Faculty Mentor: Lisa Hua
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Abstract

The human body is made up of many different cells that contain genetic material organized into structural units called chromosomes. Chromosomes are made up of DNA that code for functional proteins, and are inherited from each parent. A pair of these chromosomes, one maternal- and one paternal-derived, are called homologous chromosomes. During cell division, homologous chromosomes segregate into opposite sides of the cell. Yet, the mechanism underlying this segregation is unknown. We propose a new mechanism of interchromosomal linkages in which two groups of chromosomes are physically linked together by DNA and proteins, including Topoisomerase II (Topo II). We hypothesize that Topo II protein is present on these linkages, and may function to regulate chromosome organization. Our results will provide a better understanding of how chromosomes are organized in the human cell, and elucidate the mechanisms underlying chromosomal disorders.

Isabella Bibayoff is from Sacramento, California. She is currently an undergraduate applied mathematics major in Dr. Hua’s lab. Her plans after graduation are to go into a math PhD program.

Anthony is from Sonoma County, California. He is currently an undergraduate biology major in Dr. Lisa Hua’s lab. He plans after graduation to reach for a career in the medical field.

Faculty Mentor:  Holly Hatfield and Zach Simpson
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Abstract

This research investigates how Oklahoman voter demographics influence perceptions of voting, and whether viewing voting as a duty to others is a positive predictor of long-term voting habits. To study this, a survey was administered, recruiting participants through gatherings and public spaces, like community centers and local businesses across the state. Survey respondents were invited to participate in three focus groups to gather more data. Survey and focus group data were run through statistical analyses to identify demographic predictors for voting behavior, such as gender, urbanicity, and age. Also studied was the way duty evolved chronologically through key thinkers like Immanuel Kant, to gain insight into questions pertaining to voting and duty. Findings suggest that some demographics do affect voting frequency, and voting for initiatives that benefit others (i.e., voting as a duty) is a strong motivator for voting, compared to individualistic motivators (e.g., increasing one’s wealth).
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Nat Fryhover is a senior Political Science major from Yukon, Oklahoma. After graduating in December, they plan to pursue a Master’s degree and a PhD in Philosophy, hoping to study the contemporary implications of applied political philosophical theories, namely, how foundational ideas like justice, rights, and governance are put into practice in today's world. 

Faculty Mentor:  Lisa Bentley
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Abstract

When it comes to ecology, hands-on learning can have substantial limitations for students due to accessibility issues. This study tested if virtual reality (VR) can increase students’ motivation to learn about field biology without leaving the classroom. Aptitude and attitude surveys were administered to 81 biology undergraduates before and after completing a custom VR activity. These surveys, with 11 closed-ended questions and 2 open-ended questions, tested their understanding, curiosity, and enthusiasm for the subject matter. The data were coded when necessary and then statistically analysed for pre- and post-activity differences. Results showed that students had better understanding and improved critical thinking related to using remote sensing tools to describe a forested ecosystem after completing the activity. These results support the idea that experiential learning is an effective way of understanding complex topics and ideas.
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Claudia Kamiya Shikina was born and raised in Lima, Peru and came to the US last fall to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After graduation, Shikina plans to pursue a master’s degree and focus on conservation ecology.

Faculty Mentor:  Kelsey Benson
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Abstract

This study examines the opportunities and barriers caregivers of young children face when accessing continuing education on trauma-informed parenting practices. Although trauma-informed approaches have been studied within professional and clinical settings, little is known about how families with children under age five engage with these practices. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews with eight caregivers in the Twin Ports area. Thematic analysis identified three main challenges: isolation, lack of awareness of available resources, and barriers such as cost, childcare, and scheduling. Even among a relatively privileged sample, participants reported difficulty prioritizing or accessing supportive programs. Findings suggest that improving caregiver engagement requires intentional outreach, structural supports like childcare and flexible scheduling, and sensitivity to how social class, education, and employment shape access. Future efforts should reduce both tangible and opportunity costs to ensure equitable participation in trauma-informed parenting education.
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Morgan Poettgen is from Cotton, Minnesota and graduated with an associate's of arts degree in 2022 from Mesabi Range College in Virginia, Minnesota. Poettgen is currently pursuing a major in Elementary Education with minors in instruction and special education. After graduation Poettgen hopes to take on a teaching position and eventually attend graduate school for psychology with hopes to take part in creating a program for parental education.

Faculty Mentor: Kelsey Benson
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Abstract

This quantitative correlational study investigates the relationship between technology use and mental health among university students, specifically focusing on social media intensity, psychological mood states, and the use of social AI. The study tests two hypotheses: 1) University students with higher levels of social media usage (intensity) are more likely to use social AI, and 2) University students experiencing high levels of anxiety and/or loneliness are more likely to use social AI. This study employs survey methodology and R-based statistical analysis. Preliminary findings suggest a lower-than-expected current use of social AI among this population, which challenges the emerging narrative that young adults are increasingly using these tools to mitigate social anxiety and loneliness. Next steps include a comprehensive analysis of the reported psychological states and social media use to assess if and how they correlate to social AI use.
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Isabelle Kokona-Dussau is from Redwood City, California and is a student in the Psychology department. After graduation, she intends to continue her studies in clinical psychology at the doctoral level.

Faculty Mentor: Barbara Burke
Abstract

In making our film, we were inspired by dark comedies, taking simple ideas and twisting them in strange, unexpected ways. We loved the challenge of flipping a familiar concept and seeing where it could go. As movie lovers, getting the chance to tell our own story was exciting. From the beginning, we aimed to create something uniquely funny, bizarre, and unpredictable. We threw around tons of wild ideas before landing on one that really clicked with our sense of humor. We also drew from film noir, a genre we’re fascinated by. Its shadowy style blended well with our offbeat tone and helped shape the film’s distinct look and feel. More than anything, we wanted to avoid being predictable. Our goal was to keep the audience guessing, laughing, and curious about what would happen next. It’s that mix of mystery and absurdity that really defines our film.‍

Matteo Schneider is a 3rd year student studying Communication, Media, Rhetoric. Schneider lives in Minneapolis with family and hopes to get into making films after college.

Gabriel Olson is also a 3rd year student studying Communication, Media, Rhetoric and Creative Writing. Olson is from Minneapolis and hopes to make more films after college.

Faculty Mentor: Evan Lintz
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Abstract

This project is investigating the cognitive impacts (e.g., working memory deficits and attentional interference) that may arise from witnessing a racial microaggression—a subtle comment or action conveying racial bias. Two cognitive tasks (one measuring working memory capacity and the other measuring attentional control) will be administered both before and after our manipulation, a short video clip containing a racial microaggression directed at someone of the participant's ethnic group. Analyses will test the statistical significance of the plausible pre and post-test differences between these assessments. These analyses are hypothesized to provide evidence to support the plausible interference within cognitive processes—processes central to learning—that may arise within Hispanic students witnessing a racial microaggression. This project is in a data collection phase and formal analyses will be conducted in Spring 2026.‍

Ezra De La Cruz is from Visalia, California. De La Cruz is a double major in psychology and economics with intentions of pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology to fulfill goals of working as a faculty member and a clinician.

Faculty Mentor: John Sullins
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Abstract

In what ways does social media simultaneously connect and divide the generations that grew up/are growing up with screened hand-held devices? This question is posed 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, a fascinating dichotomy was discovered. 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.‍
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Colette Cadeaux is from Napa, California and is majoring in philosophy and English. After graduating Cadeaux will be going to graduate school to get a PhD in philosophy.

Faculty Mentor: Andrew Geyer
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Abstract

"All But Complete" is a short story written by Antonio Donaldson. The story is a dark, fairy tale-inspired story that explores the obsession of perfection. "All But Complete" is written from the point of view of a monster called the "Mimic" that murders and masquerades as a college student named Noah. However, Noah's friends arrive unexpectedly and the Mimic must cover up any evidence of Noah's death. "All But Complete" is a story that aims to teach the reader a lesson about perfection and identity through a creature that learns from their own shortcomings.
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Antonio Donaldson is a junior Applied Computer Science major with a concentration in Cybersecurity and minor in Theatre and Creative Writing. Antonio Donaldson is from Columbia, South Carolina, with plans to pursue Cybersecurity certificates while developing his passions into creative ventures.

Faculty Mentor: Tiffany Willoughby-Herard
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Abstract

This project analyzes the structural failure of U.S. constitutional law (14th, 4th, 1st Amendments) to protect Black personhood. Drawing on Spillers, El-Weheliye, and Pinto, it argues the system operates not under Habeas Corpus, but Habeas Viscus (You shall have the flesh), defining the body as a "fleshly surplus" and site of sovereign seizure (e.g., the Baartman and Adrianas cases). The paper synthesizes this theory with the "compulsory poetic labor" of transnational Black Feminist Literacies, analyzing works by writers including Molebatsi, Putuma, and Felix. This literary project is a Post-Spillers' Epistemology that asserts corporeal re-possession and the sovereign right to a full human experience as the only valid counter-mandate to systemic violence. The goal is to move the subject from the structural condition of "flesh" to a complex, self-legislated "person."‍
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From Los Angeles, California, Cydney Harris is completing an undergraduate degree in American Multicultural Studies (AMCS) with a concentration in Africana Studies. Following graduation, Harris plans to enter an English master’s program, continuing their research on Black Feminist Literacies and critical theory.

Faculty Mentor: Lisa Hua
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Abstract

A non-sex cell contains two copies of each chromosome, one from each parent. These homologous chromosomes in human cells separate to opposite sides of the cell. This organization may function to prevent abnormal exchange of genetic material, which has been linked to genomic instability. To test whether other mammalian models also maintain this spatial segregation of homologous chromosomes, we selected mouse fibroblast cells, as mice share approximately 90% genetic similarity to humans. The spatial segregation of chromosomes 17, X and Y in mouse cells were previously established, suggesting a shared chromosome organization pattern among mice and humans. Our preliminary data of mouse homologous chromosomes show a lack of spatial segregation of chromosomes 1, 2, 17, 19, and X. These results suggest that spatial segregation may be lost. These findings will determine whether spatial segregation is conserved in mice, providing new information on mouse model usage in human biology.‍
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Shelby Giannamore and Omoefe Odiase are currently studying Molecular Cell Biology at Sonoma State University. After graduation, Shelby will be pursuing a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology. Omoefe plans on joining the medical field as a physician.

Faculty Mentor: Dylan G. Fischer
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Abstract

Investigating how understory plants in upland old-growth forests respond to burial by woody debris, this work focused on the potential advantage of clonal reproduction. Research was conducted in four subalpine forest sites near Mount St. Helens, using data from 2020 and 2025 to analyze changes in plant cover relative to woody debris. Regression analysis was applied to the most common species. Results show that clonal species dominate these communities (89% of analyzed species). Notably, 14 of 16 widespread species exhibited no statistically significant negative response to increased woody debris cover. This suggests that the understory plant communities in these old-growth forests are largely resilient to this form of disturbance. Further, historical selection pressures from woody debris burial may have pre-adapted these communities, particularly clonal species, facilitating their recovery from other disturbances like volcanic eruptions and highlighting the role of old-growth forests as disturbance refugia.‍
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Gates Marshall is a senior at The Evergreen State College in Tumwater, Washington, focusing on applied biology, chemistry and ecology.  Gates is currently applying to PhD positions and hopes to continue natural systems research with an eventual interest in teaching.

Faculty Mentor: Roya Salek Shahrezaie
Abstract

The Sonoma State University Energy Dashboard Project aims to increase student awareness of campus energy consumption through a data-driven platform. The central purpose of the project is to transform raw energy data, from meters, into meaningful visualizations accessible to the SSU community. The methodology integrates a complete pipeline: automated data retrieval from an FTP server, preprocessing and sanitization of CSV files, normalization of units into kilowatt-hours, and storage in a MySQL database. A web-based dashboard, developed using Dash and Plotly, presents dynamic graphs and map-based building comparisons, enabling users to explore energy usage by building, type, and time period. Results include a functioning dashboard with daily automated updates, unified energy data, and modular, well-documented code for project continuity. Future work will expand features through predictive analytics, gamification, and additional sustainability metrics, providing a scalable foundation for long-term CSU energy awareness initiatives.‍
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Tadhg Cahill is from Sonoma County, California and is getting a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Post-graduation, Cahill hopes to work in the private sector in software development but eventually pursue a master's degree in Computer Science to further research opportunities.