2026 Scholarly Forum Agenda

April 8^th 2026

Beulah Williams Library

12:00- 1:00  Opening Remarks and Oral Presentations, Round Room 

1:00-2:00     Poster Session, Creation Lab

2:00-3:00     Oral Presentations and McNair Presenters Continued, Round Room

Opening Remarks and Oral Presentations, Round Room

12:00   Dr. Erin Fouberg Interim Provost, Opening remarks

12:15   Angerhofer, J. How Translanguaging Picturebooks Support Meaning: A Cue-Based Analysis of Shared Reading Affordances

12:25  Gordillo, L. Intercultural Training and Coaching Exchange: Ecuador and U.S.A.

12:35  Houdyshell, E. Binary Synthesis: A Symphony for Synthesizer and Orchestra

12:45  Poor, D. Simple Living 

1:00-2:00     Poster Session – Presenters and Titles Listed below 

Oral Presentations Continued: Round Room 

2:00     Olsson, A., Dolan, A. Investigating the Incidence and Gene Expression Patterns Associated with Reticulate Melanism in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in NE South Dakota.

2:10      Reading, R., Nora, G., Pulis, E. Chemotaxonomy: A Comparative Analysis of Poultry: Hepatic, Neurologic, and Renal Tissue Chemical Profiles in Galliformes

2:20      Obiora, T. AI and language & Culture

McNair Session Oral Presentations, Round Room

2:30      Clothier, C. and Knowles, J.  Scene 1 of Apocalypse Love

Poster, Art, and Creativity Presentations: Authors and titles 

Boykins, J. AI Healthcare in College Football

Carpenter, L. Ai in Social Justice System

Finch, M. Effects of dietary aspartate supplementation on mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster.

Harrison, J. Teaming Up for Well‑Being: Exploring Sport Participation and Group Support Among High School Student‑Athletes. 

Imus, R. Metamorphosis through paper / motors. 

Kim, J., Kim, Y. Batted Ball Distance Is Driven by Contact Quality: Evidence from Statcast Data.

Kim, S. The Effects of Perceived Platform Complexity on Fan Experience and Marketing Communication Needs in NFL Regular Season Viewing.

Klein, K. Molecular Detection of Haemogregarina spp. from Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Blood.

Kopp, G., Shortt, C.A., Pfannelsteil, K.KB., Downs-Talmage, J.L. Relationship between cortisol and cardiovascular responses to exercise in division II athletes. 

Kwon, D. Impact of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System on Fan Satisfaction and Attendance Intention: Evidence from the KBO League. 

Lee, H., The Ohtani Effect: Superstars as Digital Performance Amplifiers.

Missman, A.G., Pfannensteil K.B., Shortt, C.A., Downs-Talmage, J.l. Relationship between salivary cortisol levels and perceived Acedemic Stress in Division II Student-Athletes. 

Moon, S. The Effect of Matchmaking Algorithm Transparency on Player Trust in Competitive Online Games. 

Schauer, A. Grip Strength and Motor Development in Geriatric Populations

Steffes, C. AI Companionship & Emotional Support. 

Viox, A., Johannsen, S., Dolan, A. Chroma analysis of carotenoid pigmentation variation in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in northeastern South Dakota.

Voss, C., Shortt, C., Missman, A., Kopp, G., Theis, A., Pfannensteil, K., Talmage, J. Relationship between academic stress and aerobic fitness in college-aged individuals. 

2026 Scholarly Forum – 

Post session - Beulah Williams Library NSU 

Boykins, J. AI Healthcare in College Football

The growing use of artificial intelligence in healthcare within college football, specifically through (biometric monitoring & wearable technology) many serious concerns on player safety, injury prevention and data privacy, making this an issue impacting players, coaches and medical staff. As a high impact sports in which physical longevity is a major concern, identifying how AI can be used to identify physiological limits of the athlete will be critical to the future of athletes. The researchers behind this paper argue that though AI has the ability to provide improved injury prevention, as well as improved physical performance by utilizing real time "player load" management; there are also many ethical issues with ownership of biometric data, and whether or not all high budget schools/athletes will have unequal access. This study gained insight into this question by conducting online research and analyzing relevant web-based materials, such as investigative reports from The Athletic and Daily Illini, and reviewing peer-reviewed articles on predictive analytics and sports science. The research suggests that through the use of data from advanced technologies (AI) and sensor systems,"invisible" danger zones may be identified. These are often specific areas in the playing field which correspond with high levels of injuries. Sensors used by these technology systems provide much greater detail on player movement than traditional methods. Therefore, Medical Staffs have the opportunity to act before an injury occurs to the soft- tissue. These findings suggest a need to carefully monitor the use of AI in collegiate sports to ensure that biometric data is used strictly for health optimization rather than for scholarship or recruitment decisions. Future research could look at how AI in healthcare affects the long-term career longevity of football players and the accountability of programs in protecting athlete data. It would also be useful to study ways to reduce the "technology gap" to ensure these life-saving preventative tools are available to athletes at all levels of competition, not just elite programs.

Carpenter, L. Ai in Social Justice System

The growing use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice, especially in predictive policing, raises important concerns about fairness, bias, and accuracy rate, making it an issue that affects everyone. As these uses continue to expand, it becomes important to consider their broader impact. This study argues that while AI can improve crime patterns, crime prevention, and better resource allocation, it also raises concerns about AI accuracy rate and the impact that will have on human lives. This study gained insight into this question by using online research, analyzing relevant web-based materials, and interviewing experts in the field. This study's finding suggests that predictive policing will be crucial to the future of the social justice system. They can lay out what exactly this will look like in the future, like facial recognition, super cameras, and super surveillance. Technology advancements are crucial to AI in the police force as they are to bring cameras to find wanted individuals for their crimes. The findings suggest that we need to carefully monitor the use of AI in predictive policing to ensure fairness and prevent bias in the criminal justice system. This study concludes that AI will be crucial for the future of the social justice system. Future research needs to look at allocating funding and prioritizing gaining public acceptance for the future of AI in the police force and how AI in predictive policing affects fairness, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement. 

Steffes, C. AI Companionship & Emotional Support

The growing use of artificial intelligence as a source of emotional support raises important questions about human connection, well-being, and dependency on AI, making it an issue that affects many people today. As these uses continue to expand, it becomes important to consider their broader impact. This study argues that while artificial intelligence can improve people’s mental health while constantly having a chatbot to talk to without having the feeling of judgment, it also raises concerns about people being overly dependent on artificial intelligence. This study gained insight into this question by interviewing experts in the field, conducting online research, and analyzing relevant web-based materials and peer-reviewed articles. The study’s findings suggest that people are leaning more towards artificial intelligence for emotional support as it is becoming more integrated into everyday life. Some people are finding more comfort from AI than from actual human relationships. This raises concerns about people being more dependent on artificial intelligence and how that could affect ways people act with human beings. These findings suggest a need to create boundaries between artificial intelligence and the people using it for companionship. Future research could look at how companies are training their artificial intelligence and see where the boundaries are lacking. It would also be useful to study the demographics of people who are going to AI for emotional support. 

Finch, M. Effects of dietary aspartate supplementation on mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster.

Obesity-associated health complications are on the rise, increasing the burden on healthcare systems in developed countries. These complications include both insulin resistance and deregulated mitochondrial metabolism. To combat obesity, some individuals incorporate artificial sweeteners into their diet. Aspartame, one of the most widely used sweeteners, is found in diet sodas and sugar free candies. Interestingly, aspartame consumption is associated with impaired mitochondrial function and lipid droplet accumulation. Further, the molecular mechanisms relating aspartame consumption to insulin resistance and obesity are incompletely understood. Our study aims to investigate the role of aspartame in regulating mitochondrial fission and insulin action. We supplemented standard Drosophila diets with aspartame in different doses (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.5%). We report that wild type (Oregon R) flies consuming a standard diet supplemented with aspartame develop more rapidly and gain more weight than un-supplemented controls. Expression levels of fis1, a gene that promotes mitochondrial fission, are statistically significantly decreased in the low dose group (0.05%), relative to controls. To test for interactions between aspartame consumption and insulin action, we will utilize the (InRY902C) mutant strain, in which insulin receptor activity is impaired. We hypothesize that InRY902C flies will exhibit increased body weight and reduced fis1 expression when consuming aspartame, due to additive metabolic impairments. These results would suggest that aspartame consumption worsens mitochondrial health in insulin-resistant individuals. Overall, this study provides insight into how artificial sweeteners, while consumed to prevent obesity, can promote obesity-associated complications.

Harrison, J. Teaming Up for Well‑Being: Exploring Sport Participation and Group Support Among High School Student‑Athletes.

Athletic performance can be heavily influenced by one’s mental health. The struggles that a typical high school student faces, such as finals, college, and GPAs, now include those of an athlete juggling these as well as expectations, schedules, and workouts. The purpose of this study is to examine high school students’ mental health and how to best support them. Nearly 20% of adults between 18 and 25 are diagnosed with a mental health disorder (Cranmer et al., 2024), and student-athletes’ reported symptoms are in line with these numbers. Mental health covers numerous illnesses, ranging from eating disorders, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, suicidality, depression, and anxiety, etc. For this study, anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress are being focused on in terms of mental health concerns. Student-athletes will participate in a survey to measure their mental health levels, with some of the student-athletes participating in a supplemental support group. This study uses comparative cross-sectional research, which allows the ability to compare the mental health of high school athletes and non-athletes at a single point in time. When it comes to the population for this study, it’ll be focused on student-athletes in ninth to twelfth grade, from a private school in the Northeastern section of South Dakota.

Viox, A., Johannsen, S., Dolan, A. Chroma analysis of carotenoid pigmentation variation in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in northeastern South Dakota

Color pigmentation in many vertebrate species is produced by carotenoids. This pigment is a dietary pigment obtained through the environment, and in turn physiologically allocated to tissues. Due to the fact that carotenoid expression depends on both resource availability and physiological tradeoffs, variation in coloration can reflect environmental conditions, habitat quality, and individual biological differences. Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) exhibit bright orange and red ventral shell coloration that varies between each individual, and ecological drivers of this variation remain poorly understood within the Prairie Pothole region. We will report on our plans to investigate carotenoid pigmentation in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) at Clear Lake in Marshall County, South Dakota. We will describe the two separate study sites within the lake that represent varying habitat conditions, capture methodology and handling. The turtles will then be photographed utilizing a standardized calibrated imaging system.  Our main objective will be to develop a standardized field protocol, which can be used for digital color analysis via reflectance standards. We will also discuss how we plan to quantify carotenoid chroma using ImageJ software. Utilizing these measurements, we will evaluate the differences in carotenoid pigment expression between sites, sexes and time periods. Through combining method development with ecological field sampling, this project seeks to establish a standardized technique for measuring coloration in wild reptiles and also provide insight into how environment and physiology impact visible traits in native South Dakota species.

Kim, J., Kim, Y. Batted Ball Distance Is Driven by Contact Quality: Evidence from Statcast Data

The rapid advancement of baseball analytics, particularly through Statcast technology, has transformed how player performance is evaluated, with batted ball distance emerging as a key indicator linked to player market value and contract negotiations. Existing research has insufficiently isolated the combined effects of environmental conditions and pitching characteristics on batted ball distance, limiting reliable cross-environment comparisons and increasing financial risk in roster decisions. This study aims to identify the primary determinants of batted ball distance by separating the contributions of physical contact quality, swing mechanics, pitching characteristics, and environmental factors using Statcast data. This study analyzed 417 batted ball events from Shohei Ohtani's 2024 MLB season, with hit distance (feet) as the dependent variable. Independent variables included batted ball characteristics (exit velocity, launch angle, EV × LA interaction), swing variables (bat speed, swing length), pitching characteristics (pitch speed, pitch type, spin rate), and environmental controls (temperature, humidity, Park Factor). OLS multiple regression was conducted using Python’s Statsmodels. The model explained a substantial portion of variance in batted ball distance (R² = 0.59, p < .001). Exit velocity (β = 3.88) and launch angle (β = 3.04) were the only significant predictors, with each 1 mph increase in exit velocity associated with approximately 3.9 additional feet. Bat speed and swing length showed no significant effects, indicating that swing mechanics alone do not directly translate to distance when contact quality is controlled. Environmental variables also showed no significant contribution, suggesting that physical contact quality dominates distance outcomes. These findings suggest that front offices should prioritize exit velocity and launch angle as reliable indicators of contact quality when evaluating players, improving cross-market valuation and reducing decision risk. Academically, this study highlights that contact-based metrics provide more stable performance measures than traditional statistics such as batting average. This study establishes physical contact quality as the primary driver of batted ball distance, and future research should expand to multiple players and environments to improve generalizability.

Kim, S. The Effects of Perceived Platform Complexity on Fan Experience and Marketing Communication Needs in NFL Regular Season Viewing. 

The NFL regular season viewing environment has become increasingly fragmented as broadcasting rights are distributed across multiple television networks and streaming platforms. As a result, fans are frequently required to identify game-specific viewing channels, navigate across platforms, and manage subscription or login information in order to access live games. This study examines how perceived platform complexity influences fan experience and generates marketing communication needs in the context of NFL regular season viewing. In contrast to general digital service settings, sports consumption cannot be fully explained by conventional behavioral outcomes such as service discontinuance. Because of team loyalty, the real-time nature of live sports, and the perceived cost of missing games, fans may continue consuming content despite experiencing inconvenience or frustration. Therefore, this study argues that platform complexity in sports streaming environments should be understood not only as a usability issue, but also as a factor shaping audience experience and communication expectations. 

To explore this issue, the study proposes an online survey of approximately 300 respondents, primarily individuals in their 20s, with prior experience using sports streaming services. The survey is designed to measure NFL viewing experience, perceived platform complexity, negative fan experience—including confusion, fatigue, and viewing burden—and marketing communication needs, such as game-specific viewing guidance, notification messages, and integrated platform information. The collected data will be analyzed using frequency analysis, mean comparison, correlation analysis, and simple regression analysis in order to identify the aspects of platform use that fans perceive as most complex and to examine how such complexity relates to communication-related demands. The findings are expected to demonstrate that perceived platform complexity negatively affects fan experience while simultaneously increasing the need for clearer and more integrated communication support. By highlighting the relationship between platform complexity, audience experience, and communication needs, this study offers practical implications for platforms, broadcasters, leagues, and teams seeking to improve fan experience in fragmented sports media environments.

Klein, K. Molecular Detection of Haemogregarina spp. from Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Blood.

Painted Turtles (Chrysemys pica) have an extensive northern range which may subject them to different parasites than have been documented in more easterly and southerly populations in North America. Haemogregarina spp. (Apicomplexa) are obligate, unicellular, intracellular, eukaryotic turtle blood parasites. The life cycle of  Haemogregarina spp. alternates between a blood sucking invertebrate such as a leech as the definitive host and a vertebrate intermediate host such as turtles where asexual reproduction takes place. Blood parasites in the northeast South Dakota painted turtle population are understudied and overlooked. Archived blood samples from ~30 painted turtles from the Northeast South Dakota area and numerous DNA extract samples from a variety of turtles from Alabama will be screened using quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) and specific primers to identify parasitized samples. Nested PCR will be used to amplify DNA for sequencing to identify the species present and their prevalence. Through the preliminary testing of a select few blood samples from the South Dakota population, there have been positive results. It is expected to find Haemogregarina spp. infecting the red blood cells of other painted turtle samples in tests to come. Once preliminary tests are run on the extracted samples from Alabama it is expected to find Haemogregarina app. Infecting those samples as well. The results of the South Dakota population and the Alabama population can be analyzed for the prevalence of the parasite in both groups. The obtained sequences from both populations can then be compared to those that have been accessioned into GenBank to estimate relationships and possibly identify lineages. This will be the first documentation of these parasites in northeastern South Dakota painted turtles and will provide important information that can be referenced by future researchers. 

Kopp, G., Shortt, C.A., Pfannelsteil, K.KB., Downs-Talmage, J.L. Relationship between cortisol and cardiovascular responses to exercise in division II athletes

PURPOSE: Cortisol is a well-established biomarker of physiological stress and may influence cardiovascular responses to exercise. Student-athletes experience cumulative stress from balancing academic and athletic demands, which has been associated with altered sleep, physiological stress responses, and reduced recovery capacity (Mishica et al., 2021; Benítez-Agudelo et al., 2025). While salivary cortisol has been widely used to quantify physiological stress in athletic populations (Cevada et al., 2014), limited research has directly examined its relationship with cardiovascular responses to exercise in Division II athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and cardiovascular responses during a graded exercise test in Division II student-athletes. METHODS: Fifteen healthy Division II athletes will be recruited to participate. Participants will complete a modified Bruce treadmill protocol. Cortisol samples will be collected prior to exercise testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) salivary cortisol test kits. Cardiovascular variables assessed during the graded exercise test will include heart rate (HR), maximal heart rate (HRmax), HR recovery time, and time to exhaustion measured via electrocardiogram. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients will be used to examine relationships between salivary cortisol concentrations and cardiovascular responses to exercise. RESULTS: It is hypothesized that higher salivary cortisol levels will be significantly associated with elevated exercise HR, prolonged HR recovery time, and decreased time to exhaustion. CONCLUSION: If supported, these findings would provide evidence that elevated physiological stress, as quantified by salivary cortisol, negatively impacts cardiovascular responses to exercise in Division II athletes. Improved understanding of this relationship may allow practitioners to identify athletes at increased risk for performance decrements and maladaptation. Practical applications include individualized training load adjustments, targeted recovery strategies, and academic support interventions during periods of elevated stress to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.

Kwon, D. Impact of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) System on Fan Satisfaction and Attendance Intention: Evidence from the KBO League.

The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system has recently emerged as a technological innovation aimed at improving the accuracy and fairness of ball and strike calls in professional baseball. While the system has been widely discussed in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League officially implemented ABS beginning in the 2024 season. This implementation provides a valuable opportunity to examine how technological officiating systems influence fan perceptions and behavioral intentions. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the ABS system on fan satisfaction and attendance intention in professional baseball. Drawing on perceived fairness theory and research on trust in officiating, this study investigates whether the perceived fairness and accuracy of ABS contribute to positive fan attitudes toward the game. When fans perceive officiating decisions as fair and consistent, their overall satisfaction with the game experience is likely to increase, which may in turn influence their willingness to attend games in the future. To examine these relationships, this research adopts a mixed-method approach. First, qualitative data are collected through an analysis of fan comments from YouTube videos discussing ABS implementation in both the KBO League and MLB. These comments are analyzed to identify major themes related to fairness, trust in officiating, and enjoyment of the game. Second, a survey will be conducted among Korean and American university students to measure perceptions of ABS, overall fan satisfaction, and behavioral intentions such as game attendance. Preliminary observations from online discussions suggest that fan opinions were initially divided before the implementation of ABS, but reactions have become increasingly positive after fans experienced the system in actual games. The findings of this study may provide practical insights for professional baseball leagues considering the adoption of automated officiating technologies, particularly in understanding how such systems influence fan perceptions and engagement with the sport.

Lee, H. The Ohtani Effect: Superstars as Digital Performance Amplifiers.

Sports organizations invest heavily in superstar athletes not only to enhance on-field performance but also to maximize digital fan engagement and brand value. However, prior research has mainly examined offline impacts such as attendance and revenue, understanding how superstars shape digital fan engagement has become increasingly essential as fandom shifts toward digital media in the star-driven sports economy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine how Shohei Ohtani’s presence influences digital fan engagement as a function of team performance, and particularly to test whether his existence jointly with team winning percentage produces an interaction (amplification) effect. To address this, MLB game data (2015-2025) was analyzed, where digital engagement metrics – Google search interest, Wikipedia views, and YouTube views – were aggregated into a Principal Component Analysis (PCA)-based Digital Engagement Index (DE_Index). Data were divided into three eras: Pre-Ohtani, Angels-Ohtani, and Post-Ohtani. ANOVA tested mean differences across eras, and linear regression estimated changes in DE_Index for each 1% increase in winning percentage. Results showed that DE_Index mean was significantly higher in the Angels-Ohtani era (η²=0.0189). Moreover, Regression results indicated that a 1% rise in win percentage raised DE_Index by 0.1967 in the Pre-Ohtani era, 0.3797 during the Angels-Ohtani era, and 0.1165 in the Post-Ohtani era, suggesting that engagement was about twice as sensitive to performance when Ohtani played for the Angels. Practically, front offices can strategically allocate marketing budgets and communication efforts during "competitiveness window" when a superstar is present, since winning games produces disproportionately higher digital engagement. Academically, this study provides a statistical framework (PCA + ANOVA + era-specific regression) for examining how superstars amplify the relationship between on-field performance and digital fan engagement. In conclusion, Ohtani not only raises baseline digital engagement but also acts as a "performance amplifier," magnifying engagement gains from wins beyond those in pre- or post-Ohtani periods. Future research could incorporate time-lagged performance, TV broadcast, and postseason effects for greater modeling nuance.

Missman, A.G., Pfannensteil K.B., Shortt, C.A., Downs-Talmage, J.l. Relationship between salivary cortisol levels and perceived Acedemic Stress in Division II Student-Athletes.

PURPOSE: College can be a time of significant stress for students as they learn to manage academic demands, being away from home, extracurricular involvement, and other responsibilities (Santos et al., 2020). Prior literature has found that academic stress is associated with time management difficulties, altered sleep patterns, lower energy levels, and physiological stress responses within the body (Davis et al., 2019; Hamlin et al., 2019). In addition, student-athletes may face even higher levels of stress due to their athletic commitments (Wilson et al., 2005). Cortisol, a commonly used physiological marker of stress, has been utilized to measure stress in student populations (Fields et al., 2020; Kraemer et al., 2013; Wilson et al., 2005). However, most research investigating stress in athletes has been conducted in Division I, where academic resources are well funded and prioritized, with limited research at the Division II level (Fields et al., 2020; Kraemer et al., 2013; Wilson et al., 2005). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and perceived academic stress in Division II student-athletes. METHODS: Fifteen Division II student athletes will be recruited to participate in this study. Participants will complete the Perceived Academic Stress (PAS) questionnaire, a validated academic stress questionnaire, and provide a salivary cortisol sample. A person-product correlation coefficient test will be used to investigate the relationship between PAS and salivary cortisol levels. RESULTS: It is hypothesized that student athletes with higher PAS scores will also exhibit higher salivary cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will allow for a better understanding of the physiological stress responses associated with the academic demands that Division II college student athletes face and may help them identify periods of increased stress that are possibly negatively impacting their health and performance in the classroom and in their sport.

Moon, S. The Effect of Matchmaking Algorithm Transparency on Player Trust in Competitive Online Games

Recently, with the rapid growth of the esports industry, matchmaking algorithms in competitive online games have become a key mechanism for maintaining skill balance among players and ensuring fair competition. However, ongoing debates among players about whether matchmaking systems artificially manipulate win rates have raised increasing concerns about the level of information disclosure and transparency of these algorithms, highlighting their potential role in shaping player trust. Despite ongoing debates regarding the fairness of matchmaking algorithms, limited research has examined how different levels of information disclosure about these algorithms influence players’ perceptions of fairness and trust in gaming platforms. In particular, empirical research exploring the appropriate level of transparency that can build user trust while protecting companies’ proprietary algorithms remains scarce. H1 & H2: Positive mediation effect of Perceived Fairness on platform trust. H3: Non-linear (Inverted U-shape) relationship between transparency and trust. Goal: Identifying the "Goldilocks Zone" for strategic information disclosure. Study Design: This study employs a scenario-based survey design to investigate the causal relationships between transparency levels and player perceptions. Participants: Players with experience in competitive online games are recruited to ensure relevant and reliable responses. Procedure: Participants are randomly assigned to one of three matchmaking scenarios (Low, Moderate, High transparency). Measures: Perceived fairness, platform trust, and transparency perception are measured using a structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Example items: “This matchmaking system is fair” and “I trust this platform.” Data Analysis: Collected data are analyzed using statistical methods, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Regression Analysis. Conceptual illustration of expected results

• Higher transparency is expected to increase perceived fairness, which in turn enhances platform trust.

• An inverted U-shaped relationship is anticipated, where moderate transparency leads to the highest level of trust.

These findings suggest that designing an optimal level of transparency can enhance player trust while protecting system integrity. Game developers can implement strategic information disclosure to improve perceived fairness without exposing sensitive system details. Understanding the optimal level of transparency is critical for maintaining long-term player trust in competitive online platforms.

Voss, C., Shortt, C., Missman, A., Kopp, G., Theis, A., Pfannensteil, K., Talmage, J. Relationship between academic stress and aerobic fitness in college-aged individuals. 

PURPOSE: Academic stress results from heavy coursework, limited time for assignments, exams, and a student’s perception of their academic abilities. Stress levels often increase during periods of high demand, such as midterms and finals. These stressors may cause students to experience poorer mental health, such as depression and low self-esteem, impaired sleep, and a decrease in academic performance (Bedewy & Gabriel, 2015). Academic stress has been associated with negative psychological and physiological outcomes in college students, which may influence aerobic fitness. However, there has been limited research on how fluctuations in academic stress across periods affect aerobic fitness. Therefore, the purpose of the pilot was to assess the feasibility and reliability of three measurement tools (salivary cortisol, the PAS questionnaire, and the VO₂ master) for evaluating stress and metabolic responses in college students. This preliminary work will help establish protocols for a comprehensive study examining how academic stress influences aerobic fitness across various stress periods. METHODS: In the pilot study, we started off with five college-aged individuals (average age of 21 years old). Academic stress was assessed using the Perceptions of Academic Stress Scale (PAS), a self-report measure. Stress was also assessed with physiological indicators measured through a salivary cortisol test. Resting metabolic rate was collected for each participant using a VO₂ Master Mask with a five-minute settling period and a five-minute collection period. RESULTS: Participants generally reported low to moderate levels of academic stress across PAS domains, including pressure to perform, perceptions of workload, academic self-perception, and time restraints. Higher stress was reported in areas related to examination difficulty and time pressure. Based on the pilot, we observed a trend indicating that during periods of higher academic stress, students report higher perceived stress and higher salivary cortisol levels, which may be associated with changes in aerobic fitness. CONCLUSION: The results of the pilot study showed that the PAS questionnaire, salivary cortisol assessment, and VO₂ Master metabolic testing were feasible and reliable for evaluating academic stress and aerobic fitness in college-aged individuals. Building on these findings, the study will incorporate maximal oxygen consumption testing to assess aerobic fitness. As we proceed, this study will provide further insight into the relationship between academic stress and aerobic fitness and help identify distinct academic periods during which students may be more vulnerable to elevated stress and a decline in aerobic fitness.

Schauer, A. Grip Strength and Motor Development in Geriatric Populations

Background: Aging is associated with declines in muscle strength and physical function, which can reduce independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) among older adults, particularly those residing in long-term care facilities. Handgrip strength is widely recognized as a simple and reliable indicator of overall muscle strength and has been linked to mobility limitations and functional decline. This study aims to examine the relationship between grip strength and functional mobility in older adults living in a long-term care setting. Methodology/Approach: A cross-sectional observational design will be used. Participants will include residents who are able to safely complete mobility assessments, while individuals with medical conditions that preclude participation will be excluded. Grip strength will be measured using a handgrip dynamometer following standardized procedures. Functional mobility will be assessed through sit-to-stand performance, locomotion scoring, and walking tests over distances of 10, 50, 100, and 150 feet, with the latter including directional changes to evaluate endurance and complex mobility. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participant characteristics and performance outcomes. Results: It is anticipated that greater grip strength will be associated with better functional mobility performance. Conclusion/Significance: Findings from this study may help identify practical clinical indicators of functional independence and support the development of targeted interventions to maintain mobility and independence in geriatric populations.

Wanstrath, E.J., St. Clair, S.L. Characterization of caffeine-mediated effects on hepatic metabolism in adult zebrafish.

Approximately 85% of Americans consume at least one caffeinated beverage daily. In addition to promoting the dreaded midday crash, this habit alters glucose and fat metabolism.  Caffeine regulates hepatic fat production by inhibiting fatty acid synthase (fasn), an enzyme involved in de novo lipogenesis. Interestingly, caffeine consumption promotes insulin resistance in insulin sensitive individuals and prevents insulin resistance in obese populations. Utilizing male and female adult zebrafish as a model system, our study assesses how caffeine differentially regulates glucose and fat metabolism under standard and high fat feeding conditions. Consistent with previous studies, we report that zebrafish gain less weight when fed a standard diet supplemented with caffeine (in both 0.1 and 0.13 mg caffeine/day) for 6 weeks, relative to un-supplemented fish. Oral caffeine supplementation increased fasting blood glucose levels. We also report that 0.13 mg/day oral caffeine supplementation may be toxic to adult zebrafish. Samples have been collected for analysis of hepatic expression levels of genes involved in lipid synthesis and inflammatory response. This process will be repeated with fish consuming a high fat diet, as well as supplementing diets with freeze dried beverages from local coffee shops. We hypothesize that high levels of caffeine consumption differentially regulate fat and glucose metabolism by eliciting variable inflammatory responses. Overall this data expands our understanding of how caffeine influences the physiology of various populations, and could potentially highlight a role for caffeine in staving off metabolic disease.

Oral Session – Beulah Willaims Library Round Room 

April 8^th 2026 

Angerhofer, J. How Translanguaging Picturebooks Support Meaning: A Cue-Based Analysis of Shared Reading Affordances

Shared reading of bilingual children’s picturebooks are an effective vocabulary teaching tool. Specifically, books that employ a translanguaging framework are noticed to be especially effective in vocabulary development. Despite this, there is little clarity on how these texts actually support vocabulary development. Additionally, there is no strict definition of what counts as vocabulary support in these texts. This study analyzed the methods in which translanguaging picturebooks provide support for meaning making and vocabulary acquisition. To do this, the analysis focuses on specific textual and visual cues in the books. This project is grounded in translanguaging theory, which is the theory that children learn best when fluidly using their full linguistic repertoire. Also, a deep understanding on the benefits of shared reading strategies of picturebooks served as a foundation for this research. A systematic coding of six translanguaging picturebooks was conducted. The frequency and distribution of Salient vocabulary instances were quantified in the texts, and these instances were categorized into the following sections: translation equivalents, definitions, visual cues, culturally anchored vocabulary, code-switching and utterances. The content analysis revealed that visual cues were the most frequent across all books, and adult-mediated supports, like code-switching, cultural vocab and utterances, were also highly prevalent. Explicit supports like definitions and translations were the most rare. This demonstrates that texts do not primarily rely on direct explanation but are dependent on the interaction and adult mediation. Cue density varies across the books, which affects the shared reading potential. Translanguaging picturebooks do not inherently provide complete support on their own, but they are dependent on shared reading interactions of adult mediation. These books provide prompts for interaction, not just instructional tools. It is clear that vocabulary support takes the text, adult and child. 

Houdyshell, E. Binary Synthesis: A Symphony for Synthesizer and Orchestra

I have written and orchestrated a piece of music for synthesizer, vocoder, and orchestra. This piece was created to explore the implementation of electronic instrumentation in a traditional orchestral setting. I created a full orchestral arrangement of a piece of music that I originally wrote for synthesizer. I will be using my synthesizer from the grant funding to record all the synthesized sections of the piece and will provide a video showing my process with the synthesizer and recording techniques. I will also be using the built in vocoder to record harmonies over my vocals in the symphony. This work is a great opportunity to introduce people to the vocoder, and the power of synthesized music. I created this work as a passion project to show my love for not only the orchestra, but the electronic music that I grew up with. I wanted to create a blend of the music of the past with the music of the future, with a touch of avant garde experimentation and environmental storytelling.

Gordillo, L. Intercultural Training and Coaching Exchange: Ecuador and U.S.A.

The United States is one of the countries that allows athletes the most opportunities, attracting interest from individuals all over the world who are interested in improving their performance in their sports. However, how welcomed does an athlete actually feel when they decide to leave their home country in search of better opportunities in the United States? This study argues that every athlete is different, and their coaches and trainers need to consider not only their physical capabilities but also their cultural background in order to achieve successful performances in their sports. Taking the perspective of an Ecuadorian athlete, this study draws on the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) framework developed by Christopher Earley and Soon Ang, and Hofstede’s cultural dimension framework to explore the Ecuadorian culture to create awareness of some of the things that coaches and trainers might want to consider when working athletes from this culture. The study suggests that the culture from the United States and Ecuador are sharply different in areas such as power distance dynamics or individuality that, when overlooked, might create physical and emotional stress in the athlete, preventing them to improve and reach their whole potential. The main purpose of this study was to create cultural awareness among the athletic departments in the United States, encouraging coaches to create a more welcoming and safe environment in sports. Future research will examine different strategies to effectively adapt training practices to accommodate the different cultural values of the athletes. 

Olsson, A., Dolan, A. Investigating the Incidence and Gene Expression Patterns Associated with Reticulate Melanism in Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in NE South Dakota.

Reticulate melanism (RM) is a dark, net-like pigmentation pattern seen in many vertebrate species and is visible in the shell coloration of the Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii). Although this pattern is easy to observe and may have ecological and physiological importance, the biological mechanisms that cause RM are not well understood. This study examines whether RM is linked to measurable physiological traits and differences in gene expression within a natural turtle population. A seven-year mark–recapture dataset (2019–2025) from northeastern South Dakota was used to quantify the frequency of RM across sexes and study sites and to identify long-term population patterns. RM was present every year, but its frequency varied and differed between sites after a second location was added. Turtles with melanism were more common among larger males, suggesting a possible relationship between RM, age, sex, and overall physiological condition. To explore the molecular basis of this pattern, we used quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to compare gene expression in blood samples from melanistic and non-melanistic male turtles collected in 2023, the most complete sampling year. Four candidate pigmentation genes were analyzed: ASIP, MC1R, TYR, and TYRP1. These genes are known to influence melanin production and were selected to test whether RM is associated with differences in pigment-related gene activity. By combining long-term field data with molecular techniques, this research links visible physical traits with underlying genetic and physiological processes. Understanding how RM develops may improve knowledge of pigmentation biology, reptile physiology, and phenotypic plasticity. Because pigmentation can reflect internal biological condition, RM may also serve as a useful non-invasive indicator of population health for conservation and monitoring efforts.

Obiora, T. AI and language & Culture

The growing use of artificial intelligence in language and culture translation raises important questions about accuracy, meaning, and cultural understanding, making it an issue that affects global communication. As these uses continue to expand, it becomes important to consider their broader impact. This study argues that while artificial intelligence can improve communication in between different languages, it also raises concerns about the accuracy of translation, cultural assumption, and less used languages that are endangered. This study gained insight into this question by conducting online research, analyzing peer-review research articles, using artificial intelligence for specific tasks. The study’s findings suggest that artificial intelligence makes communication easier, but it can also weaken deeper understanding, especially when it still has limitations for cultural meaning and it does not actually understand what it translates. Other findings suggest that languages that are not used as much globally are in danger of extinction if artificial intelligences are not trained well enough with the languages in question. This also research predicts that artificial intelligence has a biased view of culture and language while working with the tools that some artificial intelligences offer. These findings suggest a need to educate artificial intelligences with culture and languages. Future research could look at what is the reason that artificial intelligences are biased and why they may misinterpret cultures. It would also be useful to study how they could include endangered languages more and if it could actually understand the true meaning of what it translates. 

Poor, D. Simple Living 

I will be presenting work from my Senior Exhibition, titled Simple Living, which has been supported greatly by my Northern Edge Award. The work is all about family, the rural landscape, and a foundation of gratitude within God’s love and care for those things. My family and the world around us are gifts from God, not deserved, and through my exhibition I give thanks for those things. I focused primarily on figurative work, whether painting or sculpture, depicting individuals in the landscapes they live in. I will also describe my process of building a canvas stretcher, stretching the canvas, and eventually having a finished product of a painting. I will present photos of the work instead of the physical art pieces because the show will be actively up in the JFAC gallery the day of these presentations.

Reading, R., Nora, G., Pulis, E. Chemotaxonomy: A Comparative Analysis of Poultry: Hepatic, Neurologic, and Renal Tissue Chemical Profiles in Galliformes

We investigate the presence and concentrations of heavy metals and chemical contaminants in grouse, prairie chickens, and pheasants from South Dakota. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and an SPS 4 Autosampler, the study examines tissue samples—specifically from the liver, kidney, meat, and brain—of these bird species to identify toxic elements specifically lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, zinc, nickel, and chromium. The project follows a detailed timeline, including literature review, sample collection, tissue preparation, and data analysis, culminating in a final presentation of results. Through this research, we aim to assess the environmental health and potential risks posed by contamination to wildlife, contributing to conservation efforts and raising awareness about the impact of agricultural and industrial activities on avian populations. The study also holds significant value for Northern State University, strengthening ties with the local community and advancing environmental stewardship and research. The outcomes of this project will provide crucial insights into wildlife safety and ecosystem quality, offering practical guidance for hunters and policymakers in South Dakota.

McNair Session – Round Room Oral 

Clothier, C. and Knowles, J.  Scene 1 of Apocalypse Love

I'm presenting the opening sequence of "Apocalypse Love," a short film that demonstrates how accessible AI tools have revolutionized independent filmmaking. This presentation focuses on the first critical scenes, underwater sequences that establish our story's environmental context through purely visual storytelling. The opening montage takes viewers on a journey from abundance to emptiness. We begin with pristine underwater footage showing thriving fish populations in their natural habitat, then progress through increasingly aggressive fishing scenes utilizing advanced sonar technology and conclude with haunting images of empty waters, a stark visual metaphor for resource depletion. What makes this sequence technically significant is that it was created entirely through AI-assisted workflows, demonstrating that professional-quality underwater cinematography no longer requires expensive equipment, dive teams, or underwater camera operators. The production pipeline involved three distinct AI platforms working in sequence. First, I used text-to-image generation on Nano Banana to create initial concept frames based on detailed written descriptions of underwater environments, fish species, and lighting conditions. These static images established the visual language and photorealistic style for the entire sequence. Next, I employed image-to-image processing, also on Nano Banana, to refine these initial generations, adjusting composition, enhancing photorealistic details, and ensuring consistency across frames. This iterative refinement process allowed precise control over underwater lighting, water clarity, and fish anatomy—critical for authenticity. Finally, I transformed these refined static images into dynamic video using Kling 2.5 Pro's image-to-video capabilities. This platform animated the still frames, adding natural fish movement, water current effects, and camera motion that creates the illusion of professional underwater cinematography. The narration was produced using ElevenLabs voice synthesis, providing the weathered, reflective voice of our protagonist Bill, now older, looking back on events. The AI-generated voice delivers emotional weight and documentary-style gravitas that grounds the visual spectacle in human consequence. This opening sequence proves that compelling cinematic storytelling—complete with challenging underwater environments and professional narration—is now accessible to independent creators using affordable AI tools and strategic workflow integration.

McNair Session – Round Room Oral 
Clothier, C. and Knowles, J.  Scene 1 of Apocalypse Love
I'm presenting the opening sequence of "Apocalypse Love," a short film that demonstrates how accessible AI tools have revolutionized independent filmmaking. This presentation focuses on the first critical scenes, underwater sequences that establish our story's environmental context through purely visual storytelling. The opening montage takes viewers on a journey from abundance to emptiness. We begin with pristine underwater footage showing thriving fish populations in their natural habitat, then progress through increasingly aggressive fishing scenes utilizing advanced sonar technology and conclude with haunting images of empty waters, a stark visual metaphor for resource depletion. What makes this sequence technically significant is that it was created entirely through AI-assisted workflows, demonstrating that professional-quality underwater cinematography no longer requires expensive equipment, dive teams, or underwater camera operators. The production pipeline involved three distinct AI platforms working in sequence. First, I used text-to-image generation on Nano Banana to create initial concept frames based on detailed written descriptions of underwater environments, fish species, and lighting conditions. These static images established the visual language and photorealistic style for the entire sequence. Next, I employed image-to-image processing, also on Nano Banana, to refine these initial generations, adjusting composition, enhancing photorealistic details, and ensuring consistency across frames. This iterative refinement process allowed precise control over underwater lighting, water clarity, and fish anatomy—critical for authenticity. Finally, I transformed these refined static images into dynamic video using Kling 2.5 Pro's image-to-video capabilities. This platform animated the still frames, adding natural fish movement, water current effects, and camera motion that creates the illusion of professional underwater cinematography. The narration was produced using ElevenLabs voice synthesis, providing the weathered, reflective voice of our protagonist Bill, now older, looking back on events. The AI-generated voice delivers emotional weight and documentary-style gravitas that grounds the visual spectacle in human consequence. This opening sequence proves that compelling cinematic storytelling—complete with challenging underwater environments and professional narration—is now accessible to independent creators using affordable AI tools and strategic workflow integration.