P49. “How Movement in the Classroom Affects Student Engagement”
Student Presenter: Lauren Sekely
Mentored by: Dr. Teri Langlie
AbstractThis research looks at how adding movement into the classroom can support student engagement and learning. As teachers try to meet the needs of all students, movement can be a simple and effective way to help students stay focused and involved. This topic connects to ideas like whole-child learning and embodied cognition, which show that movement plays a role in how students think and learn. The purpose of this project is to show how intentional movement, like brain breaks or active lessons, can improve focus, increase on-task behavior, and create a more positive classroom environment. This research is being conducted through literary research using scholarly articles, government sources, and classroom-based resources focused on physical activity in schools. Across the research, there is a clear pattern: movement helps students stay engaged, improves concentration, and supports better classroom dynamics. Many sources also show that movement can be easily built into daily routines in realistic ways. Overall, this research shows that movement is a practical and powerful tool that can support both student learning and well-being in the classroom.
P50. “More Than Books: An Ethnographic Study of Space, Use, Student Connection, and Needs at Carl B. Ylvisaker”
Student Presenter: Lukas Stofer
Mentored by: Dr. Karla Knutson
AbstractCollege libraries are a critical location for college students to study, collaborate, and feel connected with their peers. If there is a lack of resources and space within a library, that can lead to students not scoring as well in classes, as well as feeling isolated. Through ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and participant observation, I will learn about Concordia College students who use the Carl B. Ylvisaker Library. I will be spending 24 hours in the library with roughly 6 of those hours for interviews, resulting in 35 total interviews. From the interviews, I will find how often, when, where, and what needs they demand the most in order for the library to be as beneficial as possible. On top of my interest in issues of frequency and scheduling of use of the library, for every interview I am doing a “coloring game”, an idea from an ethnographic paper by Illinois State University. The purpose of the game is to illustrate what aspects of the library are deemed to be not as important to students at Concordia College. From these results, further action should be taken by Carl B. Ylvisaker Library in order to improve the academic needs of Concordia College students. I will share the results of my findings through a presentation.
P51. “Organizational Behavior Challenges Facing Managers in the Education Industry”
Student Presenters: Nicklaus Savidge, Andrew Hinojos, Kylie Huseth, Zach Pribyl
Mentored by: Dr. Shontarius Aikens
AbstractThe education industry faces a central organizational challenge: education managers must balance instructional quality with operational demands amid teacher burnout, high turnover, regulatory shifts, technological change, and equity concerns. Understanding the most significant organizational behavior issues affecting these leaders is essential for improving educator well-being and student outcomes. This study examines the top organizational behavior concerns facing managers and leaders in the education industry. Drawing on the Academy of Management’s Organizational Behavior domain framework, our team developed an initial “Top 10” list of hypotheses ranking the issues we predict are most pressing for education leaders. These hypotheses span employee burnout and stress, organizational culture, communication effectiveness, professional development, resistance to change, team dynamics, regulatory constraints on decision-making, teacher autonomy, workload and compensation equity, and leadership style. To validate these hypotheses, each team member is conducting at least 5 semi-structured interviews with managers and leaders in education, including principals, administrators, and academic instructors. Collectively, our team will interview at least twenty individuals. Interview questions address leadership influence on motivation, strategies for managing burnout, organizational culture’s effect on collaboration, employee responses to change, and the impact of external policies on managerial effectiveness. Responses will be analyzed for recurring themes and compared against our initial rankings. We anticipate that burnout, leadership style, and communication will emerge as the most critical concerns, and that our revised rankings will reflect the complex relationship between individual well-being and organizational systems within education.
P52. “Key Organizational Challenges in the Hospitality Industry”
Student Presenters: James LaVoy-Brunette, Grant Anderson, Mason Swanson, Victor Ambenge
Mentored by: Dr. Shontarious Aikens
AbstractThis research looks at the biggest challenges that managers face in the hospitality industry, especially those that can affect employee performance and customer experience. The hospitality industry relies heavily on frontline employees, and their interactions directly influence customer satisfaction and overall business success. Based on what we have learned in class, our group first believed that employee turnover, leadership, and factors like stress, communication, and training would have the biggest impact on how well companies perform. To test these ideas, we interviewed managers in the industry to compare what we think with what actually happens in the real workplace. Overall, the interviews supported most of our original ideas, especially the importance of employee turnover and leadership. But we also found that communication between managers and employees, along with scheduling fairness, played a bigger role than we first thought. These factors have a massive impact on employee morale, motivation, and performance. Our results show that while turnover is still a major issue, improving communication, leadership, and scheduling are some of the most effective ways for managers to improve employee performance and customer experience.
P53. “Understanding Organizational Behavior in Retail: Insights from Fargo–Moorhead Managers”
Student Presenters: Tayte Lecy, Dae Henderson, Mark Noah, Clay Erickson
Mentored by: Dr. Shontarius Aikens
AbstractThe retail industry is a huge part of the Fargo–Moorhead economy, with both national chains and locally owned businesses. However, retail organizations often face challenges such as high employee turnover, workforce management, demanding customer service expectations, and the need for efficient work across multiple shifts. Understanding how Organizational Behavior (OB) concepts influence employee performance, engagement, and retention is important for managers operating in this industry. The purpose of this project is to examine OB factors such as motivation, leadership style, teamwork, trust, organizational culture, and work-life balance, affect employee behavior and outcomes in retail organizations in the Fargo–Moorhead area. Our team developed an initial list of ten hypotheses based on OB theory, predicting that factors such as effective leadership, strong teamwork, clear goals, and supportive culture would positively influence employee “buy-in” and retention. To evaluate these hypotheses, our team will conduct interviews with retail managers in the Fargo–Moorhead area. Each team member will interview multiple managers using a set of questions focused on motivation strategies, leadership approaches, conflict management, teamwork, and business practices. The interview responses will then be analyzed and compared with our initial hypotheses. The estimated results of this research will identify key OB practices that retail managers use to improve employee performance, engagement, and retention. These findings will help us modify our hypotheses and provide recommendations for retail organizations looking to strengthen their workplace culture and stability.
P54. “The Extraction of UV Filters Using Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ferrofluid”
Student Presenters: Olivia Shelton
Mentored by: Dr. Mark Jensen
AbstractGreen analytical chemistry aims to reduce pollution and waste by developing environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of green solvents formed by combining a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA). These components interact to create a liquid phase that can be used for extractions. DESs are inexpensive, easy to synthesize, and offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional organic solvents. In this study, a DES based ferrofluid was synthesized and utilized in the extraction of ultraviolet (UV) filters. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the extracted UV filters. An extraction procedure was developed and optimized. Menthol (HBA) and thymol (HBD) (1:5 molar ratio) were selected as the DES components, UV solutions ranging from 0.2-250 ppb were used for extraction, and R² values consistently above 0.998 were obtained with the exclusion of one UV filter. For future work, this extraction method will address other analytes, particularly phthalates, which pose more significant consumer health concerns.
P55. “The Synthesis of RAPTA-based Organometallic Anticancer Drugs”
Student Presenters: Mohamed Mustafa, Max Baumgartner
Mentored by: Dr. Donald “Chopper” Krogstad
AbstractRuthenium-based organometallic compounds have gained attention as potential anticancer drugs because of their unique properties and lower toxicity compared to traditional treatments. In this study, RAPTA-type complexes, which contain a ruthenium(II) center bonded to a para-cymene arene group and the ligand 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA), were synthesized and examined. These compounds are important because their structure improves solubility and helps them pass through cell membranes, allowing them to function more effectively in biological systems. All reactions were carried out under oxygen-free conditions using Schlenk techniques to prevent unwanted side reactions. The synthesis involved refluxing reactions for extended periods and careful control of solvent conditions. When needed, solvent was removed to promote product formation, and solid products were collected using frit filtration. Two different substitution patterns were explored: one researcher synthesized the para-substituted product, while the other focused on the meta-substituted form, allowing for comparison of how structure influences the final product. Overall, the successful preparation of RAPTA-based complexes shows that these methods can reliably produce compounds with potential medical applications. This work adds to ongoing research on ruthenium-based drugs and highlights how small structural differences may impact their effectiveness as anticancer agents.
P56. “Bioinformatic Prediction and Experimental Validation of Esterase Activity in Protein 4Q7Q”
Student Presenters: Jackline Peace Nanyonga, Peyton Breidenbach, Abby Lovelace
Mentored by: Dr. Julie Mach
AbstractThere are many existing proteins that have been identified, specifically in the Protein Data Bank, that do not yet have a known function. In the field of biochemistry, our knowledge about organisms with these proteins is limited without knowing their function. The objective of our research is to determine a likely function for the protein 4Q7Q by utilizing multiple bioinformatic and biochemical wet lab experimental approaches. Structural comparison using SPRITE identified several known proteins that have similar structural integrity, which suggests that 4Q7Q may function as an esterase. BLAST’s sequence analysis helped compare and orient our protein within the SGNH/GDSL hydrolase family, which are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds. InterPro also supported this classification by identifying conserved SGNH hydrolase domains within 4Q7Q. FOLDSEEK also revealed structural similarities between 4Q7Q and several lipases and esterases. Based on these results, we hypothesize that protein 4Q7Q functions as a carboxylic ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1). We will continue our wet lab work through purification of our expressed protein as well as enzymatic assays to test for ester hydrolysis activity. So far, our wet lab work has consisted of transformation of cells, expression of our protein, and eventually purification. We have since been able to successful visualize the correct protein size through gel electrophoresis. Our next steps include proposing and carrying out an appropriate reaction to test our hypothesis.
P57. “Proposed Targeted Optimization of Nutritional Intake and Exercise Protocols to Significantly Reduce the Rate of Muscle Atrophy and Bone Mineral Density Loss During Prolonged Exposure to Microgravity.”
Student Presenters: Kyla Nygaard, Braden Jackson, Riham Jameel, Charlotte Dove
Mentored by: Dr. Krys Strand
Abstract Long-duration spaceflight exposes astronauts to microgravity, accelerating skeletal muscle atrophy and bone mineral density (BMD) loss, which threaten mission performance and long-term health. Current countermeasures, primarily resistance exercise and standardized nutrition, mitigate but do not fully prevent these effects. Key gaps remain in optimizing and integrating nutritional strategies and exercise modalities within spacecraft constraints. Hypothesis: Optimized, targeted combinations of nutrition and exercise will significantly reduce muscle atrophy and BMD loss during prolonged microgravity exposure. Proposed Methods: This study synthesizes physiological, nutritional, and aerospace engineering research to identify effective, feasible countermeasures. It will: (1) evaluate nutritional strategies such as protein timing, amino acid supplementation, and optimization of vitamin D and calcium; (2) assess exercise modalities including high-intensity interval training, advanced resistance devices, and vibration-based systems for efficacy and feasibility in spacecraft; (3) analyze engineering and logistical constraints affecting implementation; and (4) propose an integrated, mission-ready protocol. Anticipated Results: The proposed combined strategy is expected to reduce muscle mass loss and BMD decline compared to current International Space Station protocols, improving astronaut health during and after missions. Implications: Findings will support the development of evidence-based nutritional guidelines and exercise regimens that enhance musculoskeletal resilience in microgravity, contributing to safer long-duration missions such as lunar habitation and Mars exploration. By bridging terrestrial biomedical knowledge with spaceflight constraints, this research addresses a critical barrier to sustained human presence in deep space.
P58. “Fungi in Space: Mushroom Cultivation in Extraterrestrial Regolith Simulants for Sustainable Food Systems”
Student Presenters: Rosella Geraci, Jeremiah Stevens, John DeJong
Mentored by: Dr. Krys Strand
AbstractThis study will investigate the feasibility of cultivating nutritionally and cognitively beneficial mushrooms in substrates containing Martian and lunar regolith simulants as a potential component of sustainable food production for long-duration space missions. Although many mushroom species are known for their nutritional value and reported benefits to memory, cognitive function, metabolic health, and gastrointestinal conditions, research examining their growth in extraterrestrial regolith simulants remains limited. This study will test the hypothesis that certain mushroom species can establish mycelial networks and potentially produce fruiting bodies in mixtures of regolith simulant and recycled biological material, contributing to a closed-loop life-support system alongside plant cultivation. Laboratory culturing methods will be used to propagate several types of mushrooms, including Oyster, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps. Mycelium will first be cultured on potato dextrose agar plates and then transplanted into experimental substrates composed of regolith simulant combined with varying ratios of recycled organic material. For Cordyceps, the study will also explore the potential of growth facilitated by spent dubia cockroaches as a renewable organic substrate. We anticipate that Oyster and Lion’s Mane mushrooms will demonstrate the ability to expand mycelial networks across multiple substrate ratios due to their adaptability to diverse substrates, whereas Cordyceps growth may be more limited because of its requirement for highly nutritious substrates or a living host to develop fruiting bodies. The results of this study could help inform future research on fungal food systems for terrestrial applications, long-duration spaceflight, and eventual extraterrestrial missions and settlement.
P59. “Identifying Microbial Keystone Species in High-Salinity Soils”
Student Presenters: Carley Motz, Avery Folsom, Ditam Chakraborty
Mentored by: Dr. Samiran Banerjee
AbstractMicrobial keystone taxa are highly connected members of microbial communities that strongly influence microbiome structure and function, regardless of their abundance across space and time. Identifying these key organisms is important for understanding how microbial communities operate and may allow microbiome functions to be guided towards desired outcomes. High-salinity soils, where excessive salt levels prevent crops from growing, present a major challenge for agriculture. This project aimed to identify key microbial community members in these environments and determine which taxa act as keystone species. This study utilized soils from long-term experimental plots maintained at high salinity (10 dS/m) at the Langdon Research and Extension Center, North Dakota. Individual bacterial cells were isolated using the GALT Prospector and identified through Sanger sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. To investigate community-level interactions, bacterial isolates were combined into synthetic communities and grown in high-salinity liquid media to observe microbial function under salt stress. Previously generated sequencing data from the same soils were analyzed using the SILVA database to provide baseline community composition for comparison with new datasets. Network analysis was used to identify highly connected taxa as potential keystone species. By combining individual isolates with community-level experiments, this study aims to identify microbes that persist in high-salinity soils and may influence soil microbiome function. Anticipated results include the identification of keystone taxa and a better understanding of their role in maintaining microbial community structure and soil resilience under saline conditions.
P60. “Transcriptional Profiling of THP-1-differentiated Macrophages During Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia Infection”
Student Presenters: Gabriella Castro, Seema Mustafa
Mentored by: Dr. Emerson Towey
AbstractSpotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia are tick-borne, intracellular bacteria transmitted to humans through tick blood-feeding capable of causing acute febrile illness. Certain pathogenic SFG species can invade human macrophages, facilitating systemic dissemination and severe disease. Understanding how these bacteria invade and survive within host cells is critical to elucidating their pathogenic mechanisms. This study compares the growth of Rickettsia parkeri, a known human pathogen, to Rickettsia montanensis, a typically non-pathogenic species, in THP-1-derived macrophages. Previous studies suggest that R. montanensis is unable to survive in these cells; however, recent findings indicate survival at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI 100). If R. montanensis can persist in macrophages, it may exploit host cells in a manner similar to pathogenic SFG species. The objective of this study is to characterize the host-cell transcriptional response to rickettsial infection by assessing pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) gene expression in THP-1-derived macrophages infected with R. montanensis or R. parkeri. PIC expression provides insight into macrophage immune activation and the ability to respond to intracellular pathogens. THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages using PMA and subsequently infected with either rickettsial species. DNA and RNA were extracted and analyzed using qPCR and RT-qPCR. Based on prior research, both species are expected to sustain growth in macrophages. We hypothesized that macrophages infected with R. parkeri and R. montanensis will exhibit reduced PIC expression over 24 hours post-infection. Conversely, elevated cytokine expression in R. montanensis-infected cells may reflect an enhanced immune response, potentially explaining its limited pathogenicity in humans.
P61. “Determining Alternative Antibiotic Efficiency in SFG Rickettsia Infections”
Student Presenters: Seema Mustafa
Mentored by: Dr. Emerson Towey
AbstractAntibiotic resistance and efficiency are growing global health concerns, especially for diseases with limited treatment options. For spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia species, doxycycline, a drug with potentially harsh side effects, is the primary treatment. Rickettsia parkeri is a tick-borne, intracellular bacterium in the SFG that can cause mild to moderate illness in humans. It is found to be less virulent than R. rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and R. conorii (Mediterranean spotted fever), allowing it to serve as an optimal model for laboratory studies involving pathogenic SFG rickettsiae. This study uses R. parkeri str. Portsmouth as a model to investigate the effectiveness of alternative antibiotics against SFG rickettsiae. R. parkeri was cultured in Vero (ATCC CCL-81) cells and bacterial growth was monitored at various time intervals. Samples were analyzed using qPCR to measure bacterial growth over time in this host cell line. The study then compares the effect of two antibiotics on rickettsial growth. First, omadacycline was chosen, because it belongs in the tetracycline drug class like doxycycline. The second drug, erythromycin, a macrolide with intracellular activity, was a promising drug alternative for those allergic to tetracyclines drugs. By using R. parkeri as a representative organism, this study aims to provide a foundation in finding treatment options beyond doxycycline and getting ahead of potential antibiotic resistance in often fatal, SFG rickettsial infections. Preliminary results suggest that both antibiotics could be effective replacements for doxycycline in the event of patient allergies or acquired antibiotic resistance within SFG rickettsiae.
P62. “The Expression and Characterization of GMA6_37 and Mbo2_CDS_48 Phage Protein”
Student Presenters: Khoi Pham, Jack Sticha
Mentored by: Dr. Julie Mach
AbstractThe rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents, such as bacteriophages and their lytic enzymes. Thus, the purpose of this research project is to characterize function of two unknown phage proteins, GMA6_37 and Mbo2_CDS_48, taken from the PhageDB. It is hypothesized that these proteins belong to specific class of hydrolases and their catalytic mechanisms can be identified through a combination of bioinformatics tools and AlphaFold structure modelling. The investigative process involved structural prediction of the targeted protein using AlphaFold Server and BLAST, UniProt, HHpred, PBD and Foldseek databases to identify structural homologs to the predicted structure. The predicted structure is then aligned with its structural homolog using ChimeraX and SPRITE to identify a conversed motif. Preliminary computational results suggest that both GMA6_37 and Mbo2_CDS_48 are likely members of the NlpC/P60 domain family (Peptidase Family C40). This domain family is characterized by the DCS motif sequence where a conserved cysteine residue (C) acts as a nucleophile for hydrolyzing peptidoglycan cross-links, serving an important role in bacterial cell wall homeostasis and division. While structural similarities may suggest that these lytic enzymes utilize the same mechanism for breaching through bacterial cell wall, these findings remain speculative. Therefore, to shed light on the functionality of these proteins, protein purification and enzymatic assays are needed to definitively confirm and enzymatic activity and substrate specificity.
P63. “Mathematical Modeling in Epidemiology: Simulating a Measles Outbreak”
Student Presenter: Luke Brendefur
Mentored by: Dr. Julia Walk
AbstractMeasles is a highly infectious virus that can spread rapidly through a population if left unchecked. Modeling the spread of diseases like measles helps us understand transmission rates in populations and predict future outbreaks. We focused on a 2025 measles outbreak in Texas to create a mathematical model, building on the traditional SIR model by including vaccination status. We developed an SVIR model that tracks susceptible, vaccinated, infected, and recovered individuals throughout the outbreak. Using data from the Texas Department of Health Services, we estimated model parameters in Mathematica and demonstrated how the size of the vaccinated population influences the length of the outbreak.
P64. “Human Activity and Urban Wild Turkey Behavior Patterns: Spatial Analysis and Policy Recommendations”
Student Presenters: John Lawrence, Brennan Steele, Linnea French, Christian Hayden, Ryan Kloster
Mentored by: Dr. Jenn Sweatman
AbstractThis study examines the relationship between human activity and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) behavior on and around Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. We used field observations mapped into GIS and student interaction surveys to identify patterns in turkey behavior and movement. Results show that turkeys consistently congregate in open areas with abundant vegetation, areas like the green corridor along the red river and open areas of Concordia’s campus. Throughout the day they will then disperse into the neighborhoods during times of reduced traffic. Survey results indicate that most students on campus have had interactions with the turkeys and have concerns about traffic disruption and cleanliness in regards to their waste. These findings suggest that these turkeys have adapted well to an urban environment. In response to this, we propose a new turkey management strategy involving regulated bow hunting of turkeys within city limits. This is presented as a cost-effective, community driven solution. Overall this research highlights the complex interplay between human society and urban ecology, emphasizing the need for further ecology based policy.
P65. “Relationship Between Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Burrow Condition to Population Size”
Student Presenters: Tierney Stevenson, Caitlin Haasser, Reygan McCanna, Maria Ramstad
Mentored by: Dr. Mike Bush, Dr. Joseph Whittaker
AbstractRichardson’s ground squirrels (RGS, Urocitellus richardsonii) are the largest ground squirrels in northwestern Minnesota prairies and their burrow placement and grooming may have significance regarding population size. Previous research has indicated that ground squirrel burrows are generally placed near visual obstructions. Additionally, the condition of burrows varies over time and use[JW1.1][JW1.2][JW1.3]. Our research sought to determine the significance of burrow attributes and their relationship to population size. We used global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices to plot burrow location data on ArcGIS[JW2.1] field maps. We collected data about vegetation height, thistle presence, hole diameter, opening direction, and hole condition in three sites around Minnesota with previously estimated population sizes of RGS (Site 1: 23 RGS, Site 2: 21 RGS, and Site 3: 14 RGS). Data for 761 holes was collected from the three sites and JMP was used to determine data significance in comparison to population size. Groomed burrow sites were significantly more abundant in site 1 compared to the other sites indicating a relationship between groomed burrow condition and larger population size. The recently abandoned condition was most common in sites 2 and 3 indicating a relationship between abandoned burrows and smaller population size. Among all three sites, old RGS burrows were least common. We found no significance in hole diameter and opening direction. In future work, data from thistle presence and vegetation height can be analyzed as we’ve noted interesting trends that may be biologically significant.
P66. “Assessing Microplastic Presence in the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Tree and Ground Squirrels (Sciuridae) Across Urban and Rural Environments”
Student Presenters: Eleanor Puzzo, Keelyn Wittenberg, Yuden Dorji, Fatima Mohammed, Favziya Rasulova, Mubina Rasule, Sharon Mac-George Nwabi
Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker
AbstractMicroplastics (MPs) are becoming a widespread environmental contaminant with growing implications for wildlife health. The ingestion of MPs has been associated with gastrointestinal blockage, internal abrasions, and altered feeding behavior, potentially reducing nutrient acquisition and overall fitness. Small omnivorous rodents such as squirrels regularly interact with both natural and human modified environments and may therefore be particularly susceptible to microplastic exposure. This study builds directly on previous work in this system that first documented microplastic ingestion in terrestrial squirrels. We examined the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple squirrel species including, Sciurus carolinensis (eastern gray squirrel) and Ictidomys tridecemlineatus (thirteen-lined ground squirrel), collected from both urban and rural environments. Gastrointestinal tracts from salvaged specimens were digested using a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution to remove organic material. The remaining material was then vacuum filtered, and suspected microplastic particles were visually identified and quantified using a dissecting microscope, allowing for the assessment of particle abundance and size. While preliminary observations confirm the presence of microplastics in all examined samples, the number of specimens analyzed was smaller than originally planned. This limited the ability to make definitive conclusions on the presence or absence of microplastics. Building on previous work, this study focuses on refining sample preparation and filtration procedures to improve microplastic recovery and consistency of detection. Future work aims to expand sampling across a greater diversity of squirrel species, locations, and individuals, which will enable a more comprehensive understanding of patterns of microplastic ingestion across terrestrial habitats and the factors influencing exposure risk.
P67. “Presence of Microplastics in the Guts of Gryllus pennsylvanicus Crickets at Concordia College”
Student Presenters: Ashlee Schueller, Megan Greshowak, Gale Klevan Schmitz
Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker, Dr. D. Bryan Bishop
AbstractMicroplastics have become a growing environmental concern because they can be harmful to humans, animals, and ecosystems, yet there has been limited research on their presence in wild terrestrial insects. Our study aims to explore the presence of microplastics in the guts of Gryllus pennsylvanicus (the fall field cricket) at Concordia College campus in Moorhead, Minnesota. Crickets were wild caught and frozen until dissection. They were thawed and then weighed, measured for length and sex determined. The gastrointestinal tract was then removed and placed in a 10% KOH solution for 162 hours, then filtered and examined under a dissecting microscope to determine the presence of microplastics. Fibers were identified as microplastics through the hot needle test. Our results showed a significant presence of microplastics in the guts of Gryllus pennsylvanicus crickets found on Concordia College campus. Further research into identification of microplastics and/or detecting nanoplastics is recommended.
P68. “Prevalence and Polymer Composition of Microplastics in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota”
Student Presenters: Rowan Lindholm, Ella Shinn
Mentored by: Dr. Jenn Sweatman Dr. Graeme R.A. Wyllie
AbstractConcern about microplastic (plastic fragments and fibers <5mm) pollution has grown in recent years due to its large unknown impacts on the environment. This study investigates the prevalence and composition of microplastics in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota. Three water samples were collected in three different potholes within each of four Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), resulting in a total of 36 samples. Samples were filtered alongside a control to account for contamination. Suspected microplastics were identified using a dissecting microscope, and polymer composition was identified using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. A total of 173 suspected microplastics were observed, with 136 particles viable for IR spectroscopy. Overall, microplastics comprised 95.6% of the 136 analyzed particles. The majority of the identified microplastics (91.5%) are suspected to be aged polyethylene (PE) due to exposure to UV light and an oxidative environment. Additional polymers were detected, including polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and nylon. Black was the most common particle color (42.2%), followed by blue and red. Microplastics were detected in every pothole that was sampled, with Knox Slough WMA in Benson County, ND, having the highest microplastic abundance. The majority of the polymers identified are used in very common, single-use products that are prevalent pollutants in the environment. Identifying the sources of these microplastics can support management and mitigation efforts aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics and limiting further contamination of prairie wetland ecosystems.
P69. “Bilingual Salience Priming, Gender, and Theory of Mind”
Student Presenters: Derek Dorsey, Hazel Bring
Mentored by: Dr. Rowena Xia
AbstractThe aim of this study was to further examine the impact of priming bilingual salience, specifically whether it would prompt stronger Theory of Mind (ToM). Six hundred seventy-three (673) bilingual participants were recruited via Prolific. Participants were randomly assigned to write about their bilingual identity or a hobby (control condition). ToM was assessed via the Director Task, a computerized perspective-taking game, and the Independent Reactivity Index scale (IRI), which included 28 questions assessing perspective-taking and empathetic concern. Bilingual background data was collected via the Language and Social Background Questionnaire (LSBQ). Bilingual salience priming was found to be effective given the significant difference found via the manipulation check questions. No significant findings were found for IRI scores or Director Task results based on the different conditions. A secondary analysis assessed the role of gender and its interaction with bilingualism. Based on LSBQ composite factor scores (cfs) and Director Task scores, bilingual men showed improved Director Tasks scores. For LSBQ cfs and IRI scores, the difference between LSBQ-categorized monolinguals and bilinguals was gender-dependent, with bilingual men having better empathetic concern than monolingual men, a pattern not found with the participants that were women.
P70-73. “FRENCH 112: How Work-Based Learning Impacts Career Readiness”
Student Presenters:
P70. Mia Donner, Abigail Guttormson, Dante Novembre, Layne Polen
P71. Emma Swanson, Caden Larson, Aidan O’Shea, Trinity Kirschenmann
P72. Eliza McIntyre, Hank Bell, Lauren Diers, Andrew Annette
P73. Harper Wilson, Merissa Witte, Kinan Khatib, Katie Storbakken
Mentored by: Dr. Rachel Dwyer
AbstractFREN 112 is part of a national grant investigating work-based learning and how a beginning French class can address the NACE Competencies, including communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork, and technology. Employers have identified a number of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that they need new employees to demonstrate and that are often lacking. We wanted to explore if those skills could be developed in a beginning French class through work-based learning. Students in FREN 112 were partnered with Neurolabs conducting market research and product testing throughout the semester. We want to understand how this partnership in FREN 112 helps with career readiness for any major. Students will display and discuss their posters showing elements of their portfolios and preliminary reflections on each of the aforementioned areas.
P74. “Oracle Chamber Music Festival: How a Non-Profit Music Organization Builds Intergenerational, Intercultural, and Interdisciplinary Community While Providing Barrier-Free Music Education”
Student Presenters: Phia Revoir, Caroline Becker, Brady Burss, Taj Baang
Mentored by: Dr. Eduard Teregulov
AbstractFour Concordia Orchestra students—Taj Baang, Caroline Becker, Brady Burss, and Phia Revoir—attended the Oracle Piano Society’s annual Chamber Music Festival. Students participating in the festival lived in community for a week at El Rancho Robles, guided by local community leaders and professional musicians. Beyond cultivating a high level of musical excellence, the format of the festival, faculty mentors, and student participants encourage long-lasting interdisciplinary and intercultural relationships. At the festival, students get the opportunity to learn from community leaders the power music has to bring people from all walks of life together. Students also gain a clear understanding of the importance of barrier-free music education in underserved communities. This presentation will create space for students who attended to share their stories of how this experience has both inspired and impacted their lives.
P75. “Non-Profit Grant Writing: A Creative and Collaborative Internship Experience”
Student Presenter: Phia Revoir
Mentored by: Dr. Leila Zakhirova, Stephanie Carpenter
AbstractGrant writing is a powerful and highly sought after skill within institutions and organizations. During the spring semester of 2025, I worked in collaboration with Wilderness Canoe Base (WCB) a non-profit camp located on the edge of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This experience introduced me to important skills such as grant-seeking and grant-writing. Under mentorship from leaders at WCB as well as grant-writing experts from St. Scholastica and Concordia College, I learned to view grant-seeking and grant-writing less from a institutional, technical field. This presentation explores my transition from viewing grant-seeking as a rigid administrative task to a persuasive, creative act of problem-solving accessible to anyone.
P76. “Generative Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Uniqueness in Writing”
Student Presenter: Megan Noggle
Mentored by: Dr. Aileen Buslig
AbstractThis study focuses on how the use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) may impact users’ writing capabilities. Previous studies have found a comparative depletion in brain activity when using Gen-AI to write essays (Kosmyna et al., 2025), and that a dependence on Gen-AI can lead to the skills it is being relied on for ultimately being unlearned by the user (Budzyń et al., 2025). The purpose of this study is to identify whether these impacts extend to users’ unique writing styles following the immediate use of Gen-AI for creative writing. Participants will write a series of short stories, averaging around 500 words, first on their own, then with the assistance of Gen-AI, and immediately following interactions with Gen-AI. The first and third stories will then be compared to measure changes and categorized by their most prominent elements into distinct writing style categories. It is anticipated that the writing following Gen-AI interaction will be more stylistically similar to Gen-AI writing than writing conducted without any Gen-AI interaction.
P77. “Promageddon: The Dismantling of Prom Culture”
Student Presenter: Liv Wojahn
Mentored by: Dr. Darren Valenta, Dominic Meyers
AbstractThis research examines the culture of high school prom in the United States, focusing on the social, economic, and historical factors that shape the event and contribute to persistent inequality. Prom, a long‑standing tradition, continues to exert significant influence on adolescents and their families. Modern prom culture reinforces rigid gender norms, including expectations surrounding attire and appearance standards that impose substantial financial burdens on families. The research utilizes a cultural interpretive analysis that considers prom’s historical roots, current applications, and alternatives for future inclusive cultural development. Results uncover emerging counter-cultural alternatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and reducing financial burdens, including anti‑prom events (MORP) and community‑based prom closets that provide free formalwear. These results suggest that these alternative practices demonstrate promising pathways for reducing barriers and promoting more inclusive prom experiences.
P78. “‘Is he…you know…
?’: Sexuality- and Gender-Based Emoji Dialects”
Student Presenter: Jordon Perkins
Mentored by: Dr. Aileen Buslig
AbstractWith the expansion of emoji keyboards to include same-sex couples and three gender options, LGBTQ+ people have additional opportunities to express themselves in ways that are explicitly Queer. Though LGBTQ+ people have been noted as speaking differently from their cisgender and heterosexual (cishet) peers since the 1940s (Calder, 2021), researchers have failed to adequately research LGBTQ+ speech patterns online as emoji evolve, and studies on gendered emoji use continue to exclude individuals that live outside of the binary. Through surveying, this study aims to understand how LGBTQ+ people use emoji in their online vocabularies and which emoji are distinctly used by LGBTQ+ people, cishet people, and those of different gender groups. Distinct emoji are emoji used often by one group and rarely by others. Additionally, participants will be surveyed on whether their gender-specified emoji usage (for example 🤦♀️, 🤦♂️, or 🤦aligns with their gender identity. I predict that LGBTQ+ people will show more varied emoji usage across different emoji categories when compared to cishet people, there will be distinct emoji found for each group surveyed, and that most participants will use gender-specified emoji that align with their gender identity. These findings will help researchers better understand the nuances of digital LGBTQ+ communication and more adequately represent the ways different people groups use emoji in their everyday lives.
