Knowledge in the Making
Academic Symposium
MBU Inauguration 2024
October 18, 2024
2-3:30 p.m.
Opening Session
Francis Auditorium, 2 p.m.
Dr. Paul Menzer, Provost Welcome
Dr. Sarah McCadden, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“NeuroWellness: OTD and DPT Students Interprofessional Collaboration to Support Wellness for Adults with Neurologic Conditions in the Community”
This short presentation will explore the NeuroWellness program associated with the Staunton YMCA in collaboration with the Murphy Deming OTD and DPT students. The presentation will include examples of the neurologic community client population and activities graduate students engage in with the participants during the Fall semester. Additionally, the interprofessional activities and assignments embedded in the experience will be shared as well as current research that is exploring the program's impact on both OT and PT students' perception of self-efficacy in Interprofessional Care Core Competencies.
Dr. Joseph Sprangel, Business, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Finding Our Way Together: Putting Human Back Into Humanity”
While humanism does not rely on supernatural beliefs, humanist commitments, including altruism, critical thinking, empathy, environmentalism, and humility, resonate with those who believe in human rights virtues. Humans naturally desire to do good for others and crave the opportunity to exist in an environment that allows all stakeholders to do well financially while generating positive environmental and social impacts. Developing a framework where individuals and organizations embrace humanist commitments leads to a more just world
Dr. Rebecca Haberman, Biology, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Resilience in Aging: What Aging Rats Can Tell Us About Keeping Memory Sharp”
This talk will describe an ongoing research project funded by Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund that examines brain circuits involved in memory formation. Memory circuit activity in the brain is different in old rats relative to young, but research on how these circuits change over the lifespan is sparse. Student researchers, along with Dr Haberman, created a rat behavioral set up and trained over 40 rats of different ages and sexes on a memory task designed to activate specific brain circuits. Over the next year students will continue the research by examining the brains of these rats to evaluate what neurons are activated at different ages.
Breakout Rooms, Session A
Interdisciplinary Social Justice
Francis Auditorium, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Lora Cantwell, Social Work, Palmer College of Professional Studies
Dr. Paige Reed, Criminal Justice, Palmer College of Professional Studies
Nana Araba Agyekum, Undergraduate, Social Work, Palmer College of Professional Studies
Hannah Hall, Undergraduate, Criminal Justice, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Interdisciplinary Pedagogy: Bridging Criminal Justice and Social Work through Innovative Classroom Approaches”
In an ever-changing employment market, knowing how to work effectively with other disciplines is a sought-after skill. This session will provide information on how two programs, Social Work and Criminal Justice, used innovative pedagogy to teach students the power of interdisciplinary work. The anchor of this endeavor was the development of a new cross-listed course that included a week-long trip to New York City and connection with alumni
Caroline Motley, Undergraduate, Political Science, Gold College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Laura Showalter, Political Science, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Local Government Apprenticeship Program”
Caroline's internship this summer highlights the type of projects we are coordinating through the City Manager's office for students to gain hands-on experience in city departments working on micro projects.
Prof. Molly Seremet, Theatre and Shakespeare & Performance, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Angels in America: The Great (Collaborative) Work”
How does a production especially a production with as much immediate relevance as Kushner's Angels in America change when so many members of the campus community are involved? In this presentation, I'll approach an answer to this question by exploring the multi-year creative and scholarly process that undergirds MBU Theatre's production of Kushner's astonishing play. In particular, I'll trace the trajectory of this title from its spark in the classroom in THEA 116 and its development through research and focused class engagement in THEA 395 and THEA 210. I'll then detail how classroom collaboration of this scale fuels artistic choices in the rehearsal process, and examine THEA 375's ongoing collaboration with the play's dramaturgy and unpacking the play’s social political resonance with the audience in real-time during the production's run.
Building and Sustaining Community
Pearce 301, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Peter Kirwan, Shakespeare and Performance, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“(Grass)Root and (Tree)Branch: Building Community in the Early Modern Ensemble Training Model”
This presentation introduces the work of Treehouse Shakespeare Ensemble, MBU's MFA cohort for 2022–23. The company's work sought to both consolidate and produce communities of both identity and location within Staunton, in ways that challenge some of the traditional assumptions concerning community theatre and student theatre. This paper aims to briefly introduce some of the unique potential of the grassroots theatre training model.
Dr. Katherine Low, Religious Studies, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
Isis Hurdle, Undergraduate, Psychology and Religious Studies, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Preparing Our Students for Religious Diversity with Pluralism”
According to the national study called IDEALS, the collegiate experience must prepare students to be successful leaders in a religiously diverse society. How do we help prepare students at Mary Baldwin for leadership in a multifaith world? With the Quest program in place at Mary Baldwin and data from INSPIRES index, we discuss religious pluralism as an active principle for supporting multifaith presence on college campuses. We will share both curricular and co-curricular initiatives and plans for interfaith engagement, learning, and celebration at Mary Baldwin.
Shane Woods, Undergraduate, Education Leaders Learning Collective, Palmer College of Professional Studies
Bethany Racette, Undergraduate, Education Leaders Learning Collective, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Educating, Leading, and Learning: A Community of Future Educators at MBU”
The Education Leaders Learning Collective is a group of like-minded students set on career paths in education. The group is unique to Mary Baldwin
University and serves as a hub for some of the School of Education's finest students. Members complete 20 co-curricular hours a semester (usually in local classrooms), receive many different professional development opportunities, and network with current educators and their peers
Teaching Methods and Tools
Pearce 216, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Abby Wightman, Anthropology, Gold College of Arts and Sciences, Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
“The Stories We Tell: Collaboration in Research and Teaching”
In this short session, I would like to highlight collaborative ethnography as a model that guides my community-engaged academic research as well as my classroom teaching I will describe my most recent collaborative research with the Blue Ridge Heritage Project and how I have transferred this model to my classes, particularly for an honors course I taught in Spring 2020 (yes, the pandemic spring). I hope that folks will learn: 1) the value of collaborative ethnography as a model for collaborative learning and research; and 2) that their own disciplinary concepts and methodologies can be transferred to the classroom in innovative and fun ways.
Dr. Megan Bailes, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“AI - No, the sky is not falling! Why AI is not as scary as you think and how to use it in the classroom”
The rapid pace of AI development can be both intimidating and exciting, especially in an environment where academic integrity and original thought are essential. We know that many of our students are already using AI in their coursework As faculty, it is our role to understand how to harness the benefits of AI, educate about its downsides and biases, and provide guidelines for acceptable use. This presentation will provide a brief overview of how AI can be used for faculty (developing assignments, rubrics, brainstorming, data analysis, research support, modifying learning content for different thinkers/abilities, etc.) and students (brainstorming, writing clarity, creative work). Additionally, it will include the AI Honor Code created by the OTD
Class of 2026 and Dr. Bailes, which addresses the ethical use of AI in the classroom.
Sara Wash, Graduate Student, Physical Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Valerie Cecil, Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Community Practicum”
In recent years, much has been written in clinical and academic journals about the need for interdisciplinary practitioners, researchers, and academics Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences opened its doors 10 years ago with a main tenet being interdisciplinary education to advance the practitioner, the field, and, most importantly, patient and community care. Community Practicum is a required interdisciplinary course at Murphy Deming that is unique among physical and occupational therapy programs. Two current students will present about their experiences in this class, knowledge learned, hopes as they progress a project, and what their experience might mean for their futures.
Identity in Arts and Education
Pearce 105, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Adam Fajardo, English, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Poetics of Hip Hop: Culturally Responsive Teaching at MBU”
What I really want to highlight in this presentation is our amazing students and MBU's openness to innovative teaching methods, especially those that serve traditionally marginalized populations. I'll discuss how I incorporated aspects of hip hop culture into the class experience. The class also was heavily digital, with a robust Canvas course that included embedded playlists. I'm revamping the class from a May Term course to a full semester class, which will run again in Spring ‘25.
Analise Toone, Undergraduate, Theatre, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Whe, God-A-Mercy Captain: Using Language to Identify New Performance Opportunities”
“Why, God-A-Mercy captain!” is Hellena’s response to Willmore’s marriage proposal most readers will find in their copies of The Rover by Aphra Behn. A closer look at this line will reveal a one letter change: “whe.” In this presentation, I will display how this small change and other binary breaking language can support queer theory in performance.
Sophia Maxwell, Undergraduate, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted
Adiba Tojimirzaeva, Undergraduate, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted “Radical Acceleration and Gifted Needs”
Our research presentation will be focusing on gifted education, with an emphasis on the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted at Mary Baldwin University. We will be going over what we have been doing for our research project so far, including interviews with current students as well as alumni, and our draft articles. We will be dwelling on the applicability of the research project in improving the field of radical acceleration.
Science and Healthcare
Pearce 401, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Michael Welsch, Kinesiology, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“The Importance of Kinesiology in ‘Shaping’ Precision Medicine”
The “one-size-fits-all” treatment approach in health care is becoming obsolete, and replaced with precision medicine, an innovative approach that accounts for individual differences in patients’ genes, environments, and lifestyles. The next generations of health care providers must move beyond traditional reactive medicine, towards proactive healthcare and treat disease in a new way, interpreting information from across sources that blur the traditional boundaries of individual specialties. Given physical inactivity is a major underlying cause of at least 35 non-communicable diseases and results in ~12% of aggregate health care expenditures in the U.S. according to the CDC, the Department of Kinesiology (exercise and health science) is providing innovative learning opportunities to ensure its students are prepared to enter healthcare during a time of rapid change. Examples of theory-to-practice learning opportunities with an emphasis of understanding genes, environment, and lifestyles interactions will be presented.
Dr. Maria Craig, Chemistry, Gold College
of Arts and Sciences
“Undergraduate Students Apply the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technique Used in Medical Diagnostics and Cancer Research”
In both research and teaching, I engage students by emphasizing the potential of biochemical research for elucidating disease processes in the pursuit of new therapies. My research group studies the LL-37 peptide that detects molecular patterns indicative of infection or cancer and assists in removal of infected or cancerous cells. Over the last few years, my research students have chosen to investigate treatments with the potential to turn up LL-37 production in a relevant immune cell type. Drawing on the work of two students, I have adapted these projects into a course-based undergraduate research (CURE) module for my Biochemistry II lab course. In this module, students apply the real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique used frequently in medical diagnostics and cancer research.
Dr. Shelia Talbott, Nursing, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Evaluating NP Residency Programs: Competency, Confidence, Productivity, and Satisfaction”
New nurse practitioners (NPs) graduate with strong theoretical knowledge and clinical training but may feel unprepared for the complexities of real-world patient care. Transitioning to practice involves a steep learning curve in clinical decision-making, time management, and system navigation. Post-graduate residency programs are crucial for bridging this gap, offering the support needed to build confidence and competence. This project examines the implementation of a post-graduate NP residency program at a federally qualified health center in Central Virginia and its impact on clinical competency, self-esteem, productivity, and job satisfaction compared to traditionally onboarded NPs.
Inclusion and Engagement
Virtual, 2:40 p.m.
Dr. Kathryn Glodowski, Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Partnering with Practitioners to Support Ethical ABA Services”
The diagnosis rate of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has increased over the last several decades, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment to improve communication and other adaptive skills for those with ASD. Historically, ABA services were primarily provided within the context of academic scholarship, with grant funding, or via private pay by families. Within the last decade, ABA services became coverable by most medical insurance providers for those with ASD, which led to a drastic increase in newly established ABA organizations operated by those with business or finance backgrounds. Although this model allows for better meeting the demand for ABA services with those with ASD, many behavior analysts are concerned about the quality (and ethicality) of ABA services in these organizations. This presentation reviews a collaborative project in which I helped establish an ethics network at an ABA organization in Pennsylvania to help ensure quality ABA services.
Dr. Veronica Howard, Applied Behavior Analysis, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Promoting Student Inclusion with a ‘Welcome’ Survey”
This presentation will cover a brief intake survey used for students in the presenter's graduate-level online Applied Behavior Analysis courses. The intake survey helps identify elements of student information essential for building an inclusive learning environment, including: preferred name, personal pronouns and transparency about pronoun use, access to course materials, self-reported fluency in skills required for online coursework, time commitment for coursework, working and caregiving status, primary language used in the home, personal disability status, and more. Using this information, the instructor proactively reaches out to students to facilitate connection to campus resources that can provide support (including the Office of Student Accessibility). Additional information about the survey instrument and follow-up outreach will be provided as samples; selected student feedback will be highlighted to demonstrate the value of this approach.
Dr. Andrew Baldwin, Physical Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Doctor of Physical Therapy Student Engagement During Clinical Experiences Using an Online Interactive Platform”
Encouraging communication and collaboration amongst students while out on clinical rotations is an integral part of the learning experience and may help to reduce the feeling of social isolation. This presentation compares Yellowdig, an online platform, with a social media-like flare, to traditional discussion boards. Student posts and initial surveys of student perceptions of using this tool are provided and related to the underlying research that looks to explain the potential negative effects of social isolation on healthcare students. Connecting with classmates online while away from campus is a way for students to strengthen relationships, problem-solve, share common experiences and learn new strategies to succeed in a more dynamic manner while potentially supporting student mental well-being and help programs track accreditation standards.
Breakout
Rooms, Session B
International Outreach, Health Advocacy
Francis Auditorium, 3:10 p.m.
Prof. Doreen Bechol, Shakespeare & Performance, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
Fawzia Istrabadi, Alum, Shakespeare & Performance, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“What’s in a Name?: Arabic Shakespeare Project's Adaptation of Romeo and Juliet”
Join S&P professor, Doreen Bechtol and alum and founding member of Arabic Shakespeare Project, Fawzia Istrabadi, as they share their experience of performing WHAT'S IN A NAME, at the historic Estates Theatre in Prague, produced by Prague Shakespeare Company. Performed by an all-Arab cast, this Arabic / English adaptation features three actors embodying the iconic role of Juliet as she explores her relationship with her mother as well as with Romeo.
Learn about this exciting new company's work as they celebrate and amplify the voices of Arab artists, while also highlighting the beauty of the Arabic language alongside Shakespeare's original text.
Dr. Brenci Patiño, Spanish, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“May Term in Oaxaca: A Journey Beyond Borders Through Language and Culture”
This presentation discusses the process of setting up a short-term May Term course abroad and how the students benefit from it. The presentation will address the course's approach to teaching language and culture in Mexico as well as the logistical challenges and opportunities More importantly, this brief presentation will examine the students' knowledge acquired through the process of living and studying abroad.
Dr. Krissy Egan, English, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“My Distant Patients: Women’s Health Advocacy in Mary Gove Nichols”
Living during a time when allopathy was dominated by white men, Mary Gove Nichols’ writing demonstrates how women – as patients and as practitioners –often turned to alternative medicine (like the water cure) and needed alternative pathways to become healthcare practitioners (like self-education). Access to these alternative pathways was through reading and writing, demonstrating the intersection between health and the humanities. Gove Nichols used writing to diagnose and treat her “distant patients,” to educate women about their bodies, to train women to become their own practitioners, and to recruit and advocate for female physicians.
Teagan McKay, Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, and Rebecca Allison, Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Enhancing Independence: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Foster Care Transition”
Foster children face a multitude of challenges that can impede occupational engagement and well-being. Despite existing transition programs, poor communication and inadequate caregiver training hinder foster youth support. The integration of OT into transition programs can significantly improve life skills and independence for this population.
Privilege in Literature and Life
Pearce 301, 3:10 p.m.
Dr. Katherine Turner, English, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Poetry Makes Things Happen”
Jane Austen's favorite poet was William Cowper, one of the earliest voices in the British anti-slavery movement. His poems against slavery influenced her own subtle anti-slavery stance in her mature novel, Mansfield Park. Cowper later became a much-quoted inspiration for the American abolitionist movement. This network of connections offers ways of thinking about literary influence and the power of literature to effect political change
Dr. Amy Tillerson-Brown, History, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Hidden in Plain Sight: Black Domestic Workers at Mary Baldwin”
Black domestic workers played significant and often unappreciated roles in the formation and development of colleges and universities in Virginia. Their presence served as a constant reminder of the racial hierarchies and inequalities that permeated American society, even at institutions of higher learning aimed to advance knowledge and moral philosophy. While exemplifying stereotypical notions of the dutiful Black servant wholly committed to addressing the needs and whims of their employers, Black domestic workers at Augusta Female Seminary (1842-1895), Mary Baldwin Seminary (1895-1923), and Mary Baldwin College (1923-2016) crafted lives and identities outside of the institution that challenged prevailing notions of Black people as passive and in constant desire of White approval.
Julia Sommer, Graduate Student, Shakespeare & Performance, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
"He talks at random: Navigating Theatrical Privilege via Locus and Platea in Henry VI”
After performing in Shakespeare's Henry VI Part 1 in my first year of the program, I was left with questions about how direct address functions in that and other early history plays in Shakespeare's canon Through the course of writing my thesis, I discovered trends in how characters engage in direct
address in the Henry VI plays, and generated a theory about the ways direct address reflects a character's relationship to hierarchical power. As I continue to work with my theory during my MFA year, I intend to test the theory and further my research about the dramaturgical function of direct address
Students in Science
Pearce 216, 3:10 p.m.
Olivia Egan, Graduate Student, Physician Assistant Program, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Elise LaFramboise, Graduate Student, Physician Assistant Program, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Julia Shreve, Graduate Student, Physician Assistant Program, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Hannah Williamson, Graduate Student, Physician Assistant Program, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Can you Eye-dentify the Pathology?”
The presentation will demonstrate how point-of-care ultrasound can be used to identify medical problems of the eye in conjunction with the physical examination of the eye. Students will demonstrate the use of the ultrasound machines on the eye and discuss the application to patient scenarios in identifying the anatomy and pathology of the eye
Thalia Paiz, Undergraduate, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, Biology, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Transferable Skills and the Use of Androgen Receptor Targeting Treatments in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer”
This presentation will discuss the impact of Mary Baldwin's Program for the Exceptionally Gifted on my research trajectory, highlighting the transferrable skills, including cell culture experience, that I have gained. I will discuss the connections between my Mary Baldwin education, my ongoing research at the University of Colorado, and my thesis research. My thesis project will contribute to the continuous development of effective therapies for triple-negative breast cancer by providing a side-by-side comparison of two androgen-receptor-targeting treatments commonly used in prostate cancer.
This study relates to cancer research as a whole by demonstrating that the androgen receptor may be a useful therapeutic target in other androgen-receptor-positive cancers.
Gretchen Lutz, Undergraduate, Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, Biology, Mary Baldwin College for Women
“Implications of Cerebellar Lobar and Lobular Activation on Memory Performance”
The presentation will explore the relationship between activation levels in various cerebellar lobes and lobules and their impact on memory function. It will highlight recent research findings that suggest the cerebellum, traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a significant role in cognitive functions such as memory and learning. By examining the activation of specific cerebellar regions in response to a memory cue test, the study aims to provide new insights into the broader cognitive role of the cerebellum. This research could shift current perceptions of cerebellar function and contribute to a deeper understanding of neurological processes involved in memory.
Scholarship in Support Pearce 105, 3:10 p.m.
Dr. Stephanie Sebolt, Education, Palmer College of Professional Studies
“Mindfulness for Emerging Adults”
According to a national survey, 72% of students experience moderate to severe psychological distress. Studies show that mindfulness can address this distress by cultivating confidence and compassion. I have noticed increased levels of stress and anxiety among my students and am dedicated to examining ways to support them. I am currently enrolled in a program through MIEA (Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults) to become a certified MIEA mindfulness teacher. This semester I will be offering two four week Intro to Mindfulness courses to interested students to equip them with skills to manage their stress and anxiety and pay attention to their present-moment experience with an attitude of kindness and compassionate curiosity
Dr. Marty Fontenot, Physical Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Do DPT Students Experience Physiological and Psychological Changes During Their Didactic Years?”
Are we practicing what we preach? As "movement specialists" are our students following the expertise & advice they will be handing out to patients? We followed a PT cohort for 2 years to find out!
Dr. Lisa Burns, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Marypat McCombs, Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Supporting Occupational Performance During Menopause”
This is a faculty-student scholarly collaboration exploring the role of Occupational Therapy in addressing the myriad needs of women transitioning through the complex phases of menopause. Little is written in Occupational Therapy literature about this often 'taboo' topic, even though its effects on life roles, daily activities, and overall short and long term health quality is staggering.
Savannah Richey, Graduate Student, Nurse Anesthesia, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Darby Bagshaw, Graduate Student, Nurse Anesthesia, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Danielle Shepherd, Graduate Student, Nurse Anesthesia, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Perioperative Communication: Handover of Care Cognitive Aid and Simulation for Nurse Anesthesia Residents”
Handover of care is the verbal exchange of critical patient information from one provider to the next. 80% of serious medical errors are related to handover of care. Omission of vital details during this critical time can lead to adverse patient outcomes 8% of medical and nurse anesthesia programs have formal education related to the handover of care. Our focus will be on early-career education related to post-anesthesia handover of care for NARs.
Health in Mind and Body
Pearce 401, 3:10 p.m.
Dr. Brooke Lieske, Physical Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Rachel Church, Simulation Coordinator, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
"Simulating Success: Building Better PTs through Immersive Learning"
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program integrates simulation throughout the curriculum to enhance student learning and prepare them for real-world clinical challenges. In the Foundations of PT Practice (PTH 705) course, students engage in simulation-based scavenger hunts, allowing them to practice procedural tasks such as managing hospital beds, obtaining vitals, and handling lines and tubes in medically complex settings. They work in small groups, honing their body mechanics and safety awareness while guided by proctors. In PTH 831: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Management, simulations are designed to improve students' competence in acute care settings, focusing on quick evaluations, patient safety, and collaborative screening and management of red-flag conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and DVT”s. These immersive experiences support student success by providing hands-on practice in a controlled, realistic environment.
Caroline Quigley, Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Mental Health Promotion in College Athletics”
When athletes are expected to perform physically, their mental well-being tends to get put on the back burner. With the extreme pressure and additional stressors negatively impacting their mental health, collegiate-level athletes are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Occupational therapy takes a unique perspective and lens to focus on building the individuals’ habits and routines to support their overall mental health.
Jordan Carroll, Undergraduate Student, Psychology, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“The Effect of L Theanine on Recreational Substance Use Prediction”
The study aims to find a more affordable method of substance use disorder prevention using a common item found at grocery stores. An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine increases dopamine and may decrease dopamine sensitivity if consumed frequently, therefore decreasing the risk of addictive behaviors and decrease the frequency of psychoactive substance cravings.
Sonnets, Shakespeare, and Assessment
Virtual, 3:10 p.m.
Dr. Jennifer Hancock, Clinical Anatomist, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
“Using Hot Spot Questions to Enhance Learning in the Anatomy Lab”
Hot spot questions in Canvas are created by uploading an image and outlining a structure on the image. Then, the questions are automatically graded within the platform. Pre-laboratory assignments utilized hot spot questions, requiring students to identify anatomical structures on images. To support this, video recordings of the instructor identifying all the structures on the same images were also provided. Exam performance between different years will be compared to evaluate the impact of these resources on student outcomes.
Travis Giovanne Henneghan, Undergraduate, English, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“Sonnets for a Lifetime”
My project's topic is my sonnets which I based on ten of Shakespeare's sonnets. Through studying Shakespeare's work I was able to learn and utilize the sonnet form to compose my own. This project highlights how it's possible to learn and eventually master a poetic form that's dreaded by some for its difficulty I aspire to show how making sonnets is not only possible but how easy and rewarding it is to make your own.
Timothy Henneghan, Undergraduate, English, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
“The Manipulation of Man: Masculinity in Macbeth”
My presentation questions the ideal type of masculinity and I use Shakespeare’s Macbeth to show the strengths and weaknesses of masculinity In the story, Macbeth is told by witches he’s going to be king and his wife, Lady Macbeth, convinces her husband to kill their ruler, King Duncan; Macbeth becomes overwhelmed by guilt and grief for the murder of the king and eventually dies alongside his wife at the end of the story. Though fictional, I think it’s imperative to understand how easily a weak-minded man can destroy his family and home.
Symposium Subcommittee
Dr. Kerry Cooke, Theatre, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott, Chief Diversity Officer
Dr Allison Ellington, Occupational Therapy, Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
Dr. Lise Keiter, Music, Gold College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Mary Clay Thomas, Social Work, Palmer College of Professional Studies
Special thanks to:
Andrew Knight, Dr. Paul Menzer, Dr. Rachel Potter, Dr. Paul Deeble, Reid Oeschlin and MBU OIT, and all of the subcommitte’s student helpers