Metamorphosis

Opinions About How Dangerous Industrial Air Pollution is to the Environment Based on Social Class and Race

Kirsten A. Yoder

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Megumi Omori

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

Environmental issues are typically ignored by society when the issue does not concern upper classes. Industrial air pollution continues to significantly negatively impact the environment and continues to be ignored. Industrial air pollution mosteffects the lower-class communities who experience proximity emission burdens from close contact with polluting industrial facilities. Those who are frequently exposed to industrial air pollutants suffer from an increased risk of severe health conditions and higher mortality rates. This paper conducts a literature review and utilizes the General Social Survey to examine respondent opinions about how dangerous industrial air pollution is to the environment,specifically for the years 2000, 2010, and 2018. The independent variables consisted of respondent reported race and social class and the dependent variable was respondent opinion consisting of extremely dangerous, very dangerous, somewhat dangerous, not very dangerous, and not dangerous at all.Results found that the year 2018 showed the most racial disparity with Blackmore concerned than White, but when examining all years there was not a large racial disparity. There was a large difference between social classes with lower-class the most concerned and upper-class the least concerned. One implication that could be reported is the larger sample size of White respondents than Black; however, this is not concerning due to the fact that there are more White people in the U.S. than Black. The data shows that a person’s social class and race are impactful in their opinion about how dangerous industrial air pollution is to the environment.

Keywords: Social Class, Race, Industrial Polluting Facility, Facility Emission Burden, Poverty

Family Reintegration

Sylvie Weiner

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mihaela Serban and Dr. Sanghamitra Padhy

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Abstract

This study examines the social and structural barriers experienced by ex-incarcerated individuals when attempting to reintegrate into society. The study emphasizes how social stigma and institutional discrimination shape one’s post release outcomes. The study uses an autoethnographic method grounded in qualitative research, drawing first-hand family experiences,including the incarceration and reentry of my father. The literature review and methodology both demonstrate how stigma is perpetuated through employment and housing discrimination,relationship strain, limited access to federal benefits, and media portrayals that criminalize rather than humanize. The auto-ethnography also proves the psychological and relational toll on both the incarcerated individual and their family. It emphasizes how affordable communication would have eased the strain and damage. Key findings indicate that stable employment, accessible communication, and family connection significantly reduce recidivism, yet current systems remain structurally unsupportive. Policy recommendations suggest that Ban-The-Box hiring reforms, federal housing and welfare accessibility, prison education, and improved communication should be implemented. This research finally argues that reintegration should be seen and treated as a right rather than a privilege. There should be guaranteed access to fair opportunities and resources for an individual's successful reintegration.

Keywords: reintegration, social stigma, incarceration, auto-ethnography, institutional discrimination

Terror Management Theory and Mononormativity: A Deeper Look into Perceptions of Bisexuality

Tea Smith and Brisa Ibarra

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Brian L. Burke

Fort Lewis College

Abstract

Terror Management Theory (TMT) posits that much of human behavior can be explained by our need overcome our fear of dying or find a way to become symbolically immortal. TMT shows that death reminders force people to behave in ways that show their allegiance to their culture (Solomon et al., 2015). In our modern world, there is a cultural construct around feelings toward bisexuality (Vonlanthen & Roy-Charland,2025; Morganroth et al., 2022). The present research aims to study feelings towardbisexuals from heterosexual participants under the realm of TMT. We used dating-app style profiles and manipulated sexualities to determine if a death reminder would affect participants’ feelings toward bisexual profiles. We found that a death reminder minimized feelings of bi-negativity for male but not female participants. For females, a death reminder reduced their attractiveness toward straight control profiles. This studyholds importance in providing information on bisexuality, which is underrepresented in academic research, as well as creating an avenue for further TMT research on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Keywords: terror management theory, death anxiety, bisexuality, LGBTQ

Quantifying Tree Structural Attributes using Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Geometric Modeling in an Urban University

Elizabeth Elkins

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kashif Mahmud

Midwestern State University

Abstract

Quantifying the amount of carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems improves the monitoring of tree above-ground biomass (AGB). Several studies have recently revealed that terrestrial Light Detection And Ranging(LiDAR) remote sensing technology is a more accurate alternative to estimating tree AGB. These advancements in LiDAR make it possible to create three-dimensional (3D) models of individual trees on a centimeter scale. Algorithms have been developed that create a volume reconstruction of a LiDAR point cloud which can be used to calculate AGB in a non-destructive way compared to current forestry practices. Tree point clouds were collected within Midwestern State University campus and analyzed with tree segmentation and modeling algorithms. Model-derived diameter at breast height (DBH) estimates had an R-squared of 0.95 when compared to field data. This project evaluated the accuracy of high-resolution LiDAR data and the state-of-the-art digital tree segmentation algorithms to quantify the aboveground tree volume, hence AGB of North Texas tree species.

Keywords: AGB, LiDAR, QSM, urban, trees

Social Media and Categorization: The Emergence of “Performative Males”

Colette Cadeaux

Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Sullins III

Sonoma State University

Abstract

In what ways does social media simultaneously connect and divide the generations that grew up/are growing up with screened hand-held devices? I pose this question in relation to the term “performative male,” which was introduced in 2025 and has been circulating on social media platforms since its emergence. After interviewing several people on campus at Sonoma State University, reading articles, and analyzing videos of people’s reactions to the new term, I discovered a fascinating dichotomy. In the popularization of “performative males” by comedic means, patriarchal society reinforces the gender binary. The term operates by blurring the line between masculine-coded and feminine-coded characteristics in an effort to further the divide, yet it consequently opens the door for increased freedom of expression.