28th Student Academic Conference Schedule

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a profound and uneven impact across countries worldwide, with large differences in infection rates, mortality, and healthcare burden. Understanding these disparities is essential for evaluating global public health responses and preparedness. In this project, we will investigate how COVID-19 outcomes vary across countries and regions using publicly available global data. We will use a country level dataset containing cumulative totals of confirmed cases, deaths, recoveries, and active cases obtained from an international COVID-19 data repository. We will conduct exploratory data analysis to summarize the distributions of each metric and to visualize patterns using histograms, comparative bar charts, and grouped summaries. We will compare outcomes across countries to identify outliers, assess variability, and examine the scale of disparities among regions. This analysis may help clarify global patterns in pandemic impact, highlight inequities in health outcomes, and inform future public health planning and international response strategies.

Opioid overdoses on college campuses are a pressing issue. With the rising rates of opioid overdose it’s important for students to be educated on reversal options should the need arise. Naloxone is an antidote for an opioid overdose also known as “Narcan” and can be used immediately to reverse an opioid overdose. By increasing awareness on our campus, we can help reduced stigma around “Narcan” use and availability on campus.

I focus on the use of ai in cybersecurity. I talk about how ai can be used to detect threats, prevent attacks, and improve system protection. 

Background/Context: This project is in the area of browser-based content filtering and privacy-by-design text classification.
  Research problem/aim: The goal is to reduce accidental spoilers by accurately identifying spoiler-risk text for user-selected titles without making browsing annoying.
  Methods/evidence: We use rule-based detection (watchlist match + spoiler-intent phrases + proximity scoring) and evaluate it on labeled examples from headlines, search snippets, post previews, and video titles.
 Preliminary results/next steps: Early results show strong detection for high-risk spoiler phrasing when a protected title is present; next steps are expanding the dataset, tuning thresholds to cut false positives, and integrating into the full extension UI.
Significance: The project provides an explainable, local-only spoiler protection approach that avoids uploading browsing content and improves on basic keyword-only blockers.

Mimosa pudica exhibits rapid leaf-folding behavior in response to mechanical stimulation, making it a useful model for studying plant sensitivity and habituation. This study investigated whether repeated mechanical stimulation affects the growth and behavioral response of Mimosa pudica during early development. Seeds from the same batch were germinated and grown under identical conditions. Two plants were observed from germination through later growth stages: one plant was subjected to frequent touch and movement, while the second plant served as a minimally handled control. Growth and behavior were recorded through qualitative observations. The mechanically stimulated plant exhibited reduced growth, losing two of its three initial shoots, while the control plant lost only one. However, the stimulated plant showed reduced sensitivity to novel mechanical disturbance during transport. These findings suggest that repeated mechanical stimulation may reduce growth while increasing tolerance to environmental stress, indicating a potential trade-off between growth and resilience in Mimosa pudica.

MSUM is home to a variety of wildlife, but perhaps most notable amongst them are the campus turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). As many species of birds do, turkeys have a strict social order, communicating within their group by clucking, purring, and yelping. Additionally, they broadcast messages to other species via posturing behaviors like strutting. Their complex social dynamics might not be intuitive to humans, but understanding turkey signaling can help us learn more about the purpose behind their behavior.

   Phishing remains the most prevalent form of cybercrime. Criminals are taking advantage of deceptive emails, smishing, and vishing to steal sensitive data. Current data suggests that despite advancing firewalls and detection software and AI, human psychology remains the most vulnerable entry point. Cyber security is only as strong as its most vulnerable user.

   The effects of a successful phishing attack can range from individual identity theft or loss, to massive corporate data breaches that could cripple national infrastructure and subvert national security. As digital communication becomes more sophisticated, so do psychological tactics. Which makes this a critical area of study for cybersecurity and behavioral science, as well as the back end implications of the IT sphere.

   While technical solutions like spam/ham filters exist, there is a large gap in users' technical literacy, and with the continuing rise of social media, "bad actors" playing on individuals' psychology has never been easier. Many individuals remain unaware of how to identify modern, highly-targeted "spear-phishing" attempts or the specific protocols to follow once a compromise has occurred. Most are also unaware of the negative and positive impacts of AI in phishing, including AI powered Vishing on the negative side, and deep learning CNN models detecting and removing phishing links before they have the chance to be malicious. 

My project is a biographical presentation about the lives of individual enslaved people in North Carolina during the 1790s. My presentation will answer questions such as what they looked like, skills these people possessed, how they escaped, what motivated their escape, where they fled, and what a contemporary individual can learn from their escape. I will be using sources like census data, maps, and fugitive slave advertisements to further help in my presentation. The goal of the presentation is to provide a historical voice to the lives of individuals who were formerly silenced.

Cybersecurity has become a critical component of modern information systems as organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for operations, communication, and data storage. This project examines common cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, phishing, malware, and web application vulnerabilities, and analyzes the prevention strategies organizations use to mitigate these risks. Emphasis is placed on established frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Zero Trust architecture. The research evaluates how layered security controls, structured risk management processes, and human-factor awareness contribute to stronger organizational resilience. By synthesizing industry reports, academic research, and government security standards, this study highlights the importance of proactive and framework driven security strategies in protecting enterprise information systems.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, and survival depends on immediate bystander action. Hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using simple chest compressions can maintain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until advanced care arrives. This presentation highlights the importance of early recognition, rapid activation of emergency services, and high-quality compressions. Current guidelines support compression-only CPR for untrained bystanders, emphasizing that anyone can take action. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice chest compressions on a CPR manikin to build confidence and develop lifesaving skills.

This poster explores how music-based interventions affect speech perception abilities in adults with cochlear implants. CIs are beneficial for perceiving speech in quiet; however, due to the “lack of fine-structure processing in CI processing strategies” (Lo et al., 2015, p. 1), they struggle to provide information critical to understanding speech in noise and discerning between pitches and inflections. The studies discussed within this paper examine music-based therapy’s effect on quality of life, participant’s perceived benefit, intonational discrimination, speech recognition (in noise and in quiet), and frequency change discrimination. This poster covers a literature review of the efficacy of music-based treatments in enhancing speech perception in adults with cochlear implants. 

This literature review explores evaluation methods, evidence-based treatments, and accommodations that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use to ensure success for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental language disorder (DLD). Using a multidisciplinary approach, individuals have cohesive, effective care amongst team members and caregivers. Intervention typically includes language and cognition support through executive function support, caregiver training, and literacy development. Decreasing the cognitive load a child has can improve their ability to use language skills, thus increasing the chance of therapeutic and educational success (Senter et al., 2023). This decrease allows for more effective access to intervention through targeted language, executive functioning, and literacy supports for individuals with ADHD and DLD.

Non-contact injuries in sport continue to be a topic of discussion in research. One specific area of concern is the amount of the Lower Extremity Non-contact Injury (LENI) that occurs in football. Do LENIs have a higher incidence rate on natural grass versus artificial turf? PubMed, Science Direct, and EBSCO were reviewed to gather evidence regarding any statistical differences in the incidence rates between grass and turf with LENIs. Articles reviewed included a 20-year nationwide analysis; a 13-year cohort analysis; and a descriptive epidemiology study. Results varied across the research investigated. One study revealed a higher incidence on grass versus turf, while another revealed no statistical difference between playing surfaces. One additional study showed more season-ending surgery injuries were caused by turf. Considering the different results and statistics regarding LENIs, the clinical bottom line indicates continued research on whether playing surfaces make a difference in incidence rates of LENIs. With additional research, specific recommendations could be made regarding safe playing conditions on turf versus grass. 

The purpose of this study is to examine whether Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can be effectively used as a strategic tool to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in organizational settings. Drawing from Korzynski’s (2024) discussion of GenAI’s role in bridging human resource development processes, this research focuses on how GenAI may influence workplace communication, particularly in DEI-related contexts. Through an online survey and quantitative analysis, the study explores differences in perception, familiarity, and current use of GenAI among employees and managers across various demographic groups. It further investigates how GenAI is perceived to affect culturally responsive communication, trust-building, and the facilitation of inclusive dialogue. The results aim to identify potential benefits and barriers to adopting GenAI to support more equitable and effective workplace communication, providing practical ideas for DEI professionals and employers. 

Runaway slaves who have runaway, what happened to them, where did they go, three different African American slaves who ran away from their masters. We do not know a lot of information by just looking at the slave ads but when doing more extensive research we can get more ideas of what they did in slavery and why they ran away with who their slave master was and what they did for a living and where they lived. Did they get caught and have to go back to their master’s or did they stay free. If the slaves had any help running away and did the ones that helped them turn them in or get in trouble for helping the runaways. How much did they help the masters and did because of their jobs when slavery did, they had actions that their masters had them do to get out of their master’s house and did this help them to escape.

Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is a systematic and hierarchical intervention that uses musical elements of rhythm and melody to improve language output in persons with nonfluent aphasia (Norton et al., 2009). Nonfluent aphasia is a condition often comorbidly occurring with apraxia of speech (AOS). MIT has a marked history of being accepted as an effective treatment for nonfluent aphasia, a language disorder, but is not commonly used as a method to treat AOS, a speech sound disorder. This literature review explored the growing body of research that supports the use of MIT as an effective intervention option for treating AOS as a comorbid diagnosis of nonfluent aphasia. Understanding the effectiveness of MIT for treating AOS has the potential to help clinicians optimize treatment outcomes for people with these diagnoses, as well as understand the strengths and limitations of MIT as a treatment option for AOS. 

Fish acquire recognition of predators through associative learning. Because odors and appearances are difficult to quantify, we use acoustic stimuli to test hypotheses about how fish recognize their predators. Previous work by MSUM students demonstrated that zebrafish trained to associate risk with a tone did not generalize risk to all tones (Seigel et al. 2021). In a follow-up experiment, zebrafish trained to recognize three combined tones could recognize the tones if one of the tones was missing but not if two of the tones were missing (Johnson et al. 2023). In our experiment we condition zebrafish to associate a single tone with risk and then tested them with a mixture of multiple tones to see if zebrafish can pick up on a tone in a mix of others. We have set up four tanks, each set on separate shelves with sound damping around two of the sides. A small speaker attached to the back of the tank is used to play test stimuli. Our results will add to the work done by Seigal et al. (2021) and Johnson et al. (2023).

The present study examines how different styles of social media use-active vs. passive-and screen time on social media have impacts on social anxiety levels. Previous studies have shown mixed but critical associations between social media use and mental health outcomes; passive use and high screen time often linked to anxiety (Davis & Goldfield, 2025), while active use may present benefits such as improved communication capacity that reduce risk (Lai et al., 2023). In this study, approximately 60 participants will be recruited from Minnesota State University Moorhead. They will self-report their typical style of social media use and daily usage then will be asked to complete a survey measuring social anxiety levels. The researcher predicts that (1) low screen time will be significantly associated with lower levels of social anxiety, (2) passive users will report higher social anxiety levels than active users, and (3) the lowest social anxiety levels will be reported among active users with low screen time. The results may help our understanding of various online behaviors that affect mental health which could contribute to recognizing healthier relationships with social media especially among young adults. 

New York City, today the largest municipality in the nation, was by the end of the American revolutionary period a city of only around 340,000. Not yet the financial capital of the world, it was nevertheless a moderately important trading port on the south end of Manhattan Island. Amid the growth of the city and the gradual abolition of slavery in neighboring states, New Yorkers continued to trade in slaves into the 19th century. These enslaved persons are permanently documented as people through the escape efforts of those who sought freedom. The stories of three such freedom seekers from the 1760s-1780s: Nick, Tom, and a young woman whose name is lost to the impersonal cruelty of slavery, exemplify the variety of lives led by enslaved New Yorkers and the ingenuity by which they resisted their oppression.

This paper analyzes Theory of Mind (ToM) and perspective-taking in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and evaluates the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in supporting the child’s social and cognitive development. Theory of Mind refers to the capacity to infer others’ thoughts, beliefs, and mental states (Beaudoin et al., 2022), while perspective-taking is the ability to understand others’ viewpoints. Children with ASD frequently demonstrate atypical ToM development, which may impact academic performance, pragmatic language, and peer relationships (Gonzalez-Gadea et al., 2024; Hedley et al., 2020; Southall & Campbell, 2015). This review summarizes developmental differences in ToM and evaluates evidence-based interventions such as Social Stories (Golzari et al., 2015) and systematic group-based methods (Southall and Campbell, 2015). Social Stories offer individualized support that targets the child's specific challenges, while group-based interventions facilitate peer interaction within structured settings. Although both approaches yield improvements in therapeutic environments, limitations persist when implemented in naturalistic settings (Flecther-Watson et al., 2014). Overall, this literature underscores the necessity of individualized intervention to foster ToM development in children with ASD. SLPs hold a critical position in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with families and educators to promote optimal social communication outcomes (Secora & Moore, 2023). 

Busy corporate women in the Fargo–Moorhead area often struggle with cluttered makeup bags, forgotten essentials, and damaged products when needing quick touch-ups throughout the workday. The problem is not just storage, but organization, visibility, and protection. The Routine Compact solves this issue with a sleek, durable, all-in-one design that keeps daily essentials secure, organized, and easily accessible. Priced at approximately $30, the product generates revenue through direct sales to working professionals. Our contribution is transforming everyday clutter into a streamlined, professional solution built for women on the go.

While two factor technologies exist and are becoming more mainstream, password are still the primary line of defesne for both personal and business data, yet they still remain one of the most exploited elements of the modern internet. This comes down to poor design and understanding of how the systems work and how they can effectively fight against password cracking. This project explores the vulnerabilities that modern password authentication presents through the demonstration of the common password attack techniques like brute force, rainbow tables, and dictionary attacks. The purpose of simulating these is to demonstrate how threat actors are able to crack a password and access accounts using poorly designed passwords. As a result of the understanding of how the offensive strategies are applied, we can gain a better understanding about how to defesnively protect our data and our accounts against these attack methods. This highlights elements like the importance of password design, multi-factor, and other strategies that can produce a more robust password for authentication.

Operating systems are a fundamental component of modern computing, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing services for applications. Despite their importance, the internal mechanisms of operating systems are complex and often difficult to fully understand without direct implementation. The goal of this project was to explore the fundamental mechanisms of operating systems by designing and implementing a simple 32-bit operating system kernel from scratch. This project involved researching core operating system mechanisms such as memory management, process scheduling, and device I/O. Concepts were implemented in a custom kernel written in low-level programming languages, such as C and x86 assembly, and tested in a virtualized development environment, such as QEMU. The project resulted in the development of a personal 32-bit operating system kernel capable of managing memory, process management, file management, key I/O device support, and a minimalist shell for user interaction. This project demonstrates how implementing core operating system components can provide deeper insight into low-level system design and hardware interaction. Developing a simple operating system kernel serves as a valuable approach for strengthening understanding of systems programming concepts and the architecture underlying modern computing systems.

Formative assessment is a key part of teaching because it helps educators assess students' knowledge throughout the entire unit, as opposed to only collecting data following the unit's completion. Formative assessments give teachers quick, actionable feedback and data that can be used to adjust lessons, support students right away, and improve learning in the present. When teachers receive immediate feedback it helps correct mistakes early on, before they become habits. It is valuable to understand that a formative assessment, without any change to instructional strategy, by itself, is ineffective. An effective formative assessment is how the teacher decides to use the data to alter their teaching and learning tactics. 

Within formative assessments there are two general categories, formal and informal. A formal formative assessment follows characteristics of being planned out and documented. This is often viewed in the form of an entry or exit tickets, assignments, quizzes, and projects. The key factor is that it is structured and the teacher can receive a physical or digital copy. An informal formative assessment follows characteristics of being flexible and natural during instructional time. Some examples of this can be visually looking at body language and reactions of students, using a thumbs up or thumbs down based on understanding, and a turn-and-talk or think-pair-share so students can discuss with peers about the topic. 

This presentation will look at what formative assessments are, types of formative assessments, why they matter, and how teachers can use them in real time to guide instruction. These assessments help teachers and learners provide factual evidence regarding the students' learning and, if used properly, paves a path to a more successful and well rounded education.

A Critically Appraised Topic: Effectiveness of Hydrogen-Rich Water Therapies in Reducing Inflammation

   Craig B, Hammerschmidt D, Albrecht, J: Minnesota State University Moorhead; Moorhead, Minnesota

Clinical Scenario: Inflammation is an important part of healing, but prolonged inflammation can cause excess damage to tissue and pain. Hydrogen-rich water therapies have been recently studied on chronic inflammatory disease patients, revealing positive effects on inflammatory markers as well as clinical outcomes. Focused Clinical Question: Do hydrogen-rich water therapies decrease inflammatory markers in healthy individuals with inflammation compared to conventional treatments? Search Strategy: Research was conducted using the PubMed database. Search terms included hydrogen, hydrogen-rich water, molecular hydrogen, inflammation, athletes, and inflammatory markers. The majority of existing published research was conducted on patients with chronic inflammatory disease. Therefore, some additional resources were used to verify existing information regarding hydrogen therapies. Evidence Quality Assessment: The quality of evidence was tested against PEDro to confirm that the research found evidence either for or against hydrogen-rich water therapy. Results and Summary of Research: Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) therapies have shown to reduce inflammatory markers in human serum due to molecular hydrogen’s (H2) ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus increasing oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with chronic inflammatory disease. Research has also shown that individuals recovering from acute ligament injuries showed a significantly decreased plasma viscosity and a faster return of range of motion (ROM) after concomitant use of HRW treatment and conventional RICE/POLICE treatments compared to conventional treatments alone. Clinical Bottom Line: HRW therapies show positive quantitative and qualitative effects on individuals suffering from inflammation. More research should be conducted on a larger scale to further prove HRW’s ability to affect positive results in patients with inflammation who are otherwise healthy.  Implications: HRW can be used safely as an effective therapeutic intervention for acute and ongoing inflammation. When used concomitantly with POLICE, HRW may be able to reduce time to RTP.

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Differential equations can be used to predict natural phenomena. We used differential equations to predict spring flooding in the FM area using the general form of the amount of water flowing into the area minus the amount leaving, divided by the area cross-section of the region.

Before the nineteenth century, the dominant explanation for disease in Western medicine was miasma theory, which held that illnesses were caused by harmful vapors or “bad air.” During the nineteenth century, however, the emergence of germ theory fundamentally reshaped medical understanding of disease transmission. This shift had significant consequences for both medical treatment and public health practices. Smallpox, one of the most deadly and widespread diseases of the nineteenth century, provides an important case study for examining these changes. By analyzing the transition from miasma theory to germ theory, this poster explores how evolving scientific ideas influenced approaches to smallpox treatment, prevention, and hospital practices. Ultimately, the adoption of germ theory contributed to new medical strategies and public health measures that transformed how physicians and institutions sought to control the spread of infectious disease.

My presentation will review and compare various treatment approaches for fluency disorder. Comparisons discussed include population age, population size, treatment approach, duration of treatment, and the presence or absence of a control group. These comparisons will help speech-language pathologists determine if the treatment is appropriate for their client.

Art centers play a vital role in children’s development across multiple domains, laying the foundation for deeper learning. Providing open-ended and choice-rich materials invites children to explore, take creative risks, and solve problems. The intentional design of an art learning center supports cognitive growth, motor skills, and emotional intelligence. Art makes learning accessible and engaging to all children, incorporating touch, movement, and visual elements. Art is a right because it honors every child’s need to express ideas and emotions in developmentally appropriate practices.

Grassland and associated bird populations have experienced widespread declines across North America, yet locally relevant long-term datasets needed to inform management decisions remain limited. The Regional Science Center (RSC) in northwestern Minnesota is part of an actively managed conservation landscape of native and restored grassland and riparian forest that provides an opportunity to evaluate bird population trends at a management-relevant scale. The site was surveyed using standardized point count methods in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022, and this project proposes additional surveys during the 2026 breeding season, yielding an eight-year dataset suitable for trend analysis. Previous work comparing RSC bird communities to a nearby remnant prairie surveyed in 1980 suggested substantial declines in several grassland and riparian-associated species, motivating a focused analysis of trends within the RSC itself. This study will assess population trends for three focal species: Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), a declining grassland specialist; Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), a species of conservation concern in Minnesota associated with oak savanna; and Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), a riparian forest associate that is declining regionally. Thirty-three established survey points will be resurveyed five times in spring 2026. Repeated visits allow estimation of detection probability and accommodate lower detection rates typical of undergraduate observers. Abundance will be estimated using binomial N-mixture models with year included as a covariate to assess population trends. Results will support ongoing management decisions by partners at the RSC, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and The Nature Conservancy, including prescribed fire, invasive species control, and habitat maintenance timing. 

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are known for their nest communication system, the bee waggle dance; a form of animal communication characterized by a figure-eight dance that is used for the foraging of nectar and pollen by watching and learning the directions to a specific flower patch. They rely on the learned floral scents since they are associated with a reward. While doing the waggle dance, they create vigorous vibration frequencies both high and low. Shaking their abdomens at low frequencies and beating their wings at high frequencies. Human intervention often leads to habitat loss and the loss of foraging sources which are vital to the survival of a colony, meaning that older more experienced “dancers” might die off and so does their knowledge with them, leading to greatly impaired generational transfer of waggle dance technique that can have massive impacts on the communicational ability and even survival of a colony.  

Three case studies on three enslaved indivduals who sought freedom from thier enslavers during the peroid of 1760 to 1789 in Early America. These three short case studies on these enslaved idndivuals are meant to give voice to individuals who during their time period had no voice.

Safe and efficient oral feeding is a major milestone for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and often determines readiness for discharge. However, immature suck–swallow–breathe coordination and inconsistent feeding practices can delay this process. This literature review compared two evidence-based interventions that support feeding development: Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) and cue-based feeding.

PIOMI is a brief, structured oral motor stimulation program designed to strengthen oral musculature and improve coordination prior to feeding. Studies have demonstrated that infants receiving PIOMI often achieve full oral feeds sooner and may experience shorter NICU stays. Cue-based feeding, in contrast, focuses on responding to an infant’s behavioral and physiological readiness cues rather than following predetermined schedules. This approach has been associated with improved feeding efficiency, greater physiologic stability, and enhanced parent–infant bonding.

Together, these interventions provide a complementary approach: PIOMI promotes neuromotor readiness, while cue-based feeding supports individualized, developmentally appropriate feeding experiences. Speech-language pathologists play a key role in implementing and advocating for these practices in the NICU. Continued research is needed to strengthen long-term outcome data and optimize clinical application.

The presentation examines the lives of five enslaved men throught the eighteenth century. These men being Dick, Solomon, Billy, Tom, and Lubin. Their combined histories appear in eighteenth-century runaway slave advertisements. Despite these ads being written by slave owners, the ads themselves offer key insight into the past, allowing historians to reconstruct the experience of many individuals who resisted enslavement. The presentation highlights three case studies. Beginning with Dick, an enslaved man in Virginia, who utilized his kinship, networks, mobility, and in-depth planning over the years to escape captivity. Despite being demeaned in many advertisements that described him, he perservered in his attempts at escape. Solomon, an African man enslaved in the early 1770s, made repeated attempts at escape. Because of his repeated escape attempts, he was repeated restrained with iron collars and fetters. Yet despite this, he was able to consistently free himself of them and pursue freedom. Because of his time working new bay ports, and his geographic awareness, and personal determination to escape, Solomon was able to escape mutliple times across the mid-Atlantic world. Finally, the alliance made between three men Billy, Tom, and Lubin, all who came from different regions, to form a collective escape attempt in 1785 demonstrates how many who were enslaved formed groups that consisted of many who came from different backgrounds with specialties in different areas, all of which helped them in finding their freedom. The combined abilities of Billy, Tom, and Lubin allowed them to navigate the dangerous routes in their pursuit of freedom. Taken together, each story reveals details of the diverse but united forms of resistance often practiced by many who were enslaved throughout the eighteenth century. That said, while their stories have only survived through fragments of runaway slave advertisements, their histories demonstrate individuals who were not passive victims to their enslavers, but decisive, strategic, and persistent in their efforst to liberate themselves from the cruel world that was enslavement.

Total laryngectomy is a life-altering surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the larynx, resulting in permanent loss of natural voice and significant changes to breathing and swallowing. These anatomical and functional changes profoundly affect communication, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a central role throughout the continuum of care for individuals undergoing total laryngectomy, with counseling serving as a critical component of intervention. This paper reviewed and analyzed current literature regarding the SLP’s counseling role across preoperative education, postoperative voice rehabilitation, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes. Evidence indicates that structured preoperative counseling improves psychological adjustment, reduces anxiety, and enhances preparedness for postoperative rehabilitation. Postoperatively, SLPs provide training in prosthesis management, stoma care, and tracheoesophageal speech production while also addressing emotional adjustment, identity reconstruction, and social reintegration. Family involvement and support group participation further contribute to improved outcomes. The literature supports counseling as a dynamic, continuous, and patient-centered process that extends beyond technical skill acquisition to encompass emotional resilience and psychosocial adaptation. Although interdisciplinary collaboration is widely recommended, additional research is needed to evaluate its direct impact on patient outcomes and to develop structured counseling models targeting identity and long-term adjustment. Ultimately, SLP counseling should be recognized as a core component of total laryngectomy care, essential not only for restoring communication but for promoting holistic recovery and long-term quality of life.

Rural communities across North Dakota face access barriers to mental health care due to provider shortages, geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and stigma surrounding mental health. These barriers are significant as rural residents experience inconvenient travel times, inconsistent quality access to the internet, as well as financial and scheduling constraints. Common results include delayed diagnoses, worsened clinical outcomes, and increased strain on families and community resources. This project examines the potential health care improvement of rural populations as a result of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools such as telehealth services and community based infrastructure. The study will recruit clinicians and residents of rural North Dakota, assigning participants to control and experimental groups using randomization techniques. The experimental group will utilize AI-assisted behavioral health tools for symptom monitoring, screening, and care efficiency while the control group will receive traditional behavioral health services. Outcomes will include early identification of mental health concerns, behavioral health service utilization, clinician efficiency, and changes in stigma surrounding mental health care. Through the combination of today’s  unfolding digital technologies with accessible community spaces, this project aims to evaluate the potential positive mental health outcomes as a result of increased behavioral health care access.

Fiddler crabs are a type of mud crab found in intertidal zones in many parts of the world. They are one of the most abundant species of crab, but very little is known about their behavior. Most studies have shown that fiddler crabs are very good at detecting predators visually. However, there is not much done with fiddler crabs and their ability to detect chemical cues using their olfactory system. Blue crabs are a natural predator of fiddler crabs. When blue crabs predate on other species of mud crabs, they release chemicals in their urine that the mud crabs avoid. My research question is whether fiddler crabs can sense these chemicals in the water and how they change their feeding habits to prevent being preyed on. To answer this question, I will be extracting urine from blue crabs on specific diets to test the effects it has on fiddler crabs feeding habits. The results of this experiment may help us better understand how fiddler crabs assess danger in their environments, which may help in conservation of their species. 

The Minnesota State Moorhead Regional Science Center (RSC) is an approximately 400 acre facility that includes native prairie, a river, and a former golf course located adjacent to the 1000+ acre Buffalo River State Park. As part of their management program, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planning a prescribed burn to refresh the prairie portions of both the state park and the RSC. This provides a unique opportunity to study the effect of this burn over an extended time period. Initial efforts will involve pre-burn collection of a variety of environmental samples (soil, water, vegetation) for digestion and metals analysis. By establishing a consistent sampling plan, we will be able to collect valuable pre-burn data that we will be able to monitor metal migration over the coming years. We will explore a variety of digestion protocols  and monitor levels of exchangeable as well as more tightly sequestered metals. 

This research aims to thoroughly research three advertisements for runaway enslaved persons from the Revolutionary War period of American history. This research is done to give voices back to those who have lost theirs throughout history, their stories never being told and by discovering pieces of their stories within these three advertisements, this research focuses on what life would have been like for these three individuals- Stephen Butler, Sall Cooper and Nick. This is done by taking primary sources such as advertisements themselves as well as secondary sources to learn about their lives and to have a forgotten part of history no longer be hidden. 

This poster explains how dramatic play can foster children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development through role-playing real-life scenarios. Dramatic play provides a structured environment for children to use skills in imagination, problem-solving, negotiation through assigning and receiving roles, and collaboration in initiating, joining, and sustaining play. Children will demonstrate self-regulation and social-emotional skills by acting out unfamiliar scenarios like a doctor’s appointment. This helps children to gain understanding and a sense of control. Children develop cognitive flexibility by being able to switch roles and find alternative uses for objects. Teachers are an essential component of dramatic play by facilitating play, modeling behavior, and intentionally creating a developmentally appropriate space for imaginative real-life play.  The implication of dramatic play on teaching practices requires the educator to provide open-ended props, rotating themes that are relevant to children’s lived experiences, using observation to inform further teaching, and guiding play to support learning.  

Gerda Wegener was a revolutionary female artist from the early 20th century who proved to be ahead of her time with her portrayals women that challenged the conventions of depictions of women and female sexuality. She attended the Royal Danish Academy of Arts in Copenhagen, where met and would later marry Lili Elbe, a notable person in LGBTQ history as she was one of the first people to receive gender-affirming surgery. Lili played an important role in Gerda’s art: her muse. With Gerda working as a fashion illustrator for elite magazines, Lili, then still identifying as a male, would dress in women’s clothing and model for Gerda. Through dressing for Gerda’s paintings Lili found security with her gender identity, and began identifying as female. 

Gerda Wegener gained notoriety in Europe for her paintings that challenged depictions of women in portraiture. Gerda painted women engaging in acts of relaxation and entertainment, often accompanied by other women, depicted as friends or lovers. These ways in which she painted women were an especially notable quality about Gerda’s paintings, and audiences then and now commend her for her depiction of women through the female gaze. 

Gerda’s artworks that embraced traditional femininity and showcased female sexual freedom were widely enjoyed by the liberal Paris society, and she grew in popularity and wealth. However, the lifestyle she and Lili lived saw its end when Denmark law forced the pair to have their marriage annulled before Lili received gender reassignment surgery, as same-sex marriages were illegal at the time. After undergoing various operations, Lili suffered from health complications which lead to her passing in 1931. After Lili's death, Gerda struggled to keep up financially and creatively in the art world as tastes and styles changed. Gerda lost her wealth and popularity, and passed in 1940 at the age of 56, seemingly forgotten about and rarely acknowledged in art history.

In recent years Gerda Wegener’s life and art have gained recognition once again as more people have become interested in recovering and retelling queer and LGBT history. In the year 2000, author David Ebershoff wrote The Danish Girl, a novel loosely based on the life of Lili Elbe, which received a film adaptation that was released in 2016. In the months preceding the release of the film, the Arken Museum of Modern Art in Copenhagen hosted an exhibition of over 200 artworks by Gerda Wegener, and The Guardian published an article advertising the exhibition and detailing Gerda’s life and art career. Gerda Wegener plays an important role in early 20th century art history as a female artist who challenged depictions of women in art, and an equally as important role in queer and transgender history as having been married to one of first transgender people to receive gender reassignment surgery, and for her contributions to depictions of transgender people and lesbianism in art.

First aid essentials are important skills that can help MSUM students respond quickly and potentially save a life during an emergency. This presentation will cover three key topics: how to identify and respond to seizures, perform the Heimlich maneuver for choking, and use Stop the Bleed techniques for severe bleeding, including why embedded objects should not be removed. The goal is to help students feel more prepared and confident responding to emergencies on campus. 

Social media has become an important part of our daily lives. It helps us communicate with others and serves as a source of entertainment and information. However, social media platforms are also designed to keep users engaged for extended periods. Features like infinite scrolling and constant notifications are meant to maximize engagement and keep people on apps as much as possible, which can lead them to spend hours on these platforms without realizing how much time they're consuming.
This presentation will examine how much time people spend on social media daily, weekly, yearly, and throughout their lifetimes. It will also explore why social media is so engaging and sometimes addictive.
In addition, this presentation will offer practical strategies for using social media more healthfully and intentionally. These include tracking screen time, setting usage limits, and replacing passive scrolling with more productive activities, such as micro-learning. By becoming more aware of how social media draws our attention and behavior, individuals can make more intentional decisions about how they use these platforms.

The runaway slaves of North America have often been interpreted as silent revolutionaries; this is the furthest explanation from the truth. These slaves were anything but silent and were actively fighting and revolting against the institutions of slavery. The voices of the slaves in focus, Pomp, Phero, and Dick, have been ripped from them through the passage of time, and this presentation intends to compensate for that disservice. All three of the men chosen for this venture are from Colonial New England, and all three lived and ran at roughly the same time, with no more than six years between the oldest and newest. Over the course of the semester, copious amounts of research have been focused on each of the men chosen, with the sole purpose of giving their voice back to them. Methods primarily include research on electronic and physical archives, focused on finding primary sources related to the era and location of the men, as well as secondary source research executed primarily online. 

   This project demonstrates the design and implementation of a secure network for a mock business, a Vinyl Shop. The main goal is to showcase practical cybersecurity and networking skills through secure design, controlled communication, and hardened web application deployment.
   The network uses a firewall configured with three interfaces: an administrative network (172.16.10.0/24), an internal network (172.16.20.0/24), and a guest network (172.16.30.0/24). The internal users can connect to the network through a switch, while guest users can connect through a wireless access point.
   A Debian server hosted on the administrative network runs a Linux, Apache, MariaDB, and PHP (LAMP) stack to support the web application. This website allows users to create accounts and manage a wishlist. Administrative users on the internal network can manage inventory and user accounts.
   This project emphasizes best security practices, including network segmentation, firewall configuration, least privilege access control, and server hardening.

Procrastination in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often linked to executive functioning deficits, particularly working memory and attentional control (Kamradt et al., 2014). The present study examined whether a brief mindfulness intervention improves working memory performance among undergraduate students who report ADHD-related traits. Participants were undergraduate students at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) who completed a demographic questionnaire and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1). Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness condition, which involved viewing a five-minute guided mindfulness video, or a control condition with no video. Following the intervention, participants completed a digit span task to assess working memory performance. It was hypothesized that students in the mindfulness condition would demonstrate stronger working memory performance than those in the control condition, particularly among individuals reporting higher ADHD-related traits. Results indicated no significant interaction between ADHD treatment history and video condition, and there were no significant main effects of the mindfulness intervention or ADHD treatment history on working memory performance. Findings contribute to understanding whether brief mindfulness exercises may support executive functioning in college students with attentional difficulties. 

France’s public debt exceeds 110% of GDP and fiscal deficits remain elevated following the COVID-19 pandemic (European Commission, 2024; IMF, 2024). Recent credit downgrades, rising borrowing costs, and political uncertainty further heighten concerns about fiscal sustainability in France. But is France at risk? Economic research recognizes that debt levels alone do not determine fiscal sustainability; Blanchard (2019) highlights the growth-interest rate differential, the nominal growth rate minus the interest rate on debt, as central to assessing a nation’s fiscal sustainability. Given ongoing fiscal sustainability concerns in France, I analyze 10-year sovereign French government bond yields to evaluate whether the nation’s fiscal position influences how investors perceive sovereign risk. Using quarterly data from 2010 to 2025, the analysis estimates an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model that captures yield persistence, distributed fiscal effects, and long-run relationships. The model identifies a modest negative correlation between deficits and yields, but a highly significant negative relationship between yields and the growth-interest rate differential in the long run. Overall, the findings reveal that markets price fiscal risk dynamically, placing greater weight on growth and financing conditions than on debt ratios. This result challenges the notion that rising public debt is inherently harmful to France’s fiscal sustainability by recognizing investors’ tendencies to consider multiple economic factors in addition to debt ratios when assessing risk.

Rural communities in the United States face many barriers and struggles when it comes to Healthcare. These barriers include, long traveling distances to the medical facilities, shortages of staff at these facilities, and financial complications. Barriers like these often lead to worse medical problems. Delayed treatment of those problems, less preventive care, and worse overall health outcomes in comparison to suburban and urban populations. This proposal examines health care delivery ideas that can improve access to healthcare in rural commutes. This proposal explores the possibility that strategically placed emergency heli-pads can improve emergency response times that would otherwise be very long due to geographic and transportation issues. Mobile healthcare vehicles could also be implemented to provide certain primary care, smaller preventive series, mental health services, and even basic dental care. This would help with the travel issue many rural residents face. This proposed study and experiment would collect data over the course of one to two years to use to make changes to the idea and process of improving rural healthcare. If we can tackle staff shortages, transportation barriers, geographic barriers, and other problems, these potential solutions could lead to bigger and better innovation within the entire healthcare field. 

This project presents a review of the literature examining the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and pediatric feeding challenges, with attention to assessment and intervention practices within the scope of speech-language pathology. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, and it is frequently associated with co-occurring feeding difficulties that significantly impact children and their families. Current prevalence estimates indicate that ASD affects approximately one in thirty-one children, demonstrating food selectivity, limited appetite, feeding-related fear, and mealtime behavioral challenges. Feeding difficulties in children with ASD are multifactorial in nature and may be influenced by sensory processing differences, behavioral rigidity, impaired communication, medical comorbidities, and familial dynamics. Assessment components discussed include thorough medical record review, caregiver interviews and standardized questionnaires, direct mealtime observation, oral peripheral examination, and sensory profiling to guide individualized treatment planning. Intervention approaches emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, integrating behavioral, sensory, oral-motor, and environmental strategies tailored to the child’s needs. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of structured, multidisciplinary feeding interventions utilizing procedures such as stimulus and texture fading, shaping, prompting, reinforcement, and escape extinction. Both cases demonstrate measurable improvements in food acceptance, dietary expansion, texture tolerance, and reduction of challenging behaviors. The importance of caregiver training and systematic carryover strategies is further highlighted to support generalization and long-term outcomes of feeding intervention. Collectively, the reviewed literature and case evidence support the effectiveness of individualized, evidence-based, and collaborative feeding therapy approaches for children with ASD.

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic airborne fungus that poses significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and patients with preexisting conditions such as asthma. Despite its clinical relevance, the interplay between host sex, genetic background, and immune response to A. fumigatus exposure remains underexplored. This study investigated how immune cell counts, mucus production, collagen, and antibody production vary with sex and strain in BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J mice exposed to A. fumigatus. 

Mice were challenged with airborne A. fumigatus spores weekly for three consecutive weeks. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to collect immune cells, and histological analysis of lung tissue was conducted to assess mucus and collagen production, and an ELISA was conducted to analyze IgE antibody levels. Immune cells were identified using morphometric differences; mucus and collagen production were scored using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and  Pico-Sirius Red (PSR) with Fast Green (FCF),  respectively. 

Results showed that granulocyte counts peaked at day 3 post-challenge and declined by day 28, with male C57BL/6J mice exhibiting significantly higher granulocyte numbers than male BALB/cJ mice. While immune cell counts were not significantly different between sexes, mucus production varied. Male C57BL/6J mice had higher mucus production on day 3 post-challenge, whereas female BALB/cJ mice showed elevated mucus levels at day 28. Across all time-points and genetic background, females had significantly higher IgE production compared to their male counterpart. 

 This study highlights that genetic background (strain), timepoint and sex are important variables affecting , mucus, collagen, and antibody production dynamics in A. fumigatus mediated immune responses. These findings have implications for improving fungal disease models and developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies. 

The endocrine system is objectively essential for immune functioning and formation. Agents such as Atrazine (ATR) disrupt the ability of the endocrine system to signal the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of autoimmunity, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Atrazine is sprayed on corn cropping systems across the United States, which introduces small particles that can be absorbed into the alveolar sacs, damaging epithelial lung cells and possibly impacting gas exchange. This molecule has been known to inhibit cytokine production, such as IL-6, and cell proliferation. However, there remains a gap in current research as to which pathways ATR inhibits. This research utilized the A549 cell line to evaluate cytotoxic effects post ATR exposure. Atrazine was prepared in DMSO and diluted with media to obtain concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM. Cells were exposed for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. Following exposure, MTT assay was utilized to confirm treatment with ATR did not result in cell death but remained metabolically active before immunocytochemistry can occur. The cell viability (%) mean after 24 hours at 100 μg/mL was significantly lowered to ~50% when compared to the control of 100%. After both 48 and 72 hours of exposure to 50 and 100 μg/mL of ATR, cells showed significantly less metabolic activity when compared to the control. 48 hours with means of ~50% and ~25% for the 50 and 100 μg/mL, respectively, and 72 hours with means of ~40% and ~45% of ATR, respectively. Atrazine, particularly at higher concentrations for longer durations, decreased the cells' metabolic activity, meaning ATR affected cell function. Overall, the results indicate that ATR has a statistically significant effect on A549 cells at multiple concentrations over 24-to-72-hour time frames. Further research will dive into specific cytokine signaling pathways, to understand the mechanisms involved in immunomodulation. 

This poster discusses why sensory activities are a crucial area of the classroom in an early childhood setting. Sensory activities encourage children to use proprioception that connects with touch, sight, hearing, and smell. Using these senses actively engages children to learn through a constructivist approach. Children exploring by using these four senses are able to answer questions that foster language development such as; “What does this sound like?” or “What does this feel like?” Children can then critically think and describe what they are feeling, expanding their vocabulary. Some different ideas for sensory activities include smaller sensory bins or larger sensory tables, and outdoor exploration that fully immerse the child in the moment. The sensory table allows children to enter into the world by self discovery and witness how they see the world through their perspective. 

Abstract: Eulyph — AI-Native Programming Language

For my Senior Seminar project, my partners James, Abid and I set out to build Eulyph, a

programming language designed to handle the "messy" parts of the real world that traditional

code struggles with. By combining the brainpower of AI with the stability of a custom-built

engine, we’ve created a tool that understands what a user wants to do, not just what they type.

To make this work, our team built the entire system from the ground up, including a lexer to read

the symbols, a parser to map out the logic, and an evaluator to actually run the commands. We

also developed a unique Standard Library (stdlib) that acts as a safety bridge. It includes a

"handshake" feature called std.stdy() to make sure the AI is connected properly before it starts

making decisions, and it keeps the system secure by hiding raw background power behind clean,

modern wrappers.

Eulyph's real strength lies in its ability to simplify and modernize. It can take dozens of lines of

old, clunky "if-then" code and condense them into a single, efficient line of "intent". It even acts

as a translator: you can prototype a flexible idea using our AI logic and eventually have the

system "bake" that into a high-performance language like C++ or Rust for industrial use. One of

our favorite demos shows the language taking a messy, unstructured email and instantly pulling

out a $2,500 financial calculation without any manual data entry.

Looking ahead, we see Eulyph being used in places like our school's IT Helpdesk. It could

automatically read incoming trouble tickets, use our ? operator to figure out if the problem is a

hardware or software issue, and route it to the right person immediately. In the future, Eulyph

won't just run code—it will "watch" business feeds to flag fraud or manage legacy systems that

are too old for modern humans to use easily. We’ve built Eulyph to be the "modern brain" that

sits on top of old tech, making everything faster, cleaner, and a lot less fragile.

People with Down syndrome (DS) are living longer than ever before. As they age, many are at higher risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. This increased risk is linked to genetic differences related to chromosome 21 (Harley et al., 2015). Dementia can cause changes in memory, communication, behavior, and daily functioning, which creates unique challenges for individuals with DS and their families (Pulsifier et al., 2020). This poster reviews types of interventions used to support individuals with DS and dementia. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play an important role in helping maintain communication skills, training caregivers, and supporting quality of life (Lott & Head 2021). Interprofessional teamwork and person-centered care are essential to meeting the changing needs of this population. Continued research is needed to improve support and outcomes for individuals with DS and dementia.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of acquired disability in adolescents and frequently disrupts social communication during a critical period of development. Adolescents with TBI often demonstrate impairments in pragmatic language, executive functioning, attention, memory, and social cognition. These deficits affect turn-taking, perspective-taking, interpretation of nonliteral language, and behavioral regulation, leading to academic challenges and social isolation. Recovery is influenced by injury severity, lesion location, and environmental factors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment using both standardized and dynamic measures. Evidence-based interventions, including social communication groups, role play, script training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, highlight the critical role of speech-language pathologists in supporting recovery and social reintegration. 

Research pertaining to three different newspaper articles containing runaway advertisments for enslaved people during the Revolutionary War era of the United States. The goal of the research was to find information about the enslaved people and their lives, in an attempt to give a voice to those who were not allowed one. 

Corporate networks have for a long time been an area of productivity and communication for organizations. Going back to a time without a digital network for communication would most likely leave organizations limping. Which shows the importance of hardening these networks from attacks. The question that we as students aim to ask and provide an answer for is "What is the best security stance for our network that we can find as the administrators of this corporate network lab by developing security rules, attacking the environment, and defending against those attacks?" We will be using industry standards for securing our devices and software so that we can mimic the best security practices such as from CIS. Preliminary research shows that hardening a system is easy but keeping it up to date is hard. There will always be a new vulnerability so making sure that a organization knows all new threats is important. This research project gives insight into the necessity of a vigilant security focus when the topic of networks is involved.

Snow leopards are highly solitary animals that rarely interact with each other. Despite this, they must communicate to maintain territories, avoid conflicts, and allow for breeding. This is done through indirect communication methods such as urine spraying, ground scraping, and rubbing cheeks on rocks. This allows shared information among snow leopards in the same habitat and maintain their solitary nature. The study of this indirect communication allows for a deeper understanding how solitary animals maintain order in an extreme environment.  

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. This fungus is commonly found in agricultural fields and can contaminate crops. When ingested, DON can cause changes in the intestinal, nervous, and immune system. However, during harvesting season, Fusarium graminearum and DON can become airborne and inhaled. Minimal research has been done regarding the effects DON has on the respiratory system when inhaled. This study assesses the effect of DON inhalation in an allergic asthma murine model. Allergic mice were exposed to 30 or 60 ng of DON once daily for six days. Serum was analyzed for IgE and IgA, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for IgA levels. Cytokine levels were analyzed in lung homogenates, and goblet cell metaplasia with associated mucus production was visualized by periodic acid Schiff staining of lung histology sections. Inhalation of DON in an experimental allergic asthma murine model did not have an effect on allergic asthma mediators but resulted in increased IgA levels. Our next step will be to understand the role of pulmonary epithelial cells in mediating this cascade. The results of this study are likely to help inform therapeutics and diagnostics for DON related exposure. 

Using computational chemistry, this project modeled the decomposition of trifluoromethanol (CF3OH) into HF and CF2O.  The structures of the reactant, products, and transition state were optimized, and the minimum energy path was computed, using NWChem and the DFT B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory and basis set. To determine the overall energy partitioning and the energy allocated to each vibrational mode, a mixed quantum-classical dynamics calculation was performed, in which reaction path motion was treated classically and the vibrations were treated quantum-mechanically. The populations of the HF product in vibrational quantum states, reaction path details, and energy partitioning will be discussed and compared to experimental values.  

The patient registration process in any healthcare organization is error-prone, but crucial to adequate billing and financial success of the healthcare organization. A quality improvement plan or project that aims to improve the quality of information captured during patient registration is pertinent to decreasing billing errors. A literature review was completed to provide evidence to support the need for improvement and the proposed solution. This project, deployed at a rural emergency hospital, utilized a needs assessment and gap analysis to determine the scope of the problem and project. Implementation of a standardized patient registration process was vastly navigated by a set of goals and objectives. The success of the project is correlated with improvement of the patient registration process, resulting in a decrease in patient registration and billing errors. 

This literature review examines evidence-based interventions to improve executive functioning in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI often results in persistent impairments in executive functioning, including self-awareness, planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and goal-directed behavior, which can limit independence and social participation. This review examines interventions including metacognitive strategy training (MST), Goal Management Training (GMT), virtual reality, and rhythmic or music-based therapies. Current research supports MST and GMT as structured, strategy-based approaches that enhance self-monitoring, goal awareness, and real-world problem-solving, particularly when combined with external supports. Emerging interventions, including virtual reality and music-based therapies, show promise in targeting executive functioning through immersive, engaging methods. A comprehensive, individualized intervention integrating cognitive strategy training with functional, real-life practice appears most effective in supporting executive functioning and improving quality of life in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.

Boring, routine showers represent an overlooked opportunity for innovation in everyday life. Our project aims to transform mundane bathroom routines into engaging, immersive experiences that help users recharge and reconnect. After interviewing 15 potential customers, industry experts, managers, and everyday users, we identified a clear demand for enhanced relaxation and entertainment in personal care spaces. In response, we developed a bundled product designed specifically for showers, baths, and hot tubs. The bundle includes a waterproof, magnetic Bluetooth speaker, a TV-like screen, and integrated LED lighting, all engineered for durability and ease of use. The system installs in under 30 minutes with no wiring required and is built to last more than five years. Financial analysis supports the venture's feasibility: with a cost of goods sold at $103.15 per unit, fixed costs of $8,000, startup costs of $20,000, and a selling price of $150 per bundle, the company must sell approximately 170 bundles per month to break even. By combining convenience, technology, and affordability, our solution reimagines the shower as a space for entertainment, relaxation, and daily renewal.

Many teams, particularly student-athletes and high-performing groups, struggle to consistently follow through on shared goals due to weak accountability structures and reliance on passive reminders. Using a Lean Startup approach, we conducted interviews with 15 potential users to validate assumptions, identify team-specific accountability challenges, and refine features that emphasize social commitment and behavior-driven follow-through. Buzzed is a team-based accountability platform that prioritizes peer accountability supported by AI-driven check-ins, enabling groups to reinforce commitment, transparency, and consistent progress toward shared goals. Our minimum viable product (MVP) includes team goal dashboards, peer accountability tracking, and AI-powered SMS check-ins, layered on top of group accountability, supported by a scalable cost structure and revenue generated through team subscriptions and athletic department partnerships. Buzzed’s unique value proposition is delivering team-first accountability enhanced by AI support, transforming shared motivation into consistent action and measurable performance outcomes.

This project explains how data travels across the internet when a user accesses a website. While billions of people use the internet daily, the networking processes that make communication possible are often not fully understood. This presentation breaks down the journey of data from a user’s device to a web server and back.

The project focuses on several core networking technologies that enable internet communication, including the Domain Name System (DNS), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). These technologies work together in layers to ensure that data is addressed, transmitted, routed, and delivered reliably across networks.

Through diagrams and simplified examples, this presentation demonstrates how a domain name is translated into an IP address, how packets travel across networks, and how web servers return content to the user’s browser. The goal of this project is to provide a clear understanding of how modern internet communication works and highlight the importance of networking protocols that support everyday online activity.

Modern enterprise networks face a dual challenge: they must remain highly available to users while defending against increasingly sophisticated, AI-driven cyber threats. "Hardening"—the process of securing a system by reducing its vulnerability surface—is often compromised when networks scale, leading to "brittle" infrastructure where security becomes inconsistent. This project explores how integrating Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) can create a robust foundation for a hardened environment. By establishing a "Digital Twin" (a virtual replica) of an enterprise network using Proxmox clusters and a Spine-Leaf topology, this study aims to develop a modular framework. This framework will utilize Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to automate the application of rigorous security benchmarks, such as those from the Center for Internet Security (CIS). The goal of this research is to determine if automated hardening can maintain 99.999% system availability even during a 200% increase in data throughput. This study will provide a scalable blueprint for organizations to ensure that as their digital infrastructure grows, their security defenses remain impenetrable and consistent.

To present a piece of code able to run some games from scratch with an AI.

Parent coaching is a family-centered, evidence-based approach in which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) teach caregivers to support their child’s language development during everyday routines. This project examines the theoretical foundations of parent coaching, compares it to traditional direct therapy, and reviews research supporting its effectiveness. Evidence indicates that parent-implemented language interventions improve caregiver strategy use and support expressive language outcomes in preschoolers. The Hanen It Takes Two to Talk® program is discussed as a well-known example of a parent coaching model. Overall, parent coaching is presented as a complementary approach to direct therapy that promotes generalization, caregiver confidence, and meaningful language growth.

A study on three enslaved people's runaway advertisements in Jamaica during or after the American Revolution. The aim is to analyze how enslaved people's lives were changed due to conflict in the American colonies, and how race relations differed between the Americas and Jamaica. I will especially look at where these people ran away to and how or why they went to these places. 

The behavior of Japanese macaque is strongly influenced by social structure, communication, and competition within their group. Dominance hierarchies determine access to resources, and individuals use aggression, submission, and grooming to maintain rank and social bonds. Environmental pressures further shape behavior, as seen in competition for limited resources like seen in hot springs at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. By examining these behaviors, it becomes clear that Japanese macaque societies are structured systems in which individual actions serve specific social and survival functions. 

This project explores the integration of large language model (LLM) capabilities with symbolic rule-based reasoning to build an intelligent email-to-calendar triage agent. The system attempts to address a common productivity challenge: the manual effort required to identify calendar-relevant information buried in high-volume email inboxes. We investigate a neuro-symbolic architecture in which the neural component (an LLM) handles natural language understanding and event extraction, while a symbolic logic layer enforces scheduling constraints, classifies event importance, and provides explainable decision trails. Through building and evaluating a proof-of-concept prototype using the Gmail and Google Calendar APIs, we aim to document the lessons learned when attempting to combine these two paradigms for personal workflow automation. Our research examines whether adding symbolic reasoning to an LLM-based agent can improve reliability and explainability compared to a purely neural approach, and we report on the practical challenges and tradeoffs encountered during implementation.

This literature review explores the essential role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) within clinical and educational settings. Trauma is highly prevalent and significantly impacts communication, language development, behavior, and self-regulation in children and adolescents. Individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences or chronic stress are at increased risk for academic difficulties and communication challenges. Trauma-informed care, which emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choices, collaboration, empowerment, and the prevention of retraumatization, provides a framework for addressing these complex needs. As SLPs frequently serve vulnerable populations, they are uniquely positioned to integrate trauma-informed principles into assessment, intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This research examines the effects of trauma on communication development and analyzes how SLPs can implement trauma-informed practices to support both functional communication outcomes and relational safety. By synthesizing current literature and identifying gaps in training and systems-level implementation, this paper highlights the critical need for trauma-informed approaches within the field of speech-language pathology.

College students transitioning from dorm life to independent living often face new challenges related to cooking, nutrition, and budgeting. Many students lack prior experience preparing meals, which can lead to frequent reliance on inexpensive and convenient fast food options. At the same time, many parents in the Generation X and Millennial age groups continue to provide financial support for groceries and health related needs. This study examines how a food brand can bridge the gap between these two groups by offering a convenient, nutritious solution that appeals to both student independence and parental concern for wellness. 
 
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted marketing campaign positioning Frozen Garden products as a practical meal solution for college students while serving as a remote “fridge stocking” option for parents. The primary research method included campaign performance analysis across five target college campuses, using pre- and post-campaign surveys to measure brand awareness, along with social media analytics to assess engagement among college age users on Instagram and TikTok. Purchase behavior and subscription data were also analyzed to evaluate repeat purchase rates within 60 days of initial exposure. 
 
Findings suggest that emphasizing convenience, affordability, and health benefits significantly improves engagement and brand perception among college students. Competitive pricing, such as smoothies priced at $7.98 through subscription and bundle options averaging about $5 per serving also increases perceived value compared to competitors and retail smoothie purchases. Overall, results indicate that positioning Frozen Garden as both a “life hack” for students and a wellness support tool for parents can effectively increase brand awareness, social media engagement, and repeat purchasing behavior within the college market. 

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that is characterized by impaired motor planning and programming. As a result, a child may exhibit inconsistent speech errors, disrupted coarticulatory transitioning, and impaired prosody (Alduais & Alfadda, 2024). With the variability in presentation and ongoing increase in acceptance of this diagnosis and treatment, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must rely on evidence-based intervention approaches tailored to the individual's needs. This literature review and presentation compare motor-based and linguistic-based intervention approaches for CAS, including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) (Grigos et al., 2024; Strand, 2020), Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) (Dale & Hayden, 2013; Namasivayam et al., 2021), and Integrated Phonological Awareness (IPA) (McNeill et al., 2009). Motor-based interventions focus on principles of motor learning to establish accurate and consistent speech movements, whereas linguistic-based approaches address phonological awareness and literacy skills alongside speech production. A review of current literature indicates that integrating motor and linguistic strategies is the most effective support for children with CAS (Murray et al., 2014). Providing an individualized combination that incorporates both frameworks allows for the most evidence-based treatment possible that improves intelligibility and functional communication.  

Very little research has been conducted on Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S. following its policy changes under the 2025 presidential administration. There is also very little research on how local police officers are viewed by laypersons in relation to ICE officers. This study will examine how undergraduate college students from Minnesota State University Moorhead view and perceive the legitimacy of police use of force and ICE use of force. Using Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), an estimate of 120 participants will be given a vignette depicting an officer escalating force in an interaction with a suspect of a crime. One group will view the vignette presenting the officer as a police officer, and one group will view the vignette presenting the officer as an ICE officer. Participants will then be given a survey designed to measure their attitudes toward the officer in the vignette. After this, participants will be measured on the RWA Scale and the SDO Scale. The researcher predicts that participants with high RWA and/or SDO scores will view ICE with higher attitude scores than participants with low RWA and/or SDO scores. The implications of this study are expected to improve our understanding of how different types of authority are perceived by the public, as well as how escalation of force impacts perceived legitimacy of authority.

This literature review examined the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD). An intensive, evidence-based voice therapy program widely used in the field of speech language pathology to improve overall voice and speech quality in individuals with Parkinson’s disease who are impacted by dysphonia, a voice impairment and dysarthria, a motor speech disorder. This 16-session treatment encourages patients to sustain a loud voice with maximum effort and to increase awareness during tasks such as sustained vowels, pitch glides, and verbal speech. 

While there is strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for Parkinson’s disease, there is limited research on its application to other neurological populations. Therefore, this literature review examined the effectiveness of implementing LSVT LOUD with other neurological conditions beyond Parkinson’s disease, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. 

The agricultural industry is not immune to retaliatory trade environments. During the U.S.-China Trade War of 2018-2019, U.S. exporters reduced their prices by approximately seven percent in response to strategic retaliatory tariffs placed by foreign countries (Cavallo et al., 2019). Price reductions led to estimated annualized agricultural export losses of $13.5 to $18.7 billion (Grant et al., 2021), prompting distributions of $28 billion in relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A new wave of 94 trade policy actions, introduced in 2025, targeted specific countries (China, Canada, and Mexico) and additional nations across the global economy (Hammond & Burkhart, 2026). The USDA announced $12 billion of relief in December 2025, prior to release of the associated U.S. agricultural export loss estimates. In response, this research uses publicly available data within regression analysis to investigate the relationship between recent retaliatory trade actions and U.S. agricultural export reductions across Bulk, Intermediate, and Consumers-Oriented (BICO) goods categories. This study estimates 2025 U.S. agricultural export losses by BICO category, quantifying the economic consequences of recent U.S. retaliatory trade policy.

This literature review explores the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in early literacy intervention, with a focus on shared book reading as an evidence-based approach to support language development in young children. Early oral language and emergent literacy skills form the foundation for later academic success, making early intervention critical, particularly for children at risk for language and literacy difficulties. This review summarizes typical language and literacy development, outlines risk factors that may impact progress, and examines key shared reading strategies, including dialogic reading and print referencing. Research demonstrates that interactive shared book reading improves vocabulary, narrative skills, print awareness, and overall language outcomes across populations. The discussion highlights the SLP’s role in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with caregivers and educators to support generalization across environments. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive practices and individualized intervention planning to promote meaningful participation and long-term literacy success.

Clinical Scenario: Cold-water immersion (CWI) is widely used in athletic and rehabilitative settings to enhance post-exercise recovery, yet optimal treatment parameters remain inconsistent across clinical practice. Physically active individuals frequently seek recovery strategies that improve muscle function and sleep quality, creating a need to evaluate the evidence supporting specific CWI protocols. Focused Clinical Question: The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) was to determine which temperature and duration parameters of CWI most effectively improve muscle recovery and sleep in physically active populations. A focused clinical question was developed using the PICO framework. Search Strategies: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified through searches of major databases and relevant journals, with inclusion criteria emphasizing peer-reviewed evidence reporting specific CWI parameters and outcomes related to muscle recovery or sleep. Studies lacking defined temperature or duration protocols, non-athletic populations, or non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Search terms included combinations of cold-water immersion, recovery and athletes, sleep, and physically activity. Results and Summary of Search: Qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated that CWI has a positive effect on muscle recovery and sleep outcomes. The most effective protocols consistently involved immersion for 5–15 minutes in water between 44°F–59°F (7°C–15°C). These parameters were associated with reduced muscle soreness, improved restoration of muscle function, and enhanced sleep quality. Strengths of the evidence included pooled data from multiple controlled trials and relevance to physically active populations. Limitations included variability in CWI protocols, heterogeneity in exercise types, and reliance on subjective outcome measures in some studies. Clinical Bottom Line: CWI performed for 5–15 minutes at 44°F–59°F provides meaningful benefits for muscle recovery and sleep in physically active individuals. The strength of this recommendation is moderate, supported by

consistent findings across systematic reviews but limited by protocol variability. Implications: Clinicians should consider integrating CWI within comprehensive recovery programs, tailoring parameters to patient tolerance, contraindications, and sport-specific demands. Word Count: 316

Title: School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Responsibilities in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Management

Abstract: Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability among school-aged children and adolescents and can significantly impact cognitive communication, academic performance, and social participation. School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in supporting students with moderate-to-severe TBI through assessment, intervention, advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration. Guided by frameworks from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), this literature review explores the multifaced responsibilities of SLPs within the school setting. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive cognitive communication assessment, proactive and developmentally appropriate intervention, support for generalization across environments, and ongoing monitoring to prevent neurocognitive stall, as described by Sandra Chapman. Current literature highlights gaps in assessment tools, educator training, and long-term follow-up practices. This review highlights the importance of collaborative, evidence-based, and student-centered approaches to promote academic achievement, social integration, and long-term functional outcomes for students recovering from TBI. 

Rested minds = Better minds 

Positive sleep hygiene is the foundation of health, yet it’s often the first thing people sacrifice when times get tough. This presentation explores the science of sleep hygiene, pointing out how different habits, routines, and consistent schedules shape overall well-being. We examine recommended sleep durations across college students and uncover what happens when those needs aren’t met. From mood changes to cognitive performance, the effects of poor sleep travel through every stage of life. By understanding and improving sleep behaviors, individuals can obtain better health, sharper focus, and a higher quality of life. 

   Eusocial Hymenopterans display a variety of complex social behaviors. While play behavior has been observed in many species, play in the insect kingdom is an emerging field of study. We will give an overview of play and play-like behavior in the Bombus (Bumblebees) and Polistes (Paper wasps) genera, as well as the function these behaviors serve. Play behavior can be used to reinforce social hierarchy, anticipate future conflict, or ‘just for fun’ (Hiruni et al).

New vehicle prices in the United States rose by more than 20 percent between 2020 and 2023, with pickup trucks among the most affected segments. Even after pandemic-related supply disruptions eased, pickup truck prices remain elevated. Why have annual pickup truck price increases failed to return to pre-pandemic levels? Drawing on standard microeconomic theory related to market power and the price elasticity of demand, this study evaluates whether sustained dealer markups reflect temporary cost pressures or strategic pricing behavior. In concentrated markets with limited substitution and relatively inelastic demand, firms can retain pricing power even as supply conditions improve. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry transaction reports, this research documents a sharp increase in dealer markups that persists beyond the initial supply shock. The results suggest that post-pandemic pickup truck price inflation reflects sustained market power rather than just temporary cost pass-through. These findings have important implications for consumers facing persistently high pickup truck prices and policymakers concerned with anti-competitive pricing behavior in the automotive industry.  

This case study presents a school-based intervention designed to reduce anxiety symptoms in a fifth-grade male student. The selected Tier 2 intervention, the Resilience Education Program (REP), is composed of evidence-based strategies and includes five weekly, structured lessons rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The curriculum uses cognitive-behavioral instruction (CBI) to teach students how to identify emotions, apply coping strategies, and reframe unhelpful thoughts. REP also includes a Check-In Check-Out (CICO) system to reinforce daily skill use and build a strong student-adult relationship. The student was progress monitored through multiple data 
sources, including the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), teacher reports, DBRs, and observations. Pre- and post-intervention RCADS scores showed a decrease in anxiety subscales and overall anxiety and depression scales from clinically significant levels to levels in the average range.

In the disability services field, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are indispensable in

providing care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This study aims to analyze the cybersecurity measures used by DSPs in the provision of care to

adults with moderate to profound IDD. Technology has become an increasingly important tool

for DSPs to manage documentation, coordination of care, and communication. However, the

growing presence of technology in disability services gives way to cybersecurity threats such as

data breaches, phishing attempts, third-party risks, and improper use of technology by

employees. It stands to reason that their cybersecurity practices play a vital role in maintaining

client privacy and providing person-centered care. Fifteen DSPs working in an enrichment-based

day program will be interviewed regarding their experience in the field, their habits when using

technology in the workplace, and their experiences with data breaches. These interviews will be

analyzed thematically, and key trends in behaviors, attitudes, and cybersecurity awareness in the

workplace will be identified. The findings from this thematic analysis will be used to propose

recommendations for improving data protection in community-based care environments.

The release of anthropogenic pharmaceuticals such as steroids, antibiotics, and antidepressants into water supplies and river channels leads to short or long-term impacts on animal behavior and aquatic ecosystems. Extensive research has indicated that chronic exposure to these drugs can critically alter behaviors, including foraging, mating habits, and predator avoidance. Pharmaceuticals bioaccumulate in tissues of aquatic species and cannot be properly broken down, drastically impacting the populations and even the food web; this includes changing the structure of microbes to infecting animals and humans. Promoting proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and closing knowledge gaps can have a positive influence, as well as reinforcing regulations during the water-treatment process.

Parenting can be a challenge by itself. Factors such as single parenting and going through

crisis are strains that can greatly affect a parent and their children’s lives. The purpose of this

research is to better understand single, custodial fathers and homelessness, how their experiences

differ from single, custodial mothers in the system, and to investigate more efficient plans and

opportunities to help fathers in crisis. This is an exploratory research proposal with the goal of

conducting in-depth, face-to-face interviews with fathers who currently or previously experience

homelessness. I hope to work with local agencies with the goal of helping the unhoused to

achieve these in-person interviews. Anonymity will be maintained throughout the paper, and

interviews will only take place when full consent is given.

Guernica is, perhaps, the most famous painting of the Twentieth Century. Painted for the 1937 Paris International Exhibition, Guernica is Picasso’s response to the destruction by bombing of the Basque town in Northern Spain by the German Condor Legion on 26 April, 1937. After the exhibition, the painting toured the world as part of fundraising for Spanish victims of the civil war. The outbreak of World War II stranded the painting in the United States. Picasso made it clear the painting belonged in Spain, but it remained primarily at the Museum of Modern Art in New York until 1981. This was only possible after Spain returned to a democratic Monarchy in 1978, and the final return occurred eight years after his death. 

Hundreds of papers and books have been published about a semiotic analysis of the painting. Many of these contradict each other, and the correct interpretation is confusing. It is my thesis that a full analysis should consider two things: Picasso’s words about the painting, and Picasso’s background and interests as shown in other works. This starts with the starting point; it is expected, based on the subject, to view the painting as one of the village of Guernica.  Picasso spent significant time involved with the theatre. If we view the painting not as a village, but as a theatre stage set, a new framework for analysis develops. I will lay out a basis for this method of analysis and indicate ways this can be used for future research and analysis.  

This literature review examines the critical role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the transition from high school to adulthood. The transition period presents significant challenges, particularly in communication, employment, independent living, and social relationships. Although many students with ASD receive speech-language services in childhood, support often declines sharply after graduation, despite increasing communication demands in adult life. Drawing on current research, this review highlights targeted intervention areas including pragmatic language, self-advocacy, workplace communication, and functional life skills. Evidence-based approaches such as video modeling and the PEERS social skills program are discussed as practical strategies to promote independence and social integration. Gaps in professional training, research, and policy are also addressed, emphasizing the need for expanding services and interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, the findings suggest that sustained speech-language intervention is essential to improving long-term adult outcomes and empowering individuals with ASD to navigate adulthood with confidence and autonomy.

The problem our app solves is that we allow resturaunts to market promotions in one place for consumers to easily track deals in their area. We would apply the Lean Startup method by interviewing 15 potential customers to test interest, gather feedback on desired features, and continuously refine a simple version of the app before fully launching it. Our idea is an app that is a location based promotional service for resturaunts to market deals, while also allowing the final consumer to choose based on prompts. We contribute by allowing local resturaunts to help fill seating by marketing deals to students in the area all in one place.
 
 
 

While self-esteem is important for all children, researchers suggest that it may be a greater concern among those with special needs or disabilities (Mustafa et al., 2023). Children with congenital or acquired physical impairments often encounter unique challenges that can impact their psychosocial functioning and overall well-being. For children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate, their well-being may be influenced by the development of self-concept, peer relationships, and emotional health. The current study aims to analyze self-esteem and self-efficacy in children diagnosed with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CLP) compared to children without a diagnosed birth defect. Participants with CLP were recruited through the MSUM Speech/Language/Hearing Sciences Clinic and Cleft Clinic, administered through the North Dakota Health and Human Services Department. Children without birth defect diagnoses were recruited via MSUM’s Early Education Center. Based on past research, we expect to find no significant effect in self-efficacy, however, we expect a decrease in scores for self-esteem for children with CLP.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviors, with many children also experiencing significant sensory processing differences. Sensory dysregulation can interfere with attention, engagement, and responsiveness, limiting opportunities for meaningful communication. This presentation examines the rationale and evidence for an integrated service delivery model that combines speech-language therapy with Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) to address both communication and sensory foundations of learning. A review of current literature, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, indicates that while SIT does not directly target speech or language skills, it improves regulation, engagement, and adaptive functioning; critical foundations for communication development. Evidence suggests that when sensory supports are embedded within speech-language sessions or delivered through interdisciplinary collaboration, children demonstrate increased readiness to participate and greater responsiveness to intervention. Although findings remain mixed and methodological limitations persist, the integration of sensory and communication supports aligns with ASHA’s emphasis on interprofessional practice. This model highlights the importance of addressing sensory barriers to maximize communicative participation and long-term outcomes for children with ASD.

My Scent: Designing Digital Environments for Bespoke Fragrance Discovery

Significant gaps exist in the luxury fragrance industry's transition to e-commerce, specifically regarding how to convey the deeply personal, sensory process of selecting a signature perfume without the benefit of physical sampling. In order to address the challenge of formulating and discovering bespoke scents online, I am investigating the development of "My Scent," a premium web platform that attempts to bridge this sensory gap through a high-end, immersive digital environment. Currently, I am designing an interactive user-interface—built with React, TypeScript, and detailed CSS layout grids—that integrates an algorithmic "Quiz" and "Lab" module capable of parsing abstract user preferences into customized, quantifiable fragrance recommendations. I focus specifically on adapting established luxury branding techniques, such as pairing moody, editorial-style product photography with structured modern typography, to overcome the digital sensory barrier. Thus far, preliminary development indicates that combining a frictionless, premium UI design with dynamic AI-assisted preference matching successfully emulates the exclusivity and authority of a physical boutique experience. Ultimately, the "My Scent" platform demonstrates that it is not paradoxical to translate abstract olfactory properties into an algorithmically driven digital format, but rather a profound opportunity to democratize bespoke luxury.

The four-centered elimination of HCl from 1,1,1-trichloroethane was modeled computationally. The reactant, product, and transition state structures were optimized using the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level of theory utilizing NWChem. The dynamics were modeled with a mixed quantum-classical approach, with reaction path translation along the minimum energy path treated classically and the transverse vibrations treated quantum mechanically. Details of the reaction path, product energy partitioning, and vibrational distributions will be discussed and compared to experimental data.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in both physically active individuals and the general population. Conservative management is typically the first-line treatment; however, some patients continue to experience symptoms that may require surgical intervention. The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to compare the effectiveness of surgical versus non-surgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis. Although both conservative and surgical approaches are widely used, ongoing debate concerns their comparative effectiveness, recovery times, and long-term outcomes. Patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (PF) are at considerable risk for chronic pain. At present, there is no universally accepted treatment protocol for this condition. Surgical interventions may provide short- to medium-term relief in cases unresponsive to nonoperative treatments, but supporting evidence remains limited due to substantial variability across studies.

By exploring primary and secondary sources around three runaway slaves in New England, this project seeks to explore the lives of these slaves beyond how their white enslavers viewed them. With little detail on who these people are, conslusions must be drawn from scarce evideince to construct their lives and the people they had delt with during their enslavement and their escape. This goal is important to better understand the lives of people throughout history who did not have a voice.

This study explores the memory blocking effect (MBE), contextual change, and a connection with creativity. The memory blocking effect occurs when orthographically (spelling) related study words (e.g., KANGAROO) impair word fragment completion performance (K_NG_O_S) for a similar target (e.g., KINGDOMS) (Smith & Tindell,1997; Leynes et al., 2008). The current study investigates a possible interaction between study words (e.g., competing KANGAROO and positive KINGDOMS) and match/mismatch of contexts between study and test fragment presentations. A 2x3 mixed within-subjects factorial design will be used, with prime type as the repeated variable (positive, competing, unrelated).  For the study phase, all participants will view 30 study words (15 positive and 15 competing). Participants will take a word fragment completion test for the 45 targets corresponding to the 30 studied primes and 15 unprimed fragments. Participants will then complete the K-DOCS creativity self-assessment (Kaufman, 2012). Data will be collected online via Qualtrics. Results are expected to show higher completion rates for positive primed fragments and lower completion rates for competing primed fragments relative to unprimed fragments, with reduced memory blocking in different-context conditions. A negative correlation between memory blocking rates and academic creativity scores is anticipated, suggesting a link between adaptive forgetting and creativity. 

A Critically Appraised Topic: Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in Healing Superficial Wounds in Athletes

   Huss N, Hammerschmidt D, Albrecht J: Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead Minnesota

Clinical Scenario: Superficial wounds are common within athletics. Friction burns, abrasions, and lacerations are common in many sporting events. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive modality that uses low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate mitochondrial activity thereby modulating cellular metabolism, proliferation, migration, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Focused Clinical Question: Is PBM an effective intervention for superficial skin wounds on athletes? Search Strategy: CINAHL Ultimate and PubMed were utilized for search engines. The studies investigated had to be in English, peer reviewed, and have the full text available. Key search terms used were Photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy, skin wounds, athletes, blue light therapy, superficial wounds, and hard to heal. Evidence Quality Assessment: Of the studies used, two were meta-analysis and one was a single center observational study. Results and Summary of Search: All the studies showed significant improvements in measure outcomes that relate to wound size, healing rate, and pain. Clinical Bottom Line: With the promising evidence being found for PBM to show improvement in not only healing of superficial wounds but also of various other structures, this is a modality that could be utilized in many different settings. Implications: More research is needed regarding PBM treatment parameters for acute care of wounds, specifically, additional PBM research on wounds associated with athletic activity that include, but are not limited to, friction burns, lacerations, abrasions, contusions, and surgical wounds. Effects on internal structures should also be considered with additional research. Word Count: 268

My project is about three runaway slaves and trying to tell their story. People have learned about slavery as a whole, but very few people look at the individual level. My project aims to expand my knowledge base and that of others, about the individual lives and risks that enslaved people faced. This study was done through online research and working together with mentors and classmates. I discovered information about three enslaved runaways and where they lived, who their enslavers were, and what could have possibly happened to them. This project is important because it helps people understand the courage and risks that enslaved people took to gain freedom. Learning these stories helps us remember the fight for freedom and equality. The stories were never told before, as enslaved people were voiceless, so the goal of this project is to give them a voice.

Fish do not have innate recognition of their predators. Fish learn predator identity by associating the odor or appearance of predators with the release of alarm cues from injured conspecifics. Through generalization, fish can extend recognition of predation risk to odors and appearances that are similar to the cues they already associate with risk. Recent research has shown that predator recognition learning begins before hatch but the ability of embryos to generalize to novel predators is not well understood. Here, we conditioned zebrafish embryos to associate risk with the odor of false bandit catfish, Corydoras melini, and then tested newly hatched zebrafish for behavioral responses to C. melini, a close relative, the peppered catfish, Hoplisoma paleatum, and a phylogenetically distant species, the jewel cichlid Hemichromis bimaculatus. We predict a full response to the odor of C. melini, an intermediate response to H. paleatum and no response to H. bimaculatus.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory and cognitive ability loss that affects around 10-20% of people over age 65 (Alzheimer's Association, n.d.). In addition to cognitive decline, individuals with MCI frequently experience difficulties with cognitive-communication abilities that negatively impact their psychosocial health, including increased depression, anxiety, apathy, and social withdrawal. This literature review examined the existing research that explored the relationship between communication changes and psychosocial health across the globe. It also highlighted the role of speech-language pathologists in implementing therapy strategies to help with these changes.  

   Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health concern, despite strong scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. One factor contributing to this hesitancy is the difficulty many individuals face in accessing and interpreting reliable scientific information. This project examines the barriers to accessing vaccine-related scientific evidence within a college-centered community.

   Key barriers include misinformation circulating on social media, limited health literacy, distrust in scientific and governmental institutions, and geographic challenges that affect access to healthcare resources. Among these factors, misinformation spread through digital platforms is particularly influential, as it can shape public perception before individuals encounter credible scientific sources.

   This proposal emphasizes the importance of improving science communication, ensuring that complex research findings are presented in language that is easy for the public to understand. Strategies such as promoting digital literacy and partnering with trusted community leaders may help bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. By addressing these barriers, we can improve access to reliable vaccine information and encourage more informed decision-making within communities.

Prey that have been isolated from predators for a long time may lose their ability to avoid predators. Desert pupfish have been isolated from fish predators for thousands to millions of years. Here, we tested if fish species can associate a specific habitat type with a specific predator. We have been running our trials using a tank separated into two different habitats, structure and open water. In our conditioning trials, we insert an alarm cue, novel odor, and have a visual stimulus. In testing trials, we insert the novel odor only and see if the fish remember the habitat that the visual stimulus was in. In our first experiment, pupfish were unable to distinguish between a predator in habitat or open water. We then asked if this is specific to isolated pupfish or true for all fish species? In a follow-up experiment we are redoing the trials with zebrafish to see if any fish species can distinguish between predators in habitat or open water. Being able to determine whether fish can associate risk levels with unique habitats will help determine whether isolated fish can recover from large predators that are introduced to their environment. If the zebrafish can associate danger with habitat while the pupfish can’t, then it’s likely that pupfish have lost their ability to properly respond to novel threats.

Researched runaway slave advertisements from New England 1760-1789. What we can tell about the person from the advertisement? Who they were? What might have happened to them before and/or after they ran away. Researched their enslavers, as they would have had more information in the public documents available.

Mental health and well-being have come to the forefront as an issue needing to be addressed on college campuses today. Many college students are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. A high number of students are meeting the criteria for at least one mental health problem, and counseling centers are starting to get overwhelmed. Emotional support animals have been found to improve an individual’s mental and physical health. There have been reductions in an individual's stress levels, loneliness, and improvements in mood and emotional health. Our poster will present research supporting the usage of emotional support animals and how they positively add to college students’ lives.  

College students have become one of the top consumers of energy drinks in the United States today. As college students, we often have late nights and early mornings. Constantly, we are juggling homework, work, and life. These sleepless nights create a reliance on artificial energy. This contributes to short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Some of which are detrimental, including lifelong chronic diseases and organ damage. The purpose of this informational presentation is to inform college aged students on the adverse effects of energy drink consumption.  

In elementary education, lesson planning is fundamental, the foundation of powerful instruction. Lesson planning is there to ensure that an educator's instruction is focused and that classroom time is used as effectively as possible. That classroom time is very limited, and curriculum integration helps to maximize instructional time to its fullest potential. Curriculum includes content, instruction, activities, projects, and assessment, and is often organized into subjects. Curriculum, or subjects, can easily be integrated, though, by educators who connect them around overarching themes, issues, or real-world problems. In my Elementary Inclusive Education program, I have done just that. With the help of my friend and colleague, Lily Deming, we wrote and taught a curriculum integration lesson. In 2025, we taught our Social Studies, Science, and ELA-integrated lesson on Wild Rice to a Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 2nd Grade class.  We found that our students made deeper conceptual understanding, made meaningful connections to the material, developed critical thinking skills across the three disciplines, and truly felt engaged with the material.

   Dysphagia is a common and progressive complication in neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). As swallowing function declines, individuals face increased risk of aspiration, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life. While speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are central to dysphagia management, care is often initiated reactively, after significant decline has occurred. This literature review examined the clinical and ethical implications of reactive dysphagia management and explored the potential benefits of a proactive, patient-centered approach. Key themes included anticipatory counseling, shared decision-making, caregiver involvement, and preservation of autonomy and dignity in progressive illness. Although current support for proactive care is largely based on professional consensus and narrative reviews, emerging perspectives suggest that earlier SLP involvement may reduce crisis-driven decisions and better align care with patient values. This review highlighted gaps in the evidence base and proposed future directions for research on progressive dysphagia management.

A. fumigatus is a common opportunistic airborne fungus that poses significant health risks, especially for those with pre-existing allergic respiratory illnesses and those that are immunocompromised.  Toll Like Receptor (TLR)-7 is important for the activation of the innate immune response; however, there is little knowledge against A. fumigatus regarding this receptor.  Wild-type or TLR-7 deficient male and female mice and were exposed to airborne A. fumigatus spores. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were collected; collagen and mucus were assessed using histological staining. Data was collected from naïve mice and mice at day 1 and day 14 post-exposure. Mucus and collagen levels had increased by day 1 post exposure and did not return to baseline till day 14 post exposure. TLR-7 knockout mice had higher levels of Macrophages, Neutrophils, and Eosinophils. Females had higher level of immune cells and IgE antibody levels overall. The results of this study will inform fungal disease modeling in mice and can help design better therapeutics and diagnostics for future reference.

This project explores stress and social isolation among immigrant students at MSUM. Immigrant students often experience acculturative stress, language barriers, and separation from family, which can affect mental health and academic engagement. This presentation reviews current research and discusses campus-level challenges related to mental health service use. It also proposes peer support and culturally responsive outreach strategies to improve student well-being and sense of belonging.

During the 1780s slavery was well incorporated within the city of Charleston, as a result, newspapers were filled with ads requesting the return of runaway slaves multiple times a year. Following their running away, these slaves were almost entirely undocumented and we have no information about their story. This presentation analyzes primary documents from the timer period in an attempt to hypothesize what the lives of three slaves who ran away from their masters was like following their escape. This project is immensly relevant to our contemporary world due it's giving of a voice to oppressed people whose only legacy is a wanted poster in a newspaper 250 years ago. 

African elephants are one of the smartest and most social animals in the world. They form close social bonds and strong communities that care for each other. Their emotional intelligence and ability to express emotion is very similar to humans; because of this, humans and elephants can form close bonds through subtle communications. While elephants have become an incredible symbol of African wildlife, poachers have caused significant damage towards humanity’s relationship with elephants. In this study, we will evaluate how poachers have potentially strained the relationship and cohabitationbetween humans and elephants. The aggressiveness and illegal practices of poachers may have caused significant changes in the movements, reproduction, and overall behavior of African elephants. 

What do different forms of a dog's body language say about how they feel and respond? How an individual can determine what a dog’s reaction means based on its physical appearance and body parts, like tail tucks and ears back. The information being used is provided from many different credible sources, stating common and abnormal behaviors of dogs and how they react.People do not completely understand a dog’s behavior, but it is important to have knowledge of all the different forms and respond to situations that occur. 

This literature review examines the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting safe and effective oral feeding for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Feeding and swallowing challenges are highly prevalent among infants in the NICU, particularly those born prematurely, due to neurological immaturity, respiratory compromise, and other complex medical conditions that disrupt the development of coordinated suck–swallow–breathe patterns necessary for safe oral feeding. This review specifically synthesizes current evidence related to the identification of feeding readiness, clinical and instrumental assessment of dysphagia, and the implementation of evidence-based, developmentally supportive interventions within the NICU setting. Evidence-based practices including cue-based feeding, positioning and pacing strategies, oral-motor interventions, and caregiver-centered education are discussed. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and the critical role of SLPs in SLPs in promoting safe feeding, supporting neurodevelopment, and equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster positive early feeding experiences.

In 1999, David Mech published a paper detailing his observations of a wolf pack's hierarchy; wherein he stated that wolf packs had leaders dubbed "alphas", and subordinated labeled "betas" and "omegas". This paper became widely accepted as fact for many years. However, the wolves studied weren't a traditional wolf pack. Rather, they were a group of wolves from several packs taken into and studied in captivity, which severely altered their dynamics. As such, the paper is not at all representative of actual wolf pack dynamics. In spite of this, the myth of alphas, betas, and omegas has persisted, even long after Mech himself denounced his previous work. In our poster, we discuss the actual dynamics exhibited by healthy wolf packs in the wild and how it differs from the commonly accepted beliefs.

Alarm cue is created when a fish’s skin is damaged, effectively allowing the fish to detect nearby danger. Incredibly, past studies have also shown that fish are able to detect alarm cue even when still in the embryonic stage and furthermore respond accordingly. Past studies have also shown that fish have personalities that are able to be tested in order to place them on a scale of “shy” to “bold”; where bold fish are more likely to be exploratory and shy ones are more hesitant and cautious of danger. Our study aims to combine these two concepts and determine whether zebrafish (a fish commonly used in lab experiments) exposed to alarm cue in their embryonic stage have significantly different personalities than those who were not.

    Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) are a pacific species of salmon that, similar to many species of salmon, are anadromous; meaning they migrate from freshwater to saltwater and back again over the course of their lives in order to breed. Many sightings of this species have been captured on the site iNaturalist over the years, a community-based site for recording observations of organisms. As the site has grown over the years, it's increasingly being used for scientific research and the tracking of or counting of organisms. By using the rinat package in R in order to analyze locational and temporal data extracted from iNaturalist, our research aims to see if iNaturalist can be used to track the migration of  this species. Considering the methods needed to catch it and the fact that it spends most of its life at sea, fish such as this one would have far less observations than other species, so our success or failure would determine if iNaturalist is or is not a viable way of tracking salmon migration.

Nutrient Network is a global initiative to study the effects of nutrient fertilization on the biodiversity and biomass of native grasslands. It is compiled of over 200 data collection sites including the MSUM Regional Science Center. The goals of this research are to analyze the effects of nutrient deposition on plant productivity and diversity. The MSUM Regional Science Center’s data collection site provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in this global research study. We will present two case studies of cutting edge ecological research using the dataset of which we were able to contribute.

A Critically Appraised Topic: What is the Evidence that Photobiomodulation Enhances Soft-Tissue Healing?

   Wielenberg S, Hammerschmidt D, Albrecht J: Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead Minnesota 

Clinical Scenario: The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) is to examine the effects of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on soft tissue healing. PBMT is the use of red light and near-infrared lights to penetrate the cellular level to trigger a response to promote healing. Research conducted on PBMT indicates the potential to be useful in therapeutic interventions. Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence that PBMT enhances soft tissue healing? Search Strategy: Using qualitative analysis and information gathered from a variety of databases and journals, parameters including intensity and type of PBMT were examined. I used PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, and Sports Medicine & Education Index to collect different research articles. Evidence Quality Assessment: Athletes were examined with soft tissue injuries that compared PBMT and traditional interventions to determine if PBMT has better outcomes when it comes to soft tissue healing. This included a single- and double-blind control study and a meta-analysis that included 35 articles. Results and Summary of Search: Search results showed a lot of different studies and results. Three specific scholarly articles were investigated to find evidence that either supported or opposed the ability of PBMT to enhance healing in soft tissue injuries. Some of the study results showed no difference in healing time for active people but increased healing in sedentary individuals. Another study found that the use of PBMT had an impact on both strength and power of muscle in recovery. Finally, authors of one additional study found no significant difference in the treatment times but showed use of PBMT did result in recovery. Clinical Bottom line: The results showed that although some studies saw promising results, there is not enough data to say that PBMT will heal soft tissue injuries faster than traditional treatments. Implications: Implications of the study included the many different protocols and parameters like duration and power. Another implication is the location of injuries and the severity of injuries. Word Count: 345

Motivation- Browser users sometimes see unwanted spoiler for movies or TV shows while browsing online. Those spoilers can negatively affect user experience. Therefore, I thought there is a need for a tool that automatically detects and hides content according to user preferences.

Purpose- This aims to develop a browser extension, Spoiler Sense, that detects and hides spoilers based on user-specified keywords. The research question is: How can a browser extension effetively reduce unwanted spoiler exposure while maintaing user control

Mothods- This works by analyzing the DOM of a webpage, detecting user-defined keywords, and either blurring the spoiler content or displaying a warning popup. The extension includes customizable features such as blur intensity.

Expected Results- It is expected to successfully reduce exposure to unwanted spoilers.

Significance- It demonstrates pratical applications of computer science concepts in user-centered software design. By automatically managing spoiler content, Spoiler Sense engances user experience. 

Evolutionary theory postulates that defective maternal behaviors (i.e., infant abandonment, neglect, and infanticide) may reflect adaptive survival strategies under specific conditions. In this case, maternal abandonment in Japanese Macaque monkeys can be viewed from the lens of environmental stress. Such stressors can be human-led, stemming from urbanization and the subsequent deforestation or rising temperatures and resource competition. While they often cling to artificial substituted comforts, rigorous care can help them bond with peers, though they might have lasting vulnerabilities. 

The current study examines how sex offenders in an anonymous online forum utilize the platform to navigate their legal, social, and emotional challenges. Using qualitative thematic analysis, fifty posts and their comments were group-coded and structured into themes. One of the most dominant themes was that of the stigma attached to the label of ‘sex offender’. This stigma is perpetuated across legal, economic, and social systems, as well as the perception of the self. Sex offenders cope with the consequences of these stigmas by attempting to hide from, deflect, or rationalize the stigma, connecting with or seeking validation from others on the forum with similar experiences, and, in rare cases, through admitting fault and sympathizing with the victims of their crimes. The individuals in this virtual community additionally use the forum to seek and receive informational and experiential advice, especially to ease uncertainty, fear, and hopelessness, and to fill the gaps in knowledge that existing systems maintain. These individuals engage in continuous identity work in attempts to re-actualize the self in the face of social ostracization; however, the collectively encouraged coping mechanisms emphasize identity protection rather than confessions and victim acknowledgement. This study advances knowledge on how sex offenders communicate about their circumstances; how sex offenders conceptualize their own crimes; how the community creates a counterpublic, supportive space isolated from the legal system; and how the community provides a nonjudgemental environment that reduces the weight of the stigmatizing label of ‘sex offender’.

The Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) Regional Science Center (RSC) is located on the grounds of the former Ponderosa Golf Course. Ponderosa originally opened in 1972 as an 18-hole course, but in the 1980s the course shrunk down to 9- holes, until it closed its doors for good in March 2015. At the request of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), Terracon Consultants Inc was hired to do a site investigation, which was completed in August 2015. As a result of the Terracon report, the site was considered contaminated, and MnSCU requested archaeologists no longer excavate from the site. Over 10 years after Ponderosa closed, this study investigates the extent of heavy metal contents in the soils of the former 9-hole golf course to determine if there are any hazards still present. 

Despite the fact that modern PCs are extremely powerful and can run increasingly complicated applications with ease, there are still programmers who choose to write software for "obsolete" hardware, even with all its processing limitations. One such piece of hardware that has a dedicated scene of homebrew developers is the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. I chose to port an existing game to the system, one that I definitely never played during any of my lectures, “Minesweeper.” The game’s objective is to mark the hidden bombs on a grid using the numbers that indicate adjacent bombs in each cell. My aim is to get the experience of coding for such a simple device compared to the ones I’ve worked with to this point and further my knowledge of software programming and computer hardware in general.

This presentation explores the lives of enslaved people who attempted to escape Dutch farms during the American Revolutionary period (1760-1792). The goal of this project is to give a voice to those whose legacy was limited to a single runaway ad in a newspaper. These stories reveal how Dutch-speaking enslaved people lived and the historical events around them, while also challenging assumptions about Northern states’ relationships with slavery. The aim is to remind the audience that while the United States achieved freedom from Britain, attempts at freedom within the States from enslaved people were actively suppressed.

This paper presents a review of the literature examining dyslexia, with a particular focus on early identification and the role of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability affecting approximately 15–20% of school-aged children and is characterized by persistent difficulties in reading, decoding, and spelling. Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, research consistently demonstrates that early identification and timely, evidence-based intervention lead to improved academic outcomes and reduced long-term impacts.

The literature highlights the unique qualifications of SLPs in identifying dyslexia due to their expertise in language development, phonological processing, and literacy assessment. This review examines current screening and assessment practices, including the use of performance-based and rating-based tools, comprehensive measures such as the Tests of Dyslexia (TOD), and the integration of SLPs within Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks. Evidence supporting early, structured language-based intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration is discussed. Additionally, the review addresses barriers to SLP involvement, including limited literacy-focused training and role ambiguity within school systems. Implications for practice emphasize the need for clearer role delineation, enhanced professional training, and advocacy to support effective, school-based dyslexia identification and intervention.

I am a computer science major that is focused on software engineering. Here I documented the process of creating an application for musical analysis and ideal listening order. When listening to music most queue generators do not take into account the feel/speed of a song before selecting the next this can create jarring changes in tone/speed while listening to music. The application I created is supposed to help remedy that issue by analysing the audio and ensuring that songs are  played in a mostly optimal listening order.

Managing email communication and personal schedules can be time-consuming and difficult to organize, especially as digital communication continues to increase. This project introduces Quincy, an artificial intelligence (AI)–based personal assistant designed to help users manage their email and calendar more efficiently. The goal of the system is to reduce cognitive load by automatically organizing scheduling information, providing reminders for important events, and helping users make better decisions about how they spend their time.

Quincy integrates with a user’s email and Google Calendar to monitor upcoming events and detect scheduling information within messages. Through natural language interaction, users can ask Quincy to recall events, set reminders, or suggest possible meeting times and activities based on the user’s stated goals and availability. By combining contextual data from email and calendar systems, Quincy demonstrates how AI-driven assistants can improve productivity, streamline scheduling tasks, and support goal-oriented time management.

An ideal ceramic glaze for functional ceramics is a fully vitrified glassy surface that effectively resists penetration by water and other potential contaminants and sequesters the glaze ingredients in a stable, inert matrix. For both functional and decorative reasons, ceramic glazes contain a wide range of metals, some of which can lead to negative health effects if they leach from the glaze into the food or beverage contained in the vessel. Although lead and cadmium have largely been eliminated from ceramic glaze formulations, other common metals (Cu, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, etc) have caused concern. Building on ASTM C738-94, we will explore a variety of leaching conditions (acetic acid, mineral acids, bleach) that simulate household use conditions. Glazes tested will include in-house prepared glazes from multiple local ceramic studios.