Location 1

Menus of Change

The YC Eatery/Sustainability Club

Location 2

Technology Comfort & Confidence Study

Jess Garcia, Honors Research

As digital technology becomes increasingly integral to daily life, understanding barriers to technology adoption and use is crucial for promoting digital equity. This study explores comfort and confidence with everyday technology use, with a focus on adult community members ages 65 and older and the common tasks encountered in daily life. Using a quantitative survey design, the study will examine participants’ comfort and confidence with technology tasks such as account access, email use, identification of online scams, basic troubleshooting, and online scheduling. Data will be collected through self-reported responses to a brief Likert-scale survey designed to capture confidence with everyday technology tasks. Additional data will include age demographics and categorical information related to how participants manage and store passwords. Because the study is exploratory, specific results are not reported; however, the findings presented will highlight patterns and challenges in everyday technology use. These insights may inform future community-based and user-centered support efforts, particularly in settings such as public library programs, with the goal of promoting equitable access to technology and increasing confidence in digital environments.

Location 3

Auditory Imagery Interruptus

Sarah Mapes, Honors Research

This study closely examines the relationship among the Ovisankina effect, the frustration-aggression theory, and the Why We Get Mad studies. In this study, I aim to examine the understanding of auditory imagery interruptus. We will learn how interrupting a sequence of music and passing out a survey affects a person, whether interrupting these sequences makes them mad, and whether they feel the urge to finish the sequence. The Ovisankina effect looks at the desire to complete unfinished tasks. From that study, they learned that people feel compelled to find closure and resolve the unfinished task. The frustration-aggression theory examines aggressive behavior that arises when a person encounters an obstacle in achieving a goal, drawing on Sigmund Freud’s idea that unconscious drives motivate aggressive acts. When comparing these studies, this study aims to determine whether interrupting two separate sequences leads to anger and whether the person feels compelled to finish the task. 

Location 4

Virtual Worlds, Real Belonging: Second Life

Cat Hunter, Honors Research

This study examines how perceived social connection in Second Life relates to feelings of belonging and loneliness among adult users. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether perceived social connection in Second Life is associated with reported levels of loneliness. Data will be collected through an anonymous online survey created with Google Forms as and distributed via Primfeed, a social media platform popular among Second Life users. Participants will report their age, gender, and weekly hours spent in Second Life along with a rating-scale of response assessing perceived social connection, sense of belonging, and loneliness. Attendees will learn about the relationships among these variables and how social connection in virtual environments may relate to psychological wellbeing.

Location 5

Influence on Appearance

Lindsay Winfrey, Honors Research

This survey-based study examines the factors influencing individuals' clothing choices and self-presentation behaviors in a diverse population. The data collected will examine the primary motivating factors behind dress decisions, including the intended audiences for whom individuals dress and the key influences shaping their appearance-related choices.Additionally, age-based analysis will be conducted to identify potential generational patterns in appearance-related decision-making, providing insights into how influences may shift across various life stages. This research aims to deepen understanding of the complex social, cultural, and personal factors that shape contemporary dress behaviors and self-presentation practices.

Location 6

Tempo Matters: A Pilates Showdown!

Sarah Khalil, Honors Research

This study examined how music tempo (beats per minute, BPM) affects physical and subjective experiences during Pilates classes. 11 participants completed two separate Pilates sessions. On Tuesday, the session featured slow-tempo music, mainly classical, at 60-90 BPM. On Thursday, the session consisted of fast-tempo music, mainly techno-based, at 120-140 BPM. Participants completed surveys after both sessions to assess their enjoyment, tiredness, thirst, oxygen levels, and heart rate. This quasi-experimental design measured how auditory stimuli (music tempo) can influence both physiological responses (heart rate, oxygen levels, and thirst) and psychological perceptions (enjoyment and fatigue) during Pilates.

Location 7

Linking Therapist and Client Outcomes

Elyssa Beyst, Honors Research

This study employs an applied correlational design to examine whether therapist assessment scores correlate with clients' initial and final assessment scores within the scope of the Cognitive Function Development Institute (CFDI). The research utilizes archival data from the CFDI's existing dataset spanning 2019 to the present. The de-identified dataset consists primarily of quantitative data, with some qualitative elements, including objective assessments conducted via Creyos Cognitive Assessment, Woodcock-Johnson-III, and BrainFX assessment tools. Assessment scores are processed through the CFDI's Transformational Outcomes Analysis System (a clinical database), where they are analyzed and mapped to clinically recognized primary cognitive functions and autonomic nervous system/vigilance biases. These factors blend into what may be understood as emotional regulation. This study aims to reveal how therapists' emotional regulation relates to clients' emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of mental health professionals maintaining their own psychological wellness.

Location 8

Untitled

James Brooks, Honors Research

This study examines how dental communication style (warm versus clinical) and message framing (gain-focused versus loss-focused) influence individuals’ trust in providers, emotional comfort, and willingness to engage in routine dental care. Using a mixed-methods design, adult participants complete an online survey that includes a brief experimental component in which they read a simulated post-exam dental message. Participants then rate perceived credibility, trust, emotional response, autonomy, and behavioral intentions using Likert-scale measures, along with open-ended reflections. The study also assesses prior exposure to common dental myths and examines how misinformation relates to oral health beliefs and to responsiveness to professional messaging. Attendees of this presentation will learn how communication tone and framing may shape patient trust and care-seeking behavior, with implications for improving dentist–patient communication and reducing barriers to preventive dental care.

Locaion 9

TBA

Location 10

Does Accomplishment Equal Happiness

Tristan Schreiner, Honors Research

American culture emphasize achievement and goal attainment as basic values. This study aims to examine the relationship between personal and professional goal achievement and overall life satisfaction. Through an open-forum data collection, this research will investigate two primary variables: individual optimism-pessimism orientation and the correlation between accomplishment and self-reported happiness levels. Comparative analysis of accomplishment data between optimistic and pessimistic cohorts should provide valuable insights into the practical relationship between realistic goal achievement and subjective well-being measures.

Location 11

Untitled

Camila Hernandez, Honors Research

This study examines how hand hygiene differs between female and male high school students versus college students when bathroom conditions change. I'm evaluating a simple, low-cost intervention to improve public health outcomes. Two flyer versions promoting handwashing will be posted: Version A uses polite, friendly language while Version B employs aggressive, urgent messaging. These will be displayed in male and female restrooms at Chino Valley High School and Prescott Valley Center. To collect quantitative data, I swabbed bathroom door handles in each restroom for two days pre-intervention and two days post-intervention. Samples will be cultured on agar plates, with colony counts recorded and compared to assess intervention effectiveness.

Location 12

Literature Review on the Use of Microbes as a Method for Calculating Time Since Death

Natalie Kirkwood-Watts, Microbiology IR

Postmortem Interval (PMI) is the measurement of how long it has been since a body has died, sometimes referred to as time since death. Historically, the PMI has been determined by measuring the decomposition combined with environmental factors, as well as insect life cycles. These measurements, while traditionally used, may not as reliable as television makes us believe. Microbes in and around a body start to change as soon as the person has died, making this an area that may be beneficial in helping to reliably determine PMI. This review asked the question, what is known in the literature about the use of microbes in determining the PMI?

Location 13

Antimicrobial Impact of Lime Juice on Raw Shrimp

Nicole Hernandez Ortiz, Microbiology (BIO 205)

This presentation show's the antimicrobial impact of lime juice on raw shrimp and how effective it is at reducing bacterial presence. Lime juice is often used in dishes like ceviche, where seafood is prepared without heat. This project investigated whether acidity alone kills bacteria or how much bacteria remain after treatment. The presentation will also address common misconceptions about “cooking” seafood with lime juice and explain the food safety implications of relying on citrus as a natural antimicrobial method. The goal of this presentation is to increase awareness about food preparation choices and microbial risk. By understanding the limits of lime juice as a bacterial control method, participants can make more informed decisions about consuming raw or citrus-treated seafood.

Location 14

Antibiotic Resistance for Soil Samples in Surrounding Area

Garret Kennedy, Microbiology (BIO 205)

I will be presenting a project of data collection on soil samples and their antibiotic resistance to various antibiotics in the surrounding Prescott area. This presentation will include pictures of the data and the resistances each location produces, the methods used in acquiring this data, and the procedures done during this project. 

Location 15

Online Lab Simulations Influence Student Perceptions of Biology

Dr. Dana Kirkwood-Watts

This study aims to elucidate to what extent online virtual labs impacted their perception of and attitude toward microbiology. We conducted the study at a small rural community college that offers instruction in three different modalities: online, in-person, and hybrid. Each modality of instruction had a different lab experience, online virtual or hands-on.  We hypothesized that there would be a difference in perception of and attitudes toward microbiology. To answer our question, we used a framework which consists of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values​. Student attitudes and values related to microbiology and its impact on human, animal, and agricultural health were measured using a novel survey instrument. Student performance was categorized using the Microbiology Concept Inventory. Preliminary results suggest there may be some change in student attitudes about microbiology based on instructional modality. For instructors, this work highlights the complexity of relying on online instruction to improve student microbiology literacy.   

Location 16

Survey of Human Impact on Antibiotic Resistances in Reservoir Dwelling Microbes of Central Arizona

Zack Szekely, Microbiology Independent Research

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical threat to animal, environmental, and human health. The aim of this work was a survey on resistances seen across five freshwater reservoirs of the Central Arizona Highlands (City of Prescott and surrounding area). This study illustrates the presence of localized resistances, and theorizes on the potential sources and factors behind AMR gene spread. Factors affecting horizontal gene transfer examined include water levels from seasonal rainfall, natural flow of water, and proximity to human activity and developments. Preliminary results show alarming levels of general resistance, even in secluded sites. This highlights our direct role as humans in AMR proliferation, and ignites a need to further pursue commitment to One Health.

Location 17

Social Media Stratification

Jonathan Soto, Political Science & Sociology

My presentation is a an exploration into social media culture in the past ten years with a special focus on particularly relevant sites like TikTok and Twitter/X. The attendee will learn answers to questions like, How does social media keep its users online? What is an opaque algorithm? Do online subgroups affect the quality of information a person receives. And why do we see this change in online culture now?

Location 18

The Effects of AI Focusing on Academic Performance and Learning Processes Among Youth

Cloud Fenwick, Microbiology Independent Research

This abstract examines the educational, cognitive, and psychosocial effects of AI use among modern youth, focusing on academic performance, learning processes, subject mastery, writing development, study strategies, confidence, and learner independence. Overall, evidence indicates that when used to support rather than replace active thinking, AI technologies expand educational opportunity and strengthen learning capacity for youth in the digital era.

Location 19

Historical Thieves Oil and Its Antibiotic Properties

Lisa Rena Scalles Pitts, Microbiology Independent Research

Rising antimicrobial resistance, reduced access to medical care, and strong family traditions have encouraged greater use of plant-derived compounds in healthcare (Astin, 1998; Welz et al., 2018). This study investigated the antibacterial effects of commercially available essential oils against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a clinically and environmentally significant gram-negative bacterium. Specifically, Thieves oil, cinnamon, and oregano were evaluated. Results indicated that certain individual oils exhibited greater antimicrobial activity than the combined blend, suggesting that specific components may drive more efficacy than the mixture itself. These findings are relevant for nurses and healthcare providers who care for patients incorporating herbal remedies into their treatment practices.