, N=8) to test self-motivated behaviors in relation to pain by using an assay that includes a two-choice arena consisting of one dark chamber and one illuminated chamber linked by a connecting section filled with gravel. Animals were placed in the illuminated chamber of the choice arena and given 180 seconds to cross into the dark chamber. Animals repeated the 180 second trial 5 times with a 5-minute intertrial rest. It was discovered that as animals completed repeated trials, escape latency decreased showing evidence of operant conditioning. Also, when retested 2 hours after the last training trial, the learned escape latency was still retained. In addition, animals (N=14) were injured with a t-pin in their posterior sucker and completed the training assay which included five, 180 second trials in the choice arena with 5 minutes of intertrial rest. Interestingly, escape latency decreased in all the trials of the injured animals, and there was no 2-hour retention showing that learning and memory are disrupted when animals are in an injured state. Finally, we placed injured and non-injured animals (N=8 for each group) in an all dark two chamber arena in which one chamber had a dark lid while the other chamber had a transparent lid. Animals were placed in the chamber with the transparent lid and escape latency to the completely dark chamber were measured. Injured animals had significantly faster escape latencies compared to non-injured counterparts, signaling that injury significantly increases negative phototaxis. Together, these findings begin to explain the complex set of behaviors that pain constitutes.

Presenter(s): Ella Dockendorf 

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Brian Burrell 

Poster Number: 101

Comparing Student Performance and Perceived Learning Between In-Person and Online Sections of an Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory Course 

Online laboratory courses are increasingly common in undergraduate science education, but their effectiveness relative to in-person laboratories remains unclear. This study compared students’ academic performance and perceived learning outcomes between online and in-person anatomy and physiology laboratory sections at the University of South Dakota. Final course grade distribution between the two modalities across three semesters (n = 142 in-person and n = 284 online) were analyzed, and student perceptions of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning were assessed using the CAP Perceived Learning Scale instrument in post-course surveys (n = 81 in-person and n = 37 online). Grade distributions across instructors differed significantly between modalities, with online students attaining a higher median grade and a higher proportion of A letter grades. However, when analyses were restricted to sections taught by one instructor, grade differences between modalities were no longer statistically significant, which suggests that instructor variability may have contributed to the observed modality effects. No differences were observed in perceived learning outcome scores between modalities across domains, suggesting there was comparable perceived learning across modalities. 

Presenter(s): Madeline Knox

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Scott Druecker

Poster Number: 102

Drugging UBXN2A, a tumor suppressor protein in colorectal cancer: Selective suppression of mTORC2-AKT pathway in patient-derived xenograft cells 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes approximately 900,000 deaths annually worldwide. Despite considerable advances to improve CRC survival over the last decade, therapeutic challenges remain due to rapid metastatic dissemination of primary tumors as well as the inability to safely and effectively target these tumors. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying the multistep metastatic programs activated in CRC tumors is critical for developing novel therapies to improve the management of this advanced disease. We have previously shown that veratridine (VTD), a lipid-soluble alkaloid extracted from Liliaceae plants, can transcriptionally increase UBXN2A, a potent tumor suppressor protein in CRC. UBXN2A induces 26S proteasomal degradation of the Rictor protein, a key member in the mTORC2 tumorigenic signaling pathway. Destabilization of Rictor protein by VTD decreases Akt phosphorylation at Ser473, which is responsible for metastatic signaling downstream of the mTORC2 pathway. We hypothesized that the VTD-UBXN2A axis inhibits the overactive Rictor-mTORC2 pathway in CRC, resulting in the suppression of mTORC2’s downstream pathways, including tumor cell migration and invasion. Using a set of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cell lines from both early- and late-onset CRC, we determined VTD’s biological and therapeutic eƯects as these cells have the original genetic profile of the human tumors from which they were derived. Western Blot (WB), flowcytometry analysis (FACS), and confocal microscopy revealed that VTD can effectively target the mTORC2-Akt pathways in PDX cells in a UBXN2A-dependent manner. Completing this project will provide new insights into the functions of UBXN2A, a ubiquitinlike protein, in inhibiting tumor metastasis and support the notion that VTD is an attractive and promising treatment strategy for metastatic CRC. 

Presenter(s):  Morgan Montgomery

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Khosrow Rezvani

Poster Number: 103

Evaluating Anesthesia-Induced Modulation of Sensitization and Locomotion in Hirudo verbana.

Anesthetic drugs are used to disrupt the communication networks in the nervous system. It is commonly used in medicine for various medical procedures and also in research. While the effects of many anesthetic agents are well understood in vertebrates, e.g., mammals and fish, much is unknown regarding anesthesia in invertebrates, especially in the phylum Annelida. To address the gap in knowledge of the effect of anesthesia on the medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana, we evaluated the efficacy of five bath-applied anesthetics, HiMg (high magnesium) saline, MS-222, prilocaine, lidocaine, and HiMg saline + EtOH (ethanol), to quantify their effects on the leech's motor activity and sensitization. Von Frey filaments were used as measurements for behavioral analysis in mechanosensory stimulation and Hargreaves tests were used to measure thermal response latency. Spontaneous locomotion was also observed to assess motor activity. We found that HiMg saline+ EtOH is the most effective anesthetic drug tested and can fully anesthetize a leech for a short duration of time to increase movement latency and decrease sensitization. Understanding the impact of anesthetic drugs on leeches can provide a basis for future studies in the investigation of the physiological effects of anesthesia on the nervous system, and comparing the effects in similar models that have stress or pain conditions 

Presenter(s): Doreen M. Flannery

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brian Burrell

Poster Number: 105

Predictive modeling of West Nile Virus in South Dakota Using public health and climate data (2002-2023) 

West Nile virus (WNV) remains a leading mosquito-borne disease in the United States, with South Dakota consistently experiencing among the highest incidence rates nationwide. This project develops an interpretable, county-level predictive modeling framework to assess spatial variation in human WNV risk across South Dakota by integrating public health surveillance, mosquito infection dynamics, and environmental drivers. Annual county-level human WNV case data from 2002–2023 were combined with mosquito infection percent growth, climate variables derived from PRISM precipitation and temperature datasets (including lagged effects), and terrain and soil indices. After removing highly correlated variables, five key environmental predictors were retained. A Gamma generalized linear model with a log link was trained using an 80/20 train–test split, with predictors standardized to enable effect interpretation. The model effectively captured spatial heterogeneity in WNV risk, with higher predicted risk concentrated in historically affected, warm, and wet counties. Early-season precipitation, warmer summer temperatures, and increased mosquito infection growth showed positive associations with human WNV cases, consistent with known WNV ecology. Counties with missing or uncertain predictions primarily reflected sparse or inconsistent surveillance data, highlighting priorities for improved monitoring. Model projections identified elevated June 2024 WNV risk in counties such as Hamlin, Codington, and Lincoln, while western and sparsely populated counties showed low predicted risk. This integrated modeling approach supports operational, county-level WNV risk mapping and provides a flexible framework that can be updated as new climate and mosquito surveillance data become available to inform targeted public health interventions. 

Presenter(s): Leyli Mammedova

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 106

Cochlear Implant Headgear

Contact sports participation presents a challenge for cochlear implant users due to the risk of device damage and injury. The aim of this senior design project is to focus on the initial stages of development for specialized wrestling headgear for those with cochlear implants. Our intention is to design and prototype a device that is engineered to protect the cochlear device while maintaining safety, comfort, and performance of the user. The design integrates targeted impact protection around the implant site, force distribution features, and adjustable components to ensure proper fit. Materials were selected to balance shock absorption, durability, and lightweight wearability without comprising regulatory wrestling standards. 

Through iterative prototyping, user-centered design principals, and mechanical testing, the headgear was refined to optimize both protection and functionality. Evaluation included impact mitigation analysis, fit testing, and user feedback to ensure real-world applicability. The resulting design demonstrates a practical solution that enhances accessibility in contact sports, which allows cochlear implant users to participate with greater confidence and reduced risk. This project highlights the role of inclusive engineering design in expanding opportunities for athletes with medical devices while opening the door for continued research into adaptable and accessible equipment.

Presenter(s): Grace D. Goeden, Janae Hahn, Nicole Chikosi 

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 107

Multiparametric Behavior Analysis of Autism Mouse Models Using Machine Learning and Depth-Based Tracking Systems

Understanding how genes, neural circuits, and experimental interventions shape behavior requires methods capable of capturing complex and naturalistic actions rather than relying on simple behavioral metrics. In this study, we integrated two depth-based behavioral analysis systems—Motion Sequencing (MoSeq) and the Live Mouse Tracker (LMT)—to perform continuous, multiparametric behavioral phenotyping in mice. These complementary platforms enable detailed characterization of behavior by breaking actions into discrete movement modules (“syllables”), analyzing their sequencing patterns, and tracking individuals over time within social environments. Animals were initially recorded in an open-field assay to evaluate locomotion, exploratory behavior, and center-avoidance patterns. They were then analyzed using LMT within a depth-imaging arena that allowed continuous tracking of individual animals and quantification of social interactions. In a separate cohort, mice were recorded in a confined arena and analyzed using MoSeq to identify behavioral syllables and transitions between them. Machine learning and networkbased analyses were then applied to integrate spatial, modular, and social behavioral features to classify mouse strains. The multiparametric approach substantially improved behavioral discrimination compared with traditional single-metric analyses. Spatial tracking revealed that one strain showed stronger center avoidance and greater variability in exploration patterns. MoSeq analysis identified a diverse repertoire of behavioral syllables, with clear genotype-dependent differences in their usage and transition structures. Network analysis of these transitions further enhanced strain classification. Meanwhile, LMT analysis revealed pronounced differences in social behaviors, with one strain demonstrating significantly higher rates of social approaches, direct contacts, and distinct patterns of physical interaction. Together, these converging behavioral measures produced robust separation between experimental groups. The findings demonstrate that combining depth-based tracking with unsupervised behavioral decomposition provides a more sensitive and comprehensive framework for detecting genotype-dependent behavioral differences.

Presenter(s): Suyash SR. Thapaliya

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Etienne Z. Gnimpieba

Poster Number: 108

Tremor Tracer 

Essential tremor and other tremor-related disorders affect the quality of life of more than 40 million Americans. Among these cases, a significant proportion are associated with Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease. Despite the prevalence of these conditions, clinicians currently lack standardized and objective tools to consistently measure and monitor tremor intensity and progression throughout diƯerent stages of treatment. This project introduces the Tremor Tracer, a unified diagnostic approach designed to improve the assessment and tracking of tremor severity over time. The system records tremor tracings in a standardized format and incorporates replicate examinations to ensure consistency and reliability of measurements. By collecting tremor data before, during, and after treatment, the Tremor Tracer provides clinicians with clearer and more structured information on how tremors change over time and respond to therapeutic interventions. The ability to visualize and analyze tremor patterns may reveal subtle changes that are difficult to detect through traditional clinical observation alone. Identifying these patterns could help clinicians make more informed decisions when evaluating treatment effectiveness and adjusting patient care strategies. Ultimately, the Tremor Tracer aims to provide clinicians with a more reliable tool for tracking tremor progression, improving treatment evaluation, and supporting more data-driven care for individuals experiencing tremor-related disorders. 

Presenter(s):  Sadikshya Ghimire, Deklen Fennell

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa Macfadden, Jennifer M. Leberknight 

Poster Number: 109

Endosymbiogenesis Is Marked by Functional and Selective Genome Reduction, Transfer, and Elimination 

Endosymbiosis is one of the most transformative events in evolution. This theory posits that free-living prokaryotes were integrated into eukaryotic hosts to form highly specialized organelles such as mitochondria. This project investigates how that transformation occurred by quantifying genome reduction during the evolution of mitochondria. We compared 850 protein-coding genes of Rickettsia prowazekii to the 37 genes retained in the mitochondrial genome of Homo sapiens, revealing an estimated 95–96% gene loss. Using NCBI BLASTp, bacterial proteins were classified as retained, transferred to the nucleus, or completely eliminated. Conserved Domain analysis via NCBI CD-Search provided functional annotations, and Reactome allowed us to identify which biological systems were preferentially preserved or discarded. Retained genes were strongly enriched in oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport chain pathways, indicating strong selective pressure to preserve core bioenergetic functions within the organelle. Transferred genes were associated with mitochondrial translation, DNA replication, and protein import, suggesting that essential maintenance functions were preserved but relocated. Eliminated genes were primarily involved in cell wall biosynthesis, environmental sensing, and independent metabolic pathways, reflecting the loss of bacterial autonomy within a host cell. Together, these findings show that mitochondrial genome reduction did not happen randomly, but followed clear functional patterns shaped by evolutionary pressure. Building on this validated framework, for future directions we propose extrapolating these principles in a machine learning context to predict genome reduction dynamics in other models of organellogenesis. Chloroplasts provide a parallel model for evaluation, while nitroplasts represent a nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont currently undergoing partial integration and provides an example of intermediate genome reduction. By connecting completed examples like mitochondria with intermediate systems this work proposes a broader model for understanding how genome reduction progresses during endosymbiosis and how evolutionary principles can guide synthetic organelle design. 

Presenter(s): Jasmine Shrestha

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Randolph Faustino

Poster Number: 110

Digital Biomonitoring of Microbial Communities: a phenotype feature- driven AutoML Framework for bacteria classification

Accurate identification of microbial species is essential for monitoring dynamic biological systems and enabling timely industrial and clinical responses. However, existing microbiological and genomic approaches present a practical trade-off: traditional microscopy is often subjective and time-intensive, while high-precision genomic sequencing lacks the speed and cost efficiency needed for rapid, high-throughput screening. This challenge creates a “minimal data paradox,” where reliable species-level classification typically requires large datasets that may not be available in constrained laboratory environments. This study investigates whether modern deep learning models can maintain strong predictive performance under severe data limitations. We conducted a benchmark comparison of five state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures for microbial species prediction using datasets with only 8 and 20 samples per class across 23 microbial species. To mitigate data scarcity, transfer learning and synthetic data augmentation techniques were applied during model training. Among the architectures evaluated, EfficientNetB0 consistently demonstrated the highest accuracy, stability, and resilience across both data-constrained scenarios. In the 20 samples-per-class condition, EfficientNetB0 achieved 91.30% classification accuracy with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.998. Even under the extreme constraint of only 8 samples per class, the model maintained a validation accuracy of 86.96%, outperforming other modern CNN architectures that showed greater performance degradation. These findings demonstrate that carefully optimized transfer learning combined with lightweight CNN architectures can enable robust microbial species classification even in minimal-data environments. The results establish EfficientNetB0 as a practical and computationally efficient model for future high-throughput laboratory validation and automated microbial monitoring systems. This research was supported by the TRIADS program, which provided funding and mentorship that enabled the development and evaluation of this project. 

Presenter(s): Rupesh K. Yadav

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Etienne Z. Gnimpieba

Poster Number: 111

Methodology of Comparing Motion Capture Systems in Baseball Pitching 

This project’s objective was to develop a methodology for evaluating the accuracy of the OpenCap motion capture system relative to Theia, a professional-grade markerless motion capture system, by synchronizing and comparing kinematics during baseball pitching. To accomplish this objective, a computational program was developed. Motion capture is an important technique for injury prevention and rehabilitation in baseball, especially for pitching. Theia and other traditional motion capture systems, marker-based and markerless, require extensive setup and expensive equipment. OpenCap is an openplatform markerless motion capture system that requires only two iPhones. This system has shown promise for lower-limb kinematic analysis, but it has yet to be proven effective for upper-extremity kinematics. To determine the accuracy of OpenCap for baseball pitching motion analysis, its kinematics must be compared to gold-standard kinematics provided by professional motion capture platforms like Theia. If OpenCap generates kinematics comparable to Theia, the OpenCap platform could be utilized in real-world applications for injury prevention and rehabilitation for baseball pitchers at all levels. Theia’s exported files do not support external analysis. To overcome this barrier, individual kinematic variables must be extracted from Theia files. After extracting kinematic data from Theia and OpenCap, a program synchronizes and compares the kinematics of these two systems using root mean square error (RMSE). Given motion capture data, this procedure and program can evaluate the effectiveness of OpenCap in comparison to Theia for upper-extremity kinematic analysis. 

Presenter(s): Dane Reeves

Student Award Recognition: UDiscover Project

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 112

Integrating Microbial Data and 3D Visualization to Develop a Digital Twin Framework for Studying Microbial Responses to Antimicrobial Agents 

Understanding how microbial systems respond to antimicrobial agents within complex environments remains a significant challenge because traditional analysis methods often lack real-time monitoring and spatial system context. This limitation makes it diƯicult to interpret microbial growth dynamics and evaluate how antimicrobial treatments influence microbial behavior over time. To address this challenge, this project develops a workflow for generating a digital twin framework by integrating microbial growth data with threedimensional visualization tools. Microbial cultures were exposed to antimicrobial agents, including penicillin-streptomycin and hydrogen peroxide, and growth dynamics were monitored using optical density (OD) measurements to quantify changes in microbial density over time. These measurements produced a temporal dataset describing microbial activity and responses to antimicrobial exposure throughout the experiment. The experimental system and associated microbial data were then incorporated into a threedimensional digital environment that reconstructs the experimental space and allows microbial growth data to be visualized within its spatial structure. This digital environment can be explored through a virtual reality (VR) interface, enabling researchers to interact with the system and observe microbial dynamics within a fully three-dimensional context. By integrating real-time microbial data with immersive visualization, this framework establishes a foundation for digital twin models capable of analyzing and predicting microbial responses to antimicrobial agents. This approach provides a new tool for studying microbial system dynamics and may support future applications in biomedical engineering, microbial ecology, and predictive modeling of microbial environments. Financial support provided by the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (P20GM103443).

Presenter(s): Graham A. Hartman

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Etienne Z. Gnimpieba

Poster Number: 113

Robotic Cell Dropper for Automated High-Throughput Cell Mechanics 

Modern live-cell microscopy has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular dynamics, yet the delivery of biological samples to these systems remains a predominantly manual and inconsistent process. Manual deposition of single-cell droplets onto microscope slides introduces placement errors and potential contamination risks, which limit the reproducibility and scale of high-throughput imaging experiments. This project addresses these challenges through the development of a multidisciplinary robotic cell delivery system designed to automate sample aspiration and placement. 

The system features a dual-arm architecture: a horizontal transport mechanism for microtube handling and a vertical precision actuator for controlled liquid dispensing. Controlled via a Python-based interface, the robot is engineered to achieve a target placement accuracy of ±50 µm, significantly improving upon manual techniques. Preliminary verification and validation (V&V) testing of mechanical sub-components has confirmed the stability and precision of the robotic arms, with successful results in linear displacement accuracy and microtube clamping security. By providing a reliable, automated alternative to manual pipetting, this system enhances the efficiency of cell mechanics research and enables researchers to perform complex, high-volume experiments with greater precision and minimal human intervention. 

Presenter(s):  Manish Rayamajhi, Eric Johnson, Cadence Peterson, Khaymin Miller, 

Mackenzie Hins, Jasmine Shrestha, & Evan Beier 

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 114

Smart Room Status: A QR Code–Based System for Real-Time Clinical Workflow Optimization 

This project presents the design and implementation of a QR code-based room status system intended to improve communication, efficiency and visibility within shared workspaces. Traditional room status indicators, such as whiteboards or manual sign systems are often unreliable, inconsistently updated or inaccessible to remote users. To address these limitations, this system leverages QR codes as a simple and scalable interface for real-time room status updates. Upon scanning, users are directed to a web-based interface where they can indicate the specific room they are entering and the current status of the room ( e.g., available, patient waiting, patient seeing provider, needs cleaning, cleaning, maintenance, and out of service.) These updates are immediately reflected in a centralized backend system, where they are timestamped, validated, and logged. A desktop dashboard then dynamically displays these updates in real time, allowing providers to monitor clinic activity, and room utilization efficiently. The system also captures operational data by defining “visits” as the lifecycle of a room between availability states and grouping data into daily “shifts.” By analyzing time intervals between status changes, the dashboard generates actionable metrics that help identify in efficiencies in patient flow, and room usage. To ensure system performance, validation and verification testing were conducted, including trigger accuracy, response time, system consistency, and usability assessments. Performance requirements include ≥95% trigger accuracy, ≥98% display accuracy, and an average response time of ≤2 seconds. Overall, this project demonstrates a scalable, low-cost solution for improving clinical workflow transparency, and enabling data-driven decision making in healthcare environments. 

Presenter(s):   Alexa Wingnean, Landon Johnson, Nevan Cremascoli, Isabella Bricker 

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 115

The Influence of Bilingual Experience on Speech-in-Noise and Auditory Processing

Bilinguals often show greater variability in speech-in-noise performance compared to monolinguals, even when their hearing thresholds are normal. This difference may reflect variations in how linguistic and auditory cues are processed rather than differences in hearing sensitivity. However, most existing speech-in-noise norms are based on monolingual English speakers, which limits how accurately these tests capture bilingual listening abilities. Moreover, many studies classify participants simply by asking weather they speak more then one language, without considering important factors such as: age of acquisition, when English was first learned or use and how frequently each language is spoken. This project aims to address that gap by exploring how specific aspects of bilingual experience contribute to SiN outcomes and how non-speech auditory processing may explain additional variability. 

Presenter(s): Sakina Jaffer

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Communication Sciences & Disorders

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Coral Dirks

Poster Number: 116

Faculty Perspectives on Hearing Assistive Technology in Higher Education: A Thematic Analysis 

This qualitative study examined higher education faculty perspectives on emerging hearing assistive technologies, including over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and consumer earbuds such as Apple AirPods used as assistive listening devices in classroom settings. Twelve faculty members from technical colleges, community colleges, and universities participated in virtual semi-structured interviews, and transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Faculty expressed strong willingness to support students with hearing loss, yet their decisions were shaped by beliefs about accommodation, limited knowledge of emerging devices, and uncertainty about how these technologies function in academic settings. Participants reported feeling more confident when the purpose of the device was clearly communicated, but noted that social perceptions and stigma may influence how device use is interpreted by instructors and peers. Concerns about potential misuse, particularly related to academic integrity during exams, emerged as a consistent barrier to acceptance. Faculty also highlighted insufficient institutional training and a lack of clear policies supporting accommodations for hard-of-hearing students, resulting in inconsistent practices across classrooms. Many emphasized the need for explicit university guidance and broader cultural competency around hearing accessibility. These findings illustrate gaps in awareness, policy clarity, and institutional support that shape faculty responses to rapidly evolving hearing technologies and underscore the importance of targeted training and evidence-based accessibility initiatives to create more inclusive higher education environments. 

Presenter(s): Olivia Taylor

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Communication Sciences & Disorders

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Michelle Novak

Poster Number: 207 (Upstairs in MUC)

Diagnosing Confident Failures in Large Language Models via Perturbation Sensitivity 

Large language models (LLMs) can produce incorrect answers with high confidence, creating “confident failures” that are diƯicult to detect using accuracy alone. This project builds an evaluation pipeline to measure how stable a model’s outputs and internal confidence signals are under meaning-preserving input perturbations. Using GSM8K-style math word problems as a testbed, we generate paired inputs (original and perturbed) and collect model outputs along with distribution-based metrics at the answer decision point, including entropy, top-token margin, and Jensen–Shannon divergence between next-token distributions. We additionally record whether the extracted final answers flip under perturbation and log failure modes when perturbations or answer extraction are not reliable. The resulting dataset enables targeted error analysis: identifying cases where the model appears confident but is brittle to small wording changes, versus cases that remain stable. This baseline is designed to support subsequent mechanistic tracing and model comparison, helping isolate patterns that correlate confidence with robustness and exposing where confidence signals fail as reliability indicators. 

Presenter(s): Shou-Tzu Han

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk

Poster Number: 117

Explainable Cervical Cell Analysis Using Multi-Class Segmentation and Morphological Feature Extraction. 

Automated analysis of Pap smear images has become an important research direction for improving cervical cancer screening. While many deep learning approaches focus on direct classification of cervical cells, they often lack interpretability and fail to explicitly analyze morphological characteristics that are routinely used by cytologists during diagnosis. In particular, the nucleus-to-cytoplasm (N/C) ratio and nuclear shape are key indicators for distinguishing normal from abnormal cervical cells. In this work, we propose an explainable framework for cervical cell analysis based on multi-class segmentation and morphological feature extraction. Using the publicly available SIPaKMeD dataset, which currently provides segmentation masks for whole cells only, we plan to manually annotate nucleus regions to generate additional ground-truth masks. These annotations will enable the development of a deep learning segmentation model that simultaneously segments three classes: nucleus, cytoplasm, and background. The segmentation results will then be used in a post-processing stage to compute clinically meaningful morphological features, including the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and nuclear circularity. These features will provide interpretable evidence for assessing cervical cell health and supporting automated classification. The proposed approach aims to bridge the gap between deep learning–based image analysis and traditional cytopathological criteria by combining accurate segmentation with explainable morphological measurements. This work has the potential to contribute toward more transparent and clinically interpretable computer-aided diagnostic systems for cervical cancer screening. 

Presenter(s): Lloyd A. Alemu

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lina Chato

Poster Number: 118

Bridging Symmetry and Robustness: On the Role of Equivariance in Enhancing Adversarial Robustness 

Adversarial examples reveal critical vulnerabilities in deep neural networks by exploiting their sensitivity to imperceptible input perturbations. While adversarial training remains the predominant defense strategy, it often incurs significant computational cost and may compromise clean-data accuracy. In this work, we investigate an architectural approach to adversarial robustness by embedding group-equivariant convolutions specifically, rotationand scale-equivariant layers into standard convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These layers encode symmetry priors that align model behavior with structured transformations in the input space, promoting smoother decision boundaries and greater resilience to adversarial attacks. We propose and evaluate two symmetry-aware architectures: a parallel design that processes standard and equivariant features independently before fusion, and a cascaded design that applies equivariant operations sequentially. Theoretically, we demonstrate that such models reduce hypothesis space complexity, regularize gradients, and yield tighter certified robustness bounds under the CLEVER (Cross Lipschitz Extreme Value for nEtwork Robustness) framework. Empirically, our models consistently improve adversarial robustness and generalization across CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and CIFAR-10C under both FGSM and PGD attacks, without requiring adversarial training. These findings underscore the potential of symmetry-enforcing architectures as efficient and principled alternatives to data augmentation-based defenses. 

Presenter(s): Ifrat Ikhtear Uddin

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Longwei Wang, KC Santosh 

Poster Number: 119

Machine Learning for Hypertension Prediction in U.S. University Students: Insights from NIH All of Us Data 

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and early detection is essential for preventing long term complications. While most predictive studies focus on middle-aged and elderly populations, hypertension risk assessment in very young adults, such as college students, remains underexplored. In our work, we investigate AI-driven hypertension prediction using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us research dataset, with a specific focus on university-aged individuals in the United States. We develop a machine learning–based detection framework utilizing five feature categories: demographics, clinical laboratory tests, vital health measurements, family medical history, and lifestyle/behavioral factors. Multiple traditional supervised learning models are evaluated, including Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Among the tested approaches, XGBoost achieved the best performance, obtaining an accuracy of 84.88% and sensitivity of 0.787, outperforming all baseline classifiers. The integration of heterogeneous feature groups further improved robustness against missing values and class imbalance, enabling reliable prediction in this challenging young-adult cohort. These results establish a strong baseline for hypertension risk modeling in university populations and motivate future extensions toward more advanced AI-based preventive screening and longitudinal health prediction tasks. 

Presenter(s): Deborah Asamoah

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lina Chato

Poster Number: 120

Empowering Collegiate Female Athletes Through a Brief Educational Intervention on the Female Athlete Triad 

The Female Athlete Triad, characterized by low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health, poses significant short- and long-term health risks for physically active females. Despite its prevalence, awareness and education surrounding the Triad remain limited among athletes. This project evaluated baseline knowledge and comfort discussing Female Athlete Triad–related topics among Division I female athletes and assessed the impact of a brief educational intervention. A 30-minute in-person educational session titled “Empowering Female Athletes: Education and Prevention of the Female Athlete Triad” was delivered to athletes from track and field, cross country, tennis, soccer, and basketball programs at the University of South Dakota. Participants completed anonymous electronic pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing prior education, knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad, understanding of nutrition and bone health, likelihood of seeking medical care for menstrual irregularities, and comfort discussing related health concerns. Seventy-nine athletes completed both surveys. Most participants reported prior education on nutrition (72/79), while fewer reported prior education on bone health (31/79) or menstrual health (37/79). Mean self-reported understanding improved significantly following the intervention for knowledge of the Female Athlete Triad (3.00 to 4.27), role of nutrition in athletic performance (3.95 to 4.35), and factors contributing to bone health (2.46 to 4.22) (all p < 0.001). Participants also reported a greater likelihood of seeking medical care for irregular menstrual periods (3.19 to 4.10, p < 0.001) and increased comfort discussing related concerns with coaches, trainers, or healthcare providers (p = 0.002). These findings suggest that brief, targeted educational sessions can significantly improve awareness and promote help-seeking behaviors related to the Female Athlete Triad among collegiate female athletes. 

Presenter(s): Carly Haring

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jon Olson

Poster Number: 121

Sanford School of Medicine Medical Student Knowledge of Skin Cancer and Sun Health Strategies 

Background: Skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types, is the most common cancer in the United States [1]. It estimated that 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime [2]. Survival rates of non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are high, if treated promptly and adequately [3]. Melanoma accounts for the majority of deaths associated with skin cancer [3]. Because of the high prevalence and treatability if caught early, recognition and diagnosis of skin cancer is important. The goal of this project was to determine Sanford School of Medicine medical students’ knowledge of skin and sun health strategies.

Methods: This was a USD IRB approved study with informed consent obtained. Data was collected using the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale (SCSK). The SCSK was developed and tested by Day et. al. based on systematic review, existing scales, and best practices [5]. It is a 25-question inventory consisting of true or false and multiple-choice questions. SCSK assesses 5 categories of skin cancer knowledge including sun protection, tanning, risk factors, prevalence, and presentation [5].

Results: 50 SSOM medical students responded to the survey. The average score of participants was 82.72 percent correct, 95 CI [80.44, 85.00]. The average percent correct was highest among third-year medical students (89.71 %) and lowest among first-year medical students (79.20 %). SSOM students scored highest on questions related to skin cancer risk factors (98.00 %) and lowest on skin cancer prevalence (77.00 %). 

Conclusion: First-year medical students scoring the lowest on the SCSK was a hypothesized outcome, given they were the only cohort to have not undergone the skin block at the Sanford School of Medicine. We believe the third-year medical student cohort scoring the highest may be due to this class undergoing licensing examination during the data collection time frame. 

Presenter(s): Emily Eisenbraun, Madison Landon 

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Hasvold

Poster Number: 122

The Shroud of Turin: A Re-Evaluation of the 1988 Radiocarbon Dating 

The Shroud of Turin is a large cloth which bears the image of a potentially crucified man, who many believe to be the image of Jesus. Samples of this cloth were radiocarbon dated in 1988 and estimated to date to around AD 1260–1390, but it was not without controversy. This project aims to explore the 1988 radiocarbon dating process, likely origins for the cloth, and to recalibrate the 1988 radiocarbon dates. Concerns arose with changes in protocol and choice of location for the cloth sample. The radiocarbon dating results, no earlier mentions of the shroud, and written texts lend support to the likelihood of the Shroud of Turin being medieval in origin. Origin evidence for the 1st century AD, which would mean it was from the time of Jesus Christ, is currently minimal and based mostly on speculative thought surrounding the man’s appearance. Radiocarbon dating the Shroud of Turin again would clear up a lot of doubt and utilize new radiocarbon technology updates unavailable in the 1980s. While this option is currently not likely to be chosen due to the destructive nature of the process, what can be done is re-evaluating the radiocarbon dates produced in 1988. Using Oxford University’s OxCal program, this project provides a fresh look at the results and recalibrates them. 

Presenter(s): Natalie Wagner

Department/Division/Area: Anthropology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Tony Krus

Poster Number: 400

Consumed by the Image: The Tragedy of Celebrity Fame and Consumer Culture Through Any Warhol's Marilyn Diptych. 

Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych (1962) is one of the most recognizable works of Pop Art and a defining example of how art reflects and critiques mass media culture. Created after Marilyn Monroe’s death, the piece presents her image repeated across two panels, one vibrant and colorful, the other monochromatic, faded and deteriorating. This research project shows how Warhol uses repetition, color, and the printmaking processes tocomment on consumerism, celebrity culture, and their treatment in postwar America. The goal of this project is to argue that “Marilyn Diptych” is not just a celebration of her fame but a reflection on how mass production and media exposure strip individuals of their humanity. By presenting Monroe’s face as a reproduced commodity, Warhol exposes the tension between glamour and exploitation. Almost highlighting how celebrity images are endlessly consumed even after death. Consuming Marilyn Monroe without hast through a parasocial relationship with her celebrity image and leaving Norma Jeane to deteriorate after we are done. The contrast between the bright and fading panels suggests both the seduction of fame and its inevitable erosion. This project is significant because it connects visual art to broader social issues such as gender roles, class, and media influence making it relevant to everyone beyond just art history. Through visual analysis and scholarly sources, this research project demonstrates how Warhol’s work captures that emotional distance and how we as a culture will consume that identity as a commodified and disposable product. Ultimately, the project shows that “Marilyn Diptych” functions as a powerful critique of how modern society consumes images, identities, and lives. 

Presenter(s): Elizabeth Hopkins

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lauren Freese

Poster Number: 300 (Upstairs in MUC)

Detecting Ischemic Injury at the Cellular Level with A Synthetic Inflammation-Sensing System 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, with ischemic stroke accounting for the majority of cases. Early cellular responses to ischemic injury, including inflammation and oxidative stress, occur before significant tissue damage becomes detectable through conventional imaging techniques. However, current diagnostic tools such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often fail to detect minor strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) at their earliest stages. To address this limitation, this project explores the development of a synthetic biomarker platform designed to detect early inflammation-related cellular stress signals. The system is equipped an engineered NF-κB - responsive genetic sensor, as NF-κB is a central regulator of inflammatory signaling activated during ischemic injury. In this study, the NF-κB sensor gene circuit was experimentally validated in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblast cells, which serve as a robust in vitro model for studying stress-responsive signaling pathways and a surrogate for the fragile neuronal cells. Cells were exposed to inflammatory stimulation using TNF-α, a potent inflammatogen, and sensor activation was evaluated by measuring the expression of the embedded fluorescent reporter . The results demonstrated clear dose- and time-dependent activation of the NF-κB sensor in response to inflammatory stimuli, confirming the functionality and sensitivity of the synthetic gene circuit. Because NF-κB signaling is conserved across multiple tissue types, this validated sensor platform may be adapted for various disease contexts, including stroke and heart attack. In future studies, the system could be engineered with neuron-specific regulatory elements to enable early detection of neuronal inflammation associated with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. 

Presenter(s): Sadikshya Ghimire

Student Award Recognition: UDiscover Project

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): William Chen

Poster Number: 401

Modulating Cerebellar Networks with rTMS to Improve Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

Gait dysfunction, particularly freezing of gait (FOG), is a debilitating symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite advances in pharmacological and surgical treatments, effective management of gait disturbances in PD remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have implicated the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of PD, particularly in relation to motor symptoms. Our study explored mid-cerebellar neural activity as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PD-related gait deficits. We examined thetaband oscillations (4-7 Hz) in the mid-cerebellum during walking tasks in three groups: PD patients with FOG (PDFOG+), PD patients without FOG (PDFOG–), and healthy agematched controls. PDFOG+ subjects exhibited significantly reduced mid-cerebellar theta power during walking tasks compared to other groups. Furthermore, 5 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the mid-cerebellum in PDFOG+ participants increased mid-cerebellar theta power and improved gait kinematics compared to sham rTMS. These results suggest a link between mid-cerebellar theta activity and gait disturbances in PD and indicate that rTMS may be a promising approach to enhance mid-cerebellar networks and improve gait dysfunction in PD patients.

Presenter(s): Md Rezwanul, Akter Pallab

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Arun Singh

Poster Number: 423

The relationship between epigenetic signaling and growth patterns in chestnut-crowned babblers 

All developmental conditions are expected to have lasting effects on phenotypes; those that impact individual size and growth, however, likely have an outsized effect. Such 

phenotypic variation is likely mediated by differences in physiology (e.g. metabolism differences). However, few studies have explored the underlying molecular mechanisms mediating these differences. Here, we investigate how variable developmental environments can influence DNA methylation of promoters of genes related to body condition and growth. Specifically, we used chestnut-crowned babblers, an avian system endemic to the Australian Outback, where developmental environments are particularly harsh and often variable. DNA was extracted from blood collected from chicks (~15 days) and enzymatically converted DNA was sequenced (EM-seq) to identify methylated cytosines. Whole-genome analysis was performed using MethylKit and regression analyses to identify differentially methylated regions related to morphological traits (e.g., mass, tarsus length, body condition, and wing length). We predict that methylation of areas important for growth (e.g. growth hormone, metabolic genes) will be related to differences in size and condition in nest-bound chicks. Understanding the relationship between methylation and phenotypic variability will increase our knowledge generally about how molecular processes help shape phenotypes through phenotypic plasticity and flexibility. 

Presenter(s): Susan Anderson

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 402

Roll call: Updating South Dakota’s native freshwater mussel distributions with eDNA metabarcoding

Freshwater species are experiencing extinction rates five times greater than terrestrial fauna. Agricultural pollution, altered hydrology, rising water temperatures and invasive species are synergistically accelerating biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems. Unionid mussels due to their limited mobility, complex life-history and long generational times are disproportionately vulnerable to these stressors, with over 70% of the 297 species endangered, threatened or of conservation concern. As ecosystem engineers, their decline degrades aquatic ecosystem function and water quality that others depend on. Accurate distribution data are critical for conserving remaining unionids and informing effective recovery and population augmentation strategies. Yet, conventional survey methods (e.g., quadrat sampling) are labor-intensive, ecologically disruptive, and often fail to detect rare species. Here we apply environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, a technique that detects organisms by capturing and sequencing trace genetic material shed by them into the water, to assess native freshwater mussel biodiversity east of the Missouri River in South Dakota (SD) for the first time. Water samples were collected and filtered from 103 sites between July-August 2025. At each site, quantitative (e.g., temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity) and qualitative (e.g., nitrites/nitrates/phosphates and site description) data were documented to account for potential eDNA degradation and identify environmental drivers of mussel occurrence. Extracted DNA from filtered water samples was amplified via polymerase chain reaction using mussel-specific 16S rRNA gene primers, selected for its high copy number in cells and sensitivity for detecting lowconcentration eDNA. Amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Sequence data are currently being processed using an optimized bioinformatic pipeline for species-level taxonomic assignment of native mussels. Our findings will provide critical data on statewide unionid distributions, assess the status of rare or federally listed species, and establish the first eDNA metabarcoding monitoring protocol to inform conservation planning and long-term management of native freshwater mussels in SD. 

Presenter(s): Emily M. Zavacki

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Omera B. Matoo

Poster Number: 403

Uncertainty-Aware LLM-Guided Policy Shaping for Sparse-Reward Reinforcement Learning

Training artificial intelligence systems using Reinforcement Learning (RL) to make effective decisions can be difficult when feedback from the environment is limited or when the system must complete multiple tasks. In many real-world scenarios, an AI agent receives rewards occasionally, which makes learning slow and inefficient. To address this challenge, we propose a new framework, Uncertainty-Aware LLM-Guided Policy Shaping (ULPS), that helps RL agents learn more efficiently by incorporating guidance from a Large Language Model (LLM). Our approach integrates planning, language-based guidance, and uncertainty awareness. First, we use an A* algorithm to generate optimal trajectories, which are used to fine-tune a BERT-based language model. During RL training, the model suggests actions to guide the agent, while ULPS estimates its uncertainty using Monte Carlo dropout and dynamically adjusts the influence of these suggestions. When the model is confident, actions are taken based on its guidance; otherwise, the agent relies on its own policy learned through Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO). This allows the system to leverage prior knowledge while still learning new behaviors. ULPS is evaluated in the MiniGridUnlockPickup environment, where an agent must pick up the key, unlock a door, and reach the goal. ULPS achieves more than a 9% improvement in execution accuracy after finetuning, requires fewer environment interactions, and yields a higher reward Area Under the Curve (AUC). These findings suggest that integrating symbolic planning, language models, and uncertainty-aware decision-making provides an effective strategy for improving multitask RL performance in complex and sparse-reward environments. 

Presenter(s): Sumaly Bajracharya, Ujjwal Bhatta, Utsabi Dangol

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, KC Santosh

Poster Number: 404

More than Attendance: The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism in South Dakota 

Chronic absenteeism is a nationwide problem, affecting 31% of the students enrolled in schools in the United States in the 2021-2022 school year, and 28% of the population in the 2022-2023 school year (U.S. Department of Education, 2025). South Dakota had a rate of 23% of students chronically absent in the 2022-2023 school year (U.S. Department of Education, 2025). Chronic absenteeism correlates to a higher risk of high-school dropout, adulthood poverty, lower academic achievement, and interacting with the criminal justice system (Schoeneberger, 2012; U.S. Department of Education, 2016). Underlying causes of attendance problems fall into four primary categories (Attendance Works, 2022). It is essential to identify the root cause and use an intervention directly related (Attendance Works, 2022). The four barriers most identified are a lack of transportation, chronic health problems, a lack of access to services, unsafe communities, and/or ongoing family issues (Attendance Works, 2022). Chronic absenteeism has negative long-term effects, and awareness is a critical starting point.

Presenter(s): Morgan Juracek

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kaiya Ansorge, Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 405

Machine Learning Prediction of Federal Appellate Court Outcomes

Federal appellate courts are the final arbiters in many cases, yet systematic machine learning analysis across all twelve circuits remains largely absent from the computational 

law literature. With courts of appeals deciding tens of thousands of cases annually and the Supreme Court reviewing only a fraction, understanding what predicts reversal outcomes has both theoretical importance and practical consequence for litigants, attorneys, and judicial administrators. This study addresses that gap using eleven years of federal appellate decisions from the Federal Judicial Center’s Integrated Database. A systematiccomparison of twenty-five machine learning models, spanning five algorithms and five class-imbalance correction strategies, identifies the strongest predictors of appellate reversal. The best-performing model is validated through temporal holdout testing and bootstrap resampling to confirm generalizability beyond the training period. Appellant selfrepresentation and case duration emerge as the two dominant predictors of reversal, a result with direct implications for access-to-justice scholarship. Geographic circuit membership exerts a large effect on reversal likelihood, with more than two-fold difference between the highest and lowest-reversing circuits. Panel composition matters: Panels with internal judicial disagreement and en banc panels are both substantially more likely to reverse the lower court. The study also examines preliminary patterns following Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024), which eliminated forty years of Chevron deference. Agency case reversal rates remain largely stable post-decision. This research extends the computational law tradition to the intermediate appellate level, contributing to a replicable multi-circuit analytical framework, and systematic treatment of class imbalance in legal prediction. 

Presenter(s): Nicky N. Apenahier

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Economics, Decision Sciences, & Management Information

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bartlomiej Hanus,

Poster Number: 406

Modeling the Relationship Between Corruption and Economic Growth: A Theoretical Approach 

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a theoretical model that explains the relationship between corruption and economic growth, taking into account institutional quality and the level of development. The study will explore whether corruption worsens or, under specific conditions, may temporarily support economic performance in developing countries. The model will then be extended conceptually to developed countries to test whether the same dynamics apply in stronger institutional environments. 

Presenter(s): Muhammad Karrar Hussain

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Economics, Decision Sciences, & Management Information

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): David Carr, Robert Winslow

Poster Number: 407

Telehealth Measurement of Infant Auditory Brainstem Responses Using iChirp Stimuli: Replication and Extension of Pinto et al. (2022) 

Accurate and efficient diagnostic testing after a failed newborn hearing screening is essential to ensure timely identification and intervention for infants with hearing loss. Pinto 

et al. (2022) demonstrated that iChirp stimuli produce more robust auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms than traditional click and tone burst stimuli in infants up to 29 

days old. The present protocol replicated and extended this work by examining the use of iChirp stimuli under teleaudiology conditions in a broader age range and real-world clinical context. 

Infants referred for diagnostic evaluation after failing two newborn hearing screenings were assessed remotely via ABR testing with alternating-polarity broadband and narrowband iChirp stimuli. All infants were later confirmed to have normal hearing sensitivity. Unlike the fixed 2048-sweep protocol used by Pinto et al., the current study relied on clinical judgment to determine when waveform stability was achieved, reflecting how diagnostic decisions are made in practice. Testing was performed in collaboration with local providers who performed otoscopy and prepared the patient for testing, while an audiologist measured the infant’s physical state and ABR responses in real time through a secure video telehealth platform. Preliminary results demonstrate that iChirp stimuli continue to yield clear, replicable wave V responses even with fewer averages and across a wider age range (beyond 29 days and under one year). 

These findings support the feasibility of telehealth ABR using iChirp stimuli for infants referred from newborn screening. The combination of clinician-guided judgment and 

efficient recording protocols may expand access to timely diagnostic confirmation—particularly for families in rural or medically underserved areas—while maintaining the accuracy needed for early hearing detection and intervention programs. 

Presenter(s): Hannah Lingle

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Coral Dirks, Shelby Jepperson

Poster Number: 408

Impact of social media influencers on Gen Z health behaviors 

Social media plays a defining role in the daily lives of Gen Z, influencing how people communicate, access information, and make decisions. More than a form of entertainment, social media is a powerful source that shapes identity, perceptions and behaviors. As the first generation to grow up fully immersed in a digital world, Gen Z is uniquely impacted by the content and interactions that occur on social media platforms. Within this digital landscape, social media influencers have emerged as powerful figures. These individuals use large online platforms to promote lifestyles, products and behaviors. Influencers often have the ability to shape trends, opinions, and even health-related behaviors among their audiences. Using a review of current literature and a survey of Gen Z individuals, this study explores the impact that social media influencers have on the health behaviors and perceptions of this generation. Findings from this study suggest that while healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source of health information, social media influencers still play a role in shaping certain health behaviors among Gen Z. Understanding how social media influencers aƯect health related perceptions and behaviors is critical for public health professionals, educators, and policymakers seeking to promote healthier and safer digital environments for younger populations. 

Presenter(s): Abigail Stelling

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Wynette Mockler, Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 417

The Impact of Occupational Therapy Interventions on Retired Adults’ Perceptions of Life Balance and Well-being  

Introduction: The population of retired adults is rapidly increasing, leading to a higher prevalence of individuals in poorer health as they age. Retirement is a period of transition that can affect all aspects of a person’s well-being. Because of this, identifying effective strategies to improve life balance and well-being is essential. Occupational therapy’s holistic approach is important in addressing this transition and the concerns that arise with it. Methods: A single-group pretest-posttest design employed the RANDSF-36 and Measuring Life Balance Assessment Tool. Participants completed four in-person group-based intervention sessions over eight weeks. Each session focused on a health domain (e.g., leisure, physical activity, mental health, and social participation). Results: We recruited seven participants, all of whom were female. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the pre and posttest scores across the RAND SF-36 subscales. Although group-level changes were not statistically significant, the data supported positive trends for physical functioning (Z= -1.35, p=.176), role limitations due to physical health (Z=-1.37, p=.168), energy and fatigue (Z=-1.84, p=.066), emotional well-being (Z=-.171, p=.865), and general health (Z=-.944, p=.345). A greater number of participants reported feeling balanced at post-test on the overall life balance scale, ranging from very unbalanced to very balanced. The total stress scale ranged from very stressed to not stressed at all, with no participants reporting being very stressed at post-test. For total life balance, the mean pre-test score was 29.57 (SD= 4.11), compared to a post-test mean of 30.42 (SD=6.02). However, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test indicated no statistical significance. Conclusion: Many participants showed positive trends in the RANDSF-36 and total life balance scores. These positive trends highlight the need for future research in this area using larger sample sizes with a broader demographic

Presenter(s): Emma Brewer, Kayla Aymar, Kylie Felderman, Lauren Moon

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Allison Naber, Whitney Lucas Molitor

Poster Number: 418

Brine and Blood Educational Game 

Brine & Blood is an original educational game developed at the University of South Dakota designed to engage advanced middle and high school students in a deep exploration of emancipation as a process during the U.S. Civil War while also reinforcing mathematical and strategic reasoning skills. The game combines historical inquiry with immersive gameplay, using primary sources from the Library of Congress and the USD-based Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi project. Students assume the roles of either Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus or enslaved Mississippians who have been impressed to labor in the state’s salt mines, navigating the complex social, political, and military challenges of wartime Mississippi. By analyzing authentic documents, students develop historical empathy and critical thinking skills as they make decisions that reflect the difficult choices faced by individuals and factions during the era. The game features 26 Events across three Rounds, each beginning with a primary source from a 52-slide deck followed by an Action. Factions influence variables like Labor, Agency, troops, Salt, Freedom, and Unrest, with turns alternating between the Pettus Faction and the Enslaved Workers Faction. Students convert Labor to Salt and Agency to Freedom, which become Victory Points, and the faction with the most points wins. 

A hidden mathematical system drives outcomes through dice rolls linked to a concealed graph, producing realistic results while helping students practice probability and strategic decision-making.Brine & Blood provides a standards-aligned, interdisciplinary learning experience that explores themes such as the agency of enslaved people, the structural weaknesses of the Confederacy, and the importance of slavery and the home front during the Civil War. For the IdeaFest project, the focus is on testing the game’s strategic and mathematical balance. By analyzing how variables like Labor, Agency, and troop strength interact within the game’s hidden probability system, the project evaluates whether the mechanics produce fair and meaningful outcomes. This process allows for data-driven suggestions to improve the game’s design, ensuring that the simulation remains both historically engaging and mathematically balanced. 

Presenter(s): Anuska Pokharel

Department/Division/Area: Mathematics

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lindsey Peterson, Catalin Georgescu

Poster Number: 301 (Upstairs in MUC)

The Emergence of Candida auris: Pathogenesis and Diagnostic Challenges 

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to global public health, particularly within healthcare settings. First identified in 

2009, C. auris has since been reported worldwide, with cases in the United States rising steadily since its first detection in 2016, reaching a nearly ninety-fold increase in 2023 

(Fayed, 2025; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). This pathogen primarily affects critically ill patients by colonizing the skin and mucous membranes around invasive medical devices such as catheters and ventilators. Many patients, however, can remain colonized for weeks, months, or longer, even in the absence of symptoms, serving as silent reservoirs for transmission (CDC, 2024). Exposure to antifungal medications favors the survival of resistant C. auris strains, contributing to the pathogen's persistence and spread of nosocomial infections (Lone & Ahmad, 2019). Due to its multidrug-resistant nature, accurate identification is critical for effective treatment. However, routine culture-based identification systems frequently misidentify the organism, highlighting the need for more accurate diagnostic approaches (Lone & Ahmad, 2019). This literature review will examine current research on the mechanisms underlying Candida auris pathogenicity, including biofilm formation, antifungal resistance, and immune evasion within healthcare settings. Additionally, the effectiveness of traditional culture-based diagnostic methods will be compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular techniques for early and accurate detection. 

Presenter(s): Chase Howe, Alesha Steckelberg, Kate Gulbraa, Kyra Hill

Department/Division/Area: Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter

Poster Number: 302 (Upstairs in MUC)

Mindfulness and Movement: A Case Study on the Effects of Well-being and Life Balance Among an Older Adult Living in a Rural Community 

Purpose: Older adults are at risk for declines in mental well-being, life balance, and social isolation as they age. Although strategies to promote the well-being of older adults have been explored, limited research has examined the use of mindfulness education combined with gentle exercise among rural older adults. The purpose of this study was to describe how a virtual mindfulness education and light physical exercise program improved wellbeing and life balance in an older adult in a rural community. Methods: This study used a single-case design. Outcomes were assessed using the Measuring Life Balance Assessment (MLB) and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) before and after the virtual mindfulness program. The participant engaged in a 5-week program combining mindfulness education with light physical activity. Results: A 70-year-old female residing in a rural community participated in the virtual mindfulness program. Mental wellbeing scores increased from 51 to 61 on the WEMWBS from pretest to posttest. Life balance, assessed using the MLB, increased from 29 to 36, with higher scores indicating a more positive life balance. Qualitative data were gathered at the conclusion of the program through an open-ended interview, which provided information about the perceived benefits and experiences of the program, health goals, current occupational routines, and takeaways. The participant noted enjoyment incorporating learned mindfulness techniques into her social and interpersonal relationships. Qualitative comments also supported increased feelings of well-being and a sense of life balance. Conclusion: The 5-week virtual mindfulness program was effective at improving mental well-being and life balance in an older adult. These results provide evidence to support a larger pilot program to further assess the outcomes of this study among older adults in rural areas. 

Presenter(s): Faith Matson, Josanna Massenn, Sawyer Kuechle

Department/Division/Area: Occupational Therapy

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Whitney Lucas Molitor, Allison Naber

Poster Number: 409

A Low-Cost, Solder-Free, Breadboard-Based System for Hands-On Nuclear and Particle Detection Education. 

The ability to perform hands-on experimentation with nuclear and particle detection is crucial for inspiring and training the next generation of physicists, yet the high cost and complexity of traditional systems often create a significant barrier to access for undergraduate and high school educational laboratories. We present a novel, highly 

accessible radiation detector system, the pico project, specifically designed as a comprehensive pedagogical tool. The system's central innovation is its "plug-and-play" architecture, utilizing standard breadboards to build the entire detector chain without any soldering. This low-barrier, Lego-like approach uses commonly available, low-cost components, enabling students to rapidly assemble and troubleshoot their own functional detector, allowing them to focus on the underlying physics rather than complex instrumentation skills. The system provides a holistic learning experience, covering the entire radiation detection signal chain: from the interaction of radiation in the scintillation material and photo-detectors (SiPM) to signal conditioning electronics (amplifiers, discriminators) and spectroscopy analysis using digital interfaces. This integrated design allows students to gain a complete, functional understanding of how a physical measurement is converted into digital data suitable for energy spectrum analysis and counting experiments. The simplicity and affordability of the pico system enable widespread adoption, making advanced detection physics accessible for broad STEM education. 

Presenter(s): Christabel A. Bempomaa

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Physics

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jing Liu

Poster Number: 303 (Upstairs in MUC)

Understanding Attention Deployment During Short-Term Memory Consolidation: An Eye-Tracking Study 

Information in the visual world is not automatically stored in short-term memory. To maintain memories over brief periods of time we must briefly consolidate it into short-term memory. In this experiment, participants complete a medical judgement task that requires viewing a letter-number combination and checking the values against a range on a chart. In one condition participants complete this task alone. In a second condition participants will be asked to remember a letter immediately before conducting the judgement task. In both conditions we will track eye movements to determine how short-term memory consolidating of the memory item influences the availability of cognitive resources. If attention cannot be split and consolidation of the memory item must occur before the judgement task can be initiated, then we should observe a delay in sustained fixation on the chart in the memory condition. If attention can be shared between memory consolidation and judgement concurrently then we should see that memory consolidation does not slow initiation of the task, but that the split resources result in slower judgment processing, observed as overall longer fixation time on the chart. The data generated from this experiment will help us compare and contrast whether central attention resources can be split between two tasks.

Presenter(s): Dillon A. Quinones

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy J. Ricker

Poster Number: 410

Descriptive Analysis on Weather fears in USD Students

Severe weather events can influence emotional responses and perceptions of safety, particularly among young adults living in regions prone to extreme weather conditions. Understanding weather-related fear is important for identifying how individuals perceive environmental threats and respond to potentially stressful situations. This study examined the prevalence and perception of weather-related fears among students at the University of South Dakota (USD). 

A total of 482 USD students completed an online survey assessing weather-related fear and perceptions of severe weather experiences. Weather fear was measured using the Storm Fear Questionnaire (SFQ), along with items evaluating whether caregivers shared similar fears, how participants’ fears compared to peers, and whether students perceived their fears as reasonable. Participants had a mean age of 19.32 years (SD = 2.68). The sample was primarily female (73.6%) and White (74.5%). The mean SFQ score was 16.57 (SD = 11.97),indicating generally low to moderate levels of weather-related fear within the sample. Most students reported feeling equally fearful as their peers (51.8%), while 31.4% reported being less fearful and 16.8% reported being more fearful than others. Additionally, 80.5% of participants indicated that their weather fears were reasonable to some degree, and 31.3% reported that caregivers shared similar weather-related fears. Overall, results suggest that weather-related fear among USD students exists along a continuum rather than reflecting extreme fear responses. Understanding these psychological impacts is critical for developing eƯective mental health interventions and public health strategies aimed at supporting students during severe weather events.

Presenter(s): Camilla Brogger-Anderson, Josna Joji

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jake Kraft

Poster Number: 411

Examining the Correlation Between Aggressive Sex and Dating Violence 

The National Library of Medicine found that in a survey conducted in 2022, 42.1% of undergraduate students had been choked sexually, and 37.1% had choked someone sexually. Research in the United States has shown that choking during sex in undergraduate students is continuing to gain popularity (Herbenick et al., 2022). With aggressive sex trends on the rise, our research team wanted to examine the correlation between aggressive sex tendencies and dating violence at the University of South Dakota. Beginning in the fall of 2025, students at USD could voluntarily and anonymously take the Rough Sex Survey through the Psychology Department’s online SONA participant recruiting system for extra credit in a psychology class. In a preliminary analysis of the results, including only 228 participants after data cleaning, 31.6% of USD students report being choked by a partner sexually, with 4.9% reporting being choked in a non-sexual conflict. However, only 11.8% of students performed choking on their partner sexually, with less than 1% reporting they have choked their partner in a non-sexual conflict. Results of further analyses of data from the Rough Sex survey will be presented at the IdeaFest conference. We anticipate that the results of this research will lead to a greater understanding of new aggressive sex trends. In addition, the results may potentially be used in educational programs designed to reduce dating violence. 

Presenter(s): Sophie Wilson, Ashlyn Reynolds, Emma J. Rauch-Word

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Cindy Struckman-Johnson

Poster Number: 412

“Hug Survey” – A Questionnaire Assessing the Relationship Between Physical Touch and Perceived Social Support 

Since the early 2000’s, mental health issues and loneliness rates have increased among young adults, with the COVID-19 pandemic having especially contributed to a sense of isolation and loneliness (Twenge et al., 2019, as cited in Sliwa, 2019). Our research team had noticed an apparent decrease in physical closeness among acquaintances since the COVID-19 lockdown. Some acquaintances had told a team member that they were “touch deprived”– not receiving their desired amount of physical touch. This led us to question the relationship between physical touch and mental health. In a literature review, we found research evidence that touch is related to decreased loneliness levels (Araújo et al., 2022). We also found evidence that perceived social support—the level of feeling connected and supported by those close to them—is a significant predictor of mental health (Acoba, 2024). Subsequently, we developed the “Hug Survey,” a questionnaire which measures the frequency of receiving physical touch (both platonic and romantic) and its potential relationship with perceived social support measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and loneliness, measured by the Revised UCLA (RUCLA) Loneliness Scale. In February of 2026, this anonymous and voluntary survey was made available to USD college students through SONA, an on-line recruiting platform used by the USD Psychology Department for extra credit. Through our very preliminary survey results from 72 people, we found that 35% of responders reported receiving no hugs in the past 7 days. In addition, 29% reported feeling “touch deprived.” Nearly half (49%) of the preliminary sample reported desiring slightly or significantly more platonic (non-romantic) touch than the amount they have now. More data from a larger sample will be presented at Idea Fest. 

Presenter(s): Ashlyn Reynolds, Emma J. Rauch-Word, Sophia M. Culuris, Sophie Wilson

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Cindy Struckman-Johnson

Poster Number: 414

A Psychometric Investigation of the Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale in Trauma-Exposed Young Adults 

Emotional reactivity refers to the activation, intensity, and duration of emotional experiences, whereas emotion regulation involves modifying them (Davidson, 1998; Förster et al., 2022). The Perth Emotional Reactivity Scale (PERS; Becerra & Campitelli, 2013) is a 30-item self-report measure of trait ER that yields Positive Reactivity (PR) and Negative Reactivity (NR) scores, reflecting responses to positive and negative emotions. Psychometric support has been demonstrated in community samples (Becerra et al., 2017). We examined the psychometrics of PERS in 280 trauma-exposed young adults (Age M = 19.39, 72.5% female, 73.2% White, 77.1% heterosexual, 13.6% bisexual, 51.1% single) and 390 young adults with a history of trauma, using measures of PTSD symptom severity (PCL-5), anger (DAR-5), and distress tolerance (DTS-SF). Trauma-exposed participants reported higher NR (M = 51.26, SD = 12.98) than non-exposed participants (M = 48.31, SD = 12.57), t(672)= −2.94, p = .003, and lower PR (M = 52.59, SD = 10.28 vs. M = 54.98, SD = 9.20), t(657) = 3.12, p = .002. PR was only associated with PCL-5 (r = -.18; p = .003), but NR was associated with PCL-5 (r = .35), DAR-5 (r = .64), and DTS-SF (r = -.39), all p < .001. Internal consistency was excellent for NR and PR (Cronbach's α = .91-.94). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a six-factor correlated model of PERS, with good fit (χ2 = 837.23, CFI = .95, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .06, SRMR = .07). Results support the PERS as a reliable, valid measure of emotional reactivity, highlighting its utility for research and assessment in trauma-exposed populations. 

Presenter(s): Sirine Harmouch

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brianna Byllesby

Poster Number: 415

Hidden Wounds: The Link Between Substance Use and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence impacts all of those who are involved, and some of these impacts are unseen. Native American and rural women do not have as many resources to deal with domestic violence issues and to heal from domestic violence. Some women also struggle with substance use or addiction issues while healing. To study this, 43 interviews have been conducted with Native American and rural women who are domestic violence survivors. This project is part of a larger one to examine what Native and rural women need to heal from domestic violence. This study specifically examines how substance usecomplicates these processes.Themes were identified using thematic analysis, helping describe the nature and eƯect of addiction on the healing process of domestic violencesurvivors. The first theme found involves the history of the survivors including family history of domestic violence, a family history of substance abuse, and the survivor having prior relationships involving domestic violence. The next pattern involves the survivors' situation before seeking shelter such as the abuser using substances or the addiction as a weapon against the survivor, the survivor being isolated, having fear that no one would believe her, or having a small or no support network, the survivor having a low sense of self care during the time of the domestic violence and addiction, and the survivor using their substance of choice to cope with stress, pain, or trauma. The third pattern revolves around the life of the survivor after being admitted into shelter like finding support through advocates, shelter workers, and religion, the survivor gaining independence, and the survivor being prescribed medication for mental health issues or illness. The last pattern is that survivors of domestic violence with co-occurring substance misuse need more help in shelter when recovering from their addiction or substance use disorder. 

Presenter(s): Gwen A. Donner

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bridget Diamond-Welch 

Poster Number: 304 (Upstairs in MUC)

When are Reward-Based Cues Most Effective in Prioritizing Working Memories?

Working memory is the limited capacity temporary storage of information required to perform a task. When items vary in their value during working memory tasks, individuals strategically allocate limited resources to high-value items at the expense of low-value ones. This implies a flexible and limited capacity working memory. The present study investigates the mechanisms of value-based prioritization in working memory by varying the timing of value-cue presentation to compare pre-cueing versus retro-cueing and exogenous versus endogenous cues. The contrast of pre-cues and retro-cues tells us whether reward-based prioritization eƯects are driven by changes during encoding or maintenance. The exogenous versus endogenous cue contrast highlights the potential cost of integrating value information from an outside source compared to receiving value information as part of the memory stimuli themselves. Patterns of response time and accuracy will demonstrate how and when reward cues influence memory performance. 

Presenter(s): Sriya Ravula

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy J. Ricker

Poster Number: 416

University of South Dakota Earth Days Fair and Clothing Swap 

The Earth Days Fair and Clothing Swap at the University of South Dakota is an annual Sustainability- focused event that promoted environmental awareness, community engagement, and responsible consumption. Organized by the USD Environmental Club during Earth Days week, the event brings together campus organizations, local businesses, and community members to highlight sustainable practices and environmental initiatives. the fair provides opportunities for students to interact with local farms, sustainability advocates, and environmental groups through educational booths, demonstrations, and informational displays. One of the central components of the event is the clothing Swap, which encourages reuse and reduces textile waste by allowing students and community members to exchange gently used clothing. 

Presenter(s): Nishi Bhardwaj Duvvada

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Anna Moore

Poster Number: 420

Reframing Sustainability to Exclude Sacrifice and Promote Shared Jo

Sustainability as a current framework is commonly associated with individual sacrifice, shaming of behavior, and environmental urgency. This current framework can dissuade individuals from adopting pro-environmental behavior and instead leave them feeling discouraged about the overwhelming problems in the world, which subsequently damages the field’s ability to support meaningful systemic change. However, it is possible that long-term sustainable change at all levels can instead be achieved by motivating and inspiring others to change their behaviors through positive community interaction and identity, supporting systems thinking approaches, adopting growth mindsets when solving problems or working toward desired solutions, using futures thinking approaches to frame desired goals and outcomes, and showcasing that sustainability can be “joyful.” The majority of these motivating elements are not based in environmental change, but are rather focused on social initiatives that promote inclusivity and the changing of community-based values. Consequently, this research project seeks to compare diƯering perspectives about sustainability between people inside the field and outside the field, and also strives to better understand how a shared perspective toward sustainability can be achieved between these two parties. Perspectives from individuals outside the field of sustainability are currently being collected for this project, but all research will be collected by the time of IdeaFest where the findings will be presented. 

Presenter(s): Chase Stehly

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 421

Hydroponic Systems as the Key to Enhanced Food Security at the University of South Dakota 

In this project, we hypothesize that cultivating plants using two hydroponics methods, that is Nutrient Flow Technique (NFT) and a vertical tower within a controlled indoor environment can result in high yields of crops to drive sustainable food production. Additionally, the project seeks to supply fresh produce to students, faculty, and the local food pantry, Feeding Vermillion. Traditional agriculture is limited by factors such as limited space, scarcity of water, and the threat of soil borne pathogens. In contrast, hydroponics provides a soilless alternative which also helps in conserving space. Our project is aligned with the Department of Sustainability’s goal to promote hands on learning as part of its STEM offering, while also fostering collaboration and community. Through experimentation, the team is also able to show the potential for scalable but low-cost alternatives in food production. Regarding methods, two hydroponic systems were fitted with 1-inch rockwool cubes suitable for seed germination. Moreover, nutrient management practices were implemented through continuous circulation channels, monitoring and recording for changes in pH (pH/EC monitoring target= 5.8-6.2; mildly acidic to neutral). Preliminary results from the hydroponics project demonstrated a robust growth in kale grown in the NFT system, reaching harvestable in 4-6 weeks. Leafy greens had the fastest growth rate, providing continuous cuts. Conversely, the strawberry bare root crowns would take more than 6 weeks to start fruiting. This is expected of perennial crops. Through consistent harvesting and propagation, the expected output places hydroponics at around 2x faster growth when compared to soil methods. In conclusion, this hydroponics project validates food production in the long term to supply campus and community needs. Likewise, there is potential for expansion, with future iterations seeking a broader impact. 

Presenter(s): Joshua Kalamu, Faith Nderitu

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 305 (Upstairs in MUC)

Integrating Probabilistic Risk Assessment into Sustainable Construction Management. 

Abstract: Sustainable construction management practices, such as those emphasizing energy conservation, materials, and regulatory requirements, are common, but the growing climate volatility and economic uncertainty require more adaptive approaches for decision-making. In this regard, this project has proposed a conceptual framework for the assessment of sustainability, considering the probabilistic risk assessment approach for more adaptive decision-making in construction management. In the proposed conceptual framework, the key risk factors, such as climate change, cost escalation, time delays, and environmental impact, are considered for assessment, including the sustainability of the project outcomes. By incorporating the risk assessment approach, the construction management practices can be more adaptive, moving beyond the sustainable approaches towards resilience-based decision-making for the project outcomes. In this work, a conceptual case example will be provided for the Midwestern infrastructure development, highlighting the benefits of the proposed conceptual framework for more adaptive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable construction management practices, emphasizing the importance of uncertainty analysis for sustainable construction management practices

Presenter(s): Sharad Chowdhury

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 422

Gait Responses to Mid Cerebellar Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease 

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder causing motor impairments such as gait diiculties, postural instability, and tremor, which increase fall risk and reduce independence in advanced stages. Although dopaminergic medications and deep brainstimulation improve several motor symptoms, gait and postural instability often respond poorly as the disease progresses, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that modulates cortical and cerebellar activity and has been investigated for movement and neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent evidence indicates that the mid-cerebellar (vermis) region is essential for gait regulation via cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways, and theta-frequency stimulation of these circuits may improve motor coordination. This study examined how individuals with PD (n=6) respond to mid-cerebellar theta-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) compared with sham stimulation using objective measures of gait. Participants completed walking trials under both sham and active rTMS conditions, and gait parameters including gait speed, cadence, lateral step variability, and double support time were extracted for each participant. Our analysis revealed heterogeneity in gait responses to mid cerebellar theta frequency rTMS among participants with PD. While some individuals demonstrated improvements in gait parameters following active stimulation (responders), others showed minimal or adverse changes (non responders), indicating marked inter individual variability in treatment responsiveness. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing neuromodulatory effects at the individual level and suggest that short term, data driven mid cerebellar rTMS, combined with objective gait metrics, may inform personalized neuromodulation strategies for PD.

Presenter(s): Gitanjali Sattanathan 

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Arun Singh, Rezwan Pallab 

Poster Number: 500

Changes in evaporative water loss throughout songbird ontogeny 

Because nestling songbirds are unable to alter their surrounding microclimates, they must regulate water balance physiologically. This mainly occurs by evaporation, specifically cutaneous water loss (CWL). However, different nests provide different temperatures and relative humidity for developing chicks; further, different regions of nestlings’ bodies are exposed to different rates of airflow in the nest. Yet, CWL has never been compared across nest types or body regions. Because cavity nests are generally more humid that open cup nests, we hypothesized that cavity nesting chicks would have greater rates of CWL. We collected CWL data from wild nestling songbirds in Northwestern Iowa and Southeast South Dakota using a portable evaporimeter and compared dorsal and ventral CWL rates using linear mixed models. Nest type and species were not significant predictors of CWL. However, ventral CWL increased significantly with age, whereas dorsal CWL remained static. The elevated ventral CWL of older nestlings likely represents a shift toward the physiological capacity to survive post-fledging, when the nest no longer provides protection. This ontogenetic shift in CWL might be a way that chicks cope with variable environmental conditions. How these changes may help nest-bound chicks survive in the face of climate change is unknown and merits an investigation of nest microclimates as they relate to CWL. 

Presenter(s): Jillian Murphy

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 501

Determination of the Lethal Concentration and Effective Concentration for Imidacloprid in Calico Crayfish (Faxonius immunis) 

Neonicotinoids are a rapidly expanding class of insecticides, with imidacloprid being one of the most widely used worldwide. Although designed to target crop pests, imidacloprid can have harmful effects on non-target aquatic organisms. Crayfish are particularly susceptible because the insecticide targets acetylcholine (ACh) receptors present in arthropods. This study examined the lethal and effective concentrations of imidacloprid in the South Dakota native crayfish species Faxonius immunis, commonly known as the calico crayfish. Little is known about imidacloprid’s effects on this species. Previous research has shown that once imidacloprid enters aquatic systems, it degrades slowly and produces neurotoxic metabolites that can persist in the environment. While physiological effects of the chemical have been documented, lethal concentrations remain uncertain, particularly for the calico crayfish. Because crayfish are sensitive to environmental contaminants and serve as reliable indicators of water quality, they are useful model organisms for toxicity studies. In this study, crayfish were exposed to seven different concentrations of imidacloprid to determine the concentration resulting in 50% mortality of the population (LC₅₀). Results showed 100% mortality at concentrations of 75 mg/L and 50 mg/L, while 50% mortality occurred at 33 mg/L and 22 mg/L. These findings establish baseline sensitivity of South Dakota crayfish to imidacloprid and provide insight into potential ecological risks in local waterways. 

Presenter(s): Ellie R. Goetzinger 

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby, Annastasia Bair 

Poster Number: 502

Using Size Spectra to Analyze the Effects of Sampling Bias on Stream Macroinvertebrates

The individual size distribution (ISD), also known as size spectra, describes the relationship between body mass and abundance, independent of species identity. ISDs are widely used to characterize community structure and infer energy flow within aquatic food webs. However, accurately estimating ISDs is challenging because common macroinvertebrate sampling methods introduce size-dependent biases. These biases can distort our understanding of individual sizes and lead to inaccurate estimates of community-level density and biomass, ultimately affecting interpretations of ecosystem structure and function. Power law models have been developed to estimate undersampled portions of the size spectrum, yet few studies explicitly apply these models to correct biased field datasets. In this study, benthic macroinvertebrate data from Brule Creek, SD is used to estimate a power law model and extrapolate undersampled sizes, with the goal of generating more accurate estimates of community biomass. Preliminary analyses indicate substantial undersampling, sometimes exceeding 50% of the data. We will examine how power-law corrections change community biomass compared to the original data. Differences in ISD slopes and biomass estimates will be used to evaluate how missing size classes influences overall community patterns. 

Presenter(s): Isabelle R. Neville

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner

Poster Number: 503

Examining Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis Inhibition with Bacterial Metabolites 

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a deadly fungal pathogen to amphibians, causing chytridiomycosis that has led to worldwide population declines. One key to solving this issue is understanding how some amphibian species resist Bd through bacterial metabolites. Since Bd infects the skin of amphibians, it is critical to identify any native bacterial fauna that are anti-fungal. Our laboratory has recently isolated a local strain of Bd from a South Dakota amphibian population. This research project will show how anti-Bd bacterial metabolites may inhibit the growth of Bd from local Northern Leopard frogs. Bacterial strains were previously isolated from wild-caught Northern Leopard frogs at a Missouri River site in southeast South Dakota. This study will be the first to examine the anti-Bd isolates on South Dakota bacteria against a South Dakota strain of Bd. To do this, bacterial isolates will be inoculated into tryptone gelatin hydrolysate lactose (TGhL) media and incubated for 48 hours. Cultures will be centrifuged to pellet the bacterial cells, then the supernatant will be transferred into filter microtubes and centrifuged again to remove any remaining cells. Using a 96-well plate, experimental, positive control, negative control, and blank wells will be set up. The experimental wells will contain Bd and isolated metabolites to determine if the isolated metabolites will be able to inhibit Bd growth. Bd will be added to all wells and allowed to proliferate. When the plates are prepared, the absorbance will be logged every 24 hours using a spectrophotometer. Between measurements, the plates will stay inside at room temperature. Growth curves will be established to determine the rate of Bd proliferation under experimental conditions and compared to control curves to determine which metabolites show the largest ability to inhibit Bd growth. The growth curve will be analyzed using Bayesian generalized linear models. From the results, we will be able to determine which bacterial metabolites kill Bd or help it grow, and this will support identifying anti-Bd bacterial metabolites for future research.

Presenter(s): Livia P. Ritchie

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby, Morgan Swanson 

Poster Number: 504

Assessing DNMT expression as a function of DNA methylation in the Chestnut-Crowned Babbler 

An individual’s environment can influence their physiology, health, behavior, and more, often through changes in gene expression. Although the genetic code remains largely unchanged after birth, environmental stimuli can alter gene expression by inducing DNA methylation, a molecular mechanism that influences whether and how genes are expressed. The group of proteins fundamental for controlling DNA methylation are DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Like other genes, gene expression of DNMTs can be manipulated in response to variable patterns in methylation of their promoters, driven by changes in the environment. However, whether the differential methylation at particular sites is more influential than others at determining gene expression is unknown. Here, we measured how gene expression of the DNMT1 and DNMT3a genes were related to DNA methylation of the promoters of each gene. We extracted mRNA, converted it to cDNA, and quantified gene expression with qPCR. We predict individuals with increased methylation of the promoter regions will have reduced gene expression of DNMTs. Differential expression of DNMT genes will have effects on how DNA methylation is controlled throughout the genome, and consequently how other genes are expressed. This work advances understanding of epigenetic regulation by elucidating how DNA methylation influences the expression of genes responsible for establishing and maintaining methylation patterns throughout the genome. Overall, these findings reinforce knowledge of how environmental conditions shape phenotypes through epigenetic regulation. 

Presenter(s): Rylie Stonecipher 

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl 

Poster Number: 505

Running on Low Battery: Mitonuclear Conflict Slows Larval Crawling 

Mitochondrial and nuclear genomes jointly encode components of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, which generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency fueling metabolic processes that underpin organismal fitness, including cellular and tissue maintenance, activity, growth, and reproduction. Mitochondrial-nuclear (hereafter mitonuclear) incompatibility arising from asymmetric introgression (e.g., in hybrid zones, sex-biased dispersal, natural selection, or incomplete lineage sorting) can alter ATP production and allocation among these processes. We tested the effects of mitonuclear mismatch using a panel of (mtDNA); nDNA genotypes created by asymmetric substitution of divergent mtDNA between Drosophila melanogaster and its sister species D. simulans. Two genotypes - (ore); OreR and (ore); Aut - carry coevolved mitonuclear genomes from D. melanogaster, whereas the other two - (w501); Aut and (w501); OreR- harbor D. simulans mitochondrial DNA introgressed onto a D. melanogaster nuclear background. Previous work in this panel showed that the mismatched (w501); OreR genotype has a genetic incompatibility between mitochondrial mt-tRNATyr gene and the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase gene (Aatm), resulting in bioenergetic defects, delayed development, redox stress, reduced female fecundity, and extensive metabolic remodeling of biochemical pathways favoring survival over larval growth. Here, we hypothesized that these trade-oƯs would reduce larval locomotor activity in (w501); OreR compared to other genotypes. Using a larval crawling assay, we measured (1) crawling speed per individual larva and (2) peristaltic propagation (laterally symmetricwaves of muscular contraction and relaxation from anterior to posterior) in individual larvathat drive crawling. Our results show that both activity metrics are significantly reduced in(w501); OreR compared to other genotypes, reflecting limited bioenergetic performance.These findings underscore the context dependency of mitonuclear discordance, which canuniquely scale up to influence organismal fitness, energy budget trade-oƯs and life-historyevolution.

Presenter(s): Jordy K. Cámbara, Brian Frias

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Omera B Matoo

Poster Number: 506

Springing to life: Metabolic responses of endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly larvae (Somatochlora hineana) across a winter–spring thermal gradient 

Temperature is a critical determinant of metabolic activity in insects. Larvae of the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) use crayfish burrows as refugia when surface flow in the seasonal wetlands they occupy ceases in the summer. Larvae remain in burrows until flow returns the following spring. Although burrows provide refugia from drying, these environments are low in food and larvae face danger from the resident crayfish during the 7-9 month residency period in burrows. Surviving such extended periods without food requires careful tuning of metabolic activity to minimize energy expenditures in the thermal environment of burrows. We used intermittent respirometry to determine thermal performance curves for S. hineana larvae derived from two different populations occupying different groundwater temperature regimes and assess whether metabolic rates are optimized for overwintering temperatures. We found metabolic rate over the range of 5 to 24°C was determined by temperature, with higher temperatures experiencing greater levels of metabolic variability. Our results suggest that the upper thermal limits during the overwintering period for S. hineana lie between 7.5°C and 10°C, irrespective of population. Identifying this thermal threshold defines limits to overwintering behavior and may help predict how environmental changes, such as shifts in sub-surface groundwater temperature, could impact larval survival. This study provides an important example of how ecophysiological data for a federally endangered insect may be critical for informing future conservation strategies in the face of a rapidly changing environment. 

Presenter(s): Devin M. McGinley

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk 

Poster Number: 507

Tailoring Probiotics for Amphibian Conservation: Investigating Microbial Persistence and Microbiome Stability 

Over 500 amphibian species have been associated with steep declines in populations or extinction because of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis since the 1970s. Chytridiomycosis is caused by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) that invades the host’s epithelial tissue, disrupting both homeostasis and immune responses against infections. A promising mitigation strategy involves targeted probiotics that strengthen the host’s innate immune system by enriching the microbiota with beneficial bacteria and inhibiting fungal infections. Previous studies showed that bioaugmentation of locally occurring protective bacteria has reduced Bd colonies in laboratory trials. We used these existing frameworks and protocols to evaluate isolates that either suppress or accelerate Bd in vitro. During the summer of 2025, 148 bacterial samples were collected from eight distinct sites around the Missouri River. All samples were screened using Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) assays and Cell-Supernatant (CFS) assays. Bacterial cells were removed, and Bd was grown in liquid supernatant to evaluate effects mediated by amphibian metabolites. Results showed differential bacterial activity, with colonies branching into three categories: Bd-inhibitory, Bd-enhancing, and neutral. In CFS assays, two isolates showed a 36% inhibitory effect, consistently exhibiting anti-Bd responses across all trials, classifying them as candidate probiotics for future validation. Further analyzing multiple interactions between isolates on Bd agar plates could determine if probiotic treatments rely on specific combinations between multiple bacterial cultures. If synergistic effects are confirmed, multiple cultures of beneficial bacteria could yield higher immune defense and resilience compared to monocultures. By studying the persistence and integration of antiBd bacteria in vitro, this research aims to contribute to a broader strategy for mitigating amphibian declines through probiotics that can be administered safely in vivo, ensuring high efficiency against chytridomycosis. 

Presenter(s): Valeria Olivia

Student Award Recognition: UDiscover Project

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby, Morgan Swanson  

Poster Number: 508

Impact of Reductive Defluorination and Perfluoroalkyl Side Chains on the Electrochemical Properties of Tribenzo (a,c,i) Phenazine Derivatives 

Compounds containing fluorocarbons have many real-world applications such as creating polymers and use in electronic devices. Despite these great prospects, a problem arises with compounds containing longer fluoroalkyl side chains which can undergo reductive defluorination. Measuring the electron transfer numbers in each reduction steps of these perfluoroalkylated compounds is critical for understanding the materials stability and determining recyclability. We utilize a cyclic voltammetry technique using microelectrodes to test tribenzo (a, c, i) phenazine derivatives' redox behavior. These experiments were performed under inert conditions inside of a glovebox; and the solution was tested at varied potential scan rates to obtain multiple voltammograms. Steady state currents from the voltammograms were analyzed. Based on the steady state currents of both reduction waves, current ratio between the 1st and 2nd reduction waves was calculated to determine the possible electron transfer mechanism of the compound. This study successfully helps in determining the electron transfer number during the reductive defluorination processes. It opens a door to new studies in fluoroalkyl-containing organic compounds 

Presenter(s): Steven Harmon

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Haoran Sun 

Poster Number: 509

Increasing Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Nanocrystals with Cobalt Dopants and NiO Heterojunctions 

Carbon emissions and fossil fuel usage has increased dramatically in recent decades, and the need for renewable energy has grown with it. Through the synthesis and photocatalysis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocrystals, it’s possible to harvest solar energy and create an alternate fuel source. Many different methods have been used to try and increase the effectiveness of TiO2 in the photocatalytic process, including dye sensitization, quantum dot sensitization, doping with metals and non-metals, and the surface attachment of cocatalyst materials. Doping methods and the use of cocatalysts do not face the same level of degradation that dye and quantum dot sensitization do, so they can be better used as a long term energy solution. As a result, we tested the capabilities and effectiveness of cobalt-doping and nickel (II) oxide (NiO) cocatalyst p-n heterojunctions on TiO2 nanorods. We have found that the Co-doped TiO2 increased the light absorbance of the material into the visible region. We also found that NiO-TiO2 catalyzes light-driven water oxidation to hydrogen peroxide as a result of NiO promoting the separation of photogenerated charges within the material. These results could provide a new source of energy for the future, and help reduce the need for harmful fossil fuels. 

Presenter(s): Lara Haack 

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): James D. Hoefelmeyer 

Poster Number: 510

Influence of Perfluoroethyl Chains on Phenazine Derivatives Electrochemical Properties 

Many hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) can contribute to global warming due to their high global warming potential (GWP). Recycling and repurposing the HFCs with high GWP will provide new methods to fluorinate various organic compounds where fluorination often provides unique properties for many applications including medicine, high tech industrial applications such as chip production, and our daily life. For instance, unaltered Dibenzo(a,c)phenazine have been observed to have 2 reversible redox waves. However, the addition of long perfluoroalkyl chains causes the second redox wave to become irreversible due to reductive defluorination. Interestingly, the addition of trifluoromethyl groups does not aƯect the irreversibility of the 2 redox waves. The irreversibility of the second redox wave can be due to dianion instability undergoing decomposition reactions resulting in either double or triple bond formation with adjacent two carbon aroms in the perfluoroalkyl chains after reductive defluorination. However, the nature of the formed bond, either double or triple, is unknown. Hence, we used cyclic voltammetry using micro electrodes to estimate the number of electrons transferred in order to hypothesize the possible nature of the formed bond and study the electrochemical properties of the altered phenazine derivative. Our results show that the formation of a double bond is more likely using gold micro electrode voltammograms. Further information still needs to be gathered to formulate a concrete conclusion.

Presenter(s): Jessicael Raherisoanjato 

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Haoran Sun

Poster Number: 511

A Dyadic Inquiry into Illness Perceptions Among Parents and Children Following Pediatric Surgery

Cognitive and emotional appraisals of illness, as outlined in illness perception frameworks, are essential for understanding how children and parents respond to health conditions (Broadbent et al., 2011). However, parent–child agreement on children’s illness experiences varies widely across studies, with parents and children often differing in their perceptions of pain, quality of life, and psychological symptoms (Kaminsky et al., 2019; Mack et al., 2020). This study investigated differences in illness representations by children and their parents following children’s surgical procedures and their impact on children's mental health outcomes. Participants were 157 parent-child dyads recruited from pediatric clinics and community sources. Parents (M age = 39.85, 70% female) and children (M age = 11.65, 61% male) independently completed an online survey. Parent and child reports of overall illness perception demonstrated good agreement (ICC = .82), with the highest concordance observed for timeline (duration of illness; ICC = .80) and the lowest concordance for treatment control (beliefs regarding treatment effectiveness; ICC = .41). Results demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between illness perception discrepancies and child anxiety and depression symptoms (β = .19, p &lt; .05) and child PTSD symptoms (β = .18, p &lt; .05), indicating that greater disagreement between parents and children about the illness is associated with higher anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms in the child. These findings highlight the subjective nature of illness experiences in both children and parents and emphasize the importance of dual-informant approaches for capturing distinct perspectives and informing targeted interventions following pediatric surgery.

Presenter(s): Jessy Thomas

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 512

Transdiagnostic Factors Moderating PTSD and Anger

Research suggests a negative association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and two distinct facets of distress tolerance: tolerance of frustration (i.e., the perceived ability to withstand frustrations) and tolerance of physical discomfort (i.e., the perceived capacity to withstand uncomfortable physical sensations; Hyland et al., 2013; Wald & Taylor, 2010). Findings highlight strong associations between anger and PTSD (Durham et al., 2018) and between anger and frustration (Martin & Dahlen, 2004), while the link between discomfort tolerance and anger remains unexplored (Smith & Kirby, 2004). Understanding these relationships can clarify nuances about the experience of anger in PTSD. The present study evaluated frustration and discomfort tolerance as moderators for the relationship between PTSD symptomology and anger. Participants were 185 traumaexposed adults who participated in a study hosted online through Prolific (M age = 40.93, 55.1% female, 76.2% White). Two moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro in SPSS, with PTSD severity as the predictor and 1) frustration tolerance, and 2) physical discomfort intolerance as moderators, with anger as the outcome variable. The interaction between PTSD and frustration tolerance accounted for significantly more variance in self-reported anger, F(1, 181) = 10.77, ΔR2 = .032, p &lt; .001, b = .002. There was no interaction between PTSD symptomology and discomfort tolerance to predict anger, F(1, 181) = 2.66, ΔR2 = .010, p = .105, b = -.003. Further, there were mean differences in frustration discomfort between individuals with vs. without a trauma history, t(310) = - 2.31, p = .022, Cohen’s d = -.266, indicating a small effect size, but not for discomfort tolerance. The findings indicated frustration tolerance moderated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and anger, suggesting PTSD and anger associations might be more affective (e.g., related to emotions like frustration) rather than physical (e.g., associated with discomfort or somatic experiences).

Presenter(s): Shukirta Khadka

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brianna Byllesby 

Poster Number: 513

Title: Perceived Racial Discrimination, Ethnic–Racial Identity, and Psychological Flexibility as Predictors of PTSD Symptoms Among People of Color: A Moderation Analysis

Racial-ethnic discrimination is increasingly conceptualized as a chronic, identity-based stressor linked to elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among people of color (POC). National survey data show substantial discrimination disparities in exposure across groups. Pew Research Center findings indicate that about 80% of Black adults report lifetime racial discrimination compared with roughly 25–30% of White adults, while Hispanic/Latino and Asian adults report elevated rates near 60%. Parallel data from the Kaiser Family Foundation report lifetime discrimination rates of 76% among Black adults, 81% among Native Americans, 58% among Hispanic adults, and 63% among Asian adults, compared with 31% among White adults. These disparities highlight discrimination as a pervasive population-level stressor with important implications for trauma-related mental health outcomes.

Guided by the Minority Stress Model, discrimination is conceptualized as a distal stressor contributing to trauma-related psychopathology, while culturally grounded identity processes and adaptive regulatory capacities may buffer its psychological impact. This study examines whether ethnic–racial identity (ERI) and psychological flexibility moderate the perceived association between perceived discrimination and PTSS severity among POC adults.

Participants include adults who self-identify as people of color recruited through Prolific (target N = 485; current N ≈ 200). Inclusion criteria include age ≥18, U.S. residence, and proficiency in reading English. Measures assess lifetime trauma exposure (Life Events Checklist–5), perceived discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale), ethnic–racial identity (Ethnic Identity Scale–Brief), psychological flexibility (Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory), and DSM-5–aligned PTSS severity.

Data collection is ongoing and analyses are forthcoming. Hayes’ PROCESS macro will test moderation e􀆯ects. The first model evaluates ERI and psychological flexibility as independent moderators of the discrimination–PTSS association, while the second model examines their combined moderating effects. Findings may identify modifiable resilience processes relevant to racialized traumatic stress and inform culturally responsive interventions aimed at reducing trauma-related disparities among POC.

Presenter(s): Jacy Anyanwu, Corey Simpson

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Reseach and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jean Caraway

Poster Number: 514

Behind the Badge: Assessing Psychological Well-Being in First Responders’ Children and Risk and Resilience Factors

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians may often be exposed to highly stressful or traumatic events due to their occupation. Consequently, first responders are found to be at a heightened risk for adverse mental health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and more. While the mental health risks for first responders are well-understood, little attention has been paid to their children. Therefore, this study examined risk and resilience factors that may influence the psychological well-being of first responders’ children. It was hypothesized that parent critical incident exposure and parent mental health would have positive associations with levels of internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems in children. Additionally, it was hypothesized that community and workplace support would be negatively associated with child psychological problems. 195 first responder parents reported on their own critical incident exposure, mental health symptoms, and community and workplace support. They also reported on their children’s internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems. As hypothesized, a higher rate of critical incident exposure was associated with poorer child psychological well-being, F (4,190) =4.40, p&lt;0.01, R2=0.09. Additionally, higher levels of parent anxiety, depression, and stress were associated with higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems in children, ps&lt;0.05. When evaluating potential resilience factors, it was found that community support and child mental health were significantly related, F (6,188) =10.68, p&lt;0.01, R2=0.25, but workplace support was not, p&gt;0.05. Results highlight the need to continue to assess for potential risk and resilience factors that are associated with children’s well-being in order to identify and target influential factors. Moreover, promoting child well-being may in turn offer further support to first responders, who remain a population with a unique need of support.

Presenter(s): Emily Hermann

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 515

Cognitive and Coping Predictors of Vulnerability to Severe Weather Anxiety

With severe weather events becoming more frequent, it is increasingly important to develop clear models of factors contributing to severe-weather anxiety, yet little research has explored what preexisting cognitive factors relate to higher experiences of this anxiety. This research aims to identify which cognitive factors and coping strategies may make individuals more vulnerable to experiencing severe-weather-related anxiety. Data was gathered from 314 undergraduate students at the University of South Dakota. Several measures were used to assess severe-weather anxiety (Storm Fear Questionnaire; SFQ), safety behaviors (Storm Related Safety Behavior Scale; SRSBS) and weather anxiety (Weather Experiences Questionnaire; WEQ). Coping strategy predictors were assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Cognitive and affective predictors of weather anxiety were measured using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale (ToA) and Attention Control Scale (ACS). Overall, the five coping predictors significantly predicted SFQ scores (R2=.10, F [5,308]=6.56, p&lt;.001). Specifically, avoidance coping (β=0.21, p&lt;.001) and emotion-oriented coping (β=.20, p&lt;.001) predicted SFQ when controlling for all other variables. These two components (Avoidance Coping: β=.27, p&lt;.001; Emotion-Oriented Coping: β=.02, p=.002) also stood out as the only predicters of SRSBS (R2=.13, F [5,308]=9.49, p&lt;.001). The coping strategies also significantly predicted WEQ (R2=.078, F [5,308]=5.19, p&lt;.001), with avoidance coping (β=.21, p&lt;.001) being the only significant predictor. The three cognitive predictors significantly predicted SFQ (R2=.12, F [3,310]=13.81, p&lt;.001. Specifically, IUS total (β=.30, p&lt;.001). Only the IUS total (β=.05, p&lt;.001) significantly predicted SRSBS (R2=.07, F [3,310]=8.18, p&lt;.001). These findings suggested that several mechanisms may contribute to heightened severe weather anxiety including avoidance-based coping, emotion-oriented coping and the intolerance of uncertainty. These findings suggest that future behavioral interventions for weather anxiety target maladaptive coping strategies such as avoidance and emotion oriented as well as cognitive processes concerning the intolerance of uncertainty.

Presenter(s): Lindsey R. Aune

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jake Kraft

Poster Number: 516

Benefits of Thinness Correlation with Body Image Factors

Body image contains the four major dimensions of subjective satisfaction, distress regarding appearance, cognitive aspects, and behavioral aspects (Menzel et al., p. 155, as cited in Cash & Smolak, 2011). Body image concerns are detrimental to psychological wellbeing, and many studies have shown how prevalent an issue it is in female college students (Aparicio-Martinez et al., 2019; Rosenqvist et al., 2024). Additionally, research has found that people associate thinness with attractiveness, thus believing attractiveness might be a benefit of thinness (Lie & Perrett, 2021). This study, which consisted of a sample of 120 female college students aged 18-22 (Mage = 19.7, SD = 1.07), further examines the beliefs of the perceived benefits of thinness and how this is associated with well-known risk factors for eating disorders, such as thin internalization, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and body comparison. Understanding how these factors are associated is crucial to developing a more holistic understanding of eating disorder risk factors in college-aged women.

Presenter(s): Rachael Knecht 

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Emma Mack, Hannah Faiman

Poster Number: 518

Cultivating Readers: School Reading Culture as a Protective Factor in Low-SES Elementary Schools

Reading motivation plays a critical role in students’ literacy development and consequential academic achievement. While extensive research has examined cognitive skills and instructional practices that influence reading outcomes, less attention has been given to how environmental factors, such as a school’s reading culture, may shape students’ motivation to read. Research suggests that school climate and learning environments can influence students’ intrinsic motivation, which in turn contributes to academic achievement. However, there is limited research examining how specific elements of a school’s reading culture may function as an environmental influence on reading motivation.

This literature review examines existing research on access to books, school libraries, and literacy-rich environments in elementary schools serving students from lowsocioeconomic communities. Studies demonstrate that students in high-poverty communities often experience “book deserts”- a reduction in the availability of print resources that hinders opportunities for literacy development. Other research demonstrates that increased access to books and library resources is associated with high levels of reading engagement and motivation among elementary students.

This project aims to build on the current research by proposing a future mixed-methods study examining the relationship between school reading-culture resources and reading motivation among elementary students in Title 1 schools. The proposed study would measure student reading motivation using an established survey and examine school-level factors such as library access, book circulation, and opportunities for independent reading. By exploring the relationship between reading culture, motivation, and literacy outcomes, this research aims to better understand how school environments may serve as a protective factor supporting reading achievement in economically disadvantaged contexts.

Presenter(s): Ashley DeLong

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kaiya Ansorge, Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 519

Suspended Futures: A Depiction of the School to Prison Pipeline

The United States is controversially known for its disproportionate rate of minority populations in the criminal justice system. A relatively recent phenomenon is the disproportionate punishment of minority youth in schools, resulting in exclusion and juvenile justice contact. The school-to-prison pipeline is a term used to describe minority youth being pushed out of the classroom and put behind bars. There are numerous factors contributing to this pipeline, including the adoption of zero-tolerance policies in education, exclusionary discipline trends, and teacher racial bias. The disproportionate punishment in schools and the resulting school exclusion for minority youth are perpetuating systems of racism in the U.S. To dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, schools must participate in staff training and adopt restorative practice alternatives to punishment.

Presenter(s): Meah L. Bligh

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kaiya Ansorge, Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 521

The Distinct Emotional Profiles in Trauma Exposed Individuals: Difference in Depression and Anxiety Symptomatology                    Authors: Lauren Clark, Shukirti Khada, and Brianna Byllesby

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an impairing psychiatric disorder whose diagnosis and treatment are complicated by its comorbid presentation, most frequently with major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; Joyal et al., 2019). Individuals with PTSD also report difficulties in managing their emotional responses (Tull et al., 2007). The current study identified varying levels of emotional severity in traumaexposed college students and assessed its relationship with trauma symptomatology and dysregulation. There were 280 undergraduate students who completed the questionnaires as part of an online survey (M age=19.38, SD=1.84; 72.5% female) including PTSD symptom severity, depressive and anxiety symptom severity, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their severity profiles: (1) low anxiety/low depression, (2) high anxiety/low depression, (3) low anxiety/high depression, (4) high anxiety/high depression. Two one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted in SPSS to examine the differences in PTSD symptom severity and emotion regulation difficulties between the four groups, respectively. For PTSD severity, the ANOVA was significant, F(3, 278) = 46.01, p &lt;.001, η2 = .334. Games-Howell post hoc comparisons found differences between the PTSD symptom severity in Group 1 vs. 2, p = .005, Group 1 vs. 4, p &lt;.001, Group 2 vs. 4, p &lt;.001, as well as between Group 3 vs. 4, p &lt;.001. For emotion dysregulation, the ANOVA showed significant differences in emotional regulation difficulties between the groups, F(3, 279) = 44.01, p &lt;.001, η2=.324. Games-Howell post hoc comparisons found differences between Group 1 and all other groups, all p &lt;.001. Additionally, Group 4 differed from Group 2 and Group 3, both p &lt;.001. Findings revealed that PTSD severity and emotional dysregulation differ by comorbidity profiles, with those highest in severity exhibiting more PTSD symptom-severity and emotional dysregulation.

Presenter(s): Lauren K. Clark

Department/Division/Area: Psychology 

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brianna Byllesby

Poster Number: 522

Examining Trends Amongst Severe Weather Exposure

Climate change, defined as long-term shifts in weather primarily caused by human activity, has shown to have a measurable impact on weather, notably increasing intensity and frequency of severe weather events. By investigating weather anxiety, intense feelings of fear surrounding severe weather, we can better understand how effects of climate change psychologically impact humans to inform mental health interventions and public health strategies. The current study recorded participants’ experiences with severe weather events through a self-report survey exploring how increased severe weather affects mental health. A participant pool of undergraduate USD students seeking course credit responded to questions that probed perspectives of severe weather events, coping abilities, and mental health conditions that were examined through a thematic analysis identifying trends and patterns amongst responses. The four types of severe weather events most commonly experienced were tornados (36%), thunderstorms (22%), and floods and blizzards (both 21%). Emotional responses to these severe weather events included feelings of fear/terror (11%) and helplessness (10%). Ongoing anxiety and trauma from these weather events were relatively low (1% and 2%, respectively). Participants’ physical proximity to these threatening weather events was either direct (23%), indirect/near miss (30%), and witnessing aftermath (12%). Narrative tone appeared detached/flat (81%) and vivid/emotional (17%). The results of this study reveal majority of severe weather experiences consist of tornadoes closely followed by thunderstorms, floods, and blizzards. Though emotional responses were minimally reported, fear/terror and helplessness are frequently mentioned. Proximity to severe weather threats were commonly reported as indirect followed by direct. A large proportion of responses were detached in narrative tone. Gaining awareness of reoccurring severe weather experiences and evoked emotions ultimately supports progressing development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for those affected with lasting weather anxiety in an environment with increasing climate change.

Presenter(s): Aubrey L. Liberty, Christina Franicullo

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jake Kraft, Lindsey Aune

Poster Number: 523

The Alpha-band Rocks! - but also Relates to Hazardous Drinking in College Students during Resting-state EEG.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is linked to widespread changes in brain function with varying severity. These include alterations in memory skills, impulse control, reward systems, and a myriad of other cognitive abilities, making AUD a particularly important focus for study. Electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical activity at the scalp and has shown promise in identifying neural differences associated with alcohol use by examining oscillatory frequency bands. Resting-state EEG conveys baseline brain dynamics, and the field lacks a comprehensive understanding of how these baseline patterns may vary in individuals prior to the development of AUD. The alpha frequency band (8-12 Hz), which is prominent while at rest, primarily appears in the posterior cortex and is thought to relate to cortical inhibition, attentional readiness, and basic sensory processing. Our goal was to determine whether alpha power could act as a biomarker associated with drinking behavior in college populations based on self-reported consumption and resting-state EEG. Participants completed resting-state EEG recordings during both eyes-open and eyesclosed conditions. Drinking behavior was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and participants were categorized as hazardous or nonhazardous drinkers based on their scores. EEG data were collected using a 64-channel g.tec system and processed using EEGLAB. Alpha-band power was quantified across posterior scalp sites. We hypothesized that hazardous drinkers would exhibit differences in resting-state activity relative to non-hazardous drinkers, and that alpha power would be associated with AUDIT scores. Preliminary analyses suggest that hazardous drinkers exhibit higher posterior alpha power during resting-state conditions. In addition, higher AUDIT scores were associated with greater resting-state alpha synchronization. These findings provide preliminary evidence that baseline neural dynamics may vary as a function of drinking behavior in college students and may help inform future research examining neural indicators of risk for problematic alcohol use.

Presenter(s): Andrew D. Crosse

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Taylor Bosch

Poster Number: 525

A Survey of USD Students’ Perceptions of Men and Women

According to Gallup polls, men and women have different perceptions on the degree to which women in the U.S. are treated with respect and dignity (Ray & Ritter, 2025). In addition, according to the Survey Center on American Life, young men and women feel as though the opposite sex doesn’t understand their struggles (2024). There has also been a recent rise in the “manosphere,” online communities that reject feminism and perpetuate misogyny (Carmo, 2025). This rise in online misogyny has been matched by a new, smaller movement of women who hate men and promote misandry (Coppolillo, 2025). In light of these rising gender-based tensions, our undergraduate research team in the USD Psychology Department decided to assess self- and other-gender perceptions among USD students. We are currently in the stage of developing an online anonymous questionnaire entitled “A Survey of USD Students’ Perceptions of Men and Women” to examine this issue. In the first section we will collect demographic data, such as age, gender, year in school, major or department, and sexual orientation. In addition, we will collect personal information such as dating history and media exposure. The first major assessment section will be on stereotypic beliefs of the traits and behaviors of men and women. In the second part, we will assess to what extent participants hold prejudiced perceptions of men and women. In the third part, we will ask if participants have been exposed to negative acts from the same or opposite gender, such as dismissive or hurtful language (e.g. “hysterical,” “unintelligent,” or “unemotional”). In the final section, we are going to ask for suggestions on how men and women can overcome these misunderstandings, such as coed activities on USD campus.

Presenter(s): Sophia M Culuris, Ashlyn Reynolds, Davia L. Wynn, Emma J. Rauch-Word, Jaci Porter, Taylor J. Wall

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Cindy Struckman-Johnson

Poster Number: 526

What Mechanism Drives Impairment of Auditory Working Memory During Intermittent Multitasking?

Working memory stores and processes information temporarily to complete cognitive tasks such as reading comprehension and problem-solving. Prior literature has shown impairment in working memory performance during multitasking resulting from rapid shifts of attention from one task to another. In the present study, participants are asked to remember auditory stimuli while completing intermittent parity judgment tasks. Multitasking demands are manipulated to create low, medium, and high conditions or single-task demand conditions. Three models explain why attention shifts result in memory deficits in this paradigm, the Time-Based Resource Sharing model (TBRS), the Memory Enrichment Theory (MET), and the Resource Depletion Theory (RDT), this study aims to explore which model of working memory best explains this cognitive impairment. The TBRS model supports the idea that working memory is a balance of temporal memory decay and memory maintenance. MET focuses on how memory consolidation is affected by perceived multitasking difficulty. RDT theorizes that memory encoding resources deplete during active use and regenerate when free time is present. We test the predictions of these 3 models to uncover the underlying cognitive mechanisms driving of working memory under multitasking conditions.

Presenter(s): Asia Sletten, Christina Fanciullo

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy J. Ricker

Poster Number: 527

An Introduction to Psychological First Aid: An Examination of The Principles and Practical Application of PFA As An Early Response Strategy

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach used to support individuals in the immediate aftermath of disasters, emergencies, and other traumatic events. The purpose of this work is to examine the principles and practical application of PFA as an early response strategy aimed at reducing initial distress and promoting adaptive functioning. PFA emphasizes meeting individuals’ immediate emotional and practical needs while helping them regain a sense of safety and stability during highly stressful situations. The approach is guided by five key elements that promote recovery: safety, calm, connectedness, self and community efficacy, and hope. Individuals who may benefit from PFA include those experiencing acute stress reactions, grief, safety concerns, disruption of basic needs, or difficulty maintaining typical functioning following a traumatic event. Particular consideration is given to vulnerable populations such as children and older adults, whose responses to crisis situations may differ or emerge over time. PFA is implemented through a flexible set of response strategies that include establishing contact in a non-intrusive manner, ensuring safety and comfort, stabilizing intense emotional reactions, identifying immediate needs, providing practical assistance, strengthening social supports, encouraging adaptive coping, and connecting individuals with additional services when appropriate. These strategies allow responders to provide compassionate support while helping individuals access resources that promote recovery. In addition to addressing the needs of survivors, attention is also given to the well-being of responders, as individuals working in crisis settings may experience emotional fatigue or stress. Overall, PFA functions as an early supportive intervention that helps stabilize individuals, strengthen resilience, and facilitate connection to longer-term supports following traumatic events.

Presenter(s): Shelby Leppek 

Department/Division/Area: School of Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kaiya Ansorge, Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 528

Coping Under Pressure: How Sociodemographic Background Shapes Mental Health and Stress Management in Competitive Academic Majors

The growing emphasis on student mental health over the past two decades has heightened awareness of the pressures undergraduates face while balancing academics, employment, and extracurricular commitments. This project explores how students’ sociodemographic backgrounds and intended academic tracks (particularly those in competitive or highstakes majors) shape their coping strategies and perceived mental health outcomes. With the inclusion of a broad spectrum of student experience items in the survey, our project was able to provide a more holistic view of stress outcomes than past research. By focusing on stress and coping at the intersection of sociodemographic background and academic context, it addresses under explored dimensions of the collegiate mental health literature and provides insights into how stress and resilience are differently patterned across student groups. As such, we were able to identify trends and associations across these fields, as opposed to merely causes, providing space for an expanded discourse of mental health outcomes across multiple sociodemographic categories. Findings provide guidance for more tailored and equitable support in addition to palliative services for undergraduates navigating complex institutional and personal demands.

Presenter(s): Tarynn M. Ball

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee, UDiscover Project

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 529

Shape-ResNet: Teaching AI to See Shape, Not Just Texture

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) achieve high accuracy on standard image classification tasks but often fail when images experience common corruption such as noise, blur, or brightness changes. Prior research shows that many CNNs rely heavily on local texture patterns rather than global structural information, causing them to overlook the overall shape of objects. As a result, small changes in pixel statistics can significantly reduce model performance even when the object’s shape remains unchanged. Existing approaches to improve robustness often rely on heavy data augmentation or adversarial training with corrupted images, which increases training complexity and computational cost. This research investigates whether explicitly encouraging CNNs to focus on shape in addition to texture can improve robustness without requiring corruption-based training. We propose Shape-ResNet, a dual-stream architecture that extends standard ResNet models by introducing a dedicated shape-processing pathway alongside the traditional RGB feature stream. The shape pathway extracts contour-sensitive and low-frequency structural representations, allowing the model to capture global object shape. These shape features are combined with RGB features through a late-fusion mechanism to guide the network toward more structure-aware representations. All models are trained only on clean datasets, demonstrating that robustness can emerge from architectural design rather than exposure to corrupted data. Experiments on CIFAR-10-C and CIFAR-100-C show consistent improvements in corruption robustness while maintaining competitive clean accuracy. For instance, Shape-ResNet18 achieves 76.14% mean corruption accuracy on CIFAR-10-C, improving the ResNet18 baseline by over 6%.

Presenter(s): Amit Kumar Patel

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, KC Santosh

Poster Number: 600

Mamba-Active: Integrating Active Learning with State-Space Text Model for Effective Radiology Image–Reporting

Multimodal vision–language models have significantly advanced automated radiology interpretation, yet their deployment is limited by the high cost of expert annotation and the quadratic computational complexity of transformer-based report encoders when applied to long clinical narratives. We propose Mamba-Active, a multimodal active learning framework that integrates a vision encoder with a selective state-space text model to process radiology reports in linear time, enabling scalable long-context modeling within pool-based active learning. We introduce a joint acquisition criterion that combines multi label predictive entropy with a state-transition variance term computed from hidden state dynamics, capturing both output-level uncertainty and latent instability in textual reasoning to select informative image–report pairs under constrained labeling budgets. On MIMIC-CXR for multi-label abnormality classification, Mamba-Active achieves 0.81 macro- AUROC with 10% labeled data compared to 0.77 for transformer-based multimodal active learning and 0.71 for random sampling and reaches 0.87 macro-AUROC at 20% labeling while reducing per-cycle retraining time by approximately 35%. The framework further demonstrates robustness to long-report context and improved uncertainty calibration in low-label regimes, highlighting the structural and computational advantages of statespace modeling for efficient multimodal clinical active learning.

Presenter(s): Moinak Bose

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): KC Santosh, Rodrigue Rizk

Poster Number: 601

When Test Administration Goes Wrong: Examiner Errors in Intelligence Testing and Their Diagnostic Consequences

This literature review examines the prevalence and impact of examiner errors in intelligence testing and identifies gaps in research across commonly used cognitive assessments. Examiner errors occur in administrations conducted by both trainees and licensed clinicians, with the literature primarily identifying three categories: administration, recording, and scoring errors. Examples include failing to adhere to standardized time limits, inaccurately recording responses, and miscalculating scores. Such errors can substantially a􀆯ect cognitive test results and, consequently, diagnostic determinations. For example, an individual may be incorrectly identified as having a specific learning disorder and inappropriately receive unnecessary services. To date, most research on examiner errors has focused on the Wechsler scales, a widely used family of intelligence measures. This emphasis has created a notable gap in the literature regarding other commonly administered cognitive instruments. In particular, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition Normative Update, has received minimal empirical attention in this area. Only one study has examined examiner errors on a Kaufman cognitive battery, and it was conducted more than three decades ago. Addressing this gap provides an important addition to the evidence base, which informs best practices in psychological training and test administration.

Presenter(s): Ward A. Rumans 

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Karissa Jensen, Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 602

This Is Who We Are: Discrimination Eroding Trust, and Fear in the Heartland

In marginalized communities like 2SLGBTQ+ folx, knowledge is power. Knowing safe places to shop, live, and work are vital to folx who often face violence from their neighbors and the state. However, in rural Midwest states like South Dakota where the total state population is under 1 million, this information can be vital to save lives. Yet, while most won’t be harmed at the hands of the state, many more live in fear, the trust in institutions eroded completely. To explore this fear and hesitation, this study utilizes 19 in-depth qualitative interviews and 112 quantitative surveys of queer folx in South Dakota. This study seeks to interrogate the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people within a rural Midwest state, with institutions such as police, education, and local/state politics. Participants discussed supportive faculty, their fear of police, lack of trust in elected officials, and how this information affects them currently. These stories are vital to not only understand the lives and stories of folx often ignored on the national stage, but also for coalition building, safety education, and policy making.

Presenter(s): Ryne Myers - Dalldorf

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Criminal Justice

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): April Carrillo

Poster Number: 603

Supply Chain Mapping Dashboard

This project develops and enhances an interactive mapping and data visualization tool designed to analyze South Dakota’s Supply Chain ecosystem. The tool integrates geographic mapping with operational and classification data to provide a comprehensive view of manufacturing activity across the state. New data layers were incorporated to expand the analytical capabilities of the system, including Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and descriptions, headquarters identification, on-time delivery rate, lead time efficiency, order fulfillment accuracy, company growth rate, and Harmonized System (HS) codes associated with export activity. These additions allow for deeper analysis of supplier reliability, operational performance, and participation in global trade. Data was compiled, standardized, and validated using Excel-based processing and visualization scripts to ensure compatibility with the existing dashboard framework. The resulting interactive map and dashboard allow users to explore manufacturing clusters, identify supply chain relationships, and observe industry trends across South Dakota. By combining classification data, performance indicators, and geospatial visualization, the project demonstrates how integrated data tools can support research, economic analysis, and strategic decision-making within regional manufacturing networks.

Presenter(s): Tejas Budharamu Kunjan Dodani

Department/Division/Area: Economics, Decision Sciences, & Management Informa

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Tracy

Poster Number: 604

Home Utilization of Supported Standing and Supported Stepping Devices by Children with Physical Disabilities

Supported standing and supported stepping devices have multiple benefits for children with physical disabilities, including promoting hip development, increasing bone density, maintaining or improving range of motion, providing a change of position, allowing eye-level positioning, and increasing participation. Although these benefits are consistently

endorsed in both qualitative and quantitative literature, there is incomplete understanding of how the devices are actually used in the family’s home environment. This study seeks to explore factors associated with increased utilization of supported standing and stepping devices as well as how times and goals of utilization are different depending on what type of equipment the child has access to. Three hundred parents or caregivers of children with physical disabilities will be recruited to complete an online survey, standardized functional assessment, and a 4-week equipment use diary. Data will be analyzed using correlation coefficients and one-way ANOVA testing to identify significant factors and between-group differences for children who use only a supported standing device, only a supported stepping device, or both types of devices. Results from this study will help therapists better understand device utilization so they can set realistic goals for families when recommending equipment and identify families who may benefit from additional support when starting to use their equipment. Additionally, this study is expected to demonstrate that families who have access to both supported standing and supported stepping devices achieve greater overall time of device utilization than families who have access to only a single type of device.

Presenter(s): Monica Christensen

Student Award Recognition: Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Patti Berg-Poppe

Poster Number: 605

An Analysis of the United Kingdom’s Gallery and Museum Laws as it Relates to Collection Management

While American museum collection practices are bound by US law through the Antiquities Act of 1906, NAGPRA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPR), the Code of Federal Regulations, and state-specific laws, major British museums are bound by laws often specific to the institution. This includes the National Heritage Act of 1983 (governing Armouries, the Victoria and Albert and Science museums, and Armed Forces museums), the Museums and Galleries Act of 1992 (governing the Tate, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and Wallace Collection), and the British Museum Act of 1963. Along with the Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act of 2009, these laws are passed and reviewed by parliament and dictate why and how objects should be accepted and deaccessioned (removed from the collection). A comprehensive analysis of these laws is critical if one is to understand British collection politics. These factors are important to keep in mind as the global community considers the road to decolonizing museums and brokering intergovernmental negotiations for cultural heritage.

Presenter(s): Patrick Wadley

Department/Division/Area: International Studies

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 606

Crowned for a Cause

The British monarchy and the Miss America Organization both use the symbolism of a crown to represent leadership, responsibility, and public service. While figures like Queen Elizabeth II embody lifelong duty and national unity, Miss America titleholders promote advocacy, education, and community impact. This comparison highlights how both institutions empower women to lead and serve, demonstrating that a crown serves a purpose beyond appearance.

Presenter(s): Jayden L. Bender

Department/Division/Area: International Studies

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 607

Deadly Delivery: The 2001 Anthrax Attack

Bacillus anthracis, better known as anthrax, is a highly dangerous bacteria that shook the city of New York in the early 2000s. With its resilience and deadly virulence, this sporeforming bacteria has historically been associated with a mortality rate of 90% (Bower et al., 2023). The pathogen can be spread through skin contact, inhalation, injection, or ingestion, causing death in as little as one day. The infection can range from flu-like symptoms to tissue necrosis (Sangwan et al., 2025). Prior to the bioterrorist attack in 2001, only one laboratory tested pathogens for potential bioterrorism agents. Following the distribution of anthrax-laced envelopes, a database network was established to track and contain the threat (Heller et al., 2002). Additional measures included the rapid implementation of cartridge-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection systems in postal offices to screen mail for pathogens, which later expanded nationwide (Heller et al., 2002). Mortality rates declined due to the introduction of PCR testing, public education, increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during exposure, antimicrobials such as PEPAbx and vaccines such as PEPVx (Bower et al., 2023). This literature review examines peer-reviewed articles and public health reports that investigate changes in diagnostic practices, surveillance systems, and medical treatments following the anthrax attack. It further outlines the dangers of anthrax and the growing threat of bioterrorism enabled by modern technology. By maintaining vigilance toward these risks, densely populated areas and other potential targets can better prepare and more readily detect unusual or suspicious events.

Presenter(s): Hailey N Miller, Aaron Lemon, Kylie Schroetlin

Department/Division/Area: Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter, Jena Johnson

Poster Number: 619

Alternative Way of Learning Winter Break Trip- Oklahoma City Food Insecurity

Over Winter Break 2026, we planned and led an alternative break to Oklahoma City focused on food insecurity and sustainability. Our preparation began in April 2025, when we were paired as site leaders and started identifying social issues we were passionate about. We shared a commitment to addressing food insecurity, and Oklahoma City. Here over 17% of residents experience food insecurity, offering strong community partnerships for meaningful service and educational opportunities.

Once we selected the location and issue, we began contacting community partners, securing affordable housing, and developing a budget. We also organized cultural excursions to help participants engage and learn about Oklahoma City.

Education was essential to our program. Our group included one graduate learning partner and nine undergraduate participants from different majors and grades. It was important that everyone understood the complexities of food insecurity and felt prepared to interact respectfully with local residents and individuals experiencing poverty.

During the trip, each participant completed 35 service hours, totaling to 420. This is equivalent to $14,611.80 in support for our community partners. Our primary service work was with CommonWealth Urban Farms, where we restored land, built structures, and visited several local farm sites. One highlight was Native Farming Solutions, where we enjoyed a farm-to-table dinner featuring Indian tacos and learned about generational knowledge in food systems. We also volunteered at Skyline, assisting guests at their food pantry, and at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, where we processed produce for distribution.

During our free time, we visited the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Bricktown, the Land Run Monument, and took a boat tour through downtown. By the end of the trip, participants left with a deeper understanding of food insecurity, a stronger connection to Oklahoma City, and meaningful reflections on their role in community engagement.

Presenter(s): Emma L. Schnurstein, River J. Heynen

Department/Division/Area: Office of Service Learning/Student Engagement

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): April Lee

Poster Number: 620

Healthcare as a Human Right: The NHS and Social Policy in London

This presentation, "Healthcare as a Human Right: The NHS and Social Policy in Britain," examines the ideological and structural divergence between the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and the United States' market-based healthcare system. Following the collective solidarity of World War II, the UK established the NHS in 1948 under the principle that care should be based on clinical need rather than the ability to pay. By analyzing healthcare expenditures, the study highlights that while the U.S. spends significantly more per capita—approximately $13,432 compared to the UK’s $6,023—the UK maintains superior outcomes in life expectancy and infant mortality.

The discussion explores the "Triple Threat" of NHS principles—universality, comprehensiveness, and being free at the point of delivery—as a mechanism for social equalization. However, the analysis also addresses contemporary systemic strains, including prolonged wait times, staffing "brain drain," and the controversial rise of privatization. Ultimately, the presentation argues that while the NHS faces significant funding and infrastructure challenges, its foundation in social solidarity continues to protect citizens from medical bankruptcy, positioning healthcare as a fundamental pillar of British social policy.

Presenter(s): Madelyn J. Hinkelman

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 608

The Empire Eats Back: From Colonial Extraction to Immigrant Innovation in British Food

This project looks at how British colonialism shaped what people in Britain eat today and how immigrant communities continue to change and influence British food. During the colonial period, Britain took control of trade, labor, and resources in places like India, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. This is how foods such as tea, sugar, spices, and certain fruits became common in Britain, even though they came from colonies and were produced through systems of exploitation. Today, many immigrants from those same regions have brought their own cooking traditions to the UK, especially in cities like London. Their restaurants, street food, and family recipes show how former colonies still shape British culture. At the same time, immigrant chefs are transforming dishes that were once tied to colonial power and giving them new meaning. By looking at London’s food scene, this project shows how colonial history is still present in everyday meals and how immigrant communities use food to express identity, challenge old narratives, and create a more inclusive idea of what British cuisine can be.

Presenter(s): Diony H. Borja Montoya

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 609

St. Paul’s Cathedral: A Look Inside The Art And History

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a historic building originally built in 604 AD and began rebuilding in the 11th century. It hosted many important events in British history and played a critical role in the Second World War. The Cathedral has gone through substantial renovations throughout its longstanding history.

St. Paul's Cathedral is home to many works of art. It is filled with spiritually-inspired works of art. The art ranges from oil works to sculptures, each having its own unique story to tell.

Presenter(s): Payton A. Coenen

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 610

Gender and Governance: Examining the Effect of Female City Council Representation on Police Department Composition and Priorities

This study proposes to examine the relationship between the gender composition of city councils and local police agencies, focusing on how women’s representation in municipal governance influences the gender composition within law enforcement. We also examine effects on agency missions and policing efforts. Drawing from literature in criminal justice, as well as political science and public administration, we argue that political composition may influence agency priorities and culture resulting in a greater number of women officers and agency priorities that align with women’s priorities and community policing. Prior research indicates that increased female representation in police departments can positively affect perceptions of agency legitimacy and effectiveness. We propose using data from the 2020 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey and data detailing the gender composition of city councils across U.S. municipalities from the American Local Government Elections database supplemented with original data collection. The analysis will control for variables including partisan composition, city demographics, and institutional factors to isolate the impact of female representation in municipal governance on law enforcement agencies. The findings aim to contribute to the understanding of how gender composition in political leadership translates into organizational gender composition and policy development within policing, offering insights for political influences on policing administration.

Presenter(s): Morgan M. Damman

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Julia Hellwege, Thomas Mrozla

Poster Number: 611

Terror in Whitechapel: Crime, Poverty, and the Jack the Ripper Case

This poster examines the murders associated with Jack the Ripper and what they reveal about crime, fear, and social conditions in London during the late nineteenth century. In 1888, a series of brutal murders in the East End neighborhood of Whitechapel shocked London and quickly attracted widespread public attention. The identity of the killer was never confirmed, which helped turn the case into one of the most famous unsolved crimes in history. 

Rather than focusing only on the mystery of who the killer may have been, this project looks at the broader environment in which the crimes occurred. During the Victorian period, the East End of London was known for severe poverty, overcrowded housing, and limited economic opportunities. Many residents struggled to survive, and prostitution was common among women trying to support themselves. These difficult social conditions played an important role in shaping how the murders happened and how the public responded to them.

The poster also explores the role of newspapers and media coverage in shaping the story of Jack the Ripper. Sensational reporting and constant speculation increased fear throughout the city and helped turn the unknown killer into a public obsession. The case demonstrates how media coverage could influence public opinion and create widespread panic.

In addition, the investigation highlights the challenges faced by police during the case. At the time, modern forensic science did not yet exist, and investigators had limited tools for identifying suspects. These limitations made solving violent crimes much more difficult.

Overall, the Jack the Ripper murders provide insight not only into a famous criminal case but also into the social inequalities, media influence, and policing challenges that existed in Victorian London.

Presenter(s): Chloe O'Keefe

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 612

Populism in the UK

As part of the London Faculty Led Program that I am a part of, I had the following question: is populism more beneficial than it is harmful? With the rise of the Reform UK Party after the 2024 election, populist rhetoric has entered the mainstream and been largely effective. Additionally, with the Green Party’s victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election, populism from multiple ideological groups has proven to work. I look at both Reform and the Green Party to see two different approaches to populist rhetoric and evaluate whether these different ideological approaches can inform us about the potential dangers of populism. I argue that the danger of populism is largely affected by the associated policy ideas around populism and not the populism itself.

Presenter(s): Landon Whittle

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 613

Empire in the British Museum

The British Museum in London is one of the most famous museums in the world and contains artifacts from many different cultures and time periods. Many of these objects entered the museum during the height of the British Empire, when Britain had political and military influence over large parts of the world. This project looks at how the British Museum reflects both the history of the British Empire and the modern debates about who should own cultural artifacts. While the museum presents itself as a place that protects and shares world history, some of the items in its collection were taken from other countries during periods of colonial expansion. Today, many countries argue that these artifacts should be returned to where they originally came from. Several well-known objects in the museum help show this debate. One example is the Caryatid statue removed from the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis in Athens. Often called the “missing sister,” this statue is now in the British Museum while the other five Caryatids remain in Athens, where an empty space has been left for the missing one. Another example is the Benin Bronzes, which were taken by British forces in modern-day Nigeria. The Rosetta Stone taken to Britain after the defeat of Napoleon’s army, is another famous artifact that has become part of debates about cultural ownership. By looking at these objects and their history, this project explores how the British Museum both preserves world history and reflects the lasting effects of the British Empire.

Presenter(s): London Van Cleave

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 614

Changing of the Guard 

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial procedure that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace and dates back to the 15h century when King Henery VII was ruler. This ceremony represents the protection of the ruler, while it has become more of a tourist attraction it still remains an important symbol for the relationship between the British military and the Ruler. 

Presenter(s): Karissa Lahr

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 615

Brexit: Its Impact on the United Kingdom

In 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union, one of the most consequential events in European history. The poster on display will go into detail about Brexit's effects on the United Kingdom, ranging from economics to politics.

Presenter(s): Nathan L. Sinkie

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 616

London Becoming a Global City

How London became one of the worlds most important Global Cities within the Biggest Empire.

Presenter(s): Abbey R. Lienemann

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 617

Darfur: A Legal Analysis

This research project will answer the following question: What legal issues arise as a result of the intrastate conflict in Sudan? The recent capture of el-Fasher in Sudan, on October 26, 2025, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered grave humanitarian and legal concerns. Conflict in Sudan began with the region’s first Civil War in 1955 and has continued through the most recent eruption in April of 2023. As with most intrastate conflicts, the civilians in the Darfur region have suffered the most. With claims of genocide, famine, sexual assault and rape, horrific crimes against children, and a massive refugee crisis, the role of international law is integral to addressing the most grievous of events. Applying international criminal law and the law of armed conflict, this project takes a qualitative approach and provides a legal analysis of the alleged crimes occurring in el- Fasher and Sudan, noting prior investigations, arrests, and convictions by the ICC. The project will discuss specific individuals, such as Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa, leader of the RSF, and particular events, such as the mass killing in el-Fasher. On a related, though slightly separate note, this project refers back to the “Responsibility to Protect” that has special relevance here. The failure to act quickly and intentionally within the region has only made this round of violence likely, and a legal analysis will provide a comprehensive path forward for a country desperately in need of peace.

Presenter(s): Madeline Cross

Student Award Recognition: CURCS Mini-grant Awardee

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Schorn

Poster Number: 618

Weather monitoring and safety behaviors in USD students

Severe weather events are increasing in the Midwest (Regional Health Effects - Midwest, 2024) and can influence individuals’ safety behaviors, including weather monitoring and activity avoidance. However, less is known about how college students respond to severe weather. This study examined general and severe weather monitoring, activity avoidance, and climate change concern among students at the University of South Dakota.

Participants (N=482) were recruited through SONA and completed an online survey on Qualtrics. The average age was 19 years old, and participants were primarily female (73%) and white (74%). Measures from the Weather Experiences Questionnaire (WEQ) assessed frequency of general weather monitoring (radio, TV, or internet), increased monitoring when severe weather is approaching, avoidance of activities during severe weather, and concern for climate change (0-10 scale). Descriptive analyses were conducted based on the results.

A large majority (92.7%) reported monitoring the weather at least sometimes. Overall, 50.4% reported ‘always’ or ‘almost always’ monitoring the weather in general (via radio, TV, or internet). When severe weather was approaching, this increased to 63.3% reporting ‘always’ or ‘almost always’ monitoring. Additionally, nearly 40% of participants reported avoiding activities during severe weather. While many students reported high levels of climate change concern (59.1%), 41% reported moderate or low concern. Compared to national data averages showing 72% of Americans being concerned about climate change (ecoAmerica, 2023), concern among USD students appears lower and more varied.

Overall, USD students appear highly engaged with weather monitoring and avoidance behaviors, especially when severe weather is approaching. The participant sample was predominantly white, which may limit generalizability to students from more diverse student populations. Future research should further examine the correlation between the frequency of weather monitoring and the rate of participation in safety behaviors.

Presenter(s):  Margaret Kathol, Yihaeseo Yang

Department/Division/Area: Psychology 

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jake Kraft 

Poster Number: 621

Is Working Memory Disruption during Dual-Task Performance Driven by Subjective or Objective Factors?

Performance on dual-tasks is often compromised when both tasks compete for limited attentional resources. The present study investigates whether disruption in memory performance under dual task conditions is driven by the objective attentional demands of the concurrent task or by the individual’s subjective assessment of task difficulty. The cognitive load account proposes that memory performance is determined by the proportion of time attention is occupied by any task other than memory maintenance during the retention interval (Barrouillet et al., 2004; Oberauer et al., 2012). According to this view, when a concurrent task captures attention for a greater proportion of time, fewer opportunities remain for active memory maintenance, resulting in impaired recall. In contrast, the enrichment account suggests that performance disruption in dual task situations is determined by subjective task difficulty (Ricker & Vergauwe, 2022). According to the theory, individuals use available free time during the retention interval to enrich memory representations when they perceive them as insufficient for optimal performance. Enrichment consists of extended consolidation of the memory trace to include automatic semantic elaboration. Memory disruption occurs when perceived task difficulty reduces engagement in enrichment processing. We compare these accounts to determine whether memory performance in dual-task contexts is better predicted by objective cognitive load or by subjective perception of difficulty. Recall accuracy and processing reaction time will be used to evaluate which theoretical account better predicts memory performance under dual-task conditions.

Presenter(s):  Victoria Aba Caswell

Department/Division/Area: Psychology 

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy J. Ricker

Poster Number: 622

Neural Responses to Alcohol Cues in College Students: Evidence from the Late Positive Potential 

Alcohol-related cues can trigger craving and motivational states that contribute to hazardous drinking, yet little is known about how these neural responses correlate with brain activity in college students prior to the development of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). There are currently no reliable biomarkers that predict risk for AUD, which represents one potential long-term goal of this line of research. One well-established neural marker of emotional and motivational salience measured using electroencephalography (EEG) is the Late Positive Potential (LPP), an event-related potential (ERP) observed over centroparietal regions approximately 400–800 ms following stimulus onset. Larger LPP amplitudes are thought to reflect enhanced sustained attention toward stimuli that are motivationally relevant to the participant. In this study, college students viewed alcohol-related images while undergoing EEG recording and rated their subjective urge to drink in response to each image. Participants were categorized as hazardous or non-hazardous drinkers based on scores from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). EEG data were collected using a 64-channel g.tec system and processed using EEGLAB and ERPLAB. Epochs were baseline corrected (-200ms pre-stimulus) and LPP activity was quantified within a 400-800ms time window over centroparietal scalp sites. We hypothesized that alcohol-related images would elicit larger LPP amplitudes than neutral stimuli, and that LPP magnitude would positively correlate with self-reported craving ratings. Preliminary analyses suggest that neural responses to alcohol-related cues differ between hazardous and nonhazardous drinkers and are associated with AUDIT scores. These findings provide preliminary evidence that neural markers of attentional engagement with alcohol-related cues may vary as a function of drinking behavior in college students and may help inform future research examining indicators of risk for problematic alcohol use. 

Presenter(s): Ashlyn M. Vogt

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Taylor Bosch

Poster Number: 413

Education Across Borders: A Comparative Analysis of Germany and the United States

In May of 2025, a cohort of University of South Dakota students participated in a faculty-led study abroad program in Germany. During this experience, students engaged in multilevel analysis of the German education system examining it through macro-, meso-, and microlevel perspectives. This included exploring national policy structures, regional governance, school-level organization, and classroom practices. Additional research focused on comparing teacher preparation pathways, compensation models, and the overall structure of the German and American K-12 systems. Students also documented personal insights that reflect how this international experience shaped their perspectives as preservice teachers. Research will be synthesized using firsthand observations and field-based experiences to compare the German and American educational systems, highlighting how structure, community values, and cultural expectations influence schooling. Consideration will be given to teacher preparation and classroom norms, illustrating the intercultural understandings gained through this program. Emerging questions and potential directions for future research related to international education, teacher development, curriculum design and comparative policy studies will be identified.

Presenter(s): Sophia I. Jerke

Department/Division/Area: School of Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jill Paulson

Poster Number: 623

Exploring Interventions to Enhance Mental Health and Retention for College Students with Anxiety and Depression: Results from a Randomized Control Trial

This randomized clinical trial compared three interventions designed to support college students experiencing anxiety and/or depression. Participants (n=53) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Psychoeducation, Mindfulness Meditation, or External Qigong, delivered once a week for three weeks. Measures of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and intention to persist in college scores were collected at baseline, one-week post treatment, and one-month post treatment. Participants across groups demonstrated decreases in anxiety and depression scores, and sustained their intention to persist in college, but there were not statistically significant differences by treatment group. However, state-level changes completed immediately before and after each intervention session, demonstrated that external qigong, relative to psychoeducation, was associated with significantly greater reductions in state anxiety, and depression, as well as significantly greater increases in relaxation. Mindfulness also demonstrated reductions in state depression and anxiety and increases in relaxation compared to psychoeducation; however, these estimates did not consistently reach levels of statistical significance. The study presents implications for campus services and future research on brief, scalable interventions to improve student well-being and retention.

Presenter(s): Jen Ashley, Jade Ronk

Department/Division/Area: Social Work

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Natalie Lecy

Poster Number: 624

Building Cultural Responsiveness in South Dakota Parole Services: Systematic Review, Program Development, and Early Outcomes of a Native American Education and Awareness Initiative 

Native Americans remain disproportionately represented within South Dakota's correctional and parole systems, reflecting the enduring impacts of colonization, assimilation policies, and intergenerational trauma. For the Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) Nations, these historical harms continue to shape institutional mistrust and justice involvement. Despite this reality, structured cultural education within parole systems remains limited, and workforce preparedness to engage Native individuals through culturally responsive supervision varies significantly. This project presents an ongoing systematic literature review and applied program development initiative designed to inform the Native American Education and Awareness Program for South Dakota Parole Services. The review synthesizes scholarship across historical trauma, cultural misalignment in correctional systems, Native healing frameworks, workforce cultural diversity, policy alignment with Native relational values, and integration of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies. The program incorporates a structured speaker series featuring community agencies, Native leaders, lived-experience speakers, and tribal professionals to increase institutional knowledge, strengthen cross-agency partnerships, and expand culturally relevant resource networks for parole staff. Preliminary de-identified qualitative post-training survey findings indicate increased staff knowledge of Native history and historical trauma, improved confidence in working with Native individuals under supervision, and strong perceived relevance to practice. By integrating research, workforce development, policy analysis, community collaboration, and preliminary outcome data, this initiative positions structured cultural education as a systems-level intervention to promote relational accountability, cultural humility, and more equitable parole practices in South Dakota. 

Presenter(s): Malaina Foss

Department/Division/Area: Social Work

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kathy LaPlante

Poster Number: 419

Using Machine Learning to Predict Habit Formation and Maintenance in College Students

The formation of habits plays a crucial role in many areas in a student’s life including academic performance, health behaviors, and long-term productivity. Previous research on this topic has examined patterns of habit formation using large behavioral datasets; however, less work has been focused specifically on understanding the development of habits among college students. This project investigates whether machine learning techniques can be used to predict the formation and long-term maintenance of new habits within a college population. Data will be collected from the undergraduate students through surveys that measure behavioral, environmental, and psychological factors, such as motivation, sleep patterns, stress levels, academic workload, social support, and daily routines. Participants will first identify a habit that they aim to develop, which can be maintaining a consistent study schedule, exercising regularly, or improving sleep habits, etc. Adherence to the selected habit will be tracked over a defined period to determine whether the behavior becomes consistent. Machine learning models, including logistic regression, decision trees, and random forest classifiers, will be trained using collected data to predict the likelihood that a student will successfully form and maintain the chosen habit. The analysis will also attempt to identify which factors are most strongly associated with successful habit formation and maintenance. The goal of this research is to better understand the behavioral patterns that contribute to the successful formation and maintenance of habits among college students. This will also demonstrate how machine learning methods from the field of Artificial Intelligence can then be applied to questions in Sociology and human behavior. The findings may provide insights into how predictive models can support behavioral change and habit development within student populations. This will allow Artificial Intelligence to better do their job, which we must always remember is assistance to the development of humanity.

Presenter(s): Caden S. Turnquest

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 625

Redefining the Nuclear Family? Exploring Gen Z Perspectives on Relationships and the Family.

As time marches on, each successive generation will leave its own unique mark on society while engaging in the process of social reproduction. Generation Z (Gen Z) stands out from many of those that came before through the extent to which it has experienced significant societal and technological innovations—to a level that is increasingly comparable those of the Lost and Greatest Generations respectively. One common theme in the literature is the extent to which Gen Z has been argued to be at odds with the concept of the American Dream. To that end, much of the existing literature on them focuses on their mental health and interactions with the political and education systems. In contrast, rather little exploration has been into their thoughts on the relationships and the family unit—with the limited extant literature focusing on nations outside of the U.S. This study seeks to begin to fill this void through its mixed methodological investigation of Gen Z college student perspectives on relationships and the family. We utilize a quantitative regression analysis of primary survey data alongside a qualitative grounded theory analysis of open-ended survey items to provide a glimpse into the new generation's perspectives on the family.

Presenter(s): Skyler S. DeBoer, Tristan Helgeson

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 626

A Global Perspective: Resettlement Barriers for Refugees in the U.S.

Forced migration carries a profound human cost, yet they lived experiences of refugees navigating U.S. higher education remain critically understudied. As an international student from Nepal, I have observed firsthand how cultural displacement and institutional unfamiliarity compound one another in ways rarely captured by existing immigration literature. Refugee college students face a uniquely difficult position balancing heightened academic expectations alongside pre-migration trauma, limited family educational backgrounds, and socioeconomic hardships that most institutional support systems are illequipped to address. This project addresses that gap through semi-structured interviews and focuses groups with college students who were formerly refugees, recruited via purposive snowball sampling leveraging my existing community ties. Interviews will explore experiences before, during, and after resettlement, with data analyzed using NVivo through thematic coding and grounded theory methodologies. The results of this study will inform institutional support programs, nonprofit resettlement services, and higher education retention initiatives helping universities better serve this often invisible student population.

Presenter(s): Sandhya Yadav

Student Award Recognition: UDiscover Project & CURCS Mini-Grant

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 627

Beyond Universal Coverage: Intersectional Inequalities in Healthcare Access in the Philippines

Wealth and status disparities within the healthcare sector remain a persistent problem in LMICs (low and middle income countries) and GIDAs (geographically isolated and disadvantaged) areas across the world. Although the discourse around it focuses primarily on the influence of economic factors, these disparities are arguably often shaped by the intersections of multiple social inequalities rather than just by one factor. Nations like the Philippines have implemented universal healthcare reforms seeking to address these disparities. These efforts have been consistently plagued with ongoing challenges to funding, infrastructure, and service quality alongside sociodemographic factors that limit access and quality of care in ways these policies have as of yet been unable to sufficiently address. This study uses an intersectional lens to examine how sociodemographics such as gender, educational attainment, social class, place, and colorism intersect with one another to generate unequal healthcare access and experiences using the Philippines as a case study–with a focus on disadvantaged women in rural and urban settings–contrasted against the United States. The findings of this study provide insights into potential areas of reformation and promulgation for healthcare infrastructure, policies, and practices in the Philippines and similarly disadvantaged LMIC.

Presenter(s): Cerise Jaclyn R. Pena

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 628