Oral Presentations

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) receive mental health training during their professional education; however, many report dissatisfaction with the depth of this preparation. The purpose of this study was to compare the competency and confidence of Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) students and certified ATs when managing a simulated musculoskeletal examination that included a mental health challenge.

Methods: This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study (IRB-AY24-25-416) was conducted in a simulated athletic training room using a convenience sample of 15 second-year MSAT students (11F, 4M; 24.07±2.31 years) enrolled in a CAATE-accredited program and 15 certified ATs (8F, 7M; 8.73±7.75 years of experience). Participants completed a demographic survey and then engaged in a face-to-face standardized patient (SP) encounter involving a musculoskeletal examination and disclosure of symptoms consistent with a mental health concern. Following the simulation, participants completed a structured qualitative interview and rated confidence on a 1–10 Likert scale. Debriefing occurred within 7 days. Competency was independently assessed by two ATs certified in mental health first aid using the NATA milestones rubric across BOC Domains 1, 2, and 5. Independent samples t-tests compared competency and confidence between groups (p < 0.05). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively, with coding reviewed by a second author to ensure trustworthiness.

Results: ATs demonstrated significantly higher competency scores than students in Domain 1 (4.33±0.67 vs 2.97±0.61), Domain 2 (4.07±0.32 vs 2.83±0.24), and Domain 5 (4.00±0.85 vs 2.87±0.72) (p

Context: Collegiate endurance runners face rigorous training demands, which may contribute to stress and burnout. Research suggests that magnesium (Mg) supplementation may help lower cortisol levels and alleviate symptoms of stress. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Mg supplementation on stress and burnout in collegiate endurance runners.

Methods: This study enrolled 24 collegiate endurance runners (13M, 11F; age 21.17±1.90). Participants ingested 1 capsule (500mg) of Mg glycinate daily for 6 weeks. Stress and anxiety were measured at baseline, week 3, and week 7 using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) via Qualtrics. Data were analyzed using multiple repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) with an alpha level of p < .05.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in E from baseline to week 7 of Mg supplementation (F(2,44) = 3.423, p = .042) but no significant differences in RA and D. There was a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress from week 1 to week 7 (F(2,44) = 51.918, p = < .001). Additionally, we identified statistically significant improvements in perceived helplessness (F(2,44) = 9.167, p = < .001) and self-efficacy (F(2,44) = 13.784, p = < .001) during the supplementation period.

Conclusions: Six weeks of Mg supplementation resulted in significant improvements in emotional and physical exhaustion and reductions in perceived stress among collegiate endurance runners. Increases in self-efficacy and decreases in helplessness suggest that Mg may play a beneficial role in psychological recovery and stress regulation in this sample size. Athletic trainers, in collaboration with sports dietitians, may use Mg as a potential strategy to help manage stress and burnout in collegiate endurance runners. Due to the small sample size in this study, our findings may not be generalizable to the larger endurance running population. Therefore, these findings warrant further research into the role of Mg in stress responses and mental well-being in endurance runners.

Context: Magnesium(Mg) is an essential mineral involved in muscle function, energy production, and electrolyte balance in endurance athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Mg supplementation on lactate levels, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during running. Methods: We recruited 22 collegiate runners (13M, 9F; ages 21.38±1.84) participated in this study. Participants ingested 1 capsule(500mg) of Mg glycinate daily for 6 weeks. Dependent variables (blood lactate, RPE, and DOMS) were tested at baseline, weeks 3-4, and week 7. Lactate and RPE were measured immediately post-exercise using the Lactate+ Analyzer and RPE scale, while DOMS was assessed 24–48 hours post-exercise using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: A significant main effect of time was found, (F(2, 19)=5.05, p=.011), with lower lactate at week 3-4 post workout(M=5.10±1.59 mmol/L) than baseline(M=6.58±0.47 mmol/L, p=.020) and higher values at week 7(M=7.40±0.74 mmol/L, p=.040). A time × gender interaction was significant(F(2, 19)=14.34, p< .001), as males showed a greater lactate increase(M = 9.78 ± 3.64 mmol/L) than females(M=5.02±3.05 mmol/L). A significant time × gender interaction identified an increase in RPE(F(2, 18)=7.09, p =.002) from baseline(M = 6.61±0.38) to week 7(M=6.74±0.37, p = .041). Finally, a time × gender interaction was significant(F(2, 17)= 4.75, p =.015); males reported lower DOMS at the final session(M=4.13±1.55) than females (M=5.17±1.19). Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation demonstrated positive effects on markers of recovery and RPE in collegiate endurance runners. Lactate levels decreased during week 3-4, indicating potential physiological adaptation, but then increased at week 7 during the competition season. DOMs decreased and RPE slightly increased across the intervention, with males generally exhibiting lower soreness. These findings suggest that short-term Mg supplementation may enhance recovery and reduce muscular fatigue; however, gender differences and long-term effects warrant further investigation.

This project examines the question: Do artists and musicians have a responsibility to self-censor in order to serve the moral expectations of a dominant society? The purpose of this video essay is to explore how these expectations operate within heavy metal culture, particularly for women artists. Heavy metal has functioned as a countercultural space that challenges dominant cultural norms through themes of rebellion, aggression, and the exploration of taboo subjects. Women participating in this genre often face increased pressure to regulate their expression and conform to standards of respectability. This project investigates how expectations of self-censorship are shaped by gender and whether they reflect broader systems of patriarchal and heteronormative control.

Dominant culture often defines what is considered acceptable or moral, which can lead to attempts to regulate artistic expression. A notable example is the campaign led by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMCR), which sought to increase parental control over the music children were exposed to during a period of moral panic surrounding heavy metal and other popular music genres. These efforts illustrate how musicians have historically been pressured to censor themselves in response to social concerns about morality and cultural influence. At the same time, heavy metal as a genre frequently resists such pressures by intentionally engaging with darker or controversial themes that challenge dominant social norms.

The methodology for this project is a video essay. The analysis will highlight experiences such as Wendy O Williams in contrast to the PMCR to answer the bigger question relating to responsibility and censorship.

This project will argue that calls for self-censorship frequently reinforce patriarchal expectations and limit artistic agency, rather than serving a neutral moral purpose.

This project explores the question: how can verbatim theatre promote empathy among youth and their communities? Using interview-based storytelling, this work centers real voices and lived experiences to encourage audiences to engage with perspectives beyond their own.

I chose verbatim theatre because of its ability to preserve authenticity while creating a shared performance experience. The piece is constructed from adapted interviews, maintaining natural speech patterns and emotional truth. An ensemble of performers shares these stories through monologues and collective moments, using vocal layering, repetition, and silence to support emotional connection rather than traditional musical structures.

This work is informed by research on verbatim and documentary theatre, which emphasizes the form’s capacity to foster empathy through direct engagement with real experiences. By focusing on youth-centered narratives, the project contributes to this field by examining how peer-driven storytelling can impact understanding within communities. It also expands my creative practice by integrating research, interview, and performance into a cohesive process.

The methodology was practice-based and iterative. Interviews were conducted and adapted into performable text, then developed through rehearsal using ensemble techniques, movement, and minimal staging. A central symbolic object and recurring vocal motifs help unify the piece.

Through this process, I found that verbatim theatre can effectively promote empathy when authenticity is prioritized and performers act as vessels for real voices. The work deepened my understanding of how storytelling, performance, and audience engagement intersect. This project demonstrates that shared, truthful narratives can create meaningful connections and encourage reflection within a community.

The purpose of this project is to use a series of 3 poems to explore the question, “What does heavy metal offer those in society who are marginalized?

These poems will be ekphrastic in nature; ekphrasis being a style of poetry written in response to an artwork (and traditionally named after the artwork), including a vivid description of the piece, and a reflection upon the piece, usually focusing on the emotional impact it had on the author of the poem. In the case of this collection, the poems will be written in response to three different heavy metal albums from three different eras of the genre, and the reflection will be written in the form of a largely auto-biographical exploration of the emotional impact upon individuals who are marginalized. Between each poem further academic context will be provided, pulling quotes from “Wicked Woman” by Herron-Wheeler to provide more context about marginalized individuals, and from “What are You Doing Here?” by Laina Dawes to provide both a marginalized perspective and to bring in auto-biographical elements in order to support the conclusions that I draw about the emotional impact of heavy metal upon marginalized individuals. These poems will bridge the gap between the academic, auto-biographical, and poetic elements in order to answer the question stated above.

Leadership is often pictured as a formal role or as a position of authority. However, our experiences show us that leadership often begins in small, intentional moments that ripple outward, affecting others in ways we may not immediately see. This presentation explores the ripple effect of leadership through personal narratives, highlighting the journey from mentee to mentor and the lasting impact of building a community through connections.

We use a reflective, story-based approach, pulling in real-life examples from our college experiences. Each narrative shows how mentorship and leadership shaped our confidence and contributed to a sense of community. These moments show how leadership is not limited to official roles; instead, it emerges in everyday interactions.

Leading with the "3Cs"---Confidence, Connection, and Community---affects both the individual and the people surrounding them. Confidence grows when someone believes in us, connection forms through acts of support, and community strengthens when those lessons are passed forward. The ripple effect highlights how these impacts spread, inspiring others to step into leadership roles themselves.

Pulling these ripples together, we can see how this work shows that leadership is accessible to everyone. As we move forward, we carry these lessons with us, intentionally creating our own ripples through everyday actions. This work reflects both where leadership has brought us and how it will guide the way we lead, connect, and contribute in the future.

Utah is often recognized for its strong volunteer culture and community engagement, yet food insecurity persists at rates comparable to the national average. The state’s response to food insecurity is largely shaped by a work-first ideology that emphasizes employment as the primary path to economic stability. While this framework promotes self-sufficiency, strict eligibility requirements and benefit cliffs frequently push individuals and families out of public assistance programs before their basic needs are met.

As a result, many residents rely on private or charitable food support to fill gaps left by public policy. Over time, this reliance has influenced food insecurity policymaking in Utah, reinforcing a system in which public programs remain limited in scope while informal aid assumes much of the responsibility for relief.

Using a systems-thinking approach, this project examines the interconnected policy, economic, and cultural factors that shape food access in Utah. Drawing on quantitative data, existing literature, and community-informed perspectives, our analysis illustrates how benefit cliffs, rising living costs, and culturally reinforced preferences for charitable intervention interact to perpetuate barriers to food security. Through systems mapping and feedback-loop analysis, we identify leverage points where evidence-based interventions could better align public policy with the lived realities of individuals experiencing food insecurity.

This work highlights how mental models and policy design jointly influence outcomes, elevates community voices often obscured by aggregate data, and encourages solutions that more effectively balance public responsibility with community-driven support.

Transitioning from a Peer Mentor to the Student Program Manager within the Office of Mentoring has provided an opportunity to reflect on how leadership and mentoring intersect in student development. In this role, I support peer mentors who then guide their own mentees, creating a mentorship pipeline that directly influences student well-being and sense of belonging. This experience highlighted the importance of addressing self-worth and imposter syndrome among student leaders while building the confidence necessary to support others. This presentation explores how mentoring experiences as both a mentor and mentee can strengthen leadership identity and empower students to share their knowledge and experiences with others.

One mentoring experience that shaped this reflection was facilitating my first presentation on mentor burnout during a staff meeting. Drawing from my experiences as a former Peer Mentor, I encouraged mentors to reflect on the challenges they face while supporting students. The presentation incorporated reflection exercises, open discussion, and shared storytelling to help mentors recognize signs of burnout and discuss strategies for maintaining balance.

Through this experience, I observed that many student leaders experience similar feelings of self-doubt, especially when transitioning into roles with greater responsibility. Creating intentional spaces for vulnerability and reflection helped normalize these challenges and encouraged mentors to recognize their leadership potential. Integrating structured reflection and discussions about well-being into mentoring practices can support mentor growth while strengthening the overall success and well-being of students.

Freeze drying (Cryodesiccation) is a way of preserving food by removing water via sublimation at low temperature and pressure. Because freeze-dried foods do not require refrigeration, have long shelf lives, maintain favorable sensory properties, weigh less, and are more efficient for transport, it is an attractive option for food manufacturers/distributors. This study investigates the reduction of microbial load in ground beef due to freeze-drying compared to freeze-drying with ozonation as an antimicrobial treatment step. We are working with Techesource Systems, a local manufacturer of freeze-drying equipment to help test a proprietary ozonation “kill-step.” Store-bought ground beef was tested prior to freeze-dry treatment with and without the addition of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Listeria monocytogenes. Stock cultures were grown on tryptic soy broth. Pathogens were added at approximately 107 cfu/g beef. The microbial load in ground beef was determined via plate counting on NEOGEN Petrifilms: Total Aerobic Count, Coliform/Escherichia coli counts, and Total Listeria counts were collected. After the microbial load of un-spiked and spiked ground beef was established, the beef was processed by Techsource Systems with freeze-drying or freeze-drying with an additional ozone “kill step”. Preliminary analysis shows that this process results in a 5.6-log reduction in the total coliform count in ground beef, a 4.3 log reduction in the total aerobic count, a 4.3 log reduction in the E. coli count, and a 3.9 log reduction in the L. monocytogenes count. The industry standard for food safety is a five-log reduction. The data currently suggests that ozone treatment, as a kill step, in cryodesiccated foods may increase the effectiveness of cryodesiccation as an antimicrobial process.

Cyanobacteria adjust their photosynthetic pigmentation in response to environmental light through chromatic acclimation. In the filamentous cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon, Type III chromatic acclimation (CA3) has traditionally been viewed as being controlled by the red-green light sensing Rca phosphorelay system. However, pigmentation changes still occur even in the absence of the RcaE sensor kinase, suggesting the existence of a second regulatory pathway whose light sensor remained unknown. We present evidence that this second pathway is controlled by DpxA, a sensor kinase that responds to yellow and teal light. This study investigates how the Dpx system interacts with the Rca pathway to control cell color across the visible spectrum. Using genetic mutants, reverse transcription PCR, and whole cell spectral analysis, we found that dpxA is cotranscribed with dpxB and dpxC, forming a three-gene operon with a role in pigmentation control (the dpxABC operon). Mutational analysis revealed that the effects of the Dpx proteins differ dramatically depending on whether RcaE is present or absent, suggesting integration of the two pathways to control overall pigmentation. When both dpxA and rcaE were deleted, the double mutant lost nearly all capacity for chromatic acclimation across the visible spectrum.

Together, these findings identify DpxA as the missing sensor for the second regulatory pathway and demonstrate that the Dpx and Rca systems function as an integrated multispectral regulatory network.

This thesis examines how U.S. immigration enforcement operates as a de facto censorship system by converting political dissent into administrative noncompliance. Using three case studies—Emma Goldman (1919), John Lennon (1972–75), and Mahmoud Khalil (2025)—and doctrinal analysis of plenary power and First Amendment jurisprudence, it traces a consistent pattern: when the state confronts noncitizen speech it dislikes, it rarely bans expression outright; instead, it relies on civil processes such as inadmissibility findings, detention, venue manipulation, and alleged “material misrepresentation.” These tools appear neutral yet function punitively, enabled by judicial deference to executive claims of sovereignty and national security.

The study argues that this administrative silencing undermines democratic legitimacy by stratifying speech protections between citizens and noncitizens and by obscuring political retaliation behind bureaucratic form. It proposes policy reforms: explicit statutory safeguards against immigration actions based on lawful political expression, heightened judicial scrutiny where speech interests are implicated, and agency burdens to demonstrate non-pretextual rationales. While bounded by qualitative methods and emblematic cases, the analysis illuminates how legality can become the vehicle for suppression—and why protecting dissent must include protecting the status of those who dissent.

Women have long fought for an equal place and recognition in a male-dominated society. This fight extends to subcultures such as the heavy metal scene. Various metal scenes have struggled with being dominated by men overwhelming and embracing imagery of misogynistic violence. Examining the way women have navigated various scenes, such as black metal and punk in search of recognition, it's possible to understand the role of feminism in these scenes and women’s legacy on the cultures. How do women fans of extreme metal and punk navigate scenes with issues with reactionary ideology? Using an exploration of existing literature in this presentation, I hope to build a view of the current research on the existing literature. The literature suggests that women have responded in a variety of ways. In the metal scene, bands like Castrator have embraced lyrical themes of violence against misogynistic men as a form of “vigilante feminism”(Jocson-Singh, 2019). In punk, we saw the creation of the feminist riot grrrl scene, which merged radical politics with punk anti-establishment attitude(Wright, 2016). Both suggest women navigate male-dominated cultures with reactionary ideology by embracing the scenes' existing traits of extremity and rebellion while merging them with feminist focused messaging as a response to misogynistic attitudes.

My presentation is an examination of how the term ‘groupies’ has been applied to all women fans (specifically focusing on fans of hard rock and heavy metal), and how women fans have reacted to that stereotype. I will use a combination of primary and secondary sources: media produced by self-proclaimed groupies for groupies, essays written from the women fans about groupies, and articles written by researchers about how women fans are treated.

I’ll start with a rough history of the term groupie. From the first famous sets of groupies (GTOs and the Plaster-Casters) to the first widespread definition of groupies in the Rolling Stones (The Groupies and Other Girls, 1969). I examine the difference between how groupies were and how they were characterized, backed by sociology papers on the treatment of women fans.

From there we will go into how groupies was applied at large to every women in the music field, from fans to musicians to professionals interacting with male rock-stars. I’ll go into the various ways women reacted to this stereotyping. Some rejected any association with “those sort of women,” some questioned if “those sort of women” truly existed at all, and some proclaimed themselves to be “that sort of women, and what’s wrong with that?”

Women are fans of metal for the same reason other humans are fans of metal, but they have historically not been considered to be fans for legitimate reasons. From defensiveness to reclamation, the reactions of women to accusations of impure motives (which is what being called a groupie is) shows a lot of how that person conceives of sexism on a broad scale.

The WSU Sustainable Clubs (Environmental Ambassadors, Food Recovery Network, and Garden Club) seek to create a culture of sustainability on campus by promoting sustainable social, economic, and environmental behaviors. This presentation will highlight the engagement and operational progress from the most recent academic year. This includes HIEEs Pay engagement and opportunities, Zero Waste Athletics, food recovered and donated, and the community garden project update.

Zero Waste Athletics, which is a program of Environmental Ambassadors, expanded the recycling collection process and successfully piloted compost collection. HIEEs Pay offered students the opportunity to be paid for volunteering at our Zero Waste Athletics games, and it successfully boosted participation. Additional HIEEs Pay opportunities included being a Sustainable Clubs officer, participating in the Green Badge Program, or being a Sustainable Resident Leader, which required students to live in on-campus housing and work to reimplement recycling and educate residents on sustainability. The Food Recovery Network spent another semester recovering uneaten food from Weber State Dining Services and donating it to our local homeless shelter, the Lantern House. Additionally, several events such as Meal Kit Building and Plant Powered Food Tasting were held to fight food insecurity within the community and encourage students to try out a plant-based diet. The community garden has continued to expand and develop, with new additions such as a pergola (which will soon have solar power) and a compost bin. The Sustainable Clubs will continue to host weekly and monthly events/meetings to build and maintain a sustainable campus culture and educate students about what has been done, what is being done, and what is to come surrounding sustainability at Weber State.

French cuisine has long been associated with refinement and pleasure, yet it is often reduced to its most basic function: nourishment. This presentation argues that French food should instead be understood as a form of art—one that integrates technique, aesthetics, cultural narrative, and sensory experience into a cohesive and expressive medium. Drawing on the legacy of chefs such as Auguste Escoffier and Paul Bocuse, the talk explores how French culinary practice parallels traditional art forms in its emphasis on mastery, composition, and creativity.

Central to this argument is the role of technique as craftsmanship. Foundational elements such as the “mother sauces” function much like artistic tools, requiring precision, discipline, and years of training, often institutionalized in schools like Le Cordon Bleu. Beyond technique, French cuisine prioritizes visual presentation, where plating becomes an act of composition comparable to painting, guided by balance, contrast, and focalization.

The presentation also highlights how French gastronomy engages multiple senses simultaneously, transforming eating into an immersive experience. Concepts such as terroir and seasonality situate dishes within specific cultural and geographic contexts, allowing food to act as a narrative vehicle. Classic dishes like Coq au Vin and Ratatouille exemplify how cuisine can convey history, place, and identity.

Finally, the talk considers the structure of the French meal itself as a form of performance, unfolding in courses like acts in a play. This artistic dimension is further validated by its recognition as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. By reframing French cuisine as art rather than mere sustenance, this presentation invites audiences to reconsider the cultural and emotional significance of what we eat.

Many people, especially university students, move frequently and must transport belongings over long distances. For those who do this by car, space constraints in smaller vehicles may force them to tie their trunk down if they are to carry large items such as furniture or appliances. Leaving the trunk in an open position will increase drag, ultimately increasing the cost of trips due to reduced fuel economy. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we show that a proposed attachable trunk cover may be able to reduce the drag experienced by the vehicle. The CFD simulations were conducted to study the effect of the cover on the drag force and fuel economy. To quantify the results, three different models have been studied on a 2007 Toyota Corolla: (i) a trunk open at a specified angle, (ii) a proposed trunk cover design, and (iii) a closed trunk. For the CFD simulations, the governing equations of turbulent air flow around the car were numerically solved using Ansys Fluent software. To improve the accuracy of the simulations, a multi-zone mesh was utilized with finer resolutions near the car to better capture the air flow around it. It is observed that both the open trunk and the covered trunk simulations lead to higher drags than that of the closed trunk; however, the covered trunk results in a better fuel economy with less drag compared to the open trunk. It is suggested that if such an attachable trunk cover was made available at an affordable price, it could provide savings to those who frequently travel with large items.

This study explored how data-based performance metrics relate to stroke development in high school swimmers and how swimmers feel about receiving feedback based on numbers. The project focused on swimmers from Ben Lomond High School and examined whether metrics such as stroke count, splits, and SWOLF scores help athletes better understand and improve their technique.

Data were collected using an online survey and performance records from practices and early season meets. The survey asked swimmers how often they receive data-based feedback, how familiar they are with specific metrics, how helpful they find numerical feedback compared to general coaching feedback, and what challenges they face when improving their strokes. Demographic information such as grade level, years of competitive experience, and gender was also collected. In addition, practice and meet data were used to create individual stroke profiles that included event times, stroke counts, and SWOLF scores. These profiles were used to examine trends in efficiency, pacing, and stroke development. A team level analysis was also completed to identify shared strengths and weaknesses across the group.

Results suggest that most swimmers view data-based feedback as helpful and motivating, especially when it is clearly explained and connected to specific technique goals. Swimmers reported that numbers helped them better understand how small changes in technique affected performance. The findings were used to design targeted swim and dryland workouts focused on efficiency, body position, and pacing.

Overall, this study shows that combining performance data with traditional coaching feedback can support swimmer understanding and skill development. These results highlight the value of using simple, accessible metrics to guide training at the high school level.

This proposal was authored by the students in Weber State University’s ‘State Politics’ class in the fall semester of 2025. The emphasis of this report provides a framework for establishing and governing the newly incorporated Ogden Valley City in a manner that promotes transparency, fiscal stability, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development. The city’s Code of Ethics underscores a commitment to public trust, responsible governance, and high standards of conduct for all municipal employees.

Economic analysis indicates that Ogden Valley’s business activity is primarily centered around recreation and tourism, restaurant and retail operations, and small service providers. Business clusters are currently concentrated in Eden and the Wolf Creek/Nordic Valley area. To ensure stable revenue to support essential public services, the proposal recommends modest increases in the property tax rate (from 0.67% to 0.75%) and the sales and use tax (by 0.25%).

These incremental adjustments are designed to strengthen the city’s financial capacity while remaining minimally burdensome to residents. Because Utah’s Truth in Taxation law prevents automatic revenue growth from rising property values, annual fiscal reviews and public engagement are recommended to maintain transparency and support informed decision-making. The proposed Model City Charter provides a foundational governance structure defining powers, responsibilities, and operational procedures for the new municipality.

Strategic land use and population growth planning account for projected expansion through 2035, emphasizing the preservation of open space and the rural character of the valley. Establishing North Fork Park as the centerpiece of a Dark Sky Park and Observatory initiative would leverage the valley’s existing International Dark Sky status to promote education, tourism, and light-pollution reduction.

Environmental sustainability is central. Policy recommendations include reducing single- use plastic consumption, promoting recycling and public education, and implementing water- conservation measures in response to declining snowpack and long-term reductions in water availability. Residential water-use limits, outdoor watering schedules, tiered water rates, and conservation incentives are suggested to ensure a sustainable water future.

Overall, this proposal seeks to balance economic vitality, responsible governance, and preservation of the natural landscape that defines Ogden Valley. It establishes a foundation for a fiscally secure, environmentally resilient, and community-focused municipal government.

AI development presents an urgent extinction threat to humanity, based on its rapidly evolving capabilities and lack of a solution to the alignment problem. Unlike many previous claims, super-intelligence is an unnecessary step in the path to extinction; catastrophic damage can come as a result of any misaligned AI possessing sufficient autonomy and capability. Any capability that exceeds human ability presents a substantial threat to humanity, especially in areas like cybersecurity, warfare, and medical research. An AI misaligned with human goals is a problem that is often sidelined in the pursuit of profit and power, and needs to be treated with substantial gravity. We must act now to ensure our safety, assigning responsibility and accountability where it is essential. The study of AI self replication and alignment should be global priorities. We need to be advocating for wide-scale precautions right now, like global treaties, more safety research, and stricter development guidelines, halting AI accelerationism.

Stress is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Additionally, people with higher emotional intelligence report greater relationship satisfaction. In addition to stressors faced by all couples, LGB couples also experience minority stressors. Minority stress refers to “the excess stress to which individuals from stigmatized social categories are exposed as a result of their social, often a minority, position” (Meyer, 2003, p. 3). Minority stressors, such as internalized homophobia and concealment, lead to poor mental health outcomes and decreased relationship satisfaction in LGB couples. The present study sought to investigate whether empathic accuracy moderates the relationship between minority stressors and relationship satisfaction. In other words, does having high empathic accuracy help promote relationship satisfaction among LGB individuals who experience high levels of minority stress? Additionally, we aimed to replicate the positive relationship between empathic accuracy and relationship satisfaction, as well as replicate the negative relationship between minority stress and relationship satisfaction in LGBTQ+ participants.

Preliminary findings revealed a significant interaction between concealment and empathic accuracy on relationship satisfaction. As hypothesized for participants who are low in empathic accuracy, concealing one’s sexual orientation predicted lower relationship satisfaction. Interestingly, among participants who were high in empathic accuracy, concealing one’s sexual orientation predicted higher relationship satisfaction. This suggests that having higher emotional intelligence protects sexual minorities from the negative relational impacts of concealing one’s sexual orientation.

Using the funding provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research, we are currently analyzing data collected by Prolific to replicate and extend our findings to a more generalized population.

The U.S. long-term care industry is a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, yet a systemic gap exists between the prices billed and the care delivered. As a Nurse on the front lines, I have seen how unregulated staffing levels compromise patient safety and dignity. This pitch outlines a legislative roadmap to bridge that gap. By advocating for standardized staffing ratios and enforceable care quality metrics, aiming to ensure that the healthcare industry’s massive revenue finally translates into the high-standard care that elderly and vulnerable populations have already paid for. It’s time to move from "billing for care" to actually providing it.

The Peer Mentoring Program cultivates a purposeful and intentional educational culture that bridges the gap between the mentees we serve and the aspirations they hold for themselves. Mentorship that empowers students' personal and professional goals and strengthens institutional belonging and long-term degree completion are what drives the Peer Mentoring Program, and our department's success comes from the success of the mentees who go through our program.

We will compare our experiences as mentors: as new versus more experienced all while working toward different degrees. Makaylee is a Health Sciences Major, working toward acceptance in a very difficult program. Taking on this mentoring job while competing for a radiology program at Weber has been overwhelming. She’s had to learn commitment, organization, and self-discipline to do both aspects well. The best thing she learned from this experience is time management because it’s hard to navigate being a student in the workforce, no matter how lenient the hours. Time management is an important skill in mentoring because you complete your own schoolwork and become a trustworthy person for the students you work with. This was very important to her because her future career in medical imaging is arduous and can make it difficult to manage a work-life balance.

From Amanuel’s personal experience as a peer mentor, he can say that this role has played a major role in his personal growth, especially as a Social Work major. This is because, as a mentor, he was able to develop his communication skills, patience, and understanding of others from diverse backgrounds. Amanuel also learned a great deal about his future profession, and got an opportunity to practice listening, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Through his mentees, he learned the importance of being responsible with his actions, as he realized that he was being looked up to for guidance and support. Amanuel also learned a great deal about personal growth, as he had to grow in confidence and become more proactive. Therefore, he can say that mentoring not only helped him grow as a professional but also helped him grow as a person, as he learned a great deal about the importance of empathy, responsibility, and being a positive influence in someone's life.

Women have faced challenges in advancing in leadership roles (UWLP, 2025). Since 2008, extensive research has been done through the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) in response to the troubling status of women and education within the state of Utah. However, despite these challenges, the data revealed that some are adapting to therefore thrive. Thriving describes the experience one has of vitality and learning and can be used as a gauge for self-adaptation (Spreitzer, et al., 2005). In addition to previous research, this thesis gathered data through 58 qualitative interviews and a 207 quantitative survey that focused on how current thriving female leaders in the state of Utah navigate to thriving. One’s inner dialogue programs their self-concept, identity, and behavior (Vilhauer, 2025). By applying identity theories and analyzing the development of thriving female leaders through intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, five themes were identified that contribute to their thriving and can be added to the existing academic literature. Themes that emerged from the research were 1) identity development through self-compassionate intrapersonal communication, 2) identity development through thriving intrapersonal communication, 3) Identity development through intrapersonal communication of one’s environment, 4) Identity development through mentor intercommunication, and 5) Leadership facilitation through support intercommunication. Thus, possible suggestions are identified on how to help women thrive while navigating their role as a leader.

Organizations increasingly emphasize data-driven decision-making, yet strategic decisions are often made in contexts where analytic evidence and managerial judgment do not fully align. In such situations, evaluators must interpret not only the data itself but also the communicative context in which a recommendation is presented. This study examines how communicative cues shape evaluative judgments when analytic data appear to contradict a proposed business decision.

Drawing on the Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM), this research investigates how heuristic cues interact with analytic processing in organizational decision contexts. Specifically, the study focuses on two communicative mechanisms: perceived presenter expertise and narrative coherence. Perceived expertise serves as a heuristic cue signaling credibility and competence, while narrative coherence reflects the extent to which a recommendation is presented through a clear and logically structured explanation.

To examine these effects, the study employs a scenario-based experimental design in which participants evaluate a strategic recommendation accompanied by analytic data that appears to challenge the proposed course of action. Narrative coherence and perceived expertise are systematically manipulated across conditions. Participants are then asked to assess the perceived value of the decision using a multi-item Likert scale.

Participants will be drawn from graduate students in communication and business programs as well as business professionals using a convenience sampling strategy. Data will be analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the independent and interactive effects of communicative cues on perceived decision value.

This study contributes to research on organizational communication and decision-making by extending HSM to contexts involving analytic contradiction. It also provides practical insight into how communication shapes perceptions of strategic decisions, offering implications for how leaders present recommendations in data-rich environments.

Purpose: Cryotherapy is commonly used to manage acute soft tissue injuries by reducing intramuscular (IM) temperature and limiting secondary tissue damage. The Game Ready 2.1 Pro is widely used due to its effective cooling but is costly for many athletic training and sports medicine settings. The Breg Polar Care Wave offers a more affordable cryo-compression option, though its IM cooling effectiveness is not well established. The purpose of this study was to compare the IM cooling effects of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro and the Breg Polar Care Wave during and after cryo-compression of the calf musculature.

Methods: Twenty healthy, physically active, college-aged adults completed two cryotherapy sessions using a randomized crossover design. A thermocouple was inserted into the medial gastrocnemius at a standardized depth (subcutaneous fat thickness + 1 cm) to continuously measure IM temperature. Participants received 30 minutes of cryo-compression with either the Game Ready 2.1 Pro or the Breg Polar Care Wave, followed by a 25-minute passive rewarming period. IM temperature was recorded at baseline and every 5 minutes throughout treatment and rewarming. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results: Both devices significantly reduced IM temperature over time (F(11,198)=88.467, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between devices across time (F(11,198)=1.542, P=0.232). Baseline IM temperatures were similar between conditions (Game Ready: 34.10±1.70°C; Breg: 34.69±1.34°C). The lowest IM temperatures occurred at the 5-minute rewarming interval (Game Ready: 24.53±3.91°C; Breg: 27.13±3.29°C). Although the Game Ready produced a slightly greater IM temperature reduction (~3°C), this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: Both the Game Ready 2.1 Pro and the Breg Polar Care Wave effectively reduced intramuscular temperature in the calf musculature, with no significant differences between devices. These findings support the Breg Polar Care Wave as a practical, lower-cost alternative for cryo-compression therapy in athletic training settings. Future research should evaluate additional body regions and participant populations to further inform evidence-based cryotherapy practice.

Wildfire is a major ecological disturbance that shapes biodiversity across many ecosystems worldwide, but historical fire regimes have been altered. Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi (mycobionts) and algae or cyanobacteria (photobionts). These organisms lack roots, protective cuticles, and filtration mechanisms, making them highly susceptible to airborne pollutants. Because they absorb water and nutrients across their entire thalli, lichens can also accumulate contaminants at levels exceeding their tolerance. This vulnerability raises concern for their persistence in areas affected by wildfire. Lichens are widely used in bio-monitoring studies, but very few investigations have examined if their functional traits are directly altered by PM exposure. To address this gap, I conducted a laboratory experiment testing how woodsmoke-derived PM affects the functional traits of Xanthomendoza, Melanelixia, and Peltigera. Lichens were exposed to smoke for varying durations under hydrated and dry conditions to evaluate the interaction between smoke exposure and thallus moisture content on functional trait responses. The functional traits that were measured included photosynthetic rates, pigment concentrations, the mycobiont and photobiont thickness, and water-holding capacity (WHC). My results indicated that dry smoke-exposed lichens maintained positive photosynthetic rates, whereas wet smoke-exposed specimens exhibited a complete loss of net photosynthesis and shifted to respiration. Chlorophyll concentrations did not vary significantly across treatments. This suggests that smoke exposure impairs their ability to photosynthesize through mechanisms other than pigment degradation. The photobiont thickness in the green algae lichens did thin, but the mycobiont thickness and WHC did not vary significantly. As wildfire frequency increases, this research provides the framework for predicting lichen responses to smoke.

It is not always easy to find the line between risky play that is facilitating learning and risky play that will end in tears. This narrative inquiry (Stremmel, 2014) seeks to understand how early childhood educators or caregivers effectively set limits for safety without inhibiting inquiry-based, child-driven learning and growth opportunities. Using exploratory practice (Miller et al., 2020,) and narrative inquiry I sought to understand the balance of effectively setting and maintaining limits while intentionally “suspending adult agendas” (Curtis and Carter) within my own practice at the lab school on campus.

The multicomponent methodology included:

1) A case study in the lab school on campus where children lead an inquiry based exploration within the limits of practitioner guidance.

2) A narrative inquiry (Stremmel 2) approach to deconstruct my observation of “risky” play which is wrought with rich child driven learning and my own self efficacy in successfully setting safety limits that do not inhibit autonomy or competency.

3) Faculty mentor and mentor teacher discussions to guide reflexivity and theory development.

The findings were not conclusive, aligning with an exploratory practice focus on “understanding rather than solving.” They included rich learning and development across several domains, as well as one student becoming minorly injured as a result of discovery-based, child-led play. Findings aligned with Montessori’s concept of “freedom within limits,” where the teacher acts as a facilitator for child-directed learning within a carefully planned environment without impeding development. The greatest finding was understanding how I, as a practitioner, can continue to develop in my ability to effectively set limits for child-directed learning without infringing on autonomy, development, or competency.

In November 2025, a small group of students from the Ohana Association at Weber State attended the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) with the goal of learning from Indigenous leaders and communities across the Pacific and beyond. Through our participation in workshops, trainings, cultural performances, and global networking opportunities, students engaged with diverse perspectives on Indigenous education and leadership. A central outcome of this experience was the development of the “Mat of Leadership,” a framework inspired by the cultural significance of woven mats in Pacific Islander communities. Just as these mats symbolize strength, beauty, and intentional craftsmanship, the Mat of Leadership is built upon three interconnected strands: Connection, Well-being, and Cultural Revitalization. Our presentation explores how these elements, when woven together, form a resilient model of leadership rooted in cultural identity and community values.

"What were you wearing?" is a common question asked to sexual assault survivors by their family, friends, and agents of the Criminal Justice system. It is a question that shifts the blame from the perpetrator onto the survivor, and consequently attempts to absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. Throughout history, rape culture has negatively influenced sexual assault survivors, leading some to wrongly believe their stories do not matter, their voices are not heard, or support is not available. This presentation will discuss the implications of victim blame, and the social efforts to challenge rape myths commonly perpetuated by society. Using the curriculum and community engaged learning experiences from our interdisciplinary CJ/PSY 4900: Debunking Sexual Violence Myths class, we will specifically address the impact a “What Were you Wearing?” art installation has on changing social perceptions of victim blame. By the end of the presentation viewers will have a better understanding of the underlying current of rape culture, student advocacy opportunities, and what they can do to limit sexual violence myths on the Weber State campus.

A prom dress, T-shirt, blue jeans, pajamas. These are just some of the items worn by sexual violence survivors that were displayed in a What Were You Wearing? art installation in Lindquist Hall on April 1. First created in 2013 by advocates from the University of Arkansas, the powerful What Were you Wearing? exhibit was designed to be a visual mechanism to combat one of the most commonly asked questions of sexual assault survivors. By showcasing replicas of outfits worn by survivors of sexual victimization, the exhibit aims to dispel myths that clothing selection contributes to culpability. Now the exhibit has been recreated dozens of times across the country and globally. The goal of our presentation is to inform Weber State students and the general public about the significance of victim advocacy and the importance of supporting sexual violence survivors. Using photo and record archives from our CJ/PSY 4900: Debunking Sexual Violence Myths class, we will demonstrate the process of creating this powerful exhibit, as well as the impact it had on patrons who viewed the exhibit. We will discuss our perceptions of the viewer experience, including whether we felt viewers left the exhibit with increased empathy for sexual assault survivors. Lastly, we will discuss the barriers and successes of exhibit creation, and offer suggestions for future iterations of the exhibit.

Leadership is something that can mean more than being the head of a team. Instead it can change lives, in ways you may never hear about.