The Role of Black Seed Oil (Thymoquinone) on Repetitive Behavior and Neuroinflammation in Spinning Mice

Ashley Biondi, State University of New York at Geneseo

Examining the Impact of Meditation and Music on the Gut Microbiome and Mental Health in College Students

Emelie Brady, Keene State College

Education in Historical Museums

Sarah Briggs, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Food Apartheid in Rochester, New York

Mallory Dixon, State University of New York, Geneseo

Investigating the Influence of Electrolyte Composition in Hydrogen Electrolysis

Eric DuPont, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Digging Deeper: Connecting the Sediment Microbiome to Seagrass Performance

Samuel Elkins, Keene State College

Planetary Geology and the NASA MIRAGE Rover

Treyana Holiday, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

The Importance of Racial Ethnic Socialization in Transracial Adoption

Rose Jeffes, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Ketogenic Diet Effects on Anxiety in Mice

Jana Kamel, Azan Ashcraft, Mary Feck, State University of New York at Geneseo

New Methods for Identifying Important Structures in a Neural Network Model of the Brain

Olivia Kaminske, Keene State College

Building Resilience: Empowering Nursing Students to Thrive Under Pressure

Ashlynn Kuijpers, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Mentor: Carolyn Reid-Brown
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Abstract

Nursing students, while experiencing the typical stresses of college life, face a unique set of stressors including rigorous academic schedules, emotionally demanding clinical rotations, and the pressure of mastering life-saving skills. This presentation explores the critical importance of resilience for nursing students and its role in fostering both personal and professional growth. Drawing on an extensive review of current research and real-world examples, it highlights the psychological and physiological impact of stress on nursing students and its implications for their academic success and long-term career sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based strategies for building resilience, such as cognitive reframing, canine therapy, art and dance interventions, and peer support systems. Special attention will be given to practical applications, including the use of reflective practices during clinical rotations.

Ashlynn Kuijpers is from Catawissa, Pennsylvania and is majoring in nursing. After graduation, she hopes to get a job as a pediatric nurse and possibly do research to improve the care for patients and to strive to enhance the quality of the work life for nurses.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural New Hampshire: A Case Study of the Monadnock Food Alliance’s Mobile Food Community Kitchen and Pop-up Pantry Model

Kate McAvoy, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Margaret Henning
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Abstract

Food insecurity affects nearly 10% of New Hampshire residents. It is not simply about feeling hungry, but about consistent lack of access to enough nutritious food for a healthy life. This study examines efforts in the Monadnock region through programs like the Monadnock Food Alliance and Community Kitchen’s Mobile Food Pantry. These interventions aimed to improve access to nutritious food in four rural towns: Gilsum, Fitzwilliam, Richmond, and Winchester. A study tested the effectiveness of the Mobile Food Pantry. A 25 question survey was given to 79 participants who attended the intervention. The survey covered age, demographics, and experience. Results remained anonymous. Findings show the intervention reduced transportation barriers, focused on older communities and how other resources were difficult to access. Findings support the program’s effectiveness in addressing food insecurity in this rural area, emphasizing importance of community feedback in developing equitable programs.

Kate McAvoy is a senior health science major with a minor in biology and hospital safety. She plans to pursue graduate study in a Physicans Assistant program and work in sports medicine.

College Students’ Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) After An “Autism Intervention”

Melanie Mecca and McKenna Miller, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Mentor: Francis Craig
Abstract

This study examined the changes in attitudes and willingness to work with autistic peers. Students enrolled in Mansfield University classes were given a demographic inventory and multiple assessments evaluating the two variables before and after receiving information on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It was found that when the experimental group was given this information, there were significant changes in attitudes (in both one-on-one and larger groups), with willingness to work with autistic peers improving significantly in larger group settings. This suggests that providing college students with knowledge about autism can improve autistic students’ acceptance and inclusion.

Melanie Mecca is from Horsham, Pennsylvania and is in her second year, majoring in psychology. After graduation, she plans to pursue higher education in a child-focused therapy field.McKenna Miller is from Dundee, New York and is a junior majoring in psychology. After graduation, she plans to pursue higher education in either the field of psychological research or therapy.

The Behavioral Effects of Ketamine in a Planarian Model

Jacob Morren, Ryan Taylor, and Tom Byrne, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Faculty Mentor: Tom Byrne
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Abstract

Planarians are freshwater flatworms that possess many of the same neurotransmitters as vertebrates, and have proven to be susceptible to the effects of many psychoactive substances that affect behavior in humans. Past research suggests negative phototaxis could be a useful model behavior for investigating the behavioral effects of drugs; however, ketamine has not yet been evaluated. Using a within-subject design, we examined the effects of ketamine on negative phototaxis speed in brown planarians by recording their behavior in Petri dishes bisected into dark and light halves. Ketamine produced orderly dose-dependent effects on negative phototaxis speed; however, there was limited evidence that ketamine established a conditioned place preference. Results suggest that planarians are susceptible to ketamine's behavioral effects and function as a cost-effective, flexible model for preclinical evaluations of psychedelic drugs.

Jacob Morren of West Hartford, Connecticut is a psychology major with a concentration in behavioral analysis and a minor in sport coaching. His current plans are to continue doing research in the field of psychology, with plans to attend graduate school after completing his bachelor's degree.

Solar Thermal Storage System for Seasonal Temperature Stabilization in a Greenhouse at SUNY Geneseo’s eGarden

Aidan Nichols, Alex Boucher, and Noah Ofri-Ackman, State University of New York at Geneseo

Faculty Mentor: Stephen Padalino
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Abstract

To extend the growing season into early spring and late fall, a passive solar heating system was developed at SUNY Geneseo’s eGarden. It uses a solar air heater to collect thermal energy during the day, stored in a thermally insulated rock box containing four tons of high-thermal-mass rock with a low packing fraction to promote airflow and heat transfer. Heated air circulates through the rock bed, raising its temperature above 50°C. At night, the system redirects cool greenhouse air through the bed, releasing stored heat to keep temperatures above freezing. This prevents frost damage during transitional months. A network of microcontrollers and sensors monitors temperature gradients and autonomously manages airflow between the collector, storage, and greenhouse. The system provides a sustainable method to stabilize greenhouse temperatures during colder months using accessible materials, reducing reliance on traditional energy and extending the viability of plant production into early spring and late fall.

Aidan Nichols, from Lakeville, New York, is a senior studying applied physics and math who plans to pursue a job in civil engineering while obtaining a master's degree.  
Alex Boucher, from Red Hook, New York, is a senior studying applied physics who wants to pursue a job in mechanical/systems engineering while obtaining a master's degree.
Noah Ofri-Ackman is from Manhattan, New York and is a senior studying applied physics.  Ofri-Ackman plans to attend graduate school and pursue a doctorate.

"If We Don't, Who Will": The New York Abortion Access Fund as a Defender of Reproductive Justice

Tary Santelises, State University of New York at Geneseo

Faculty Mentor: Brenna McCaffrey
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Abstract

Since Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, both of which allowed abortion to be federally protected, there has been a horrifying increase in a lack of access to abortion on all fronts. Due to the mobilization and ongoing work of anti-abortion movements, abortion funds have stepped in to fill the gap and provide access–yet there are still tensions around how this work shows up. This paper argues that by doing the groundwork to destabilize any progress of reproductive rights, anti-abortion movements have created the need for abortion funds which are now defending reproductive justice in this post-Dobbs era. Drawing from ethnographic research in Dr. McCaffrey’s ongoing project, this paper uses interviews of volunteers from the New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) to give a closer look into how an abortion fund is actively defending reproductive justice.

Raised in the Hudson Valley (Middletown), Tary Santelises has always wanted to pursue higher education. Majoring in sociomedical sciences has given a strong background for pursuit of a master's degree in public health.

Glimpses from the Archive: Brothertown Indian Nation

Emma Schafer, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Tom Balcerski
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Abstract

This presentation showcases the collecting and accessioning of materials related to the Brothertown Indian Nation, and how they were made accessible to the public. The Brothertown Indian Nation, officially formed in 1775 by Mohegan preacher Samson Occum, has a rich and vibrant history in Connecticut during the revolution. In the modern day, members of the Brothertown Indian Nation are spread across the country, with the largest population residing in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, following their forced removal from New York state in the 19th-century. With a focus on primary source material from the court case, this collection offers a view of the experiences of Indigenous peoples throughout America’s history. Now housed at the Center for Connecticut Studies at Eastern Connecticut State University, this collection features correspondence from the head litigators on the case, as well as depositions from renowned academics regarding the tribes’ genealogical claims.

Emma Schafer is a senior studying history at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she works in the Archives on campus, and holds the Vice President position in the History Club. Originally from Norwich, Connecticut, she is planning on attending graduate school for library and information science.

Family Reintegration

Sylvie Weiner, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Faculty Mentor: Mihaela Serban
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Abstract

This project highlights the hardships faced by ex-offenders when reintegrating into society. It emphasizes three main challenges which are employment discrimination, relationship strain, and civic disenfranchisement. These main challenges all relate to the deep-rooted social stigmas against ex-offenders. More data on this matter was gathered by executing an auto-ethnographic and interview approach to link personal and lived experiences to this information. A few results of this issue include two-thirds of prisoners released each year will be rearrested within three years and over fifty percent of incarcerated parents never received a visit. Social stigma plays the ultimate role in an ex-offenders attempt to reintegrate successfully. Some recommendations include viewing successful reintegration as a right and 'Ban-The-Box' initiatives should be implemented in order to relieve the challenges an ex-offender faces.

Sylvie Weiner is a senior majoring in law and society with a concentration in social justice. Sylvie is from New Jersey and is working full-time at her current job, but hoping to get a foot in the legal field.

Opinions about the Environmental Dangers of Industrial Air Pollution based on Race and Social Class

Kirsten Yoder, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Mentor: Megumi Omori
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Abstract

The threat of perpetual environmental damage caused by extensive industrial air pollution continues to loom over society. However, those who have the power to make changes and improve the environment are those who suffer the least from industrial air pollution. Race and social class are important predictors of how a person feels about the effects of industrial air pollution on the environment. Lower-class and marginalized communities are more likely to think industrial air pollution is dangerous than middle and upper-class communities. A literature review provided comparisons of the experiences of different racial and socioeconomic communities with regards to industrial air pollution. The General Social Survey Cumulative Data File 1972-2022 was used to complete the research necessary for this study. Lower-class and black individuals are most likely to experience the negative impact of industrial air pollution while upper-class and white neighborhoods are the least likely to.

Kirsten Yoder is from Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania and is majoring in sociology with a criminal justice minor. After graduation, she plans to continue gaining experience in the workforce while pursuing a Master's degree to eventually become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Race and Class Differences in Belief in Hard Work as a Path to Success

Ariya Hansen, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Mentor: Megumi Omori
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Abstract

This study examines how race and social class shape beliefs of whether or not hard work leads to success. Prior sociologists have argued that the ideology of achievement, where success comes solely from effort, does not consider systemic inequality, limited opportunities, and class based differences in resources. The research sought to learn if these differences shape beliefs today. Using the 2022 General Social Survey, responses were reviewed to the “get ahead” question, which asks if success comes from hard work, luck, or both. The findings show beliefs are widely shared, but not universal. White and Black respondents reported almost identical belief in hard work (about 59%), while the “Other” group was more likely to say both matter equally. By class, 65.5% of working class respondents chose hard work, while only 31.6% of upper class respondents did. These findings hint that class differences shape attitudes more strongly than race.[INSERT ABSTRACT OF PRESENTATION]

Ariya Hansen is from Allentown, Pennsylvania and is a third-year student majoring in criminal justice and sociology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a reentry specialist or correctional counselor, supporting incarcerated individuals with court preparation, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.

How Dante's Monarchia Has Influenced Political Discourse

James Pisacane, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Faculty Mentor: Rosetta D'Angelo
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Abstract

Dante Alighieri is one of the most famous philosophers in the history of Western Civilization. Primarily known for his poem The Divine Comedy, Dante’s influence extends far beyond literature. In his book from 1312, Monarchia, Dante writes about what constitutes a legitimate government and what that government should ideally look like. This essay analyzes how Dante’s ideas in "Monarchia" have influenced political discourse over the past 700 years and even up to today. Specifically, this work focuses on Dante’s belief in the separation of church and state and for a universal world government.

James Pisacane is from Oakland, New Jersey and is enrolled as a political science major and Italian minor. After graduation, he hopes to attend law school and become a lawyer.

Understanding the Surrealist works of Serge Geffrard: Hidden Works Coming to Light

Lena Jones, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Maeve Doyle
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Abstract

This presentation explores the surrealist oil paintings by Haitian artist Serge Geffrard, housed in the Eastern Permanent Art Collection. This project highlights the presenter's curatorial process in organizing her first exhibition, which aims to uncover the artist’s identity and story despite his lack of online presence. It examines the early stages of Geffrard’s career at Arc en Ciel, a small and relatively unknown art space for Haitian artists, where he was first introduced to Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí. Connections are drawn between both artists, emphasizing Dalí’s influence on Geffrard’s style and vision. Additionally, insights are shared from correspondence with the artist’s mentors, both in Connecticut and abroad, who provided valuable context about his life and work. This presentation is a platform to recognize an underrepresented artist, bringing greater awareness of the cultural richness within Eastern’s Permanent Art Collection.

Carmelena Jones is an art history major with a minor in psychological sciences, passionate about curatorial studies and studio art. She plans to pursue a Master of Arts degree in curatorial studies or business to further her career in the arts and cultural sector.

Defining the Three Types of Memories in Dystopian Literature

Julia Trainor, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Allison Speicher
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Abstract

This study focuses on the three types of memory found across dystopian literature from the nineteenth century forward: historical, virtual, and personal. Drawing on texts ranging from H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine (1895) to recent novels such as The Circle (2013) by Dave Eggers, I argue that in dystopian texts the role of memory has shifted over time: in older works the dystopian regimes attempt to erase memory; in newer works, to replace it. Although there has been plenty of research regarding dystopian literature throughout the years, scholarship has centered on limning the characteristics of the genre and applying feminist theory. Directing attention to memory within these texts allows us to appreciate the intertextual relationship between novels past, present, and future. Reading these texts in tandem can inspire us to consider how these fictional societies mirror our own.

Julia Trainor is from Oxford, Massachusetts and is studying English and secondary education. As a senior, Julia is the co-president of Sigma Tau Delta and an admissions tour guide; she has future plans to be a high school English teacher.

On (NOT) Growing Up: Maturation and Cyclicality in Musicals Adapted from Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Gabriella Beams, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Allison Speicher
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Abstract

Although scholarship on fairy-tale revision remains extensive, musical theatre adaptations of children’s and young adult literature for adult audiences have received little sustained attention. Drawing on adaptation theory and the structural properties of the musical form, this paper addresses that gap by analyzing works such as Into the Woods, Matilda the Musical, The Outsiders, and Tuck Everlasting. By centering adaptation as creative repetition and foregrounding the impact of reprises and stage conventions, this paper argues that musicals do more than retell childhood stories for a new audience— they represent the passage into adulthood as neither linear nor permanent, thus making the stage into a site of perpetual coming-of-age.

Gabriella Beams is an English major with a concentration in secondary education from Norwich, Connecticut. At Eastern she is the Treasurer of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, a member of Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society for First Generation Students, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Education; her current post graduation plan is to become a high school English teacher.

Crude Consequences: Labor Market Realities in Oil-Sanctioned States

Eva Tartakovsky and Amisha Singh, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Faculty Mentor: Sandipa Bhattacharjee
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Abstract

This paper examines the impact of sanctions on the labor market to discern whether they serve as an effective economic tool in international diplomacy. Through a comparative analysis of three countries that have faced oil sanctions - Russia, Iran, and Venezuela - we explore how these countries sustain their economies under such constraints, assess the macroeconomic health of their labor markets, analyze the political and diplomatic outcomes, and draw on these components to evaluate the implications for citizens’ livelihoods. We conduct data analysis using relevant macroeconomic indicators and evaluate the effects of sanctions through policy responses to comparatively assess the health of these economies. Based on preliminary review, our results suggest that while sanctions have a short-term impact, they are not a sustainable long-term diplomatic solution.

Amisha Singh, of Bogota, New Jersey, is a senior economics major who plans to attend law school after graduation. She is hoping to practice either corporate law or environmental law in the future.
Eva Tartakovsky, of Edgewater, New Jersey, is a senior economics major and a finance minor who plans to attend graduate school after graduation. She hopes to attain a master's degree in either business analytics or economics.

I Can Read All by Myself, I Can Read Without your Help: Analysis of Contemporary Early Reader Books

Savannah Duursema, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Allison Speicher
Abstract

Learning to read is a crucial time in childhood because literacy is the basis for all future learning. Early readers incorporate simple sentences, plot, and images to craft a text that a child can read independently which provides their first opportunity to take in a story without an adult co-reader skewing meaning. Literature scholars, however, have rarely studied these texts, labeling them as stepping-stones to more sophisticated literature. This presentation challenges this oversimplified view, drawing upon a well-vetted sample of early readers. Analysis reveals four major implicit societal assumptions targeted at our young literates: 1) social skills must be taught, 2) children relate and learn best from animal characters, 3) children lack time awareness and a sense of realism, and 4) children don’t want to (learn to) read. Early reader books hold immense power over the young minds that internalize their messages, so they cannot be ignored by scholars anymore.

Savannah Duursema is a senior liberal studies major with a concentration in English and psychology minor from Harwinton, Connecticut. She is planning to pursue a master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Brains in All Shapes: Building Better Classrooms for Neurodiverse Learners

Miranda Frisbee, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Faculty Mentor: Satarupa Dasgupta
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Abstract

This presentation will discuss what is currently going on in undergraduate education specifically for neurodiverse students in need of accommodations. It will show how students are being looked over and not assisted when it comes to their needs in the classroom. Through literary reviews and articles, the research supports how these students feel they are not receiving what they desperately need. Interviews and an online survey were conducted with information supporting how schools need to adjust for the sake of their students. In conclusion, students are all in agreement that they are not getting the accommodations needed to have a successful undergraduate experience.

Miranda Frisbee is a Senior studying global communications and media with an East Asian studies minor.  Prior to attending Ramapo, Miranda received her Associate Degree with Honors at Orange County Community College where she started her research in neurodiverse students and the mental health of students as part of her Capstone project.

Musicians and Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders

Hailey Taylor, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: John Hart
Abstract

About 1 in 500 people suffer from some form of hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). The blanket term “HSD” covers a wide range of severities of one underlying issue - joint hypermobility, and all of the negative effects it can have on someone with this disorder. In this session the main topic of discussion is Hypermobility Spectrum disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and how these disabilities can impact a musician’s daily life and physical capabilities. Mobility aids, accommodations, and inclusivity amongst those who may not be open about their struggles are touched upon, as well as disability awareness in academia. It is important for educators to learn how they can support their students with similar challenges and to teach adaptation and awareness to them and their peers, allowing their students to continue doing what they love.

Hailey Taylor is a junior music performance major from Rochester, New Hampshire. She aspires to pursue graduate study to become a board certified creative arts therapist with a focus in music (MT-BC).

Study of Socio-emotional Behaviors of Preschoolers during Programming

Didismay Yedra Mena, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Sudha Swaminathan
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Abstract

Studies of programming by preschoolers have focused mainly on their academic skills. A few recent studies have suggested that programming could develop socio-emotional competencies in children. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific socio-emotional behaviors demonstrated by preschoolers during programming. Eleven preschoolers, from a lab school, worked in peer groups on four rounds of planned programming sessions with a Beebot. The sessions were video-recorded and later analyzed. The preschoolers demonstrated seven specific socio-emotional behaviors in varying frequency. Predominantly seen were behaviors related to expression of emotions, responding to emotions, self-concept, and trust. Collaboration was positively correlated to regulation of emotions and responding to others’ emotions. Expressing emotions and responding to emotions were found to positively support both self-concept and regulation. The study suggests programming may be a viable activity for strengthening children’s socio-emotional behaviors, offering implications for classroom teachers.

Didismay Yedra Mena is a psychology major, with a concentration in mental health counseling, who was born in Cuba and grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. Their plans after graduation are to continue their academics, further their current research, and continue to help others.

Military Veterans, PTSD, and Pursuing Psychedelics

Corrina Ophelia, State University of New York at Geneseo

Faculty Mentor: Brenna McCaffrey
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Abstract

This research project qualitatively explores veterans’ motivations for seeking out and their perceptions of psychedelics as a healing method through a systematic content analysis, in-depth interviews with veterans, and ethnographic fieldwork. Veterans of the post 9/11 wars often face significant health challenges, including treatment-resistant PTSD, depression, addiction, and more. Many veterans find tremendous value in psychedelic treatments, usually accessing the substances illicitly or out of the country due to strict regulations within the U.S. Due to their unique biopolitical status and cultural positionality, veterans’ use of psychedelics raises interesting questions around healthcare and healing: Why are veterans, who have access to low-cost VA healthcare, seeking out potentially expensive, illicit, and hard-to-access psychedelic treatments? How do they perceive those experiences? These questions are approached by engaging anthropological theory on biopolitics and healing in support of the veteran community, academic psychedelia, and healthcare at large.

Corrina Ophelia, from Rochester, New York, is studying anthropology and is interested in pursuing her research via graduate education in cultural anthropology.

The Birth of Imperialism and the Institution of Orientalism in Japan

Linzhi Lai, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Bradley Camp Davis
Abstract

The colonial expansion of 19th-20th century Europe that produced Orientalist knowledge systems shaped around the categorisation of the Other also emerged through the relatively late, rapid development of Japanese capitalism. Extensive territorial conquest, new methods of organizing science, and the ideology of modernity characterize the Orientalist institutions emerging in the European and Japanese empires. The specific conditions of Japan's transformation into an empire had birthed a distinctively Japanese Orientalism. This research analyses the central role of the categorization of colonial subjects, such as the Aïnu and Korean peoples, in forming Japanese Orientalism. The institution of Orientalism includes the modern fields such as anthropology and archeology, their respective experts and academic institutions, and is ideologically and materially based in colonial expansion. This research will contribute to the existing understanding of Japanese imperialism and the development of Orientalism as a formal institution and central component of a capitalist empire.

Linzhi Lai is a history major from Montville, Connecticut and plans to apply to graduate school in Taiwan or China after graduation. 

Jazz in Japan: Cultural Exchange, Identity, and Anime

Joshua Aziz, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Okon Hwang
Abstract

Jazz in Japan (once branded enemy music) began as an imported genre but quickly adapted to local contexts, shaped by both U.S. cultural influence and Japanese musicians seeking new forms of expression. While this history provides important background, the primary focus of this project is how jazz has been reimagined in Japanese media, particularly anime. Case studies will include Cowboy Bebop (1998), whose jazz-infused soundtrack shaped its global reputation, and Kids on the Slope (2012), which directly depicts jazz performance as a narrative device. These examples allow an exploration of how anime uses jazz both as atmosphere and as a symbol of cultural hybridity. Drawing on scholarship in musicology and media studies, this project will analyze how anime situates jazz as more than a Western import, instead presenting it as an expressive art form that resonates with themes of identity, modernity, and transnational creativity in Japan.

Joshua Aziz is a junior from Fairfield, Connecticut majoring in communications with a concentration in broadcast and journalism and minoring in music. As a saxophonist in Eastern’s jazz band with a personal interest in Japanese culture and modern jazz interpretations through anime and live performance, he is eager to explore the cultural exchange that shaped jazz in Japan; he hopes to go into the field of broadcast journalism.

Accuracy of Disgust Expressions in Parkinson’s Patients and Neurotypical Old Adults

Samantha Goldblatt, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Harlan Fichtenholtz
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Abstract

People with Parkinson's Disease have more difficulty producing spontaneous emotions and the current study is looking at the ability to produce deliberate expressions which require conscious effort. The analysis focuses specifically on the emotion disgust due to its complexity and the broad range of situations it can be evoked in. This was investigated by deliberately making disgust expressions in three contexts (scenario, copied, and posed). It was hypothesized that neurotypical patients would have more intense emotions through the copied context. Disgust intensity was measured through 4 of the 44 action units which are individual facial muscles. The results showed a significant effect on which context produced more disgusted expressions (F (2,50) = 6.94, p=.002), but PD status did not have an effect.

Samantha Goldblatt is a junior who is a double major in Holocaust and genocide studies, and psychology with a minor in addictions. She is from Hopkinton, New Hampshire and plans to hopefully continue her studies through the Holocaust and Genocide graduate program at Keene State College.

The Heart of Keene

Cameron Rockwell, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Taylor Dunne
Abstract

Heart of Keene is a short 16mm documentary focusing on what Keene residents’ favor about their town. The goal for this project was to use film stock to create a tangible product showcasing the smaller wonders of the town. The townsfolk were the first step in the creation of this process: their words were knit together to portray the hidden gems of Keene and a list of subjects and landscapes was curated based on what they shared. This film was created in-camera: shot in order, effects created using features of the camera and camera attachments themselves. When it came to editing, a workprint was favored rather than a digital scan. In a world that has switched nearly entirely to digital, it is important to have a tangible film to edit by hand. Without this film, this unique perspective of the town would never have been known.

Cameron Rockwell is a junior film major from Brookline, New Hampshire. Following graduation, he plans to pursue documentary making.

Global Reach: The Thunderous Voice of Brazilian Funk

Seth Connelly, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Okon Hwang
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Abstract

Funk carioca is known in the US as “Brazilian funk” or “favela funk.” The music was popularized among Rio de Janeiro’s many favelas (broadly: shantytowns), where it is generally referred to simply as “funk.” Funk, unlike American funk, is an eclectic and experimental form of dance-oriented hip-hop that incorporates Afro-Brazilian rhythms in electronic dance. This music culture historically lacks resources and is suppressed. Despite this, modern funk explodes across the internet with unprecedented sounds, dazzling its fans worldwide. Current Ethnomusicological research on funk prioritizes local cultural dynamics in the favelas. This study aims to analyze both scholarly research and online culture through social media to explain the change in the genre from a locality-driven dance culture built on Miami bass sampling, to the sounds of mind-boggling synths that can top charts in Ukraine.

Seth Connelly is a senior from Mansfield Center, Connecticut pursuing a Bachelor of Science in environmental earth science, with a minor in music. His interests revolve around the intersections between arts and sciences both in craft and communication, leading to an interest in experimentality in music genres and music cultures.

"You Matter" - A Musical Reminder We All Need

Bryan Newman, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Faculty Mentor: Brian Cook
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Abstract

"You Matter" is part of on-going research exploring rhythmic duplets and tuplets and polyrhythms, using experimental electronic and hip-hop music collage and manipulation of samples. This musical experiment presentation speaks to how the presenter navigated the world through the lenses of their own mental health, and it is for all who experience emotional turmoil and will hopefully meet them where they are on life’s journey, making a positive impact that they can relate to and carry with them.

Bryan Newman is a music industry & production major, as well as studio art. Newman would like to continue making music and art, and perform in some small venues and display art in local galleries. Newman is also considering graduate school to know more and later be able to teach both music & art as well.

King Fawn

Dylan Marsh, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Taylor Dunne
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Abstract

Tyler, a single father living in the woods of New Hampshire, spends time with his teenage daughter early in the morning before the first day of hunting season. Tyler discovers that after not spending time with his daughter Ava, he doesn’t know her as well as he used to. They spend the day hunting together and in the evening Ava reveals she doesn’t want to go hunting anymore. A 16mm film shot in the woods of New Hampshire, King Fawn is a mediation on the inherently strained relationship between father and daughter.

Dylan Marsh is from Claremont, New Hampshire. Marsh is majoring in Film Studies and after graduation hopes to find a job they don’t hate.

Arch Students Guide

Evan Roberson, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Paul Fowler
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Abstract

This project is a tutorial series designed to address gaps in the standard architecture curriculum, specifically software skills. During the presenter's time in college, peers asked for assistance with design tools they had not been taught in class. This matters as limited exposure with design tools limits creativity in the major. As demand grew, informal guidance had to grow in scale, into this project. To start, professors were consulted to identify essential programs, and peers were surveyed on what they wish they had learned. Next began outlining and recording guides tailored to their needs. These videos include time stamps, allowing students to jump to specific topics. The tutorials sometimes are shared in classes, and serve as references for students seeking to expand their skillset. Instead of meeting with individuals to help them, a link can be shared, making support efficient. This project encourages students to explore tools that enhance creativity.

Evan Roberson is a senior Architecture major from Rochester, New Hampshire. Evan plans to attend a master’s program in Architecture to jumpstart his career in residential architecture.

The Venom Microbiome: Bacterial Diversity in the Scorpion Species Hadrurus arizonensis

Zachary Kelly, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Barbara Murdoch
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Abstract

Scorpion venom contains a multitude of medically relevant compounds. Accordingly, scorpion venom has historically been presumed sterile (lacking bacteria). However, recent discoveries of bacteria in the venom of close relatives of scorpions contradict this assumption. In light of discoveries of bacteria in the venom of other organisms, this study sought to characterize the microbial communities in the venom of Hadrurus arizonensis. We hypothesized that the venom of H. arizonensis would contain a wide array of microbial taxa. Using scorpion venom DNA, our study employed advanced sequencing technology of the 16S gene, a genomic region that distinguishes bacterial taxa. Across our venom samples Pseudomonadota was the most prominent phylum, while more taxonomic variation was found at the genus level. These findings support our hypothesis that bacteria are present within the venom of H. arizonensis and raises the intriguing possibility that bacteria contribute to the scorpion's medically relevant compounds.

Zachary Kelly is a senior majoring in biology with a minor in computer science. He is graduating in December. Zachary has worked tirelessly on this project over the past two semesters and has enjoyed exploring this novel territory and acquiring new skills.

Development of an Online Tool for Biomarker Evaluation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Nathaniel Gauvin, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Garrett Dancik
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Abstract

Gene expression analysis allows us to understand the associations between the genetic and clinical aspects of cancer. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is the most common form of aggressive leukemia in adults and is one of the deadliest, with the average five-year survival rate being ~30%. AML Biomarker Evaluation Tool (AML-BET) is a web application for the analysis of gene expression data in AML. By including gene expression data from nine datasets and over 1,000 patients, AML-BET allows users to perform differential gene expression and survival analyses and return detailed visualizations of the data. AML-BET uses RNA-Seq data normalized using TMM, a highly effective normalization method, distinguishing it from other tools. Current analyses include boxplots for risk , Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Forest Plots for survival. These analyses and visualizations will allow for the discovery and evaluation of candidate biomarkers, which may prompt future research into potential treatments for AML.

Nathaniel Gauvin is an Honors student from Griswold, Connecticut completing a computer science major and bioinformatics minor. His thesis research involves the identification and analysis of gene expression biomarkers in cancer.

Probing Weyl Semimetals with Broadband Spectroscopy

Eranda Serjani, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Faculty Mentor: Catalin Martin
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Abstract

Recently, a new class of promising materials for quantum technologies (quantum computing, spintronics, microwave and terahertz detectors) has been discovered, Dirac semimetals. These are metallic materials, with low carrier (electron) concentrations, but these charges appear hundreds of times lighter than the mass of electrons in usual metals (copper, gold, aluminum, etc.), nearly massless electrons. Weyl semimetals are even more special materials, where these massless (Dirac) charges separate themselves by their spin orientations. They give rise to points in the material that look like magnetic monopoles, something impossible to realize in real magnets, where a north and a south pole are always present together. As promising for applications and as fascinating as Weyl charges are, it is difficult to probe their existence, which is done mostly through indirect measurements. In this talk, we show how we demonstrate their existence in compounds like PrAlSi and PrAlGe, through broadband spectroscopy measurements.

Eranda Serjani is from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, and majoring in physics. After graduation, Eranda plans to pursue a Ph.D. in applied physics.

Magic Cannot Save Us: How Fantasy Storytelling Can Explore Problems of the Modern World

Ian Harrington, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Christopher Torockio
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Abstract

I will read from my Creative Honors Thesis, which is a work-in-progress science-fantasy novel titled Magic Cannot Save Us, and discuss how it tackles contemporary issues in its worldbuilding and storytelling. It is set in a fictional world damaged by climate change. The story follows a middle-aged widower named Remerus who struggles to connect with his children while working to make ends meet. His understanding of his life is shaken when he discovers that his son has the power to manipulate and harness the weather. The worldbuilding features a mixture of modern and semi-futuristic technology and addresses the lack of fictional worlds that closely mirror our world, while the storytelling tackles generational trauma and familial connection. The aim with this story is to fill a niche that is rarely addressed in fantasy literature and to explore how fantasy can reflect contemporary issues and struggles.

Ian Harrington is a student from Cheshire, Connecticut who is currently finishing his Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing; he intends to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science following graduation. At Eastern, he is the Publicity Chair for the Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society as well as a University Honors Scholar. He primarily writes fantasy fiction, though he enjoys experimenting with other genres, and aims to have his novels finished and published.

Phantom: An Exploration of Grief and Joy in Gendered Spaces

Matthew Lewellyn, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Faculty Mentor: Zach Finch
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Abstract

"Phantom: An Exploration of Grief and Joy in Gendered Spaces" is a hybrid piece that engages with multiple literary modes to convey what is happening right now, what it means to exist in spaces of grief and attack as a transgender person in 2025. Focusing primarily on the brutal torture and murder of Sam Nordquist and the Trump administration’s attempt to erase trans existence, as we acknowledge grief, so too must we engage with spaces of joy, self-creation, and survival. "Phantom" explores the intersection of these notions of grief and joy, and ultimately how we move on in the face of them. Justice is how we move on. Joy, it seems, is the reason why.

Matthew Lewellyn is a double major in English and philosophy, originally hailing from Saugerties, New York in the Hudson Valley. Planning on attending graduate school after earning his degree, Matt is hoping to travel and see more of the natural world we live in.

The Shadow of the Cross

Aidan Nelson-Sanger, Keene State College

Faculty Mentor: Emily Robins Sharpe
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Abstract

"The Shadow of the Cross" is a dark fantasy and queer romance short story involving strange symbols and mysterious labyrinths; set in an alternate version of Amherst, MA, it follows college students Annie and Bobbi as they uncover a hidden world below the dark New England woods. The story takes influence from the works of Poe, Lovecraft, Chambers, and King, following in the rich Novanglian Gothic tradition. It is the fourth version of a story which has been in development for over five years and is intended for submission to publications like Fantasy & Science Fiction and Weird Tales, inaugurating a new universe in the horror, fantasy, and science-fiction genres.

Aidan Nelson-Sanger is a junior English major from Northampton, Massachusetts. She plans to pursue a career as a journalist, and her dream is to become an accomplished horror author.

The Ethical Role of AI in Creative Writing 

Sean Crisci, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Stephen Ferruci
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Abstract

This presentation makes an argument based on current scholarship on AI in education. The presenter has also experimented with various AIs to develop a deeper understanding of how AI can assist and detract from the creative process. Finally, a focus group was conducted where participants evaluated two short works of fiction to decide which was written by AI. They all chose the story they considered “worse” as the one written by AI, inspiring the presenter to wonder if readers are averse to AI in creative writing. This paper encourages audience members to contemplate how individuals can ethically use AI for creative content.

Sean Crisci is a senior from New Fairfield, Connecticut studying English and advertising. He has started Nova North Media, an advertising agency designed to help small businesses grow.

Are We Moving Backward? a U.S. History of Silencing Women's Voices

Mya Linsky, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Faculty Mentor: Jenna Sciuto
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Abstract

Throughout US History, the events that occurred to specifically women in this country carry a specific theme: silencing voices. Whether this is through physical violence, unequal opportunity, or erasure in media, we will be able to recognize similar patterns within the modern day, while keeping our voices loud and clear about the change and respect that we deserve.

Mya Linsky is from Norton, Massachusetts and is an English major with a concentration in writing and a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies. After graduation, Linsky hopes to become a writer.

Gendered Struggles for Freedom: The Distinct Narratives of Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass

Jocelyn Simmons, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Mentor: Lynn Pifer
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Abstract

This paper explores the gendered differences of enslaved people's resistance and liberation by comparing the narratives of Harriet Jacobs (Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl) and Frederick Douglass (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave). While both authors express a desire for freedom, their journeys reflect distinct gendered struggles. Jacobs emphasizes the vulnerabilities faced by women, specifically regarding sexual exploitation and motherhood, whereas Douglass shapes his journey through physical resistance and education.

Jocelyn Simmons is from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania and is majoring in secondary education English. After graduation, she hopes to teach high school English, where she can be a role model and an inspiration to kids.

The Motif Audio Collective Research Project

Lauren Greenslet, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Faculty Mentor: Brian Cook
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Abstract

The Motif Audio Collective Research Project centers on researching the barriers to women’s lack of participation within the professional audio industry, specifically in studio spaces. Through interviewing and other qualitative research methods, our findings have informed us as we create research-backed solutions to this issue which we can apply amidst the operation of our new audio-centered student organization, Motif Audio Collective. During this research process, we’ve discovered the ways in which organizational structure, processes, gear, and environment play crucial roles in upholding the inequalities that prevent women from engaging in studio activities. We hope for this project to serve as a ground zero in understanding what proactive steps can be taken for the world of audio to become more equitable and accessible to everyone the industry seeks to currently exclude, not just women, at the collegiate level.

Lauren Greenslet (she/her) is an arts management major with passions relating to both the world of audio engineering and activist pursuits. She’s originally from Chester, Vermont but hopes to relocate to the Philadelphia area after graduation and become involved with their many different music scenes.

Depicting Multitudes: Juan de Pareja and Biracial Representation in Portraiture

Lissie Craig, Eastern Connecticut State University

Faculty Mentor: Maeve Doyle
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Abstract

Portraiture is a means for an artist to express their perception of their subject. Representations of ethnic minorities in art history are not unheard of, but in many Western narratives they’re typically less flattering than their Caucasian counterparts and don’t acknowledge people of multiple backgrounds. As a biracial woman, much of my research is dedicated to the legacies of biracial historical figures; I believe that Baroque painter Juan de Pareja exemplifies biracial representation succinctly. Pareja was born in 1606 in Seville, Spain, and was a revolutionary painter of mixed African and Spanish descent. He spent the first 20 years of his life in captivity to Baroque painter Diego Velasquez. Pareja’s portrait differs greatly from Velasquez’s, which toned down Pareja’s appearance. Using Velasquez’s and Pareja’s paintings as examples, I will explore portraiture of biracial figures and the general erasure of biracial people throughout history.

Elisabeth Craig of Gales Ferry, Connecticut is a senior studying art and communication with a minor in history. She is a journalist for the university's Office of Communication and Marketing, the public relations officer for Eastern's History Club, and volunteers at an animal rescue in her free time.