2021 Asynchronous Presentations
2021 VIRTUAL STUDENT CONFERENCE
ASYNCHRONOUS PRESENTATIONS
Vinny Arrigo
Pioneering the Modern American Woman
Abstract: Events in the early twentieth century had profound impacts on American culture. The most indicative shift of the time is that of the flapper, a young woman drastically different from her more conservative predecessors at the turn of the century. While the Gibson girl, images of the Modern American woman created by Charles Dana Gibson, is primarily described as the predecessor to what would become flapper culture, it is immediately apparent that there must have been intermediaries as the transition from Gibson to flapper is not one-to-one. This ideal image of the Gibson girl, while remaining feminine, laid the groundwork for more independent and confident women that would be seen during the height of flapper culture. This article will examine one such pioneer Alice Roosevelt, daughter of former president Theodore Roosevelt. By doing so, this oral presentation will examine Alice Roosevelt’s ties to the Gibson girl while examining her actions and behaviors that would go on to resonate with flapper culture, through interviews with Alice and contemporary sources to flapper culture, such as the works of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Vinny Arrigo is a History major at Kent State Stark. His areas of interest include Japanese History, Religious World History, and the Early American Republic. He enjoys reading, researching, and writing and hopes to work in a field related to researching and archiving once he graduates.
Tristan Bryant
Altered Airwaves: The Impact of Commercialized Radio on the U.S.
Abstract: “Citizens are using imagery to document and raise awareness of conflicts, atrocities, and the suffering of distant others–and in turn, changing the way we visualize conflict.” Many believe, in the modern-day, that social media impacts how political and social events were perceived by the public. Radio technology was the first wireless mass-media to be invented; its invention changed how the public perceived socio-political conflict and change. Transcripts and audio help better understand how information was presented along with responses typically gauged through other sources. Radio was instantaneous relative to contemporary means of news. It expanded American perception of general changes, and also became an information outlet for families, and became a family gathering spot.
Tristan Bryant is a fourth-year History major at Kent State Stark. His interests are in technology and preservation. After graduating, he plans to pursue a Master's Degree in Library and Information Sciences. Doing so, he hopes to become either a Librarian or Archivist helping provide access to materials others can use to broaden their understanding. For fun, he primarily reads, writes, or plays videogames.
Clay Casper
Heat Mapping Covid-19
Abstract: The research covers the design of a heat map to track the spread of Covid-19 in the United States. The website developed shows a heat map of Covid-19 cases and deaths for each state partitioned by county. The data was obtained from a GitHub repository that is updated daily. The data is cleaned and then processed using the R programming language to create a heat map for each state and its counties for a particular date. All of these pictures make up the timeline of the Covid-19 progression through the United States between a start date and an end date. The pictures were imported into the site and used to create a stop motion animation with each picture representing one day in the given timeline. The website user can choose what state they want to view and whether to view positive case data or death data. The animation allows the user to visualize the spread of Covid-19 throughout a state within the given timeframe.
Clay Casper is a junior majoring in Computer Science at Kent State Stark. He is interested in web development and UI / UX design. If all goes well, Clay plans on getting a decently paying job after college.
Makayla Clos
La necesidad de más psicólogos escolares bilingües
Abstract: Hay muchas razones por las que necesitamos más psicólogos escolares bilingües en los Estados Unidos. La población hispana está creciendo y está claro que hay una brecha en los recursos de salud mental que son disponibles para los estudiantes. Algunas de las razones para necesitar más psicólogos escolares bilingües incluyen la exposición a la violencia y el crimen, las barreras del idioma y la cultura, los prejuicios y la vida laboral de los estudiantes. Ha habido alguna mejora, como por ejemplo la creación del proyecto SUPERB (Scholars Using Psychology and Education to Reach Bilinguals) creado por la universidad estatal de Texas. Sin embargo, queda mucha tarea por delante en cuanto a la preparación, concienciación y contratación de psicólogos bilingües en las escuelas estadounidenses.
There is a huge need for bilingual Spanish speaking school psychologists in the United States. The Hispanic population in the United States has increased dramatically and there is a clear level of insufficiency in terms of resources for Hispanic students. Some of the reasons for needing more bilingual school psychologists include exposure to violence and crime, language and cultural barriers, prejudice, and the struggles of balancing both work and school. However, improvement has been made through Project SUPERB (Scholars Using Psychology and Education to Reach Bilinguals). Although this is improvement, there still needs to be more work done in the process of preparing, raising awareness, and hiring bilingual Spanish speaking psychologists in American schools.
Makayla Clos is a third-year student at Kent State Stark. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish. After she graduates she plans to attend graduate school to become a school psychologist. One of Makayla's favorite things to do is to spend time outside with her dog Sami.
Jennifer Daring
The Effects Pollution Has on an Urban Lake in Akron, Ohio
Abstract: Pollution in urban areas, and more specifically urban lakes, affect local ecosystems. The surrounding environment both in the natural sense, and the social sense are seeing the effects that pollution has on the quality of life both in and out of the water. Plastic bottles, styrofoam cups, and spare tires riddle this environment and have a detrimental effect on the water quality. Nonprofit organizations have regular cleanups to help promote and advocate for a healthy environment both biologically and visually. Contracted firms conduct tests to verify whether or not the water is safe for human contact, as well as the biodiversity of the lake itself. This lake is at the center of two neighboring communities. Both varying differently in socioeconomic status and racially. Summit Lake in Akron, Ohio is at the epicenter of recreation and scenic views. The deterring factor is the constant pollution, and who or what is responsible for this persistent problem. Research and data collection over the vast amount of pollution in this lake shows whether there is a correlation with the socioeconomic background of the surrounding community, as well as the connection that the city of Akron has with waste management in this area. The Summit Metro Parks is a strong entity in this county. Their restoration project focuses on restoring the shoreline to its natural state, while adding accessibility to the community via a repurposed nature center and towpath trail. There are several factors that show contribution to the pollution in this area. The conclusions will show that it is a collective conglomeration of these various avenues.
Jennifer Daring is a senior at 5X Stark. She is completing a major in Environmental Studies with a double minor in Geography and Biology. After she graduates, she plans to obtain a career within her field. She is currently volunteering with the Summit Metro Parks, and is hopeful to land a position with them after graduation. When she is not working three jobs and going to school full time, she is running a women’s outdoor adventure group called the Green Girl Gang. This is a women-focused group that gets likeminded women together to do outdoor activities from park cleanups and mountain biking, to rock climbing and camping. She is an experience-driven individual who seeks to live each day to the fullest.
Haley DelVecchio
Why Nature Should Have Legal Rights: One of Disney's Biggest Regrets
Abstract: In 1972, an environmental legal case involving Disney was taken to the Supreme Court. The case of Sierra Club v Morton began when The Mineral King Valley was still an undeveloped part of the Sequoia National Forest. With thoughts of profits on their mind, Disney wanted to build a ski resort on untouched land in the National Forest. Although Disney won the legal case, after doing research on the lasting, negative effects they would have on the land, the company decided not to move forward with a project that was worth millions of dollars. The ongoing struggles to fight for inanimate objects such as the land in question brought light to a sensitive subject; what if nature itself had legal rights? This work will combine rulings from the Sierra Club v Morton lawsuit and professional opinions along with factual information that shows that humankind should examine what it would mean to give legal rights to the natural environment.
Haley DelVecchio is a senior at 5X. She is majoring in Environmental Studies with minors in Geography and Geology. After graduation, Haley plans to attend law school to further her goal career of practicing Environmental Law. Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking and photography.
Michelle Fitz
Injustice in our Food Deserts
Abstract: Food insecurity affects thousands of individuals and families every year. A main way an area is identified as being food insecure is if it meets the criteria of a food desert. For an area to be defined as a food desert it must meet specific criteria that are created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These guidelines are supposed to accurately identify the locations that are at the greatest risk for food insecurity, however these guidelines are flawed. Food insecurity is a complex web of social, economic, political, and racial factors that must be taken into consideration if an accurate depiction of food insecurity is to be obtained. The two main criteria used by the USDA for defining food deserts are low-income and low access. This paper is going to analyze the USDA’s definitions of low access and low income. As well as identify factors that fail to be considered by the USDA’s guidelines, such as race and accessibility. To better understand these guidelines and their effects on a community two neighboring cities in Stark County, Ohio will be compared and examined using these guidelines. This comparison will help to demonstrate the institutional racism that still goes on in certain areas as well as the individuals who are more susceptible to food insecurity. As well as result in one city being more deeply impacted when it comes to food because of race, income, and accessibility.
Michelle Fitz is an Environmental Studies major minoring in Geography. She is a senior at Kent State Stark. After college she hopes to work for an environmental agency or non-profit. She enjoys hiking, and baking.
Samuel Fraelich
Soil Conservation in Africa
Abstract: The African Continent is a hotbed for ideas of what we think of as underdeveloped and underfunded communities and societies. Soil conservation is no different than social issues in that too can be lacking in both funding and practice. Africa is still a continent that is riddled with infighting, conflicts and underdevelopment due to years of exploitation in places like Ethiopia and South Africa, despite efforts from world organizations and local charities. This infighting and conflict fan the flame of underdevelopment and makes implementing soil conservation practices harder. This is not always the same across all countries within the continent, but it is relevant to most. An example, South Africa may be seen as a developed nation on paper but it still has issues with soil conservation. This study is supplemented by a collective of data obtained from scholarly journals published with professionals in the field and helps in an effort to explain what is done wrong and what is done right within the continent in regards to soil conservation and management.
Samuel Fraelich is a second-year student at Kent State Stark, previously attended OSU. He is majoring in Environmental Studies. Samuel has goals of becoming a sustainability specialist in Arizona or California. He enjoys golf and boating.
Kyndal Frain
The Inspiring Story of Jazz Jennings
Abstract: Jazz Jennings is an LGBT rights activist, a television personality, and a remarkable inspiration to many. Jazz is one of the youngest people to be identified as transgender, at age five. Her story and struggle with finding her true self has greatly impacted the life of others, including myself. Jazz is very vocal and passionate in order to help transgender children know that they are not alone. I created a video based on Jazz’s book, Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen. Within my video, I share the story of Jazz’s life, the challenges she has faced, and her efforts fighting for LGBT rights. As a future educator, I find it extremely important that students accept and understand all differences. The video that I created brings awareness to the LGBT community and enforces Jazz’s message of loving yourself and knowing that it is okay to be different from others.
Kyndal Frain is a second-year student at Kent State Stark. She is majoring in Early Childhood Education. After she graduates, she plans to teach kindergarten. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, baking, and hiking.
Dillon Fulton
A Diplomatic Approach to the Cuban Missile Crisis: Diplomacy and Military Action in a time of Unprecedented Nuclear Tension
Abstract: The increased roles in diplomatic crisis resolution during the Cuban Missile Crisis by President Kennedy and Chairman Khrushchev led to a peaceful conclusion of the conflict because both leaders understood the gravity of the situation and the looming danger of a nuclear war. Researching the letter correspondence between the two leaders and the diplomatic strategies employed to successfully obtain nuclear deterrence, will add to our knowledge of the topic, because it examines how the crisis went through periods of escalation and de-escalation due to the decisions made by both men and the conflict was resolved in an unprecedented manner with the leaders of both the Soviet Union and United States playing a more direct role in the diplomacy. I would present my topic in an oral presentation format with direct quotes from both President Kennedy and Chairman Khrushchev to showcase their increased roles in crisis resolution and the ways they framed the conflict.
Dillon Fulton is a senior student at Kent State Stark. He is completing a degree in History and is interested in attending law school at Akron or Cleveland State after he graduates to become a lawyer. He enjoys fishing, reading and spending time outdoors when he is not busy with his studies or work.
Cameron Gmitra
Creating Geometric Portraits of Infinite Series
Abstract: While the infinite geometric series has been explored from an algebraic perspective, is it possible to represent convergent series through a geometric picture? We have explored new ways of approaching the subject of infinite series to create a simple picture of their sums based on basic geometric techniques. Through the use of circle packing, the sum of an infinite series can be shown as circles cascade inward to infinity. Additionally, more complex convergent series can be represented through stereographic projection of points in the series onto a line or the unit circle. Though infinite series have been explored extensively through algebraic techniques, we want to create a new viewpoint on convergent series with a geometric approach. The new ways we have found to represent these series are both simple and intriguing. Our research will be presented through an oral presentation with an accompanying PowerPoint.
Cameron Gmitra is a first-year student at Kent State Stark. She loves math and is majoring in Actuarial Mathematics. After graduating, she plans to work for a major insurance company as an actuary. Cameron enjoys playing the piano, reading, and running in her free time.
Kaitlynn Hanslik
Injury History, Fear of Pain, and Exercise Habits Among College Students
Abstract: Fear of pain is a mechanism through which individuals learn to avoid stimuli and behaviors associated with pain. In a previous study, Cremeans-Smith et al. (2016) found that fear of pain was consistently associated with cognitive constructs such as perceived benefits of exercise and anticipated pain associated with exercise. Participants (n = 162) were college students enrolled in a General Psychology course, and received credit for their participation. Participants filled out various surveys measuring constructs such as fear of pain, perceived benefits of exercise, and overall health and activity levels. The current study aimed to examine potential relationships between fear of pain, prior injury history, and individuals’ level of physical activity. Findings from this study suggest that individuals’ number of past injuries affected their perception of the benefits of exercise, and also predicted their frequency of engaging in physical activity. Notable gender differences were found, which will be discussed later.
Kaitlynn Hanslik is a senior undergraduate Psychology student at Kent State Stark. She is primarily interested in experimental psychology and research. After graduation, Kaitlynn plans to take a year off to explore career options in the field and gain some real-world experience before applying to graduate school. She plans to obtain a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience and pursue a research-oriented or teaching career centered around the behavioral and neurophysiological pathology of trauma.
Seth Harbert
The Path of the Serpent: Wealth Symbolism in Pre-Christian Scandinavian Religion
Abstract: The meaning of Norse symbolism remains obscure in both popular and academic spheres, exacerbated by the appropriation of these symbols by Nazism; given the rising popular interest in pre-Christian Scandinavian religion, understanding the symbolism is critical to ensuring its proper use. Whereas many scholars feel comfortable treating the social, ritual, or linguistic elements of Norse religion, the methodology outlined in The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz, utilized in the present paper, enables us to connect those elements to the metaphysical aspects of religion. We will apply those methods to the study of Norse wealth symbolism, since it clearly demonstrates the connection between society and metaphysics. Our sources will include the Prose and Poetic Eddas and associated mythic sagas. We will find that wealth symbolizes power, status, and skill in battle, reflecting a world transformed by war, ordered by the gods, and shaped by inexorable fate.
Seth Harbert is a senior at Kent State Stark majoring in History. After graduation, he is hoping to begin a masters in Viking and Old Norse Studies at the University of Iceland. When he is not studying, Seth enjoys reading, writing, hiking, and watching anime.
Jim Meyer
The Environmental Impact and Solutions of Asphalt
Abstract: Asphalt is one of the most used materials in the urban world today. It is used on roads, parking lots, around building and sidewalks. With all these areas talked about above that it is used, even if it is recycled, there are bound to be environmental impacts from it. The most obvious one of these is the leeching from the tars and asphalt into the soils and surround area. Asphalt also heavily increases the temperatures and effects of the urban heat island around large urban areas. Leeching into the soils and recycling are not the only issues. With these ideas in mind there are many problems with asphalt, but there are also a lot of solutions for fixing the issues from it and the tars used with it.
Jim Meyer is majoring in Environmental Studies, and is a senior in the program. His interests in this field lie with how the environment is perceived and experienced. In the future he hopes to graduate and begin working in areas that assist the environment and how people’s ideas change about it.
Brittany Roush
Frida Kahlo: La Mujer, La Artista, La Feminista
Abstract: “Pies, por qué los quiero si tengo alas para volar.” Frida Kahlo fue una artista mexicana que vivió de 1907 a 1954. Era enérgica, intransigente, audaz, y libre como un pájaro. Se atrevió a desafiar a la sociedad y no definió lo que significa ser mujer. Era una mujer sin disculpas. Sus pinturas, como una artista, muestran su gran talento. Había y todavía hay mucho estigma asociado a las cosas femeninas; pero Frida convirtió la experiencia femenina en obras arte. Dicen, “Está bien si tú también sientes estas cosas.” Su vida, como una mujer, mostró la necesidad de la aceptación de la mujer como una parte igual de la sociedad y la necesidad aceptarse a su misma, lo que significa ser fiel a uno mismo.
"Feet, why do I want them if I have wings to fly." Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who lived from 1907 to 1954. She was energetic, uncompromising, bold, and free, like a bird. She dared to challenge society, and she undefined what it means to be a woman. She was unapologetically female. Her paintings, as an artist, show her great talent. There were and still are many stigmas associated with femininity, but Frida turned the female experience into artwork. It says, “It's okay if you feel these things too. Her life, as a female, showed the need for the acceptance of women as an equal part of society and the need for self-acceptance, what it means to be true to yourself.
Brittany Roush is a junior at 5X majoring in Political Science and Journalism with a minor in Spanish. Her concentration is in international law and human rights. She has worked for her family’s businesses at Rick Roush Enterprises for 17 years, professionally trained as a finance manager and advisor in parts and service. She graduated with honors from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in 2004. She is also the founder and executive director of Believe320LLC, a non-profit organization committed to creating lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and social injustice. She has taken Believe320LLC to orphanages in Kenya, India and the Dominican Republic. She has also volunteered abroad with Feed My Starving Children. Roush is committed to making a difference in the lives of those most in need. She lives in Massillon with her two children Kaelyn and Christian, and their dog Bentley.
Taylor Vanderveen
A Case Study for Police Officer In-Service Sexual Assault Training
Abstract: Sexual violence against women is an ongoing issue in today’s society. These crimes leave survivors with psychological baggage they must learn to carry for the rest of their lives. Research supports the need for additional training for law enforcement as it can bring officers closer to the reality survivors are forced to live with after assault. This presentation will focus on how additional training for law enforcement can better the care we offer to survivors’ post-assault. Ultimately, a model for intervention is presented which operationalizes the effects of law enforcement and rape victim advocates on a survivor’s post-assault experience. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of sexual assault in-service training for police officers. By analyzing the training law enforcement receives, we hope to find where the disconnect lies between law enforcement and sexual assault survivors. This will help further research regarding the stigma of reporting sexual assaults to the police, and the ways we can offer better care to victims following an assault.
Taylor Vanderveen is a senior graduating in the spring of 2021. She is graduating with a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Organizational Communication. After graduation, Taylor will be continuing her education at the University of Cincinnati as a graduate student in their Masters of Communication program. She is currently serving as President of the Communication Club at Kent State Stark as well as President of the Communication National Honor's Society, Lambda Pi Eta Upsilon Chapter.
Tatum Walulik
The Hidden Costs of Factory Farming
Abstract: Food production has changed drastically over the years in the United States. As the population continues to grow, so does the demand for food. To manage the growing demand for meat, intensive farming systems were created to increase agricultural output and reduce costs. Around the world seventy billion farm animals are produced for consumption annually as a result of factory farming. However, producing vast numbers of livestock in a short period of time leads to environmental degradation. This paper determines how intensive animal agriculture contributes to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Intense animal agriculture leads to air pollution, water pollution, and deforestation. The global demand for animal protein is projected to more than double by 2050. Continuing on this path of over production and consumption will lead to irreversible environmental degradation.
Tatum Walulik is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography. In the near future, Tatum plans to graduate and work in environmental management.
Hunter Warren
The Rise and Fall of a Rust Belt City: Industry's Impact on Southwest Canton
Abstract: For many cities in the American Midwest, decaying steel and auto industries have pockmarked their neighborhoods with empty factories and miles of unusable brownfield land. This article showcases a study of the environmental history, as well as the socio-economic downturn that industry has played on Canton, Ohio. Specifically, it investigates the Southwest neighborhoods that were built in response to companies such as Timken and Republic Steel. Data for this research was primarily acquired through secondary sources, namely news articles or journals that relate to the subject matter. Both economic and environmental data relating to these industries are well publicized over the span of the last 30 years. The study reveals that not only have the residents of these neighborhoods suffered from a loss of work, services and property values, but also have faced environmental hazards over the years due to the close proximity to industrial sites. These actions have particularly resulted in the gradual decline and lack of support for this region in response to the closing and outsourcing of industrial work from Canton to other places in the United States and across the world.
Hunter Warren is senior in Environmental Studies at Kent State Stark. He plans to find a career in state level natural resources, so that he can work to better the environment in Ohio. In his free time, he enjoys studying history, listening to records, and modifying Volkswagens.
Sarah Weinstock
Patterns of LGBTQ+ Victimization from High School to University
Abstract: LGBTQ+ students are vulnerable to victimization in educational settings. Little research investigates victimization in higher education or the experiences of LGBTQ+ subgroups. This study explores LGBTQ+ victimization in a university context, compares victimization experiences in university to high school, and identifies patterns among LGBTQ+ subgroups. A survey was distributed to LGBTQ+ college students asking about verbal harassment, physical harassment, physical assault, sexual harassment, cyberbullying/electronic harassment, property damage, and theft during high school and university. There was an association between verbal and relational aggression in high school for gay and lesbian, transgender and nonbinary, and multiple-gender-attracted subsamples. In university, there was a connection between verbal and sexual harassment for the gay and lesbian and multiple-gender-attracted subsamples. Verbal harassment, physical harassment, and relational aggression decreased from high school to university, but patterns differed among subsamples. The study concludes with recommendations and a discussion about the role of schools in supporting LGBTQ+ students.
Sarah Weinstock is a senior at Kent State Stark. She is completing a double major in Psychology and Sociology. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school and intends to conduct research in these fields.
Haley Weller and Sarah Flower-McVey
Socioemotional Learning and Development: Insight from Experienced Teachers Regarding SEL in the Classroom
Abstract: Social and emotional development in children is important because it influences their self-confidence, ability to develop empathy, meaningful relationships, and their sense of importance. Children with strong social and emotional skills learn better. We interviewed experienced teachers so that we might better understand how educators support their students. This video presentation is a brief summary of the insight shared by experienced educators when interviewed about Socioemotional Development in the Classroom. Sarah Flower interviewed Mrs. Hoxworth, an elementary art teacher with 30 years of experience. Haley Weller interviewed Mrs. Fone, a high school Spanish teacher with 26 years of experience. In this presentation, we examine self and identity, the moral development, and emotional development of students. Because of the benefits of strong socioemotional development in students, this information is also beneficial for teachers to be able to best help their students so that they feel competent and confident to succeed in their futures.
Haley Weller is a second-year student at Kent State Stark. She is completing a major in Middle Childhood Education with concentration areas of science and language arts. She plans to complete her major at Kent State Stark. After she graduates, she plans to start teaching but is recently considering what a career in educational administration would look like. Haley enjoys boating, camping, and exploring new places with her family and friends.
Sarah Flower-McVey is a second-year student at Kent State Stark. She is completing a major in Art Education. She enjoys art experimentation and crafting outside of a busy school and work schedule. Sarah hopes to become a high school art teacher and is considering going into art therapy someday.
Rana Yu
Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19
Abstract: COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that has developed into a worldwide pandemic. This presentation seeks to use mathematical modeling as a means of creating a starting point to understand and predict the behavior of the spread of COVID-19 over time. We use the SIR model of three coupled non-linear differential equations to forecast the proportion of susceptible, infected, and recovered people in Ohio. While we cannot account for all factors that have the potential to change the modeling results (such as pathogen mutation, inconsistent implementation of safety precautions, and varying symptoms/symptom severity) due to complexity and insufficient data, our modeling provides the groundwork for guiding pandemic response and evaluating the effectiveness of current measures.
Rana Yu is a College Credit Plus student at Kent State Stark and a senior at Jackson High School. She will be pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Philosophy and plans to attend law school to become an attorney.