HECBC 2026 Program

Higher Education Council of Berks County 27th Annual Undergraduate Research & Creativity Conference 2026 Program

Alvernia University

Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health

Kutztown University Penn State Berks

Reading Area Community College

Albright College ■

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27 TH ANNUAL

BERKS COUNTY UND

Showcase your research or creative wor Posters, talks, papers, projects, and

Minds in Motion

RESEARCH, REFLECTION, AND INSIGHT

Contents Welcome

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Conference Schedule Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Keynote Speaker About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Presentations Session A: Applied Engineering Design and Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session B: Science from Field Studies to the Cosmos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session C: Global Politics, Migration, and War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session D: Health Literacy, Medicine, and Patient-Centered Care . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session E: History, Culture, and Inherited Narratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session F: Creative Writing and Identity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session G: Education, Mental Health, and Community Well-Being . . . . . . . . . . .

Session H: Media, Technology, and Public Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session J: Special Topics and Independent Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session K: Power, Justice, and Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session L: Environment, Sustainability, and Everyday Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session P: Poster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session V: Visual Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Session Z: Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 8 9 11 13 16 18 20 22 23 24 26 28 72 74

Presenters by School Albright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alvernia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kutztown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Penn State Berks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reading Area Community College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81 81 82 83 84 85

Author Index

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Welcome Welcome to Alvernia University for the 27th Annual Higher Education Council of Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference.

We are thrilled to host you for this year’s conference and to welcome students, faculty mentors, families, and guests from across Berks County for a day that celebrates inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and achievement. It is a pleasure to welcome you to our campus for an event that highlights the strength of undergraduate work taking place throughout our region.

Sponsored by the Higher Education Council of Berks County, this conference brings together students and faculty from Albright College, Alvernia University, Kutztown University, Penn State Berks, and Reading Area Community College. This year’s theme, “Minds in Motion: Research, Reflection, and Insight,” speaks directly to the spirit of the conference. It reflects the energy of discovery that drives undergraduate scholarship, the thoughtful reflection that gives that work meaning, and the insight that emerges when students share their ideas with a broader academic community.

This year’s program features more than 180 submissions representing an impressive range of disciplines and forms of expression. Throughout the program, you will encounter work in engineering, science, health, social and political analysis, history, literature, education, sustainability, visual art, and performance. Together, these presentations show minds in motion across our institutions, with students investigating important questions, reflecting critically on their experiences and findings, and offering new insights through research and creative work.

One of the great strengths of this conference is the opportunity to see students engage important questions from many different perspectives. Some projects address practical problems through design and experimentation. Others examine social challenges, human experience, culture, policy, and creative expression. Each contribution adds something meaningful to the day, and together they show the value of undergraduate research and creativity in all of its forms.

We encourage you to take full advantage of the program by attending sessions across disciplines, asking questions, supporting presenters, and engaging with ideas that may be outside your own area of study. In doing so, you become part of the theme itself: a community in motion, shaped by research, reflection, and insight, and strengthened through conversation and shared learning.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, President of Alvernia University, and Dr. Leamor Kahanov, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, for their help and support in planning this conference. We are proud to host this event at Alvernia University and proud to welcome you at the end of the day to reflect on the outstanding work shared here and on the community gathered in the PLEX to celebrate it.

Thank you for joining us, and we hope you enjoy your time on campus and leave inspired by the outstanding work being presented here today.

HECBC Conference Planning Committee Joseph M. Mahoney Victoria Noone Marguerite Ortiz Diana Sibri Brittany Truckenmiller Erin Way

Conference Schedule Oral presentations are grouped into Sessions A–L, as shown in Table 1. Within each session, individual presentations are identified by the session letter followed by a number, for example, A1 and A2. The topics corresponding to the oral session codes are listed in Table 2.

Poster presentations follow a different format. Presenters are expected to be at their posters during the assigned poster session listed in Table 1. In the morning, odd-numbered posters from P001 to P051 are scheduled from 10:00 to 10:55, and even-numbered posters from P002 to P050 are scheduled from 11:00 to 11:55. In the afternoon, odd-numbered posters from P053 to P101 are scheduled from 13:00 to 13:55, and even-numbered posters from P052 to P102 are scheduled from 14:00 to 14:55. For example, poster P008 is scheduled for the morning even-numbered session, while poster P097 is scheduled for the afternoon odd-numbered session. Posters will remain on display throughout the full morning or afternoon block, and presenters are welcome to be present during both sessions in their assigned block.

Start

End

Lobby

West Floor

Central Floor

East Floor

216

113

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8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00

9:00 9:50 10:55 11:55 12:55 13:55 14:55

Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration – –

Breakfast Keynote Z01–Z05 Z06–Z10 Lunch Z11–Z15 Z16–Z19

Breakfast Keynote V01–V05 V01–V05 Lunch V06–V09 V06–V09

Hang Posters P001–P051 Hang Posters P001–P051 P001–P051 (odd) P002–P050 (even) Hang Posters P052–P102 P053–P101 (odd) P052–P102 (even)

– – A D – G K

– – B E – H L

– – C F – J –

Table 1. Conference Schedule

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Sessions Session A B C D E F G H J K L P V Z

Description Applied Engineering Design and Innovation Science from Field Studies to the Cosmos Global Politics, Migration, and War Health Literacy, Medicine, and Patient-Centered Care History, Culture, and Inherited Narratives Creative Writing and Identity Education, Mental Health, and Community Well-Being Media, Technology, and Public Knowledge Special Topics and Independent Projects Power, Justice, and Public Safety Environment, Sustainability, and Everyday Choices Poster Visual Art Performance Table 2. Session Codes and Descriptions

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Keynote Speaker Mr. Alexander Kabrich Alvernia University https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-kabrich-4299481a7/

About Alexander Kabrich earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Alvernia University in 2024 and has centered his undergraduate work on field-based research and applied conservation science. Through Alvernia’s undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities, he built hands-on skills in field sampling, research collaboration, and scientific communication.

In summer 2023, Alexander joined Alvernia Associate Professor of Biology Jamie Becker, Ph.D., on a research expedition to the Sucusari region of the Peruvian Amazon. Working with partner organizations and an international team, he helped pilot methods for capturing and sequencing environmental DNA (eDNA) from soil and water. This approach uses genetic traces left behind by organisms to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and support conservation fieldwork. The experience also included collaboration with the Maijuna community and exposure to traditional ecological knowledge that informs responsible, place-based research.

Alexander currently serves as Sustainability Operations Coordinator in Alvernia University’s Office of Institutional Sustainability at the EcoHouse, supporting student sustainability initiatives and campus operations. His broader applied research interests include sustainability projects connected to hemp-based regenerative building materials and related life-cycle assessment efforts.

Abstract This keynote highlights the transformative role of undergraduate research in shaping emerging environmental scientists through hands-on inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and realworld application. Drawing from experiences at Alvernia University and in the Peruvian Amazon, the presentation will explore a range of projects spanning regenerative building materials, water quality monitoring, and biodiversity assessment in understudied environments.

Particular attention will be given to field-based conservation research in the Sucusari region of Peru, where biodiversity monitoring incorporated soil sampling, camera trapping, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing to better understand ecological communities in a highly diverse yet underdocumented landscape. The presentation will also reflect on the value of community engagement and place-based research, including collaboration with local partners and the Maijuna community.

By sharing both the scientific outcomes and the personal and professional growth that emerged from these experiences, this talk underscores the lasting impact of undergraduate research in preparing students for meaningful careers in environmental science, sustainability, and conservation.

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Presentations Session A: Applied Engineering Design and Innovation A1: A Data-Driven Approach to Optimizing Golf Course Pace of Play Using a Real-Time Mobile Application Presenting Author: Laney Hudson School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Kushal Adhikari Additional Authors: Ask, Sikke An improper pace of play on a golf course increases the duration of a round, resulting in a less efficient and less enjoyable experience for golfers. The objective of this project is to create a more consistent pace of play in order to reduce bottlenecks and improve overall course flow.

To achieve this, a mobile app will be developed for both golfers and course staff to identify areas of slow play and provide real-time assistance. The app will offer data-driven insights and communication tools to help maintain an appropriate pace throughout the course. In addition to optimizing pace of play, the app will enhance overall operations by integrating features such as digital check-in, cart checkout, and food ordering, creating a more convenient and streamlined experience. The expected results include reduced playing time, improved efficiency, and a more consistent flow of golfers. With increased golf participation following the COVID-19 pandemic, efficient course management has become more critical, making an app-based solution essential for improving course utilization and overall golfer satisfaction.

A2: Eco-Parking: Harvesting Vehicle Kinetic Energy for Sustainable Winter Infrastructure Presenting Author: Raymundo Gutarra School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Farah Mneimneh University campuses require significant resources for winter maintenance and chemical deicing.

Eco-Parking is an energy-harvesting system designed to improve sustainability by converting vehicle movement into electrical energy. The system utilizes piezoelectric (PZT) materials embedded beneath parking surfaces to capture mechanical pressure from cars. This harvested energy is stored and repurposed to power an underground resistive heating network installed beneath campus sidewalks for snow and ice mitigation. A transient heat transfer model using the semi-infinite plane wall approximation was developed to determine the time required to reach safe walking temperatures. Experimental validation was conducted via a lab-scale prototype, where results showed complete snow melting within 2 hours and 16 minutes. A parametric study further analyzed the relationship between heating element density and surface temperature.

Preliminary cost estimates suggest that Eco-Parking could reduce seasonal expenses compared to conventional plowing and salting while eliminating chemical runoff. This project demonstrates a self-sustaining solution that integrates renewable energy generation with essential infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety.

9 A3: Snapo Toys-Sprue Separation System Presenting Author: Perla Matista School and Year: Alvernia, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Kushal Adhikari Additional Authors: Stewart, Zion; Mokosso, Shelny In manufacturing environments, the manual separation of products from sprues is a common source of inefficiency, as the process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often inconsistent.

This project aims to design a mechanical system that guides and positions individual components to enable clean, efficient, and organized separation from the sprue. The proposed design focuses on improving consistency while reducing processing time and operator effort. By introducing a simple yet effective mechanical solution, the system has the potential to enhance productivity and support partial automation within the manufacturing workflow. This project highlights how practical, low-complexity engineering design can address real-world industrial challenges and contribute to improved operational efficiency.

A4: Economic Route for Green Waste Disposal Presenting Author: Kevin LaRue School and Year: Alvernia, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Kushal Adhikari Additional Authors: Grubb, Liam M; Stefko, Anthony J; Wernick, Benjamin T This project addresses the company’s need to identify a cleaner and more sustainable disposal route for its polyester waste. The primary objective is to engineer an economically viable process that is both greener and more efficient than the company’s current disposal method. To accomplish this, our team analyzed the existing economic pathway used to produce polyester, with the goal of identifying key stages where recycling or material reuse can be integrated. This may involve creating a Pugh matrix to determine the best disposal method for the waste. We will use the stakeholders’ values to help us weigh the constraints and needs of the economic route.

The expected results will demonstrate that a sustainable disposal method can be implemented within the current economic framework of polyester production and distribution. Ultimately, this work is significant because it has the potential to reduce the company’s environmental footprint, minimize waste sent to landfills, and promote more responsible resource management practices.

Session B: Science from Field Studies to the Cosmos B1: Exploring Zoonotic Pathogens in Amazonian Mineral Licks Presenting Author: Isaac Peterson School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jamie Becker Mineral licks are natural sites where animals frequently consume mineral-rich soil through geophagy. This concentrated activity brings diverse wildlife into repeated contact, creating a potential hotspot for zoonotic pathogen transmission. This study examined whether soil in

10 mineral licks in the Sucusari River basin of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest harbors zoonotic pathogens and could serve as hotspots for disease transfer. During the expedition, we collected 83 samples from 20 mineral licks and associated control sites. Environmental DNA (eDNA) was extracted, purified, and analyzed using short-read Illumina sequencing and long-read nanopore technology. Mineral lick soils harbor unique microbiomes distinct from surrounding forest soil with an increased prevalence of potential pathogenic taxa, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Legionella. Species richness varied considerably between and within licks, ranging from approximately 400 to over 2,500 taxa. These findings suggest that mineral licks harbor unique microbiomes that may function as environmental reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, highlighting their potential role as disease hotspots in the Peruvian Amazon.

B2: IUCN Red List Assessment of the Sea Slug Elysia timida Presenting Author: Morgan Herb School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Mashintonio Additional Authors: Gregory, Setliff P The IUCN Red List species assessment is a public access website that uses collective input from across the globe to categorize and label the extinction risk of all species. IUCN Red List assessors evaluates a species range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions to determine the level of risk. For my independent research, I assessed Elysia timida (E. timida) for the IUCN Red List. E. timida are marine invertebrates more commonly known as “sea slugs” that are used for a variety of assessments and experiments due to their unique ability to continue to utilize chloroplast’s photosynthetic properties after consumption. This process, better known as kleptoplasty, is thought to be a strategy to alleviate the effects of annual seasonal changes in food availability due to algal calcification. Due to this, they are often utilized in research to try and better understand this process. With the rising global temperatures, these “sea slugs” face threats due to increased food access limitations caused by algal calcification as well as muscular function concerns at these higher temperatures.

Here I discuss the many extinction risks and concerns for this important research species, Elysia timida, and their unique kleptoplasy abilities.

B3: CRISPR-Cas as the New Frontier of Medicine Presenting Author: Ben Paul School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jamie Becker Various genetically based diseases are seen as death sentences due to the inability to develop curative treatments. This comprehensive literature review examines the use of the CRISPR-Cas system as a solution to these illnesses. The CRISPR-Cas system is a gene-editing system isolated from bacteria that can be used for a variety of gene-editing functions. The numerous possible uses of CRISPR are detailed in the literature review, along with a general explanation of the mechanisms underlying the system and the ethical, legal, and societal considerations when using this technology. The summative conclusion of this literature review is that CRISPR technology

11 has some issues that need to be addressed, but it presents a promising future in the way of dealing with genetically based diseases.

B4: Tuning the Properties of Base-Appended Radical Cations Presenting Author: Nick Reiter School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ian Rhile We have been exploring the chemistry of base-appended radical cations, appending pyridyl rings to phenothiazinium radical cations. These compounds can accept a proton and an electron, acting as hydrogen-atom acceptor compounds. The reactivity is unusual in that the proton and electron are transferred in one step. This reactivity, called concerted proton electron transfer, occurs in many contexts, particularly in biochemical systems such as enzymes. Our current work is centered on modifying the electron- and proton-transfer properties by adding substituents to the phenothiazinium and pyridyl rings, respectively. We will discuss the synthesis of one compound and the characterization of two compounds, focusing on pKa titrations. Combining these measurements with reduction potentials allows us to calculate bond dissociation energies.

Future work will include completing a nine-compound series.

B5: The Irreducible, Rotational, and Spin Mass Components Measured for StellarMass and Supermassive Black Holes Presenting Author: Nathan St. Clair School and Year: Penn State Berks, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ruth Daly A black hole that is rotating actually has a few different mass components. The total black hole mass, M, that will be measured has contributions from the rotational kinetic energy of the black hole, M rot, and the black hole irreducible mass, M irr, which cannot be decreased except by Hawking radiation, which is not important for black holes observed in our universe.

In addition, the mass-energy that is available to be extracted from the black hole and is a likely energy source that could power jetted outflows associated with black holes, M spin, is yet a third quantity that is important to measure and study for black holes in our universe. These mass components will be discussed and presented for samples of black holes measured in the near and distant universe.

Session C: Global Politics, Migration, and War C1: Can America Be the World War II Jewish Peoples Safe Haven?

Presenting Author: Jordan Missimer School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Diane Conrad My essay “Can America Be the World War II Jewish Peoples Safe Haven?” spans across five pages total in the Chicago footnote writing style - my first Chicago footnote style essay too. It starts out expressing the United States was known as “the land of the free”; however,

12 immigration there was not so easily achieved due to strict visa quotas in the U.S., the U.S. government policies, and the current events taking place in immigrants’ native countries. I use seven total sources ranging from letters and directives written in the 1940’s to scholarly journals as new as August 2025. The essay gives examples with the specific numbers instead of simply saying “a large amount”. It mentions Ruth Gruber who took one of the biggest steps toward Jewish immigration away from WWII Europe that ended up opening the eyes of the highest ranking government officials, including the President himself. There are direct quotes from individuals during those times. The essay is quite a good read for the history enthusiasts out there due to all the points expressed and then backed up through multiple sources.

C2: Immigrant Inclusive Policies and the Politics of Driving in the United States Presenting Author: Jessenia Escobar-Jimenez School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams This thesis examines immigrant-inclusive driver’s license policies in Texas and California as instruments of recognition and social integration. While immigration policy is established on the federal level, states retain authority over licensing, creating a fragmented policy landscape shaped by competing political and normative visions of belonging. Through a comparative analysis of state policies in Texas and California, this study argues that access to driver’s licenses functions as a form of everyday membership, expanding participation in economic and civic life even in the absence of formal legal status. This research will also demonstrate how state policies are quietly reshaping the ideas of inclusion in America.

C3: TRIPS-Driven Intellectual Property Reform: FDI Inflows in India and Thailand Presenting Author: Nicholas Colletti School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams Over the last several years, there has been notable discussion on the disparity in intellectual property (IP) protections between the developed and developing world. The first extensive international standard for intellectual property protections and rights (IPRs) emerged with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). IPRs are acknowledged as a central factor in amplifying growth for domestic economies. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and economic growth thus serve as two supplemental variables relevant to the TRIPS agreement. Analyzing these measures, in relation to TRIPS, raises the question: how do IP law reforms affect FDI inflows in developing nations? In this study, I utilize a case study analysis to compare pre-existing IP laws with IP law reforms, including TRIPS implementation, in Thailand and India. Additionally, I discuss a modification of Janjua and Samad’s (2007) equation to further examine the effects of FDI inflows in Thailand and India and provide avenues for future research.

13 C4: China in South America: Between Strategic Development and Dependency Presenting Author: Owen Starner School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nunez This research examines China’s growing economic engagement in South America through trade and financial agreements linked to natural resources. Although China’s growing trade and financial involvement in South American resource-exporting economies has generated short-term economic benefits, it increasingly reinforces patterns of structural dependency by concentrating growth in raw material extraction and expanding reliance on Chinese investment and credit.

Using economic data, financial strategies, and regional comparisons, this research analyzes the implications of China’s economic engagement in South America for development, sustainability, and long-term economic independence. Preliminary findings suggest that Chinese investment has strengthened trade networks and expanded infrastructure, particularly in industries related to mining and resource extraction. While these investments provide important opportunities for economic growth, they may also bind South American economies to export-oriented resource sectors and increased reliance on external financing. Ultimately, these countries become increasily vulnerable to economic dependency due to unsustainable long-term growth. This research contributes to ongoing debate about economic development and geopolitical influence.

Understanding the structural dynamics is essential for evaluating the various implications for the future of South America.

C5: The Price of War Presenting Author: Alex Avram School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Caroline Fitzpatrick In the first quarter of 2026, sudden global conflicts escalated into chaos. From “Operation Epic Fury” and the war in Iran to the ongoing 1,000-day humanitarian crisis in Sudan, millions of people have been affected by these wars. Around 250 million people have been either killed or are in need of aid due to either violence or having to flee their homes (United Nations OCHA, 2026). Trillions of dollars are being spent around the world breaking records on the amount spent on militaries. The purpose of this study is to question the price of war against its potential benefits. To do so, the economic growth in militaries and the decline in healthcare and social infrastructure will be analyzed. This presentation is meant to bring awareness and offer advocacy options. United Nations OCHA. (2026). Global humanitarian overview 2026: Trends and needs. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Session D: Health Literacy, Medicine, and Patient-Centered Care D1: The Authority Problem: Misinformation and the Erosion of Trust in Medical Expertise Presenting Author: Alexis Bonte School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year

14 Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams In the modern technological era, where information is instantly accessible, misinformation and disinformation have reshaped the public’s relationship with scientific and medical expertise. Social media platforms, influencers, and online communities have accelerated the spread of misleading health and scientific claims. As false information spreads, non-experts increasingly influence public opinion, particularly in environments where trust in scientific institutions and healthcare professionals has eroded. This literature review examines the distinction between misinformation and disinformation, the factors contributing to declining trust in scientific and medical expertise, and the mechanisms through which high-profile public figures gain perceived authority despite lacking scientific credentials. It also explores how diminished institutional trust allows misleading claims to undermine evidence-based healthcare guidance. A case study of vaccine-related claims promoted by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. illustrates how influential figures can challenge established scientific consensus and reshape public perceptions of medical recommendations. Declining trust in scientific institutions enables misinformation and disinformation to compete with evidence-based medicine, posing significant risks to public health, particularly in the context of childhood vaccination.

D2: Advocating for Widespread Knowledge of HIV Presenting Author: Christopher Grilli School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams Additional Authors: Purcell, David W; Thrasher, Steven W; Nessouli, Afeef; Cohen, Joshua The HIV pandemic is not just a disease of the past, but an ongoing global crisis. Like COVID19, it affected and continues to affect people across the country and the world. HIV affects over 40 million people and has a demographic of individuals affected across the country and the world. Amongst gay men, who are disproportionately affected by HIV, people of color follow close behind in statistical data of who is globally the most affected. In addition to people of color and gay men, many children across the world are affected by HIV due to the ability of the disease to transmit from mother to offspring. This piece is important, as knowing this can help decrease stigma. We must end stigma and allow HIV information to be widespread knowledge, not just something we learn about if it personally affects us or a loved one. The important thing to remember is that this is all preventable, and it’s time we wake up to recognize this.

D3: The Pill Explained: How It Works, Why It Matters, and Where It’s Headed Presenting Author: Megan Gerloff School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Charles Reed Oral contraceptives are the most commonly prescribed form of contraception in the United States, yet most of the information regarding oral contraception is often unknown or overlooked.

The talk will begin with the background of birth control, such as its components and failure rate.

The history of the pill will also be reviewed from the beginning of the 1930s to new methods and formulations. Besides preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptives can be used to treat a

15 wide range of other conditions such as endometriosis, acne, and anemia. The talk will conclude with discussion of future directions, like increased education, and male birth control. These future directions are all being considered to create methods that are safe, reversible, convenient, effective, and also accepted by users and society.

D4: Empowering Lupus Patients through Rehabilitation Presenting Author: Ariana Wright School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune dysregulation, systemic inflammation, musculoskeletal deterioration, organ involvement, fatigue, and profound psychosocial burden. Lupus appears in various forms, each affecting the body differently. This paper centers on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the form most commonly associated with widespread inflammation and functional limitations. Many patients experience pain, exhaustion, and a decreasing amount of physical function and even movement, which interferes with day-to-day activities despite improvements in medical care. This thesis examines how integrating patient-centered physical therapy and rehabilitation strategies improves treatment willingness among individuals with SLE. Physical therapy plays a key role in promoting strength, endurance, and self-efficacy among individuals with lupus by analyzing rehabilitation across acute care, short-term rehabilitation, long-term management, and home-based exercise continuation. Drawing upon randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, qualitative research, and case studies, this paper demonstrates that progressive resistance training, aerobic conditioning, yoga-based interventions, and individualized transitional frameworks improve bone mineral density (BMD), muscular strength, cardiovascular capacity, fatigue severity, and functional independence without increasing disease activity. These improvements increase willingness to participate in ongoing medical treatment. Rehabilitation, therefore, functions not merely as adjunct therapy but as a transformative mechanism within lupus care.

D5: Universal Wheelchair Activity Tray Presenting Author: Andrew James Saadeh School and Year: Alvernia, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Kushal Adhikari Additional Authors: Driscoll, Keegan; Cifarelli, Ethan This project addresses the lack of an affordable, universal activity tray for wheelchair users at the All Abilities Fitness Center. The goal of this project is to design a tray that can be used by multiple users, since clients at the center use different types of wheelchairs tailored to their individual needs. We aimed to make the activity tray cost-effective while maintaining a strong focus on durability and adaptability. To achieve this, our team brainstormed multiple design options and evaluated factors such as cost and manufacturing requirements to determine the best solution for the client. A prototype has been designed, and we will begin manufacturing and then proceed to testing. Our expected results are that the activity tray is usable for clients at All Abilities and provides a more stable design than what was previously available. This

16 project is important because it demonstrates the value of thinking universally as engineers when designing solutions for diverse users.

Session E: History, Culture, and Inherited Narratives E1: Behind Spain’s Back: A Revisionist Look into the Origin and Conclusion of the Independence in Gran Colombia.

Presenting Author: Ariel Nunez School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nunez This article analyzes the political, economic, and social transition from the Viceroyalty of New Granada (present-day Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela) to the consolidation of Gran Colombia, challenging the traditional narrative that defines independence as a radical rupture.

Through a comparative analysis of fiscal structures, land tenure, and socio-racial stratification, the study argues that the emancipatory process constituted, primarily, an institutional “facelift” a geopolitical reconfiguration that allowed the local elite to displace the Spanish administration without altering the pre-existing foundations of exploitation. The findings demonstrate that the adoption of liberal and republican rhetoric did not translate into a democratization of power. On the contrary, the newly formed republic perpetuated mechanisms of colonial exclusion through the preservation of slavery, the maintenance of indigenous tribute, and the consolidation of debt servitude. The research reveals that the Gran Colombian state functioned as an oligarchic political project that suppressed the privileges of the common people, ensuring that the profound social and economic inequalities of the colonial period would continue to determine the daily lives, social mobility, and effective rights of its citizens.

E2: Preserving Tradition: The Cultural and Economic Role of Bullfighting in Spain Presenting Author: Katelyn Shearer School and Year: Kutztown, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nunez Bullfighting has been intertwined with Spain’s national identity for centuries, shaping its festivals, artistic expression, and international image. As debates over bullfighting intensify, the future of this tradition has become increasingly contested. Examining bullfighting’s historical role is essential to understanding its broader cultural significance. This research argues that bullfighting should remain legal in Spain because it represents a foundational cultural tradition and contributes significantly to the nation’s economic and regional identity. This study draws on historical analysis, festival and tradition studies, and economic data related to tourism and employment. A review of scholarly literature and cultural records supports the evaluation of its symbolic and financial impact. Findings indicate that bullfighting evolved through key historical periods into a national symbol and sustains regional economies through tourism and festivals.

Preserving bullfighting maintains cultural continuity and economic stability, contributing to broader discussions about safeguarding heritage traditions in modern societies.

17 E3: The Artifacts of Catholicism: Relics as Present-Day Art History Within the Church Presenting Author: Julia Sweeney School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Daniel Haxall What is a relic? The definition of “relic” in Catholicism is intrinsically tied to art history and to the museums that house objects originating in Catholic tradition. Relics—fragments of saints’ bodies or objects associated with them—are venerated within the Catholic Church and often enshrined in ornate, gilded reliquaries. For centuries, members of the clergy worked as skilled silversmiths and goldsmiths, prayerfully crafting filigreed containers, jewel-encrusted shrines, and even beaded textiles to house these sacred objects. This paper examines art history’s definition of the reliquary and foregrounds a compelling collection from Kutztown University’s Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center as a focal point for a broader comparative analysis.

E4: Freedom, Beauty, and the Great American Fiction: The Formation of Generational Trauma in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye Presenting Author: Elsa Weaver School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Teresa Gilliams Toni Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, set in 1940s Lorain, Ohio, tells the forgotten story of a young African American girl, Pecola Breedlove. Pecola’s life is defined by parental neglect, community rejection, and self-hatred. This essay seeks to examine the effect of cultural gender and beauty standards on marginalized identities and how the trauma created is passed between generations. By examining the histories of Cholly Breedlove and Pauline Breedlove, this essay illuminates the process by which they internalize self-hatred and how this identity manifests in their violent abuse and neglect of their daughter, Pecola.

E5: Racialized Narratives of Violence: A Content Analysis of 19th-Century Newspaper Reporting on Women and Race Presenting Author: Sage Dunkleberger School and Year: Kutztown, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Schlegel This study examines how race shaped the reporting of violence against women in 19th-century United States newspapers through a content-analysis of articles published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette between 1845-1899. Drawing on keyword-based data collection, the project analyzes the language used to describe and identify victims and the acts of violence represented in these publications. Further, this study seeks to examine the racial identifiers used to report the races of the female victims, such as “white” and “mulatto”, including many racist but commonly used terms at the time. Additionally, many articles omitted racial identifiers of the victims altogether, suggesting implicit association between being labeled as a “woman” and being considered “white”. By highlighting these patterns and drawing on late 19th century legislation, this research aims to demonstrate how historical media narratives contributed to

18 the racialization of victimhood, as well as present day inequalities surrounding violence against women.

Session F: Creative Writing and Identity F1: Exploring Short Fiction: Inspiration, Guidance, and Process Presenting Author: Josephine Ebersole School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Todd Dodson This project explored and critically analyzed the writing styles, subjects, topics, and elements in contemporary, women-written short fiction. This literary analysis was used to inform, develop, and define a personal creative writing style and process through the writing of short fiction.

As this writing process was developed, the short stories written were curated into a complete collection. This project examines creative writing as a skill that continually seeks inspiration and is improved through consistent practice, revision, and internal examination.

F2: The Cat in My Backyard: An Exploration of Mourning Presenting Author: Neveah Rothar School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Joey Flamm Costello “The Cats in My Backyard,” a personal narrative that connects, through a past-reflective voice, the experience of burying a dead kitten found in my backyard to a time, later in my life, when I experienced suicidal ideation. For this presentation, I will be reading from, and talking about the various stages of writing this story, one that, in many ways, was inspired by how, by watching the kittens in my present life grow and thinking about both the dead kitten I found and my suicidal ideation, I came to understand the complex relationship of grieving both life and death.

Ultimately, this story explores, and comments on, how mourning, and the desire to be mourned, affects the living’s relationship with the dead.

F3: Blackheart: The Intersection of Music and Literature in a Search for Identity Presenting Author: Abigail Martha Walker School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Joey Flamm Costello BLACKHEART is an original novel that alternates between the perspectives of protagonists Astor Heart–pop-punk lead singer of the band Blackheart–and Willow Mae–the band’s new photographer. For this presentation, I will be reading from the novel and talking about the connection between two art forms, music and literature, which I had previously thought to be separate. Through the writing of this romantic tale, one that was inspired by my fascination with the music industry and my attraction to heavy music, I allowed myself to explore the art of songwriting and to see music as an integral part of my writing process. This connection is reflected in the story’s plotline, set in Philadelphia, where Astor has moved for a final shot to work through his writer’s block and save his career. There, he unexpectedly meets Willow Mae,

19 who breathes lights into his darkness and serves as a source of inspiration. Threatened by her need for control, Willow Mae tries to suppress her feelings for Astor, while she doubts who she is and wants to become. Seeing their lives intertwine, the reader is taken down a path of love, identity, and passion for music.

F4: Carroll: An Empathetic Approach to the Loss of Identity Presenting Author: Fabian Sanchez School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Joey Flamm Costello One of the strongest, and perhaps most difficult, emotions one can feel for another is empathy, a complex tone I wanted to achieve in Carroll, a short, fictional psychological thriller, which, although externally, focuses on a first-person, unreliable narrator who believes she is experiencing paranormal events, internally explores, and comments on, the loss of identity. To some degree, this story is a product of my affinity towards people-watching, and, as an extension, trying to put myself in others’ shoes, which means attempting to figure out why someone acts the way they do and what choices lead them to these actions. On the surface, as a 33-year-old, newlywed man, I am a completely different person than my protagonist, a woman in her 60s who has been defined by being a wife and mother, and is now a widow. However, in the process of researching and writing this short story, I found myself not only able to sympathize with, but also understand, the consequences of the universal and timeless fear that comes with losing one’s identity.

F5: Hamartia Hubris Pitchbook Presenting Author: Terry Bresnahan School and Year: Kutztown, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Liz Van Verth I am presenting my passion project that I have created over the past three years, a trilogy titled Hamartia Hubris, a teen/young adult fantasy adventure trilogy taking place in a world akin to a steampunk ancient Rome. When a prophecy speaks of a vanquished titan is foretold to destroy the world, an outcasted priestess and a dishonorable gladiator must join together to get to the bottom of the mystery of the prophecy and stop the end times. I plan to demonstrate it as a pitch bible as though I were pitching it to a studio executive to make it into a show. Although I’m not really trying to sell it to someone, I enjoy the pitch book format since it communicates the story, process, and details in an efficient way. In my pitch bible, I include a story synopsis, character descriptions and roles, and worldbuilding, as well as a compilation of illustrations and concept designs I have created over the years. I also want to explain my creative process and how my ideas for character and plot have changed, what I have learned from exploring technical aspects of storytelling, and sharing what I believe makes a story successful.

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Session G: Education, Mental Health, and Community Well-Being G1: The First Teachers: Parental Influences on Bilingual Language Development in Children Presenting Author: Tamara Holmes School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christine Nunez Language development in bilingual children is shaped by many different social and environmental factors; however, the environment of the home is the most critical factor of a child’s language development. Parents play a critical role in bilingual children language development, as the amount of exposure to language, parental beliefs towards bilingualism, and how multiple factors within the home heavily influences a child’s level of proficiency and maintenance of both languages. Drawing from psychological research, scholarly articles and socially scientific studies, this research demonstrates how parents’ perception the importance of bilingualism translates into the level of language proficiency the child develops between both languages. In addition, it was shown that different stressors affected parenting styles, which indirectly influenced the home environment a child grows up in. This presentation highlights the importance of how parents play a crucial role in how bilingual children develop language, shedding light on creating richer environments that support bilingual children’s language development.

G2: School Start Times: What Do We Really Value?

Presenting Author: Tino Bermudez School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Caroline Fitzpatrick This essay studies the effects of a later school time and its biological and academic effects on students grades 6-12. Multiple case studies were observed that implemented later school start times in different school districts. (Boergers, 2015; Heissel & Norris, 2018). In addition, the biological needs of students 6-12 were also investigated. Research indicates that pubescent students have internal clocks that are offset during this developmental stage, which alters their sleep patterns from the traditional night-and-day cycle. In addition, later school start times have been shown to improve academic test scores. These results imply that later start times play an important role in the adaptation of growing students and in the efficiency of academic activities. Presentation of priorities and implementation methods are also discussed.

G3: Men’s Mental Health & Its Importance in Society Presenting Author: Dalton Cleveland School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Caroline Fitzpatrick Additional Authors: Landers, Kayla Men’s mental health is a significant public health concern, mainly due to high suicide rates (King, Kylie et al.). This paper examines social, cultural, and psychological factors contributing to men’s unwillingness to seek mental health support, including stereotypes surrounding mas-

21 culinity, emotional suppression, and self-reliance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men account for three-quarters of suicide deaths, highlighting an urgency to address the crisis. Drawing on scholarly research, this essay explores peer support, professional therapy, and self-care in improving mental well-being. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is used as a framework to show how unmet basic, emotional, and esteem needs can worsen anxiety and depression. The paper incorporates a personal narrative to illustrate the long-term psychological impact of trauma, family conflict, institutionalization, and medication on male mental health.

This essay argues that increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging emotional vulnerability are essential steps in supporting men’s mental health and preventing suicide.

G4: The Care in Mental Health Presenting Author: Mackenzie Cronan School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: David Leight The lack of mental health providers in Berks County has influenced the exponential growth of suicide rates. Accessibility to mental health care is crucial for societal growth, and the positive effects extend beyond “just” suicide rates. The lack of accessibility to care for those who are mentally ill has resulted in higher mortality rates, financial debt, and crime. The solution of mandated regulations within institutions and facilities would be beneficial through its establishment of a standard expectation of accountability and responsibility. These regulations would be most beneficial when viewed with an engineering mindset. This approach would definitively provide us with problems and solutions while holding the parties involved accountable; engineers are held accountable every day and many lives are in their hands, just as they are with mental health professionals.

G5: Education and the Opioid Crisis in Rural America: A Policy Approach to Health Equity Presenting Author: Lizmarie Vega School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams The U.S. opioid crisis is a significant public health emergency, with over 100,000 overdose deaths reported in 2021. While often framed as a matter of individual choice, this crisis is deeply rooted in social determinants of health, particularly education. This paper examines how education influences health outcomes in rural communities. Research by Modestino et al. (2025) indicates that rural patients are significantly more likely to receive higher quantities of opioid prescriptions than urban patients. This trend is linked to the prevalence of physically demanding jobs, such as mining and construction, resulting from limited educational opportunities. Furthermore, disparities in educational funding and health literacy exacerbate risks for youth. I argue that addressing substance abuse requires targeted policy reform. I propose implementing mandatory, school-based health literacy and prevention programs in underfunded rural districts to improve long-term health equity and reduce dependency rates at their source. Modestino, Alicia, Garry Young, Md Hasan, Jiesheng Shi, and Md Noor Alam. 2025. “Why Are Opioid Prescribing Rates

22 Higher in Rural versus Urban Areas?” SSRN Electronic Journal.

Session H: Media, Technology, and Public Knowledge H1: Classic Computer Creator Culture Presenting Author: Emily Schneider School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Bohdan Jacklitsch Retro computer graphics have fascinated popular culture, but they are rarely discussed in a scholarly context. This capstone is an exploration of techniques used in early digital art and video game development. Technical and creative research informs the final project: an original side-scroller puzzle game that can run on an actual Game Boy, designed using GB Studio. The need to work within the constraints of the game engine shapes gameplay and art direction. The process of developing a puzzle game for old hardware becomes a puzzle in and of itself.

H2: To Serve and Preserve: Public Libraries and the Value of Physical Media Presenting Author: Katherine Camilli School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Roseanne Perkins As media becomes increasingly digital, public libraries are one of few remaining places to access physical media such as books, CDs, and DVDs. This paper explores the connection between public libraries and the continued existence of physical media. Data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with 13 public librarians across Pennsylvania who serve a variety of communities. These interviews were then transcribed and coded to see the similarities and differences in the answers provided. Themes that seem to be emerging include the continued popularity of physical media among patrons, the importance of accessibility, the increased cost of digital materials, and the library’s role as a community center. Another notable finding is that many librarians did say that they see preservation as an important function of the public library, but that they do not have the funding to support preservation policies. This paper asks readers to consider how they interact with the media in their life, whether they’re using the library to its fullest potential, and how they can support their local library.

H3: Media Fragmentation and Affective Political Polarization in the United States.

Presenting Author: Ella Wood School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams This presentation examines my research project “How Does Media Fragmentation Reinforce Affective Political Polarization in the United States?” Political polarization has escalated in recent decades and become a defining feature of American politics. Over the same period, the U.S. media environment has undergone significant fragmentation, with a huge increase in partisan news outlets. This paper explores the relationship between these two developments, focusing

23 on whether the consumption of partisan media is associated with greater affective political polarization within American society. Drawing on existing theories of selective exposure, social identity, and echo chambers, the project analyses how fragmented media may reinforce emotive partisan identities and hostility towards political out-groups. Using ANES data, the study will employ correlation and regression analyses to examine the relationship between partisan media consumption and affective polarization. Preliminary findings suggest that greater reliance on partisan media is positively associated with higher levels of affective political polarization.

While the analysis doesn’t establish causation, the results highlight the importance of media consumption patterns in shaping contemporary affective political divisions.

H4: A Closer Look at “Doom-Scrolling”: How Social Media and Politics Manufacture Terror Presenting Author: Benjamin Wykle School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Thomas Robinson This psychological study explores the association between college students’ short term engagement with social media and individual changes in one’s awareness of death, or mortality salience (MS). Participants will be asked to complete surveys designed to measure their “political efficacy” (irrespective of one’s political affiliation), as well as their pretest and posttest MS. Participants will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups (one control, two experimental groups) and exposed to varying increments of predetermined media clips gathered from various social media platforms containing potentially emotionally arousing stimuli. An ANCOVA analysis, using participants’ weekly screen time (via reports available on all major smart phones) as the covariate in order to account for pre-test differences in social media usage, will be used to test for the interaction effect of short-term social media usage and political efficacy on change in MS. Results from this study are expected to illustrate how modern methods of social media usage in conjunction with individual political attitudes are associated with increasing psychological terror among college students.

Session J: Special Topics and Independent Projects J1: How My Internship Has Prepared Me for the Future Presenting Author: Amelia Fortunato School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jodi Radosh As an intern at Ensemble Entertainment, I have gained immeasurable experience doing script coverage. For those unaware, script coverage is when you write a summary of a film screenplay and then analyze its quality, determining whether or not a company should move forward with it. As an intern, so far, I have read 5 plus scripts, which forced me to evaluate a variety of aspects of the script, including pacing, characterization, formatting, and more. This internship has challenged me but also given me the opportunity to grow. This experience is so much more than just a section on a resume. It is preparing me for eventually working in the film industry by

24 giving me insight on what works in a script and what doesn’t. As someone who would eventually like to work in scriptwriting, this opportunity has made me a better writer.

J2: Why Do Early-Stage, Nonprofits Fail, and What Does This Reveal About the Drivers of Nonprofit Success?

Presenting Author: Grace Wanner School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jodi Radosh The study examines whether widely cited drivers of nonprofit success such as donor motivation, emotion appeal and transparent communication are sufficient to sustain early-stage nonprofit initiatives in practice. While existing literature emphasized these factors, less attention is placed on whether these variables are sufficient to sustain early-stage nonprofit initiatives in practice. This study examines the research surrounding evidence-based fundraising and engagement strategies and evaluates their abilities to lead to sustained outcomes.

J3: Take A Bite Presenting Author: Khalif Carter School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Whitney Walters This film is based on the idea of fate and what if. I’m using the Bible story about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and putting a twist on the story. where Eve doesn’t eat the apple and is still fated to damnation, by the devil, who is trying to get her to eat the apple.

J4: Nice Pack of Pre-Rolls Presenting Author: Mitchel Nevryanskiy School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: James Brown It is a short comedic play about a family dealing with grief and drug addiction. Jack, the youngest brother, has become over reliant on drugs. His older sister and brother attempt to convince him to go to their mother’s funeral.

Session K: Power, Justice, and Public Safety K1: Barriers to Political Diversity: Third Parties in America Presenting Author: Jamie Diaz School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jodi Greene Despite the existence of more than 50 political parties in the United States, the Democratic and Republican parties continue to dominate elections, limiting political diversity. This paper examines the systemic barriers that prevent third parties from breaking through, including media bias, exclusion from debates, public perception of “wasted votes,” restrictive ballot access laws, and winner-takes-all electoral systems. Through the use of historical records, election data, and

25 analysis of media practices, the study demonstrates how these factors systematically marginalize third-party candidates and reinforce the two-party system. The research highlights how these obstacles limit political diversity and voter representation.

K2: Minor Gratuities in Law Enforcement: Conflict of Interests Presenting Author: Rocio Rosario Castillo School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Christine Anderton This research paper presents and explores the question of whether minor gratuities should be accepted by law enforcement officers. It explores theories and arguments against the acceptance of minor gratuities by police, such as the Slippery Slope Theory, the Theory of Reciprocity, and the potential negative impact on the professional image of law enforcement. In contrast, this research paper also explores arguments in favor of the acceptance of gratuities, including community policing factors, and appropriate use of police discretion when faced with such accommodations. Overall, the findings indicate a lack of evidence supporting theoretical concerns and opinions on the acceptance of gratuities, demonstrating that the arguments against the acceptance of minor gratuities are largely based on theories without factual foundation This highlights the need for empirical and substantial research on the topic to form objective conclusions and potential development across modern law enforcement practices.

K3: Firearm Conversion Devices and Gun Violence: A Study of Glock Switches in the U.S. Presenting Author: Joe Canterino School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Malgorzata Zuber This study explores the rise of Glock switch devices and their impact on gun violence and firearm policy. This research seeks to identify trends in offender demographics, legal outcomes, and enforcement challenges. Findings identify links between Glock switches, stolen firearms, and drug-related offenses. This research emphasizes the need for stronger legislation, interagency collaboration, and clearer policy frameworks to address the growing threat of firearm conversion devices.

K4: Legal Frameworks to Enhance Law Enforcement Capabilities in Detecting AIGenerated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Presenting Author: Gracynne Smith School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Malgorzata Zuber Additional Authors: Evans, Gillian In the United States, children are taken advantage of daily on the internet. The internet creates a space for offenders to extort children and manipulate child sexual abuse material to possess, create, and distribute this material to a broader audience. Artificial intelligence has created a new challenge for law enforcement and court officials in charging and prosecuting these

26 offenders to the fullest extent of the law. By examining the current state and federal policies, prosecutors can use the information to ensure they prosecute offenders to the fullest extent, holding them accountable for their crimes. By offering possible challenges that prosecutors may come into contact with, they can be better prepared for court when facing these offenders who take advantage of children. Those who investigate these crimes advocate for victims and work to eliminate them entirely. By raising awareness of online dangers, a safer internet environment can be created for children and law enforcement moving forward.

K5: The Inequity of Fighting for Equity in Women’s Sports Presenting Author: Amanda Reed School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Colleen English Women have long had to fight for equity in sport. Historically, Billie Jean King led the Original 9 in protesting unequal prize money at major tournaments. The fight for pay equity in tennis tournaments continued with Venus Williams and Wimbledon, and the United States Women’s National [Soccer] Team pursued legal action to gain equal pay from the US Soccer Federation.

These fights for equity represent progress for women’s sport—national team soccer players receive equal pay with their male counterparts, and women tennis players win equal prize money at all four Grand Slam tournaments. However, they also signify an inherent inequity that women face precisely because they must fight for equality, while men rarely must strive for equality in sport.

Achieving equity in sport requires that women athletes take on the additional burden of fighting for this equity. This presentation will explore the ways that this additional burden in women’s sport shares similarities with other fights for social justice, specifically the burnout related to activism.

Session L: Environment, Sustainability, and Everyday Choices L1: How Are Your Car Emissions Impact the World around You Presenting Author: Stephany Medina School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz Cars release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere like trees and oceans which lead to climate change. This not only harms the environment but also impacts people in different ways. For example, changes in climate can increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of uncertainty about the future. From a psychological point of view, human behavior plays a key role in both causing and helping fix this problem. Many people rely on cars because they are convenient or what they are used to, even when they know they are harmful. Changing these habits is challenging due to low motivation or the belief that individual actions do not matter.

At the same time, emotions like guilt or concern about the environment can push people to make better choices. In a personal change project, I chose to evaluate how my car emissions affect the environment around me, by measuring the miles I drove. I found that there are many ways I can reduce my carbon emissions and I will provide some examples of how other people can change there behaviors to.

27 L2: Steps That Matter: From Car Keys to Walking Shoes Presenting Author: Vivianna Heath School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz Driving-related stress is an increasingly significant issue with modern transportation systems, affecting both mental health and environmental outcomes. As reliance on personal vehicles has grown, so have traffic, congestion, commute times, and exposure to poor air quality. Research indicates that stressful driving conditions, such as heavy traffic, pressure, and environmental discomfort, are associated with negative psychological effects, including increased stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Furthermore, systematic reviews of transportation research consistently find that long and unreliable commutes are associated with reduced mental health. From an environmental psychology perspective, convenience often overrides environmental awareness, reinforcing habits that increase emissions. My personal change project, which used a small N design, focused on choosing to walk over driving, and reduced my perceived stress levels and environmental impact by decreasing reliance on my personal vehicle for ten days. Through the project, I tracked mood levels. Promoting alternative transportation options, flexible schedules, and stress management strategies for driving may support improvements in both individual well-being and environmental outcomes. Overall, this project highlights the potential that small behavioral changes can lead to lasting benefits for mental health and the environment.

L3: Coffee or Tea: Which One Is More Sustainable?

Presenting Author: Marina McLaughlin School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz Coffee and tea are very common and widely consumed beverages, but many consumers are unaware of the environmental and health impacts of these beverages and the caffeine that they contain. The cultivation process, transportation, processing, packaging, and consumer use of coffee and tea is an extensive and lengthy process. Due to the nature of this process, there are many sustainability impacts from farms, companies, and consumers alike. Additionally, since these beverages contain caffeine, there are numerous benefits and potential serious negative health effects from consuming caffeine. In a small-n design, as a personal change project, I measured my consumption of caffeine. As a result of this experience, my consumption of these caffeinated beverages has been significantly reduced, which has also saved me some money.

Overall, to reduce the harmful environmental and health effects of the coffee and tea industries, there are small changes we can make—as consumers—to minimize consumer impact; although there are bigger changes that have to come from the farms and companies.

L4: An Economic Analysis of the True Impact of Driving Green Presenting Author: Olando Alvarado School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Alvarado, Orlando; Dupree, Phanique

28 An Economic Analysis of the True Impact of Driving Green Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely promoted as a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered cars due to their potential to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and EV adoption can significantly lower these emissions, particularly when powered by cleaner energy sources. However, the rapid growth of EV usage also introduces new challenges.

This study examines both the environmental benefits and energy-related drawbacks of EVs. It compares lifecycle carbon emissions of EVs and gasoline vehicles while analyzing the increased electricity demand associated with widespread EV adoption. Particular attention is given to the strain on power grids, charging infrastructure, and energy resources. The study also evaluates negative externalities, including upstream energy production and resource use. Using current data and case examples, this research explores policy and technological strategies in the United States and abroad—such as grid modernization and renewable energy integration—to support sustainable EV adoption. By assessing both advantages and limitations, this study aims to explore improvements and strategies that can help reduce energy consumption and support more sustainable EV adoption in the future.

L5: Aminals: Turning Road Trips into Wildlife Adventures Presenting Author: Ian Bull School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Dylan Schwesinger Aminals is an educational mobile application developed as a senior capstone project at Kutztown University. The app transforms road trips into interactive learning experiences by encouraging children and families to observe wildlife and their surroundings. Using a region-based system, users earn points by spotting animals commonly found in different geographic areas, promoting engagement and environmental awareness. This project explores the intersection of mobile development and educational game design, emphasizing user engagement and accessibility for a wide age range. It follows the full software development lifecycle, including concept design, implementation, and testing. The app is designed to encourage real-world interaction rather than passive screen use, fostering curiosity and observation. Aminals demonstrates how technology can support experiential learning by blending entertainment with education. This project highlights how computer science can be applied to create meaningful, real-world impact while introducing users to both wildlife and interactive problem-solving.

Session P: Poster P001: From Rosie to Rehabilitation: Representations of Women and Individuals with Disabilities in Wartime and Postwar Media Presenting Author: Sierra Cheesman School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Arnold While the iconic figure of “Rosie the Riveter” is widely remembered as a symbol of empowerment, her image simultaneously obscured the realities of women’s wartime labor—including the hazardous conditions that created new disabilities—and erased disabled women from the visual

29 narrative entirely. At the same time, wartime and postwar media developed competing portrayals of individuals with disabilities, particularly disabled veterans, who were elevated as patriotic heroes while disabled civilians were marginalized or rendered invisible. These contrasting narratives illuminate how gender, productivity, and bodily ability became central to definitions of citizenship and national identity during and after WWII. Media depictions of women workers often celebrated feminine resilience while simultaneously reinforcing limited gender roles, depicting women as temporary contributors rather than permanent members of the industrial workforce. Meanwhile, postwar rehabilitation films and advertisements framed disabled veterans as inspirational success stories, emphasizing assimilation into productivity rather than acknowledging structural barriers or long-term disability rights. By placing women war-industry workers—particularly women who became disabled through industrial labor—in conversation with disabled veterans and disabled civilians, this project reveals how media upheld hierarchies of gender and ability, shaping public memory and influencing early disability policy.

P002: The Catholic Church & The Troubles (1968-1998) in Northern Ireland Presenting Author: Timothy Murphy School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Corey Harris The moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church played a defining role in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Many of the Irish nationalists who supported the actions of paramilitary groups such as the IRA were Roman Catholic. While the Catholic Church formally condemned violence, its moral teachings, including interpretations of just war theory and social justice, were ambiguously applied or selectively appropriated by various Catholic communities and paramilitary groups, inadvertently fostering or failing to adequately counter sectarian attitudes during The Troubles. After the Good Friday Agreement (a peace deal that saw unionists and nationalists working together), we still see many disagreements with the church’s actions during this period.

P003: From Dreams to Rights: Water Access and Justice for Native American Tribes Presenting Author: Evelina Morillo Monegro School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jodi Greene Access to clean water is a fundamental human right essential for health, safety, and community development. Yet many Native American tribes in the United States continue to face severe water insecurity despite legal protections and federal trust responsibilities. The Federal Indian Trust Responsibility obligates the government to protect tribal lands and resources, including water. The Winters Doctrine further recognized tribal water rights by granting senior rights to tribes. However, many communities still lack basic water infrastructure and must wait years for settlements or negotiate access to water that is legally theirs. Environmental hazards, including contamination from abandoned uranium mines and deteriorating infrastructure, have contributed to serious health issues such as cancer and respiratory illnesses in Native com-

30 munities. Beyond its physical necessity, water holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, symbolizing healing, identity, and resilience. Data from the U.S. Water Alliance show that Native American households are far more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing, highlighting persistent disparities. Native American water insecurity reflects broader issues of justice, equity, and respect for tribal sovereignty. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated legal enforcement, environmental remediation, and infrastructure investment to honor treaty obligations and promote sustainable development.

P004: The Lost Identity and Social Organization of a Historic Town Hidden Behind Clay Pipes Presenting Author: Alfredo Montesinos Castillo School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Khori Newlander Even small fragments of clay tobacco pipes discovered from historic sites across America can reveal valuable information. In this study, I analyze pieces of pipe bowls and stems recovered during archaeological fieldwork at Stoddartsville, a nineteenth century milling village in northeast Pennsylvania. Specifically, I tested the applicability of pipe stem dating at Stoddartsville, looking for any patterns between the clay pipes and the stratigraphic profile. I also examined how the designs might reflect the social groups (e.g., classes, ethnicities) formerly present at Stoddartsville. I found a preference for “fluted” pipes among the working-class community, consistent with the predominantly English identity of the village residents. Ultimately, my research contributes toward the site chronology, while also providing insight into the social organization at Stoddartsville.

P005: The Modern Myth of Frankenstein Presenting Author: Ava Werner School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Jessica Hamlet In the centuries since Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was first published, many adaptations of the work have been created and published in their own right. Throughout these several works, the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his monster have been manipulated and greatly changed from their intended characterization. In many of these adaptations, the characters, especially that of the monster, have been severely degraded from their original form and are no longer recognizable as the characters Mary Shelley created. Examining these adaptations, like Frankenstein (1931) directed by James Whale, against Mary Shelley’s text can allow us to have a more complete and complex understanding of why her characters have been so thoroughly changed and degraded from their original form.

P006: An Examination of the Relationship Between Spirituality and Mental Health Presenting Author: Marina McLaughlin School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz

31 This study examines the relationship between spiritual growth and improved mental health for first-year students in a Christian university. In recent years, the New York Post reported that the number of people converting to Christianity has increased significantly, and studies

by Aggarwal et al. (2023), Crete et al. (2025), and Reyes-Perez et al. (2025) identified how religion and spirituality can positively impact mental well-being. A local university had done a survey of its first-year students in 2021 and 2023, and given this study access to the secondary data. Two questions related to spiritual growth and two questions related to mental health/ well-being were analyzed to mitigate response bias. These results were then compared to each other to investigate the relationship between spiritual growth and improved mental well-being. A Chi-Square test highlighted that these variables are significantly related, and a correlation test noted that the relationship was moderately positive. Overall, the results support the concept that religion/spirituality and mental well-being are positively related for first-year college students.

P007: Effect of the Politics in Gen Z. Presenting Author: Renisha Adhikari School and Year: Alvernia, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Kris Lowrey Politics plays an important role in shaping the behavior and social identity of Generation Z. Nowadays, social media is used by activists as a tool to share information, and because of that Gen Z is more exposed to and engaged in politics than previous generations. This study explores both the positive effects such as increased political awareness and civic participation, and negative effects such as misinformation, polarization, and mental health stress. A key example of Gen Z’s political impact can be seen in Nepal’s 2025 youth-led protests. These protests were largely driven by frustration over government corruption, unemployment, and lack of accountability. The protests significantly influenced Nepal’s 2026 general election. This case highlights how politics not only affects Gen Z but is also being reshaped by them. The Nepal example illustrates that Gen Z is no longer a passive observer but an active force capable of influencing national political outcomes. Therefore, understanding the relationship between politics and Gen Z is essential for analyzing the future of democratic participation worldwide.

P008: Has Dobbs v. Jackson and Political Rhetoric Impacted Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Young American Women?

Presenting Author: Lola Folk School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams The analysis examines whether there are mental health impacts, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, for young women in America since the decision on Dobbs v. Jackson, as well as the gendered political rhetoric employed in political conversations and language. Shifts in the sociopolitical atmosphere have increased political polarization, with implications for mental health.

Research studies concerning the impact of Dobbs present a pattern of increased psychological distress when denied abortive services and required to carry a pregnancy to term. Sociopolitical

32 health determinants of this issue may make specific populations more vulnerable to adverse impacts, including women of color, individuals of low socioeconomic status, or those in particular geographical locations. Gender-based political rhetoric reflects similar patterns in mental health associated with language discussing issues surrounding women’s rights, marginalized women, and bodily autonomy. Understanding these sociopolitical and systematic effects is essential for psychological research and treatment, as patterns across this analysis may suggest increased symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in young women requiring professional awareness and competence.

P009: The Architecture of Control: A Comprehensive Analysis of Manipulation in Cults Presenting Author: Gracynne Smith School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams Destructive cults, also sometimes referred to as high-control groups, are present worldwide, all of which create serious issues for members, society, and law enforcement. These cults may differ in their beliefs, but all employ manipulation tactics to recruit followers, gain their trust, and keep them under control. This paper examines multiple facets of cultic manipulation, including leadership qualities, recruitment strategies, and methods that keep members under control, physical and psychological. This paper will also examine how this control can escalate into mass suicide or mass murder, as well as criminality, when leaders are pushed to their limits from external or internal pressures. By examining cultic manipulation as a process rather than isolated incidents, manipulation in these environments can be better understood, and warning signs can be noticed.

P010: Neuropsychology, Law, and Defense: Advancing a More Proportional and Informed Justice System Presenting Author: Colin Hogan School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ruth McLeod This legal brief focuses on the case of Kevin Long and challenges a central issue within the justice system: the assumption that turning eighteen automatically reflects full maturity and culpability. While the law treats Kevin as an adult, scientific evidence presents a different reality. Research shows that brain development, particularly in areas responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and risk evaluation, continues into the mid-twenties. In Kevin’s case, this gap is supported by clinical evaluation showing a functional brain age closer to sixteen. At the same time, behavior cannot be separated from environment. Kevin’s upbringing, shaped by poverty, instability, and exposure to violence, reinforced survival-based decision-making rather than long-term reasoning. When placed in a high-pressure gang initiation, his response reflects this interaction between developmental immaturity and environmental influence. This brief argues that his actions reflect a temporary developmental state rather than fixed criminal intent.

Applying principles of proportionality under the Eighth Amendment and Tennessee law, it

33 supports a rehabilitative sentence that balances accountability with the potential for change.

More broadly, this case highlights the need to move beyond rigid age thresholds and evaluate culpability based on developmental evidence.

P011: Masculine Honor Beliefs, Empathy, and Judgments of Police Use of Force Presenting Author: Lauren Rowe School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Svyatoslav Prokhorets In this study, we investigated whether masculine honor beliefs (MHBs; asserts that aggression in men as a response to insult is justifiable) predict greater perceived justification for police use of force when a suspect displays disrespect, and whether empathy buffers this relationship. 130 participants took a Masculine Honor Beliefs Scale (MHBS) and an Empathy scale and then read a vignette about an officer talking to a suspect. Participants were randomly assigned to a disrespectful (i.e., man responded with insults) or respectful condition (i.e., man responded politely). Participants then answered questions about the use of force and perceptions of the officer and the suspect. The results show a significant interaction between MHBs and the suspect’s behavior on the participants’ justification of police use of force. When the suspect was disrespectful, participants with higher MHBs were more likely to justify the officers’ use of force and had more positive perceptions of the officer. However, the relationship was not present when the suspect was respectful. Consistent with previous research, endorsement of MHBs is positively related to support for aggression. Our research extends previous findings by showing that MHBs may also play a role in how people perceive aggressive actions by law enforcement.

P012: Competence Evaluations Based on Leader Gender Presenting Author: Mason Souchak School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Mello Additional Authors: Greenauer, Nathan; Constein, Madison; Pelker, Keira The present study investigated perceptions of leader effectiveness through the lens of gender role congruence. Participants rated leaders in stereotypically gendered jobs who displayed assertive or collaborative leadership behaviors. Contrary to predictions, assertive leaders of both genders were rated less favorably than collaborative leaders; the differences in target gender were negligible. Exposure to non-normative gender roles did not predict gender differentials in leadership ratings, however older participants perceived more barriers for assertive female leaders.

P013: You Know What I Did Last Summer: Moral Self-Image and Delinquent Acts.

Presenting Author: Alexander Romero School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Nathan Greenauer Additional Authors: Tolani, Eshaan; Nguyen, Nolan; Mello, Catherine Moral self-image, defined as the degree to which individuals view themselves as good and moral,

34 is a central component of moral identity and influences future behavior, prosocial intentions, and psychological well-being. The present study examines whether reporting delinquent acts lowers moral self-image and whether perceived anonymity moderates this effect. Participants completed delinquency and moral self-image measures either online or in-person as a manipulation of perceived anonymity and some were instructed to not report delinquent act. We hypothesized that reporting delinquent acts lowers moral self-image relative to not reporting, even when groups are drawn from the same population and are expected to have similar underlying rates of delinquency. Preliminary results showed no significant differences between reporting and non-reporting groups, likely in part because of a limited sample size. Continued data collection will clarify whether disclosing delinquent behavior meaningfully impacts moral self-image and contributes to identity-related outcomes. Such a finding would have serious implications for educational, clinical, and criminal justice contexts, where individuals are frequently required to report past wrongdoing. Labeling individuals as “delinquent” or prompting them to label themselves may have unintended negative consequences for moral identity, potentially increasing disengagement or recidivism.

P014: Penn State Berk Students Percpetion of an Active-Attacker Presenting Author: Danyelle Tripp-Lumley School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Murphy This study examines Penn State Berks students’ perceptions of active-attacker preparedness, focusing on awareness, fear, and self-efficacy. Using an anonymous Qualtrics survey with Likertscale questions, it measures students’ knowledge of safety procedures, confidence in responding, and concerns about gun violence. The goal is to identify gaps in preparedness and improve campus safety efforts.

P015: Understanding Burnout in Higher Education Presenting Author: Nolan Nguyen School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Nathan Greenauer This study examined how workload quantity, perceived work quality, and effort–reward imbalance relates to burnout among university students. Participants completed validated self-report measures assessing work hours, work-life quality, resilience, and burnout risk. Regression analyses indicated that resilience was the only significant predictor of burnout, although burnout correlated strongly with work-life quality and effort–reward imbalance. Findings suggest resilience plays a central role in burnout risk despite substantial overlap among work-related predictors.

P016: The Transition from High School to First Year of College and the Impacts on GPA Presenting Author: Callie Palerino School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz

35 How does students’ performance in high school transition to college? What other demographic variables relate to the success of first-year college students? Previous research by Karwacinski (2018) and Snyder (2022) found grades to be significant, whereas Martin (2023) found that grades and other demographic factors were not significant. I examined questions from a local university’s 2023 first-year student survey. Four hundred and fifty students received the survey via email, and 92 returned responses. I selected questions that asked, “How often do you feel overwhelmed with too much work during your first year of college,” “What is your gender identity,” “Do you consider yourself to be Hispanic/Latino,” “What is your race,” “What was your grade point average (GPA) of your first semester of college,” and “What was your grade point average (GPA) in high school.” Secondary data was analyzed using JASP. The results showed that students who excelled in high school typically transitioned well into their first year of college, while those who performed poorly in high school did not. The results also showed that other demographics, such as gender, race, and ethnicity, had a weak effect on students’ grades and on their transition into college.

P017: Association Between Emotional Facial Expressions and Evolutionary Versus Modern Stimuli Presenting Author: Jocelyn McLaughlin School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Susan Hughes This study examined whether visual triggers, representing evolutionary-relevant or modernday stimuli, are associated with expressions of fear, disgust, anger, and happiness, considering participant and stimulus gender, and empathy. Participants were shown expressions with one evolutionary-relevant and one modern-day stimulus and selected the image they believed would elicit the expression. Evolutionarily-relevant stimuli were more frequently selected for fear and disgust, whereas modern-day stimuli were selected for happiness, and selections for anger did not differ. Female faces were strongly associated with evolutionary stimuli, particularly for fear and disgust expressions. Participant gender and empathy, measured using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire and Interpersonal Reactivity Index, did not significantly influence selections. Participants with coursework in evolutionary theory were more likely to select evolutionary stimuli, and this effect did not vary by emotion. These findings suggest that emotion-based perception supports the view that certain emotions, such as fear and disgust, are likely hardwired to signal or communicate threats to survival, linking them to ancestral triggers that function as innate cues for detecting danger or eliciting protective responses. In contrast, happiness appears influenced by more immediate contemporary reward cues, while anger may reflect general social conflicts or goal frustration, making it less tied to specific stimulus types.

P018: More Than Words: Emotional Responses to Compliments Across Content and Gender Presenting Author: Alajae Burdine School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Mello

36 The present study examined how young adults emotionally respond to compliments and whether gender or compliment type influences reactions. Forty participants were given a randomly assigned appearance or personality-based compliment by a confederate and invited to complete a survey about their emotional response. Results showed women tended to respond more positively overall, while men responded neutrally. Personality versus appearance compliments did not produce strong differences. These findings suggest gender may influence emotional reactions to compliments.

P019: Performance and Competition: How Responses Differ When Answered Individually and Competitively Presenting Author: Eshaan Tolani School and Year: Penn State Berks, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Nathan Greenauer Previous literature suggests that competitive situations create anxiety, worsening both cognition and overall performance in comparison to non-competitive situations. This experiment assessed whether the number of correct responses on two similar academic surveys would differ among the same participants when one was taken individually and the other was taken in competition with another participant. Overall competitiveness was also investigated as a moderating factor.

A within-participant multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (MANCOVA) was used to analyze differences in both score and response time between for both surveys. The results indicated that participants answered significantly more questions correctly and took more time during the competitive situation and that overall competitiveness was not a predicting factor behind these outcomes. These findings suggest that competitive settings can improve performance on certain tasks due to them providing a sense of optimal arousal and motivation.

P020: Somatic Experiencing: Healing from the Body Up. Presenting Author: Nathaniel Dent School and Year: Kutztown, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ruth McLeod Somatic Experiencing is a “bottom up” approach to therapy that involves healing the body as well as the mind. Traumatic experiences may leave traces of built up tension and stress in both the mind and body. My presentation will go over multiple peer reviewed journal articles and studies regarding what somatic experiencing is and how it heals both mind and body while giving an outlet for built-up pain whether the pain.

P021: Cryptid Curriculum Presenting Author: Rebekah Ehrhart School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Roseanne Perkins Critical thinking and textual analysis skills are more important than ever, yet learning and developing these skills can often feel boring to learners. In the age of misinformation, students should learn and practice methods to differentiate primary and secondary sources, choose reliable

37 articles, and ultimately determine what is true and what is unfounded. Cryptozoology is a fun yet relatively harmless topic to use as a conduit to develop these abilities. Cryptid Curriculum is a multimedia project of both created and collected materials that aims to make learning and developing media literacy skills fun. Whether learners want to believe or are avid skeptics, they can take away valuable information about assessing sources and fun facts about of the things that go bump in the night.

P022: Smartphone Social Media Usage As a Modern Addiction Presenting Author: Ozden Alp Karadeniz School and Year: Penn State Berks, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ada Leung Additional Authors: Vozharenko, Viktoriia This research looks at the connection between smartphone social media usage and psychological health among young adults. The research used a mixed-method research methodology, qualitative interviews (Study 1) and detox intervention (Study 2). Study 1 investigated the reasons, attitudes, and emotional experiences associated with social media use through qualitative interviews with 29 participants, ages 18 to 25. The results show that many individuals underestimate how much time they spend on social media and that boredom typically causes repetitive checking behaviors and excessive usage of social media platforms. Additionally, social comparison, exposure to idealized information, and occasional encounters with online antagonism were linked to negative emotional responses. Study 2 assessed the beneficial effects of a 48-hour social media detox intervention. The findings suggested that significant decrease in social media usage improved subjective well-being and sleep quality, and reduced in social comparison tendencies, as shown in paired-sample t-tests. In conclusion, reducing social media usage is likely to improve psychological well-being. Some potential social media detox strategies include encouraging young adults to engage in mindful activties, e.g., reading, going for a hike, doing art and craft, playing musical instruments, meeting with friends and family face to face.

P023: Learning Prompt Design: AI Usage and Its Effects on Cognitive Thinking Presenting Author: Jeilyn Tineo School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ada Leung Additional Authors: Hartman-Caverly, Sarah; Ruiz, Janet 78% of college students reported using AI tools at least once a month, with 29% reporting daily use (Copyleaks 2025 AI in Education Trends Report). Therefore, it is imperative for students to learn effective prompt engineering techniques to be successful academically and in their careers upon graduation. The research investigates the effectiveness of PROPMT Design Framework in helping students get useful and relevant information from generative-AI tool.

The PROMPT framework has the following structure: (P) assigning the AI a persona/role for the output, (R) defining what requirements the output needs to have, (O) requesting a specific organization method or structure for the output, (M) the specific format the output needs to be in, (P)specifying the purpose for the requested output,, and (T) the tone needed

38 from the output. Findings suggested that once students were introduced to the framework and tasked with acquiring information, they showed an increase use of the framework elements within their queries. The PROMPT framework helps students retrieve relevant information efficiently, reduce bias from the generative AI tool output, and enable them to reduce the number of prompts needed to get the desirable outputs.

P024: Tuna: A Recommender System for Personalized Music Streaming Presenting Author: Emma Phillips School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Dylan Schwesinger Music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music use recommender systems to curate music for users, though their suggestions can sometimes lack accuracy. This capstone explores recommender systems within music streaming by developing a web application called Tuna.

Tuna analyzes user preferences alongside song features such as genre, popularity, and track attributes to generate personalized playlists. The application employs content-based filtering, similarity algorithms, and feature scaling to model user taste and identify relationships between songs. This project demonstrates the practical application of recommender system principles while providing a foundation for future improvements and enhanced recommendation accuracy.

P025: Gender Differences of Perceived Barriers of Participating in Innovation Competition Programs (ICPs) Presenting Author: Janet Ruiz School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ada Leung This study examines gender differences in perceived barriers to participation in Innovation Competition Programs (ICPs) among undergraduate students. Data was collected from eight focus groups (4 female and 4 male) to better understand students’ perceptions towards ICPs. Underrepresentation of female students were likely due to structural, systematic, and psychological factors, e.g., access to resources, mentorship, and perceived self-competence. Compared to their male counterparts, females were found to experience more self-doubt in their skill set, have fewer professional networking opportunities, and less likely to engage in co-curricular activities. These barriers may discourage females from pursuing in innovation-related opportunities.

Additionally, existing program structures may unintentionally favor male white students who have more extensive support systems, further widening the gap. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both structural and systemic barriers to improve participation intention among female students. The study findings will help ICP organizers create a more inclusive environment that welcomes diversity.

P026: Gaming for Good: Evaluating Video Games and Their Impact on Environmental Behavior in Adolescents Presenting Author: Lucius Drake School and Year: Albright, 4th Year

39 Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Grim, Zackerry As global environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution intensify, innovative approaches to promoting environmentally responsible behavior are increasingly important. This study examines the potential of video games as a tool for encouraging sustainable behavior among adolescents. Popular games such as Minecraft and The Sims 4 simulate activities like sustainable living, gardening, and responsible resource management, potentially shaping players’ environmental attitudes and actions. According to a survey conducted by Play2Act, 79% of respondents reported that playing games with environmental messages motivated them to adopt at least one pro-environmental behavior; using public transportation or making greener consumption choices. This study focuses on individuals aged 16–24 to evaluate whether exposure to environmentally themed gameplay influences real-world behaviors and decision-making. In addition, research considers the environmental costs associated with video game production and digital infrastructure, including energy use and emissions, and compares these costs with the potential positive behavioral impacts on players. By examining both behavioral outcomes and environmental trade-offs, the study aims to assess whether environmentally themed video games can serve as effective tools for promoting sustainability. The findings will offer recommendations for game developers and consumers on how the gaming industry can contribute to environmental awareness and greener practices.

P027: Thirsty Servers: The Hidden Water Costs of Industrial AI Expansion Presenting Author: Walter Starling School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh As artificial intelligence rapidly expands across the global economy, the hidden environmental cost of the digital infrastructure powering it—particularly water consumption in data centers— has become an urgent sustainability concern. The rapid expansion of data centers has created growing concerns about their environmental impacts, particularly their significant consumption of water for cooling systems. Many facilities rely on potable water to prevent sediment and contaminants from damaging sensitive computer equipment. This study examines how water usage by data centers affects local communities, especially in water-stressed regions. The analysis focuses on facilities operated by major technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms, while also exploring emerging efficiency solutions implemented by firms like NVIDIA. Particular attention is given to regions such as Arizona and California, where water resources are limited, and data center development has increased pressure on local supplies. Using sustainability reports and case studies, the study evaluates the extent of water consumption and explores potential policy responses, including alternative cooling technologies and water recycling strategies. The findings highlight the need for more sustainable water management practices to balance technological growth with long-term community and environmental needs.

40 P028: Nature’s Pharmacy: Exploring Microbial Diversity in Search of Novel Antibiotics Presenting Author: Owen Weiss School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jamie Becker Novel antibiotic discovery remains critical, as many pathogenic microbes, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are evolving resistance to current antibiotics. Isolating microorganisms from local environments in Reading, Pennsylvania that are capable of producing potential novel antibiotic compounds can lead to the development of new treatments. Environmental isolates were screened using spread–patch assays to observe zones of inhibition against safe ESKAPE indicator strains. The use of safe ESKAPE organisms allows antibiotic activity to be studied against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens in a safe laboratory environment. Zones of inhibition were measured and quantified to evaluate antimicrobial activity. Isolates were also identified by sequencing their 16S rRNA gene. Quantifying zones of inhibition and identifying isolates enables the generation of new hypotheses regarding the potential of these microbes to produce novel antibiotic compounds. This study may contribute to the discovery of new antibiotics and help address the growing health challenges surrounding antimicrobial resistance.

P029: Marketing Innovation or Manipulation? Evaluating the Ethics of NFT Promotion Presenting Author: Ashley Musante School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ada Leung Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) rapidly gained popularity during the early 2020s, transforming digital collectibles into a billion-dollar market. While NFTs were promoted as a technological innovation enabling verifiable digital ownership through blockchain technology, their widespread adoption was heavily influenced by aggressive marketing strategies, such as social media hype, celebrity endorsements, scarcity tactics, and so on. Drawing on existing research about NFT’s digital marketing practices towards gullible consumers, this project explores how scarcity messaging, influencer promotion, and speculative investment narratives shaped the purchase and selling of NFTs. Attention is given to celebrity-driven marketing campaigns, including controversies associated with promotions by figures such as Logan Paul, where highly publicized NFTs rapidly declined in value after launch. These marketing practices raise questions about transparency, responsibility, and the ethical boundaries of marketing digital assets that carry substantial financial risk. In conclusion, my research shows that NFT marketing tactics are unethical, as they heavily target risk-tolerant and financially-naive consumers.

P030: Visual Identification of Insects Under Poor Visual Conditions Presenting Author: Gabriel Bragitikos School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ceyhun Sunsay Anthropological theories demonstrate a link between evolutionary pressure to visually discrim-

41 inate potentially life-threatening stimuli from a complex background, such as snakes in grass, and the refinement of primate visual systems. Previous studies demonstrating the validity of these theories were concerned with identification of threatening mammals and reptiles, such as snakes, as opposed to nonthreatening ones. However, as insects have been among the primary causes of death throughout history, we hypothesize that a similar phenomenon can be observed between threatening and nonthreatening insects, in which people will positively identify threatening insects through worse visual conditions than nonthreatening ones, and attempted to verify this through a pilot study.

P031: Own Your Loans: Student Loan Breakdown Presenting Author: Emilie Longenberger School and Year: Penn State Berks, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ada Leung Rising student loan debt in the United States has become a major financial challenge for college students, and research also shows that many individuals in this age group have low levels of financial literacy. As a result, many students borrow money for higher education without fully understanding student loan topics and the long-term financial implications of their borrowing decision. This lack of understanding can contribute to financial stress and uncertainty about managing debt after graduation. Therefore, it is important to examine how financial information about student loans is communicated to college students and whether current approaches effectively support their understanding. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how different methods of presenting student loan information, such as written text or video-based explanations, influence college students’ awareness and understanding of student loans. The research design is before-after with a control group, in which participants will be exposed to different formats of financial information and will complete a short survey measuring comprehension and perceptions of student loans. By comparing students’ subjective and objective knowledge before/after interventions (videos vs. text vs. control), this study will identify which communication methods are more effective in improving financial knowledge among young adults.

P032: When Plastic Isn’t Free: An Economic Analysis of Retail Strategy and Consumer Behavior Presenting Author: Michelle Bui School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Tacuri, Stewart Single-use plastic bags generate significant environmental harm that is not reflected in their market price, representing a classic example of a negative externality. Governments and retailers have increasingly implemented policies designed to reduce plastic bag consumption, including bag fees, bans, and incentives for reusable alternatives. These initiatives are closely connected to global sustainability priorities such as SDGs 12, 13 and 14. From an economic perspective, plastic bag fees operate similarly to Pigouvian Tax policies by attempting to internalize environmental costs and alter consumer incentives at the point of purchase. This study analyzes how

42 plastic-reduction strategies influence retailer cost structures and consumer behavior through a comparative case study of Lidl and Redner’s Markets. The methodology combines economic cost analysis and qualitative policy review, drawing on store policies, public sustainability reports, regional bag regulations, and secondary consumer behavior research. The analysis considers how these policies affect marginal costs for retailers, including bag purchasing expenses, labor time at checkout, waste management, and potential substitution toward paper bags. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how market-based environmental policies can reshape both retail cost structures and consumer habits while supporting sustainability objectives.

P033: Truth and Lies Behind the Labels: Sustainability Claims and Consumer Trust in the Cosmetics Industry Presenting Author: Paige Barrineau School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Jones, Tai Sustainability has become a central focus in the cosmetics industry as consumers increasingly demand environmentally responsible products, packaging, and production practices. In response, many beauty brands have introduced sustainability initiatives intended to reduce environmental impacts and improve transparency. This study examines how sustainability practices within the cosmetics industry influence consumer trust and brand reputation. Focusing on companies such as Lush, La Roche-Posay, and RMS Beauty, the research evaluates the extent to which these brands implement meaningful sustainability initiatives versus marketing-driven claims.

The analysis also connects these initiatives to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Using company sustainability reports, official website data, and independent analysis articles, this study investigates how corporate sustainability efforts are communicated and whether they reflect measurable environmental progress. The research also considers the role of greenwashing—misleading or exaggerated environmental claims—and its potential impact on consumer perceptions. By comparing stated sustainability commitments with publicly available evidence, this study aims to better understand the credibility of sustainability practices in the cosmetics industry and their implications for consumer trust, environmental outcomes, and corporate reputation.

P034: Threads of Impact: The Hidden Environmental Costs of Fast Fashion Presenting Author: Sarai Simmons School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Fast fashion has rapidly transformed global clothing markets by delivering inexpensive, trenddriven apparel at unprecedented speed. While this model benefits consumers through lower prices, greater variety, and expanded employment opportunities, it also generates significant negative environmental externalities. Intensive production processes increase water consumption, chemical use, and carbon emissions, disproportionately affecting major garment-producing

43 regions. These environmental costs are not reflected in market prices, contributing to overproduction and overconsumption. This study analyzes three major fashion brands—H&M, Primark, and Shein—to show how their production practices create environmental costs. Using examples from major manufacturing regions, it explains where these impacts occur, who is affected, and how policies can help reduce these harms. By linking production practices to environmental consequences and policy solutions, this study aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on sustainability and accountability within the global fashion industry.

P035: The Mediterranean Diet: Lifespan and Environmental Sustainability Presenting Author: Katia Botelho School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ana Ruiz This study examines how the Mediterranean diet may increase life longevity, while simultaneously supporting environmental sustainability. The Mediterranean diet prioritizes plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and other minimally processed ingredients, while limiting highly processed foods and red meat. Previous research has linked adherence to the Mediterranean diet with reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved long-term health outcomes. Through this study, it will be examined if a choice as small as a diet change can really impact the environment and increase a healthier quality of life. Data were collected through a small-n design, over a ten day period including a baseline phase, intervention phase, and a followup phase. During the baseline phase, typical Western-style meals approximated about 15-19 kg of CO$ 2$ per day (5-7 metric tons annually). After transitioning to the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing nutrient dense, plant-based meals, the average daily emissions decreased to approximately 3-4 kg CO$ 2$ (1 metric ton annually). These findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet is an effective eating pattern that can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint significantly, while contributing to long-term health and longevity.

P036: The Implementation of Sustainable Stadiums Across Continents: Comparing Environmental Strategies in the U.S. and Europe Presenting Author: Julien Moll School and Year: Albright, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Sustainable sports stadiums have become increasingly important to the athletic world because organizations seek to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs. This study explores how modern stadium designs can address environmental externalities such as high energy consumption, substantial waste generation, and water use. The purpose of this study is to compare two of the most sustainable and environmentally advanced stadiums in the world, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, to see how sustainable sports stadiums differ between European and American sports organizations. Data for the study are drawn from publicly available sustainability reports, official stadium documentation, and environmental certifications such as LEED Certification. Key areas of analysis include renewable energy use, water conservation systems, waste management practices, and transportation ac-

44 cessibility. By evaluating the environmental initiatives adopted by these stadiums, the research aims to identify which sustainability strategies are most effective in reducing environmental impact while supporting long-term operational efficiency. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how sports infrastructure can integrate sustainable design practices and serve as models for future stadium development.

P037: Green Profits: How Sustainability Creates Competitive Advantage in the Global Sportswear Industry Presenting Author: Chris Schoemer School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Kapschull, Tyler Sustainability has become a strategic priority for many global sportswear companies as they face increasing regulatory pressure and growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. This study examines whether corporate sustainability initiatives generate measurable economic value for three leading athleisure firms— Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour. The analysis applies key economic concepts, including environmental externalities, market incentives, and regulatory risk, to evaluate how sustainability strategies influence corporate cost structures and competitive positioning. For example, investments in life-cycle assessments and circular economy initiatives by Nike demonstrate links between emissions reduction and operational efficiency. Adidas’s integration of recycled materials illustrates how supply chain restructuring can offset production costs while reducing negative externalities. Under Armour has made significant investments in energy-efficient manufacturing and maintained transparency in its supplier networks to proactively mitigate regulatory risks associated with its operations. The study finds that sustainability strategies generate economic value through two channels: reducing long-term input and compliance costs and strengthening brand equity in an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer market. These findings suggest that corporate environmental responsibility is a material force of competitive advantage, and that athleisure firms treating sustainability as a core business strategy are better positioned for long-term profitability and resilience.

P038: Are Electric Vehicle Subsidies Worth the Cost? Evaluating Their Economic Efficiency in Reducing Carbon Emissions Presenting Author: Jack Riffle School and Year: Albright, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Soma Ghosh Additional Authors: Charles, Jamall Governments around the world have introduced subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition away from fossil-fuel-powered transportation. In the United States, for example, federal EV tax credits can reach up to $7,500 per vehicle, with additional state incentives ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, representing a significant public investment. While these incentives aim to address the negative environmental externalities associated with carbon emissions, their overall economic efficiency remains debated. This study

45 evaluates whether EV subsidies represent a cost-effective policy for reducing carbon emissions.

Using principles from environmental economics, the research conducts a cost–benefit analysis that compares the environmental and social benefits of increased EV adoption with the fiscal costs of government subsidy programs. The study draws on EV adoption trends, policy data, and existing economic research to examine how subsidies influence consumer behavior and market outcomes. It also considers distributional effects, including whether EV incentives disproportionately benefit higher-income households. The findings are discussed in relation to alternative policy instruments, such as carbon pricing mechanisms, that may achieve emissions reductions more efficiently. Overall, the study assesses whether EV subsidies provide a practical and economically sound approach to climate policy.

P040: Surgical and Genetic Influences in Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate: A Literature Review Presenting Author: Brianna Pascal School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Victoria Williams Cleft lip and palate (CLP) represents one of the most common congenital orofacial anomalies, affecting 17 out of every 10,000 births in the United States. Occurring during embryonic development, CLP is a very complex process involving any disruption of lip fusion and palatogenesis.

CLP involves multiple levels of severity and can present as unilateral or bilateral, with the cleft palate being affected or unaffected. The current literature explains how both hereditary and environmental factors strongly influence the development of CLP in utero. Genetic factors include chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations, whereas environmental factors include maternal malnutrition, drug exposure, and hormonal imbalances. All these factors greatly influence and could lead to a disruption resulting in a pediatric patient with a CLP condition. Not only does CLP disrupt structural deformity, but the individual’s speech, hearing, feeding, and social interactions. These other issues cause and lead to other health-related problems. CLP can only be resolved using invasive surgical interventions, which usually begin during infancy.

These surgical interventions vary from case to case, and the long-term outcomes depend on the severity of the CLP, timing of the repair, and other etiological factors.

P041: Identifying the Most Effective Solution to Improve Feeding Outcomes in Children Aged 0-3 Years with Tongue-Tie Presenting Author: Jake Shirey School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Dinoto, Gabriella; Luzeckyj, Stephanie; Mattern, Kelly Young children (age 0-3) with a tongue-tie commonly experience feeding difficulties. Tongue-tie is a congenital oral deformity characterized by the lingual frenulum being of insufficient length at birth. This study compared the effectiveness of current usual care for tongue-ties to occupational therapy interventions through an extensive literature review. Occupational therapy interventions such as craniosacral therapy, orofacial exercise, and utilizing an occupation-based approach

46 were identified as unique benefits of occupational therapy. The results of this literature review suggest that occupational therapy, when combined with collaboration with other healthcare professions such as speech-language pathologists and physicians, provides significantly greater intervention in the treatment of tongue-ties than traditional medicine alone. To address latch difficulties, poor milk transfer, and sometimes, later issues with speech or transitioning to solid foods in children aged 0-3, occupational therapists should be included in treatment teams of these children. These findings support expanding occupational therapy inclusion in treatment teams for children diagnosed with tongue tie.

P042: Splinting as an Effective Treatment Option Using a Multidisciplinary Approach with Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy Presenting Author: Savannah MaGee School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Slear, Travis E; Symington, Sariah A Spastic Cerebral Palsy involves neurological and mechanical constraints that limit a child’s participation. This study examines the effectiveness of splinting methods compared to more invasive treatments, such as medication, surgery, and injections, for children with cerebral palsy, focusing on reductions in spasticity, improvements in range of motion, and increases in functional independence. Upon investigation, splinting was found to be beneficial for treatment; however, combining treatments, such as splinting, BoNT-A injection, and occupational therapy, further reduced spasticity and improved biomechanical function. Recommendations suggest a multidisciplinary approach to achieve better outcomes for children with spastic cerebral palsy.

P043: Increasing Occupational Performance of School Students: A Trauma-Informed Approach Presenting Author: Kelsey Brinckman School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Herbein, Alexa; McCloud, Al’Liyah; Lawson, Julia Exposure to traumatic events is a worldwide occurrence to individuals of all ages. The effects can be particularly detrimental when exposure occurs in childhood during vital developmental periods. A key opportunity for access to these children for treatment occurs in the school system, specifically through the lens of occupational therapy. This paper outlines the benefits of trauma informed care in the school setting to decrease limiting behaviors and improve occupational performance. A systematic review including 20 scholarly articles was conducted to attain research on trauma-informed care strategies and interventions, essential areas of performance in school-based occupational therapy practice, behavior effects resulting from exposure to trauma in childhood, and trauma-informed training and education. The paper argues that a foundational understanding of trauma and how to best engage with and support students with adverse childhood experiences along with the clinical expertise of occupational therapy may be effective in decreasing behaviors to maximize occupational performance. These findings support a new

47 way of thinking that will ultimately foster support, trust, and empowerment for these students as well as support occupational therapy as a profession in this setting.

P044: Effectiveness of Sensory-Based Strategies in Improving Engagement, Attention, and Occupational Performance for Children Presenting Author: Madison Houck School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Border, Katelynn; Kao, Andrew; Molnar, Alina The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory-based strategies in improving attention, engagement, and occupational performance in children and adolescents with sensory processing difficulties, leading to the development of the PIO question: For individuals (ages 2 to 21 years) with sensory-processing difficulties, how effective are sensory-based strategies in improving engagement, attention, and occupational performance? The goal of this critical appraisal is to review current evidence, evaluate studies, and determine which sensorybased strategies are supported, limited, or not effective for current practice. Occupational therapists need to be aware and informed on the impacts of sensory-based strategies in relation to the outcomes achieved for their young clients to be able to fully provide comprehensive, client-centered care to children with sensory processing difficulties. By increasing education surrounding the importance and effectiveness of sensory-based strategies, both children, families, and occupational therapists can benefit from continued growth of evidence-informed clinical reasoning.

P045: Comparison of Community Exercises to Traditional Intervention in Functional Management and Outcomes in Parkinson Disease Presenting Author: Patricia Falar School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Gorner, Jillian M; Jones, Grace N; Laughman, Jillian A Parkinson Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor function, non-motor symptoms, and independence in activities of daily living. This project investigates the PICO question: “How do different community-based exercise program interventions affect symptoms of Parkinson Disease and independence of Activities of Daily Living in comparison to a traditionally structured intervention?” After a review of Critically Appraised Papers, four themes were developed: boxing, yoga, Tai Chi, and Lee-Silverman Voice Treatment BIG. Across the studies, both community-based exercise programs and structured interventions demonstrated significant improvements in PD symptoms and supported independence in activities of daily living. As a result, using community-based exercise programs as a complementary intervention alongside traditionally structured interventions has been associated with the best patient outcomes.

48 P046: The Effectiveness of High-Technology Tools on Occupational Performance in Stroke Rehabilitation Presenting Author: McKenna Lengle School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Pillsbury, Theresa; Smith, Karlee; Stoltzfus, Nate High-technology devices are used in stroke rehabilitation due to their positive impacts on motor recovery. From an occupational therapy perspective, there is limited evidence on whether these tools improve performance in daily activities after stroke. This investigation aimed to determine the effectiveness of high-technology rehabilitation tools in improving occupational performance in individuals who have had a stroke by analyzing the literature on functional electrical stimulation, wearable sensors, virtual reality, and robotics. The findings across 20 critical appraisals indicate that high-technology rehabilitation tools improve occupational performance following a stroke when paired with conventional rehabilitation. Occupational therapists should continue to use these tools as a supplemental intervention. However, further research is needed to determine the necessity of these tools and the best practices before any significant changes in their use are made.

P047: How Effective Is Utilizing Virtual Reality in Improving Occupational Performance in Adults Who Have a TBI? Presenting Author: Mackenzie St. Pierre School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Albert, Alessandra; McGinley, Abigail; Sjoberg, Rachael This critically appraised topic examined the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) interventions in improving occupational performance among adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The guiding PIO question asked whether VR enhances occupational performance outcomes in this population. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, EBSCO, JSTOR, and BioMed Central, with inclusion criteria focusing on adult TBI populations, VR interventions, and occupational performance outcomes. Findings across 20 reviewed studies suggest that VR is a promising intervention that can improve cognitive functions such as executive functioning, processing speed, attention, and reaction time, all of which are essential for successful engagement in daily occupations. Additionally, VR-based interventions demonstrated benefits in balance, coordination, and engagement through simulated real-world tasks. Despite these positive findings, limitations include small sample sizes, variability in intervention protocols, and limited occupational therapy-specific research. Overall, VR shows potential as an effective intervention to enhance occupational performance outcomes in adults with TBI. However, further research using rigorous designs and standardized protocols is needed to support its integration into clinical practice.

49 P048: Sensorimotor Intervention on Post-Stroke Adults for Upper Limb Recovery and Occupational Performance Presenting Author: Jillian Everett School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Catherine Emenheiser Additional Authors: Golden, Cecilia; Hayes, Kellyanne; Kleintop, Gabriella Sensorimotor interventions have emerged as a promising approach to improving upper limb function and occupational performance in adults post stroke. By targeting the intersection of sensory input and motor output, occupational therapy can address impaired motor control, proprioception, and sensory processing, which limit functional use of the affected upper extremity. Current evidence indicates that sensorimotor training promotes neuroplasticity, driving impairments in motor coordination, strength, and dexterity. This critical appraisal investigates the impact of sensorimotor intervention techniques on upper limb recovery and occupational performance in stroke survivors, with findings summarized to inform clinical practice. Unlike purely motor-focused rehabilitation, sensorimotor combines task-specific training with sensory stimulation, such as texture discrimination or proprioceptive exercises, facilitating cortical reorganization. Combined techniques have shown success in increasing independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and overall quality of life. Research suggests that integrating somatosensory training with motor practice is more effective than conventional rehabilitation alone for enhancing paretic limb function. Sensorimotor interventions play a critical role in holistic stroke rehabilitation, addressing both sensory deficits and motor impairments. While further research is needed to determine optimal dosage and long-term retention, current evidence supports the application of these interventions to improve upper limb function and promote occupational performance.

P049: Wireless Lesion Device for Medical Training Applications Presenting Author: Marcus Ridley School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Kushal Adhikari Additional Authors: Dejesus, Elizabeth; Gonzalez, Yair; Hernandez, Arizaidith The Alvernia University (AU) nursing department utilizes simulation labs to provide students with realistic scenarios using mannequins to hone their skills. These mannequins currently lack the ability to simulate a patient who is bleeding, leaving the students without valuable experience. The project aims to develop a wireless prosthetic wound to simulate a patient bleeding. This project uses a microcontroller to operate a pump, simulating blood flow to our prosthetic wound. We are using Python, a common coding language, to facilitate wireless control of the pump via a web interface. Our device has the potential to be a flexible user-friendly learning tool for students and instructors in the medical field. The versatility of the device allows for compatibility with almost any mannequin. The device has applications in training military medical personnel, personal training for emergency scenarios, medical academics, etc.

This project was a collaboration between AU Nursing and AU Engineering.

50 P050: Micronutrient Effects on Recovery and Performance Presenting Author: Bridget Donachie School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Thomas Franek Clinical Scenario: Food creates fuel for our bodies by producing energy, which is crucial, especially for athletes. Vitamins and minerals can benefit athletes and show how to maximize meals by strategically using them for intense physical activity and recovery. Clinical Question: How does adequate micronutrient intake affect performance and recovery in physically active individuals? Summary of Best Evidence/ Key Findings: Ensuring that you have a balanced diet including micronutrients is the key to achieving optimal performance.1 Vitamin C has been shown to increase collagen production and neutralize reactive oxygen species to decrease inflammation.1,2 Vitamin D 3,4 can regulate calcium as well as support and increases ATP. Vitamin A increases muscle recovery by increasing protein synthesis and connective tissue formation,1 while vitamin K can increase bone formation. 1,5 Vitamin B complexes can improve melatonin regulation, 1,5 providing a connection to overnight recovery. Lastly, minerals support all sorts of physiological functions, like oxygen transportation, and electrolyte balance. Clinical Bottom Line: Vitamins and minerals can help improve musculoskeletal recovery and regeneration, cognitive function, sleep quality, and reduce stress. Ensuring micronutrient sufficiency can boost musculoskeletal performance and recovery by increasing metabolism, collagen, and protein synthesis.

P051: Altitude Training and Effects on Athletic Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic Presenting Author: Jackson Hoovler School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Ashley Gray Additional Authors: Franek, Thomas Clinical Scenario: Altitude training is a performance enhancement method used by athletes at many competitive levels to increase physiological capacities through exposure to hypoxic environments. By training in environments with reduced oxygen availability, athletes aim to increase red blood cell mass (erythropoiesis) and enhance oxygen-carrying capacity, ultimately improving aerobic performance.1 Clinical Question: In endurance-trained athletes, does traditional altitude training compared to artificial simulation methods improve VO2 max and competition performance? Clinical Bottom Line: Current evidence suggests that neither model has a clear and distinct advantage, and that traditional altitude training and artificial simulation (Elevation Training Masks or [ETM]) both yield robust improvements when appropriately implemented in endurance-trained athletes. Summary of Best Evidence: The combination of High-Intensity Interval Training and Elevation Training Masks guaranteed moderate positive improvements in VO2 max and physiological adaptations.1 According to research, living and exercising at moderate elevations (2,000–2,500 meters) promotes erythropoiesis, raising hemoglobin levels and enhancing oxygen transport.2 Increased VO2 max could lead to better physical endurance and competitive performance, but each athlete is different; therefore, results may vary across population groups. Keywords: VO2 max, elevation training masks, hypoxia, and erythropoietin/

51 erythropoiesis (EPO).

P052: Blood Flow Restriction Therapy: Applications and Protocols Presenting Author: Elisabeth Schwarz School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Thomas Franek Additional Authors: Gray, A Clinical Scenario: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) is a form of treatment that occludes blood flow to the extremities using a pressurized cuff. It has been shown in recent literature to be effective in rehabilitation. However, application protocols and specific outcomes remain unclear. Clinical Question: The clinical question is twofold. In patients with musculoskeletal injury, how does BFRT compared to standard rehabilitation affect functionality and pain? Key Findings: BFRT has empirical support for many outcomes and conditions. Protocols applied in literature vary widely for rehabilitation applications. Best supported protocols for rehabilitation include a 1x30, 3x15 set-rep scheme, an 80% occlusion percentage, 30% of one repetition maximum load, and a frequency of three times per week. Several moderating factors including sex, training status, and occlusion methods must be considered when developing protocols. Conclusion: BFRT is effective compared to traditional training methods for rehabilitation. Research protocols, though varied, can provide recommendations for the use of BFRT in clinical practice.

Keywords: Blood flow restriction therapy, performance enhancement, rehabilitation, protocols.

P053: Internal Motivating Factors Influence a Patient’s Adherence to Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Pathology Presenting Author: Bailey Bodien School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Ashley Gray Clinical scenario: Musculoskeletal injuries are becoming a national health problem. In 2024, the US treatment cost for musculoskeletal injuries exceeded $213 billion. Research reveals that adhering to the recommended training regimen improves the likelihood that the injured limb will heal, thereby boosting the chance of a successful recovery. There are over 200 factors that correlate with adherence to medical advice. Clinical question: Which internal motivating factors influence a patient’s adherence to the rehabilitation of a Musculoskeletal injury? Key Findings: The research examines different internal factors that influence a patient’s adherence to rehab for their musculoskeletal injuries. Patient factors include self-motivation, prior adherence behaviors, perceptions of rehabilitation, and negative effects. A clinician can help patients adhere to rehabilitation through social factors. Clinical Bottom Line: The literature indicates that internal motivating factors include a positive attitude, self-motivation, and confidence in the clinician’s expertise and in the rehabilitation process. There are ways to enhance adherence outside of patient factors. In turn, patients are more likely to adhere to the treatment protocols established by their healthcare provider, leading to better health outcomes. Key Words: Adherence, Musculoskeletal injuries, Self-motivation, Rehabilitation.

52 P054: Neurodivergence in the Clinical Sports Medicine Setting Presenting Author: Mylina Castillo School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Ashley Gray Additional Authors: Franek, Thomas Neurodivergence includes a range of neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Approximately 15–20% of the global population is considered neurodivergent, and emerging evidence suggests a notable presence of neurodivergent individuals in athletic populations. However, sports medicine professionals often receive limited education on how to appropriately recognize and accommodate the unique cognitive, sensory, and communication needs of these athletes. Do sports medicine professionals recognize the unique needs of neurodivergent patients within the clinical setting? A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOHost databases. Current literature affirms that neurodivergent athletes may have individualized needs related to sensory processing, communication, executive functioning, and proprioception that influence injury risk, evaluation, and treatment.

Evidence suggests that while the unique needs of neurodivergent athletes are increasingly recognized, they are not consistently addressed in clinical practice. Improving education, awareness, and implementation of individualized accommodations may enhance clinician preparedness and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction within sports medicine settings.

P055: Psychological Effects in Relation to UCL Surgery Presenting Author: Jake Umans School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Thomas Franek Additional Authors: Gray, Ashley Ulnar collateral ligament surgery is a common pathology among baseball players. Typical timeline for rehabilitation after surgery is around 12-18 months. During the recovery process, athletes tend to experience psychological challenges such as fear of reinjury, decreased confidence, anxiety, and reduced motivation. These symptoms can delay or harm recovery by affecting the athlete’s head, further delaying recovery.7,19,20,21,22 Although the physical rehabilitation program has been established, structured psychological support has drawn more attention to help aid in the outcomes, although research specifically on the psychological aspect in UCL populations is limited. Does the inclusion of structured psychological support in rehabilitation, compared to traditional rehabilitation, facilitate mental resilience in baseball pitchers with UCL repair or reconstruction? Psychological factors support goals during rehabilitation in UCL populations. Psychological symptoms have affected the timeline for recovery during rehabilitation.

Some supplemental tools, such as social support, coping strategies, positive reinforcement, and mental skills, can improve resilience and confidence.20,22 Psychological factors have shown a significant impact on rehabilitation after UCL surgery. Research shows structured interventions are limited. Implementing support alongside rehabilitation can improve the athlete’s confidence, resilience, and their return to the field.

53 P056: Degenerative Orthopedic Changes in Former Triple Jumpers & Endurance Runners Presenting Author: Elisiah Jerome School and Year: Alvernia, Graduate Student Faculty Sponsor: Ashley Gray Degenerative Orthopedic Changes in Former Triple Jumpers & Endurance Runners Authors: Elisiah Jerome, Ashley Gray (Faculty Advisor), Thomas Franek (Faculty Advisor) Abstract: Degenerative orthopedic changes are a common disorder that is seen mostly in an older demographic. Depending on the sport a former athlete plays, that risk may increase or decrease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a high-impact, low-duration sport has a higher or lower risk of developing degenerative orthopedic changes than low-impact, high-duration sports, specifically Triple Jump and Endurance Running. Case-control, cohort, and patient-reported outcomes were used in the patient population to analyze former athletes who developed joint degeneration. Track and Field as a collective was compared to Endurance running and reported higher cases of Osteoarthritis overall. The studies suggest that Endurance running is less likely to cause joint degeneration than triple jump, but more studies are needed to confirm this.

P057: Running Volume and Stroller Use: Their Combined Effect on Injury Risk Presenting Author: Teresa Reed School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Allison Altman-Singles Additional Authors: Mahoney, Joseph M; Kim, Houn G; Zaprozny, Julia; Mueller, Amanda; Friesen, Andrew P Running with a stroller enables parents to maintain physical activity postpartum but may influence injury risk due to altered running mechanics. This study examined how stroller use and mileage relate to overuse injury in parent runners. Parent runners completed a retrospective survey of running habits from childbirth to three years postpartum. Weekly mileage, percentage of stroller running, and injury history were analyzed using binary logistic regression. A total of 188 respondents were included. Participants averaged 18.6 ± 19.6 miles per week, with 48.1% ± 31.0% of miles run with a stroller. Higher total mileage significantly increased injury odds (OR = 1.02 per mile, p = 0.039), indicating a 2% increase in risk for each additional mile. In contrast, a greater proportion of stroller running was associated with lower injury odds (OR = 0.62), though this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.45). These results reinforce total training volume as the primary driver of overuse injury risk in parent runners. The non-significant correlation between stroller and reduced injury aligns with prior biomechanical evidence suggesting reduced loading during stroller running. Collectively, the findings support the safety of stroller running while emphasizing the importance of managing mileage to mitigate injury risk.

P058: 4 Season Piping Project Presenting Author: Sherry Heckman School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year

54 Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Fuglie, Chris; Reed, Teresa; Keovilay, Sunny This project presents two improved freeze-resistant outdoor faucets designed to prevent pipe bursting in cold environments. Outdoor faucets are highly susceptible to freezing conditions, which can lead to internal pipe expansion and eventual bursting. Traditional frost-proof faucet designs, such as the Woodford model, attempt to mitigate this issue by positioning the valve deeper within the building envelope; however, they still present limitations in water drainage efficiency and structural resilience. This project introduces two innovative solutions to improve freeze resistance and reliability. The first design incorporates a conical insert mechanism that allows residual water to drain from the exterior portion of the pipe when the faucet is turned off, while maintaining a proper seal during operation. This ensures that no stagnant water remains in vulnerable regions without compromising flow performance. The second design features an expandable pipe section that accommodates the volumetric expansion of water during freezing, reducing internal stresses and preventing structural failure. These enhancements provide robust and user-friendly solutions that improve upon existing frost-proof faucet designs, offering increased durability, reduced maintenance risk, and improved performance in cold weather environments.

P059: Sustainability Ambassador Program Presenting Author: Genevieve Weikel School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Alicia Sprow Additional Authors: Hornbuckle, Nicholas; Castillo, Mylina; Buch, Logan; Dynesko, Kathryn; Deloretta, Lillyanne Sustainability is the ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations.

Alvernia University, with support from The Allstate Foundation and the Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity (CELO), launched the Sustainability Ambassador Program to empower students to lead action-oriented sustainability projects addressing real-world challenges.

Through this program and collaboration with Alvernia’s Office of Institutional Sustainability, students gain hands-on experience exploring sustainability practices that benefit both the campus and the surrounding community. Current projects focus on diverse topics, including monitoring the health of local streams, improving growing conditions at a local university’s non-profit farm, and recycling, with specific projects on public education of recycling practices, battery recycling, and textile recycling. These initiatives not only promote sustainable habits but also drive long-term institutional change, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship at Alvernia.

P060: Evolution of the UCYN-A and Its Potential Applications in Agroecology Presenting Author: Isabella Boadu School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Robert Hopkins This scientific review presents the evolutionary transition of the cyanobacterium UCYN-A

55 within the algal species, Braarudosphaera bigelowii, from a common cosymbiont into a nitrogenfixing organelle, commonly referred to as the nitroplast. In April of 2024, scientists confirmed the existence of an organelle capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Primary evidence for this endosymbiosis event evolves the erosion of genetic quantity within the nitroplast, as well as the apparent reliance on its host for survival. These key characteristics mirror the behavior of previous endosymbiosis events that led to the rise of the mitochondria and chloroplast. Integration of nitroplasts into agriculture and ammonia manufacturing processes, may potentially lead to not only a relief from greenhouse gases during industrial Haber-Bosch synthesis, economical alternatives for farmers, and the subsequent food surplus for humans on a global scale. The existence of the nitroplast organelle suggests possible abandonment of fossil fuel usage within synthetic fertilizer production.

P061: Nitrogen’s Effect on Cell Wall Physiology of Salix purpurea Presenting Author: Ari Solano School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Michelle Serapiglia Nitrogen is one of the most crucial elements needed for plant growth and development, especially in relation to cell wall and tissues development. Changes in nitrogen levels can alter growth patterns and biomass within plant structures. The amount of nitrogen needed in plants varies with each species, with some plants needing larger concentrations of nitrates/nitrites to flourish, while others may require minimal concentration of nitrogen. Nitrogen can impact the growth of plants by altering carbon allocation throughout the plant. Shrub willow (Salix spp.) can be used as a riparian/agricultural buffer reducing nitrogen loads into our streams and waterways.

Limited research has been conducted in this area, and as our climate changes and our agricultural practices adapt, knowing how nutrient loads, specifically nitrogen, affect carbon allocation into the cell wall is important in optimizing land use practices. Cuttings of Salix purpurea were grown in hydroponic solutions with altered nitrogen levels. After 7 weeks, tissues were harvested and stem internodes were collected for fluorescent imaging of xylem vessel elements. Growth data and fluorescent microscopy will be presented. In addition, soil nutrient data from a willow field site along the Tulpehocken creek will also be presented.

P062: Tracking Antibiotic Resistance in the Chesapeake Watershed in Carlisle, Pennsylvania Presenting Author: Kaelyn Balbirer School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Tami Mysliwiec Additional Authors: Stuart, Dior; Khalili, Paria; Sindhar, Ashmeen; Bye, Savannah; Savage, Jada; Qiu, Angela; Liu, Lucy; Cao, Qinhai; Felker, Jill The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria in freshwater ecosystems poses a potential serious public health concern. Bacterial infections become more difficult to treat as resistance to with commonly prescribed antibiotics increases. Emerging contaminants, such as chemical pollutants within water resources, can create selective pressure on microorganisms, allowing an-

56 tibiotic resistance. This enables bacteria to survive, reproduce, and spread more readily. As resistant bacteria emerge, the risk of severe and untreatable infections grows, posing increased threats to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as indicator species for detecting potential pathogens in drinking water supplies. This study assessed the presence of Enterococci and E. coli bacteria within the Chesapeake Watershed. Water samples were collected over five months from 7 sites along Letort Spring, a source within the Chesapeake Watershed located in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Each site along the tributary represents different levels of anthropogenic activity. Enterococci and E. coli were isolated from water samples using EPA standard membrane filtration protocols for recreational waters. Enterococci and E. coli isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity profiling of six common antibiotics. Antibiotic profiling results reveal the presence of multidrug resistant bacteria within the Chesapeake Watershed.

P063: Impact of Tropical Storm Debby on Microplastic-Associated Bacterial Communities in Blue Marsh Lake Presenting Author: Jada Savage School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Tami Mysliwiec Additional Authors: Ferron, Deika; Read, Laura; Bausher, Madilyn; Salce, Kaidalyn; Cao, Deanna; Heckard, Kiera; Biggs, Emily; Blanchfield, Elijah; Bollman, Kai; Grant, Cecelia; Canelo Santana, Arianna; Guerrero Rincon, Joraida; Mehta, Sakshi; Felker, Jill M The global increase in the utilization and production of plastic-based products has led to widespread microplastic contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, originate from the degradation of larger manufactured plastics and vary in size, shape, and chemical composition. These particles are pervasive in aquatic environments and pose ecological and human health concerns, including bioaccumulation in aquatic food webs and disruption of gastrointestinal and endocrine function in humans.

Additionally, microplastics act as surfaces for microorganisms, promoting the transport and persistence of microbial communities throughout freshwater systems. This study examined the effects of precipitation events associated with Tropical Storm Debby (August 5–8, 2024) on microplastic contamination and associated bacterial communities within Blue Marsh Lake, a tributary of the Delaware River Watershed. During August 2024, four sampling events were conducted, during which 400 L of water were collected from shoreline and downstream locations using a modified NOAA microplastic collection protocol. A total of 147 microplastic particles were recovered and classified. Fibers comprised 96% of identified microplastics. Microorganisms were cultivated using R2A media to assess bacterial presence. These findings suggest stormdriven runoff may enhance microplastic and microbial transport, potentially impacting water quality.

57 P064: From Lab to Field: Genetic Sex Determination for Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) Presenting Author: Jada Savage School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Arnold Additional Authors: Stofko, Amanda R; McHugh, Lilith J; Pearsall, Meagan R; Oswald, Stephen A; Mysliwiec, Tami H Common terns (Sterna hirundo) are waterbirds that breed in fresh and saltwater environments in North America. Inland populations have been experiencing precipitous declines. Identifying causes and curbing these declines requires identifying individuals based on sex. While this species illustrates size sexual dimorphism, individual variation shows size overlap making it difficult to accurately sex birds based on this. Terns have been sexed using genetic techniques in a laboratory setting for ˜25 years, but samples are often collected in remote areas and short-term knowledge of sex is useful for immediate assistance in field studies. Thus, we aim to simplify the laboratory technology and develop a genetic method for sexing in the field. As an initial step, we have adapted current methods (DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis) to our laboratory. Results from 54 blood samples show that male and female Common Terns are distinguishable using blood samples and that results are repeatable.

Males exhibit a band representing two Z chromosomes at ˜450 base pairs and females exhibit a Z-band at ˜450 base pairs and a W-band at ˜650 base pairs. A variety of techniques are being tested to simplify our methodology for the field, but still obtain accurate results.

P065: Infrared Spectral Analysis of Microplastics in the Blue Marsh Watershed of Reading, Pennsylvania Presenting Author: Laura Read School and Year: Penn State Berks, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Tami Mysliwiec Additional Authors: Aurentz, David J; Felker, Jill M A variety of products, from food containers to clothing, are made of plastic, which can degrade into minute particles known as microplastics. Microplastics vary in shape, size, color, and composition, and they significantly impact aquatic ecosystems through bioaccumulation and habitat contamination. Microplastics can also harm humans by, among other things, damaging the gastrointestinal tract and acting as endocrine disruptors. This study classified, quantified, and assessed the chemical composition of microplastics in the Delaware River Watershed, a major drinking water source for Philadelphia. Water samples were collected at a shore location of Blue Marsh Lake using a modified NOAA microplastic collection protocol. Samples were dried at room temperature and examined under a dissecting microscope, where microplastics were counted and categorized as fibers, nurdles, or fragments. Results suggest a high presence of microplastics in Blue Marsh Lake. Samples on a 100 µm scale are collected under magnification and grouped for analysis. Using a diamond ATR crystal on an iS20 FTIR spectrometer, microfiber spectra are compared to polymer spectral libraries and standards such as polyamide 6,6. Identification of specific microfiber polymers may aid in identifying bacterial preferences for adherence.

58 P067: Effects of Microplastics on Mammalian Colon Cells Presenting Author: Allison Moore School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ondra Kielbasa Microplastics are an increasingly prevalent environmental contaminant, raising concerns about their potential effects on cellular health. Despite growing awareness, the impact of microplastic exposure at the cellular level remains incompletely understood. This study investigates the effects of microplastic bead exposure on CT26.WT colon carcinoma cells in vitro. Cells were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions and exposed to varying concentrations of microplastic beads. Cell viability was assessed using a trypan blue exclusion assay in combination with hemocytometer-based cell counting, allowing for differentiation between viable and nonviable cells based on membrane integrity. In addition, DNA integrity was evaluated using gel electrophoresis to assess potential fragmentation or damage associated with microplastic exposure. It was hypothesized that exposure to microplastic beads would result in an increase in cell death compared to untreated control cells. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of how microplastics interact with mammalian cells and their potential implications for cellular health.

P069: Grappling Mat Cleaners and Disinfectants Effects on Trichophyton rubrum Agar Plate Cultures Presenting Author: Pierce Kasting School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Jamie Becker Ringworm is a common dermatological infection caused by the fungal pathogen Trichophyton rubrum. Transmission is especially common in sports such as wrestling, mixed martial arts (MMA), and jiujitsu due to extended close contact, and the opportunity for fungal growth on mats in these facilities with high humidity. This study focused on the growth of the dermatophyte T. rubrum ATCC 28188 under different conditions to examine the effects of common and inexpensive options frequently used in athletic facilities to disinfect mats and limit the growth of T. rubrum. T. rubrum was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates (SDA) with paper patches saturated with Defense soap brand mat and surface cleaner, 70% isopropyl alcohol, bleach dilution, tea tree oil, and Dollamur’s Mat attack plus, along with controls, to quantify zones of inhibition caused by the disinfectants.

P070: Detection and Analysis of Bacterial Esterase Activity[BB1.1] on Polyethylene Terephthalate Presenting Author: Benjamin Paul School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Brad Bauer Additional Authors: Bellacima, Meryn; Boumrah, Aryam Plastic pollution is a prevalent anthropogenic issue, as a large percentage of consumer goods have some plastic component. To identify potential solutions for bioremediation, bacterial strains

59 isolated from local environments were tested for esterase capabilities via tributyrin and spectroscopic assays. Zones of clearing in the tributyrin assay demonstrate the presence of esterase and/or lipase activity. The spectroscopic assay utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to measure pieces of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic before and after incubation with possible esterase-exhibiting bacteria. By analyzing key spectral features before and after incubation, the possible cleavage of ester bonds within the plastic was examined to directly demonstrate the ability of these bacteria to degrade PET plastic.

P071: Non-Antibiotic Elimination of Bacteria via Induction of an Introduced RNase Presenting Author: Angel Leon School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Andrew Samuelsen Antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern, We are developing an alternative method to control bacterial growth. This study investigates a non-antibiotic approach using the Barnase gene, which encodes a toxic ribonuclease (RNase) that degrades RNA and disrupts essential cellular processes. Due to promoter leakiness this gene needs to be kept in check by Barstar.

As a first step, Barstar was engineered to have a Tac Promoter controlling it and it was cloned into a pUC19 plasmid and introduced into E. coli under controlled conditions to regulate its expression. Plasmid construction was performed using restriction enzymes (Hind III and Kpn I) digestion, followed by ligation and transformation, and also PCR amplification. Successful cloning of Tac BarStar into pUC19 was verified by restriction analysis; these results support the potential of RNase-based systems as an alternative antimicrobial strategy. With further research, this approach could provide a method for controlling bacterial populations without relying on traditional antibiotics, contributing to efforts to address antibiotic resistance. The next steps will include inducing Barstar production via addition of IPTG to the medium, followed

by Western Blot detection using an anti-Barstar antibody. This will set the stage for additional work involving Barnase.

P072: A Behavioral Analysis of Leopard Frog’s Preferential Attraction to Specific Blue Light Wavelengths Presenting Author: Bella Blundetto School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Eric Recktenwald Additional Authors: Emrich, Russell Artificial blue light pollution is increasing in many ecosystems and may disrupt visually guided behaviors of frogs such as navigation, mating, and prey capture. Previous studies have shown that frogs are preferentially attracted to blue light. Additionally, physiological studies have shown preferential responses of thalamic neurons to blue light. However, prior research has not investigated which wavelengths within the blue spectrum are most attractive to frogs. To better understand this attraction, this study tests whether frogs preferentially respond to specific wavelengths within the blue spectrum. Preliminary trials were conducted using blue and green light to confirm earlier findings. The results supported previous research showing that frogs

60 are more attracted to blue light. To further investigate wavelength-specific responses, five adult northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) will be individually tested in a choice experiment where two different blue wavelengths are presented simultaneously within an enclosure. Four wavelengths of blue light will be compared: 425 nm, 450 nm, 475 nm, and 500 nm. We hypothesize that frogs will show a preference for one wavelength within the blue spectrum over others. Identifying wavelength-specific attraction may improve our understanding of how artificial lighting influences frog behavior and help decrease negative effects of blue light pollution.

P073: A Review of Latent Fingerprint Analysis in Forensics Presenting Author: Sadiya Ali School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: James Karlinsey Additional Authors: Canelo Santana, Arianna; Khalili, Paria Fingerprints are impressions resulting from contact with ridges of an individual’s fingertips, and latent prints are often invisible and left unintentionally, such as those found at a crime scene. Latent fingerprints can contain natural oils and sweat that can be manipulated for chemical-based analysis, with approaches ranging from stains to spectral characterization. This work represents a review of current methodologies used by forensic scientists to perform latent fingerprint analysis, with analytical background and experimental data provided to highlight challenges and successes in the field.

P074: An Evaluation of Homogeneous Precipitation Reactions Presenting Author: Ryan High School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: James Karlinsey Additional Authors: Alexander, Evan In a precipitation reaction, soluble ions interact to form an insoluble solid precipitate. This is useful in gravimetric analysis, where the mass of precipitate formed can be used to calculate the quantity of original analyte present. There are many types of precipitants –organic and inorganic – used in gravimetric analysis, and the ideal precipitate should be pure and easily filterable. Larger crystals are therefore preferred, with the decreased surface area-to-volume ratio resulting in fewer impurities attached. The two steps involved in crystallization are nucleation and particle growth, and slow precipitation promotes growth over nucleation to produce larger, purer, more easily filtered particles. In homogeneous precipitation, precipitant is generated slowly from within an initially homogeneous solution by a chemical reaction. This work presents a comparison of crystals obtained through heterogeneous and homogeneous precipitation, different homogeneous precipitants for the gravimetric analysis of the same element (e.g., calcium using sulfamic acid vs. dimethyl oxalate), and the impact of experimental variables like temperature and the presence of an electrolyte on crystal growth.

61 P075: Synthesis of a Net Hydrogen Atom Donor That Can React by Concerted Proton-Electron Transfer (CPET) Presenting Author: Evan Fink School and Year: Albright, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Ian Rhile Proton and electron transfers are fundamental mechanisms in organic chemistry and are involved in many biological, environmental, and industrial processes. In concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET), the proton and electron both move in one mechanistic step, to or from different sites in the molecule. Most model compounds in this field are net hydrogen atom acceptors, combining an oxidant and a base. In this work, the target compound is proposed to be a net hydrogen atom donor, combining a reductant and an acid, and work thus far has been directed toward synthesis of this compound. A three-step synthesis starting from methylene blue was attempted; the synthesis consists of a reduction with sodium borohydride followed by acetylation; deacetylation with acid; and a Buchwald-Hartwig reaction. The final reaction resulted in a complex reaction mixture. An alternative one-pot synthesis pathway, involving a tandem redox/Buchwald-Hartwig reaction is being investigated. Future work includes reactions of the synthesized compound with hydrogen atom acceptors to test to see if the proposed net hydrogen atom transfer occurs and investigating the proton and electron thermodynamics with pKa measurements and cyclic voltammetry, respectively.

P076: Modeling UV Reflection, Transmission, and Bathing Suit Material Effects on Edge-Based Skin Pigmentation Presenting Author: Isabella Venezian School and Year: Kutztown, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Danielle Seier This presentation aims to determine whether reflected and redirected ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases skin pigmentation near the edges of bathing suits. While direct sunlight is known to cause tanning through melanin production, this study focuses on whether indirect UV exposure can intensify pigmentation in localized areas. Using a computational modeling approach, the project analyzes how UV radiation interacts across three main pathways: from the sun to the skin, from the sun to the bathing suit, and from the bathing suit to adjacent skin.

Current progress includes six coded simulations that calculate UV intensity values, reflection percentages, and transmission rates for each pathway. These models allow for comparison between direct exposure and the influence of fabric interaction. By examining how UV radiation is reflected or redirected from bathing suit materials onto adjacent skin, the project will determine whether these effects are sufficient to account for the darker tan lines commonly observed along fabric edges. The findings are expected to show that small increases in reflected or transmitted UV radiation can contribute to uneven pigmentation. This project will provide a clearer understanding of how indirect UV exposure affects the skin and whether fabric-related light interactions play a measurable role in tanning patterns.

62 P077: The Final Spin: Fate of the Earth Moon System Presenting Author: Ilaria Catania School and Year: Albright, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Brian Buerke This project investigates the long-term tidal evolution of the Earth–Moon system through a combination of analytical and computational modeling grounded in classical mechanics. The Earth–Moon system is an accessible laboratory for exploring tidal dissipation, angular momentum transfer, and rotational–orbital coupling. Using conservation of total angular momentum, the project aims to determine the final equilibrium separation and synchronized angular velocity associated with mutual tidal locking. Time-dependent tidal evolution is modeled by numerically integrating torque equations, with particular attention to sensitivity to the tidal quality factor and Love number. Additional considerations include the impact of solar evolution and ocean evaporation on long-term dissipation rates, which may ultimately limit the system’s ability to reach full synchronization. By also applying the found formula to what has occurrd in the past, the model will be validated against geological evidence of past Earth rotation rates and lunar distances. The results are expected to show that, while an ideal final tidal locking will likely not occur due to solar constraints, the Earth–Moon system will asymptotically approach a synchronized state at a significantly greater separation than its present value.

P078: A Study of Applications of Physics-Informed Neural Networks Presenting Author: Talan Nguyen School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Alexey Prokudin Additional Authors: Rathman, Haley; Falbo, Antonio; Menjivar, Agustin; Oberrender, Ava; Jacobs, Ryan; Kuwadia, Sahil; Sato, Nobuo Machine learning methods are increasingly used in hadronic physics to extract physical quantities from experimental data. Neural networks provide flexible parametrizations of functions extracted from experimental data, such as parton distribution functions that describe the internal structure of the nucleon. However, their flexibility can lead to unreliable extrapolations in unmeasured regions when physical constraints are not imposed. In this work, we investigate these limitations and explore Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), which incorporate governing differential equations directly into the training process. We first demonstrate the extrapolation challenges of traditional neural networks using synthetic data based on the function sin(x). We then construct PINN models that enforce the underlying differential equations and examine their behavior under conditions including noisy boundary data and potential overfitting. To better understand model performance, we also test and compare several activation functions and analyze their impact on convergence and physical consistency within and outside the training domain. These methods are further applied to physics-based examples, including solutions to Maxwell’s equations, as a step toward more complex physics applications. Ultimately, this framework aims to address inverse problems in hadronic physics, such as solving the DGLAP equations governing the scale dependence of parton distribution functions.

63 P079: Thermorph: Engineering Self-Transforming Structures Through Programmable Material Actuation Presenting Author: Talan Nguyen School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Marietta Scanlon Additional Authors: Evelyn, Thomas With the rise of additive manufacturing, 3D printing complex structures remains challenging due to modeling difficulties, slow print speeds, and frequent failures. Thermorph printing, or 4D printing, offers a promising alternative by embedding shape-morphing behavior into flat prints to transform into complex 3D forms when heated. This approach reduces the need for supports, shortens print times, and enables complex structures while maintaining simplicity. We investigated several variables influencing the shape-morphing process and found that increasing actuator length and reducing active layers led to greater folding angles. Using a non-heated print bed and more flexible polymers further enhanced folding performance. Leveraging these insights, we created three functional self-folding prototypes: a small-scale table, a hand-held glider, and a blooming spider lily. Thermorph printing broadens additive manufacturing by enabling efficient, adaptive, and reliable structures for diverse real-world applications.

P080: Mathematical Model of a Mid-Power Rocket Presenting Author: Rafael Uhle School and Year: Penn State Berks, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Cesar Martinez-Garza A rocket has three stages of flight dynamics: powered ascent, unpowered ascent, and recovery.

This project was focused on developing a differential equation model of the powered ascent phase of flight, specifically vertical velocity. This mathematical model is then compared to experimental data obtained from flights using two different motors with the same rocket. The model will be expanded to encompass the entire flight envelope of the rocket. Once the model is validated, it can be used to determine specific information of the rocket like, drag coefficients and motor burn-out time. This information is analytically elusive because of viscous and nonlinear effects. This data will then made available to SIMIODE, an educational organization that promotes teaching differential equations by using modeling.

P083: Optimization of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines Through Active Flow Control Using the Venturi Principle Presenting Author: Fabian Gonzalez School and Year: Penn State University Park, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Dimitri Karagiannis This study evaluates the enhancement of the aerodynamic efficiency of a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) through the integration of an active external control mechanism grounded in the Venturi principle. The proposed mechanism introduces the capability of dynamically modifying the inlet and outlet geometry in response to varying wind conditions, which enables enhanced performance across a broader operating range. A numerical framework was developed

64 using high-fidelity CFD simulations in Ansys Fluent, replicating experimentally documented baseline configurations from the literature. Parametric studies were then conducted to evaluate the isolated effects of inlet and outlet geometries on flow acceleration. Results show that reduced inlet areas significantly increase the local flow velocities at low wind speeds. In contrast, larger openings produce a lower velocity increase under identical inflow conditions, helping to mitigate the negative performance effects caused by excessive acceleration. These findings suggest that the optimal configuration is strongly dependent on the initial wind conditions. Building on these results, closed-loop control strategies are proposed to dynamically orient the external structure to face the incoming wind, improving inflow conditions based on real-time inputs. This control framework extends the fixed-geometry solution to unsteady environments, such as urban wind conditions.

P084: Water Temperature Shower Controller Presenting Author: Andrew Linares Linares School and Year: Penn State Berks, 6th Year Faculty Sponsor: Terry Speicher Additional Authors: Brito, De; Vinicius, Alexandre; Cook, Andrew Dillon Old residential houses and buildings (i.e., apartment complexes) utilize a trunk-and-branch plumbing system. These systems were cost-effective and commonly utilized as a result. However, a problem caused by this plumbing system is that when a plumbing fixture is active (i.e., a toilet, shower, or sink), a person using the shower may receive an influx of hot water through their shower head, resulting in scalding to their exposed skin. Essentially, the trunk-and-branch plumbing system causes temperature fluctuations when multiple plumbing fixtures are in use.

This problem served as the basis for our Capstone Project. Thus, the team assembled a plumbing/electronic system utilizing LabVIEW to program that would allow users to set the shower temperature to a desired level and compensate for any water pressure loss, preventing scalding.

The team decided to name our Capstone Project, the Water Temperature Shower Controller.

The goal of the controller is to combat the temperature fluctuation problem caused by the trunk-and-branch plumbing system in older residential houses and buildings.

P085: Energy Optimization of a Door Lock Battery Pack Using Simulation Methods Presenting Author: Kelsey DeAcosta School and Year: Penn State Berks, Graduate Faculty Sponsor: Dale Litwhiler Battery-powered door locks require short, high-current actuation events to move the latch.

Since these events are brief and mechanically constrained, battery life and behavior are driven by what happens during the event. The research focuses on one key question, can pulsed current reduce the electrical demand during operation, and how many pulses are actually needed to make up any energy loss?

65 P086: Battery Teardown Presenting Author: Anthony Nguyen School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: N, Kuczala; T, Ebeling The purpose of this project was to improve the small and auxiliary battery teardown processes that East Penn technicians currently perform. Their current process is strenuous and manually intense, which leads to work related injuries. The initial team’s scope focused on the auxiliary (AUX 14) battery, and based on its success, the team will replicate it for other small batteries.

The first step in this project was interviewing the technicians who were extremely open to sharing about their pain points and their wishes. With the gathered information, the team brainstormed and narrowed ideas down to those that could be tested. The design focused on cutting the partition walls that separated the individual cells within the battery. Doing so helped removing the battery cover easily. The team designed a jig to fit onto the AUX 14 battery and a guide plate to fit onto the circular saw. This permitted the technician to easily guide the saw over the partitions in a quick and efficient manner. Ease of use, durability, and safety were key elements when the team came up with the design.

P087: A STATCOM for Power Factor Improvement of an Integrated Power System Presenting Author: Eli Curran School and Year: Alvernia, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Salem Elsaiah Reactive power plays a significant role in maintaining voltage bounds of power systems within predetermined operational limits. Maintaining bus voltages within the permitted bounds not only vital to retain operational status of a given power system, but also ensures that reliability and power quality constraints are considered while performing optimal power systems studies.

This work presents a method to compensate for the reactive power consumed by inductive loads in the electrical power system. This method is developed based on Static Compensators (STATCOM), which are installed at the most vulnerable buses in the power system. A STATCOM is a dynamically controlled capacitor bank that injects reactive power to the power network, and thereby revamps the reactive power and the overall power factor of the power system. Modeling aspects of the power network, limitations, and the method of realization have all been presented and discussed in this work. The proposed method has been demonstrated on a practical benchmark system and all findings are presented and analyzed. Test results have shown that the presented method is applicable for reactive power compensation and improved the overall power factor at load centers.

P088: Design of A Regulated DC Power Supply for Household Applications Presenting Author: Aiden Swann School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Salem Elsaiah Additional Authors: Romanchik, Adam; Koch, Daniel

66 The main objective of this project is to design a DC power supply. A DC power supply is an essential electronic device that converts a standard alternating current (AC) into a stable and controlled direct current (DC). This steady voltage is critical for reliably powering everything from basic electronic components and prototypes to complex industrial systems. This project details the process of the design and uses a controlled-bridge rectifier circuit with smoothing capacitors to regulate and smooth out the output voltage. This project has two components: simulation and hardware implementation. However, selected results from simulation are reported and discussed in this project.

P089: Analysis and Implementation of a Switched Reluctance Motor Drive System Presenting Author: Adam Romanchik School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Salem Elsaiah A Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) is an efficient, reliable, and rugged electric motor that generates torque through magnetic attraction between the stator rotor parts. SRMs are suitable candidates for numerous applications in nowadays technology due to their basic construction that does not involve permanent magnets nor rotor windings. Therefoe, SRM drive features simple construction, high-speed capability, and high torque density, making it ideal for electric vehicles high-speed applications. This project introduces the basics of 6/4 SRM and analyzes its applications through examples. In this project, an H-bridge converter circuit is used to trigger and control the motor. Furthermore, a strategy to detect the rotor position is introduced and used to control the motor performance. Implementation of the entire drive system is carried out in MATLAB/Simulink environment and findings are disseminated and thoroughly discussed in this presentation.

P090: Guided Autonomous Indoor Guest Escort Prototype (GAIGE the Guidebot) Presenting Author: Eric Colangelo School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Terry Speicher Additional Authors: Bizzaro, Anthony; Hill, Nicholas; Myers, Jonathan New visitors to college campuses can easily become lost or struggle to find their correct destination. GAIGE is an autonomous navigation assistant designed to aid new visitors in finding their way around. This capstone team built a prototype that focuses on providing a lower-cost solution of assistant robot. The system incorporates mainly off-the-shelf electronics and stock material for the mechanical components. The mechanical parts were personally manufactured and assembled by the team as to avoid additional cost. The system was programmed to perform in two modes, idle and active. The guidebot moves along a specified path in a loop during idle mode and moves as close as it can get to a specified location during active mode. User proximity to the guidebot causes it to stop and allows the user to program a destination. Movement and sensor testing evaluated functionality and repeatability of these two modes. The final design encourages further discussion into the effectiveness of low-budget solutions and how they can efficiently improve human experience.

67 P091: Bartendo: NextGen Automated Drink Dispensing System Presenting Author: Wade Kaminski School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Terry Speicher Additional Authors: Sanger, Josiah; Hawkins, Nate; Enge, Tyler Automated drink systems can improve consistency and speed, but many lack flexibility and user control. Bartendo: NextGen is an automated beverage dispensing prototype designed to create customizable drinks with reliable accuracy. The system is built around a PLC-based control system that manages electronically actuated valves, pumps, and motors to regulate how liquids are mixed and dispensed. Users can create their own through a simple interface of buttons, switches, and LEDs. The design focuses on repeatability, aiming to deliver consistent volumes while minimizing waste. Testing will focus on evaluating how consistently the system can dispense set volumes over repeated trials. Planned evaluation includes comparing target and actual outputs to assess accuracy and repeatability. This project demonstrates how PLC-based automation can be applied to improve everyday processes. Future improvements could include additional sensors, more advanced HMI, and expanded drink options.

P092: Chicken Coop Management System Presenting Author: Tom Kogan School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Terry Speicher Additional Authors: Mazurkiewicz, Tyler Owning chickens is great, caring for the chicken coop, not so much. Chickens require a constant supply of clean water, lighting and coop door (temperature) operation. Leaving the coop alone for a vacation or an emergency may cause stress, sickness or death to the chickens. Predators outside may also harm your chickens if they have a way to enter the coop when it is unsupervised.

The CCMS, or Chicken Coop Management System can automate all these tasks and report the current situation remotely via the internet. Fresh water can be constantly filled into heated bowls, and lighting can turn on at the ideal time to increase egg production during short days.

A door and rudimentary RFID system can control who gets inside the coop while also adjusting ventilation during the summer heat or winter cold. The CCMS is powered by an Arduino Controller which is always ready to assist anyone who owns chickens from anywhere using IOT integration. The CCMS turns any chicken coop into a self sufficient system, allowing extended periods of unsupervised operation, reducing the difficulty of owning poultry and allowing people to take advantage of their fields and pastures.

P093: Chip Monster Presenting Author: Tyler Zook School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Dechristopher, Mark; Longenberger, Mark; Reinhart, Warren The Chip Monster is a senior design project completed by Penn State Berks Mechanical Engi-

68 neering students. This is a cost-effective device for removing metal chips in large machine shop environments. Apogee Manufacturing Solutions identified that chips from bed mills accumulate quickly, while existing tools like brooms, consumer vacuums, and industrial systems are either ineffective or too expensive. The Chip Monster provides a solution that improves cleanliness and reduces operator cleanup time. The project began by conducting research for existing cleaning technologies, followed by the development of user needs, design requirements, and functional objectives. Multiple concepts were evaluated through testing focused on airflow and container capacity. The final design combines a rotating brush to loosen chips with a vacuum system that collects them into a large bin. Testing showed that this combined method outperformed traditional sweeping tools in effectiveness, ease of use, and power demand. The final design features optimized brush geometry, improved airflow, and a container holding over 1,000 cubic inches of chips. The Chip Monster offers a solution that enhances efficiency and promotes a cleaner, safer shop environment.

P094: Project Oozlum Presenting Author: Evan Greusel School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Dicesare, Nicholas; Knox, Brady; Palmer, Harry Project Oozlum is a rotary test bed for ornithopters and other flying vehicles. The main goal of the project is to collect data from a flying ornithopter with minimal interference for the purpose of aerodynamic research. When testing the aerodynamics of flapping-wing-vehicles, attaching the vehicle rigidly to a base in a wind tunnel ordinarily does not work well, as this allows for turbulence from wingbeats to build up in one location and does not mimic natural flight.

Having a flapping-wing-vehicle fly in a linear path unimpeded eliminates this issue; however, it requires extensive space and does not lend itself well to data collection by sensor attachment.

Project Oozlum works by securing an ornithopter to an arm that rotates around a central axis.

As the ornithopter flies, it is pulled in a circular motion that keeps the ornithopter bound within a certain control volume. Data is then collected by various sensors attached through the arm. Compared to other methods, this saves space, mimics natural flight, and allows for easy sensor attachment. The goal for Project Oozlum is that the apparatus will one day serve as a common base for scientific research regarding flapping-wing-aircraft, and possibly even static-wing-aircraft as well.

P095: Rosin Depositor Presenting Author: Bryan Arcentales School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Small, Dylan; Millar, Teagan Rosin is a viscous non-Newtonian fluid. The team designed and built a prototype dispenser to assist dispensaries in accurately dispensing an exact measure of rosin into cosmetic containers for retail sales. The design employs a vertically mounted linear actuator with feedback control

69 to dispense an exact predetermined quantity from the bulk quantity stored in the tube. This rosin is cut from the bulk in the tube using a horizontally mounted actuator with a cutting wire and dispensed into a cosmetic jar for retail sales. The dispensing process is controlled by a microcontroller with a touch screen LCD. The user can select varying quantities from the touch panel. A program has been written to dispense the selected quantity of rosin that is calculated using the density of the rosin, exit area of the tube dispenser, and the distance moved by the linear actuator. Several tests were performed to determine the dispensing accuracy of the device.

Tests were also conducted to test the ease of cleaning.

P096: Dynamic Puzzle Box Presenting Author: Deacon Hearing School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Gordon, Atticus; Hall, Lucas; Peterson, Nathaniel Throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, the P101 Dynamic Puzzle Box team designed and prepared a puzzle box to serve as a teaching aid for ME 380 Machine Dynamics. This project presents the design and construction of a multistage mechanical puzzle box that integrates physical mechanisms with conceptual problem solving. The system combines an ordinary gear train force analysis puzzle, a four-bar linkage puzzle, and a series of four conceptual questions to create a layered and progressively challenging user experience. These elements are imbedded within an interactive structure featuring doors, sliding doors, secret compartments, and a final prize chamber. The resulting puzzle box offers an immersive escape room style experience that assists in the final review of the ME 380 Machine Dynamics class. The final review currently does not have a way to showcase the physical movements and abilities of the systems taught in the class.

The box can help bridge the gap for some students who have not made a complete connection between the conceptual part of each system and the actual physical use and movements.

P097: Experimental Design for the Validation of a Beam Vibration Observer Presenting Author: Pablo Chiu School and Year: Penn State Berks, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Dimitri Karagiannis Additional Authors: Nathan, Rungun Knowing the full vibration state of a flexible structure at every point along its length is valuable for both structural monitoring and control system design, but placing sensors everywhere is impractical. This project builds and tests an experimental system aimed at validating a distributed parameter observer for a beam: a method that estimates the complete vibration state using measurements taken only at the beam’s boundary. The designed experiment uses strain gauges wired in Wheatstone bridge configurations, a custom-built voltage amplifier, laser displacement sensors, and a data acquisition system for signal capture. The selection of the sensors and equipment requires theoretical calculations related to the geometry of the beam, its mode shapes and natural frequencies, and the expected strain and voltage output from the strain gauges in different modes. Experimental results are then compared against analytical

70 predictions from beam theory.

P098: Pump Impeller Modeling and Testing Presenting Author: Abigail Moll School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Bracy, Allison; Mohn, Lillie The purpose of this capstone project was to design a pump impeller to match the performance characteristics of a water return pump due to sourcing constraints with the current water return pump. The team partnered with Somat, a waste reduction solutions company. In the initial phases, research was conducted on water return pumps, slurry pumps, and impeller design.

Additionally, 3D scans were performed on impellers and volutes provided by Somat, and accurate 3D models were produced. The secondary phases of the project involved designing, 3D modeling, and building a pump testing rig. Instrumentation, piping, and mounting were all considered to produce a financially advantageous and accurate design. The intent of the testing rig was to allow Somat to ensure that any impeller designs produced met their required specifications.

Additionally, this would allow Somat to produce new curves for existing impellers to expand their database and update their documentation. In the final phases of the project, 3D models of impellers were produced and tested using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in order to find an impeller design that met the specified criteria.

P099: Stationary Die Design and Testing Presenting Author: Alex DeNardo School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Lafferty, Jackson H; Moore, Edward N; Mahoney, Garret R Reading Bakery Systems (RBS) currently relies on rotating extrusion dies to form twisted dough products, a method that increases mechanical complexity, sanitation demands, and maintenance frequency. This capstone project investigates whether a stationary extrusion die can generate twisted profiles while addressing the operational challenges outlined above. The team began by defining customer requirements and reviewing dough rheology to understand how shear, pressure, and flow behavior influence twist formation. Multiple stationary die concepts were developed independently to avoid early design convergence, exploring helical channels, modular inserts, and multi stage twisting strategies. A modular die concept emerged as the most promising due to its adaptability and manufacturability. An initial testing rig concept was also created to support interchangeable dies and maintain consistent extrusion conditions. By the end of the semester, the team established a validated problem definition, key performance specifications, and a clear direction for prototyping and testing. The next phase will evaluate twist quality, extrusion forces, and cleanability to determine whether a stationary die can meet RBS performance requirements while reducing system complexity.

71 P100: Press Force: SFP Manufacturing Solution Presenting Author: Ryan Lynch School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Cler, Joshua; Moutran, Michel; Pugh, Gavin The goal of this project is to develop improved tooling to help with NovaTech Automation’s manufacturing process. During manufacturing, SFP (Small Form Pluggable) cages are pressed onto PCB’s (printed circuit boards) which may result in SFP cages to be damaged. This capstone team designed and built a low-cost assembly fixture to suit single and double SFP cases that avoids buckling of these thin metal cages. The design ensures that the applied force was distributed across the whole cross-section of the SFP cage to minimize damage and ensure successful electrical connection to the PCB. The design was tested successfully to satisfy NovaTech’s need for a more reliable, repeatable and ergonomic fixture to ease the manufacturing process.

P101: Magic Magnets Presenting Author: Amanda Reed School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Cantello, Joe; Hall, Lauren; Kanike, Ethan This project is about improving the current designed clamp that SFS Group USA uses for induction welding by limiting the amount of time it needs to be on a weld to cool it down, and lowering the cost of the magnet(s) needed for the clamp, while still keeping the same compressive capability. The team came up with a new design that changes the bottom material of the clamp from aluminum to copper to increase heat transfer and has changed the type of magnet being used to a cheaper radial magnet. For this design, the team also chose to keep a heat sink in the clamp, that the team designed. The rest of the parts utilized in the design are the same as parts used in SFS Group USA’s current design. This includes the threaded rod, the spring in the center of the design, and the handle attached to the rod. Thermal and pull tests were done on the updated design and compared to the current design SFS utilizes.

P102: Prop-er Pitch: Design and Validation of a Morphable-Pitch Propeller for Air and Water Presenting Author: Michael Randall School and Year: Penn State Berks, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Rungun Nathan Additional Authors: Hanson, Ryan J; Weber, Daniel J The Prop-er Pitch project focused on developing a propeller capable of adjusting its pitch to operate efficiently in both air and water. Since most propellers are optimized for a single environment, they often lose efficiency when conditions change. The primary objective was to design and validate a proof-of-concept demonstrating how blade pitch variation directly affects thrust.

Maintaining a simple mechanical design allowed for clear analysis before integrating electronics

72 or automation. Following initial testing, adjustments were made to blade geometry and material selection to improve durability and consistency in pitch deformation. Throughout the semester, research was conducted on pitch-changing mechanisms in marine and aerospace systems, along with the influence of fluid density and viscosity on thrust. Early concepts included gear-driven and cam-based systems, as well as morphing-inspired designs. Based on feasibility and resource constraints, the design evolved into a morphable blade capable of twisting along its length while remaining fixed at the tip. This approach was refined through iterative CAD updates and basic simulations. By the conclusion of the project, a functional prototype was manufactured and tested in both air and water. Results confirmed that adjustable pitch significantly impacts thrust, validating the design and supporting future improvements.

Session V: Visual Art V01: Art and Mental Health Presenting Author: Catherine Pyrrhus School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Kris Lowrey Different forms of art have been shown to help improve both mental and physical health. The creative process as a whole can be beneficial for a person’s mood through growth, healing, and self-discovery. The presented items serve as an example of the different forms of art that a person can create in an effort to improve their health. The first piece is a paper quilled rabbit; the repetitive process of quilling can serve as a grounding habit for those who struggle with anxiety. The second piece is a ceramic house; the process of sculpting can help patients to be physically active in a way that is both appealing and not too physically taxing. The third piece is a painting of a peach; the painting process can serve as a more productive and positive way to spend time rather than something such as going on social media.

V02: A Gentle Reach Presenting Author: Sky Thrower School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton

V03: Resilience Presenting Author: Sky Thrower School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton Resilience shows a girl resembling me who looks like she has been through a lot, but she is still standing strong. The water on her face feels symbolic, like it represents tears, rain, or the weight of hard moments she has faced. Even though the lighting is dark and dramatic, she is looking upward, which makes it feel like she still has hope. To me, this painting is about pushing

73 through struggles instead of letting them define you. It shows that resilience is about feeling everything deeply, but choosing to keep going anyway.

V04: Drenched in Determination Presenting Author: Madelyn Rismiller School and Year: Reading Area Community College, High School Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton “Drenched in Determination” is an oil painting that shows bright orange flowers growing and thriving in the middle of heavy rain. The contrast between the background and the warm, vibrant flowers represents resilience and strength during difficult times. My inspiration came from my own experiences with sports injuries and having to overcome challenges. Instead of bending or wilting, the flowers remain upright, symbolizing the ability to endure challenges and continue growing. The texture and movement of the rain add energy to the piece, while the bold use of orange draws attention to the life within the scene. This painting reflects the idea that struggles can help us grow rather than hold us back, showing that even in harsh conditions, it is possible to stay strong and keep moving forward.

V05: Vibrant Beneath The Blue Presenting Author: Sky Thrower School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton Vibrant Beneath the Blue feels really personal to me. Even though she’s underwater, she doesn’t look scared or trapped, she looks strong and alive. The bright blues and greens make everything feel intense and emotional, like there’s so much happening around her, but she’s still grounded in herself. The bubbles almost look chaotic, but instead of fighting it, she seems to be embracing it. To me, this painting is about finding confidence and light even when you feel overwhelmed. It shows that no matter how deep the water gets, you can still be vibrant underneath it all.

V06: PB and J Presenting Author: Monica Stratton School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton This drawing showcases the opposing textures and colors present in an American staple: the PB and J. This sandwich is highly accessible, enjoyed by rich and poor alike. Each person has a preferred method of making one- certain breads or cuts which they prefer. Yet I see it as a symbol of unity. The sweetness of jelly and the saltiness of peanut butter are practically opposites in flavor, but when combined, they form something that works in perfect harmony.

Creating something that is both delicious and beautiful to look at.

74 V07: Shoes Presenting Author: Monica Stratton School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton This drawing depicts blue fabric, a string of pearls and two shoes. Each of these materials are things which a person may dress themselves in to appear prettier, and each item had a certain beauty all on its own. However, the corner of the drawing reveals that the fabric is covering a background which is barren and lifeless.

V08: Letting It Linger Presenting Author: Nona Holland School and Year: Kutztown, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Leslie Friedman The purpose of print since its birth in the third century is based on the need to communicate.

Print has supported some of history’s most profound revolutions. I continue to use it today for the same purpose. My interactive etchings and silk screen prints engage the senses, and bring allegories from the Early Modern period into a contemporary perspective. It is imperative in our time of uncertainty to revisit our past and the repeating patterns of social injustice, as recorded through print media. We can learn from our history to create a safe world for everyone. As well as a body of fine art, my bi-monthly publication Smokin’ Dog Magazine is a platform for love, positivity, and social awareness. I use the zine to exhibit fellow artists, express my thoughts, and share my academic research with others. In turn, the zine motivates my fine art to be a deeper reflection of the words on the page, asking how print can become a record of our history in the making. Together, the two bodies of work become a tangible representation of “the self” and the relationships we share with each other.

V09: Toxic Tides Presenting Author: Rachel Donnachie School and Year: Reading Area Community College, High School Faculty Sponsor: Christina Pinkerton Picturing the effects of human pollution, this oil painting resembles how innocent, gorgeous creatures are facing tragic environments because of man-made waste. It takes a stand towards better care of our world and honoring all species within it.

Session Z: Performance Z01: The Sure Thing Presenting Author: Janine Carrion School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Ives, David A short play about 2 college students who just met in a cafe who are getting to know each

75 other. The twist is their conversation must be perfect. As they are speaking a buzzer/bell rings every time their conversation in imperfect. The director chose this play as a way to display how social media impacts our socialization and how we wish we could erase things we say as we do through text messages and social media.

Z02: Christmas Present by Amy Herzog Presenting Author: Nayla Wansley School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Kamau, Sifa; Noah, Hannah; Tolan, RJ Christmas Present by Amy Herzog, directed by Rj Tolan, is a play that revolves around a one night stand and is very comedic. The two characters Benji and Jess have a bit of an awkward time together when getting into conversation about possible diseases and random topics. The piece takes on the connection of two people that just met and in a very realistic and carefree way. This piece really shows the human connection these characters talk about their personal lives, all because Jess wanted Benji’s email. It shows that something silly or random can turn out even better in life. There’s connections doesn’t mean they’ll last forever but it’s something to remember and look back on. I Nayla Wansley want to direct this and show the connection of humans and the comedy aspects of it all.

Z03: The Scary Question Presenting Author: Emily Templin School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Morrow, Jack; Geddio, Joey Brian loves Linda, Linda loves Brian, but when Brian has a serious question to ask, it is not quite one Linda expects it to be. Now after the question is asked, Linda and Brian have a serious and scary discussion about their relationship, and what they would do in a Zombie Apocalypse?

The Scary Question, Written by Wayne Rawley dives into the relationship between Brian and Linda and what they will do if faced with a Zombie Apocalypse.

Z04: Freaky Friday’s Monologue Presenting Author: Marlene Oseguera School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter The piece I will be using is from the movie Freaky Friday written by Heather Hatch & Leslie Dixon. The whole premise is about a daughter Anna and mother Tess switching bodies and trying to navigate the other person’s life. In this scenario Tess is Anna who has already switched bodies and Tess as Anna takes a test and fails and that is when she realizes her daughter was semi right. Tess is absolutely upset about failing a math test when she knows the material.

I picked this scene since the range of acting that the performer could do varies. I want the audience to enjoy themselves and laugh during and after the scene.

76 Z05: H.R Presenting Author: Hannah Noah School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Reynoso, Emily; Templin, Emily; Pineiro, Samantha; Nguyen, Andre; Coble, Eric H.R by Eric Coble is a satirical comedy about a company department that is terrified of their impending H.R visit. During their panic, they admit to the hidden secrets that would definitely get them fired from the company. As a director, Hannah Noah aims to bring humor and poke fun at the hidden truths that are often behind closed doors in our everyday lives. Hannah’s main intended impact is simply to give the audience a good laugh and take them out of the tension of everyday life for a moment.

Z06: Thank You So Much For Stopping Presenting Author: Juan Steven Ramirez-Albino School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Feifer, Halley “Thank you so much for stopping” is directed by Juan Steven Ramirez-Albino and centered on an uncomfortable social interaction that’s surprisingly dark yet awkward. This play presents a character played by Kaysha Rivera going by her everyday situation that quickly turned 180.

The play has dark humored elements that stem off from a miscommunicated situation. How things are played out it lets the audience laugh at how unsettling but still somewhat relatable feeling from how things are spoken throughout the play. It’s a ridiculous situation that I wanted to highlight the awkward conversations we get in our daily lives but with an exaggerated, unbelievable scenario to be in. I hope you enjoy “Thank you so much for stopping”.

Z07: From Fracture to Foundation Presenting Author: Madison Mayor School and Year: Alvernia, 3rd Year Faculty Sponsor: Anthony Calafaty I was not raised in softness, but in survival—within a childhood where trust was repeatedly broken by those meant to protect me. The abuse I endured was not momentary; it extended across years, shaping my identity through depression, post-traumatic stress, and periods where I questioned whether I could continue at all. Trauma altered my understanding of safety, connection, and self-worth. For a long time, trust felt inaccessible—something that belonged to others, but not to me. Healing was not immediate or linear; it required time, resilience, and the presence of one person who showed me that care could exist without harm. Through that relationship, I began to relearn trust, rediscover my worth, and understand what it means to be loved. These experiences are not separate from my future—they define it. I am pursuing social work not despite my past, but because of it. I carry a deep understanding of the silence, fear, and isolation that many children and adolescents endure. My story is not defined by what

77 happened to me, but by what I choose to become: a voice, an advocate, and a source of healing for others.

Z08: Hamlet and Identity Presenting Author: Aliyah Daniels School and Year: Alvernia, 4th Year Faculty Sponsor: Nathan Thomas The concept of individualized identity incorporates the characteristics that make us who we are. These characteristics shape our thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and how we go about our lives.

These characteristics can also shape how an actor goes about portraying a character. What choices does the actor make? Why do they make these choices? How will the audience perceive these choices? This presentation aims to explore the different interpretations and perceptions of plays, specifically, Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

Z09: The Rental Presenting Author: Sifa Kamau School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter The Rental is the play that I am directing this year to the HECBC, the story follows the two “couples” who date for money. I wanted to do this piece as it is a funny enjoyable play. The characters in the play are Haden played by Hannah Noah Sonya played by Emily Templin.

Z10: The Romantic Young Lady Presenting Author: Aleishany Aviles School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter I will be performing a monologue from the play Sueno de una Noche de Agusto (a dream of an august night) by G. Martinez Sierra. In this monologue, I play a character named Dona Barbarita. She reminisces back on her memories of her past husbands, including her husband’s grandpa. The goal of this monologue is to play a gentle, kind but secretly jealous women. In my perspective, expressing language and topics of this monologue gives a romantic charm and empathy to Dona. My acting techniques are to empathize with the character by acting out the character. Acting at the end of the day is a form of changing emotions.

Z11: A Raisin In The Sun Monologue by Lorraine Hansberry Presenting Author: Emily Reynoso School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter I will be performing a monologue as Beneatha from a Raisin in the Sun. This monologue presents her ambition to become a doctor. The role of Beneatha challenges gender norms and racial stereotypes. Her character represents a desire for independence and self-expression she

78 embodies the fight against systemic racism and economic inequality. Emily’s interpretation will show a more emotional and motivated side of the character.

Z12: Monologues School and Year: Reading Area Community College Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Additional Authors: Correll, Kaitlyn; Day, Kristy; Geddio, Joseph; Ortiz, Gazielina; Payne, Jahree A collection of short monologues Z13: A Monologue from “It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis and John C. Moffitt Presenting Author: Nathan Rein School and Year: Reading Area Community College, Graduate Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter This monologue from the play It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis and John C. Moffitt, based off the novel of the same name, was chosen to be performed because it still resonates in the current time period. The choice has the potential to move audiences in a time of change, chaos, and disruption. As an actor, this monologue gave me an opportunity to draw upon personal experience and mix it with the experiences of a personal character. I will also be incorporating actors’ beats, and the monologue will be enhanced through the use of stage business and motivated movement. I appreciate the chance to work on my challenges with stage fright, by performing in front of a safe audience.

Z14: Monologue from the Film Strangelove Presenting Author: Ian Chandler School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter I chose this monologue because of how relevant it is, even to this day we live under constant threat of nuclear war and what that could mean for not just the countries that are hit but for the entire world. I look forward to doing this because there are quite a few challenges when it comes to this monologue specifically, namely the fact that it is a one sided phone conversation at a desk that one can’t easily move in. To work around this I will be using primarily actor’s beats to give the monologue a real sense of humor and to give enough time for the person on the line. As well as using stage business to compensate for the lack of movement.

Z15: Norm Anon by Warren Leight (Play) Presenting Author: Madison DJ Fields School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter Norm Anon by Warren Leight is a show that Madison DJ Fields (the director) interpreted

79 as masking depression and being fake happy throughout life. Depression is a real issue that changes people’s lives for the worst. There is a stigma around depression and this play seeks to break the silence surrounding it. The play has its comedic elements and its depressing elements as well, so the audience will get the best of both worlds. The audience should walk away with a better understanding that we may never know what someone is going through and that we should always be kind to one another. We hope you enjoy Norm Anon.

Z16: As a Family.

Presenting Author: Jaclyn Morrow School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 1st Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter I will be presenting Susan Storm’s monologue from the film The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Screenplay written by Josh Friedman and Eric Pearson). This moment in the script focuses on Susan’s strength, not only as an individual, but as the matriarch of the Fantastic Four. Susan explores themes of family and the strength that bonds can wield. This performance is motivated by the relevance that her message holds in today’s socio-political climate, and should resonate well with the audience of my peers. I will be using motivated movements, sense memory, and actors’ beats to bring the character to life.

Z17: The Weight We Carry Presenting Author: Kimberly Doyle School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter I interviewed several high school students asking them about life as a teenager, how they feel being in high school, how they feel about their futures, their parents, friends and the world around them. I wanted to encapsulate the life of our current youth in their raw form. Allow them to tell their story but I have written my interpretation in the form of spoken word performative art. Life gets so busy that we forget to pay attention to the people around us. Sometimes others around us are living so loudly but their words are muffled amongst the noise we create in our lives. We miss moments; important moments both big and small. Oftentimes once it’s all in the rearview we see what we should’ve seen all along and now it’s too late. I wrote this play to remind us all to wake up, look up, listen up, and speak up. If we all just paid attention to one another we would see we all have a weight that we carry.

Z18: A Survivors Awakening Presenting Author: Kimberly Doyle School and Year: Reading Area Community College, 2nd Year Faculty Sponsor: Ellen Walter In the piece I chose to sing I’m Here, from the Color Purple written by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis & Stephen Bray. I am a domestic violence abuse survivor. It took God, theater, acting, singing and the arts to help me heal from years of being beat down emotionally and physically.

I have had wounds heal that were so deep I didn’t recognize how deep the darkness around me

80 truly was. I have a strength and resiliency that I never thought I would have. I see what I do have and not what I do not have. The years that were stolen from me built me into who I am today and as the song says “Got my eyes though they don’t see as far now. They see more ’bout how things really are now. I am no longer a victim but a victor. I AM HERE!”

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Presenters by School Albright Presenters Angel Leon Chris Schoemer Elsa Weaver Evan Fink Ilaria Catania Jack Riffle Jocelyn McLaughlin Julien Moll

Faculty Sponsors Lauren Rowe Lucius Drake Michelle Bui Nick Reiter Olando Alvarado Paige Barrineau Sarai Simmons Walter Starling

Andrew Samuelsen Brian Buerke Ian Rhile Soma Ghosh Susan Hughes Svyatoslav Prokhorets Teresa Gilliams

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Alvernia Presenters Adam Romanchik Aiden Swann Alex Avram Alexis Bonte Aliyah Daniels Allison Moore Amelia Fortunato Andrew James Saadeh Ari Solano Ariana Wright Ava Werner Bailey Bodien Bella Blundetto Ben Paul Benjamin Paul Brianna Pascal Bridget Donachie Callie Palerino Catherine Pyrrhus Christopher Grilli Dalton Cleveland Eli Curran Elisabeth Schwarz Elisiah Jerome Ella Wood Genevieve Weikel Grace Wanner Gracynne Smith Isaac Peterson Jackson Hoovler Jake Shirey

Faculty Sponsors Jake Umans Jessenia Escobar-Jimenez Jillian Everett Joe Canterino Katia Botelho Kelsey Brinckman Kevin LaRue Laney Hudson Lizmarie Vega Lola Folk Mackenzie St. Pierre Madison Houck Madison Mayor Marcus Ridley Marina McLaughlin McKenna Lengle Megan Gerloff Mylina Castillo Nicholas Colletti Owen Weiss Patricia Falar Perla Matista Pierce Kasting Raymundo Gutarra Renisha Adhikari Savannah MaGee Stephany Medina Timothy Murphy Tino Bermudez Vivianna Heath

Alicia Sprow Ana Ruiz Anthony Calafaty Ashley Gray Brad Bauer Caroline Fitzpatrick Catherine Emenheiser Charles Reed Corey Harris Eric Recktenwald Farah Mneimneh Jamie Becker Jessica Hamlet Jodi Radosh Kris Lowrey Kushal Adhikari Malgorzata Zuber Michelle Serapiglia Nathan Thomas Ondra Kielbasa Salem Elsaiah Thomas Franek Victoria Williams

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Kutztown Presenters Alfredo Montesinos Castillo Ariel Nunez Benjamin Wykle Colin Hogan Emily Schneider Emma Phillips Gabriel Bragitikos Ian Bull Isabella Venezian Josephine Ebersole Julia Sweeney Katelyn Shearer

Faculty Sponsors Katherine Camilli Khalif Carter Morgan Herb Nathaniel Dent Nona Holland Owen Starner Rebekah Ehrhart Sage Dunkleberger Sierra Cheesman Tamara Holmes Terry Bresnahan

Andrew Arnold Andrew Mashintonio Bohdan Jacklitsch Ceyhun Sunsay Christine Nunez Daniel Haxall Danielle Seier Dylan Schwesinger Jennifer Schlegel Khori Newlander Leslie Friedman Liz Van Verth Roseanne Perkins Ruth McLeod Thomas Robinson Todd Dodson Whitney Walters

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Penn State Berks Presenters Abigail Moll Alajae Burdine Alex DeNardo Alexander Romero Amanda Reed Andrew Linares Linares Anthony Nguyen Ashley Musante Bryan Arcentales Danyelle Tripp-Lumley Deacon Hearing Emilie Longenberger Eric Colangelo Eshaan Tolani Evan Greusel Fabian Gonzalez Jada Savage Janet Ruiz Jeilyn Tineo Kaelyn Balbirer

Faculty Sponsors Kelsey DeAcosta Laura Read Mason Souchak Michael Randall Mitchel Nevryanskiy Nathan St. Clair Nolan Nguyen Ozden Alp Karadeniz Pablo Chiu Rafael Uhle Ryan High Ryan Lynch Sadiya Ali Sherry Heckman Talan Nguyen Teresa Reed Tom Kogan Tyler Zook Wade Kaminski

Ada Leung Alexey Prokudin Allison Altman-Singles Catherine Mello Cesar Martinez-Garza Colleen English Dale Litwhiler Dimitri Karagiannis James Brown James Karlinsey Jennifer Arnold Jennifer Murphy Marietta Scanlon Nathan Greenauer Rungun Nathan Ruth Daly Tami Mysliwiec Terry Speicher

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Reading Area Community College Presenters Abigail Martha Walker Aleishany Aviles Emily Reynoso Emily Templin Evelina Morillo Monegro Fabian Sanchez Hannah Noah Ian Chandler Isabella Boadu Jaclyn Morrow Jamie Diaz Janine Carrion Jordan Missimer Juan Steven Ramirez-Albino

Faculty Sponsors Kimberly Doyle Mackenzie Cronan Madelyn Rismiller Madison DJ Fields Marlene Oseguera Monica Stratton Nathan Rein Nayla Wansley Neveah Rothar Rachel Donnachie Rocio Rosario Castillo Sifa Kamau Sky Thrower

Christina Pinkerton Christine Anderton David Leight Diane Conrad Ellen Walter Jodi Greene Joey Flamm Costello Robert Hopkins

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Author Index

Index Adhikari, Kushal, 8, 9, 15, 49 Adhikari, Renisha, 31 Albert, Alessandra, 48 Alexander, Evan, 60 Ali, Sadiya, 60 Altman-Singles, Allison, 53 Alvarado, Olando, 27 Alvarado, Orlando, 28 Anderton, Christine, 25 Arcentales, Bryan, 68 Arnold, Andrew, 28 Arnold, Jennifer, 57 Ask, Sikke, 8 Aurentz, David J, 57 Aviles, Aleishany, 77 Avram, Alex, 13 Balbirer, Kaelyn, 55 Barrineau, Paige, 42 Bauer, Brad, 58 Bausher, Madilyn, 56 Becker, Jamie, 9, 10, 40, 58 Bellacima, Meryn, 58 Bermudez, Tino, 20 Biggs, Emily, 56 Bizzaro, Anthony, 66 Blanchfield, Elijah, 56 Blundetto, Bella, 59 Boadu, Isabella, 54 Bodien, Bailey, 51 Bollman, Kai, 56 Bonte, Alexis, 13 Border, Katelynn, 47 Botelho, Katia, 43 Boumrah, Aryam, 58 Bracy, Allison, 70 Bragitikos, Gabriel, 40 Bresnahan, Terry, 19 Brinckman, Kelsey, 46 Brito, De, 64 Brown, James, 24

Buch, Logan, 54 Buerke, Brian, 62 Bui, Michelle, 41 Bull, Ian, 28 Burdine, Alajae, 35 Bye, Savannah, 55 Calafaty, Anthony, 76 Camilli, Katherine, 22 Canelo Santana, Arianna, 56, 60 Cantello, Joe, 71 Canterino, Joe, 25 Cao, Deanna, 56 Cao, Qinhai, 55 Carrion, Janine, 74 Carter, Khalif, 24 Castillo, Mylina, 52, 54 Catania, Ilaria, 62 Chandler, Ian, 78 Charles, Jamall, 44 Cheesman, Sierra, 28 Chiu, Pablo, 69 Cifarelli, Ethan, 15 Cler, Joshua, 71 Cleveland, Dalton, 20 Coble, Eric, 76 Cohen, Joshua, 14 Colangelo, Eric, 66 Colletti, Nicholas, 12 Conrad, Diane, 11 Constein, Madison, 33 Cook, Andrew Dillon, 64 Correll, Kaitlyn, 78 Cronan, Mackenzie, 21 Curran, Eli, 65 Daly, Ruth, 11 Daniels, Aliyah, 77 Day, Kristy, 78 DeAcosta, Kelsey, 64 Dechristopher, Mark, 67 Dejesus, Elizabeth, 49 87

88 Deloretta, Lillyanne, 54 DeNardo, Alex, 70 Dent, Nathaniel, 36 Diaz, Jamie, 24 Dicesare, Nicholas, 68 Dinoto, Gabriella, 45 Dodson, Todd, 18 Donachie, Bridget, 50 Donnachie, Rachel, 74 Doyle, Kimberly, 79 Drake, Lucius, 38 Driscoll, Keegan, 15 Dunkleberger, Sage, 17 Dupree, Phanique, 28 Dynesko, Kathryn, 54 Ebersole, Josephine, 18 Ehrhart, Rebekah, 36 Elsaiah, Salem, 65, 66 Emenheiser, Catherine, 45–49 Emrich, Russell, 59 Enge, Tyler, 67 English, Colleen, 26 Escobar-Jimenez, Jessenia, 12 Evans, Gillian, 25 Evelyn, Thomas, 63 Everett, Jillian, 49 Falar, Patricia, 47 Falbo, Antonio, 62 Feifer, Halley, 76 Felker, Jill, 55 Felker, Jill M, 56, 57 Ferron, Deika, 56 Fields, Madison DJ, 78 Fink, Evan, 61 Fitzpatrick, Caroline, 13, 20 Flamm Costello, Joey, 18, 19 Folk, Lola, 31 Fortunato, Amelia, 23 Franek, Thomas, 50–52 Friedman, Leslie, 74 Friesen, Andrew P, 53 Fuglie, Chris, 54

Geddio, Joey, 75 Geddio, Joseph, 78 Gerloff, Megan, 14 Ghosh, Soma, 27, 39, 41–44 Gilliams, Teresa, 17 Golden, Cecilia, 49 Gonzalez, Fabian, 63 Gonzalez, Yair, 49 Gordon, Atticus, 69 Gorner, Jillian M, 47 Grant, Cecelia, 56 Gray, A, 51 Gray, Ashley, 50–53 Greenauer, Nathan, 33, 34, 36 Greene, Jodi, 24, 29 Gregory, Setliff P, 10 Greusel, Evan, 68 Grilli, Christopher, 14 Grim, Zackerry, 39 Grubb, Liam M, 9 Guerrero Rincon, Joraida, 56 Gutarra, Raymundo, 8 Hall, Lauren, 71 Hall, Lucas, 69 Hamlet, Jessica, 30 Hanson, Ryan J, 71 Harris, Corey, 29 Hartman-Caverly, Sarah, 37 Hawkins, Nate, 67 Haxall, Daniel, 17 Hayes, Kellyanne, 49 Hearing, Deacon, 69 Heath, Vivianna, 27 Heckard, Kiera, 56 Heckman, Sherry, 53 Herb, Morgan, 10 Herbein, Alexa, 46 Hernandez, Arizaidith, 49 High, Ryan, 60 Hill, Nicholas, 66 Hogan, Colin, 32 Holland, Nona, 74 Holmes, Tamara, 20

89 Hoovler, Jackson, 50 Hopkins, Robert, 54 Hornbuckle, Nicholas, 54 Houck, Madison, 47 Hudson, Laney, 8 Hughes, Susan, 35

Liu, Lucy, 55 Longenberger, Emilie, 41 Longenberger, Mark, 67 Lowrey, Kris, 31, 72 Luzeckyj, Stephanie, 45 Lynch, Ryan, 71

Ives, David, 74

MaGee, Savannah, 46 Mahoney, Garret R, 70 Mahoney, Joseph M, 53 Martinez-Garza, Cesar, 63 Mashintonio, Andrew, 10 Matista, Perla, 9 Mattern, Kelly, 45 Mayor, Madison, 76 Mazurkiewicz, Tyler, 67 McCloud, Al’Liyah, 46 McGinley, Abigail, 48 McHugh, Lilith J, 57 McLaughlin, Jocelyn, 35 McLaughlin, Marina, 27, 30 McLeod, Ruth, 32, 36 Medina, Stephany, 26 Mehta, Sakshi, 56 Mello, Catherine, 33, 36 Menjivar, Agustin, 62 Millar, Teagan, 68 Missimer, Jordan, 11 Mneimneh, Farah, 8 Mohn, Lillie, 70 Mokosso, Shelny, 9 Moll, Abigail, 70 Moll, Julien, 43 Molnar, Alina, 47 Montesinos Castillo, Alfredo, 30 Moore, Allison, 58 Moore, Edward N, 70 Morillo Monegro, Evelina, 29 Morrow, Jack, 75 Morrow, Jaclyn, 79 Moutran, Michel, 71 Mueller, Amanda, 53 Murphy, Jennifer, 34 Murphy, Timothy, 29

Jacklitsch, Bohdan, 22 Jacobs, Ryan, 62 Jerome, Elisiah, 53 Jones, Grace N, 47 Jones, Tai, 42 Kamau, Sifa, 75, 77 Kaminski, Wade, 67 Kanike, Ethan, 71 Kao, Andrew, 47 Kapschull, Tyler, 44 Karadeniz, Ozden Alp, 37 Karagiannis, Dimitri, 63, 69 Karlinsey, James, 60 Kasting, Pierce, 58 Keovilay, Sunny, 54 Khalili, Paria, 55, 60 Kielbasa, Ondra, 58 Kim, Houn G, 53 Kleintop, Gabriella, 49 Knox, Brady, 68 Koch, Daniel, 66 Kogan, Tom, 67 Kuwadia, Sahil, 62 Lafferty, Jackson H, 70 Landers, Kayla, 20 LaRue, Kevin, 9 Laughman, Jillian A, 47 Lawson, Julia, 46 Leight, David, 21 Lengle, McKenna, 48 Leon, Angel, 59 Leung, Ada, 37, 38, 40, 41 Linares, Andrew Linares, 64 Litwhiler, Dale, 64

90 Musante, Ashley, 40 Myers, Jonathan, 66 Mysliwiec, Tami, 55–57 Mysliwiec, Tami H, 57 N, Kuczala, 65 Nathan, Rungun, 54, 65, 67–71 Nessouli, Afeef, 14 Nevryanskiy, Mitchel, 24 Newlander, Khori, 30 Nguyen, Andre, 76 Nguyen, Anthony, 65 Nguyen, Nolan, 33, 34 Nguyen, Talan, 62, 63 Noah, Hannah, 75, 76 Nunez, Ariel, 16 Nunez, Christine, 13, 16, 20 Oberrender, Ava, 62 Ortiz, Gazielina, 78 Oseguera, Marlene, 75 Oswald, Stephen A, 57 Palerino, Callie, 34 Palmer, Harry, 68 Pascal, Brianna, 45 Paul, Ben, 10 Paul, Benjamin, 58 Payne, Jahree, 78 Pearsall, Meagan R, 57 Pelker, Keira, 33 Perkins, Roseanne, 22, 36 Peterson, Isaac, 9 Peterson, Nathaniel, 69 Phillips, Emma, 38 Pillsbury, Theresa, 48 Pineiro, Samantha, 76 Pinkerton, Christina, 72–74 Prokhorets, Svyatoslav, 33 Prokudin, Alexey, 62 Pugh, Gavin, 71 Purcell, David W, 14 Pyrrhus, Catherine, 72 Qiu, Angela, 55

Radosh, Jodi, 23, 24 Ramirez-Albino, Juan Steven, 76 Randall, Michael, 71 Rathman, Haley, 62 Read, Laura, 56, 57 Recktenwald, Eric, 59 Reed, Amanda, 26, 71 Reed, Charles, 14 Reed, Teresa, 53, 54 Rein, Nathan, 78 Reinhart, Warren, 67 Reiter, Nick, 11 Reynoso, Emily, 76, 77 Rhile, Ian, 11, 61 Ridley, Marcus, 49 Riffle, Jack, 44 Rismiller, Madelyn, 73 Robinson, Thomas, 23 Romanchik, Adam, 66 Romero, Alexander, 33 Rosario Castillo, Rocio, 25 Rothar, Neveah, 18 Rowe, Lauren, 33 Ruiz, Ana, 26, 27, 31, 35, 43 Ruiz, Janet, 37, 38 Saadeh, Andrew James, 15 Salce, Kaidalyn, 56 Samuelsen, Andrew, 59 Sanchez, Fabian, 19 Sanger, Josiah, 67 Sato, Nobuo, 62 Savage, Jada, 55–57 Scanlon, Marietta, 63 Schlegel, Jennifer, 17 Schneider, Emily, 22 Schoemer, Chris, 44 Schwarz, Elisabeth, 51 Schwesinger, Dylan, 28, 38 Seier, Danielle, 61 Serapiglia, Michelle, 55 Shearer, Katelyn, 16 Shirey, Jake, 45 Simmons, Sarai, 42

91 Sindhar, Ashmeen, 55 Sjoberg, Rachael, 48 Slear, Travis E, 46 Small, Dylan, 68 Smith, Gracynne, 25, 32 Smith, Karlee, 48 Solano, Ari, 55 Souchak, Mason, 33 Speicher, Terry, 64, 66, 67 Sprow, Alicia, 54 St. Clair, Nathan, 11 St. Pierre, Mackenzie, 48 Starling, Walter, 39 Starner, Owen, 13 Stefko, Anthony J, 9 Stewart, Zion, 9 Stofko, Amanda R, 57 Stoltzfus, Nate, 48 Stratton, Monica, 73, 74 Stuart, Dior, 55 Sunsay, Ceyhun, 40 Swann, Aiden, 65 Sweeney, Julia, 17 Symington, Sariah A, 46 T, Ebeling, 65 Tacuri, Stewart, 41 Templin, Emily, 75, 76 Thomas, Nathan, 77 Thrasher, Steven W, 14 Thrower, Sky, 72, 73 Tineo, Jeilyn, 37 Tolan, RJ, 75 Tolani, Eshaan, 33, 36 Tripp-Lumley, Danyelle, 34 Uhle, Rafael, 63 Umans, Jake, 52 Van Verth, Liz, 19 Vega, Lizmarie, 21 Venezian, Isabella, 61 Vinicius, Alexandre, 64 Vozharenko, Viktoriia, 37

Walker, Abigail Martha, 18 Walter, Ellen, 74–79 Walters, Whitney, 24 Wanner, Grace, 24 Wansley, Nayla, 75 Weaver, Elsa, 17 Weber, Daniel J, 71 Weikel, Genevieve, 54 Weiss, Owen, 40 Werner, Ava, 30 Wernick, Benjamin T, 9 Williams, Victoria, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 31, 32, 45 Wood, Ella, 22 Wright, Ariana, 15 Wykle, Benjamin, 23 Zaprozny, Julia, 53 Zook, Tyler, 67 Zuber, Malgorzata, 25