Location: Morrie Jones A-B
C01. “Investigating Chitosan-Alginate Bioplastics as a Pharmaceutical Delivery System”
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Aitor Burillo Arellano, Dawson Fleck
Mentored by: Dr. Graeme Wyllie
Abstract
Bioplastics are plastics derived from biological materials, an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuel or natural gas derived plastics. Our lab focuses on bioplastics made from two polysaccharides: chitosan, which is derived from crustacean, and insect shells, and alginate, which naturally occurs in brown algae. These chitosan-alginate bioplastics have been used in the general chemistry teaching lab at Concordia College since 2018. Our project built upon this work and looked at investigating these bioplastics as a potential pharmaceutical delivery system, particularly for acetaminophen (a common analgesic) and benzocaine (a commercially available anesthetic). We studied the incorporation of these drugs into our bioplastics and then their release into various solutions and at varying concentrations over a range of times. This study aimed to increase our understanding of these potential drug delivery systems, as well as developing new pedagogy for the General Chemistry Lab.
C02. “Effect of Vivaldi Music Enrichment on Anxiety-Like Behavior and Memory in Adult Leopard and Striped Zebrafish”
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Riham Jameel, Fenley Grumann, Jackline Peace Nanyonga
Mentored by: Dr. Krys Strand, Harshana DeSilva Feelixge
Abstract
Our research focused on evaluating whether wildtype striped and leopard zebrafish (Danio rerio) respond to auditory environmental enrichment with differential behavior. We exposed male and female striped and leopard zebrafish to Vivaldi music for eight hours daily over two weeks. We hypothesized that enriched fish would exhibit reduced anxiety in the novel tank test, enhanced memory in the novel object recognition test, and less erratic swimming compared to controls. Leopard zebrafish, known for higher baseline anxiety, served as a comparison group. Behavior was assessed using EthoVision XT 17.5 with deep learning, tracking movement and time spent in user-defined zones. The novel tank test measured time spent at the bottom, while the novel object recognition test assessed preference for a novel object over a familiar one after one- and six-minute retention intervals. We used trapezoid-shaped tanks and multicolored Lego objects for testing. Following behavioral assessments, brain tissue was harvested and preserved in Allprotect Tissue Reagent (QIAGEN) for future gene expression analyses. Our study will compare movement, novel tank exploration, and object recognition pre- and post-enrichment between wildtype and leopard zebrafish as well as discuss future directions.
Location: Morrie Jones C-D
C03. “No, I Don’t Know my Real Parents: An Autoethnographic study about the manifestation of adoption stigma”
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Ayden Schauer
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
Adoption stigma remains a persistent social issue, affecting the identities, relationships, and emotional well-being of adoptees. In this study, I have explored how adoption stigma manifests in an adopted child through an autoethnographic approach. By self-reflecting, journaling, and hyper-analyzing firsthand experiences, this research examines the internal and external perception of adoption and its psychological effects. By using sociological and psychological frameworks, I have researched existing literature on adoption stigma, adoptive family dynamics, and identity development. My findings highlight the nuanced ways in which stigma is experienced, including microaggressions, internalized stigma, and relational tensions within adoptive families and broader social contexts. This study aims to contribute to the discourse on adoption by offering an introspective account of my lived experiences with this discourse, emphasizing the need for a more profound societal change in perceptions of adoption and adoptees.
C04. “Born Evil: Ideological Rhetoric within Dungeons and Dragon’s Fantasy Orcs”
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Parsley Sternhagen
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
Fantasy orcs as they stand in the current culture grapple with a long history of racist and colonialist attitudes central to their concept. Within the tabletop roleplaying game of Dungeons and Dragons, work is being done in the most recent edition to “rehabilitate” orcs away from their racist roots. This project delves into the long-standing myth of the “warrior race” which gave validity to the state violence enforced towards indigenous populations as a necessary part of the colonization process. The presentation uses an ideological framework of rhetorical analysis to examine the ways in which the mechanics, text blurbs, and artwork throughout the various editions of Dungeons and Dragons have used the fantasy orc to support these racist concepts, as well as the ways the game’s creators have tried to rectify this past.
Location: Olin 124
C05. “Box It, Don’t Toss it: Sustainable Dining Solutions”
10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Panel
Student Presenter(s): Molly Lysne, Kennedy Jorgensen, Jocelyn Brown, Daniella Ray, Stephanie Boulka
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
Our panel strives to educate the Concordia community about sustainability concerns and reducing food waste at Concordia College. Food waste is becoming more of a problem everywhere. While we cannot fix sustainability issues across the world, we can do our best to address the problem here. Additionally, Concordia students have long been asking for an option to take food out of Anderson Commons for many reasons, such as allergies, dietary restrictions, and time constraints. By introducing reusable takeout containers in Anderson Commons, we are simultaneously addressing students’ desires for takeout options while reducing food waste. Our research process consisted of studying the effects of food waste on the planet and analyzing the sustainability efforts of other colleges and universities in the area to compare with Concordia. We ultimately took inspiration from successful green efforts, such as the O2GO container programs implemented at other institutions. We also conducted interviews with the associate director of Concordia Dining Services, Jason Giffey, as well as various students at other ecological colleges. By utilizing our research on sustainability and food programs, we hope to fulfill students’ desires for takeout meals while continuing to limit food waste. By implementing our ideas, we believe that Concordia will become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, further supporting the Lutheran ideals that we so proudly stand by.
Location: Integrated Science Center 201
C06. “My Mental Health Journey: How different mental health activities helped my mood throughout the week”
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Tommie Treptau, Kylee James
Mentored by: Dominic Meyers
Abstract
Mental health affects so many different types of people. Popular discourse has led to widespread access to beneficial actives and healthy coping mechanisms, particularly for folks in the Midwest who uniquely struggle with seasonal affective disorder. This study investigates different self-care activities and the internal alterations toward self-concept and other intrapersonal communication concepts. Utilizing auto-ethnographic methods, data will be collected from me participating in these activities and seeing how multiple intrapersonal facets are altered by the activity. During these activities, I expect to find that the mindless activities, like crafts, will be most helpful and help keep my mind off the negative thoughts about my motivation and if I am doing enough. Implications broaden the discussion surrounding the individuality of mental health coping mechanisms.
C07. “Drive Me to Doggy Daycare: Stand-up Comedy’s Impact on Suicidality Discourse”
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Saige Mattson, Olivia Slyter
Mentored by: Dr. Darren Valenta
Abstract
The potential for laughter exists in even the darkest of places. Many stand-up comedians specialize in drawing mirth from misery, offering relief and perspective in a turn of phrase or sharply honed anecdote. While most comedians offer catharsis in some way, few possess the necessary wit, precision, and talent to draw laughter from discussions of suicidality. Mental health and suicide are prevalent topics in today’s society, and the ways in which they are discussed hold immense societal weight. As a potential component of larger, more sustained mental health and anti-suicide advocacy, media representations of suicidality must avoid contributing to suicide contagion, “an increase in suicide and suicidal behaviors as a result of the exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior in one’s family, peer group, or through media reports” (Walling 104). The World Health Organization (WHO) has published criteria that demonstrate how to responsibly engage in discourse surrounding suicide. In this essay, we argue stand-up comedians have a significant impact on the discourse about suicidality because of the unique intimacy and vulnerability of their artform by applying the WHO’s media guidelines for preventing suicide contagion to the work of five prominent comedians—Maria Bamford, Patton Oswalt, Taylor Tomlinson, Nikki Glaser, and George Carlin.
Location: Integrated Science Center 260
C08. “Interaction and Interconnectedness: Social and Musical Elements in Participatory Musics”
10:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Panel
Student Presenter(s): Carter Egesdal Aaron Kess Ellie Chang
Mentored by: Dr. Jeff Meyer
Abstract
This project seeks to explore both musical interactions–that which is embedded in the music itself and its performance–and the social aspects of the interaction in three participatory musics. The Shona Mbira from Zimbabwe, Javanese (Solonese style) Gamelan, and American Old-time music. Each of these musics possess certain qualities that make them rewarding for those involved. These qualities are both aural, which can include interlocking rhythms; and relational, where participants feel a sense of accomplishment, creating something that could not be done without the other members. Each music was studied first in its cultural context, and how it would be performed. This included learning the different notation systems, and the role each part or instrument fulfilled. Following the study of performance practice came learning how to play the instruments of these different musics. Different resources were used to learn the instruments such as readings, and video demonstrations. Our study found that musical interaction happens verbally and non-verbally through a set of systems. For these systems to function, the players must be flexible as to adjust in the moment, perceptive to the cues and signals of the group, and knowledgeable about the rules and traditions of the music. This presentation is a lecture recital that combines the performance of the Mbria with a presentation about the elements of Mbira music, and interactive systems in participatory musics.
Location: Integrated Science Center 301
C09. “Is Climate Conflict Inevitable in Central Asia? Insights from the Past Thirty Years”
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Alina Sokolova, Tony Berndt
Mentored by: Dr. Leila Zakhirova
Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to Central Asia, a region home to the former Soviet states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Situated in already hot and arid region, Central Asian states face significant economic, social, and political challenges. Apart from the energy-rich Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, increased heat extremes and declining precipitation are likely to destabilize the region that houses 83 million people, most of whom rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. This study examines the conflict potential of the Central Asian states based on changing climatic conditions that will make survival challenging by the middle of this century. We argue that the probability of conflict will be greater in countries that are more impacted by global warming but are less prepared to cope with its challenges. Drawing on both quantitative data and regional case studies, this article provides a more comprehensive approach to evaluating the region’s vulnerability and preparedness for the impacts of climate change and associated risks and consequences.
C10. “Reduce, Reuse, Reality Check – Recycling Isn’t Enough!”
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Crisavy Seeman
Mentored by: Bree Langemo
Abstract
Overconsumption and waste significantly impact environmental sustainability, economic stability, and personal well-being. Driven by consumer behavior influenced by aggressive marketing, convenience, e-commerce growth, and cultural norms, these practices perpetuate environmental degradation and resource depletion, necessitating urgent shifts toward sustainable consumption. This project explores how consumer attitudes and behaviors at Concordia College and within the broader community contribute to overconsumption, with a focus on identifying effective strategies to prioritize reducing and reusing over recycling. The research hypothesizes that convenience significantly influences sustainable decision-making and that targeted educational interventions and behavioral incentives can effectively foster more responsible consumer practices. Through surveys, focus groups, and economic analyses, the project investigates perceptions toward sustainability practices, the role of convenience in sustainable decision-making, economic benefits of reducing and reusing, and the cultural factors influencing college students’ consumption habits. It also explores effective community engagement methods and scalability to replicate successful practices on other campuses or in neighboring communities. Ultimately, this research demonstrates that strategic, community-focused interventions can effectively reduce overconsumption, promote mindful consumer habits, and facilitate the transition toward a more sustainable, economically efficient, and environmentally conscious community.
Location: Integrated Science Center 338
C11. “Through Woven Mist: The Nuanced Eroticism of Utamaro’s ‘Mother Nursing Baby under Mosquito Net’”
10:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Hannah Sleath
Mentored by: Dr. Susan Lee
Abstract
Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1753–1806) was a prolific Ukiyo-e (“images of the floating world”) artist whose work helped define early modern Edo-period aesthetics. Among his many portrayals of women in daily life, “Mother Nursing Baby under Mosquito Net” (c. 1794-5) exemplifies Utamaro’s depictions of mothers and their children. Following in the tradition of Bijin-ga (“images of beautiful people), a sub-genre of Ukiyo-e, his detailed and sensual depictions of everyday women drove his rise to fame; be became known as a popular designer of prints and master observer of the erotic. Through an analysis of the use of fabrics, voyeurism, and the presence of the nursed baby, I argue that Utamaro uses these sensuous elements to heighten the eroticism of his works, while not necessarily sexualizing these ancillary elements. Despite the ostensibly tender subject matter, this print has an undeniable erotic element that is often overlooked in the analysis of these Utamaro works. Drawing on the scholarship of Julie Nelson Davis and Timon Screech, this analysis seeks to highlight how Utamaro explores the bounds of sexuality and sensuality outside the lascivious, demonstrating the breadth of sensuality in Japanese woodblock prints.
C12. “Nourishing Babies, Asserting Strength: The Nursing Body as Art in the Works of Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876-1907) and Catherine Opie (b. 1961)”
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | Classic
Student Presenter(s): Lydia Repnow
Mentored by: Dr. Susan Lee
Abstract
While the mother and child motif inundates the Western art canon, few paintings prior to the twentieth century challenged the refined portrayals of the breastfeeding body. German Expressionist painter Paula Modersohn Becker (1876-1907) was among the first to render breastfeeding mothers with substance and palpability. Through comparative feminist analysis, this paper investigates portrayals of motherhood, womanhood, and identity in Modersohn-Becker’s Kneeling Mother with Child at Her Breast (1906) and American documentary photographer Catherine Opie’s Self-Portrait/Nursing (2004). Inspired by scholar Rainer Stamm’s distinction between the body as subject and the body as medium, I argue that Modersohn-Becker and Opie use the breastfeeding body as a medium to assert strength and reflect the complexities of motherhood. This paper interrogates the relationship between the works of Modersohn-Becker and Opie to suggest that themes of weight and presence, stamina and servitude, and mortality and transience both reflect and refute the canonized mother and child motif to demonstrate strength. Examples of these themes include motherly bodies depicted with thick brushstrokes, unlikely breastfeeding positions, and scars that symbolize the passage of time. Together, Modersohn-Becker and Opie not only use these elements to elevate the imagery of the breastfeeding body as a figure to be celebrated and revered but centrally utilize this body as the primary medium of their creative artmaking.