Spring 2023 Honors Symposium

Wednesday, April 26

You are invited to attend the Spring 2023 Honors Symposium, which will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 4-6 pm in MUC 214. Each of the Honors students who completed an Honors conference this semester will be sharing the results of their projects during this event, and we hope you'll come out to support them in their work.

“Fighting Fire with Fire: The Effects of Myxococcus xanthus on E. coli infected Caco-2 Cells”

In this study, we investigated the effect of M. xanthus on E. coli infected human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells). Using in vitro assays, we observed the growth and characteristics of Caco-2 cells after exposure to both bacteria. However, further experimentation is necessary to confirm and better understand the underlying mechanisms at play. These results have important implications for our understanding of how bacterial communities interact with host cells, and how these interactions can influence health outcomes. In particular, M. xanthus may have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome, potentially providing a new avenue for the development of probiotics or other microbiome-based antimicrobial therapies.

Current major or area of academic interest: Biomedical sciences
Mentor: Eugene Burns

“Further Topics and Applications of Mathematical Analysis”

During this Honors Conference, we examined some results and applications that are not included in the Mathematical Analysis I course. Namely, we studied Nested Intervals and the Nested Intervals Property, a method for calculating square roots using a sequence, Euler’s Number as a limit of a sequence, Contractive sequences, and certain kinds of function limits.

Current major or area of academic interest: Mathematical Sciences with an Actuarial Concentration
Mentor:  Dr. John Whitaker

“The effect of online, hybrid, or otherwise changed field experiences for undergraduate students in teacher education programs”

My proposal for further research is to determine how the development of specific pedagogical knowledge was impacted through various forms of clinical experience whether that be in-person, hybrid, or entirely virtual.

Current major or area of academic interest: English/Humanities (Concentration in AYA English Education) 
Minor: Philosophy
Mentor: Jodi Dunham

“The Importance of Graphical Optimization”

I will be comparing a simple 3D rendering engine I made as a personal project during the first semester to a newer rendition made with the knowledge gained throughout this semester to demonstrate the power of coding optimization and how it can improve performance.

“The Rust Language’s Potential for Game Development”

I will be demonstrating the potential for Rust game development by showcasing the project I’ve made in the Bevy game engine over the course of the semester. This is a continuation of the previous semester’s project involving the exploration of alternative game engines.

Current major or area of academic interest: Gaming engineering and digital simulation
Mentor: Jason Witherell

“Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Generate Crochet Patterns”

I will be presenting my process of training artificial intelligence with a custom data set to generate its own crochet patterns.

Mentor: Jason Witherell

“The Role of Occupational Therapy in Hospice/Palliative Care”

This project will include a presentation of a review of literature investigating the role of occupational therapy in hospice care including the common conditions, interventions, and barriers to reimbursement that are relevant to this area of practice. An interview of a healthcare professional working in hospice care and a tour of a hospice facility completed by the presenter will also be discussed as a lived experience with reflection of the literature examined.