Location: Birkeland Lounge | Theme: Voices & Representation
C01. “Building a Better Concordia: A Fresh Exercise Facility for a Fresh Start”
Time: 10:30 – 11:10 a.m. | Session Type: Panel
Student Presenter(s): Mason Dahl, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Leopold, Kyla Abrahamson, Brynn Nelson, Lauren Sekely
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
”Abstract”
Our group plans to give a moderated panel speech on the topic of Concordia’s current state of physical exercise facilities and equipment. Through our studies, we have discovered that many students would agree that our current facilities are lacking for collegiate-level athletes as well as regularly-attending students, and some form of improvement is in order. We believe that the best solution to Concordia’s lack of quality indoor physical activity space is to build a new facility on campus. The new facility would increase attraction and enrollment at Concordia, as well as increase attendance and the physical health of all students currently enrolled. Our process for researching this issue involved giving a survey to a representative sample size of Concordia’s overall population, an in-depth compare-and-contrast with other MIAC college facilities, online research with multiple sources pertinent to the topic, and an in-person interview with President Irvine to understand what it would take to create a facility such as this. We presented our findings to our COM 110 Oral Communications class, and it was very well received. We are hoping to present our findings at COSS to spread this information to a wider audience.
Location: ISC 201 | Theme: Food Health & Social Responsibility
C02. “Viral Pathogenic Mechanisms Leading to Stroke after Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in Children”
Time: 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Connor Sturges
Mentored by: Dr. Charles Grose, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
”Abstract”
Viral infections in children are strongly associated with acute ischemic stroke, likely related to inflammatory effects on the coagulation system and vascular endothelium. In this review, we concentrate on a less common infection that may have a unique role in stroke pathogenesis: Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO). We postulate that HZO causes acute ischemic stroke via the following neuropathogenesis. During a bout of Varicella (Chickenpox) in childhood, Varicella-Zoster-Virus (VZV) is carried retrograde from nociceptive fibers in the skin to the Trigeminal Ganglion, where the virus enters latency. Years later, but still in childhood, after a stressful event such as cancer or immunosuppression with corticosteroids, VZV reactivates. Upon reactivation, VZV travels along afferent fibers to the eye – where the virus originated during the earlier Varicella infection – and results in the HZO exanthem. We propose that, upon reactivation, VZV also travels to the cerebral arteries innervated by the Trigeminal Ganglion triggering inflammatory processes. The resultant virus-induced inflammatory process leads to a narrowing of the arterial lumen, eventually resulting in an ischemic stroke. We performed a review of published literature and identified eight cases of childhood arterial ischemic stroke after HZO infection. Of note, two cases occurred in infants who had first acquired VZV infection in utero, after the pregnant mother had an active VZV infection. Therefore, a review of these eight cases provides considerable insight into the relationship between VZV infection, post-Varicella arteriopathy, and subsequent ischemic stroke.
C03. “Utilization of the Crystal Kappa Mutations in HIV Fab Crystallization”
Time: 10:50 – 11:10 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Dustin Traffie
Mentored by: Dr. Ian Wilson, The Scripps Research Institute
”Abstract”
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a disease that was responsible for around 630,000 deaths worldwide in 2022 (“HIV”, 2022). Before one can propose treatments for HIV, knowing what the antibodies responsible for targeting HIV looks like is incredibly important. Various techniques seek to achieve this goal, and one in particular that I utilized over the Summer of 2023 was X-ray crystallography. Here, a protein of interest (HIV antibody protein) is purified and exposed to conditions that enable orderly and structured growth. If the conditions are correct, the proteins will undergo precipitation from their solution and form a crystalline structure. This crystal can then be subjected to direct exposure with beams of X-ray light (at a defined wavelength via an instrument known as a beamline) which yields diffraction patterns that can reveal the structure of our protein of interest. There were various antibody proteins that I purified, crystallized, and obtained diffraction patterns for. The overall goal of experimentation was to obtain clear antibody structures so they could be used in vaccine/drug design, and to answer the question surrounding how to get these antibodies to crystallize better. Obtained results will be spoken about in-depth.
Location: ISC 260 | Theme: Knots & Threads
C04. “Building Healthy Communities with Food Sovereignty and Traditional Ecological Knowledge”
Time: 10:30 – 10:43 a.m. | Session Type: Nano
Student Presenter(s): Lydia Durrett, Amber Eken
Mentored by: Dr. Jenn Sweatman
”Abstract”
Many factors associated with centuries of colonialism have created threatened Indigenous food systems. Today, some of these threats continue to impact the future of food sovereignty and the health of these communities. Indigenous food sovereignty is defined by Elizabeth Hoover and Devon A. Mihesuah as the “rights to land, food, and the ability to control a production system, but also responsibilities to and culturally, ecologically, and spiritually appropriate relationships with elements of those systems.” The path to achieve food sovereignty is influenced by Traditional Ecological Knowledge, or TEK. The National Park Service defines TEK as “the on-going accumulation of knowledge, practice and belief about relationships between living beings in a specific ecosystem that is acquired by indigenous people over hundreds or thousands of years through direct contact with the environment, handed down through generations.” Various health and food justice issues can be addressed by transitioning unjust food systems to those of sovereignty and through TEK to restore connections with culture and the land, thus building healthier communities. Our goal is to propose a workshop on TEK to promote food sovereignty and better equip the White Earth community to be healthy and flourishing. Our investigative process consists of gathering and compiling information from a variety of books, journals, and online resources, but our primary method is to engage with local partners in conversation meant to spur action. This serves a secondary purpose—to create connections across communities, particularly with the White Earth Tribal Nation.
C05. “Building a Website with Multimedia”
Time: 10:43 – 10:56 a.m. | Session Type: Nano
Student Presenter(s): Margaret Rappa, Alyssa Czernek
Mentored by: Erin Hemme-Froslie
”Abstract”
The problem we will be addressing is how to work with multimedia aspects of journalism in the modern world. This is different than simply writing a story for a print newspaper. Our project goal was to take an overarching topic and report on multiple stories within that topic while including photos, videos, audio, and other multimedia aspects. This was done through research and interviews collecting information about the topic. Maggie investigated the topic of small town nursing homes, the benefits they provide to the community, and the struggles they face. Alyssa investigated the topic of who is contributing to and why the rise of entrepreneurship is happening. Our individual presentations will each include our process and methods for idea generation, the struggles, and incorporating multimedia. The end product will include presentations on our individual projects and a walk through of the websites in progress. We will also leave time for Q&A at the end.
C06. “A Mixed Method Study: What Lies Behind the Job Application”
Time: 10:56 – 11:10 a.m. | Session Type: Nano
Student Presenter(s): Rachel Hauschildt
Mentored by: Dr. Indira Neill Hoch
”Abstract”
This research paper developed data concerning communication employment opportunities for liberal arts recent graduates. Two different approaches were used to conduct this research. Through the use of a Content Analysis, 50 different job postings located in the Fargo-Moorhead or Remote job offerings were screened using a specific coding sheet to identify different skill requirements and additional information. Then, over a month, five interviews with local employers reported about job applications, skills, and what it takes to move forward in the application process. The results show very little difference between employer-desired skills from liberal arts and marketable skills. Both the quantitative and qualitative found potential employees to be well-rounded candidates, but no specific skill or quality appeared in the results.
Location: ISC 301 | Theme: Potential & Frustration
C07. “Exploring the Effects of Vivaldi Music Enrichment on Anxiety and Memory in Adult Leopard Zebrafish”
Time: 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Annika Griffith, Jessica Howard, Ian Scheele
Mentored by: Dr. Krys Strand, Harshana DeSilva Feelixge
”Abstract”
The focus of our research is to evaluate whether zebrafish (Danio rerio) respond to environmental enrichment through modulation of behavior. In this study, we exposed adult leopard zebrafish to Vivaldi music and hypothesized that compared to controls, the enriched fish would demonstrate less anxiety in the novel tank test, longer memory in the novel object recognition test, and less erratic swimming behavior overall. We also collected brain tissue from the subjects for future analysis of RNA and proteins. Vivaldi music was delivered to the experimental group of fish using piezoelectric speakers attached to the zebrafish home tanks and was played for eight hours each day for two weeks. Through behavior tracking software, we were able to record time spent in different areas of the tanks, time spent interacting with objects in the tank, and general swimming characteristics. Leopard zebrafish were chosen for their higher baseline level of anxiety, providing more opportunity to detect ameliorating effects of music enrichment; however, our results indicate they may be too anxious to respond to the enrichment. In this presentation, we will discuss our results and plans for future experiments.
C08. “Culturing Neurons from Zebrafish Brain and Spinal Cord: A Student-Centered Tissue Culturing Approach”
Time: 10:50 – 11:10 a.m. | Location: ISC 301 | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Yvette Umutoniwase, Sharleen Mtesa
Mentored by: Harshana De Silva Feelixge, Dr. Krys Strand
”Abstract”
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a widely used animal model in neuroscience, particularly in the identification of neurons and in vivo brain architecture. Our lab developed a tissue culture system for neurons that is focused on undergraduate students, providing them the opportunity to observe and study neuronal development and differentiation in vitro. This system minimizes the need for advanced molecular facilities and allows students to gain experience with animal models, tissue culture, and imaging techniques. We adapted sterile technique for the classroom and developed an efficient system for dissecting the whole adult zebrafish brain and spinal cord. To isolate zebrafish neurons, the whole brain was homogenized with the enzyme collagenase, and spinal cord was homogenized with the enzyme papain. The mixed population of cells were then purified using a gradient to obtain only neurons. Purified neurons were cultured in a serum-free neuronal specific media on adherent glass slides. We observed neurite outgrowth and early neural network formation on brain- and spinal cord-derived neuronal cells as early as Day 1. Neurons continued to differentiate and mature and survived in culture for at least 30 days. We confirmed the identity of neurons in culture with immunofluorescence using neuronal-specific antibodies ZN-12 and MAP2. Additionally, we have successfully integrated this technique in an upper-level neurobiology course.
Location: Morrie Jones A-B | Theme: Community & Environment
C09. “Court Culture: Unveiling the Social Dynamics and Behaviors in the Intermural Basketball League at Concordia College”
Time: 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Benjamin Becker
Mentored by: Dr. Karla Knutson
”Abstract”
This study focuses on the cultural landscape of the intramural basketball league at Concordia College. It will address the significance of understanding the distinct social dynamics and behaviors that come from an informal sports setting. The study aims to identify how the teams communicate, run plays, celebrate, and all the ways it will differ from a formal setting. The study revolves around the behavior and cultural norms within an intramural league in comparison to the formal culture of NCAA basketball. I have been a videographer for NCAA basketball for the past three years and will use my knowledge and experience to compare the two. I am using an observational, non-invasive approach to get the league’s most natural reactions and behaviors. I will remain unnoticed during games in order not to influence behavior. The note taking of the research is being done as an ethnography. I expect to see a more relaxed culture within the league because of its informal setting. With the more relaxed culture, I expect it to be more fun oriented than outcome oriented. It will provide insights on how students play a game they enjoy, without the stress of the outcome, and time commitment a NCAA sport would require. The research done so far has been proving my expectations correct.
C10. “Verticality Old and New: Issues of Class Mobility in West Side Story and Parasite”
Time: 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Reagan Mueller, Kaylee Robinson
Mentored by: Dr. Gregory Carlson
”Abstract”
In an influential essay that first appeared in Film Quarterly in 2006, Kristen Whissel updated a decades-old conversation around verticality in cinema by discussing the ways in which new technology facilitates imagery that comments on issues of power and powerlessness. Whissel’s innovative ideas, which focused on digital special effects, come from discussions of the ways in which filmmaking’s dominant use of horizontally-oriented visuals intersects and interacts with less common – but no less potent – vertically-oriented visuals. While films like The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon guide Whissel’s study, her broader ideas suggest a framework that can be applied to many films that don’t rely on computer-generated imagery. This presentation, which emerged from rhetorical critique and research conducted for the composition of critical analysis essays in COM 139: Appreciating Film, will address visual verticality as a commentary on class and wealth in a pair of Academy Award Best Picture winners representing different genres and different eras: West Side Story (Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, 1961) and Parasite (Joon-ho Bong, 2019).
Location: Morrie Jones C-D | Theme: Power & Reaction
C11. “The Unacknowledged Role of Women in Revitalizing Post-conflict Societies: An analysis of women’s roles in societies of conflict, war, and violent resistance movements”
Time: 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Dana Al Khaldi
Mentored by: Dr. Kenneth Foster
”Abstract”
This research delves into the overlooked yet critical role of women in revitalizing post-conflict societies in the global south. In the aftermath of conflicts, traditional analyses usually focus on economic and political dimensions, neglecting the contributions of women. By examining women’s involvement in economic revitalization, institutional reform, NGO establishment, education, and social cohesion, this study aims to fill the gap in the literature. It challenges the prevailing narrative of portraying women solely as victims, emphasizing their agency and contributions to societal reconstruction. The thesis investigates the question “What is the overlooked role of women in revitalizing post-conflict societies? I will also explore how revitalization was achieved in different conflict regions in an attempt to map the trends of women lead development in the world. By highlighting successful examples of women-led development, the study could offer valuable insights for post-conflict recovery strategies. This research will employ a mixed-method approach, combining archival research with a literature review of existing works that focus on women in development and open-source data for socioeconomic indicators. It will also employ the narrative literature available about women’s experiences and interviews with people from post-conflict societies. The anticipated results allude to an understanding of women’s roles in revitalizing post-conflict societies across various domains in developing countries; by showcasing success stories and statistical indicators. The study aims to challenge existing narratives and inform future post-conflict recovery efforts. The final product will be a research paper presenting findings, recommendations, and implications for policy and possible practices.
C12. “Armies, Battles, Cards, and Dice: Building community through collaborative play”
Time: 10:50 – 11:10 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Parsley Sternhagen, Sarah Mueller
Mentored by: Dr. Karla Knutson
”Abstract”
The presentation will focus on the results of an ethnography conducted on a local game store called Little Big Wars. The store was selected as the subject of the ethnography because over 50% of the stores area is dedicated to table space, where individuals from various communities regularly gather to play all manner of tabletop games. Communities which crop up in game stores are often misunderstood or mis-portrayed within media and our presentation seeks to portray an accurate slice of the community within Little Big Wars. By the time of the presentation, we will have spent over 20 hours observing the an ongoing group of people playing through a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. This group was selected due to the regular pace of their meetings and the diversity in age range of the group, whose participants range from 13 years old to in their mid-60s. The presentation will focus on the various members of the group, as well as the inter-personal relationships they share with one another. Special emphasis will be drawn to the intergenerational habits of the group, such as references being made which only half the group understands, or the older members of the group self-censoring their language. The presentation will also make note of certain policies enacted by the business which have helped to curate space for communities such as these to arise.
Location: Olin 124 | Theme: Controversy & Empathy
C13. “Understanding CRT Predicts Antiracist Attitudes and Commitment to Social Justice”
Time: 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Jaden Link
Mentored by: Dr. Mona Ibrahim
”Abstract”
Critical Race Theory has been widely debated in the U.S. in recent history. Evidence suggests that better understanding of CRT might help decrease prejudice and discrimination (Capper, 2015; Kaerwer, 2023). In our study, we sought to investigate the efficacy of educating undergraduate students about CRT. We hypothesized that CRT education would significantly predict social justice-related beliefs and attitudes in students. Our sample consisted of a group of students in a “Psychology and Culture” course, all of whom received CRT instruction in the course, and a comparison group of students from a subject pool of undergraduates who did not receive CRT instruction. We utilized surveys that were given to both groups at the beginning and at the end of the academic semester. IBM SPSS Statistics was utilized to analyze the data we collected. Independent-samples t-tests were used to compare the CRT group and the comparison group. Paired sample t-tests were used for pre-post analyses. Between-group comparisons indicated that there were significant differences of ethnocultural empathy, understanding of intersectionality, and threat perceptions, among others, at the end of the semester. Moreover, pre-post comparisons indicated that the CRT group reported significant increases in their ethnocultural empathy, understanding of intersectionality, and social justice behavioral control, among others. The comparison group reported less ethnocultural empathy and had no other changes. Our findings suggest that CRT education is a significant predictor of higher levels of ethnocultural empathy and social justice behaviors and attitudes, illuminating its potential utility for reducing racial injustice in the U.S.
C14. “Building Empathy Through Literature: An analysis of Kite Runner”
Time: 10:50 – 11:10 a.m. | Session Type: Classic
Student Presenter(s): Hakima Amiri
Mentored by: Dr. Amy Watkin
”Abstract”
In my presentation I will be presenting my findings regarding the role of literature in cultivating a culture of empathy. In an age of constant flow of information about world affairs all competing for our attention, literature and storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect to the human heart, consciousness and kindness. Empathy itself is a nuanced feeling and many factors affect whether we choose to extend this feeling to others or not. Kite Runner is an example of a literary work that challenged readers to extend their empathy to difficult characters. Through the friendship of Hassan and Amir, Khaled Hossaini both shines light on the prosecution, and continuous oppression of the Hazara people in Afghanistan; and challenges the readers to exercise their empathy skills. Through rough, uncensored and realistic scenery and language he allows the readers to extend empathy to a group of people normally misrepresented in American news. My conclusions regarding the role of literary work as facilitators in cultivating empathy are from in text analysis, primary and secondary source research. As the world moves fast towards a new technological age, it is important to keep some relics of the past such as literature alive.