Spring 2024 Research Fair

College students today are more stressed and consume more caffeine than ever before. Our experiment looks to see the effects of both cortisol (stress hormone) and caffeine on Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica (bacteria found in the gut). Exploring the effects of caffeine and cortisol on both E. coli and S. enterica will help to show how they are impacting our gut microbiome as a whole.

In light of herbicide pollution, we studied the effects of monocotyledon herbicides on dicotyledon plants. The experiment had Wisconsin fast plants serving as the dicotyledon growing under twenty-four hours of fluorescent white lights, and were sprayed with herbicides sporadically throughout the growth cycle. The effects of the herbicides were measured by tracking the growth and using a SPAD meter to measure levels of chlorophyll.

Oil spills are a worldwide problem that considerably impact the health of aquatic ecosystems. Our research utilized brine shrimp (Artemia salina) as a model organism to investigate the effects of differing concentrations from used and unused oil on their movement. The results of this experiment suggest that oil spills place a great amount of stress on affected ecosystems and that higher concentrations of oil leads to declining physiological processes of organisms, resulting in greater mortality.

As pesticides become more prevalent throughout the U.S., the bee population has been negatively affected as mortality rates have increased. Our research investigates the impact of different levels of concentrations and combinations of neonicotinoid pesticides (Imidacloprid) and taurine on the lifespan of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) over several generations. The results of this experiment suggests that taurine can be used as a mitigating agent against Imidacloprid to extend the lifespan of bees exposed to the toxin.

Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in establishing an individual’s social experiences, emotional well-being, and their perspective on the world. Today, it is common to see individual’s shunning their emotions or looking for an excuse to distract themselves or deflect their vulnerability after the end of a relationship. This paper examines how past relationships with family members, romantic partners, friends, and other relational statuses shape individuals’ attachment styles, communication patterns, and relational expectations. To address this social phenomenon, this study looks to provide individualistic perspectives and outlooks by utilizing the narrative approach which emphasizes qualitative data. The participants in this study are from a private college in the USA, there are 7 participants total, and they each received the same protocol. The protocol for this study included a random sample, informed consent, in-person interview, recollection of statements, and debrief. The data was relatively diverse but was overall conclusive that past relationships have a prominent role in influencing present relationships. The results of this study can be useful to college students who are looking to reflect on their own actions after an end to a relationship. Furthermore, this study can educate individuals regarding the abundance of differences that are present in the college community experience.

The present phenomenological study aimed to explore the impact of social media usage on the mental health of college students. Through in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 20 college students, we sought to understand their experiences and perceptions regarding social media usage and its effects on their mental well-being. Participants were selected based on their frequency and intensity of social media usage, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. Utilizing a qualitative approach informed by phenomenology, thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes and patterns in participants’ narratives. Results revealed that while social media offered opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also contributed to feelings of social comparison, anxiety, and depression among college students. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and support for promoting healthy social media habits and addressing the mental health implications associated with excessive usage. Future research should explore interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of social media on college students’ mental well-being.

The problem contains some information that is not properly explained to for example athletes or any situation that happens in life there is always pressure and I believe there is not enough information that talks about what it takes during the process of preparing mental and physical aspects of our personal selves. We all know the importance of mental health and what it takes to go through something rough. To specifically speak on an athlete’s perspective, there is a lot of pressure of being prepared just with skill and passion behind playing the sport that is desired. The desire to speak on this is because absorbing so much information or processing too much as an athlete it becomes difficult to even enjoy the moment being an athlete, and there is always that beginning preparation for a game and there is always a line that’s drawn to show when it is time to be fully focused for occurring events that may happen. That comes with preparation of the mind and body, some sources I have read gave me some knowledge that show the importance of taking care of the main body and mind. I have found through some other studies that using other methods of slowing the mind down before games, like for example using self meditation where it’s just you and the mind working together. Between physical and mental preparation there very a like to an extent of when to use your physical actions and when to control the mind’s emotions. Controlling the mind will set up for a high performance in the physical aspect, this source I have studied on explains sort of a one side if more powerful than the other but in so many other ways work together, for example mental and physical training are both important. On the other hand, mental power is more important, because if we haven’t developed the mental power of focusing our attention in stressful situations, then we can’t apply our physical power to the main objective and specifically speaking on athletes’ performance. Mental power is also more important than physical power because all training is essentially mental training. Physical training trains muscles, but more importantly, it trains and develops neural networks in the brain. In other words, we don’t create “muscle memory” when we do physical training, we create neural networks that fire signals to the muscles in specific, more effective ways and at the same time connect with the brain.

This qualitative study explores the contentious policy of arming teachers in schools as a preventive measure against shootings, a subject of intense debate amidst rising concerns over school safety. Through in-depth interviews with educators and administrators from institutions that have implemented this policy, the research seeks to understand the practical implications, benefits, and challenges of allowing teachers to carry firearms. The study aims to provide empirical insights into how such a policy affects the educational environment, teacher-student dynamics, and the overall sense of security within schools. Key findings highlight a complex interplay between perceived safety enhancements and concerns over the psychological impact on students and teachers. This research contributes to the broader discourse on school safety measures by offering a grounded perspective on the ramifications of arming educators. The outcomes of this study are intended to inform policymakers, educational leaders, and the community at large, facilitating a more informed and nuanced approach to preventing school shootings.

New sports are arising and colleges are becoming more versatile and adding in new programs which may cause more problems than good. To better understand the significance of adding new programs, this study explored the impacts new sports programs have on the individuals who participate. This study used a total of six participants were selected, two athletes (one upperclassman, one lower) from each of the three newer programs located on their campus. This data led to three major ideas: Success found within the new program, improvements that can be made, and thoughts on the program continuing. The results from this study will help college faculty understand where their new programs lie and how they can improve for future programs, or potentially terminate programs.

At Midland University, traditional sports programs and the esports program are held to the same NAIA regulations. To address this problem, this study explored the potential for specific regulations for the esports program from the perspectives of the esports director, former and current esports team members, and former and current traditional sports team members. Utilizing convenience sampling, many individuals were interviewed both in person and over a phone call to discuss the current NAIA regulations, the effect these regulations have on their life, and whether they think these regulations are suitable for both traditional sports programs and esports programs. This data led to the discovery that the current NAIA regulations are not suitable for the esports program at Midland University. The results of this study may prove useful to esports programs across the country, as well as the staff of Midland University. This study may also be of interest to NAIA if they wish to add esports to their repertoire of programs in the future. The results of this study illustrate the need for esports programs to have different requirements that hold esports in thought, rather than the current NAIA regulations.

The research I am doing is a gas powered vs EV powered vehicles and how they both are effecting the world with global warming and economical strategies. What I did for the central research question comes in two different ways. The first one is if they had a gas powered car and switched to an EV car, why did you change and what was the reason for that. The second one is, If they had an EV powered vehicle, why did they change to a gas powered and what was the reasoning for that. I have selected six participants and I asked five of them to give me an explanation on why they chose the cars they have now because they all EV Powered cars and why they think it is better for the economy. The sixth person works at a car dealership, and I asked him to give me an explanation on why all the car companies are stopping the production of all gas powered vehicles. The method I have chosen is the quantitative method while using the Narrative approach for my paper. The results are going to indicate what vehicle the world wants to be in possession of and what they desire more.

The idea of a “third space” originated in 1989 within research done by Ray Oldenberg that defined it as a public gathering place where people can socialize. Americans across the country have experienced a drastic loss of these spaces in their communities, kick-started by the widening gap between the upper and middle classes and exacerbated most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic that changed the landscape of public of spaces drastically. In this qualitative research study, a phenomenological approach was used to assess the perspectives of Midwesterners on this loss and create a link through which their stories connect. Seven participants were chosen through both convenience and snowball sampling and interviewed. The research found that the social implications of third spaces on communities and individuals is invaluable to fostering social connection, mental health, and maintaining communities.

Collegiate level in sports with today’s society has essentially been regulated with student athletes having the ability to change their location for better opportunities given to an individual. This qualitative research is a Narrative approach that helped select the three participants that had transferred from another school to another. Collective effort in changing location in order to gain opportunities to better themselves going forward in their life is best describing the process of wanting the best for themselves. Indication that changing someone’s perspective or entire atmosphere around will bring life into their soul. Further understanding is the amount of changes college athletes experience that ultimately always brings different amount of stories but same understanding for a new creation of opportunity.

Far too often, a college student says they are taking online courses that they consider a waste of their time or not valuable to their education. To bring attention to this problem, this study tells the lived experience of college students who have completed online courses in their academic careers through a phenomenological study. This study takes a qualitative and critical approach to understanding what determines the outcomes of online courses and how they are generally viewed. Data from this study led to a few conclusions: students can have mixed feelings about online courses, previous studies completed on the effects of online courses tend to have the Hawthorne Effect, and online courses have become the most convenient way for students to take classes that they need to graduate but don’t have much interest in. The results of this study can prove useful to college campuses that use online courses, as they might find they are cutting corners on the classes, negatively impacting their student’s educational benefit. Results from this study may be motivators for colleges and college students alike to take online courses more seriously or change how the classes are communicated and delivered to students.

In this study, we are answering “Why Athletes should Train like Athletes and not like Bodybuilders”. Many believe that working out heavy and like a bodybuilder is good for an athlete. This can lead to poor performance and also risk of higher injury like ligaments and smaller muscles in the body that can cause ending season injuries. In my study I have 2 athletes and 2 bodybuilders by getting my information from them and helping me with this research. While finding results, athletes show better results by training in functional workouts by working on the sport skills, agility, stability, and strength. Athletes should train that closely match their sport, rather than just lifting in a bodybuilder method. This way of doing functional training can help you perform better and also help you have a lower risk of injuries that can keep you at your peak performance also to keep playing the sport you love at such a high level.

The purpose of this narrative approach study is to understand the central narrative for college athletes at a small midwestern college. At this stage in the research, the central narrative will be generally defined as a general study of the effects college athletics has on the work field. Looking into what habits or effects college athletics alters onto a person and how it affects them in the real world. Being a college athlete who will soon be thrown into the real world this study will help not only myself but other athletes around me understand what values we learn and what employers want to see in a “poster child” employee. This study will be using online research along with interviews with ex-college athletes along with employers who have hired athletes and what sets them apart from non-college athletes. Conducting interviews mostly over Zoom or call with employers. The conclusion that came from this study is employers feel that ex-college athletes hold advantages over non-ex-college athletes due to the fact they had spent years of their lives working with a team and understanding how to formulate problems and solutions. Like any employer, there is a preference for what goes into the hiring process, but ultimately there is an advantage.

Speech is a unique activity where there is no set definition of success. To address this question, the study explored the different definitions of success across different collegiate speech teams and how individual competitors prepare to achieve that success. Utilizing a multi-organizational case study sampling method, 10 speech competitors across the state of Nebraska were interviewed using a series of questions that focused on speech background, team ideology, and competitive success. The data lead to two common themes when it came to roads to success, intrinsic value prioritized over extrinsic success, and a strong team bond. The data also showed that competitive success is defined more by satisfaction rather than placement. The results of this study may prove beneficial to speech coaches and competitors alike in order to create a team environment that fosters personal growth and success, rather than one focused on numbers. Doing so could ultimately increase retention in the activity.

Communication can oftentimes make or break a company. It can also be the reason why employees either love or hate their job. This is because a lot of times when there is little to n communication, the company as a whole is missing out on a ton of opportunity. On the other hand, if employees talk too much, then it starts to negatively affect productivity. So, what is the perfect amount of communication while at work? In this research study, I have been interviewing different people who are involved in different companies but also in different positions of power in their company. The common theme of these interviews is that there seems to be a very fine line between too much, and too little communication, and it also varies on the person. There does seem to be the perfect amount to where, work is also an open space to make friends and talk to fellow employees while staying on task. The conclusion of this study could help many companies get on the right track when it comes to communication and maximizing efficiency and employee retention in their own company.

Within the past few years, the fast fashion industry has been brought to light over its negligence to provide fast fashion workers and employees with safe working conditions and environments, and the negligence to promote sustainable ways to develop garments. In order to understand the current expectations among the fast fashion industry, and then learn how to raise them to promote more sustainable practices and safer working environments, it is crucial to analyze such through the ideas and theories of but not limited to, cognitive dissonance, the J Curve Theory, and through strain and deprivation models. This study was used to determine the potential solutions to the issues among the fast fashion industry, while also analyzing how to raise further expectations within the fast fashion industry to prevent future issues among this industry. The results of this study showcase many different ways to continue further research on such topics, as well as provide potential theories and solutions in order to create a more sustainable and employee friendly fast fashion industry.

When attempting to understand the changing world, it is vital we look to the past. With the rapid emergence of amazing new technologies, it is a struggle to keep up with the change in our former understandings. AI is complicating our relationships with entertainment every day, from AI restorations of previously unusable audio, to deep fake videos of long cherished performers. Because of this, we seek to answer the research question: How do we understand consent and author’s intent from dead artists? To answer this question, we turn to an analysis of the song Now and Then, a Beatles’ song released in October 2023, with the assistance of AI. Prior to the release of this new Beatles hit, two of the four Beatles, John Lennon and George Harrison, had both passed away. However, the song was still produced and released with features from both artists. We seek to analyze how the wishes of these artists were carried out, and what needs to happen going forward in order to protect our dead artists from exploitation.

For this research topic, I will be focusing on the mental health of correctional staff members. Specifically with looking at how mental health is impacted from things such as burnout in the workplace and how mental health affects family and friendships.

For this project, I researched college students’ perspectives on capital punishment which is better known as the death penalty. I specifically looked at political views, which punishments deserve the death penalty, educational background, whether the death penalty deters crime, and if it violates the 8th amendment.

The criminal justice prison system was founded and invented with the purpose of separation and rehabilitation of deviant individuals. Yet overtime prisons have undergone significant modifications in their purpose and function. An institution that once stood as primary crime deterrence has evolved into a den of criminality, breeding future criminals and reinforcing already existing criminal behavior. Through a comprehensive analysis of recidivism and flaws that are found throughout the system, a better understanding of how prisons in the U.S. are failing at their primary functions will be made clear.

By surveying Midland students, I examined how the way parents raise their children impacts how children become independent. Parents who are supportive of their children and who help their children learn to do things on their own are more likely to raise children to be independent. While, parents who are overly controlling or neglectful can make children rely too much on others. Once the patterns of parental strategies are recognized, it can help build a strong parent-child relationship that will encourage children to become more independent.

This will focus on Ronald Reagan’s presidency through the lens of his military career. I will examine how Reagan’s time in the military affected his leadership style, his foreign political decisions, and his foreign domestic policies during his two terms as president. Through analyzing certain key events, such as the Cold War and Reagan’s defense buildup. This will illustrate how his military experiences shaped the foundation of his legacy, propelling him into a pivotal figure in American history.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Baseball is for everyone. With the game being more diverse than ever before, women are taking over head coaching positions, and minority players are becoming the face of the game. Unfortunately, this was not always the case. In the early twentieth century, the National Negro League was created, a place where non-white baseball players could play and shine, with many greats beginning their careers in this league. This project is going to examine the fight for equality within the sport, the integration of baseball, and how it turned into what it is today.

Gold was found in California in 1848, sparking a mass migration to what would be known as the Golden State. The U.S. used the California gold rush to get people to move out west though westward expansion and also manifest destiny. With the miners trying to strike it rich. It also became very dangerous as the miners became very protective over their mining claims. This would call for lawman to become very important and keep the peace in these mining areas.

The Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans seeking payment of their service bonuses, played a pivotal role in shaping United States legislation and public policy during, and following the Great Depression. This project examines the passage of the Bonus Bill, the impact of the
Bonus Army on legislative action, focusing on the passage of the Bonus Bill, the establishment of veteran support programs, and further passage of social welfare policies. By analyzing the political and social context surrounding the Bonus Army’s protests and subsequent events, this project explains how the broken promises of the Wilson Administration, their advocacy efforts influenced government responses, and how the veterans shaped the trajectory of American legislative initiatives.

George Washington, a name known by all. Washington is known for his achievements in battle against the British during the American Revolution, and for being elected as the first President of the United States of America. A fabled legend we learn about today, but he was more than just a fictional legend. He was a man like you and I and I hope to show you that through in the following project. We dive into his early years, years during the Revolution and presidency, and the years that followed.

Abraham Lincoln was a motivated individual in both his law and political career. He rose through the ranks of politics because of his compassion for others and his willingness to fight for what he believed was right, whether it was popular or not. Lincoln had been fighting in politics since losing his first election to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1832 until his Presidency in 1860.

While women have been widely recognized for their support on the home front, so many dauntless young women in the WAC, WASPs and WAVES served and risked their lives in WWII all while being completely unnoticed. Women during the war were limited to jobs such as secretaries or nurses but, some women also worked on and test flew military aircraft for the Air Force as a secret to the public and most of the military. This project will unveil and highlight the brave women who served for a country that did not acknowledge them as true soldiers and heroines, as well as celebrate their legacy of changing the US military as we know it.

The French Monarchy ruled France for 948 years, and ended with a bloody revolution that led to the final absolute King of France being executed by his people. The fall of the Monarchy was fueled by years of mounting debt and a wide gap between the rich and poor. This project examines the fall of the absolute monarchy, highlighting the spending habits of King Louis XVI, the reasons behind the revolution, and the execution of nobility.

This project provides a concise examination of the 1923 coup attempt orchestrated by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. It explores, from a political perspective, the volatile socio-political climate of post-World War I Germany and illustrates how Hitler utilized the Munich Beer Hall Putsch as a strategic platform to spread his radical agenda. Additionally, this project further explores Hitler’s time in prison and the rise of Nazism in Germany, ultimately shaping the trajectory of history forever.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

The French Revolution started in 1787, but it was the cause-and-effect events leading up to it are what is important to notice as well. As the French people started to think more of themselves, instead of what the monarchy wanted. As the revolution strengthened, the French people and country. But it also established French civil law and a constitution to better help the people, so they could start acting for themselves more.

The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 shattered the status quo, ushering in a new era of socio-political upheaval and ideological confrontation. This project goes into the intricate web of circumstances that culminated in the overthrow of the Russian monarchy and the rise of Bolshevik power under Vladimir Lenin. Drawing upon primary and secondary materials, it examines the role of discontentment among the poor, workers, and soldiers, heightened by the strains of World War I and made worse by the oppressive policies of the Tsarist regime. This project goes over the Bolsheviks’ radical vision of societal transformation, the establishment of a communist state, and the coming civil war that ensued. Beyond Russia’s borders, the revolution sparked hope among oppressed people worldwide and instilled fear in the ruling elites.

This project will examine the factors that caused the demise, and eventual fall, of the Spanish Empire, one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. The main focus is on the contributing factors such as economic downturn, military defeats, and the struggle to keep its citizens from revolt, which inevitably led to the demise of the once great empire. Inflation and competing markets hurt the economy, unfair treatment amongst the colonial population led to revolt, and subsequent wars lost damaged its military power.

This project will trace the origins of political movements within Spain and their participation in the Spanish Civil War. From 1936-1939 European nations such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union used the war as an ideological proxy and the fighting reveals the growing tensions and militarization in Europe. Additional attention is paid to the legacy of the Civil War’s influence on Spain’s national development and identity into the 20th century.

Prior to World War 1 Italy was allied with Germany and Austria-Hungary (The Central Powers). Italy entered the war in 1915 on the side of the Great Britain, France, and Russia (The Triple Entente). The reason Italy flipped sides was because the Triple Entente promised European lands to Italy for their service once the war was won. After the war promises were not fulfilled and Italy’s economy fell due to the war and The Great Depression. This led to the rise of Fascism and Mussolini, who strived for the return of the Roman Empire.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Focusing on the Spanish Empire, this project entails the challenges that Mestizos (Europeans mixed with Indigenous) and Criollos (Spaniards born in the Americas) faced during the transitional period from Old to New Spain. Battling with their identity, loyalty, and religion, novohispanos faced the disestablishment of an empire. Imperializing the Roman Catholic Church, the Spanish Crown was still able to maintain a vice grip on the local indigenous population and loyalists across sectors of the colonial societies. Using historical archives, letters, and memoirs, we can better understand the role that religion and identity played on mestizos and criollos in New Spain’s battles for sovereignty.

Listening is an important part of communication, and to an even greater extent in healthcare. By showing patients that they are being listened to, this can ensure that misunderstandings are avoided and that there is better communication between both parties. However, when a patient is not being listened to or has their comments brushed away as being irrelevant, the patient will feel belittled. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how active listening improves patient outcomes in healthcare, the difference between hearing and listening, and the effects of ineffective listening. Additionally, this paper will examine the differences in patient outcomes when it comes to telehealth and in-person appointments. By establishing a connection between the scientific aspects and societal values of listening, there can be a better understanding of the importance of increasing awareness of listening to patients for improved patient outcomes.

A nurse’s job is to provide medical care services and help people who are injured, ill, or impaired. In the healthcare system, nurses often provide the most direct care to patients. When they become nurses, they take an oath to alleviate suffering and promote health. However, in some cases, a nurse’s job to heal can conflict with the personal beliefs of their patients. These beliefs, often religiously or culturally motivated, may lead patients to refuse important treatments or to demand extreme or ineffective measures to be taken. As healthcare professionals, though, a nurse’s job is to form relationships with patients and to help the medical team provide the best possible care for the patients’ needs. This paper will examine how nurses themselves can provide the best quality care and promote healing while still respecting the personal beliefs and practices of their patients.

Over two decades, there has been a noticeable decline in testosterone levels among men. To be more specific, since 1999 testosterone levels have dropped by an average of 1% every year in the United States. I deem this phenomenon the “Erosion of Testosterone,” and it has raised significant concerns within some scientific and medical communities. Specialized scientists are trying to find an explanation for this unnatural occurrence in the human body, and what exactly is causing the testosterone levels of many men to decline so quickly in a short amount of time. To some of you, this may not seem like a major issue, but if this current trend continues, the fertility rates of men could drop to levels that are not adequate for reproduction. Testosterone is crucial for the implications for men’s overall well-being, reproductive health, and physical performance, and finding the cause for this problem should be a top priority. Through my own expertise and research on the topic, I hope to shed light on this critical issue and inform public health policies and interventions that can mitigate the erosion of testosterone and promote healthier outcomes for modern men.

In communities which face economic instability, the question on whether or not to provide an accessible music program is important and must be addressed. This research will examine the potential of taking this initiative by examining the effects on the mental and physical wellness of community members in this situation. I will identify the connection between participation in an accessible music program and the improvement of the overall quality of life among financially unstable individuals and also address the question of if investing in such a program is justified despite other academic necessities. By delving into the dynamics of accessibility, stability, and well-being, this project seeks to shed light on the significance of accessible music programs as routes for positive change within low-income communities.

Throughout the coaching industry, there are numerous ways and philosophies that coaches can use to determine their methods of how they coach. Through better understanding of not only a coach’s coaching values, but also their personal values, philosophies of coaching will be examined in order to further understand the correlation between a coach’s values and the growth and performance shown within their athletes. Further discussing various coaching philosophies and their performance statistics will determine which specific values coaches have, and which of these values can promote the utmost growth within athletes. Coaching values prove to be an integral part of fostering both athletic growth and performance, and further knowledge of individual coaches values and core principles determine how these aspects can shape athlete training methodologies, influence and inspire athlete motivation, and develop a constructive environment within both physical and psychological aspects of life.

Many young athletes can confidently attest that participating in sports has impacted their physical appearance and cognitive abilities. Some athletes have even reported improvements in their social skills due to their involvement in sports. However, while subjective experiences are useful for understanding change, it is important to also consider objective data. By analyzing biological, neurological, and social factors, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of how sports can shape the development of young athletes both inside and outside of the athletic arena.

Within the United States Criminal Justice System, race and ethnicity can significantly influence outcomes and have, in recent years, which have often resulted in disparities and injustices within the legal system. Defense attorneys are crucial in mitigating these effects by providing culturally competent representation, challenging biases, advocating for fair sentencing, preventing wrongful convictions, and supporting systemic reforms. By addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for justice, defense attorneys contribute to a more equitable and fair criminal justice system for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Autism is a fast-growing condition, especially within the last couple of decades which falls under the generations of Millennials and Gen Z. The population of individuals being diagnosed with Autism is growing fast which has been happening in last two generations which suggests there is a correlation between both. Through my finds I will explain why there is a correlation, why this is happening, and how we can decrease this correlation between autism, and the last couple generations. However, if there is a prominent correlation, what is the most ethical way to study this correlation to make it a causation?

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between mental health and athletic performance, shedding light on the challenges athletes face and the inherent values involved. Drawing upon an array of research studies, statistics, and real-life anecdotes, the paper emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues in athletes. It explores the societal, personal, and professional values at stake, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being in sports. Through this analysis, the paper aims to foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental health in athletics and to promote initiatives that prioritize the mental well-being of athletes.

Medical education in America is a topic marked by both admiration and criticism. While celebrated for the dedication, personal sacrifices, and societal contributions it entails, it also faces scrutiny due to the demanding admission requirements, lengthy study periods, and financial burdens placed on aspiring physicians. In this study, I aim to investigate the requirements necessary to pursue a career as a plastic surgeon in contemporary America, drawing upon the perspectives of practicing doctors and my values as an aspiring medical professional.

The world of athletics is a competitive place. There are constant challenges to overcome: practicing new skills, perfecting old ones, and being compared to others. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve or perfect skills over time, the damage comes from the unjust comparisons between athletes and their bodies. The constant nit-picking of how an athlete looks can damage their psyche, in turn damaging their game. An athlete who is not muscular enough will slave in the weight room; an athlete who is too bulky will starve themselves; and an athlete who is too skinny will overcompensate in the kitchen.

Though some sports have guidelines in weight classes (like wrestling, swimming, and powerlifting), the psyche can still be damaged through the word choice of peers and coaches. One sentence may not hurt one individual, but it may hurt another. This is an important understanding a coach has to have to keep their minds clear to continue their athletic training positively. An answer to this issue would be an understanding of the coach-to-player relationship, open communication, and guidance.

The objective of this research study is to investigate the impact of personal values on a nurse’s career path and job satisfaction. This is significant because nurses typically switch fields until they find a suitable one. Examining the correlation between personal values and career choices can assist both current and future nurses in selecting a field that aligns with their values and interests, which can increase job satisfaction. Through quantitative and qualitative interviews with nursing students and current nurses, the relationship between values and jobs will be explored. The findings of this study can be applied to enhance future planning, recruitment strategies, and job retention in the nursing profession.

This research project investigates the ever-evolving values within the agricultural sector, exploring how societal, environmental, and economic factors have influenced these changes. This project seeks to explore many dynamics within the industry including historical perspectives, the current state of the industry, and expectations for the future to understand the dynamics that shaped agricultural values in the past and present. This research examines the impact of technological advancements, sustainability concerns, consumer preferences, and policy interventions on today’s agricultural practices and priorities. This study aims to provide insights into the changing agricultural values and the implications for the future of food production.

A company’s intangible assets, such as goodwill, are just as valuable and vital as the tangible ones. A company’s values, ethics, and reputation start with the owners and are either strengthened or weakened over time due to varying factors. A strong set of values/ethics as well as a good reputation will lead to better employee engagement/retention and build a bigger, more trusting customer base. Accounting industry personnel handle confidential client information and provide guidance for important business decisions, ethical behavior should be overwhelmingly prevalent in this industry.

This study investigates the correlation between personal values and individual backgrounds, with the choice to pursue a career in software development. By comparing online data and statements collected from software developers, we can see if there is a direct correlation between values/backgrounds such as religious beliefs, political beliefs, and childhood upbringing and the choice to pursue software development as a career field or not. Understanding the connection between personal values, individual backgrounds, and career choices in software development is crucial for understanding why so many young people are aspiring to become professionals in this field.

American Literature is derived from the past actions of American society. American Literature grants society access to stories and opinions that were previously obscured by societal norms dictating individual identities. Many of the beliefs and stereotypes addressed are ideas still prevalent in modern times. Frequently, authors from earlier times depicted modern social situations and standards. However, some of their stories provide harsh truths that will alter society’s perception of itself and its surroundings. American Literature often addressed the problems hidden beneath the surface, forcing individuals to address them within themselves.

The way parents handle all aspects of divorce can help to shape the values of tomorrow’s children. Children in a blended or one-parent family are about 50% more likely to have mental disorders and need psychological help. Parents who try to remain neutral when co-parenting tend to have a more positive influence on the values children have in adults. By growing up in a household that has values they can follow, they are more likely to mimic those values. Things like going to college and getting a job. Children who have parents who tend to argue, not get along, and do not learn how to co-parent together, tend to be more reckless. Perspectives on values were skewed, and they were more likely to mimic negative values that would hinder them with their long-term goals.

In today’s society, we are surrounded by technology and freedom to express ourselves and our values in various ways. The First Amendment guarantees this right to Americans to be able to speak freely. Applying a legal perspective to the rise of technology usage and the values of social media in our lives raises the question of what is protected by our First Amendment rights. Through a human services standpoint on various literature and published studies, we are able to reveal if there are any barriers to this amendment and expressing the things we value in our lives.

Throughout our journey in life, the paths we choose that dictate our futures have never been picked at random. Every decision that has led us to where we are now, whether we realize it or not, has been influenced by our deeply rooted values. In particular, our personal beliefs have a significant impact on our career choices and the future endeavors that we may embark on. Whether driven by a passion for creativity, a commitment to service, or even if someone is on a quest for meaning and fulfillment, our values serve as guiding stars that are constantly directing us toward professions and ventures that resonate with our deepest convictions. In this paper, I will be exploring the intimate connection between our foundational beliefs and how they influence the paths we take in the future. When looking at them from a different perspective, our values are like fingerprints – unique to each individual and shaping our identities in profound ways. Therefore, the diversity in values not only adds excitement to our collective human experience, but also emphasizes how distinctive and different each one of our journeys could potentially be.

The purpose of this research is to look at LGBT suicide rates and if societal values had an effect on them. I examined the suicide rates of queer people in many different countries, including the United States. This research will show how society’s standards negatively affect queer people’s mental health, revealing that there is a need for more supportive systems to help lower the suicide rates among these communities. One of the most important factors that limit these support systems today, is that queer people do not fit most societal norms, and are therefore more likely to be ostracized by their families and society.

Critical thinking abilities are essential for children to successfully grow into responsible adults. I will investigate various factors that influence the development of critical thinking skills for adolescents. The educational environment and teaching strategies are some of the factors that will be examined in this study.

Scientific research and advancement are fueled by funding from non-profit organizations, private companies, and government grants. How these funds are allocated is determined by scientific peer review and ranked in order to determine the research with the highest probability of success and positive results. This system is flawed due to the personal bias of the reviewers. This paper will explain further in depth how bias has affected scientific advancement through research. A new system such as a lottery system would help distribute funds without regard to
age, gender, and race.

In an era marked by dynamic shifts in employment structures and entrepreneurial opportunities, the landscape of freelance marketing and design presents itself as a compelling avenue for creative professionals. This project embarks on an exploration of the journey involved in establishing and managing a freelance venture within the realms of marketing and design. From crafting personal branding to navigating client relationships, this study delves into the intricacies of freelance entrepreneurship. By examining the experiences, challenges, and strategies of seasoned freelance professionals, as well as experiencing the challenges of a start-up first-hand, this project seeks to illuminate the opportunities and pitfalls that come with owning a creative agency.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

As social media is often times seen negatively for reliable information, my research will examine its use in healthcare. Educating the public, interacting with patients, other current healthcare workers, and future healthcare workers across the world, discuss and debate different healthcare practices, and even promote healthy habits to the public are a few of the ways social media is used by healthcare professionals. In recent events with COVID-19, social media was used to communicate precautions, resources, outbreaks, and campaigns to the public, and was used as a primary source of information for a lot of people. Despite the positive possibilities, misinformation, patient privacy challenges, and healthcare providers remaining professional remain a challenge faced. By shedding light on both the limitations and benefits of social media on healthcare, my research will focus on this deeper understanding as well as provide insights to help people navigate the confusing online presence of healthcare.

In the face of declining student engagement in public schools, this action research project investigates the integration of students’ musical preferences into the vocal music curriculum. It has been long debated whether popular music should have a place amongst traditional choral repertoire, leading to a disconnection between the music students choose to listen to and the music curricula in high schools, contributing to a lack of engagement and disinterest. By embedding high school students’ preferred music genres into choir rehearsals, through competitions, warm-ups, and sight-singing exercises, the hope is to bridge this gap. This integration aims to increase engagement and participation rates, but also to foster a deeper connection between students and the music they study, creating a lifelong appreciation for music.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is “a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public” (Fernando). Today, companies are given the freedom to manage, operate, and spend money on areas of their business. Each company has its own business goal they want to achieve. Competition promotes innovation, advancements, and lower prices. However, companies can forget that their decisions have a greater impact than they realize. This drive to become more profitable and to drive out competition can lead to companies not being accountable for their actions. If millions of people are affected by the decisions of so few, why are these companies not taking into consideration their impact on others? Corporate social responsibility can help companies hold themselves accountable for their actions and promote a business that allows everyone to benefit from. This paper will understand corporate social responsibility for different companies, how stakeholders and shareholders are affected by decisions, and how financial decisions affect firm profitability versus public benefit.

VIEW THE VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Our group collected data through a quantitative survey on usage of the Warrior Open Cupboard. The goal is to discover benefits, drawbacks, and possible changes that could be made to the public facility.

For this project, our mission is to discover the different food cultures here at Midland University through interviewing and genuine conversations. Through our conversations, we will analyze students’ relationships with food, and its impacts on their identity, and find the pros and cons of what Midland has to offer to support its students and their cultures.

In this project, we are seeking to understand the food resources in Fremont, Nebraska. Multiple organizations such as LifeHouse, United Way, Lutheran Family Services, and The Salvation Army of Fremont will be contacted. This will allow for a deep dive into the food pantries and how Fremont has taken the initiative to help its community.

This project does a thorough price comparison to determine which stores in Fremont are the most cost-efficient when buying staple food and hygiene products such as granola bars, pasta, laundry detergent, and toilet paper. This information can be used by Lisa Kramme, operator of the Warrior Open Cupboard, and students to stay within their budgets and get the most products available at the lowest price point.

College students often rely on caffeine to combat sleep deprivation, boost alertness, and enhance academic performance. This research explores the prevalence of caffeine consumption among Midland University’s college students, its potential effects on their physical and mental health, stress levels, and the importance of responsible caffeine usage to maintain overall well-being during their academic journey.

The cognitive tasks utilized in this study allow for the analyzation of alcohol usage and cognition in undergraduate students at Midland University. Students were asked to complete the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), as well as the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) task. This study brings awareness to the lifelong consequences of alcohol abuse, an important issue with college students, as many of the lasting implications may be avoidable if students are able to monitor consumption in their early life stages.

This study investigates the relationship between an individual’s mental health with the implementation of gratitude. Individuals completed an online questionnaire made up of 32 questions. Findings could suggest that anxiety, stress, and depression were found to be at a significantly less level in individuals who had higher levels of gratitude. The study will attempt to indicate that gratitude positively affects an individual’s anxiety, stress, and depression levels. Thus, suggesting that gratitude is a possible natural solution to individuals struggling with mental health.

The goal of this project is to understand the relationship between self-identity and sports and to recognize its effects on collegiate athletes who have retired or are retiring from their sport within the next year at Midland University and other universities. Many students face internal challenges that can be difficult to navigate when their athletic career comes to an end. The focus of this study is to be able to uncover the underlying causes of why and how athletes struggle with self-identity when transitioning into the real world.

This research project investigates the relationship between an individual’s level of hope and their progress in physical therapy. The goal of the research is to identify levels of hope that better or worsen an individual’s ability to make progress/recover in their first month of physical therapy. Findings will provide insights on the importance of emotional and spiritual wellness and its impact on physical recovery.

The experiences we have throughout our lives shape our perceptions and reactions to similar situations we encounter in the future; in this way, associating specific colors with mood-improving and mood-diminishing experiences may trigger emotional responses that mirror our original reactions. This study seeks to explore the relationship between colors and emotional states, investigating whether colors can evoke specific emotions and if these emotions, in turn, influence an individual’s color preferences. The research focuses on two key questions: first, whether exposure to certain colors alone can enhance or diminish a person’s mood; and second, how frequently an individual will choose a color that improves their mood over one that impairs it.

This research investigates the relationship between student participation in various Arts programs and their overall happiness in said programs at Midland University. While existing literature acknowledges the positive impact of Arts engagement on overall happiness, there is not enough research directly discussing the differences between each area of the Arts and their influence on student happiness. This study aims to identify the programs in the Midland University Arts department that contribute most significantly to overall student happiness and which fall short, with the ultimate goal of improving the Arts for all students.

Socialization is a key factor in healthy human development. The pandemic forced many families to be in isolation, limiting everyone’s social interactions, especially children’s interactions for more than a year. This study was conducted to observe the perceived relationship between isolation as a result of the pandemic and the development of children’s social skills. For this, adults ages 19 and older were asked to participate in the study. The participants were given the option to take the questionnaire about themselves or about a child ages 9-16 that they know. Adults who answer for themselves will be the guideline for social standards. Those answers were compared to the people who answer for a child they know closely. The comparison is to analyze the perception of adults on children’s social development skills and how they may or may not have been impacted by the isolation of COVID-19.

This study investigates the relationship between religiosity and happiness, in order for people to understand the effects of their religious beliefs and faith. Discovering the relationship between what we believe in and how that affects our level of happiness is crucial to having a society of happy people. Furthermore, the results from this research will help people move towards what leads to happiness and move away from what does not.

The goal of this research is to understand how college diet and nutrition affect college men’s mental health. How a person eats often affects how he feels mentally, either positively or negatively. Changes that occur in students’ diets when they leave home and go to college are extremely impactful.

The research’s scope is of the correlation between video games and caffeine intake. Video games and caffeine are topics that go hand-in-hand, with beliefs that there is an overconsumption of caffeine in this population. Caffeine is also something that can potentially lead to physiological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and other health complications. While the survey did not ask about the potential side effects of their caffeine usage, it is a stepping stone into the area of study.

Many college students rely on caffeine consumption to get through a busy day. While they may believe this helps them stay alert, it can negatively affect various aspects of their lives, such as their sleep and academics. This study investigates the effects of caffeine intake on sleep patterns and academic performance in a sample of college students.

Many student athletes are prone to stress and mental health issues due to the pressures that playing a sport might put on them, as well as having their academic progress to worry about. This project aims to understand whether being a student athlete positively or negatively affects stress and mental health compared to non-student athletes, in order to help understand the everyday lives of being an athlete.

This research project investigates the relationship between college students’ usage of social media and the impact it has on their academic performance. Academic performance includes grades on tests or exams to simply completing and turning in homework. Social media has evolved into a huge part of our daily lives, especially at the collegiate level. This study hopes to identify just how big of a role excessive social media use plays in terms of academic performance in hopes of giving educators and other students more insight.

The goal of this study is to see if playing video games has an effect on the mental well-being of a college student. Video game players will be compared to non-video game players to see if there is a difference in their mental well-being. Video games have become much more popular in our society, which has created a number of concerns about how they can influence your life.

The goal of this project is to conduct research and analyze the correlation between the different stages of romantic relationships and that individual’s overall sense of well-being/happiness towards different aspects of their life. Instead of looking at romantic relationships as a whole, the stages of the relationship will be taken into consideration while also considering those who are single. It is important to determine if what one classifies themselves to be within their love life plays a fundamental role in enhancing their life, and finding out which stage of the relationship results in the most positive effects.

Following the ruling of the Supreme Court of SFFA v. Harvard, the use of affirmative action in college admissions has been effectively eliminated. As such, I am researching the opinions and attitudes of college students toward affirmative action. Specifically, whether they agree or disagree with the ruling of the Supreme Court Case that ended race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities across the country. Lastly, how college campuses will create and foster a diverse campus since the overturning of SFFA v. Harvard.

This project discusses the topic of mental health stigma and how it affects the utilization of on-campus mental health resources among students who attend Midland University. Mental health is a topic that deserves more attention than it receives, and this research study will help decipher the potential relationship between these two topics.