The Truth Behind the Eyes | Poster & Newsletter
- Student(s) Jackie Bliven
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | HUM 102
- This newsletter has original art and discusses how eyes are depicted by Romantic and Surrealist artists.
Support Small Businesses Despite The Globalization of Products Through Large Companies | Paper/Trifold
- Student(s) Caitlyn Aho, Emilie Marvel, Jessica Miller, Katie Cardenas
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | HUM 200
- This beautifully designed multi-genre essay combines personal business stories from Michigan within the context of the global economy and considers the ethics of global corporations.
What is the Real Price of Fast Fashion? | Poster
- Student(s) Marly Betz
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Ryan Dziedzic | ENV 200
- This project exposes the tremendous environmental harm caused by the fast fashion industry, promoting more sustainable and eco-conscious fashion habits. Fast fashion is identified as a major source of pollution, responsible for a significant chunk of the world’s carbon emissions and water use, leading to a staggering amount of waste each year. It also highlights how fast fashion’s massive water use and CO2 emissions from discarded clothes are problematic and only growing more out of control every year. It names the worst materials for the environment and suggests better choices, recommending reputable brands that are true to their eco-friendly claims. Overall, the focus of the project is to raise awareness of the harmful effects of fast fashion. It encourages mindful consumerism and support of brands that are transparent about their environmental impact while contributing to reducing the fashion industry's heavy ecological footprint.
Psychology of Humor: Factors That Tickle Our Funny Bone | Poster (with laptop/ipad display)
- Student(s) Sarah Wood
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Steve Ross | PSY 230
- Have you ever wondered why you laugh at what you do, or why you prefer one comedian’s style of humor over another? What is it that makes something funny? The construct of humor has been a subject of intense interest and fascination for centuries. This project explored the influence of cultural and social norms surrounding humor, and how individual personality characteristics, cognition, and social status influence one’s preferred humor and comedic style. Studies have shown that humor use is a developmental process that occurs alongside our cognitive, behavioral, and physical growth. Our unique sense of humor is influenced by numerous factors, such as inborn personality and character traits, culture, gender, age, and life experiences, all of which determine how we express, understand, and communicate humor.
The Gradual Social Acceptance of Swearing is Natural | Poster
- Student(s) Chloe Sprague
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Matthew Moffet | ENG 111
- Swear words all have taboo meanings, which is what makes them inappropriate. This taboo that we have created gives the words social power. Many eastern cultures still have severe legal punishments in place for swearing, which is usually related to religion within their government. In contrast, swearing is prominent in western society.
We swear on a regular basis for many different reasons, some of which are social. Swearing is an effective way to relieve stress. It is also a method of communication, which can be both positive and negative. Swearing is used to communicate our feelings, create a humorous environment, and can even increase group bonding. It can also be used to demean or exert dominance over others. Swearing is even common within the workplace, though it is more taboo in some professions than others. It is less acceptable for police officers and other people that work with the public to swear while on the job. Some other special circumstances include romantic relationships and the presence of children in the area.
People disagree about whether or not we should be concerned about the rising use of swearing. Some say that all swearing is disrespectful, and continuing to make swearing more socially acceptable will cause the words to lose their meaning. Others say that increased swearing will allow more people to reap the benefits of stress relief and increased communication. I believe that increased swearing is a natural part of language evolution.
Manual Cost Accounting Process | Poster
- Student(s) Sawyer Gerow, Taylor Benthem
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Ashlee Ritchie | ACC 231
- Process of completing the entire accounting cycle in a manual format. Started with recording and posting transactions, and ended with financial statements and closing entries.
What's Most Important in a Family | Poster
- Student(s) Carlee Krueger
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Matthew Moffet | ENG 111
- What is considered to be the “normal” structure of a family can be up for debate and can be different for everyone. Which structure is best for children to grow up in may have changed over years and may not be a simple question. A family can look different and be any shape and size such as single parents, adopted children, same-sex couples, blended families, and many more. There is a lot of evidence for different types of family structure and how beneficial each one can be as well as the effects it can have on the children. But it could also come down to what age you are when you get married and other factors as well. It also comes down to if you are financially and mentally ready to have children. However we see that it may not be the structure of the actual family but instead the qualities of the relationship within the family that really matter more so than the actual structure.
Tensegrity – AntiGravity Device | Poster
- Student(s) Elijah Dell
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Colin Alton | PHY 105
- Tensegrity, is a structural principle based on a system of isolated components under compression inside a network of continuous tension, and arranged in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other while the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.
Risk Analysis using Calculus | Poster
- Student(s) William Wiltse
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Colin Alton | MAT 126
- The project will revolve around the various factors that go into this integral based equation that helps calculate the risk levels of possible insurance policy holders.
Ted Talked me into it Event | Poster
- Student(s) Jamie Heleski
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Kelli Butler | AAP 236
- The project was to plan an event for 200 Mid-Michigan College faculty members that would enlighten them on the impact of incorporating Ted Talks into their curriculums, by getting first-hand experiences of Ted Talk speakers in action. I was given a budget and a timetable to stick to. The rest I had to research and coordinate on my own. That included everything from venues, caterers, and presenters; to audio/visual equipment, prize incentives for the games, decorations, and everything in between. I strived to cover all the minor details that often times get overlooked including food preferences, lodging and travel accommodations, and safety protocols. Ultimately, I was able to plan an event that was structured, engaging, but also fun!
Cold Capping/Scalp Cooling Therapy, Saving Your Hair and Confidence | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Maggie Galan, Abigail Gates
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Since Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, our hair follicles become damaged resulting in hair loss. With a loss of hair comes a loss of confidence for patients across the world. But, a treatment developed in Europe in 1998, named Cold Capping, has promising results for men and women. Cold caps reduce the hair loss caused by cancer treatments like chemotherapy by reducing the temperature of the scalp, making the blood vessels smaller and reducing the blood flow to your scalp. Thus, protecting your hair follicles against the damaging effects of cancer treatments. Cold capping is a process that takes around 3 to 4 weeks and is offered by 3 main companies: Penguin Cold Caps, Chemo Cold Caps, and Arctic Cold Caps. Typically, patients will wear the cap for 30 minutes before their chemotherapy treatments, throughout the chemotherapy session and for 90 to 120 minutes afterward. All in all, scalp cooling has an 89 per cent success rate in breast cancer patients, saving your hair and confidence.
Biotechnology in Forensics | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Makayla Schutt, Claire Peak, Emma Dugas
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Biotechnology in Forensics represents a powerful tool in the realm of criminal investigation. From the basic science of DNA to the latest biotechnological advances, this field continues to evolve and provide new ways to solve crimes. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between the power of this technology and the ethical concerns surrounding it. As biotechnology in forensics advances, so does the responsibility to use it wisely and ethically, ensuring that justice is served while protecting the rights and privacy of all individuals involved.
New Strategies to Save Coral | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Nolan Caszatt, Kam Williams
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Coral reefs make up some of the most diverse and interesting ecosystems on this planet; however, they are facing danger upon many recent events. Recently, data from many different organizations suggest that coral reefs’ ability to adapt to disturbances are being prevented, due to issues such as climate change, oil spills, pollution, and other human actions. If these issues continue to happen without a solution, it can lead to the destruction of reefs around the world that serve as a home to many marine lifeforms and even some fish. Luckily, biotechnology has given the future of coral reefs a positive outlook, as there are many different strategies being developed to save coral reefs.
Genetically Modified Livestock in the USA | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Will Wiltse, Kaleb Griffin, Jalen Brandenburger
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- We are doing our project on Genetically Modified produce and livestock specifically within the United States. This was chosen because of the billions of dollars worth of investments and research going into this field every year. Informing the general public on the practices and the benefits of this scientific branch could improve how we consciously consume and influence our natural environments. The project will focus on the most influential livestock being scrutinized, such as pigs, goats, and bovine/cows. Having new methods of cultivation and breeding might improve the standard of living for our nation as a whole, just as the reintegration of nitrogen into our soil allowed us the ability to support almost a doubled worldwide population.
E-Fuels: The Promise and the Passion | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Alton Bailey, Jonathan Schwarzkopf, Landon Garcia
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- This project will be an informational board about a type of biofuel called electrofuels -- E-fuels for short. This type of biofuel is starting to become more present in life today with examples in motorsports, diesel replacement, and other areas. This project will include how E-Fuels were created and their potential. How can we implement this into our own community? Are ethical issues involved? We intend to suggest a practical local application of the fuels and show how it is relevant to us in mid-Michigan since some can more cleanly replace racing and diesel fuels.
CRISPR: A Tale of Two Diseases | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Jackson Bendele, Cooper Sawyer
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a rapidly-spreading tool of biotechnology which can be used to edit the DNA of any organism. CRISPR uses a protein called Cas9 to “find and replace” specific sections of DNA. This is most effective with diseases like Huntington’s, or Sickle cell, where one mutation or repeat can severely affect a person’s life. CRISPR could remove the mutated section and replace it with something safe, getting rid of the disease. Whereas CRISPR has recently been approved by the FDA as a therapy for consenting adults with Sickle Cell Disease, the cost raises concerns. And Huntington’s Disease could only be “cured” through pre-implantation genetic testing or human genome editing of a non-consenting embryo. What is the fair and just path forward? Is it morally right to do this to one person but not another? Is it morally right to alter later bloodlines?
Waking Up the World: The Making of Decaffeinated Coffee | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Kaitlyn Klumpp, Aubrey Parker
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Many people need caffeine upon waking each morning; others like coffee’s flavor but don’t need or want the stimulation. Our project is going to be on how biotechnology is used in the production of decaf coffee. We will explore how traditional coffee plants themselves are genetically modified to remove the natural caffeine. Starting with the development of decaf coffee, we will show how it was industrialized and current research/application.
The Neverending Anguish of Theatre | Poster
- Student(s) Cooper Sawyer
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Matthew Moffet | ENG 112
- As my high school journey comes to an end, so does the theatre experience I’ve grown to love. Each show I’ve performed in leaves an unresolved sting on closing night where I struggle to know how to feel, and what to think. As closure for my feelings, I decided to write a sestina about it. My idea struck when a friend and I had a conversation about a previous director who always talked about closing night, and how every character played “dies”. Sometimes if you’re in the room and everyone is silent, you can hear the lines, songs, and jokes just as they were initially. Finding words to repeat and figuring out how to repeat was the biggest challenge. Using the English “theatre” and changing the pronunciation of “tears” were some of my favorite discoveries.
Shrouded Figure | Art Canvas/Painting
- Student(s) Ashley Johnson
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Faith Freedom | ART 130
- A study on lighting, motion, and emotion. Most of us hide what we feel inside; sometimes we present ourselves to the world as a figure shrouded in barriers and stoicism, with only the light of others to be our beacon in the dark.
DNA: The Strands of Life | Informative Speech
- Student(s) Olivia Bass
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Anthony Sassin | COM 101
- This speech will inform a general audience about fundamentals of DNA such as composition, the DNA copying process, and consequences of misinterpreting DNA.
What's the Point of your Eye? | Poster
- Student(s) Kaleigh Sobanski
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 138
- This project will walk you through the anatomy of the eye and how it’s important. When looking at someone’s eyes you do not get to see how many different structures there are past the eyelids, or within the eyeball itself. Like the pupil, would you expect the pupil to be just a hole through the iris? There will be a labeled cow eyeball that has been dissected for viewing of the exact structures of the eye. Pictures with information will be posted for reading and viewing while talking about how the eye is important for many reasons. Something interesting to me is although serious damage to the eye is likely not to be fixed, certain things can be corrected, for example with farsightedness. This can be corrected with the curvature of the cornea by corrected lenses specifically for that eyesight. Learning about the eyeball has been very interesting to me, it’s not just a circle that gives us vision. It’s much deeper than that. Learn with me through this experience of studying the eyeball.
Heart Dissection | Poster
- Student(s) Baylee Planey, Carlie Hafelein, Taylor Meskill
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 138
- As part of BIO 138, Human Anatomy and Physiology, we learned about the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. It plays one of the most important roles in our body, which is the circulation of our blood and much more. Our presentation will include a dissected animal model of the heart as well as an anatomical model to demonstrate the blood flow through the heart and knowledge on the names for structures but also the function and a comparison of the dissected version to the anatomical model. We found it very beneficial to dissect the heart as well as use the anatomical model to get the most knowledge on how this body system truly works and to see the differences between them.
The Vital Journey | Poster
- Student(s) Kimberly Hill
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 138
- This project was compelted at part of online Human Anatomy and Physiology. This lab was from the module in which we learned all about the heart, blood, and blood vessels. This study will compare the differences in vitals, including heart rate, blood oxygen level, and blood pressure in subjects. The independent factors considered were the subjects’ age, height, weight, gender, temperature, BMI, and substance use. The procedures for taking these vitals will also be presented along with what these numbers mean and what the ideal ranges would be. In my experiment, I found that those who are either older or overweight had higher blood pressure and that children had higher heart rates. Due to small sample sizes, I was unable to come to any conclusions about the impact of the use of alcohol and tobacco.
Feminist Epistemology: Examination of “A Question of Silence” | Poster
- Student(s) Mackenzie Clark
- Faculty Sponsor & Course James VanderMey & Klayton Silverpen | PHL 201
- This paper provides an epistemological examination of the Dutch film, “A Question of Silence,” directed by Morine Gorris. Analyzing this film through the lens of four philosophers' theories on how we gain our knowledge, and specifically the feminist epistemological concept that our standing within society allows us to possess a unique understanding, enhancing the film's underlying critiques of the patriarchal power structure. This film is centered around three women who committed a murder, their court-appointed psychiatrist, and the sought-after truth behind their motive; this invites the question “Can the male court and jury ever fully ‘know’ the motive of the women who committed the murders?” Through the use of essays written by John Locke, David Hume, Uma Narayan, and Agnes Callard, I conclude that an individual's standing within a societal structure influences the knowledge they are able and unable to possess. This implies within the context of the film that the male members of the court may not ever get the “true” answer to the motive they are seeking.
New Advances in Prosthetics | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Olivia Toth, Ava Ferrenburg, Laney Beltinck
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Prosthetics have significantly improved quality of life by restoring mobility and function to individuals who have lost limbs due to injury, illness, or congenital conditions. Advanced prosthetic technologies, such as myoelectric limbs and bionic prostheses, offer greater dexterity, control, and comfort, enabling users to engage in daily activities more seamlessly. Additionally, advancements in materials and design have led to lighter, more durable prosthetic devices, enhancing comfort and reducing physical strain on users.
The Movie “Groundhog Day,” and How Our Perspective Affects Our Knowledge of Reality | Poster
- Student(s) Damian Gerace
- Faculty Sponsor & Course James VanderMey & Klayton Silverpen | PHL 201
- The nature of knowledge, and the level of trust that we put in our understanding of reality, is a topic that has been written about by many philosophers. The greatest limitation of humanity in fully understanding our reality comes from uncertainty in our senses and the sheer abundance of things and concepts that are constantly changing. This interest in the topic can be seen in cinema as well, resulting in many philosophical concepts being represented in film. The movie “Groundhog Day” asks what would happen if we were able to live a day over, with the knowledge we received still being available to us, and gives the audience a character that, while flawed, is relatable in ways to many people. Through Phil Connors, questions about the seemingly unanswerable nature of our knowledge, the revealing of one’s character when given a more complete understanding of reality, and the ways that our grasp of reality are limited by our own reception of knowledge are considered.
Biotech in Pet Breeding & Drugs - Longer Lives and Fewer Allergens | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Hannah Seeburger, Maddie Wieferich
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Scientific researchers have long been looking for a way to extend the lives of human’s best friends – dogs. Currently, the main focus is on large breed dogs because they tend to live shorter than small breed dogs. The companies Rejuvenate Bio and Loyal are working on bringing longevity drugs to market. Loyal’s LOY-001 interacts with a growth hormone IGF-1. By lowering IGF-1 levels, the mortality risk of the animal is also lowered. Loyal’s drug is an injection that is to be given every three to six months by a veterinarian. We may also present new genetic applications in cats.
Developing Allergy-Free Foods | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Sophie Schafer, Tristan Leonard
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Scientists and farmers have been genetically modifying crops for hundreds of years, creating natural pest-resistant crops and even new crops entirely. By only changing certain genes in certain plants, scientists can modify important parts of the plants, even the allergens in them. Through CRISPR editing the genes which cause allergic reactions can be subdued or deleted altogether. With the growing number of food allergy cases on the rise in the United States and worldwide, the development of CRISPR and GMO foods can be a welcomed remedy for people with these susceptibilities or a total eradication of the genes which cause them..
Cloning Mammals: How and Why? | Display Board & Video
- Student(s) Anjelina Reyes, Rachel Yunker
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Alan Gamble | BIO 103
- Our project is about cloning and its applications. One of the most famous examples of cloning is the first mammal: Dolly the sheep in 1996, but there have been numerous advancements in this field since then. We will present about the new applications of cloning and how the process is done. The goal of our project is to educate about the process of cloning, the ethics involved and how this field of biotechnology is important and can help people.
Poetry Reflection and Explication | Posters
- Student(s) Gabby Martinez, Emily Newland, Mariah O'Dell, Joseph Rohling, Nadine Rumptz, Olivia Findlay
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Shauna Lester | ENG 122
- Completed by concurrent ENG 112 students from Marlette High School, these posters illustrate parallels and syntheses between various selections of poems and other genres of literature. This is based upon a required ENG 112 paper called a ""Poetry Reflection and Explication Essay"", wherein students are required to build in-depth analyses and syntheses between various works. Also required was a reflection based upon one's personal point of view and judgment of the primary source. Students displayed themes, cited lines, and made mostly visual connections between the pieces. Each student based completed an individual poster, connecting one poem from the text and with 2 other professional works to connect with. This is done largely through images, using very few words.
Walkcycle (Ethel’s version) | Video
- Student(s) Mara Melter
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Allyssa Shawboose | ART 253
- Building a unique walkcycle starts with character exploration and development. After the mechanics of Ethel was figured out, Mara applied them to the 5 main poses of a walkcycle to bring her zombie character to life.
The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication in Law Enforcement | Informative Speech
- Student(s) Emma Brown
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Anthony Sassin | COM 101
- This speech will inform a general audience about the use and importance of non-verbal communication in the field of law enforcement.
Citizen Science: Reef Surveys in Belize | Poster
- Student(s) Meghan Howard, Rebecca Ball
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 299
- Belize, boasting the world's second-largest barrier reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, offers a stunning ecosystem for exploration. In this captivating marine environment, our class had the privilege to encounter a diverse range of life, including the endangered West Indian Manatee, sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish rarely seen in the United States.
A significant aspect of our learning experience focused on REEF surveys, a form of citizen science conducted by volunteer divers and snorkelers to monitor coral reef health and ecosystem dynamics. Engaging in this hands-on research was particularly fascinating due to the variety of species we encountered and documented. Following data collection, and online submission procedures, coupled with thorough computer and human error checks, ensured the utmost accuracy. This emphasis on marine life conservation underscores the collaborative effort of volunteers dedicated to sustaining ecosystem health, which provides vital insights into reef conditions.
Beyond academic enrichment, this class offered a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Exploring Belize's culinary delights and embracing local customs broadened our perspectives, enriching our understanding of both marine conservation and global diversity.
Queen Conch Marine Research that makes you want to say, "Shell-yeah!" | Poster
- Student(s) Marhea Fay
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 299
- Mid Michigan College Marine Science Research in Belize students learned about the Queen Conch: it's life cycle, the important role it plays in the food web of marine life as well as a native staple and culinary history. Queen Conch has major economic impacts as it is one of Belize's major exports. Mid Michigan College students were tasked with identifying and measuring shells in order to establish nursery environments and submit the research to the Belizean government to establish protected zones.
Exposing Chicken Bones to Different Environments | Poster
- Student(s) Kaylee Brown, Abby Needham
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Trish Finerty | BIO 138
- In BIO 138, Human Anatomy and Physiology we studied bone formation and structure including conditions that affect bones, such as osteoporosis. During this experiment we exposed chicken bones to different environments (water, vinegar and bleach) and collected data on their mass and flexibility to see what effect these variables had on the bones. We found that water had no effect on the bone structure while vinegar made the chicken bone very flexible and spongy, and bleach made the bone very brittle and fragile.
Morphing Time | Video accompanied by the physical animation
- Student(s) Adam Bentley
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Allyssa Shawboose | ART 253
- In this Traditional Animation, we utilized specific bond paper, a peg bar and a light box to create one object morphing into the next! This project focused heavily on pose to pose animation and how to breakdown each object into the next. To achieve a fluid motion without having to shoot the entire animation under a camera, Adam had to use a rolling method between each drawing to see the motion in real time!
Autism Spectrum Disorder | Poster
- Student(s) Andrew Kelsey, Hannah Rohde, Samantha Passalacqua, Lesly Scharaswak
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Kelley Eltzroth | PSY 101
- With this group project, the students wanted to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In an in-class poster session, other students learned about the reason autism is now considered a spectrum diagnosis, a history of our understanding of ASD and its current definition, symptoms of ASD, and types of treatment approaches. They also found famous examples of people diagnosed with ASD, and common comorbid diagnoses.
Bipolar Disorder | Poster
- Student(s) Avery Spell, Harmony Young
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Kelley Eltzroth | PSY 101
- In this group project, Harmony and Avery chose to learn more about bipolar mood disorder. In a class poster session, they taught their fellow students about the types of bipolar mood disorder, the common symptoms, and the different explanations of and treatment approaches of this often misunderstood disorder.
Observing a Life | Poster
- Student(s) Rue Bardy
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Kelley Eltzroth | PSY 212
- In the developmental journal, I created a fictional person with traits determined from a random die roll. I then tracked, observed, and analyzed that person’s life from birth to death in a series of journal entries, assumed from a developmental psychologist’s point of view. Using random die rolls, I continued to decide on factors that may influence the person's development, such as the possibility of another child entering the family, or chance of divorce within the family. With these decisions made, I then was able to decide how these changes would affect the person at different stages of life, and ultimately what the outcome would be from it. Throughout the project I continued to develop this person’s life and ongoing list of characteristics that they have earned since birth, which ultimately helped me decide how the characteristics interact with the person's daily life and development.
In Response to "River Rocks", In Response to "Outside 4:00 p.m." and Sunset: In Response to "Sunrise on the Farm" | Poems paired with Photos
- Student(s) Paisley Beatty
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jackie Justice | ENG 225
- Everyone sees images differently. When we see them, our minds race to make sense of them. In our creative writing class, we had the opportunity to look at photos created by Mid students and respond to them in writing. When I first looked at these photos, this with the poetic response I felt. How do you feel when you look at these pictures?
In Response to "River Rocks" | Poems paired with Photos
- Student(s) Carter Salley
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jackie Justice | ENG 225
- Everyone sees images differently. When we see them, our minds race to make sense of them. In our creative writing class, we had the opportunity to look at photos created by Mid students and respond to them in writing. When I first looked at these photos, this with the poetic response I felt. How do you feel when you look at these pictures?
In Response to "Outside at 4:00 p.m." | Poems paired with Photos
- Student(s) Ella Strong
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jackie Justice | ENG 225
- Everyone sees images differently. When we see them, our minds race to make sense of them. In our creative writing class, we had the opportunity to look at photos created by Mid students and respond to them in writing. When I first looked at these photos, this with the poetic response I felt. How do you feel when you look at these pictures?
Finalé | Video
- Student(s) Justin Adams, Savannah Bentley, John Adams, Joe Teeter, Jesus de los Santos
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jackie Justice | ENG 289
- Our class was asked to create a film to showcase the filming techniques we learned throughout the semester. Final(e) highlights such these cinematography and filming techniques.
Integrating Video and Classic Board Games into the Classroom | Trifold/paper
- Student(s) Lucia Elden
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | EDU 107
- As game play has evolved to the point where there can be thousands of outcomes expressed in an open world game play when compared to the classic left-to-right timed rounds of the famous Mario games of times past. There are a number of other factors to consider when discussing valuable game play for education purposes. Game play may also help students that aren't interested in the typical learn-it-regurgitate-it school pedagogy that we are all familiar with. As games are new age they enhance the ability for students to use critical thought and depart from the industrial learning pedagogy that gained popularity throughout the industrial revolution as workers were needed to bolster factory production.
Teaching Students to Ask Questions: An Overlooked Skill | Trifold/paper
- Student(s) Audree Goffnett
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | EDU 107
- Teachers all over the world expect their students to comprehend material and ask questions. How can teachers expect students to ask questions when they were never taught exactly how to ask a question? Learning how to ask questions is an overlooked skill. When students ask questions they become more engaged and confident with the subject matter. This paper will discuss different types of questions, teaching students how to ask questions, why teaching how to ask questions is important, and lastly, discuss teachers' real concerns about student questions. The purpose of this research is to show educators the benefits of teaching students how to ask questions. As an Air Force Veteran, Cody has experienced games creating camaraderie, and he is studying how games can help with communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration as a future teacher.
How do Different Mutation Rates influence Evolution? | Poster
- Student(s) Caylie Wood, Skylar Davy, Marc Dean
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jeremiah Wagner | BIO 112
- At what mutation rate is evolution proceeding the quickest? This question is generally interesting because mutation can be incredibly helpful or harmful, and finding what rates correlate to what outcomes could help us in understanding what rate is preferable. In Avida we are able to test this hypothesis by adjusting the mutation rate of our organisms and recording at what rate our selected phenotypes show up quickest. Our hypothesis is that around a 5% -10% mutation rate will be optimal for the rapid evolution of our phenotypes. We found that a 3% mutation rate was optimum for Avida-Ed evolution.
Comparing Engineered vs. Wild Avida ED Organisms | Poster
- Student(s) Josh Clark, Andrew Coffman, Grace Garrison
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jeremiah Wagner | BIO 112
- For this experiment, we used the program Avida ED to examine the genomes of different organisms that can consume various sugars. We grew organisms in two ways: one by allowing them to use sugars progressively, and the other by allowing them to use all of the sugars from the beginning. We hypothesized the genomic function of xorose loci in an engineered organism to be different than a wild one and the genomes of the organisms that can use xorose to be different because they would have arisen by convergent evolution. Our results showed that the genomes of the wild strain and the engineered strain were vastly different even though both populations could utilize the xorose sugar.
Imperialism, "Free Market Paradise", and the Navajo's People Resiliance | Term Paper
- Student(s) Justin Adams
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Anthony William Gibbs | ENG 225
- The limited access to the means of production and subsequent extreme impoverishment are ever-growing issues prevalent within Navajo and Native American reservations and communities around the United States, which was exacerbated and put on showcase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ramifications of settler colonialism and imperialism on the part of the United States can best be seen in how the culture and traditional languages of so many First Nations tribes have been lost to forced integration and assimilation policies orchestrated by the United States. A widely unrecognized but quintessential reason for the wealth disparity and cultural loss for First Nations tribes is the fundamental proponent of capitalism and liberalism: private, individual ownership of property and the means of production. Analysis of existing data and economic trends showcase that access to the current means of production for Native American tribes invariably results in better standards of living; however, the current economic system and federal oversight in America impedes or outright denies most Native American tribes the authority or material basis to create facilities that can generate capital, such as casinos. Thus, there is enough evidence to illustrate how the current global economic model of capitalism will continue to oppress Native American tribes such as the Navajo. Finally, Navajo resistance to neocolonialist and imperialist hegemony is examined, and their aptitude for maintaining cultural identity is both inspiring and a beacon of hope for other Native American tribes who have not been as victorious in battles against oppressive American and capitalist tendencies.
A Future Teacher's E-Portfolio | Website/Poster
- Student(s) Logan Loya-Magallanes
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | EDU 290
- This future teacher's e-portfolio includes a philosophy of education, examples of teaching practices, analysis of the use of technology in the classroom, and classroom organization and management strategies to promote cultural diversity.
Desire to Escape | Art Work/Creative Project ENG 112 Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Makenna McCloud
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- The "Desire to Escape" is a theme in literature that can resonate individually, depending on one's circumstances. Having the desire to escape can be motivated by the struggles of being in unhealthy relationships or situations. Our relationships and outlooks can be easily broken down into life lessons. I feel connected to the pieces of literature that prompted my art/creative project. It is accompanied with my literature essay. These art pieces show the inner and connected troubles that come with being in complicated relationships and having the desire to escape them.
Starting Conversations | Poster/Paper
- Student(s) Shelby Fall
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Lucia Elden | HUM 200
- This paper argues that the importance of being part of a global community can just start by talking to someone or acknowledging other perspectives. The student tells several stories where she learned this by talking to a young woman from Afghanistan at a training at City Hall, a Mexican boy at the fairgrounds, a Japanese family at a daycare, a girl from Thailand at volleyball practice. As a future educator, she learns that learning about other cultures and inviting conversation is key to cosmopolitanism.
The Sound of Silence | Art Work/Creative Project ENG 112 Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Rayne Guza
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- Silence has its own sense of power. Silence can be a result of many situations as humans that we experience. Through my interpretation of the literature through illustration, has led me to a greater understanding of the theme "power of silence". Furthermore, the theme offers an experience to all that allow themselves to be connected to their own feelings through literature and the theme "power of silence".
Patriotism | Art Work/Creative Project ENG 112 Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Caiden Parker
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- Patriotism is something that every person has for their country in which they live. This paper argues that patriotism, which means loving your country, is important for bringing people together and making a country strong. But how people show their love for their country can be different depending on where they live and what they believe. Patriotism is a major thing that occurs throughout the United States of America and many people have used this topic to come up with many fantastic forms of literature to describe how amazing it truly is.
Injustice with War | Art Work/Creative Project ENG 112 Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Alyssa Hanselman
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- Even with the best intentions, war almost always leaves injustice toward something or someone. Not once has war left everyone feeling content and respected. Instead, it usually ensues in the destruction and further division of our world. Literature has and will continue to It speak of those who sit back idly while soldiers risk their lives for the majority. My three pieces of literature collaboratively provide a glimpse of insight into the malevolence and complicated injustice that can be derived from war.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence | Poster/Essay
- Student(s) Robert Woodcock-Valentine
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 111
- In recent times, artificial intelligence has continued to amaze people across the world. Whether it’s helping individuals in the form of a virtual assistant, or operating autonomous machines. AI seems to always be there when needed. Its capabilities have made usually complex tasks seem effortless. The growth of these technologies has transformed industries and day-to-day lives in the blink of an eye. While this technology seems to bring hope for a brighter future, its rapid development may leave many uneasy. I believe the general benefits and possible consequences of evolving AI are misunderstood and must be considered by developers when choosing to implement these systems into everyday life appropriately.
The Freedom of Rebellion | Poster/Essay
- Student(s) Madison Weber
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- For decades, rebellion has been seen as a terrible thing. Civilians are tortured and murdered for slouching their shoulders, stepping out of line, or creating things they enjoy. Being called a “rebel” is seen as an insult. People think that rebellious teenagers break laws, spread graffiti, drink underage, or do drugs. The stereotypes and backwards thinking needs to come to an end. Through literature it can be seen, heard and read that rebellion can lead to freedom and that speaking up for what is right should not be considered a negative stereotype.
Oppression of Women | Art Work/Creative Project ENG 112 Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Caroline McNabb
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- Being a woman is hard. No matter what we do, it’s going to be wrong. It’s not what men do (even though most times it is), so it’s not the right way. The oppression of women has been a struggle since the beginning of proper civilization. Its consequences, though, can be dangerous. This experience and its consequences are shown well through synthesis of literature, in which prompted my Art/creative work.
The Problematic Educational System | AMS Essay
- Student(s) Cameron Owen
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 111
- Education has been around for as long as anyone can remember. Starting from stories and growing into modern structured systems. The ways people have taught others are in constant change. Even so, modern educational systems are insufficient and are producing unsuccessful students who are not ready for the world. Problems within our system range from standardized testing politics, to unequal access to technology, to inadequate funding; however, the largest issue is the inability to dispose of the structures that do not work. Schools can be poor environments where students are sent to fail and compete against each other.
Selected Poems | Poster
- Student(s) Ella Strong
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Jackie Justice | ENG 225
- These are some of the poems I've written based on what I've seen in the world and what's in the worlds I've imagined.
The Desire to Escape | Literature Synthesis Essay
- Student(s) Audrey McNabb
- Faculty Sponsor & Course Aimee Hare | ENG 112
- As humans, we all have something in common—when things get rough, we feel the desire to escape. Problems in life are inevitable. Some people are able to avoid them better than others. Still, we can never truly escape the turmoils of being human, and many, myself included, feel this every day. I have felt and still feel the desire to escape from life’s problems frequently. I feel it when I have a busy and stressful week, when conflict is happening between friends or at school, and when unexpected things happen to family and friends. Fortunately though, this is something that people have faced since the beginning of time, and, as is the case with many of life's themes, literature has been created to help us feel less alone during these times. The desire to escape is present in many forms of present day literature.