2022 Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

The goal of this study is to measure the attitudes towards and training about the health needs of non-heterosexual and non-cisgender individuals among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other medical professionals. This topic is difficult to study because the methods for asking questions regarding the LGBTQIA+ population are still under development, and because negative attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ population are still prevalent in American society. This presentation will discuss parts of the questionnaire design process, along with how the sample was drawn, the importance of the cognitive interviewing process, and further steps in the research process.

In recent years, the use of technology has been on the rise in the dance world as society as a whole increasingly has become digitized. One of these technologies popular among dance artists today is the camera. Dance created specifically for the screen can be better defined as screendance. In the realm of screendance, artists can choreograph a collaboration between camera and dancer that allows for the ability to express narrative in ways unique to film. In this research, I will argue that with the intentional use of framing, location, and editing in screendance, choreographers can tell if a narrative differs in ways from standard live performance. In the first section of this research, the idea of screendance and narrative, as well as dance filmmaking pioneer Maya Deren will be introduced. Next, the importance of framing, location, and editing choices to express an intended narrative to an audience, will be supported through research findings and screendance examples. Lastly, this research uncovers the possibility of screendance without narrative being questioned and explored through the structure of meta-narrative. Through this research process I have learned that the use of framing, location, and editing greatly affects and alters the outcome of narrative in screendance.

For years, strength training has been proven to improve the overall performance of an individual. The idea of implementing such training into a dancer's pedagogy is one that hasn't been investigated as deeply due to the ongoing fear within the dance world of being 'bulky' and body dysmorphia. This fear is centralized around the idea that strength training elicits bodily changes where muscle is gained and one's appearance is categorized as bulky or overweight. A dancer's fear of looking too bulky stems from the idealizing image of a dancer being petite. Through my exploration of the biomechanics of a dancer, in connection with strength training, I was able to determine how beneficial it is for dancers to include this type of discipline into their practices. With my findings, I implemented a 14-week strength training program into my own studies as a dancer, tracking my progress overtime. The idea of being too bulky, was proven to be inaccurate and my overall performance as a dancer had improved substantially.

Through close research, I have investigated Ohad Naharin's choreographic and creative processes for both Israel's Batsheva Dance Company and the Gaga Movement Language. Originated by Naharin in 1990, Gaga remains unparalleled and has challenged other forms of modern and contemporary dance genres in the past few decades. Creative processes, such as Gaga, are significant because they can provide young choreographers with alternative methods of creating and assembling a choreographic piece. I approached my research subject historically through bibliographic sources, interviews, and video analysis. I also engaged in ethnographic research and participant-observer methods to further examine specific choreographic methodologies utilized by the Gaga technique. In my narrative, I weave in the voices of Gaga specialists, such as Deborah Galili, who has spent many years studying the complex and layered aesthetics and creative methodologies that Ohad Naharin has contributed to contemporary dance. In this research, I demonstrate how Ohad Naharin's creative methodologies can generate innovative vocabulary and transformative choreographic narrative.

As a former recipient of gifted education services, I was interested in the laws surrounding gifted programs and the requirements to teach them. The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not have enough requirements in place for gifted program structure, the qualifications necessary to teach gifted classes, and the specific support services needed for gifted children to meet their potential. Dr. Katie Leckenby and I created a survey which was administered to members of the Pennsylvania Association of Gifted Education. The project is ongoing, with 27 responses thus far. I will also be observing middle school gifted programs at some of the participating schools.

Invasive species are a growing issue throughout the United States. Non-native invasives directly compete with native species for resources, such as light, nutrients, and space. Invasives also can be detrimental to the ecosystem, agriculture, and infrastructure. To approach limiting the spread of invasive plants, a thorough examination must be made to examine how they spread from areas of introduction. This study will use herbarium records to identify historical routes of invasion and the abiotic/biotic conditions conducive for invasion; the ultimate goal of this research is to identify high-risk corridors/habitats for future invasions. Additionally, these historical records can be used to determine if different plant growth forms (i.e., woody, herbaceous, or vining) have differing modes of invasion. In the present study we document several invasive plants introduced to Pennsylvania through intentional cultivation, including the Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Kudzu (Pueraria montana), Orange daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), and Periwinkle (Vinca minor). These species will be used as models to map historical invasions and predict high-risk habitat for future invasion. This research is timely and important as cultivation of exotic species still occurs, presenting continued potential for invasion.

A typical cell cycle is characterized by a growth phase followed by DNA replication and then finally cell division, which produces genetically identical cells. Alternatively, in the process known as endoreduplication, cells grow, and DNA replication occurs, but the cell does not divide. In plants, CDC20 and CCS52 proteins control when a cell undergoes either mitosis or endoreduplication, respectively, via activating the anaphase promoting complex (APC). The APC then targets specific proteins called cyclins for degradation. This research project focuses on a potential third type of APC activator in soybean (Glycine max), Glyma.10G117000.1 or GLYMA10. GLYMA10 shares sequence similarities with CDC20 and CCS52 proteins such as a conserved C- box, MAD2-binding motif, IR tail, RVL motif, and WD40 domain, which indicates that the protein is capable of interacting with the APC, but there are also distinct differences between the proteins. To confirm that GLYMA10 is expressed, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify GLYMA10 from flower cDNA. The PCR product was cloned into a sequencing vector, which was then transformed into E. coli. The plasmid was sequenced confirming that GLYMA10 is expressed in flowers. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was then used to analyze expression levels of GLYMA10 not only in flowers, but also in apical meristems, trifoliate leaves, unifoliate leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and new and old seed pods. Overall, GLYMA10 was not expressed in trifoliate leaves, unifoliate leaves, roots, or stem tissues and was only very weakly expressed in seeds, flowers and apical meristems. It was, however, very strongly expressed in new and old seed pods, with old seed pods showing the highest expression levels of GLYMA10. In the future, we will continue to study seed pods in an effort to understand the function of this protein.

Blood pressure (BP) is commonly measured to diagnose hypertension and inform safe exercise participation. In clinical settings, BP is generally measured in one arm, disregarding the opposite arm and potential inter-arm differences (IAD) in BP. A commonly cited best practice suggests measuring BP in both arms at rest, and then monitoring the higher measured arm moving forward (e.g., exercising BP). Aerobic exercise (AE), often utilized to reveal underlying cardiovascular risk undetectable at rest or improve health, is known to acutely change BP. Previous data from our lab also suggests that AE alters IAD, and that the higher arm BP may shift during an AE session. In this retrospective analysis, we examined data from a series of four AE studies in our lab that documented bilateral BP responses during 1) progressive, low-intensity AE, 2) steady-state, low-intensity AE, 3) steady-state moderate-intensity AE, and 4) progressive, vigorous-intensity AE. Briefly, the higher arm during each participant's resting bilateral BP measurements was determined, and participants with no IAD were excluded from analysis. Subsequently, the instance of missed higher systolic or diastolic BP measurements in the lower arm were determined during the participant's AE and recovery stages. Interestingly, there were many instances of higher BP measures in the lower arm. For example, during progressive, low-intensity exercise, participants with a higher right arm BP at rest (n=58) had a higher BP in the left arm 14-19% of the time during AE. Surprisingly, participants with a higher left arm BP at rest (n=17) had a higher right arm BP 35-53% of the time during AE. Similar instances will be reported from multiple studies. Based on our findings, true bilateral BP readings may have clinical relevance in the accurate management of AE testing and intervention.

Blood pressure (BP) is a common marker of cardiac health, often used to diagnose hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In a clinical setting, BP is used as a clear measure for monitoring safe exercise participation. Despite 'best practices' currently outlined as measuring BP bilaterally to find the arm with the highest pressure for clinical decision making going forward, many clinicians continue to take a unilateral BP, and risk missing clinically relevant inter-arm differences (IAD; >10mmHg) in BP. Additionally, by only monitoring one arm during exercise, a hypertensive measurement may be missed in the lower resting arm. Recent research demonstrates that isometric handgrip exercise (IHE) training chronically reduces hypertension, and therefore, IHE training is becoming a more common clinical intervention. As IHE acutely alters BP, training sessions should be monitored in order to ensure that safe BP ranges are maintained. Recent bilateral BP data measured in the SRU Exercise Science Research Lab was retrospectively analyzed from two studies that utilized simultaneous, bilateral BP measurement during single-incidence, and repeated sets of IHE. In both studies, there were instances where there were higher BP measurements during IHE and recovery in the arm that was determined lower at rest (and would have been ignored using best practices unilateral measurement). For example, during a single-incidence IHE session in young, healthy individuals, when the resting arm (i.e., non-IHE arm) was determined higher at rest (n=24), a higher systolic BP was missed 39% of the time in the working arm. Likewise, when the working arm (i.e., IHE arm) was determined higher at rest (n=25), a higher systolic BP was missed in the resting arm 36% of the time. Similar instances will be reported from both studies. Upon evaluation of our data, utilizing true bilateral BP monitoring may be a best practices consideration during IHE testing and intervention.

It is a known scientific fact that indoor transmission of COVID-19 is very significant compared to the outdoor setting. Even so, the ease of transmission depends on several factors including the strain of the virus. Until we reach herd immunity, mask-wearing, social distancing, decreased indoor occupancy and vaccination will continue play significant roles in the effort to curb the transmission of COVID-19. Furthermore, with mutation and the presence of new viral strains, break through infection still occurs among the vaccinated. With this in mind, the role of indoor environment in the transmission of COVID-19 becomes imperative as the global effort towards vaccination continues. Social distancing can be challenging overall in the classroom setting, making indoor air quality one of the contributing factors in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is one indicator of probable suboptimal indoor air quality that affects some individuals that spend substantial amount of time in a building including classrooms. In order to assess indoor air quality in the classroom, we will measure two parameters, carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matters (PM 2.5 and 10.0) in the classrooms.Furthermore, a questionnaire will be used to collect data on student and faculty experiences as it concerns COVID-19 precautions, knowledge, behavior, and air quality-related health effects in the classroom environment.In conclusion, we will use data collected from the questionnaire and measured parameters as pointers to the overall air quality and assess the potential roles in COVID-19 transmission in the classroom.

Although Cryogenics is not new, many of its uses have still yet to be found. Despite this, it is used in everyday life without many people knowing. For instance, one of the first breakthrough discoveries was that of the Bell Coleman Steam Driven Air Cycle Refrigerator in 1877. This allowed for meat to be transported frozen across many different regions by boat and resulted in increasing the longevity of healthy meat for customers. As time progressed, the concept continued to evolve, leading to the idea of the refrigerators being installed in homes. Cryogenics is the process of subjecting a material to below freezing temperatures to achieve new or various properties of the materials. Changes in mechanical properties of materials subjected to Cryogenics are significantly important. In project design, various materials are compared to ensure the properties of the materials comply with codes and specifications, such as tensile strength, compression strength, ductility, etc. Concurrently, the cost effectiveness of what is being designed is assessed. In this research, the material behavior in terms of ductility and brittleness has been studied through a literature review. Additionally, the impact of temperature on strength increase or strength reduction has been investigated. However, not all materials exposed to these temperatures act similarly. To understand what happens at these cold temperatures, the materials must be subjected to the effects of a coolant such as liquid nitrogen. Thus, an analysis of the materials under these harsh conditions is needed to see how it affects the materials' properties and behaviors. The results indicated that there are many distinct abilities of materials that are changed, ranging from radial compressive stress increasing by 132% to thermal conductivity decreasing by 30%.

To effectively study the developmental effects of ethanol on honeybee (Apis mellifera) larvae, ethanol must be administered without causing high rates of mortality. As larvae are bathed in the food they ingest, there is a risk that an ethanol-containing diet will cause drying effects, effectively killing the larvae. The aim of this study is to investigate the survival rate of honeybee larvae exposed to an ethanol-containing diet. To accomplish this goal, a rearing protocol and diet achieving a consistent survival rate of greater than 95% were selected from previous literature. This protocol involves the grafting and feeding of larvae over a 6-day period, increasing the amount of food and altering proportions of nutrients administered in accordance with the stage of development. The present study will investigate survivability while incorporating varying concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) of ethanol into the diet and maintaining the previously effective grafting and feeding procedures. Concentrations chosen are known to result in the presence of ethanol in the hemolymph of adult honeybees and impact behavioral outcomes. Concentrations will not exceed 7.5% as previous studies indicate serious impairment above this level. As future studies are intended to investigate the developmental effects of ethanol on chemosensory behavior, the present study will determine a viable diet containing concentrations of ethanol that will affect bee behavior without severe impairment. To determine the viability of our diets, the mortality of the honeybee larvae will be measured each day during grafting. The results of this study will inform future investigation of ethanol administration to honeybee larvae by providing critical information on concentrations that can or cannot be administered effectively without drying out these developing organisms.

HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a national non-profit organization that provides comfort (via highly trained and certified comfort dogs) to people affected by a crisis. This past October, four students from SRU attended an intensive training to become nationally-certified HOPE AACR Team Leaders. Since then, students have been responding to crisis calls in the Eastern US Region, including a hospital to support the staff affected by the stress of caring for Covid patients, a high school in response to two student suicides, and two other schools in response to accidental student deaths. A social worker's primary responsibility is to promote well-being. When disaster strikes, we have an ethical imperative to supply psychological first-aid to the survivors. AACR has been found to be an effective intervention for those needing assistance (Chandler, 2008). HOPE-AACR canine teams never respond to a call alone and the importance of the Certified Team Leaders to manage the logistics and needs of the teams cannot be overstated. The students involved are gaining valuable leadership skills as they use what they have learned in their Social Work and Animal-Assisted Intervention classes in the field. The certification process involved a three-day training which included experiential training in disaster response, crisis intervention, stress management, and AACR. To date, the students have assisted nearly a dozen canine/handler teams as they brought comfort to over 2300 individuals following a crisis. This ongoing endeavor has provided opportunities for students to provide a high-value community service as well as network with other professionals in the field. Most importantly, students are fulfilling their personal and professional objectives of providing assistance in a moment of great need. References Chandler, C.K. (2008, March). Animal assisted therapy with Hurricane Katrina survivors. Based on a program presented at the ACA Annual Conference Exhibition, Honolulu, HI. Retrieved from http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas08/Chandler.htm

Children of incarcerated parents face a multitude of issues, and some can have a significant impact on their mental health. While existing research acknowledges that there is a link between parental incarceration and mental health issues, many children who have an incarcerated parent are often left without treatment or other resources that address their needs. One way to mitigate some of the mental health implications for children is consistent and healthy contact with the incarcerated parent. However, visitation procedures and guidelines vary depending on the facility, staff and resources available, and security levels. In order to gain insight into the different visitation procedures, we contacted 15 county facilities in Western Pennsylvania and asked about their visitation protocols in general, for families, and how these have changed due to COVID-19. This presentation also discusses possible solutions that could help mitigate the restrictions placed on family visits and assist children and their incarcerated parents to strengthen their family bond.

COVID-19 has placed an emphasis on social distancing, while also making it more difficult for individuals to keep up with a physical activity regimen. Due to gym closures and restrictions, more people are working out at home but have no equipment or proper guidance. In many cases, this leads to wavering motivation levels, which correlates to a lack of progress. Implementation of a proper strength training program can be accomplished online, and if effective, will provide positive fitness results. An eight-week, three workout per week, strength training program was administered over Zoom to 12 participants, who classify as beginners in strength training (age: 55.33 ± 7.8). Participants performed a traditional strength training program utilizing various dumbbell, resistance band, and bodyweight exercises. All instruction was delivered distantly through Zoom, where investigators delivered fitness instruction through microphone and camera. Various pre-test and post-test exercises were administered to test participant fitness levels before and after the program: timed chair squat, cadenced curl-ups, maximum repetition push-ups, and maximum repetition seated biceps curls (both left and right). Data was collected and recorded for all exercises pre-test and post-test. T-test was used to calculate differences between pre- and post-test scores. Four of the five tests saw significant improvements in repetition: the seated chair squat saw a 3.6 repetition (16.4%) improvement, push-ups improved by 9.2 (116.9%). Biceps curl (left) improved by 9.5 (50.0%), right side by 9.1 (42.2%) (all 0.05). The curl-up test did not show significant differences between pre- and post-test: while participants completed more repetitions, the 7.8 repetition improvement was not statistically significant. The beginner strength program proved to be effective, despite being entirely online. Participants saw improvements in terms of strength, as 80% of test exercises proved to be statistically significant.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health issue that can affect women who have recently given birth. For that reason, a postpartum depression screening is typically given within the first year of postpartum care. For this research, Edinburgh questionnaire scores from Kids Plus Pediatrics sites in Western Pennsylvania, collected between the years 2018 and 2021 inclusively, are used to determine if temporal pattern of PPD rates were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Time series modelling is utilized to understand overall trend and seasonal patterns of PPD. Preliminary results suggest that rates of PPD were adversely affected by the pandemic.

In recent years, the electrification rate of modern machinery and appliances has shown an increasing trend. This trend caused a shift in focus on battery power, especially as a source of storage power. Lithium-ion batteries are used as an excellent source of sustainable power in many complex engineering systems. From high energy density to their lightweight feature, lithium-ion batteries supersede over other battery types. However, these batteries fail in certain aspects of operation which is a major concern in terms of safety and reliability. In this work, we have studied major failure mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries under different operating conditions. Failure mechanisms were then related to physics-based models to understand the degradation process of batteries in actual operations over a period of time. This understanding enriches the health-monitoring-based prognostic analysis of battery management systems.

Globally, many amphibian populations are in decline and some populations face the potential of extinction. Previous research supports that localized amphibian population declines may be attributed to chemical contaminant exposure. However, the connection between contaminant exposure and changes in individual or population success may be more difficult to discern in the absence of overt toxicity or mortality. We examined the sublethal influence of exposure to a common contaminant of surface waters on metabolic changes in adult African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis). Adult male X. laevis were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of the commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, by immersion for 48 days. Following exposure, we determined plasma glucose, glycerol, and triglycerides from samples collected in baseline and handling-stressed conditions. This ongoing research will contribute to our knowledge of the factors influencing amphibian decline by providing insight into sublethal influences of chemical exposure on amphibian metabolism.

Research has clearly shown over time that there are significant social, emotional, and academic benefits to young children who attend quality Pre-Kindergarten programs. The administration at the Grove City Area School District approached our research team to investigate the reasons why less than 50% of children who enter Kindergarten in the district have not attended a PreK program. Our goals for this study were to:Assess PreK options for the Grove City community, Identify the families who have not enrolled their children in PreK and determine the barriers to PreK access, and Collaborate with community partners to propose and enact potential solutions to PreK access. An anonymous survey using Qualtrics was sent to every family in the district with children currently in kindergarten through second grade. Currently, the survey is still active and there have been 74 responses as of February 14, 2022. Results thus far have shown that 80% of the children did attend PreK and 20% did not. As suspected, responses to the survey indicate the biggest barrier to PreK access was that the programs in the community simply didn't have openings. Other identified challenges to access include lack of quality programs in the community, cost, and lack of transportation. Results support an investigation into potential new programs within the Grove City School District or expansion of existing quality programming.

Determining the integrity of two ink strokes in a crossing is an ongoing investigative challenge. While the field has had many technological advancements, current methods of ink dating are highly subjective, primarily dependent upon the experience level of the investigator. The field also lacks a true understanding of how two inks distribute within a crossing. This information, however, may be key evidence for the completion of a civil or criminal investigation. Therefore, this study was completed to objectively observe the actual distribution between inks within the interior of their crossing. Sixteen crossings made from unique combinations of four blue gel pens (Bic Cristal, Uniball Signo, Bic Pro, and Pilot G2) were prepared on white office paper. The perpendicular crossings were cut using a scalpel to expose the depth of the two ink layers. The University of Pittsburgh's Raman Spectrometer equipped with a microscope was used to analyze each sample with a 20X objective and a 473 nm laser. From the sixteen unique ink combinations, multiple drying times between ink layers (horizontal ink and vertical ink) were also analyzed (0, 12, 36, or 48 hours). Experimental conditions were optimized before sample analysis. The Raman microscope mapped the chemical signatures present within each crossing, with a constant approximate value of 300 data points measured. Preliminary data analysis using Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) method revealed chemical images which show the actual distribution of each ink within the crossing. The intention is to create a model with this information that will help investigators objectively identify the legality of the ink crossing in question.

Nijinska, following Stravinsky's libretto, opted for abstraction. She created a generalized image of human emotion within a ritualistic form (Kisselgoff C13). Bronislava Nijinska, the first and only female to choreograph for Ballet Russes created a work titled Les Noces which first debuted at the Théâtre Gaîte-Lyrîqué in 1923. Les Noces, in English the Wedding explored the status of women in Russia. Nijinska wanted this piece to be a political statement addressing traditional values in The Soviet Union. In the piece, Nijinska uses movement, symbolism, costume, and music to bring this work of art to life. This research will deconstruct Bronislava Nijinska's work titled Les Noces addressing different choreographic tools used by the choreographer to portray conflict. This research is significant in that it explores the history of women throughout a considerable period in Russia. It is important that artists, teachers, performers, and choreographers are educated in past works, and choreographers to have and share knowledge with others. As artists there is a power and responsibility to bring light to prominent issues, we are passionate about.

The tap water in Slippery Rock has an objectionable taste and odor. The unfavorable taste and odor cause many residents to look for other options such as filtrated pitchers or bottled water. These methods can become costly and produce a large amount of unnecessary waste. The aim of this research is to determine different factors that are responsible for the drinking water's inadequate qualities and to inform the community about their drinking water. Another goal is to provide alternative solutions for clean drinking water that will not negatively impact the environment. The tap water in Slippery Rock is derived from an underground aquifer in well fields situated around the region. An aquifer is an underground water-bearing rock layer that has characteristics conducive to storing large amounts of water. These characteristics control how water can easily flow through a rock layer. Water treatment by the Slippery Rock Municipal Authority has been able to reduce some of the constituents present but is not able to eliminate all. Gas chlorination is one method used to reduce levels of harmful microbes. However, some chlorine remains in the water after this process contributing to the odor and bad taste. The average taste threshold concentration for free residual chlorine in water ranges from 0.0075-0.450 mg/L and the lowest concentration of chlorine found in Slippery Rock water in the last 5 years was 0.79 mg/L in 2019, and has ranged as high as 1.46 mg/L. The water also contains high levels of sodium, around 144 mg/L. The range for taste thresholds in this compound is 30-140 mg/L, leading the salinity to also be a possible cause of objectionable taste. Sodium is a naturally derived constituent, just like many of the contaminants found in Slippery Rock water. Further assessment of the water quality data and investigations into the source of the groundwater will allow us to provide a more comprehensive analysis.

The term Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) was coined in 1994 at the same time CASEL (Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning) was founded to focus on the relationships a student has and the skills necessary to identify and manage their feelings. Dr. Scott Edgar researches theimperative connection that music has to social and emotional learning. There are many factors that can affect how effective SEL practices are in the classroom. This study focuses on culture as a factor with the potential to impact students' SEL in a music classroom setting. Cultural approaches to emotions and relationships differ, so the impacts those views might have on the effective implementation of SEL should be explored. This study aimed to answer the questions of: How do different cultures view emotions?, How do those views affect SEL teaching strategies?, and How can music educators implement or adapt SEL teaching strategies to best suit all learners in their classrooms? Participants in this study were selected after responding to an advertisement on social media platforms. Six participants were self-identified teachers of a student population that includes at least 50% Asian, African American, Native American, and/or Hispanic students. 2 participants were self-identified teachers who belong to one of those communities. Participants were interviewed over Zoom using predetermined questions. Transcripts of the interviews were reviewed and edited for clarity, sent for content confirmation by the participants, and analyzed for themes. Themes were compiled and used to create suggestions for music educators to effectively implement SEL into their curriculum. Common themes included learning about the culture, recognizing cultural differences and challenges, and managing the classroom environment. Implications included straying from preconceived notions and biases, finding interests of students and applying them to content being taught, and embracing diversity in the classroom.

With an ever-diversifying population, health care providers must understand that culture has a large impact on their patient's prior perceptions of healthcare, including their trust or mistrust of the provider and what their practices. This impact spreads to an individual's health choices, response to therapy and treatment, and how they seek care. Therefore, intercultural communication plays a significant role in providing the best possible healthcare. Despite this, there is little policy in teaching and enforcing cultural competency for many health care providers, especially physicians. This research aimed to explore how the communicative experiences of Spanish-speaking individuals living in the U.S. with their physicians affected their wellbeing. In this project, a phenomenological approach was used to gain a better understanding of the participant's experiences. A preliminary survey and an in-depth interview were used to gather our data. It was revealed that the cultural value of personalismo, the value of personal relationships, is one of the most important values to Spanish-speaking patients when selecting a physician. A lack of personalismo often results in changing or not seeking medical help. The data also revealed that the participants were unaware of navigating the American health system and general health information, thus making them more prone to health care disparities. The results of this study provide much-needed information on the importance of physicians to understand the cultural background of their patients and learn good cultural competency. The results further bring attention to the continuing complexities of delivering health care to people from diverse cultural backgrounds in the U.S.

This project investigates student performance throughout the stages of remote learning before and during COVID. Student performance in 300 level courses is compared from Fall 2019 through Spring 2021 in STEM versus Non-STEM courses. The goal is to determine if student performance was affected during the stages of remote learning through COVID and to determine if these effects were similar for students in 300 level STEM courses compared to students in 300 level Non-STEM courses. Statistical software is used to conduct a data analysis on course grades from Mathematics, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography/Environmental Studies, Physics, Biology, History, and English. The data are analyzed using statistical methods to compare the findings over the four semesters. Preliminary analysis indicates no significant differences. The statistical analysis continues by using various comparative, categorical analysis methods to explore and compare the distributions. More detailed results will be included in the presentation.