Poster Presentations: Two

My research explores the evolution of historical interiors, with a focus on how elements from past design principles continue to influence modern architectural spaces. I am particularly interested in how detailing architecture, textiles, and color palettes from historical periods are reinterpreted in contemporary buildings. My aim is to understand how these elements and styles are incorporated into modern architecture, highlighting the enduring influence of these historical periods on current design trends. This research is highly relevant today, as it enhances our ability to create innovative and functional spaces that meet modern needs while drawing inspiration from the past. To achieve this, I will conduct a comparative analysis of interior design styles, examining how detailing, textiles, and color palettes from historical interiors are incorporated into contemporary architecture. This will involve observing and analyzing various case studies, comparing historical examples with modern interpretations to identify trends and patterns in design adaptation. The methodology will focus on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of these design choices, assessing how historical elements contribute to the overall experience and usability of modern spaces. I anticipate that modern interior design often blends historical elements with contemporary aesthetics, demonstrating an enduring influence from past eras. The significance of my findings will highlight how designers adapt historical styles to create relevant, innovative spaces, ensuring that modern designs are both functional and aesthetically rich. Ultimately, this research will underscore the importance of historical awareness in shaping the future of architecture and interior design, showing how the past continues to inform and inspire the spaces we inhabit today.

A commonly expressed dream among AI developers is a future in which automation replaces the majority of human labor, freeing people to pursue more meaningful and leisurely lives, supported by universal income or personal shares in AI-generated wealth. While this vision is appealing on its face, it fails to account for current economic realities. Economic disparities are already estimated to be at their highest point in nearly a century, with some economists drawing comparisons to the Gilded Age and even pre-revolutionary France. Drawing on World Bank data and recent economic analysis, this paper highlights that asset inequality in the United States, currently measured at a Gini coefficient of .75 far exceeds income inequality (.41), and that roughly 25% of Americans hold zero or negative net wealth. Even if incomes were comparably replaced, asset disparities would continue to grow: existing assets appreciate and compound, inheritance removes wealth from broader circulation, and a fixed universal income offers little room for upward mobility while leaving those lower on the economic spectrum vulnerable to inflation. Rather than the utopia AI developers imagine, unchecked automation risks producing something closer to the opposite. The paper concludes by examining three potential corrective, progressive asset taxation paired with meaningful government investment in people, designing AI to augment rather than replace human workers, and stronger regulation of speculative markets in favor of the real economy, while acknowledging the significant political obstacles standing in the way of each.

This study examines whether general well-being contributes to academic performance and burnout among students at Weber State University. Specifically, it investigates how students trade; overall well-being (IV) relates to academic performance and levels of burnout (DV). The project trades goal was to better understand whether higher well-being is directly correlated with improved academic outcomes. The contrary being, reduced burnout among college students trade; academic performance.

This paper addresses the importance of vaccines and the effects declining rates can have on public health. It examines the roles misinformation and vaccine hesitancy play in decreasing vaccination rates. The history of vaccines and their manufacturing process is a vital part in understanding the main points of hesitancy, especially misinformation circulating about preservatives and the use of heavy metals in vaccines. The U.S. is currently teetering on its vaccination status, and without intervention, the country will begin to see severe outbreaks in vaccine-preventable diseases. Nurses and providers play a key role in dispelling misinformation, and providing parents with the necessary information needed to make an informed decision. In order to do so, nurses and providers should have extensive knowledge of the importance of vaccines, as well as their safety and efficacy, and how they provide immunity against preventable diseases.

This study examines whether differences in net tuition at U.S. law schools are associated with differences in short-term employment outcomes for graduates. Over the past decade, law school tuition has increased dramatically, in some cases more than doubling, while most graduates continue to rely heavily on federal student loans to finance their education. Drawing on human capital theory and sorting/signaling theory as competing frameworks, this study hypothesizes that employment outcomes are driven primarily by student credentials and bar passage performance rather than tuition levels. Using a panel dataset constructed from publicly available American Bar Association disclosures, the analysis covers six law schools in the western United States from 2011 to 2024, yielding eighty-four school-year observations. The dependent variable is the fraction of graduates obtaining full-time, long-term, bar-required employment approximately ten months after graduation. The primary independent variable is weighted net tuition, adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, with first-time bar passage rates, median LSAT scores, and median undergraduate GPA included as controls. Ordinary least squares regression with year fixed effects is used to isolate the relationship between net tuition and employment outcomes. Results are expected to show that bar passage rates and entering student credentials are the primary predictors of short-term employment outcomes, while net tuition has little or no independent association with employment once these factors are controlled for, suggesting that students may be paying very different prices for similar results.

I will show how code-switching with Spanish-speaking students is affected by the American school system, specifically looking at ESL programs and the potential negative impact they play in early education with Hispanic children. I will look at school curriculums/ESL programs centralized within Utah, and how they play a role in this, not only that, but how beyond the school certain factors contribute to this dilemma. While ESL is necessary for children to learn English and have a smoother transition into socializing and academic work, there needs to be room for improvement. I am looking at how ESL may fail and affect academic capability, language integration and cultural identity for Spanish-speaking students in comparison to those who primarily speak English. This at the end has many perspectives on it, and I will need to do deeper research to give proper and accurate information on my stance and the current issues centralized around this topic and how others view it. I will tie this with the novel There There by Tommy Orange because characters in the novel also struggle with, code-switching between their native language and English, and beyond that also struggle to fit in within modern urban society and trying to keep their roots. With all this in mind, I expect to see both sides and overall believe this program is good; it just needs room for continuous improvement.

I will be analyzing how drug addiction is responded to and studied in several different areas across the United States. The cities I am focusing my research on are Baltimore, Maryland, Omaha, Nebraska, and Oakland, California. I chose both Baltimore and Omaha for their extreme heroin and fentanyl abuse. My reason for choosing Oakland is to highlight some of the characters in the novel There There by Tommy Orange, and the issues they deal with due to drug and alcohol abuse. Many of those characters are in their late teens or early 20 trades, with the exception of Jaquie Redfeather, who is a recovering alcoholic in her 50 trades. I will be studying groups of people within the same age ranges to obtain the most effective data comparisons. All three cities are also chosen because they are in the east, middle, and west parts of the United States. My goal is to collect data on how addicts in different environments are treated by law enforcement, by their communities, and what factors play a role in obtaining treatment for these different discourse communities to overcome addiction. The characters in There There face the stigma society places on them because they are Natives, or Urban Indians. This leads some of them to make very poor life choices. By examining other areas of the nation, I will discover if drug use leads to the same overall outcomes, or if there are different results based upon where you live.

I propose to show the ties between the advent of school uniform requirements and the outcomes of student behavior, success, and the effect on their lives. I asked the question "How do school uniforms affect student well-being and education outcomes?" Which to answer this question, I have compiled information from a variety of scholarly resources to prove the success of school uniforms and show the negatives as well. By using sources that are using data from around the world, I intend to show that, without influence of a single culture or data cluster, that uniform use has positives and negatives, and this global data set allows us to view the outcomes without the biases of certain countries and also allows us to view its effect when it is first introduced. I have found that there are a variety of outcomes, both positive and negative in both developing countries, as well as countries that are first world in nature, which can clearly show the effects of these uniforms.

This project argues that artificial intelligence is best understood not as a replacement for human intelligence, but as a tool that may fundamentally expand it. Much of the current discourse surrounding AI focuses on risk: mass surveillance, misinformation, and even existential threats. While these concerns are important, they represent only one possible trajectory. This project explores an alternative: that AI may become one of the most powerful scientific and intellectual instruments ever developed. Recent advances already point in this direction. DeepMind trades AlphaFold system solved the protein-folding problem, a challenge that had resisted scientific progress for decades. In medicine, AI systems increasingly assist in early disease detection and new drug discovery. In education, AI-driven tools are enabling more personalized learning environments. These developments suggest that AI is not merely automating tasks, but augmenting human capacities for reasoning, pattern recognition, and discovery. Philosophically, this shift can be understood as an expansion of human epistemic capacity. AI has the potential to function as a cognitive partner, allowing humans to engage with complexity at scales previously unattainable. In this sense, AI may play a role analogous to earlier scientific instruments such as the telescope or microscope, technologies that did not replace human perception, but radically extended it. The future of AI is not predetermined. While its risks are real, an exclusive focus on negative outcomes obscures the possibility that AI could significantly advance science, education, and human flourishing. If intelligence is the primary constraint on solving complex problems, then expanding intelligence itself may represent one of the most important developments in human history.

Rubber rabbitbrush (Ericamera nauseosa) is a widespread and abundant flowering plant found throughout western North America, where it often makes up a significant portion of the plant community. Despite its broad distribution and abundance, little is known about its pollination ecology. In northern Utah, E. nauseosa is notable for its late blooming season, with many individuals still flowering well into October. This late blooming window may provide a valuable resource to fall-active pollinators, when many other plants are no longer flowering. We investigated the pollinator communities visiting E. nauseosa in Weber County Utah across four different locations, each visited between two to four times in the fall season of 2025. During 30- minute observation periods at each site, we recorded all orders of insects visiting flowers and attempted to collect a specimen of each unique taxon encountered. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) were excluded from the analysis. A total of 282 flower visitations were recorded, including 129 by non-Apis hymenopetrans, accounting for 46% of total flower visitations. Other flower visitors included flies (43%), butterflies (9%), and beetles (2%). Families represented included: Apidae, Ichneoumonidae, Syrphidae, Bombyliidae, Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Cerembycidae, and Burpestidae. Sixty-four insects were collected by net in the field for identification. Based on the initial analysis of collected specimens, at least 20 unique species were regular visitors to rabbitbrush. Flowers of E. nauseosa were collected for future analysis of nectar sugar composition. Based on these preliminary findings, hymenopterans and dipterans represent the majority of possible pollinators. Rubber rabbitbrush may then act as an important late-season source of pollen and nectar to many of Utah's native bees heading into the winter season, many of which are at risk due to habitat degradation.

By researching Student perceptions of AI use in higher education, this study explores how the emerging technology of AI is affecting and or interfering with higher education and if these tools affect the way students utilize, understand, and implement it with their school work. A non-probability snowball method was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data for exploratory purposes. First, quantitative data was collected from 217 undergraduate students from Weber State University. The survey instrument used a mixed-methods approach, combining 5-point Likert scale sections from Kanont et al. (2024) and Chan & Hu (2023) to measure AI ease of use, benefits, and limitations with original open-ended questions addressing academic AI ethics. Statistical support was found for a range of hypotheses, including that traditional and nontraditional students differ in their perceptions of the limitations of generative AI, men and women differ in their beliefs about whether AI use must be disclosed and in general, the more students who have concerns about the potential unfair advantage caused by AI, the more they support university policies regarding regulation of its use. In the qualitative phase 114 participants answered open ended survey questions. Grounded theory was used to code answers into smaller related categories to answer the research question, What recommendations do college students propose for the effective and ethical integration of generative AI tools into university teaching and learning practices? Three key themes were identified: Allow AI usage, utilize AI as a tool, and AI education. AI is the new normal and is present in every higher education classroom. AI is advancing faster than policies can be implemented. It's imperative that universities implement student-centric policies and expectations now to narrow the gap so that ethical student usage can grow together with the evolving technology preparing universities and students for an increasingly AI-driven world.

Chocolate is widely consumed across the world, and its primary ingredient is cacao beans. In recent years, many studies have shown concerning levels of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in chocolate and cacao beans. Because these beans are harvested in regions across the globe, identifying the geographical sources associated with higher heavy metal concentrations is important. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of lead and cadmium in cacao beans sourced from Guatemala and Ghana, which were provided by the Aggie Chocolate Factory. External standard calibration and standard addition methods were used, along with analysis of the individual components of the cacao bean. It was found that samples from Guatemala contained higher concentrations of both lead and cadmium. Additionally, the shell of the bean contained the highest concentrations of heavy metals, despite making up the smallest percentage of the bean by mass. In some cases, these concentrations exceeded California trades regulated daily exposure limits when consumed in larger quantities. These results suggest that increased awareness of chocolate sourcing is important for consumers, especially during periods of high chocolate consumption.

General Chemistry I and II are often a student trade's first exposure to working in a lab setting. Due to their unfamiliarity, students may neglect wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, or make miscalculations that could lead to unsafe lab results. One of the current labs involves the concept of limiting reactants. During the course of this lab, students mix mossy zinc with iodine. Iodine is classified as a health hazard that enters the body via inhalation or skin contact. If a student obtains too little zinc for their reaction, then they may be attempting to evaporate iodine as their end product instead. Boiling iodine risks creating a gas that exposes students to inhalation of it. Since replacing the iodine would mean changing the reaction completely, a different experiment was tested in an attempt to replace this lab. This experiment was dissolving solid aluminum in copper(II) chloride. Different shapes of aluminum, molarities of copper chloride, and the experiment trade's qualitative and quantitative qualities were observed.

Our research project for the Student Pathways team through the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) was designed to support the YMCA in expanding its afterschool and summer programming. The YMCA sought to collaborate with Weber State University clubs and organizations to help facilitate these programs. In partnership with CCEL and the Office of Community Research & Evaluation (CRE), we conducted an assessment to identify youth interests within the Ogden School District and connect those interests with university groups. We began by developing a structured survey to assess the types of programs and activities junior high students were most interested in participating in. With guidance from CCEL and CRE to ensure effective research design, we distributed the survey to 815 students at three junior high schools in the Ogden School District. The data revealed key areas of interest and helped identify opportunities for expanded enrichment programming. Using these findings, we created and distributed a second survey to Weber State University clubs and organizations to measure their interest, expertise, and capacity to lead programs aligned with student demand. We compiled and shared these results with the YMCA, providing potential campus partners for future collaboration. This project supports community outcomes by increasing access to interest-based youth programming, strengthening partnerships between the YMCA and Weber State University, and creating volunteer opportunities for college students to be connected to the YMCA. Academically and professionally, the experience strengthened our skills in survey design, data analysis, collaboration, and community engagement, while providing hands-on experience in applied research and nonprofit program development.

This project aims to develop a logistic regression model that will predict the maternal health risk level based on physiological data. A dataset has been selected that contains six predictor variables including age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose level, heart rate, and body temperature. Using a logistic regression model, the influence each variable has on the target variable, risk level, will be evaluated. Risk level is declared as low, medium, or high. Because the target variable is categorical, this is a classification task, making logistic regression an appropriate modeling approach. To build the model, a supervised learning technique will be used by splitting the dataset into training and testing sets. The model will be trained using the training data and then used to classify observations from the testing set. The model trades performance can then be evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, and recall. Because this project focuses on maternal health risk, special attention will be given to recall. Recall measures the percentage of true high-risk cases that were classified correctly by the model. This metric is extremely important in the medical setting because misclassifying a high-risk case as low risk can have serious or even life-threatening consequences. Logistic regression is a great modeling choice for this topic because it is highly interpretable. In a medical setting such as maternal health, it is extremely important to be able to understand and explain the results. Healthcare professionals must know which variables are associated with higher risk levels, how strongly the impact of the variable is, and if certain variable interactions contribute to an even greater risk. This is a very important research topic because it focuses on real-world health concerns. This type of research can contribute to advancements in the medical field by helping healthcare providers better understand the factors associated with maternal risk.

Context: Limited research has directly compared instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and percussion massage for improving lower extremity range of motion (ROM) and patient satisfaction, despite widespread clinical use. This study compared the effects of IASTM and percussion massage on active knee extension ROM, passive hip flexion ROM, and patient satisfaction in recreationally active adults. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a university laboratory. Forty healthy, recreationally active adults (18 and 35 years) with deficits in active knee extension and passive hip flexion were randomly assigned to IASTM (Graston instruments) or percussion massage (Theragun Elite). Participants completed four sessions over eight days; interventions were applied on Days 1, 3, and 5 and day 8 was measurements only. Active knee extension and passive hip flexion ROM were measured pre- and post-treatment using an Acumar digital inclinometer. A 2-7 mixed ANOVA assessed ROM changes over time, and Mann-Whitney U tests analyzed satisfaction survey responses (α=0.05). Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in ROM over time. For active knee extension, no significant interaction was found between treatment and time (F(1,38)=0.584, p=0.683), though a significant main effect of time was observed (F(1,38)=9.936, p<0.001). Passive hip flexion showed similar findings, with no between-group differences (F(1,38)=1.754, p=0.150) and a significant main effect of time (F(1,38)=19.784, p0.05). Conclusions: IASTM and percussion massage produced comparable improvements in lower extremity ROM and similar satisfaction outcomes. Clinicians may select either modality based on patient preference, cost, and clinical goals, as both appear effective for enhancing ROM.

The growing integration of Artificial Intelligence into daily life offers significant opportunities for advancement, along with substantial risks. Although many people are optimistic about A.I.'s potential, it also introduces threats that could erode democratic institutions. The inclusion of image recognition and factual knowledge into vision-language models expands the reach and impact of data analytics, yet also heightens concerns about privacy breaches, the reinforcement of social inequality, and the concentration of power among elite groups. Furthermore, the proliferation of A.I.-driven surveillance can entrench authoritarian regimes. My aim is to educate individuals about how A.I. has been, and could be, misapplied, to foster awareness and empower people to confront these challenges.

Research shows there is a positive relationship between perceived realistic and symbolic threats and an increase in prejudiced beliefs. With an increased fear and prejudice towards immigrants, there has also been a rise in activism, with individuals standing up for those who are oppressed. In an attempt to explain why individuals who are not a part of the oppressed group are participating in collective action, researchers have developed a new model. The theory is the Dual Chamber Model of Collective Action (DCMCA). The DCMCA predicts when individuals participate in collective action. This project tests the DCMCA within the context of attitudes towards immigrants in the United States. Using a survey through Prolific, participants were asked various questions about their beliefs around immigrants. Questions include attitudes about the reality of symbolic and realistic threats and questions about engaging in collective action. We predicted that the DCMCA will predict collective actions benefiting immigrants. More specifically, we hypothesize that moral conviction and politicized identity (including solidarity) will predict emotional injustice, group efficacy, and collective action. We also predict that our revised model, in which realistic and symbolic threats replace perceived injustice, will predict collective action. This mediated relationship is predicted to be strongest for politically liberal participants. Finally, we predict that greater realistic and symbolic will positively correlate with prejudice towards immigrants. Preliminary results found that individuals with a more liberal orientation and who feel solidarity toward immigrants exhibited more positive attitudes toward immigrants, whereas greater perceived realistic and symbolic threat predicted more negative attitudes. In contrast, only stronger moral convictions predicted greater collective action, whereas American identity predicted less.

In higher education, the relative efficacy of developmental mathematics instruction is often obscured by student self-selection into specific course modalities. This study investigates the causal impact of Inquiry & Exploration Learning (IEL) compared to Mastery-Based Learning (MBL) on student success and persistence in Weber State University MATH 0950 courses. Recognizing that randomized controlled trials are often infeasible in institutional settings, we employ a quasi-experimental framework to estimate the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). We utilize two distinct matching specifications Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Mahalanobis Distance Matching (MDM) to mitigate endogeneity bias arising from observed student characteristics, including prior academic performance, socioeconomic status, and enrollment behaviors. Post-matching diagnostics, including Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and visual assessments of common support, confirm high-quality covariate balance. Preliminary results indicate that the IEL modality yields a positive and statistically significant ATT for successful course completion (C grade or better). These results persist across both matching algorithms and suggest that student-centered, inquiry-based pedagogical models may offer superior returns for developmental math populations when compared to computer-assisted mastery models.

In my poster, I will discuss how discourse communities shape the way personal lived experiences are expressed and understood within Filipino communities, and how this compares to the representation of voice and identity in the book There There by Tommy Orange. I will be answering what "makes" someone Filipino through events, shared values, and tradition. My project will explain how cultural expectations within Filipino communities influence how individuals express their identities, especially when their experiences do not fully share the same traditions or values. My poster will define and describe how cultural identity impacts individuals and how that specifically applies to someone who is Filipino. Many articles of Filipino culture emphasize core values such as putting family first, showing respect, and expressing gratitude. These values are just a few ways this culture shares its experiences and how that may affect one trades identity within the community. Using scholarly research, the text from There There, and my own perspective as a Filipino-American, I will explore what happens when those traditions and expectations are not followed and how that affects a person trades sense of belonging and cultural identity.

Creatine is a widely used fitness supplement that is often referred to as having potential cognitive benefits as well. In recent years, these cognitive benefits have developed mainstream traction. Research regarding supplementation and cognitive fatigue have expanded yet there remains a dearth of information directly quantifying a sleep deprived state in connection to altered levels of natural creatine in the body. Thus, the purpose of this research was to test levels of creatine in the body during sleep deprivation periods and compare with baseline non-sleep deprived states. Results offered no correlation between sleep deprivation and creatine or creatinine levels. Major fluctuations were observed in the acute self reported sleep loss state to such a degree to offer no connection to the extent the study was conducted.

Purposes/Aims: The aim of this project is to reduce patient falls in a local rehab unit by implementing evidence-based fall prevention education and interventions tailored to the patients individual risk factors and level. Rationale/Background: Falls are costly and a leading cause of preventable injury among patients throughout the world. Older adults or adults learning to regain mobility are at an increased risk. Evidence-based fall prevention education and strategies are vital for reducing fall rates and improving patient safety. Methods: To address fall prevention issues, staff and patient education from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will be provided. These measures aim to increase staff and patient confidence in preventing falls. A pre- and post-implementation survey, along with a fall knowledge test, will be administered to staff to gauge the effectiveness of the interventions. Additionally, a fall data sheet will be used to track falls, allowing pre- and post-intervention fall rates to be compared. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model served as a framework for this project. Results: This project is expected to reduce the patient fall rate through the integration of evidence-based staff and patient education and tailored, personalized fall-prevention interventions. Conclusions: Implementing evidence-based education, along with personalized prevention interventions, will help staff prevent patient falls, thereby increasing overall patient safety and satisfaction scores. Upon successful completion of the pilot, it is projected that fall prevention expansion would occur facility-wide, unit by unit.

Established by the Utah Legislature in 2021, Utahraptor State Park officially opened to the public on May 23, 2025. In addition to the Dalton Wells Quarry paleontological site, which has produced numerous dinosaur fossils, the park contains the site of the Moab Isolation Center, a former CCC camp used to imprison Japanese Americans during World War II. The Sovereign Trail System, an extensive system of popular mountain bike and OHV trails, is also contained by the new park. Despite its cultural, scientific, and recreational resources, there is no publicly available map of the park that shows accurate and up-to-date locations of the new and altered roads, hiking trails and campgrounds. This map was produced to highlight the new park facilities and developed interpretive sites as well as provide up-to-date and accurate road and access information. Features were digitized using data from aerial photography, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, and OpenStreetMap.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare cancer disorder affecting approximately 1 in 7,000 individuals, with an estimated 500 families in the United States and over 1,000 multigenerational families worldwide. LFS is caused by a mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene, significantly increasing an individual's lifetime risk of a cancer diagnosis. Patients with LFS have a 50% likelihood of developing cancer before age 30 and up to a 90% lifetime risk by age 60. Common cancers associated with LFS include breast cancer, sarcomas, brain tumors, and leukemia. Because there is currently no cure, early detection is imperative to a patient's survival . Diagnostic imaging is key to early detection for individuals with LFS. This does include frequent physical examinations, abdominal ultrasounds, annual breast MRI and mammography, yearly brain and whole-body MRI scans, and periodic colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. A promising advancement is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), this is where patients have the opportunity to select out the cancer gene and although this could be controversial it could be key in changing the outcome for families affected by LFS.

In March 1988 there were protests at Gallaudet University, a historically Deaf school, called the “Deaf President Now” protests. These protests were in response to Gallaudet never having had a Deaf president in its history, despite most of the students being Deaf, and instead of any of the Deaf candidates the sole hearing candidate had been chosen. I propose that the Deaf President Now protests at Gallaudet University changed how many people viewed the Deaf community and ultimately led to better representation, visibility, and accessibility for the Deaf community. I will explore the importance of representation and how the success of the Deaf President Now protests led to more Deaf leadership in various places. I will also explore how these protests changed the public perception of the Deaf community from being less capable than hearing people to that they are fully capable and not less than. This change in perception helped to increase accessibility for not only Deaf people but all disabled people through new laws like the Telecommunications Accessibility Enhancement Act, the Television Decoder Circuitry Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. I will make a connection with our class novel "There There" through the themes of both representation and assimilation, many people have believed that both the Natives and the Deaf community would be better off if they were more like the "normal". In the novel this idea is pushed against through various characters embracing their identities as Urban Indians.

Given the prevalence of poverty in today's economy, this research addresses the fundamental question of which policy changes would maximize total socioeconomic well-being. This research seeks to understand the effect of expansionary tax policy on the lowest earners. Specifically, I am studying how corporate income tax rates affect 25th percentile annual wages. This research question is based on supply-side economics, specifically the tax incidence theory, and seeks to address the adversarial claims about "Trickle-Down Economics." Existing literature on this topic yields inconsistent results. While some studies identify a negative correlation between tax rates and GDP per capita (a commonly used measure of economic well-being), others find no statistically significant effect. Further research suggests that higher taxation and greater total social welfare coverage do not necessarily lead to poverty reduction. Using state-level panel data, this study employs a two-way fixed-effects multiple linear regression model to estimate the impact of corporate tax rates on the 25th percentile of annual income, controlling for GDP per capita, minimum wage, personal income tax rates, and unemployment rates. In my research, I found no statistically significant correlation between the top bracket corporate income tax rate and 25th percentile wages. Aside from my primary research question, I also identified additional relevant findings. The only factor that raises income across the distribution is economic growth, as measured by state GDP per capita, which increases income at both the 25th and 90th percentiles.

Friction ridge exemplar collection plays a crucial role in criminal investigations. The palmar areas of the fingers and hands and the plantar areas of the toes and feet are covered with friction ridge skin that has unique patterns. The patterns may be analyzed and used to individualize the impressions left behind by the friction ridge skin to the source that left the impression. The study of friction ridge analysis is wide-ranging and complex. Many areas of research have been explored and studied. Traditionally, obtaining fingerprint or palm print exemplars utilize ink, digital scanners, or fingerprint powders to record the friction ridge detail. While these methods are effective and can produce satisfactory results, there are potential issues with smudging, pressure distortion, and voids, especially in the palm prints. Additionally, obtaining fingerprint and palm print exemplars from more difficult populations such as people who are older or people who have worked with their hands can make traditional methods even more difficult. Photography may be a possible alternative or supplement to traditional methods. Photographs are non-invasive and avoid potential distortion issues. Photography should not be considered a replacement for traditional methods, but rather another method to be applied if other methods are not successful in recording the friction ridge detail.

Despite the central role that capital inputs play in the educational production function, the education economics literature has primarily focused on the labor inputs—teacher quality and class size—while largely neglecting capital inputs like facility quality. This study addresses this gap by estimating the effects of school facility quality on 4-year graduation rates, 5-year graduation rates, attendance rates, and dropout rates. Using district-level data on Texas bond elections and district characteristics, this study extends a previous research design by differentiating between the stated purpose of each bond proposal and urban versus rural districts in a regression discontinuity design, which prior applications have not examined. Based on production function theory, where improved inputs result in improved outputs, a positive relationship between school facility quality and student achievement is expected. Results from this study could further inform policy regarding spending on school facility investments.

Exposure to air pollutants, including coarse particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and ozone (O3), is associated with increased all-cause mortality. In the Wasatch Front of Northern Utah, these pollutants arise from both urban emissions and natural sources such as windblown dust from the Great Salt Lake (GSL) playa. Using EPA monitoring data from 2022-2024, 3-year mean concentrations ranged from 0.0438-0.0446 ppm for O3, 17.6-21.7 µg/m3 for PM10, and 5.9-7.6 µg/m3 for PM2.5 across Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, and Weber counties. Health impact modeling estimated that PM2.5 contributed approximately 2-10 attributable deaths per year by county, PM10 contributed approximately 187 deaths per year in Salt Lake County due to a major exceedance event, and O3 were comparatively small. Event-based scaling indicates that roughly 2-3 high PM2.5 dust events per year could produce a health impact comparable to annual PM2.5-attributable mortality in several counties. Because GSL-derived dust is enriched in trace metals such as arsenic and lithium and exhibits elevated oxidative potential, it may pose a greater toxicological risk than other regional particulate sources in the Great Basin.

Throughout my field experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I have been provided a meaningful opportunity to integrate knowledge I have gained from WSU social work courses with hands-on practice while working with children and their families. In this role, I implemented individualized treatment plans, collected data, and collaborated with supervisors and caregivers to support children’s developmental and behavioral goals through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Using foundational social work concepts, I applied the NASW Code of Ethics core values and ethical principles in each area of practice. Including the importance of client worth and dignity, prioritizing client service and individual needs, and recognizing the importance of interpersonal connections. Each of these values guided my interactions with clients and families to ensure that my care and the services provided remained respectful, culturally responsive, confidential, and client-centered. Additionally, I was able to utilize social work research and evidence-based interventions to inform the methods and modalities used during my practice. Having prior coursework in child and family welfare enhanced my understanding of family dynamics and relationships. Which allowed me to better engage parents and caregivers actively in their child’s session and progress. By advocating for my clients and their families I also recognized the influence and systemic barriers that policy and legislation have on clients and their families, including access to care and funding for behavioral and mental health systems. From this internship, I have developed critical professional skills such as effective communication, data-driven decision-making, ethical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. While also strengthening the connection between theory and practice by deepening my understanding of how social work principles operate in real-life settings. This has reinforced my confidence in working with vulnerable and diverse populations by deepening my commitment to provide quality care to children and families throughout our community.

This is a collaborative project involving students in the Department of Visual Art and Design with the Department of Botany and Plant Ecology. We are working with Ogden city, in collaboration with OgdenCAN, to create a tree walk for Lester Park. The purpose of this project is to combat the issue of "plant blindness" in Ogden city, wherein people fail to recognize the beauty and importance of the plants surrounding them. We have been able to design engaging ways for the public to interact with and learn about the park's trees, including three reusable maps with associated activities. There will be two large maps to optimize the number of trees that can be explored by tree walk participants, as well as a simplified map for younger children. The map includes both a scientific and interesting fact for each tree—with the information gathered by botany students and flow and design created and inspired by design students. The maps will include activities to help the public learn about fruit and leaf types—such as through a scavenger hunt—as well as activities, like the Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku" or "forest bathing", to help participants take time to experience the nature around them through active engagement of their senses. According to prior studies, when people are able to engage with scientific concepts in a way that feels approachable to them, they are more equipped to understand the part they have to play in our worldwide ecosystem. This project will allow for the general public to learn more about botanical and ecological concepts through an interactive and informative tree walk.

Understanding geologic formations is essential for interpreting landscape evolution, enhancing visitor experience, and even resource management in certain areas like state parks. In Utah's state and national parks, the complexity of rock layers and their ages has not easily been communicated to the public through existing maps. Kodachrome Basin State Park is known for its dramatic sedimentary layers, multi-colored cliffs, and unique erosional features which offers a great example of an area with rich, visual geologic history, but seems to be underrepresented in most available public maps. Existing maps tend to prioritize technical accuracy over visual engagement, which result in maps that can be difficult for non-experts to interpret. This map aims to improve public understanding of the park's geologic history by displaying formation-age information in an accessible and aesthetically engaging format.

In this developing study, we hope to successfully insert a fluorescent protein that can be expressed through the exoskeleton of Neocaridina shrimp. The organism of interest that we are studying is a common crustacean pet that can be bought commercially. More specifically the species that is going to be used is Neocaridina davidi which are known for being a hardy species. In this project we aim to shed light on an organism that can be a key organism in research by showing how practical it can be to perform in vivo studies. For the project there is going to be a myriad of tasks to complete in order to insert the gene of interest. One of the major obstacles is understanding where to insert the gene of interest, and what other factors can affect the expression of the fluorescent protein. two gene of interest that is going to be the starting point for the project is the gene that codes for crustacyanin (CRCN) protein and the gene that codes for carotenoid astaxanthin protein, which are both known to be directly involved in the pigmentation of Neocaridina. The next step would be to perform the specialized protocol for the sensitive fertilized eggs of Neocaridina which consist of separating the eggs from the host by means of agitating the abdomen in order to stress the host into dropping the eggs in which we can collect and aerate the eggs for easy insertion of fluorescent protein and homeostasis of the eggs. There will be a control group of eggs that do not have the fluorescent protein, a group that have the gene of interest but also suppression of the CRCN and carotenoid astaxanthin, and vice versa. So far this project is in the early stages of development, so there might be future changes.

Introduction: Prolonged high-intensity endurance exercise, such as marathon running, imposes significant physiological stress. This study investigated the effects of marathon running on biomarkers associated with acute kidney damage (AKD), including FABP4, TIM-1/KIM-1, and lipocalin, as well as iron status via serum ferritin. Changes in these biomarkers may provide insight into the relationship between endurance exercise and AKD. We hypothesized that AKD-related biomarkers and ferritin would increase post-race and remain elevated at 48 hours.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 24 adults participating in the 2024 Ogden Marathon at pre-race (T1), immediately post-race (T2), and 48 hours post-race (T3). Plasma concentrations of FABP4, TIM-1/KIM-1, lipocalin, and ferritin were measured using Luminex® MAGPIX® immunoassay (pg/dL). Repeated-measures ANOVA with least significant difference pairwise comparisons assessed changes over time.

Results: TIM-1/KIM-1 remained stable across time (T1: 480 ± 800; T2: 477 ± 776; T3: 474 ± 755 pg/dL; p = 0.879). FABP4 increased significantly post-race (46,419 ± 17,929) from baseline (13,048 ± 7,877 pg/dL, p < 0.001), returning to baseline at 48 hours (11,810 ± 7,355 pg/dL, p = 0.179). Ferritin increased from baseline (37,737 ± 18,712) to post-race (41,330 ± 19,247 pg/dL, p < 0.001) and remained elevated at 48 hours (41,912 ± 18,532 pg/dL, p = 0.010). Lipocalin decreased post-race (23,718 ± 4,109) from baseline (31,129 ± 7,159 pg/dL, p < 0.001) and partially recovered at 48 hours (28,517 ± 6,148 pg/dL, p = 0.003), likely reflecting renal sequestration to prevent tubular injury.

Conclusion: Marathon running causes transient increases in FABP4 and ferritin, a post-race decrease in Lipocalin likely reflecting renal redistribution, and stable TIM-1. These changes suggest intense physiological stress, inflammation, and likely hemolysis, with some degree of kidney stress but no clear evidence of acute kidney injury.

The purpose and significance of this study is to understand the relationship between how extra-curricular activities and co-curricular commitments affect university students' mental well-being overall. This research aims to help students become aware of how their involvement in numerous activities such as sports teams, social clubs, intramurals, or academic commitments also often affects their mental well-being. The study also includes co-commitments, such as internships, practicums, and class-related volunteer hours specifically. The study was designed to inform educators and campus support systems in developing strategies that promote general positive student outcomes and support mental well-being for all students, particularly those who are involved in activities or commitments while attending college. The central research question of this study asks how university students' participation in extracurricular activities and co-commitments affects their mental well-being additionally. College students impressively balance activities such as clubs, sports teams, volunteer opportunities, and internships alongside academic work and even very demanding employment. Research has shown that student involvement in activities may have typically better academic performance, brain development, psychological well-being, leadership skills, and multicultural awareness (NCSSLE, 2023). However, some studies show that balancing studies with multiple commitments can rather somewhat lead to negative mental health factors and high stress levels (Dew, J.R,2010) This study highlights how different levels of involvement correlate with student mental health. This study used a survey-based research method to collect data on university students' experiences with extracurricular and co-curricular commitments and on their self-reported mental well-being. Participants in the survey essentially answered questions about how many and what types of activities they are involved in, how much time they spend on their certain activities, and how their overall mental well-being is affected by these responsibilities in general. Responses were collected to review the correlation between mental health outcomes and activity involvement among university students ultimately.

As female entrepreneurial activity continues to show global resilience, an estimated one out of every six women today has plans to start a business in the nearest future. In low-income economies, this trend is even more pronounced, with nearly 28% of women expressing entrepreneurial intentions. This research investigates the economic and social determinants of female entrepreneurship by analyzing a panel dataset of 11 countries from 2002 to 2021. The study utilizes the Push-Pull Theory to explain how women decide between wage employment and entrepreneurship based on personal abilities and environmental incentives. Using a two-way fixed effects model to control for country-specific variables and global shocks, the research tests several macroeconomic and social hypotheses. The empirical results, with an R-squared of 0.810, indicate that female education and gender income equality are significant positive "pull" factors. Specifically, higher female-to-male income ratios and increased years of schooling strongly correlate with higher entrepreneurship rates. Conversely, adolescent fertility and household debt act as "push" or restrictive factors, significantly decreasing entrepreneurial participation due to high opportunity costs and financial risk. Notably, GDP per capita does not have a statistically significant impact, suggesting that national wealth alone is insufficient to drive female entrepreneurship without addressing structural and social barriers. These findings offer insights for policymakers seeking to foster a more balanced and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem through education and gender parity.

For my research project, I will be examining how Christianity no longer focuses on moral principles in treating one another, but now use the gospel to gain power and money while breeding hate towards anyone that goes against their own religious interpretation. In the novel "There There" by Tommy Orange, many of the characters face similar confusion about their Native heritage and if they should embrace those traditions and in what way. Struggling with finding refuge in a faith or higher power is becoming more of a challenge for people, especially amongst women of color in America, as corruption and conflict seems to be thriving in organized religion. I will analyze why this trend has grown in momentum and how people are responding to these changes, while also comparing my findings to the character's struggles in There There.

After the genocide in Rwanda which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, the country struggled to reestablish itself and its society. Healing from such a massive tragedy and working to recover from immense trauma that stemmed from brutal violence became a point of national importance that intertwined with both government and culture. With so many remains left behind from mass killings, the people of Rwanda were left with the difficult task of recovering remains, identifying them, and providing proper burials whilst the government struggled to recuperate. In research to record and understand the nuances behind memory work and how various means of memorialization, remembrance, justice, and government assistance can heal a traumatized populace, unique issues arose. Rwanda sought to decentralize the government in order to prevent further abuses of power that led up into the initial genocide, which included administration reform that resulted in the twelve prefectures of Rwanda being merged into four provinces with Kigali being its own standalone entity. Throughout the years after the genocide, Kigali went through various restructurings, redrawings, and retellings of its titles. Due to the fractured state of the government and struggle to maintain records throughout the years, research into various hidden sources of information became a point of work in order to save and record what remains through a variety of means. Some of the methods utilized ranged from using GIS data, FIPS and ISO codes, drafts of laws, comparing maps, and checking gazette references. From this extensive research, it was found that Kigali and its surrounding entities had gone through many types of changes, some of which were behind closed doors, and resulted in a quietly evolving national center. In order to organize these findings, a chart was created connecting the various territorial entities to the final merge of Kigali.

Rising obesity rates among young adults highlight the need to understand dietary factors that affect Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Obesity is a risk factor for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. While meat consumption is a known contributor to obesity, this study specifically examines its relationship with BMI and WC among college students. We hypothesized that higher reported meat intake would correlate positively with both measures. Data were collected from 316 Weber State University students (101 men, 215 women) between 2015 and 2023. Researchers recorded height, weight, and WC measurements for each participant. Height and weight measurements were used to calculate BMI. Diet and Wellness Plus software was used to assess total calories, saturated fat, and sodium intake over two days. Participants also reported their weekly meat consumption habits on a scale from 1 (never) to 5 (every day) via an intake survey. SPSS statistical analysis revealed significant positive associations between reported meat consumption and BMI (p=.02) and WC (p=.017) among female students. Notably, this association was not observed in male students. Additional analyses examining total caloric intake, saturated fat, and sodium revealed no significant correlations with BMI or WC. These findings suggest that meat consumption, independent of other dietary factors, may be more strongly associated with obesity in college-aged females. We suggest that increasing plant-based food consumption, rather than focusing solely on calorie or fat reduction, may offer important benefits to this demographic in preventing obesity.

Context: Athletic Trainers (ATs) are becoming an integral component of student-athletes' (SAs) health care in the secondary school setting. Despite increased access to ATs, parents/guardians (PGs) may not fully understand the roles, responsibilities, and skills of ATs. Improving PGs' understanding may enhance utilization of AT services. This study assessed PGs' knowledge by asking whether they knew what an athletic trainer is, understood the role of an athletic trainer, and understood the skills an athletic trainer possesses. Methods: A descriptive cohort study was conducted at 12 local high schools from Ogden to Lehi during pre-season parent meetings and/or sports events. A total of 257 PGs of secondary school SAs completed a survey consisting of a pre-survey, a 90-second informational video, and a post-survey, all accessed via a single QR code on personal mobile devices. Participants were 36.4% male and 63.6% female, with 63.4% completing both surveys. Surveys were created using Qualtrics and administered in person. The pre-survey included 14 questions adapted from Pike Lacey: 5 demographic questions and 9 questions assessing PGs' perceptions of ATs, including roles, skills, responsibilities, and perceived necessity. The post-survey included the same 9 perception questions and one additional question regarding willingness to utilize the AT. Results: Prior to the intervention, 91.5% of PGs believed they knew what an AT was, 86.4% believed they understood the role of an AT, and 73.4% believed they understood AT skills. Following the intervention, 4.5% gained knowledge of what an AT is, 9.5% gained understanding of AT roles, and 22.5% gained understanding of AT skills. Overall, 73 PGs demonstrated improved knowledge following the 90-second intervention. Conclusions: Significant improvements were observed in PGs understanding of AT roles and skills from pre- to post-survey. No significant difference was found in PGs perceived knowledge of what an AT is.

My project is about how the movie Parasite was able to reach audiences all over the world, and how the movie's themes about social inequality became a hot topic for everyone. I used Diffusion of Innovations theory to see how the ideas presented in Parasite moved through different populations over time. After it started getting buzz around the film festivals, the movie was able to gain traction through different types of media (news articles, social media, word of mouth) along with general public conversations. My project looked at how news outlets and online platforms and word of mouth spread the popularity of the film. My project also examined the connection that the audience had with the themes in the film, especially regarding class, opportunity and differences in economic backgrounds. The film originated from South Korea, however the film's messages were able to reach different countries around the world. Additionally, my project discussed how media can shape the way people think about real world problems. Parasite has shown how media doesn't just exist for entertainment value, it can also be used to create awareness and initiate important conversations. This project was able to illustrate the fact that films can be forms of entertainment as well as vehicles to promote the dissemination of ideas throughout society.

This research project investigates changes in weight percent carbon and nitrogen deposited in Beus Duck Pond, Ogden, UT in three Holocene sediment cores that were collected in October 2025. Changes in carbon and nitrogen in the sediments provide insight into climate conditions and seasonal changes over time, and contributes to a broader understanding of Earth's carbon and nitrogen cycles. Prior to sampling at Beus Pond, the coring device was assembled and practice runs were completed in order to become familiar with its operation and ensure accurate core collection. Three cores were taken from different locations around the pond: a suspended core close to the shoreline, a second core collected approximately knee-deep in the water on the opposite side of the pond, and a third core taken as close to the center of the pond as possible. Each core was sectioned into 0.5 cm intervals, dried slowly in an oven at 50C to prevent loss of organic material, and ground into a fine powder. The sediment samples contained various organic and inorganic materials, including duck feces, feathers, sticks, rocks, an acorn, and microplastics, which were removed by hand with tweezers before transfer to acid-washed sample containers. 20-25 mg of each dried and ground sample was weighed into a tin capsule and analyzed for weight percent nitrogen and carbon on a Costech Elemental Analyzer.

This is me, Roshiya Rana and im going to showcase my poster on the topic talking about how traditional nepali societal beauty expectation since the late 1990s and early 2000s, reinforced by societal and familial pressure emphasizing pale skin, slim body type, and height, affected the self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being of yung nepali women.

Is the preservation of urban built heritage significant in urban governance and community-led communities? The preservation of urban built heritage is essential as a safeguard for the cultural, historical, and architectural richness of urban environments. Documentation of historical structures, landmarks, and elements that contribute to the uniqueness of urban spaces is key to preservation. Today, historical buildings are being torn down and destroyed to make way for expansion. An example of this today is the 120-year-old East Wing of the White House, which is being destroyed despite opposition from preservationists. The social impact of destroying historical buildings can result in the breaking of community identity and a dispossession of place. Research was conducted by reading and annotating multiple scholarly articles and case studies on the significance of preserving built urban heritage. In conclusion, in the field of heritage conservation, it's crucial to consider factors such as community engagement, environmental sustainability, and striking a balance between maintaining authenticity and practicality when determining what architecture should be preserved or what should be forgotten. Practices can be implemented to protect historically significant architecture by preserving some elements of the original or preserving the whole.

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The Great Salt Lake is one of Utah's most hypersaline and ecologically distinct environments, supporting communities that range from brine shrimp and birds to halophilic microbes such as Salinivibrio and Halomonas. As lake levels decline and sediments become exposed, heavy metals—including copper—are increasingly concentrated, raising questions about how native halophiles persist under metal stress. This project investigates the copper tolerance of culturable halophilic bacteria from Ladyfinger Point to better understand microbial resilience in a changing lake. Water and sediment samples were collected and plated halophile agar at 12% NaCL media (HA) to isolate distinct colonies. Fourteen pure cultures were then tested for growth on HA with 0.5, 1, and 2 mM copper sulfate added assess tolerance thresholds. Of the fourteen isolates obtained, ten demonstrated robust growth up to 2 mM, indicating unexpectedly high resistance across multiple morphotypes. Minimum inhibitory testing will be done to identify the upper limits of copper resistance in the isolates. These findings suggest that Great Salt Lake halophiles may possess diverse and effective copper resistance mechanisms, with potential implications for sediment stability and natural bioremediation. Ongoing DNA sequencing will be used to identify the taxa involved and clarify whether known or novel species demonstrate this resilience.

Urban plant ecophysiology examines how plants survive, function, and react to anthropogenic stressors in metropolitan areas. Recent studies show that many urban plants are either adapting to these conditions to maintain their fitness and survival or experiencing increased mortality rates. Current literature mentions that while larger cities are currently being monitored, smaller cities are being overlooked. Due to this, Ogden, Utah is a great focus for this study as it is a mid-sized urban and industrial center in the state. This research aims to examine how Utah plants in urban vs non-urban areas respond to the current climate and urban stressors. Utah is currently dealing with environmental effects from higher temperatures, reduced annual precipitation, and increased poor air quality days per year. Physiological parameters such as stomatal density, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf weight, and leaf area were measured to observe if changes occurred between native plants growing in urban versus natural environments. The native plants chosen for the study include Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Creeping Oregon Grape (Berberis repens), and Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa). One cultivated species of Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) was also included in this study for comparison. The hypothesis of this project was that due to urban factors, leaves would be smaller and thicker, stomata would be smaller and denser, and the plant would have a higher potential for more efficient photosynthesis. Preliminary analysis indicates that urban leaves are larger, directly contradicting the hypothesis. Other findings will be described. This data provides insight into how local plants are reacting to a changing climate within urban settings – an especially pertinent topic to Utah in recent years. With populations continuing to grow, this research has many potential future directions, particularly regarding critical topics such as selecting the proper plants for landscaping purposes and increasing green spaces within cities.

Magnesium is an essential mineral. It helps with muscle contraction, energy production, and cell recovery. High-endurance athletes have been shown to be prone to magnesium deficiency due to greater metabolic demands and loss through sweat. This may lead to muscle damage and poor recovery. This study examines how daily magnesium supplements affect muscle breakdown and kidney function in long-distance runners over six weeks. The results indicate that steady magnesium intake affects certain serum biomarkers of muscle damage and maintains normal kidney function. A pre—post intervention design was used with trained endurance runners. Participants took a standardized magnesium supplement daily for six weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after supplementation. Serum was kept at 80C until analysis. Myoglobin, creatine kinase, and interleukin-6 was measured with ELISAs to assess muscle breakdown. Kidney function was tested using a renal function panel. Paired t-tests and box plots are being used to compare mean pre- and post- supplementation results for all analytes to find significant changes. It was shown that magnesium supplementation resulted in increased serum concentrations of muscle damage biomarkers without adversely affecting kidney function. The findings of this study aim to clarify magnesium's influence on muscle integrity and renal regulation during prolonged endurance activity and may support the development of nutritional strategies to enhance athletic performance and recovery.

The purpose of the Student Advocacy Committee is to provide input regarding implicit and explicit curriculum for the Bachelors of Social Work program by collecting feedback from students, communicating that feedback to faculty, and collaboratively developing effective and creative solutions alongside students and faculty to come up with effective and creative solutions from feedback received from students. This project includes areas of developing policy, open communication with faculty, developing surveys, distributing surveys, and interpreting survey data.

This study is focused on providing evidence for the claim that nasal bacterial populations, genetic immune system factors, and environmental air pollution predispose individuals to respiratory allergies. Studies have shown nasal dysbiosis (an imbalance in the native bacterial population), genetic immune system factors, and environmental pollution can all predispose or worsen respiratory allergies independently. This study aims to determine how all these factors influence one another. This will be accomplished by including individuals from geographically distinct areas in Utah with measurably different air qualities and evaluating the differences in bacterial populations while controlling for genetic factors. The individuals recruited must have either only respiratory allergies or have no allergies and act as a control. Blood and nasopharyngeal swabs will be collected in order to assess genetic immune system factors, allergic response, and nasopharyngeal microbiome (bacterial species in the nose and throat). The environmental air quality will be measured in PM2.5. The nasal microbiome will be evaluated by amplifying genes specific for the six most prominent groups of bacteria in the nasal cavity. Total IgE antibody levels will be measured by immunofluorescence to establish the degree to which an individual is reacting to their allergens. Genetic alleles for Class II Human Leukocyte Antigens will be amplified and sequenced to identify and control for genetic immune system factors. In doing this study, the researchers expect to see that these factors do not act independently and in fact influence one another in a myriad of ways to develop the circumstances under which an individual is more or less likely to develop respiratory allergies.

The age range of adolescents is a critical moment in the stage of mental and social development. It is the moment where individuals begin to formalize their identities and develop their understanding of beauty, relationships, and sexuality. Through my search for sources, I have noticed that this is a relatively new area of study that is progressing rapidly. While the effect of media has been studied for decades, the studies of the unrealistic fantasy portrayed in them are still new. The unrealistic fantasy posited in multi-media can have lasting damage to the psychic of adolescents. How does the media's beauty standards, personal body ideals, relationships, and sexualized content affect the minds of adolescent teenagers? It warps their understanding of relationships and gender roles; adolescent males are more vulnerable to these hidden messages or scripts in multi-media and pornography. Creating a generation of men who objectify women based on their experiences gain through the educating influence of multi-media.

Purpose: Parents face numerous stressors that can impact their well-being and potentially compromise both their own and their children's emotional intelligence, including emotional responsiveness. This, in turn, may undermine the developmental readiness needed to successfully navigate the transition to kindergarten. Engaging parents in mindfulness education that supports emotional intelligence may buffer these effects. This project develops a mindfulness-based parent education program to support the development of parent and child emotional intelligence to prepare them for their kindergarten transition.

Method: A conceptual model for bridging mindful parenting and emotional intelligence development is explored to provide a foundation for developing a parent education curriculum. The curriculum design follows a Backwards Planning model, with six lessons that integrate five domains of emotional intelligence and five aspects of mindful parenting. A Family Life Educator, a kindergarten teacher, and five mindfulness instructors provided qualitative feedback informing revisions. A pilot field study implementation was then conducted with seven parents of children under seven years old, who provided additional feedback.

Results: Reviewer feedback included mindfulness topics, parent resource suggestions, pacing adjustments, enhanced relevancy to families, and home-school connection strategies. Field study participants provided feedback on pacing, content focus, and opportunities for enhanced reflection and discussion.

Conclusion: The final project presents the results of the development process, the finished curriculum, along with a full-scale implementation and evaluation plan for future use.

My work as a Social Entrepreneur and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fellow through the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) focused on promoting social responsibility and strengthening connections between Weber State University students and community partners. Throughout my fellowship, I designed and implemented initiatives that addressed real community needs through service, collaboration, and education. I partnered with a Direct Service Fellow and our community partner YCC to organize a Trunk or Treat event, creating a safe and engaging environment for local families. I also collaborated with a Philanthropy Fellow to coordinate a hygiene drive, collecting and distributing essential items to the Teen Center and Weber Cares Pantry to support individuals facing resource insecurity. In addition, I organized a CSR Business Fair, inviting local businesses to campus to showcase how their work positively impacts the community, and hosted a CSR Lunch and Learn session to educate students on the importance of corporate social responsibility. These initiatives contributed to the community by increasing access to resources, fostering inclusive and safe spaces, and raising awareness about social responsibility. The events strengthened partnerships between Weber State University and local organizations while encouraging students to engage with and support community-focused efforts. Academically and professionally, this experience enhanced my skills in leadership, event planning, communication, and collaboration. It also deepened my understanding of corporate social responsibility and its practical applications, while encouraging me to become a more socially responsible and informed individual prepared to contribute to community impact in future professional roles.

This project aims to develop a machine learning system that recommends the most suitable crop to grow and predicts crop yield based on environmental factors, including weather, rainfall, and climate. This study plans to combine a pre-cleaned synthetic dataset and apply our prediction model to real-world data to determine which crop types are suitable for farming. It enables us to extend the scope of inference in this study to real-world agricultural data, allowing the study to explore broader, more practical inferences beyond idealized conditions. Trends influence the research trends in precision agriculture and data-driven sustainability practices. This study employs supervised learning, including classification analysis and ensemble methods, to map relationships between inputs and outputs and identify associations between environmental variables and crop yield. The process involves feature engineering and cross-validation to ensure predictive accuracy is reliable. It is expected to identify the variables or factors that most affect crop yield. Or the model might be able to identify the hidden relationship that appears absent at first glance. The expected outcome of this research is the identification of key environmental factors that influence crop productivity and the development of a model capable of recommending optimal crops under varying conditions. The results may contribute to precision agriculture by providing insights that help farmers optimize crop planning and improve agricultural productivity.

This literature review for the Social Work 3700 Research class examined the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) compared to meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) in fostering resilience among adults with depression. While there is a significant body of research attesting to the effectiveness of CBT, which relies on challenging negative thought patterns, there is limited research exploring the potential of MCP, which relies on the client's capacity for meaning-making. An evaluation of ten peer-reviewed articles was conducted for this project. These articles were identified using Google Scholar and Weber State University's Stewart Library OneSearch. Terms such as "meaning-centered psychotherapy and depression," "CBT and depression," "therapy and depression," "CBT and resilience," "CBT vs. meaning-centered therapy," and "meaning-centered psychotherapy and resilience" were used to find relevant papers. Notable findings, including similarities and differences between studies, were recorded. While the original intention was to measure resilience, finding studies with resilience as a measure proved very difficult. Instead, this review contributes to the literature by showcasing MCP's ability to effectively relieve depressive symptoms, especially among older adults and those with serious illnesses. Two studies indicated a similar degree of effectiveness for both CBT and MCP in treating depression and promoting posttraumatic growth for cancer patients. One meta-analysis found structured psychotherapeutic interventions such as CBT and MCP, along with acceptance and commitment therapy, to be more effective than resilience, coping, and mindfulness-based interventions for treating depression. This research suggests that CBT and MCP are both equally legitimate approaches to combating depression; MCP decreases symptoms by enhancing one's sense of meaning in life, and it enhances this sense of meaning to a greater degree than does CBT. Clinicians can use this research to guide treatment selection, especially when serving older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and others who may benefit from meaning-focused treatment.

It is important for public health and safety to be able to check for bacterial contamination in foods. Molecular tools, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are valuable for rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms in foods, but require an efficient and reliable method of extracting DNA. Cheese is a notoriously difficult substance to extract DNA from because of its high fat, salt, and protein content. We wanted to compare known methods of DNA extraction from Cheddar cheese to determine which yielded the highest quantity and quality DNA. Using cheddar cheese inoculated with Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis, a food spoilage organism, three methods were chosen for comparison: an indirect “stomacher” method, a modified DNeasy PowerSoil Pro kit, and quick lysis method. The stomacher method was the starting step to the two other procedures. It was tested separately to determine the effect of this step alone. The inoculated cheese was placed in a stomacher bag with sterile buffer, and homogenized. The modified DNeasy PowerSoil Pro protocol consisted of treating the cheese solution with lysozyme then precipitating unwanted residues out to purify the sample, prior to completing the kit’s instructions. The quick lysis method used a simple lysis buffer in combination with heating, centrifugation, and precipitation with ethanol to isolate DNA from cell components. Post extraction, the 16S rRNA gene was amplified with PCR, then visualized with gel electrophoresis. Isolated P. wasatchensis cultures were used as controls. DNA was assessed for quality and quantity using a Nanodrop. We tentatively concluded that out of these three procedures, the modified DNeasy PowerSoil Pro protocol produced the most, high quality, P. wasatchensis DNA. This result shows that the modified DNeasy PowerSoil Pro protocol may work as a reliable method for DNA extraction from aged cheeses.

In this project we analyzed how the elemental composition of spider silk varies between spiders of different sizes. We wanted to explore the elemental composition of spider silk and how it varies between species, and we chose size as our independent variable to explore. We hypothesized that spiders need webs with stronger proteins with their own unique elemental composition as they increase in size. We gathered spider silk and web specimens from local pet stores and wildlife exhibits. The spider species we examined ranged from small species such as black widows and jumping spiders to larger species such as orb weavers and tarantulas. We then taped various portions of the silk specimens onto aluminum stands and placed them into an electron microscope with an attached x-ray spectrometer. This allowed us to image the specimens of each species as well as examine the average elemental composition of the silk. We didn’t find any evidence for the trend we initially hypothesized but did find some interesting trends in average elemental composition when considering spider hunting behaviors and some observations when examining trace elements. In the end we were in fact able to find information in the literature to somewhat explain the trends we discovered.

In various professions, mental fatigue often impairs cognitive performance, increasing the likelihood of making mistakes or injuring oneself on the job. Despite the significance of this phenomenon, there has been little research on how short-duration mental fatigue affects healthy young adults, who make up the largest segment of the U.S. workforce. Most studies to date have been conducted in older or clinical populations, using long and arduous protocols to induce fatigue. This research explored the effect of a short-term (30-minute), mentally fatiguing protocol on cognitive performance of healthy young adults. Twenty university students (age 22 ± 4 yrs; mass 70 ± 16 kg; height 2 ± 0 m) completed four cognitive assessments [Random Targets (RT), Target Tracking, Cognitive Motor (CMT), and Limits of Stability] before (PRE) and after (POST) completing the mentally fatiguing protocol (n-back and incongruent Stroop tasks) while standing on a BTrackS® balance plate. To assess the level of mental fatigue, heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at the beginning of the test, immediately after the mentally fatiguing protocol, and at the end of the test, using a Polar H10® heart rate monitor. Additionally, participants completed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after the mentally fatiguing protocol, and a 0-20 scale NASA Task Load Index (TLX) immediately after the mentally fatiguing protocol. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in reaction time on the CM test (p = 0.007) and in accuracy percentage on the RT test (p < 0.001) following the mentally fatiguing protocol. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ratings of fatigue (including increased drowsiness, exhaustion, and desire to rest) indicated the participants were more fatigued after completing the mentally tiring protocol, and NASA Task Load Index (TLX) provided evidence of high perceived demand (with respect to cognitive effort) associated with completing the mentally tiring protocol. No statistically significant differences in HRV were observed during the study. The discovery that short-term brain fatigue improves some areas of cognitive ability in young adults could be due to greater excitement while doing the task, greater experience with the task, or making an extra effort to complete it. Recognizing this ability to overcome fatigue could help in planning work schedules and managing fatigue to avoid chronic overloading while still producing the same level of performance.

Amphibians play essential roles in freshwater ecosystems and are known to be extremely vulnerable to environmental contaminants like mercury. Because amphibians occupy both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, possess semi-permeable skin, and undergo dramatic physiological changes during metamorphosis, they experience variable mercury exposure and accumulation across life stages. Frogs, in particular, act as important vectors of mercury within food webs, as their complex life cycles serve as links between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Understanding patterns of mercury accumulation across amphibian life stages is critical for evaluating contaminant transfer in freshwater ecosystems. The American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana), an invasive species throughout much of the United States, provides a useful model for studying these dynamics. Bullfrogs are highly opportunistic predators, consuming a wide variety of organisms and likely accumulate dietary mercury. Because they are also consumed by larger predators and there are no harvesting or consumption restrictions due to their invasive status, assessing mercury levels in bullfrogs can provide insight into ecosystem risk and human exposure. This study aimed to quantify mercury concentrations across bullfrog life stages and compare these concentrations with previously collected data on fish from the same sites. Collections were conducted during the bullfrog active season (June—October 2025) at 21st Street Pond and Glassmans Pond near Ogden, UT. Immature individuals were sampled at two developmental categories corresponding to Gosner Stages 25—41 (tadpoles) and Stages 42—46 (metamorphs). Adult bullfrogs were collected, and their liver and hind-leg muscle tissues were used for mercury analysis. Total mercury evaluation was done using a direct mercury analyzer Nippon MA-3000. Mercury concentrations were then compared among life stages at each pond and between ponds. By characterizing mercury concentrations across bullfrog life stages, this study will improve understanding life stage dependent mercury accumulation and the potential for each life stage to transfer mercury to higher trophic predators.

I served as the policy and governor's fellow some projects that I completed this semester were being a planning committee member for the Civic Leadership conference held at the University of Utah, the policy project workshops at Weber State, and assisting Weber states community partner Needs Beyond Medicine with their policy manual. Through this process, I have learned how to organize conferences, how to be a good note keeper, and how to engage students in the planed project outcomes.

I propose to discuss and examine how Black, Hispanic, and Native American activists have shaped LGBTQ+ rights movements, while also analyzing why their contributions are frequently marginalized or erased in both historical narratives and contemporary discussions of LGBTQ+ persecution. A major research focus has been placed on analyzing key figures within each of prior mentioned discourse groups of the LGBTQ+ community. Such as Marsha P. Johnson of the 1969 LGBTQ+ movement. The research methodology I am using will be qualitative historical analysis combined with the use of the intersectionality theory. To tie into the novel There There by Tommy Orange that my English 2010 has read through, I have specifically chosen Thomas Frank due to how he used music in the novel. Connecting it back to how the LGBTQ+ activists have used it as well during protests and as general representation of themselves. Another character I will tie in is Blue. Who's disconnection from her community and difficult romantic life was also an experience many LGBTQ+ members had due to societal or familial pushback against their identity and culture. Throughout my project I expect to find that colored activists throughout history have greatly impacted the LGBTQ+ community though have lacked recognition for their actions. Something expected to be from past racism, media biases, and the prioritization of more socially accepted narratives. This project will conclude that recognizing these erased contributions is essential for understanding the past and current LGBTQ+ struggles and for addressing ongoing inequalities within the movement.

Psychologists have been attempting to understand the complex factors that encourage or discourage engagement in activism. Prior research has looked to understand isolated predictors like motivations, personal experiences, and characteristics that influence the activist's identity (AI). There have been fewer attempts made to understand how these factors intersect for identity formation. We aim to fill part of this gap by exploring multiple factors that influence identification and subsequent collective action (CA) behaviors. We recruited participants through social media posts and psychology classes at Weber State University leaving us with 143 total participants. We are looking at the social and/or political issues participants feel are important to them, whether the importance of the issues is based on personal or community influences, the level of support from friends and family, their level of identification as an activist, and what CA they engage in. We took scales previously developed and researched, and combined them to create one cohesive and comprehensive measurement of dimensions of activist actions. This scale combines Turner and colleagues' Commitment to Social Activism Scale (2024), McKeever's and colleagues' Measure of Behavioral Advocacy (2023), Moskalenko & McCauley's Measuring Political Mobilization (2009), Zomeren's Collective Action Scale (2004), Corning and Myers's Activism Orientation Scale (2002), and Slavina's Non-Institutional Engagement list (2021). We have found significant differences in online, high-risk, and group CA. Our research indicates a significant positive correlation between identification as an activist and CA behaviors. Currently, analysis shows us that human and civil rights are what participants find most important, and as individuals champion multiple social movements their engagement in CA behavior and identification as an activist increases. Using the Dual Chamber Model of Collective Action we understand that AI and anger are direct paths to engagement. Moral convictions and AI mediate anger along with AI mediating efficacy.

I propose to discuss how frequent relocation of military families affect adolescents' mental health/social skills in forming friendships/relationships and in school performance. During adolescence, identity development, emotional regulation, and social skill formation take place. Military-connected adolescents often experience frequent relocations, parental deployments, and disruptions in social environments. Understanding how these experiences affect adolescents is important for identifying both the risks and the potential support systems that can help them adapt successfully. Frequent relocations can greatly interrupt education, weaken already established friendships, and create strong feelings of isolation or instability. At the same time, research also suggests that many military-connected youth demonstrate a higher rate of resilience and develop strong coping mechanisms due to repeated adaptation to new environments than their peers. Topics such as psychological stress, social adjustment, substance use, and coping strategies among military-affiliated adolescents have been researched This project used qualitative analysis of scholarly literature and documented experiences related to military family relocation. A variety of academic journal articles, scholarly research studies, and credible publications discussing military-connected youth were examined to identify patterns. Personal reflection was also used, as someone who grew up in a military family provides contextual insight into the lived experiences behind the research findings. This theme of frequent relocation has been shown to negatively influence adolescents' mental health, social development, and academic stability. Military-connected adolescents are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and difficulties forming long-term friendships because of repeated disruptions to their social environments. Academic performance may also be. Understanding these factors can help educators, military support programs, and families better support adolescents navigating the challenges of military life.

The Utah Summer Ozone Study (USOS) focuses on studying the ozone and volatile organic compounds production in the Salt Lake City area. In order for current data to be analyzed, historical data must be collected and referenced. Background DAQ at the Hawthorne site was collected for VOC data, meteorology data, and different ozone parameters in 2021-2023. Isoprene, non-methyl organic carbon (NMOC), and benzene were observed for VOC data. Outdoor temperature, mixing height, wind speeds, and daytime jNO2 data was collected for meteorology history. Ozone concentration, NOx concentration, and Leighton ratio data was collected for ozone production history. The data was formulated into different graphs for comparison. The goal was to situate USOS in the historical context of the Hawthorne site. The historical data supported the theory that initial VOC control has more benefit to the reduction of ozone than initial control of NOx concentration. Having these results with historical backing will benefit lowering ozone as a pollutant, leading to cleaner air in the future.

The Puzzle of Caden and the Skulls began as what I thought would be a simple yes-or-no question about bringing animal skulls into our preschool lab. Instead, it turned into a twenty-minute conversation about bones, evolution, philosophy, and the strange and beautiful similarities between humans and animals. More importantly, it became a moment of realization for me as a teacher. I work in a high school Early Childhood Education lab where teenagers learn to teach preschoolers. My attention naturally goes to the four-year-olds, their emotions, their curiosity, their development. But that afternoon reminded me that the adolescents in the room are still developing too. Caden wasn't just asking for permission; he may have been looking for connection, intellectual companionship, or reassurance that the way he thinks has a place in the world. Through an Exploratory Practice lens, I stopped trying to "solve" anything and instead sat with the puzzle. What does a seventeen-year-old need when he lingers in your office? What does belonging look like at that age? As I reflected, I found myself thinking about identity development and Vygotsky's idea that learning happens through relationships and shared meaning-making. That afternoon wasn't a detour from teaching, it was teaching. Caden's own reflection adds another layer. He writes honestly about identity, doubt, strangeness, and the challenge of figuring out where he fits as both a person and a future educator. In many ways, his journey mirrors that of the preschoolers, just in a bigger body. This piece is about noticing those moments. Its about remembering that inquiry isn't about fixing; its about paying attention. And its about recognizing that everyone in the classroom, no matter their age, is trying to figure out who they are and where they belong.

Falls among the geriatric population are a leading cause of injury, disability, and healthcare utilization, posing a significant public health concern. This study aimed to identify both the contributing risk factors and the consequences of falls, which is essential for designing effective prevention and management strategies. A six-month observational study was conducted with geriatric participants aged 55 and older. Fall incidents were recorded and categorized based on contributing factors: medical issues (chronic disease, medication effects), physical issues (balance, malaise, and mobility decline), and environmental hazards (home obstacles, slippery surfaces). Data was analyzed to determine the frequency of each cause. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the types of injuries sustained, treatments administered (hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation), and short/long-term outcomes (functional independence, complications). Over the six months, falls were most frequently associated with physical decline (61%), followed by environmental hazards (24%) and medical issues (15%). Patterns indicated that balance, impaired mobility, and living conditions significantly increased fall risk. The literature review found that fractures, particularly of the hip and wrist, were the most common injuries, followed by soft tissue injuries and head trauma. Around 3 million emergency department visits are recorded each year, with around 1/3 leading to hospitalization. Hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries are the leading causes of hospitalization. Physical therapy was a key component of post-fall rehabilitation. 40% of admitted individuals are unable to return to independent living, and 25% die within one year of their admission. Falls in the geriatric population are predominantly driven by physical issues and environmental hazards, though medical issues remain important. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive fall prevention programs that incorporate physical therapy, resource identification and utilization, and environmental modifications to reduce injury, preserve independence, and mitigate healthcare costs.

A chalcone is a simple organic compound with a 1,3 diarylpropen-1-one structure that shows potential cancer-fighting mechanisms. N,N-Dimethyl barbituric acid (DMBA) is a compound with the same pattern and general structure as bioactive chalcones. The purpose of our research was to examine the scope and limitations of DMBA derivative synthesis through Knoevenagel condensation with non-aromatic ketone and aldehyde compounds. This purpose was realized by examining the reactivity of DMBA with 4 separate compounds: acetone, butyraldehyde, heptaldehde, and benzaldehyde (aromatic). Two experimental trials were performed for each aliphatic compound (acetone, butyraldehyde, heptaldehyde). Trial I contained sodium carbonate along with DMBA and the variable compound, whereas Trial II contained only DMBA and the variable compound. The precipitates formed from these two trials were extracted and compared using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and proton NMR to determine if the intended synthesis had proceeded successfully. Our results from these tests showed that Knoevenagel condensation between DMBA and non-aromatic compounds does not occur, as no new product was formed.

This project aims to determine if specific microorganisms from different cultures have the ability to break down polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Four mud samples in 2023 were gathered from Woods Pond in Lenox, Massachusetts downstream from the Housatonic River, a historical dumping site for PCBs. In the same year these four mud samples were separated into several distinct groups, each originating from its respective mud sample. Each of these groups were subjected to different conditions to promote specific microbial growth. Additionally, each of the four mud samples were analyzed for PCB content with a QuEChERS based method of extraction with GC-MS. In 2025 all of the groups originating from the original mud samples were analyzed for specific microbial species and autoclaved to remove any microbial life. These samples were then extracted for any PCB content and quantified with GC-MS. Among specific samples there was a noticeable decrease in PCB content.

This study investigates the validity and applicability of the Law of One Price (LOOP) by comparing gold prices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Gold is one of the largest standardized and liquid commodities in the world. Because of the value, gold provides great empirical testing for arbitrage efficiency and market integration. The central research question asks: To what extend does the Law of One Price hold between the United States and the United Kingdom's markets in the short run? While existing research shows high level of integration between the London over the counter (OTC) market and the U.S. futures exchanges, a gap still remains regarding price adherence in the volatile post-2020 economic market. This study contributes to previous research by addressing common methodological errors that have been identified previously and by using contemporary data to show how different markets affect price parity. Specifically, this research examines the contrast between the transparency of U.S. exchanges and the more private London market. The methodology requires a quantitative comparative analysis of monthly spot prices between the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the U.S. futures market, APMEX. Along with the USD/GBP exchange rates from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. This research uses a window spanning from February 2023 to February 2026. By calculating the relative price index (qgold), this study tracks the trends in price convergence and divergence. Expected results show that the LOOP will generally hold because of high liquidity and cross-border arbitrage. Expectations show that the LOOP will generally hold, but consistent and minor changes may occur. These changes are anticipated to be caused by institutional frictions. Such as regional premiums and the Exchange for Physical (EFP) spread. The findings will be shown within the broader context of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

This research investigates whether the experiential depth of historical architecture, defined by light, proportion, and spatial hierarchy, has been diminished in Postmodern and Supermodern design, and how these principles can be critically reintroduced to create more meaningful contemporary environments. Architectural history demonstrates a consistent use of design to shape human experience, from the symbolic light of Gothic cathedrals to the proportional clarity of Renaissance spaces and the theatricality of Baroque environments. In contrast, Supermodern architecture often prioritizes efficiency, standardization, and global uniformity, producing spaces that can feel placeless and emotionally detached. While Postmodernism attempted to reintroduce meaning, it frequently relied on superficial historical references rather than underlying spatial principles. As contemporary society increasingly values well-being, identity, and experiential quality, there is a critical need to reassess how architecture engages its users beyond function. This research positions historical design intelligence as a necessary framework for advancing contemporary practice. This study employs a comparative and qualitative methodology, analyzing selected historical precedents alongside Postmodern and Supermodern case studies. The research focuses on the evolution and application of light, proportion, spatial hierarchy, and user perception. Methods include precedent analysis, spatial diagramming, and interpretive evaluation to identify patterns of continuity, loss, and reinterpretation across time. The research is expected to reveal that contemporary architecture often underutilizes the experiential strategies that defined earlier periods, resulting in environments that lack emotional and spatial depth. Findings will suggest that reengaging with historical principles, beyond stylistic imitation, can enhance clarity, atmosphere, and human connection in modern design. The significance of this study lies in proposing a critical shift: that innovation in architecture should not abandon historical knowledge, but evolve it to address the psychological and experiential needs of contemporary society.

The objective of this project is to measure the pyrolysis gas pressure from an ablating surface. Pyrolysis gas pressure in ablative materials is not well quantified and may significantly affect performance in high temperature aerospace applications. Our system simulates the conditions to generate pyrolysis in a Carbon Cloth Phenolic (CCP) sample using a sealed pressure vessel and a high heat source. The system offers a unique experimental approach to quantifying pyrolysis pressure by confining the released gases within the vessel and collecting multiple data points for subsequent thermal analysis. The pressure vessel is a cylindrical steel assembly made from ASTM A500 steel, designed to form a sealed chamber for pressure measurement. It uses bolted top and bottom plates to safely contain internal pressure during testing. In addition, CCP was selected as the test material due to its extensive use in rocket nozzles and thermal protection systems. A Bunsen burner was used to heat the pressure vessel, however, our results did not show high enough temperatures. For this reason, we simulated the system using ANSYS Transient Thermal Analysis to identify higher heat flux sources. Considering pyrolysis occurs between 750 and 1450°F for CCP composites, our results concluded that an oxy-acetylene torch and an induction coil heater should be better heat sources to achieve our testing conditions. The collected pressure and temperature data were filtered and plotted using the LabVIEW software. The results from this work can help to understand how gas buildup affects material erosion, char formation, and thermal protection performance under high-temperature conditions.

Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (EIMD) is a common physiological response to intense physical activity that can impair athletic performance by decreasing joint range of motion (ROM) and neuromuscular function. Manual therapy is often used to mitigate the effects of EIMD. Myofascial decompression (MFD), commonly known as “cupping,” is widely used by clinicians to reduce muscle soreness and promote tissue health; however, current evidence supporting its efficacy for EIMD recovery remains limited. PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of MFD on treating acute side effects of EIMD in the hamstrings. METHODS: 28 healthy adults (age=22.7 ± 3.0 yrs) were randomly assigned to the MFD group (n=14) or the control (CON) group (n=14). Baseline assessments included measures of hamstring perceived soreness using a visual analog scale (VAS), hamstring pain pressure threshold (PPT) using an algometer, knee extension ROM using an inclinometer, and isometric hamstring strength using an isokinetic dynamometer. All participants then completed an EIMD protocol consisting of 6 sets of 10 repetitions of eccentric hamstring curls. Following the EIMD protocol, the MFD group received 10-minute hamstring cupping treatments every other day for 4 days; the control group received no treatment. Outcome measures were recorded daily following the EIMD protocol. Group x time comparisons were made using a two-way mixed ANOVA. RESULTS: A significantly lower VAS was observed in the MFD group (0.64 ± 0.77 au) compared to the CON group (2.1 ± 0.90 au; p < 0.001) at 4 days post-EIMD. No significant group x time interactions were observed for the other outcome measures (p > 0.05). Regardless of group, PPT returned to baseline levels in all participants at 4 days post-EIMD (p > 0.05), whereas ROM (-7.69 ± 9.1°, p = 0.001) and isometric hamstring strength (-14.21 ± 16.8 Nm, p = 0.001) remained lower than baseline. CONCLUSION: While MFD offered no acute benefits in restoring ROM and strength post-EIMD, it helped patients feel better sooner by reducing perceived soreness. Therefore, MFD is a potentially useful manual therapy for symptom management after EIMD.

Chinese manufacturers have dominated the global photovoltaic market in the last decade. The United States implemented aggressive trade barriers policies to protect domestic industry, specifically Section 201 and Section 301 based on the Trade Act of 1974. Previous studies have explored trade diversion effect in other sectors such as agriculture. The extreme price elasticity of highly standardized solar products presents a perfect example of global supply chain realignment. This study employs a fixed-effects panel regression grounded in the Gravity Model, analyzing monthly time-series data from January 2017 to August 2025, aiming to quantify the sensitivity of Chinese PV export volumes to these escalating U.S. tariffs and the magnitude of the resulting trade diversion effects. The model includes U.S. GDP, exchange rates, global solar commodity prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expected results shows that punitive tariffs significantly suppress direct U.S. imports of Chinese solar products, while they also caused trade deflection toward alternative regional hubs who has less trade barriers. This analysis seeks to provide relative insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders regarding the true efficacy of trade protectionism and how global market realignment forms.

A study was conducted to better understand the satisfaction of college students regarding their overall university experience, and how it differs by age, gender, the year in school, as well as other factors. For this study, students at Weber State University were surveyed using a modified version of the Hassles Assessment Scale for Students in College, and the survey and results were gathered using the Qualtrics program. Within the survey, students were asked about different situations that are encountered as a result of being enrolled in a university. To better understand how those situations impact the participants, they were asked how often they are found in the specific situations, how uncomfortable those situations make them, and how often the participants dwell upon them. The purpose of this poster is to explore how certain aspects of the lived experience of a university impact diverse kinds of people differently. If this can be better understood, it could provide a baseline to make the changes necessary to better the college experience for students as a whole.

Purpose: This project enhanced a hospital system’s mock survey process by implementing a toolkit and establishing an escalation algorithm for addressing system-wide noncompliance. Rationale/Background: Hospital accreditation ensures safety best practices and facilitates participation in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. For preparation, organizations often rely on mock surveys that mimic external evaluations. Accurate mock survey data are required for addressing enterprise noncompliance trends. Successful mock surveys depend on a mock surveyor’s ability to identify deficiencies and escalate trends to key system leaders. Methods: The revised mock survey implementation process included training mock surveyors, toolkit rollout and orientation of the toolkit, and the introduction of the escalation algorithm to key leaders. After completing eight mock surveys, the data was reviewed, and the new process was evaluated. Results: Mock surveys were completed at eight hospitals. Six system noncompliance trends were identified, with a 0% mock surveyor variation rate, down from 11%. Trends were escalated to system leaders, and system changes were implemented. Mock surveyors rated both the toolkit's usefulness and the new mock survey process as high, 4.3 and 4.54, respectively (out of 5). The escalation algorithm process was ranked 3.75 by leaders. Conclusions: A standardized mock survey process with leader involvement improves enterprise survey readiness. The results underscore the importance of a well-planned mock survey and escalation process, preparation for accreditation surveys, and addressing variation not only in clinical practice but also in regulatory activities.

Abstract: Nitrocellulose, or cellulose nitrate, is an organic compound whose applications depend heavily on its nitrogen content. Nitrocellulose is made by nitrating some or all the hydroxyl (-OH) groups on cellulose with HNO3 or mixed acid systems. The resulting percentage of nitrogen can vary widely. Nitrogen content below 12.5% yields less reactive forms used in common products such as inks, films, lacquers, and ping pong balls, while nitrocellulose with >12.5% N is used for high explosives, propellants, and fireworks. Since this chemical reactivity ultimately determines its application, knowing the exact nitrogen content of nitrocellulose is essential. We have investigated elemental analysis (EA) as a potential rapid analytical method for measuring %N in nitrocellulose. We discovered that the results from traditional EA erroneously inflate nitrogen content due to unusually rapid combustion of samples in excess oxygen, causing sensor over-pressurization. Moreover, current literature methods are instrument-specific, limiting broad EA compatibility. We have overcome these problems by incorporating combustion modifiers, tuning oxygen amounts, and leveraging carbon data. Unlike other analytical methods for nitrocellulose, our method incorporates %C analysis to give a novel reporting parameter for %N determination based on nitrogen-to-carbon ratios. This improves EA compatibility across instruments, enabling more laboratories to perform nitrocellulose analyses.

Artificial Intelligence is being used to create intimate content of non-consenting individuals. The technology is being used to exploit and harass people across demographics, specifically targeting women and minors. Women and children are most vulnerable to the unethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), as it threatens their safety, bodily autonomy, and privacy. AI production of child pornography violates every child's right to a standard of living adequate for their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development. Working to address this issue would involve restricting AI platforms and creating legal consequences for platforms/users that create intimate images using AI. Victims should be empowered to come forward and be met with compensation and justice. There is little relevant research and studies that focus on AI-created intimate content of minors; our advocacy project contributes uniquely by focusing on rapidly expanding AI and the issues that arise from it. We hope to educate and inform our various local communities on the rapid expansion of AI-generated content being used for unethical means. This will be done at the local level, educating communities in the surrounding communities. We will be using mixed methods for our research methodology, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Our research will include articles from various institutions and academic reports. Our group will create a digital infographic that explains the issue, outlines warning signs, advises parents and children on AI ethics, and provides reporting resources. This will be emailed to school counselors and administrators in Weber County. This infographic serves to educate and increase awareness within our surrounding communities, leading to increased protection for children. Both academically and professionally, we could achieve increased recognition for our contributions towards making the world a safer place for women and children, showcasing our continued effort in advocacy work.

This paper examines whether the Law of One Price holds for silver between the United States and China. Silver is one of the most actively traded commodities in global markets and is widely used in electronics, solar panels, industrial production, and investment. The United States and China represent two of the largest silver markets in the world. According to the Law of One Price, in a frictionless market, identical goods should sell for the same price when expressed in a common currency. However, in practice, transaction costs, tariffs, capital controls, transportation costs, exchange rate volatility, and market segmentation can lead to deviations from this prediction. To examine whether the Law of One Price holds for silver between these countries, we use quarterly data from 2005 to 2025 on silver prices in the United States and China, along with the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan. We compare price movements across the two markets and convert Chinese silver prices into U.S. dollars to assess price convergence. The results show that while silver prices have fluctuated across the two countries, price differences have narrowed in recent years. This suggests that the Law of One Price holds more closely in the recent period, likely reflecting increased integration of global markets, although some deviations remain due to persistent market frictions.

The Alternative Breaks Program offers an opportunity to move beyond traditional classroom learning and into immersive, hands-on engagement with complex social issues. Through intentional partnerships with community organizations that have identified local needs, participants explore what it means to take action in ways that are meaningful, collaborative, and sustainable. During a recent experience in Flagstaff, Arizona, students examined the concept of land stewardship and considered how stewardship practices can be applied in everyday life. Guided by the Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement framework, our learning was shaped through the lenses of Direct Service, Community Engaged Learning and Research, and Policy and Governance. These pathways provided structure for reflecting on how individual actions connect to broader systems of environmental responsibility. As we traveled across landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological and biological transformation, we explored present-day challenges related to canyon ecosystems, regional water use, and conservation efforts. These encounters encouraged students to connect scientific understanding with civic responsibility and personal accountability. A central component of the experience was a service project focused on roadside cleanup, aimed at improving environmental conditions for people, animals, and plant communities. While seemingly simple, this act of direct service promoted deeper conversations about long-term environmental impact, land management decisions, and the shared role communities play in sustaining natural spaces. The Alternative Breaks experience ultimately fostered both action and inquiry. Leaving participants with a strengthened sense of responsibility and a recognition that stewardship is an ongoing practice shaped by knowledge, collaboration, and reflection.

Science communication plays a vital role in shaping how scientific knowledge is understood, experienced, and valued by the public, particularly in settings such as gardens, greenhouses, and museum exhibits. While traditional approaches have often emphasized one-way dissemination of information, recent scholarship highlights the importance of dialogue-driven engagement that fosters shared meaning and participatory learning. Building on this shift towards participatory engagement, I explore how storytelling can serve as a bridge between scientists and broader audiences by transforming botanical interpretation into a curiosity-driven experience. By maintaining scientific accuracy while emphasizing clarity and meaning, storytelling can spark interest. When thoughtfully applied, storytelling does not dilute scientific rigor; instead, it amplifies understanding by connecting evidence to lived experience. Science communicators can foster curiosity, inspire action, and cultivate a scientifically informed public by integrating narrative frameworks with empirical integrity. These principles are particularly relevant within botanical institutions, which provide powerful spaces for connecting plants and people through interpretation, dialogue, and opportunities for collaborative learning. Within these environments, storytelling reframes science communication as an interactive social process rather than a simple transfer of facts, encouraging audiences to see themselves as participants in scientific discovery. In this way, narrative-based communication has the potential to inspire curiosity, strengthen scientific literacy, and support more meaningful public engagement with botanical science.

This research poster focuses on the negative effects of the promotion of skin lightening products towards the body image and self perception of Filipinos in the 21st century. The trend of taking part with the use of skin lightening products has been progressively increasing in the Philippines. Filipino individuals who consume skin toning products sometimes fail to consider its health factors and its cultural consequences. The importance of this topic helps Filipinos, including me, maintain our cultural heritage and to accept our identity as Southeast Asians. The majority of the sources I have provided are secondary, peer-reviewed scholarly articles that can help us further deepen our understanding of the effects that these products have towards Filipino individuals. My study shows that the usage of skin lightening products negatively impacts the body image of Filipinos through influential aspects, socioeconomic class, advertisement and media. Furthermore, the health risks in skin bleaching is also present ingredients commonly found in the products damages the skin barrier of the consumer.

Proposed title: The New Sales Strategy. I will be discussing the topic of: how do consultative sales professionals reframe their identity to distance themselves from the sleazy and pushy sales stereotype? How effective is that reframing when the customer's distrust is already so strongly against them? I will tie this question into Tommy Orange's novel There There by drawing a connection between the urban indians who've been attempting to overcome stereotypes for hundreds of years and sales reps who are attempting to break the current stereotypes and how they can do that. I gathered my research through different studies that demonstrate how much more successful the new approach is, how hard it is to overcome the stigma, and how they can adopt that relationship and overtime reshape the reputation of sales reps.

My project examines the question: How do book bans harm Indigenous and minority voices by limiting access to cultural stories? It explores how government and school library book bans silence these voices by restricting access to culturally significant narratives. Recent increases in book banning across the United States have intensified debates about censorship, student protection, and the role of government in shaping cultural knowledge. Many of the books that are removed are written by minority authors, which limits students exposure to diverse perspectives. My research approach involves analyzing Utah state policies, with a focus on HB0029, to understand the processes that lead to books being banned. This includes examining the bill, reviewing public records of book challenges, and comparing removed titles to identify patterns that affect Indigenous authors. HB0029 is especially relevant because its broad and subjective definitions of sensitive material target Indigenous narratives that address themes such as colonial violence, identity, and cultural survival. Books like The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie portray the lived experiences of Indigenous characters, and removing them limits students ability to learn about the historical and ongoing impacts of events such as the Trail of Tears. Similarly, Tommy Oranges There There illustrates the present day realities of urban Indigenous communities and shows the lasting effects of colonial violence, making it another example of the culturally significant narratives that become vulnerable under broad censorship policies like HB0029. Limiting access to Indigenous authored stories forces many students to learn this history only through the colonizers perspective rather than through the voices of the communities who experienced it.

I propose to discuss the impact of globalized East Asian entertainment on the fashion social sphere and designs. Through the connections that communication technologies have provided, the spread of Asian media has become prevalent in the 21st century. The most popularized being Korean and Japanese media. This has led to a shift in people's view on Asian arts along with the people themselves. It has also opened up the discussion of what is simply enjoying the culture and what is appropriation. This mass spread of media has had an effect on the fashion industry as well, including the designs and designers who have been given a larger stage to display their works. It has also had a significant impact on the diversity of models and brand ambassadors widening the spectrum of who holds the image of the top brands in the world.

I will discuss the importance of characters in fiction that are morally complex, especially as protagonists in their respective stories. For this I dissected several critically acclaimed TV shows that feature characters with nuanced motives and personalities. Dexter, Breaking Bad and The Sopranos are some that I used. There is an abundance of peer reviewed journals on these characters, which were sourced with the help of the library's search engine. My expected conclusion is to find that morally complex characters are, in fact, more interesting than straightforwardly good or bad ones, which I will attempt to argue for. These complicated moral compasses are best reflected through the characters Tony Loneman, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield and Dene Oxendene in Tommy Orange's novel There There. Through Tony Loneman's justification for crime, Opal Viola Victoria Bear Shield's traumatic upbringing, and Dene Oxendene's almost detached observation in pursuit of his filming, there are many factors that these characters share with the ones I cited from popular TV shows, which will be explained.

The prints on display were made by students in the Printmaking area of the Department of Visual Art and Design [DOVAD]. There are also contributions from the current Printmaking & Poetry Honors course. The students were asked to make their own visual response to how they view sustainability, whether that be environmental and ecological, social, economic, political, etc. During class discussion on the topic, the conversation continued to circle around the prevailing messages of loss and apathy that dominate the media. However, the artists impressed me with their hopefulness and optimism for the future in the face of the consistent negative messaging they receive on a daily basis.

-Andrew Rice, Instructor and Printmaking Studio Manager, DOVAD