Location: Morrie Jones A-B
C13. “ISC is a Cult: An Ethnographic Study of Nonverbal Communication”
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Janae Owen
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
Gender influences nonverbal communication in a variety of ways. Environmental factors play a role in how we communicate differently with others. Being in a space that is comfortable and familiar will be different than a new or uneasy space. Leading to the research question: how are people’s stereotypical gender communication through body language represented in a STEM oriented space? To answer, this study is functioning with the ethnography method for its effectiveness to the research of nonverbal communication a particular field. For this research I studied in a STEM building on Concordia College’s campus called the Integrated Science Center, otherwise known as the ISC. The building itself is important to the research because of the variety of majors/minors and classes that can be held in one building. The ISC gives this research plenty of participants both stationary and mobile throughout the space. The data collected within the ISC was taken from a single person in the form of observation and field notes. There were no specifics within the participants that were used for the data, it is perceived to be random, diverse, and varied among different genders, majors/minors, race, and age. I expect to find the stereotypical male nonverbal communication to be hidden compared to the female stereotypical nonverbal communication.
C14. “Deviance from Femininity in Susan Glaspell’s Trifles”
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Briea Freeman
Mentored by: Dr. James Postema
Abstract
Trifles is a play written by Susan Glaspell that was published in the early 1900s in which a rural housewife, Minnie Wright, is accused of murdering her husband. The sheriff and the county attorney, named Henry Peters and George Henderson, investigate the house accompanied by their wives to find evidence to pin the murder on Minnie. Through an examination of the items in Minnie’s kitchen, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Wright discover Minnie’s guilt and decide to hide the evidence from their husbands to protect Minnie. Trifles was based on Glaspell’s experience covering the Hassock murder as a reporter in Iowa, where Margaret Hassock was convicted of murdering her husband. The isolation that Minnie experiences as a rural housewife, coupled with the fact that she was likely abused by Mr. Wright, created the conditions for her to murder her husband. When housewives deviate from feminine norms, especially in the case of the criminal woman who breaks from femininity through her violence, it calls into question whether or not women are truly satisfied in their prescribed role. Susan Glaspell challenges the demonization of women who do not adhere to expectations of femininity in her play, Trifles, by subverting the archetype of the isolated American housewife through violence to cultivate empathy for Minnie and women who were forced to adhere to the housewife role.
Location: Morrie Jones C-D
C15. “Laser-Induced Thermal Plume/Surface Interactions in Molecular Liquids”
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Reese Anderson, Sean Oakes, Alex Rapelje
Mentored by: Dr. Darin Ulness, Dr. Mark Gealy
Abstract
This work explores laser-induced thermal plume dynamics in molecular liquids at liquid-air interfaces. The observation of surface oscillations in the presence of thermal plumes prompted this study, which yielded findings relevant to the fields of fluid mechanics and nonlinear dynamics. The study employed a custom optical setup, data acquisition via high-speed imaging, and python programs to facilitate processing into visuals such as heatmaps, Fourier spectra, and phase portraits. Results not only support the existence of stable oscillations under these experimental conditions, but also contribute to the broader understanding of convective heat transport and nonlinear system behavior, as well as bifurcation phenomena.
C16. “Norwegian Green Energy, Indigenous Groups, & Culture Retention: Who or what are we saving?”
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Anna Kronbeck
Mentored by: Dr. Jan Pranger
Abstract
While bringing waves of economic development to the Nordic region, oil rigging and wind turbine construction often endanger the practices of the Sami people and Sápmi, their traditional land. Resource extraction, even in cases of green energy, has threatened and continues to threaten Indigenous livelihood and culture retention, especially the practice of reindeer herding, for Sami in the north of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Through an analysis of sociological literature existing on the topic, this research asserts that green energy construction is directly harmful to the Sami people and the retention of traditional practices, especially among youth; I will also argue that green energy still acts as resource extraction with greater consequences for certain groups of people. Grappling with the question “Who is bearing the burden of extractivism?” both in this case and more broadly, this research approaches the intersection of culture, identity, and the ethics of resource extraction in our modern world.
Location: Olin 124
C17. “Giving Voice: The Power of Restorative Justice in Music Rehabilitation”
11:25 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Panel
Student Presenter(s): Adeline Polzin, Josh Powell, Aneleise Martinson, Sophia Keller, Luci Kulseth, Dylan Pringle, Sam Sadlowsky
Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Kemper
Abstract
Incarceration systems in the US are largely designed to control rather than rehabilitate, limiting autonomy and restricting opportunities for personal growth. Strict rules and a lack of creative or emotional outlets create a dehumanizing environment that reinforces cycles of incarceration. Without meaningful rehabilitative programs, incarceration systems fail to address the root causes of crime. Our class is structured around a ten-week music program at Clay County Jail and our research is centered around advocating for music programming within systems of incarceration. The purpose of this research is to provide evidence about why music programs in jails should exist and their positive impacts on incarcerated individuals. The main focus of our research answers these two questions: What arts programming exists in incarceration facilities in the state of Minnesota? How does communal music-making positively impact incarcerated individuals’ quality of life? Our research methods include connecting to to the wider web of scholarly sources through literary review and qualitative reflections from the participants at Clay County Jail. Our findings reflect the positive benefits of music programming for incarcerated individuals through increased participation, reduced conflict, improved safety, increased social and emotional wellness, and overall quality of life. In our research, we found that only five non-profit organizations serve facilities in the state of Minnesota, leaving many without access to arts programming.
Location: Integrated Science Center 201
C18. “Persuading Jurors: A Rhetorical Criticism of Trauma within a Court Room”
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Miranda Travis
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
The Menendez brothers’ case has gained a tremendous amount of attention due to recent social media posts and discussions. With a recent Netflix documentary being released in 2024, the writers shined light on the brothers’ defense team claiming psychological trauma of the boys from continuous years of abuse at the hands of their father. This study examines one main question, “How does the use of trauma function as a narrative device in the Menendez brothers’ case during opening and closing legal statements?”. A narrative rhetorical analysis was conducted of the original trial transcripts from 1993, which focuses on the language choices and deliberate rhetorical techniques used by both the defense and prosecuting team. The way in which both of these were deployed gave an outlet for each side to explain how trauma played out in this case, if at all. The findings will reveal that the defense team used the trauma narrative to portray the psychological impact of child abuse; Meaning that Erik & Lyle were victims who were protecting themselves from ongoing abuse. The findings also will reveal that prosecution flipped the trauma narrative and used it to explain how the boys’ actions were manipulative, selfish, and calculated. This study shines a light on the power of trauma, and how it is able to shape legal arguments and influence jurors. The arguments not only can enhance a self-perception of guilt for a jury member, but they prove a strong rhetorical device within a courtroom. This research adds to a larger discussion of understanding how trauma is utilized and leveraged in the legal field and raises moral and ethical considerations about its role in shaping narratives.
C19. “The Effects of Reading Crime on Young Female Readers.”
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Kylee James
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
This study explores the emotional and intrapersonal communication alterations of reading crime and thriller novels on young female readers, focusing on how this literature influences specifically anxiety levels and mental state. Using an autoethnographic approach, I examined my personal experiences as a 20-year-old female college student, journaling my emotional response while reading Hunted by Darcy Coates. My literature review highlights that women are drawn to crime fiction for various reasons, including emotional processing, fear exploration, and the reassurance of resolved outcomes. However, excessive consumption of violent content may heighten anxiety. The research identifies a gap in understanding how crime novels impact anxiety in real time and influence daily life. My study aims to fill the gap by exploring how reading crime fiction affects emotional responses, cognitive processing, and the overall socially built worldview of young women, contributing to a deeper understanding of crime fiction’s intrapersonal communicative impact.
Location: Integrated Science Center 260
C20. “The NACE Competencies and Concordia Goals for Liberal Learning: A Case for FREN 112”
11:25 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Panel
Student Presenter(s): Cedric Buchholtz, Khoi Pham, Becca Hendrickson, Tommy Schreiner, Julia Vickers, Sam Williams
Mentored by: Dr. Gay Rawson
Abstract
Students in FREN 112 have been exploring the NACE competencies and Concordia Goals for Liberal Learning, as well as the World-Readiness Standards, as part of a national research project investigating how work-based learning impacts success in a college-level course. In this panel, students will address each of the NACE competencies, show how they intersect with the Concordia Goals for Liberal Learning and World-Readiness Standards, and then share their professional portfolios, which include evidence for each of the competencies as well as a reflection. Students were not sure how their work-based project at Cobber Kids could lead to success in FREN 112 and career readiness. Come find out what they learned in this process.
Location: Integrated Science Center 301
C21. “Generative AI: Emerging Policy, Innovation, and Debate”
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Caroline Cronk, Cheryn Lindsay, Isaac Wayne
Mentored by: Dr. Ahmed Kamel
Abstract
A recent major (possibly disruptive) development in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the release to the public of ChatGPT, a machine learning based Artificial Intelligence chat and problem-solving system. Several competing systems now exist, some predating the introduction of ChatGPT, and others more recently introduced. Initial successes of these systems are impressive, leading major developments in a variety of disciplines, and significant governance efforts from attempts to benefit from these successes to attempts to regulate the use of these technologies. In this paper, we researched some of these new developments. We studied the use of generative AI on economic activity, on education, on security and privacy, as well as its challenges to intellectual property. We also studied efforts to govern and regulate the use of generative AI on these areas both domestically and internationally in several other countries. We present the results of this research in this paper.
C22. “Investigation of the Magnetic Properties of Aluminum, Nickel, and Chromium Doped Goethite”
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Jordan Masterson, Kate Hemmer
Mentored by: Dr. Thelma Berquó
Abstract
Goethite is an iron oxide commonly found on Earth’s surface, and aluminum substitution is common in nature. This work aims to study the magnetic properties of goethite and how they were altered by increasing the contribution of aluminum, nickel, and chromium in its crystalline structure. We investigated fifteen samples of three sets of differently doped goethite. One set of samples was substituted with a target of 0, 4, 8,12, and 24% Al. The second and third groups of samples consisted of a control sample of 0% Al, a constant 4% of Al, and a target contribution of 0, 4, 8, and 20% of Ni or Cr. A VersaLab PPMS apparatus was used to collect ZFC/FC magnetization curves in the temperature range of 50 to 400 K and hysteresis loops at 50, 150, and 300 K with a magnetic field up to 3.0 T. From one data set of ZFC/FC magnetization curves, differences were noticed between aluminum-substituted goethite and the Ni and Cr samples with changes of the Néel temperature of goethite – the temperature above which goethite shows a paramagnetic behavior. Additionally, the hysteresis loops didn’t attain saturation and showed distinct patterns for the different cation substitutions.
Location: Integrated Science Center 338
C23. “Clearing the Mind: The Role of the Glymphatic System in Neurodegeneration and Potential Therapeutic Strategies”
11:25 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Drew Frolek, Lucas Hinojos
Mentored by: Dr. Jason Askvig
Abstract
The glymphatic system, a newly discovered waste-clearance pathway in the central nervous system, has been increasingly recognized for its role in maintaining healthy brain function and mitigating neurodegeneration. Derived from the lymphatic system, the glymphatic system performs similar waste clearance mechanisms, but rather utilizes astrocytes and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to clear toxic metabolites. Dysfunction in the glymphatic system can lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins, such as β-amyloid and tau, resulting in neurodegenerative disease. We hypothesize that the administration of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, specifically dexmedetomidine, in combination with aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channel-enhancing therapies, will synergistically enhance glymphatic flow, thereby mitigating neurotoxin accumulation and slowing neurodegeneration. Our research aims to investigate the role of sleep quality, norepinephrine modulation, and AQP4 channel localization in optimizing glymphatic function. Dexmedetomidine, known for its sedative properties, induces slow-wave sleep (SWS), reducing norepinephrine levels, and enhancing cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Simultaneously, targeting AQP4 polarization to astrocytic endfeet via gene-editing technologies, particularly through modulation of the Snta1 gene, may facilitate efficient glymphatic clearance. Focusing on neurovascular and astrocyte biology, we analyzed existing literature, computational models, and preclinical studies to explore the potential for astrocyte-targeted pharmaceutical interventions. Anticipated results suggest that strategies aimed at maintaining AQP4 function could improve glymphatic efficiency, offering a novel therapeutic avenue for slowing neurodegenerative progression. By integrating pharmacological and genetic approaches, this research seeks to establish a foundation for future interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function through optimized brain waste clearance mechanisms.
C24. “Crossing Weights and Virtualization: Using n-Gons to Characterize Knots”
11:45 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Parker Webster, Gillian Lee
Mentored by: Dr. Sarah Seger
Abstract
Classical knot theory is the mathematical study of knots, where a knot is a circle embedded in 3-dimensional space. With applications in quantum field theory, quantum computing, and DNA disentangling, virtual knot theory was introduced in 1999 as an extension to knot theory. Virtual knot theory includes classical knots and non-classical knots, which have “virtual” crossings and are not representable in 3-dimensional space. A problem arises when distinguishing between classical and non-classical knots via Gauss diagrams or their Gauss code counterparts. An invariant is a calculation which can distinguish knots from other knots, but no perfect invariant has been discovered to distinguish all distinct knots. Using two invariants called weight and planarity we wrote programs in Python and Sage to sort through seven million Gauss codes and compute invariants, which helped us to discover a relationship between the planarity of the Gauss code of a knot and its ability to be reconstructed into a classical knot using n-gon moves. These moves are specific edits to the knot’s crossings, and are an expansion of earlier students’ research. We hypothesized that we could generalize their previous virtualization moves and determine how to utilize the generalized form in order to move between all planar non-classical knots and planar classical knots, thus creating families of virtual knots. In creating a more general n-gon, we were able to distinguish between non-classical and classical knots via Gauss codes, which also allowed us to understand how the two groups of knots are related.