2021 Live Presentations
2021 VIRTUAL STUDENT CONFERENCE
LIVE PRESENTATIONS
FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021
9:30 A.M. - 4 P.M.
PRESENTED THROUGH ZOOM
Each presentation will be 20 minutes long with 10 minutes for Q&A following each presenter.
JOIN ZOOM MEETING
Meeting ID: 867 8477 9424
Passcode: 990414
To call in, find your local number.
LIVE PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
9:30 - 10 a.m.
Toni Boling
How an Ecocentric Environmental Ethic Can Change Our World
Moderated by Dr. Erin Hollenbaugh
Abstract: For most of human history, we have placed ourselves at the center of the world. This human-centered view is the foundation of the anthropocentric perspective and dictates how we relate to the world around us. This, however, has resulted in historical mismanagement and lack of understanding of our place within the natural world and our ability to disrupt it. The repercussions of this perspective have been severe ecological imbalance and short-sighted solutions because human interests were often the single priority. Instead, a holistic approach is presented to solve these significant environmental issues that utilizes and incorporates an ecocentric perspective shift with regard to nature, connects nature and social issues that is rooted in hierarchy and domination, and exploring new governance structures that encourages more cooperative conservation that links economic action, community well-being, and citizen engagement. Dynamic solutions that consider the multidisciplinary nature of these problems and a bottom-up community healing could reconnect us with nature and each other.
Toni Boling is a senior at Kent State Stark and majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography. After graduating this spring, she plans on continuing on to graduate school and then hopes to eventually travel and write about environmental issues that helps educates the pubic about our impact on the planet. She loves the outdoors and dabbling in many different creative projects.
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Christian Mayle
Free Will vs. Determinism
Moderated by Prof. Hagan Whiteleather
Abstract: I will be defining and discussing free will vs. determinism. I will be providing scientific articles as evidence for determinism that puts free will into question. I will conclude with despite scientific evidence, that doesn’t disprove free will but does put it into question. I will also talk about different views on free will & determinism when it comes to operating society.
Christian Mayle is a college senior undergraduate majoring in Psychology. He is going into graduate school afterwards to further his education.
10:30 - 11 a.m.
Whitney Jones
Depression in Adolescents
Moderated by Prof. Michelle Bagwell
Abstract: For a project in my Communication Technology and Human Interaction class, I focused on the topic of depression in adolescents. It is a topic that I really feel passionate about because it is something that I deal with in my own life. Research has shown that this is a pervasive topic. Of the large number of teens that have depression, only thirty percent are being treated. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people ages 15 to 24 and a teen commits suicide every 100 minutes (Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program, 2019). I have made a PSA video that presents statistics, warning signs, and what we can do to help. I am planning on utilizing social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter as a way of distributing this message to my target audience, and I will discuss the results of this as well during my presentation.
Whitney Jones is a senior here at Kent State University. She is majoring in general communications and her career goal is to work in broadcasting along with being an actress. As for Whitney’s hobbies, she loves to sing, act, and is also a big anime fan and loves going to anime conventions.
11 - 11:30 a.m.
Elizabeth Husk
Turnabout—performance
Moderated by Dr. Mary Rooks
Abstract: This script was inspired by the live Shakespearean performances of Macbeth and Othello. In the beginning the narrator sets the scene, introducing the audience to Macbeth and filling in missing contexts to launch the first act scene. In Act one scene one, we see a drunken Macbeth at a pub in Cyprus – a location that is used to tie the worlds of Macbeth and Othello together. Macbeth is mulling over his troubles and the plot concocted by his wife to kill King Duncan. Meanwhile, Othello enters the pub to break away from his ranks to drink his sorrows away because Iago (his righthand man) has sown the seeds of doubt to get Othello to suspect his wife is having an affair in attempt to deceive him. The two men meet and join in conversation that provokes them both to reveal their troubles to the other. Each man has their own moral and immoral perspectives: Macbeth is able to see what Othello is blind to, and Othello the more moral, is able to talk down Macbeth from the ledge of committing murder. Both men give the other council concerning the climatic point of each their lives. This fated moment shifts the outcome of each man’s life and shines light on events, that otherwise would have ended in calamity and death as it was in the original plays.
Elizabeth Husk is a junior at Kent State University at Stark. She is completing her major in Communication Studies with a concentration in Applied Communication. She aspires to one day become a published writer, nonprofit organizer, and business owner. Needless to say, Elizabeth has a colorful range of interest that influence her creativity and goals: The first being her faith, the second her life experiences, and the third her own passion for seeing others prosper. When she is not busy, she is writing, learning piano, and spending time with her boyfriend and preparing for their wedding.
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Eman Khan
Artificial Intelligence for Humanitarian Causes
Moderated by Dr. Leslie Heaphy
Abstract: Severe weather changes, including landslides and tornadoes, have wreaked havoc across a huge portion of the United States. This trend is seen widely across the world as well, especially during the hotter climate. The population of Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Colombia are not unfamiliar with Monsoon season disasters, yet there still remains a huge lack of preparedness every year. Numerous floods, heavy rains, landslides, and multiple problems related to these calamities occurred in the week of March 29th, 2021 alone. I believe Artificial intelligence can be a huge help in aiding these countries and prevent loss of life and property by calculating pre-disaster symptoms and responding to post-disaster relief as soon as it strikes. This can be done in multiple ways, such as with use of damage mapping technology, satellites, doppler radars and other AI technologies that many organizations are already working on. AI for Humanitarian Action is one such example. I wish to present my research on this topic through my presentation.
Eman Khan is a senior at Kent State University. She is completing a major in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Engineering. She has a keen interest in Artificial intelligence as well as mathematics and wishes to pursue these three areas in the work field. Her hobbies include reading, painting, and calligraphy and she intends to continue to refine her skills.
12:15 - 1 P.M.
POSTER & ARTWORK DISPLAYS
Each poster and artwork will be presented in a separate Zoom room where the presenters will be available to talk about their research and answer your questions.
POSTERS
Rachel Menegay
Interventions for Dementia in Nursing Homes
Abstract: Dementia is highly prevalent in nursing homes due to the older patient population. Because of this prevalence and possible debilitating effects to residents daily lives, proper intervention and treatment should be determined to increase resident quality of life. Pharmacologic intervention can be beneficial but has led to an increase in the amount of daily medications residents are taking that may not be completely necessary. With polypharmacy being a necessary factor to consider, nonpharmacologic interventions are imperative to effectively manage dementia. Nonpharmacologic interventions can increase the resident’s quality of life through feelings of safety, inclusion, and independence to care for oneself. These interventions can include participation in activities and encouraging social interaction. Activities can include physical activity, reminiscence, music therapy, as well as promoting as much independence as possible. These interventions, as well as getting to know the resident and their routines, can decrease symptoms of dementia such as aggression and agitation towards the caregiver. An individualized approach to managing dementia will promote quality of life for the resident.
Rachel Menegay is a senior in the Bachelors of Science in Nursing program at Kent State Stark. After she graduates and passes her boards, she will be working as a cardiac care nurse at Aultman Hospital. She also has interests in working in intensive care and surgery. She also plans to attend graduate school to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
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Makayla Henninhe, Moses Michael, Lane Simpson, Patricia Williams and Samantha Zehner
VR in the Aid of Legal Investigation
Abstract: This research project explores the potential of using VR to aid in crime scene investigation for legal use. To achieve the goal, we use a scenario to demonstrate this idea. While looking at this scenario we start by observing the traditional ways of building a case based on a testimonial. To establish credibility and gather further information we will investigate the use of technology in criminal justice. To demonstrate our ideas, we will use the data from the scenario and generate a 3-D model to create a visual representation. This research discusses and presents the potential flaws that can occur while using this technique and addresses the issues concerning access and affordability. We are hopeful that this technique could become in the near future another tool to aid in the legal process.
Lane Simpson is currently a first-year student at Kent State Stark, working towards a bachelor of science in computer science and also working as a part-time meat cutter and assistant manager in the meat department at a local grocery store. Lane enjoys playing video games and watching tv/movies in free time and will occasionally read about current developments in the science and tech industry. After graduating Lane plans to work as a software developer somewhere close to home so family will be nearby.
Makayla Henninhe is currently a student at Kent State Stark campus, majoring in Computer Science. She is a recipient of the Choose Ohio First- Computer Science scholarship (COF-CS). COF-CS is a great opportunity to get you ready for your job. Makayla is currently looking for an internship that will get her ready for a future job. She has lifeguarded at many different locations and was previously employed at subway. Makayla is passionate about her jobs, works hard, and works to her best ability. Makayla is also very open-minded and loves learning new things. She graduated from Dover High school in 2020. Throughout her years, Makayla has always been involved in sports and in music groups. She was on the swim team, a member of the girl’s tennis team, orchestra and choir.
Moses Michael is a junior Computer Information Systems Major and Freshman Computer Science Minor, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Kent State University. He is a recipient of the Choose Ohio First Computer Science (COF-CS) Scholarship. Moses currently works at the Kent State University Stark Campus Network Services as a Helpdesk Assistant, and after graduating he intends to further his career in Information Technology and System Administration, working for a growing company and developing the skills he learned. Some hobbies Moses is very passionate about are physical/digital art, music production, computer assembly, and video games.
Patricia Williams is a first-year post-baccalaureate student returning for a BA major in Computer Science at Kent Stark. My first degree was a BFA in Digital Arts with a minor in Asian Studies. I am currently a recipient of the Choose Ohio First Computer Science Scholarship. With my degree, I intend to use my skills in digital art to combine with computer science to find a job that I am passionate about. Outside of school, you can find me volunteering at the Akron Art Museum, giving docent tours to visitors, and working with the educational programs. Outside of volunteering and school, I enjoy playing video games, reading, or anything outdoors-related.
Samantha (Sam) Zehner is a freshman double majoring in marketing and emerging media and technology. I am also a current recipient of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship for Computer Science. I intend to combine my skills from both degrees to help create effective marketing strategies for small businesses using technology and digital outreach. Other than school, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, hiking, and hammocking.
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Sarah Miller
The Activities of Daily Living in Those with a Tracheostomy
Abstract: In this quantitative study, we focus on the activities of daily living (ADL) of people with a tracheostomy. We aim to better understand the factors for ADL in people with a tracheostomy and identify concerns along with a tracheostomy. The two questions we will address in this research are, “What are the common concerns of ADL with people who have a tracheostomy?” and “What are the factors that affect the ADL of people with a tracheostomy?” Research collection is currently being collected through an online anonymous Qualtrics survey posted on Facebook pages that have been created as a support for those with a tracheostomy (N = 31). Over spring break, we plan to analyze the data to display the effects a tracheostomy has on ADL. We hope to educate others on the effects people with a tracheostomy face every day with the results.
Sarah Miller is a senior nursing student at Kent State Salem. She is also pursuing a minor in psychology. Sarah has a tracheostomy herself which has inspired her to research the topic. After she graduates, she plans to work as a pediatric surgical nurse. She also plans to continue her interest in research by further studying the effects of activities of daily living in people with a tracheostomy as well as other effects related to a tracheostomy hoping to educate others on her results. She enjoys reading, helping others, and playing with her pets in her free time.
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Hollie Dalton
European Perspectives on Native American Magic
Abstract: After arriving in America, early European settlers began a volatile relationship with Native Americans that would span centuries. Events such as the Salem Witch Trials exemplified the strong fears Europeans held toward magic. Yet, the attitudes toward Native American magical practices were regarded with little to no fear by European settlers. Native American persecution (and subsequent executions) occurred for several reasons; however, the fear of their magic and rituals were not at the forefront of those concerns. By looking further into this subject matter, I hope to uncover why. I aim to build a complete narrative by using both Native American and European writings to understand Native American magic as well as the European perspective. By conducting this research, I will uncover why early European settlers viewed Native magic the way they did.
Hollie Dalton attends Kent State Stark. She is double majoring in English (with a concentration in professional writing) and history. After graduating, she plans to become a museum archivist or publishing editor. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching documentaries.
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Tori Swain
River Relocation
Abstract: Many rivers in the United States and the world have gone through some form of modification throughout history. Changing a channel’s course, flow, or moving it to an entirely different location are many ways a stream can be modified. Changing a river channel’s course is meant to avoid constructing infrastructure and mining. It can also help with flood control, land reclamation, and restore rivers. Although there are benefits, it could come with some negative effects. Negative effects such as creating loss of habitat, increased erosion and sediment within the channel, decreases in water quality, vegetation loss, as well as increasing the risk of downstream flooding. This paper looks at the balance between the potential benefits and negative consequences of changing a river’s course based on pre-existing studies and scientific reports of stream changes. Through case studies stream modification have provided answers to different specific needs but have also created costs to the channel and its environment. By replicating a natural channel, it could be able to provide our needs, but also create minimal environmental damage.
Tori Swain is a fourth-year student at Kent State Stark. She is majoring in environmental sciences to become a park ranger in the near future. Her interests include board games, crafting, hiking, volunteering, and identifying plant life.
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Sydney Hathaway
Impacts of Chinese Plastic Ban on Global Recycling
Abstract: The rise of plastic production sparked the rise of recycling as well. Recycling has existed for centuries for materials like metals, but in recent years along with the rise of plastic production, it has risen greatly in popularity. Increased awareness and concern for environmental health has aided in the rise of recycling. Prior to 2017, the United States and many other countries shipped most of their plastic waste to China for recycling. After China placed a ban on imported plastics, it left many countries with waste products that many facilities weren’t equipped to handle. This paper aims to gain a better understanding of recycling and what has happened in the wake of the recent changes in international plastic waste trade through a comparative study of secondary sources. Changes caused by the 2017 ban in China put a strain on the other countries that still accept plastic products.
Sydney Hathaway is a fourth-year student at Kent State Sark. She is majoring in environmental studies. After graduation, she plans to work for the National Park Service. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hiking, and camping.
ARTWORK
Eman Khan
Nikkah
Abstract: Nikkah is an Islamic term and it means that the husband and wife are bound by a marriage contract, spiritually as well as on paper. I created this charcoal painting with the intent of showing the first intimate contact a married couple shares after signing the marriage contract, as is seen in a lot of Islamic countries. The husband kissing the bride's forehead is a sign of his respect and affection for her.
Eman Khan is a senior at Kent State University. She is completing a major in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Engineering. She has a keen interest in Artificial intelligence as well as mathematics and wishes to pursue these three areas in the work field. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, painting, and calligraphy and she intends to continue to refine her skills.
1 - 1:30 p.m.
Jay Aaron, Josh Blasko, Anna Clark and Sam Zehner
The Prince of Ayodha Podcast
Moderated by Dr. Jayne Moneysmith
VIEW PRESENTATION PODCAST PODCAST TRAILER
Abstract: This research project will be exploring the connections and discords between the cultural and moralistic values in the Ramayana as well as in America’s Modern society This project will be using the Ramayana, by Valmiki translated from Sanskrit by R.K. Narayan. Our research examines the key archetypes and questions in response to the readings. The methods used to explain these concepts are academic research and taking on the roles of characters in the text to better emphasize the characters’ actions and understand their position in the story. Using these methods, we explain and propose our ideas and findings through an audio format resembling a podcast. Each student takes on the role and voice of a character to demonstrate our claims and conclusions. While being able to connect with and examine each character closely, we were able to draw some conclusions about the key differences and similarities between ancient India (4th century BCE) and modern American society.
Jay Aaron is an Integrated Language Arts major. He hopes to one day be a high school English teacher, and he loves playing ultimate frisbee in his free time.
Josh Blasko is a Music Technology major. His major consists of audio recording and music production. Josh plans for the future include working in the music industry working on both production and recording of audio.
Anna Clark is majoring in Child Psychology. After she graduates, she plans to use her degree in the field of child life specialization. Outside of school Anna enjoys swimming, hiking, kayaking and being active in her church community.
Sam Zehner is a freshman double majoring in Emerging Media and Technology and Marketing. Sam hopes to be able to use her majors harmoniously to be able to help small businesses market effectively with the use of digital outreach. Outside of school, Sam enjoys hiking, hammocking, reading, and participating in student organizations.
1:30 - 2 p.m.
Tanner Stogsdill
The Effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Moderated by Dr. Lindsay Starkey
Abstract: The use of atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki has remained a controversial decision due to the immense loss of life. Using information now available, I will be determining whether or not the use of atomic weaponry truly did save lives. Previous arguments discuss the possibility of conditional surrender, the effectiveness of traditional bombing, and the potential casualties of a land invasion. They ultimately fail to adequately consider Japanese sources when analyzing the effect on Japanese morale. I will be asking whether or not a second atomic bomb was required for surrender, and discuss the Japanese perspective on the war in the Pacific that is too often overlooked. Overall, the use of the nuclear bomb did save lives, and both were likely necessary to save lives when considering the culture of Japan and the mindset of the Japanese government.
Tanner Stogsdill is a third-year student at Kent Main. He is majoring in history, and minoring in technical and professional writing. He enjoys reading and writing.
2 - 2:30 p.m.
Justin Lane
Sister Cities and their Impact on Globalization
Moderated by Dr. Jim Seelye
Abstract: The way in which the world has become interconnected through the process known as globalization has become a large focus of research. This project explores one of the means by which globalization occurs, the Sister City International program, which creates partnerships between United States cities and foreign cities. It facilitates various programs, such as student exchange programs as well as, aiding in the promotion of tourism and allowing local cities to branch into a global network. This program has currently not been discussed in relationship to globalization and so this study fills this gap. By analyzing economic reports, evaluating changes in social events (such as tourist attractions and festivals) based on contact made through the program, and the success of programs such as student exchange programs, it reveals the impact that the Sister Cities International project has had on globalization, focusing on its role in global markets and cultural exchange.
Justin Lane is a fourth-year student at Kent State University. He is completing a major in History with a minor in Japanese. After he graduates he intends to continue to work towards a masters program in History. He hopes to continue to perform research in the field of history, with a focus on Japanese history.
2:30 - 3 p.m.
Donovan Byler
Breaking the Migration Pattern: Why the American Mennonites chose to stay in America despite the hardships of World War One
Moderated by Dr. Greg Blundell
VIEW PRESENTATION VIEW PPTX PRESENTATION
Abstract: With the involvement of the United States in World War One and the subsequent military service draft, American Mennonites found themselves in the same dilemma which had chased them from Europe to the Americas. The Mennonite beliefs on non-violence precluded most of them from involvement in war in any sense including non-combatant roles and the nation’s government did not grant them an exception to war-time service. When previous generations of Mennonites faced a similar challenge, the most common response was a large-scale migration to a new land where they could find a reprieve from these pressures. With the American draft in 1917, American Mennonites chose to break the historical pattern and remain in America, weathering the consequences that came from their counter cultural beliefs. Using interviews from the Mennonite men who lived through the war period in America, diaries from the Russian Mennonites, and other sources, this study brings together historical research on the Russian Mennonite migration to the United States as a case study of the historical pattern of Mennonite migrations with the context surrounding the American Mennonites’ choice to stay. The economy, the timing of the draft, the depth of the changes, and the closer ties between the American Mennonites and the American people all help explain how the American Mennonites chose to radically depart from both the cultural expectations around them and their own pattern of behavior.
Donovan Byler is a senior at Kent State Stark. He will complete his double major in History and Computer Science this Spring. He is delighted to begin his career as a software developer after graduation.
3 - 3:30 p.m.
Abigail Thouvenin
Conflict and Collaboration in the Workplace: Millennials and Generation Z
Moderated by Dr. Tanya Hrubik-Vulanovic
Abstract: Millennials’ unconventional approaches to the business world have revolutionized the workplace. As Generation Z is beginning to enter the workforce with new ideas and expectations, the workplace dynamic heavily influenced by Millennials is beginning to shift. The values first emphasized by Millennials are being redefined by Gen Zs. Many of the events and trends that made Millennials unique have also strongly impacted Gen Zs, and in some cases, even more heavily. This lends common ground to these two generations, but also holds the potential for friction in the workplace. This oral presentation supported by PowerPoint explores the dynamic between Millennials and Gen Z. The future of the business world will be driven by interactions between these two generations. Considering their motivations and expectations provides insight for better understanding and development of best practices for collaboration and reducing generational conflict in the workplace.
Abigail Thouvenin is a senior at Kent State Stark. She is majoring in business management and minoring in marketing and insurance studies. After graduation, she is planning to pursue a career in the insurance industry in Stark County.
3:30 - 4 p.m.
Alex Sweeney
Augmenting the Software Engineering Process with Artificial Intelligence
Moderated by Dr. Claudia Gomez
Abstract: This presentation explores the application of artificial intelligence to software engineering. It defines the currently discovered uses that it has in the augmentation of the software engineering process, backed by current research. With these applications, artificial intelligence can not only ease the human work involved but provide extra insight and determine areas where items could be missed. It argues that artificial intelligence has the capability to change the software engineering process, to make it more efficient and reliable, but is not yet to the level to provide these advantages.
Alex Sweeney is a senior Computer Science major who will graduate in spring 2021.