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AEC Presentations

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Academic Excellence Celebration

Posters

Honor Society Inductions

 

 

These presenters are proud to share their scholarly and creative work. Working individually or collaboratively, they demonstrate their ability to apply, analyze, and synthesize knowledge gained from classes, majors, or graduate programs. This year the event features both live and pre-recorded presentations.

 

 

LIVE PRESENTATIONS

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Lessons Learned from Hosting a 5k/10k Race Event

The presenters will discuss the lessons learned from hosting a 5k/10k race event named the Superhero Challenge. The race was held both in-person and virtual, adding another element of difficulty within the class.

Name: Sport Event & Facilities Management

Diego Tapia-Fraites, Tyler Siever, Isabella Correa Sarmiento, Joshua Jones, John Kehoe, Hampus Filipsson, Turner Pullen, Meshar Rogers Prince, Joshua Lilly, Kirstin Rood, Alex Gorman, Carondis Harris-Anderson, Taveous Clark, Brittany Koch

Sponsor: Dr. Elisabeth Erickson

Location: PAC 116

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Honors Creative Essay (Part 1 of 2)

Students in the Honors Creative Essay class (ENG 221) will read and discuss their creative work.

Name: Rio Tomlinson, Kaitlyn Kasper, Ella Lehman, Naya Busbea, Caleb Marriott, Madison Rohn, Oscar Bossart, Marissa Barauskas, Daria Sokova, Gillian Nicholson, Imogen Rafferty

Sponsor: Dr. Jenny Mueller

Location: PAC 215

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: HONORS: The Relationship of Perceived Effort, Physical Exertion, and Soreness in Collegiate Athletes

This presentation will outline the relationship between perceived effort, physical exertion, soreness, and other measures of well-being in collegiate athletes.

Name: Karson Huels

Sponsor: Dr. Michael Hahn

Location: PAC 216

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: The Effects of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure

The presenter will discuss the effects of organophosphate exposure on the central nervous and respiratory systems, as well as the mechanisms that cause harm to both. The different manifestations of symptoms, treatments, why they are used, and why they were created will also be addressed. 

Name: Madison Puffalt

Sponsor: Dr. Vincent Dunlap

Location: PAC 217

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Chemistry of Von Willebrand

The presenter will be discussing the history of von Willebrand and the medication for it. They will also be talking about the research that they did on the disease, von Willebrand. 

Name: Madeline Larouere

Sponsor: Terese Kasson

Location: PAC 218

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Introduction to GIS

The presenter will introduce what GIS is and discuss the usage of GIS. 

Name: Phasin Vichitcharoenpaisarn

Sponsor: Dr. Heather Dye

Location: PAC 220

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Debating the US Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Part 1 of 2)

The McKendree Debate Team will present a debate over the US response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a topic used at the 2022 National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

Name: McKendree Debate Team

Aaron Brown, Kyle Garrett, Emma McIlhargie, Kyle Smith

Sponsor: Brent Nicholson

Location: PAC 222

 

 

 

10:00 AM - 10:20 AM

Title: Unreal Engine 5 Demonstration

I will be using Unreal Engine 5 to demonstrate business law concepts visually and conceptually.

Name: Devin Caswell

Sponsor: Dr. Kian Pokorney

Location: VIRTUAL Click to Join Presentation

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: Catalyst Literary Magazine

The presenters will talk about McKendree's literary and art magazine called Catalyst. They will read some of the work that McKendree students have published in the magazine. Student writers may join them. 

Name: Taylor Roth, Alivia Garcia, Allison Carnell, JT Thornton, Felicity Crowell, Haley Moody, Hannah White, Amber Gillam, Kirstin Rood

Sponsor: Dr. Jenny Mueller

Location: PAC 116

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: Simulated Crisis Response: Tornado Sweeps through McKendree West

Students from COM 330 – Crisis and Conflict, will host a press conference to respond to a simulated tornado that destroyed several apartments at McKendree West. Students were given the details of the crisis one week prior to this conference and will develop a presentation, crisis communication plan, and respond to media inquiries. 

Name: Meghan N. Bishop, Daniel T. Duggan, Clara D. Andrews, Christopher P. Kissling, Aspen B. Duggar, Julianne M. Thomton, Sadie A. Miyler, Mackenzie R. Mendenhall, Antonio J. Munoz, Quinn R. Breeding, Gaëtan Soulier

Sponsor: Dr. Richard Murphy

Location: PAC 214

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: Honors Creative Essay (Part 2 of 2)

Students in the Honors Creative Essay class (ENG 221) will read and discuss their creative work.

Name: Rio Tomlinson, Kaitlyn Kasper, Ella Lehman, Naya Busbea, Caleb Marriott, Madison Rohn, Oscar Bossart, Marissa Barauskas, Daria Sokova, Gillian Nicholson, Imogen Rafferty

Sponsor: Dr. Jenny Mueller

Location: PAC 215

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: HONORS: Microalgae as a Potential Source of Novel Antimicrobial Compounds

The presenter will discuss the potential use of microalgal extracts as a source of antimicrobial compounds. Background, methods, and analysis will be discussed. These results could contribute to combating the antibiotic resistance crisis scientists are facing today.

Name: Riley Ross

Sponsor: Dr. Robb Van Putte

Location: PAC 216

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: MHA Capstone: Vaccine Confidence

The presenters will explore the topic of vaccine confidence and the impact it has on young adults in the collegiate setting. 

Name: Chloe Knight, Michael Doerr

Sponsor: Dr. Kendra Taylor, Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe

Location: PAC 217

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: Theory and Synthesis of Cytosine-Based Analogs for Antiviral Therapy Utilizing a Viral Mutagenesis Approach

The presenter will explore the antiviral theory behind potential cytosine-based analogs. In addition to this, the current steps taken to synthesize and test the compound in its ability to destabilize the structure of DNA will be discussed. Aims for the future of the project will also be considered.

Name: Nigel Bennett

Sponsor: Dr. Vincent Dunlap

Location: PAC 218

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: PFAS: Means of Eradication and Future Solutions for "Forever Chemicals"

The presenter will discuss their findings of a literature review on the topic of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS background information, current means of PFAS eradication, and future replacement chemicals for PFAS will provide the focus points of the presentation. 

Name: Kale Oglesby

Sponsor: Dr. Vincent Dunlap

Location: PAC 220

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: Debating the US Response to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Part 2 of 2)

The McKendree Debate Team will present a debate over the US response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a topic used at the 2022 National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

Name: McKendree Debate Team

Aaron Brown, Kyle Garrett, Emma McIlhargie, Kyle Smith

Sponsor: Brent Nicholson

Location: PAC 222

 

 

 

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Title: HONORS: Artificial Intelligence Core Knowledge Website

The presenter will discuss Artificial Intelligence, its applications, and more. The project aims to create a discussion regarding Artificial Intelligence and the ways it impacts our lives in a manner that is easy for all audiences to understand. A live demo of a website dedicated to an Overview of Artificial Intelligence will also be presented.

Name: Jason Hurley

Sponsor: Dr. Mostafa Mostafa

Location: VIRTUAL Click to Join Presentation

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Research in Accounting Theory Capstone Projects

This session will include research presentations by students in the capstone accounting course, ACC 431—Research in Accounting Theory.

Consolidations

Name: Logan Boente

 

GAAP vs IFRS

Name: Austin Fleming

 

Hedging Transactions

Name: Atticus Harris

 

LIFO Method of Inventory Costing

Name: Garrett Herring

 

Accounting for Leases

Name: Avoynna Kampwerth

 

Goodwill Accounting

Name: Jason Meentemeyer

 

Marketable Securities

Name: Elliott Prott

 

Sponsor: Terese Kasson

Location: PAC 116

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Simulated Crisis Response: Earthquake Shakes McKendree

Students from COM 330 – Crisis and Conflict, will host a Press Conference to respond to a simulated earthquake that destroyed Eisenmeyer. Students were given the details of the crisis one week prior to this conference and will develop a presentation, crisis communication plan, and respond to media inquiries. 

Name: Owen C. Gross, Breanna L. Sampo, Markiese A. Jones, Kyle A. Smith, Isaac G. Winter, Larry D. Davis, Grace A. Gross, Robert D. Ross, Quinn W. Atchison, Gaëtan Soulier

Sponsor: Dr. Richard Murphy

Location: PAC 214

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: HONORS: Effect of Fight Time and Air Exposure on Stress Response in Bluegill

Students will present a 3-minute summary of their capstone research projects in this session.

Name: Emma Knoebel

Sponsor: Dr. Robb Van Putte, Dr. Michael Louison

Location: PAC 216

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Are RNA Therapeutics the Answer to Curing Genetic Diseases?

The presenter will discuss the history and recent advances in RNA-based therapeutics, the benefits of using RNA to treat genetic diseases rather than DNA, and some of the challenges presented with RNA therapy.

Name: Oscar Bossart

Sponsor: Dr. Vince Dunlap

Location: PAC 217

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Technology Essentials: Can Lithium be Effectively and Efficiently Recovered from Seawater? 

The presenter will discuss the pressing need for new chemical methodologies for the recovery of metallic lithium from alternative environmental sources. Beginning with a brief description of the goals of past research projects, the presenter will then compare those methods with the advancements made by contemporary researchers in the field of elemental lithium recovery from seawater before finally expressing the outlook on the future of this unique and highly relevant subject. 

Name: Kyle Garrett 

Sponsor: Dr. Vince Dunlap

Location: PAC 218

 

 

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Quantum Mechanics and its Role in Elucidating Protein-Ligand Interactions and Structures

The presenter will discuss the protein-ligand complex, with brief overviews of various methods used in its examination- particularly the role, advantages, and limitations of quantum mechanics when applied to the protein-ligand complex.

Name: Nigel Bennett

Sponsor: Dr. Vince Dunlap

Location: PAC 220

 

  

 

11:00 AM - 11:20 AM

Title: Senior Speed Dating, the End of the World, and More (Part 1 of 2)

The McKendree Speech Team will perform nationally qualified events, including a duo about the end of the world, a drama about senior speed dating, and more.

Name: McKendree Speech Team

Naya Busbea, Taylor Roth, Jayden Touchette

Sponsor: Joe Blasdel

Location: PAC 222

 

 

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: Agenda Setting, Political Activism, and Social Media

This study explores the relationship between social networks and agenda setting theory within the political communication context. Using interviews, surveys, and content analysis, the study seeks to identify trends in how students share political ideas via social media and understand the relationship between agenda setting devices, perceived activism, and social media usage. 

Name: Gaëtan Soulier

Sponsor: Dr. Richard Murphy

Location: PAC 214

 

 

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: HONORS: University Administration and Student Perceptions of Participation, Willingness, and Effectiveness Concerning the Use of a Health (injury, illness, mental/emotion, social, academic, and financial health) Communication Mobile Application on a University Campus

The presenter will discuss the perceptions of University administration and students on the willingness to use a health (injury, illness, mental/emotion, social, academic, and financial health) communication mobile application and their perceived effectiveness of the application.

Name: Cole Gerstenberger

Sponsor: Dr. Katy Gayford

Location: PAC 216

 

  

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: Rover Cooler

The presenters will compare the effectiveness of using robotic technology to run errands during events.

Name: McKendree Robotics Team

Emmanuel Segbedzi, Fabian Martinez, Nicolas Rodriguez, Graham Harvey

Sponsor: Dr. Ahed Elmsallati

Location: PAC 217

 

 

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: Synthesis of an o-benzylene-2,1-benzimidazole Dye Compound for Potential Use in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsies

The presenter will discuss the methods and techniques for the extraction, purification, and testing utilized in the synthesis of a base compound for potential usage in sentinel lymph node biopsies of patients undergoing treatment or assessment for breast cancer. Emphasis will be placed on the optimization of the base reaction to grant higher yields and greater purity, as well as the theory behind both the synthesis itself and the further goals of the project. 

Name: Kyle Garrett

Sponsor: Dr. Vincent Dunlap

Location: PAC 218

 

 

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: Components and Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes

The presenter will discuss the toxicity of e-liquids in electronic cigarettes to demonstrate the potential health impacts of e-liquid constituents. The background, methods, analysis, and impact will be provided. 

Name: Brooke Boatman

Sponsor: Dr. Vincent Dunlap

Location: PAC 220

 

 

 

11:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Title: Senior Speed Dating, the End of the World, and More (Part 2 of 2)

The McKendree Speech Team will perform nationally qualified events, including a duo about the end of the world, a drama about senior speed dating, and more. 

Name: McKendree Speech Team

Naya Busbea, Taylor Roth, Jayden Touchette

Sponsor: Joe Blasdel

Location: PAC 222

 

 

 

PRE-RECORDED PRESENTATIONS

 

Title: Getting Connected on Campus: How Campus Organizations use Social Media to Increase Student Involvement

Social media marketing is touted as the best way to reach young people. The presenter challenges this idea through grounded theories, specifically exploring how McKendree students interact with campus organizations online and the role social media plays in student involvement.

Name: Clara Andrews

Sponsor: Dr. Richard Murphy

 

 

 

Title: Effectiveness of Therapeutic Interventions for Athletes with Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This research focuses on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on treating and managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases, specifically Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This study is a meta-analysis where information will be taken from previous studies that have already been conducted.

Name: Morgan Cervera

Sponsor: Dr. Katy Gayford, Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

 

 

Title: A Coach’s Impact on Athlete Recovery and Return to Play

The presenter will discuss the possible impact a coach may have on an injured athlete’s recovery process and their return to play. Communication, mental health, and athlete support will also be addressed. 

Name: Sydney Diekhoff

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins, Dr. Katy Gayford

 

  

 

Title: Incivility, the Impact, and the Ability to Overcome

The presenter will discuss the relationship between a healthy work environment and the level of incivility present within a healthcare setting. Background, method, analysis, and recommendations will be provided. 

Name: Angela Gilbreth

Sponsor: Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe

 

  

 

Title: The Relationship between Coach and Student-Athlete and Mental Health

The presenter will discuss the role coaches play in student-athletes mental health. This presentation will introduce common issues that are seen in the behavior of athletic coaches and how it can affect the mental health of student-athletes. 

Name: Brenyé Johnson

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

  

 

Title: Indoor vs. Outdoor Sports and Their Effect on Mental Health

The presenter will discuss their research on the relationship between playing an indoor or an outdoor sport and its effect on a collegiate athletes' mental health. 

Name: Makenna Kramer

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

  

 

Title: Best Practice for Lateral Inversion Ankle Sprains 

The presenter will determine which method or methods are best practice for lateral inversion ankle sprains.

Name: Anita Moore

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

 

 

Title: Blood Flow Resistance Training in Rehabilitation 

The presenter will discuss the advantages of using Blood Flow resistance cuffs in rehabilitation. The history, definition, settings used, methods, and analysis will be provided.

Name: Bennett Richter 

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

 

 

Title: Accelerated Concussion Return to Play Protocol

The presenter will explain her research on concussion protocols. She will explain previous protocols and new/newly forming protocols. She will explain the importance of these protocols and how they are beneficial to athletes.

Name: Georgia Slaughter

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins

 

  

 

Title: Danger on the Frontlines: How a System of Failures Led to a Catastrophe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The presenter will describe vulnerabilities in the U.S. healthcare delivery system that led to unnecessary illness and death among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing the CDC POLARIS Policy Process and the Evidence Informed Health Policy Framework, the presenter will discuss the process for prioritizing the issue most feasible to gain momentum in protecting frontline healthcare workers. The presenter will discuss the process for creating a policy paper that outlines recommendations for providing workplace safety standards to protect healthcare workers throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to future airborne infectious disease threats.

Name: Debra Waters

Sponsor: Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe, Dr. Jan Albers

  

 

 

Title:  A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Mouthguards and Concussion Prevention in Athletes

The presenter will discuss the relationship between wearing mouth guards and preventing concussions. The background, history, analysis and impact of this specific subject will be addressed. Many controversies surrounding this particular subject will also be addressed.

Name: Matthew Xiong

Sponsor: Dr. Dawn Hankins, Dr. Katy Gayford