Oral presentations, session II

Special event

Wallenberg Hall, Denkmann (Session F)

"Lifeboat Challenge"
Presented by ALIVE, Laurel Williams and Michelle Crouch

The Lifeboat Challenge is an annual Augustana tradition, a chance to hear some of your favorite professors make their cases for the importance of their discipline to the survival of the world. Each professor will be vying for the last seat in the proverbial lifeboat. What do their disciplines bring to the flourishing of the world? The audience will get to grill each professor with your toughest questions and ultimately vote on the one you find most compelling. Enjoy the fun and learn something about the deeply collaborative vision that emerges when various disciplines of knowledge interact with each other.

Featured presentation

Olin Auditorium (Session A)

"Empowering Communities: Students unite with Rock Island to develop a plan to replace lead drinking water pipes equitably"
Presented by Adriana Reyes '25, Erik Bergren '25, Lorenzo Moreno '25, Dani Roxas '25, Eulle Casaquite '25, Neida Marquez '25 and Zack Horve '26
Project advisor: Dr. Kimberly Murphy

Have you ever wanted to help your local community on a project to ensure that all residents have safe drinking water pipes? Augustana College and Rock Island worked together to respond to the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act. The result was a local and interdisciplinary approach (public health, economics, geography, public communications, business, data analytics, history, environmental studies, political science, sociology, biology and GIS) to comply with the law. A group of research students will recount their journey undertaking a project of this scale, sharing anecdotes and insights. They will delve into the learning objectives they made progress on and reflect on the lessons learned from their hands-on, real world experience.

Honors Capstone

Old Main 117 (Session B)

"Gender Identity and Utilizing Social Support"
Honors Capstone (Public Health)
Presented by Makaia Decker
Project advisor: Dr. David Snowball

"Concussions and Vision: How Head Injuries Contribute to Long-Term Vision Deficiencies and Changes"
Honors Capstone (Kinesiology)
Presented by David Russ
Project advisor: Dr. David Snowball

"Parasocial Relationships With Queer Fictional Characters And The Importance Of Representation In Television Shows"
Honors Capstone (English, Creative Writing, Psychology)
Presented by Bethany Abrams
Project advisor: Dr. David Snowball

"40 Years of Koyaanisqatsi: the Greatest Experimental Film Ever Made"
Honors Capstone (Philosophy)
Presented by Brian Thomas
Project advisor: Dr. David Snowball

Political Science

Hanson Annex 127 (Session C)

"Nicaraguans' Democratic Attitudes throughout the Ortega Regime"
Political Science
Presented by Fernanda Rubi
Project advisors: Dr. Mariano Magalhães and Dr. Paul Baumgardner

The relationship between citizens’ democratic beliefs and a country’s democratic level is complex. If a nation is shifting towards a more authoritarian system, its citizens might develop a newfound appreciation for democracy, or if the government lacks democratic features, people may lose faith in the democratic system. This study seeks to explore this phenomenon by using Nicaragua as a case study. The country has a complex political history marked by periods of authoritarian rule, revolution, and civil war. The current political party came to power by overthrowing the previous dictatorship. Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua’s president since 2007, played a key role in the revolution against the old regime. However, upon assuming power through what was deemed a fair and free election, he implemented policies that weakened the country’s democracy. These characteristics make Nicaragua an interesting case to explore the relationship between democracy and democratic attitudes, and through this, we aim to gain a better understanding of how political changes can shape Nicaraguans’ opinions on democracy. The examination of attitudes toward democracy in this context helps us determine whether there is an existing resilience or fragility of beliefs in democracy in the face of a growing authoritarian government.

"Working Across the Aisle: Gubernatorial Rhetoric in Divided Governments"
Political Science
Presented by Allie Anderson
Project advisor: Dr. Paul Baumgardner

The content of political rhetoric can differ greatly between different parties, which is especially evident in the main political concerns of the Democrat and Republican parties. By studying the way a governor speaks in the State of the State Address, political scientists can better understand the function of state governments and how governors use rhetoric to express their goals to their legislatures. This is especially important to understand in states where the governor is from a different political party than the majority party of both houses of the legislature, creating the condition of a divided government. This presentation will cover the rhetorical differences between governors speaking to divided versus unified state governments. 

"Temporary Migrant Workers: Navigating Changing Immigration Policy After September 11th"
Political Science
Presented by Matias Bidegarary
Project advisor: Dr. Xiaowen Zhang

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 profoundly shifted the U.S. approach to immigration and border security. This research examines the consequences of these changes for temporary migrant workers from Mexico, a vital labor force in the U.S. agricultural sector.

This study argues that 9/11 had a significant and lasting impact on the status and working conditions of these workers. While essential to U.S. agriculture pre-9/11, heightened security measures and a changing political climate reshaped their experiences. Tighter border controls and regulatory changes affected their treatment, despite the number of visas issued remaining relatively stable. Economically, potential labor shortages could impact food production and prices. Moreover, the workers faced increased risks of detention, deportation, and a greater potential for exploitation. This study concludes that 9/11 left a lasting mark on temporary migrant workers and the U.S. agricultural industry. The policy changes enacted in the name of security disrupted labor dynamics, impacted the economy and had deeply negative consequences for the workers themselves. This research highlights the need for potential policy reform. 

"'Take Back Control!' Navigating the Economic, Political, and Social Landscape of the UK Post-Brexit"
Political Science
Presented by Kenaya Allen
Project advisor: Dr. Xiaowen Zhang

French

Hanson 102 (Session D)

"Understanding Interpersonal Relationships Through Dynamic Narration in Abdellah Taïa"
French
Presented by Ellie Reckamp
Project advisor: Dr. Kiki Kosnick

Through the work of Abdellah Taïa, we will explore how the author uses dynamic narration from beginning to end of his novels in order to represent his growth though interpersonal relationships and an understanding of the world around him.

"S'aimer vraiment? To truly love oneself through the eyes of others in Bouraoui"
French
Presented by Savonia Mahr-Threw
Project advisor: Dr. Kiki Kosnick

This presentation takes an analytical approach to how Nina Bouraoui uses other characters to help the protagonist in Garçon Manqué.

"Comment aimer la personne que je suis devenue?: Integrating constructed and innate identities"
French
Presented by Luis Navarrete
Project advisor: Dr. Kiki Kosnick

"Qui suis-je? Forming Identity Through Physical Spaces in Bouraoui"
French
Presented by Erika Dahlstrand
Project advisor: Dr. Kiki Kosnick

This presentation explores the formation of identity through relationships with physical spaces in contemporary francophone life writing by Nina Bouraoui.

Texas Medical Center

Old Main 28 (Session E)

"Studying Novel Neurodevelopmental Disorders"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Hiuling Chan
Project advisors: Dr. Heidi Storl and Dr. Scott Gehler

Neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and intellectual disabilities affect many people worldwide, but their causes often remain unknown. This leads to difficulties in diagnosis, predicting outcomes, and finding targeted treatments. Our research aims to identify the genetic basis of these disorders through three main approaches. First, in our undiagnosed epilepsy study, we analyze genetic and clinical data to find potential disease-causing genetic changes. Second, in our novel disease gene study, we discovered that changes in the PPFIA3 gene can cause neurodevelopmental disorders and used fly models to test the effects of these changes. Third, in our genotype-phenotype study, we conduct detailed analyses of the genetic and physical characteristics of individuals with EBF3-related disorders. By gaining a better understanding of these conditions, we hope to improve diagnosis, treatment and support for affected individuals and their families. Studying rare diseases can also contribute to personalized medicine and lead to new treatment options.

"The Impact of COVID-19 on Smoking Cessation Motivation and Lung Cancer Screening in Quitline Clients"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Madeleine Feltner
Project advisor: Dr. Heidi Storl

This study aims to identify the best ways to assist the quitline client population following the COVID-19 pandemic and help the scientific community aim research focus and allocate resources.  

Methods: A regression with both bivariate and univariate analysis was run from online survey results completed by quitline clients who expressed interest in lung cancer screening and are ages 55-80 with a 30-pack year smoking history.  

Results: Results showed that there is a significant association between interest in lung cancer screening and motivation to quit smoking, but there was no overall change in smoking cessation motivation or interest in lung cancer screening during the pandemic.  

Discussion: The pandemic did not have an overall large effect on interest in lung cancer screening and smoking cessation motivation and progress made before the pandemic was not lost, so time and money can be spent on improving access and awareness to lung cancer prevention resources.

"Exploring the Feasibility, Validity, and Reliability of DIGEST after Maxillectomy"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Brook Fieldman
Project advisors: Dr. Heidi Storl and Dr. Katherine Hutcheson

Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) is a validated tool to grade results of modified barium swallow studies (MBS) in head and neck cancers. DIGEST was initially validated to assess the pharyngeal stage of swallowing, which excluded cancers beyond the pharyngeal region. While DIGEST is utilized in clinical practice amongst oral cavity cancers at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), it has yet to be validated or assessed for this population, such as patients with maxillary cancer treated with a maxillectomy. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, validity, and reliability of DIGEST in patients with maxillary cancer.  

This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing patients who underwent a maxillectomy with a post-operative MBS at MDACC from 2016-2021. Measurements of criterion validity including the Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP) oral and pharyngeal totals, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) composite and physical scores, and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS-HN) diet were assessed relative to DIGEST.

114 patients with a median age of 63 were analyzed post-maxillectomy.  A “rule-out leak” MBS was indicated in 80 (70.2%) patients to assess radiographically for healing before oral intake. Higher MBSImP oral and pharyngeal impairment scores were seen as DIGEST increased (r = 0.43, p < 0.00; r = 0.82, p < 0.00), however, DIGEST did not correlate with postoperative quality of life or oral diet, as measured by the MDADI physical (r = -0.14, p < 0.31) and composite (r = -0.08, p < 0.54) and PSS-HN diet scores (r = -0.14, p < 0.13). Inter-rater reliability was substantial to almost perfect (k = 0.75-0.87) with blind laboratory ratings achieving >80% exact agreement.  

"Decision-making at Life's End: Sharing the Burden of Responsibility"
Texas Medical Center
Presented by Amanda Quinn
Project advisors: Nico Nortjé and Amitabha Palmer

This case study discusses the challenges of end-of-life decision-making in practice, focusing on the delicate balance between medical paternalism, shared decision-making and the rights of surrogate decision makers. The family initially struggles to grasp the severity of their loved one's medical condition, but a pivotal moment during the Goals of Care meeting brings sudden clarity. This case explores the appropriateness and implications of the practice of informed non-dissent; and our analysis suggests that it is inappropriate unless there is compelling evidence for decision paralysis. Practical strategies are offered that facilitate compassionate dying care within the constraints of clinical urgency.

Sociology and Anthropology

Old Main 132 (Session G)

"How Social Workers Have Failed Sex Workers"
Sociology and Anthropology
Presented by Sophie Rhodes
Project advisor: Dr. Adam Kaul

Sex workers have contributed to societies for thousands of years, but they have constantly been stigmatized for their work. As a result, it has been deemed as inappropriate. Social workers are guilty, too, of prejudices against sex workers in spite of their well-intended efforts. Laws regulating sex work is oftentimes harmful to the workers themselves, as it criminalizes them, limits their regulatory income, promotes illegal drug use and encourages unprotected sex which furthers the spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs. Many sex workers stay in the profession because they do not have the education, finances or resources. Others choose sex work because they find it empowering. In this paper, I argue that sex workers require the same rights and freedom from discrimination as anyone else. It seeks to highlight the lack of human rights that sex workers have, and the prejudice from social workers trying to "help."

"Analyzing the Similarities Between Substance Abusers and Student Athletes: A Theoretical Approach"
Sociology and Anthropology
Presented by Jacob Vernikoff
Project advisor: Dr. Adam Kaul

The risk factors of specific social groups such as student athletes have unjustly failed to garner increased public and institutional attention. Tendencies have shown that student athletes obtain similarities to substance abusers far more noticeable than once previously imagined. Significant similarities are seen through an abundance of negative circumstances such as deviant peer groups, increased substance use, societal perception causing substance use, easy accessibility to drugs, mental health issues, and so on. However, this article also emphasizes that both groups share positive similarities as well including positive impacts of coaching and physical activity holding the capability to prevent relapsing. Such issues raise significant challenges for society to accept and deal with. By using structural functionalism, Neo-Marxism, Communitas, and liminality, this article describes the prolific resemblances shared amongst both groups as well as proposals to amend negative differences in order to develop a more healthy social group overall. 

"Examining the Impacts of Linguistics in Healthcare"
Sociology and Anthropology
Presented by Caitlyn Hanulikova
Project advisor: Dr. Adam Kaul

Language plays a major role in sociology and anthropology as it is shaped by society and is used to express how we view the world daily (Shuy 1984). Regarding linguistics used in healthcare, research has shown that stigmatizing and unclear language can be detrimental to the patient's ability to comprehend and trust in healthcare providers. Overall, it can weaken a patient's potential to follow through with proper self-management recommendations.

Most healthcare professionals lack sufficient training and/or awareness of the serious implications that come with using unclear and stigmatizing language.

This Senior Inquiry will address how language impacts healthcare, whether that be doctors' opinions, their use of language, or the impacts on those who experience low literacy. The goal and significance of this work is to see if there is a correlation between the use of language and a patient's ability to comprehend it, and what improvements can be made to facilitate clearer language in healthcare. 

First Year Honors Program

You Belong Here lounge, Gerber Center (Session K)

"First Year Honors Program: Food Cohort Research Projects"
Presented by First Year Honors students
Project advisors Dr. Rachel Honer-Bracket, Dr. Chris Strunk and Dr. Brian Leech

"Companion" (and company) come from the same Latin root: com "with, together" + panis "bread." Literally, our companions are those we break bread, or share meals, with. That simple word points to two really important insights: we depend on others and our most fundamental moments of bonding occur over food.

This year, three of the sections of FYH 102 will work together as a learning community focused on a single topic – food. This cohort works with three different professors, but shares common readings, field trips and experiential projects. Each FYH 102 section will conduct research in small groups on a food-related subject of their choosing and present their work to the campus community during CoL. We look forward to sharing our companionship and collaboration with the Augustana community.