27th Student Academic Conference Schedule

Classroom teachers are often required to teach advisory courses that include career counseling and social emotional learning components. While the study is focused on collecting information from working adults, the results of this study could provide information for teachers who are taking on coaching, advising, and counseling roles at any educational level. The purpose of this positivist cross-sectional correlational research was to explore the relationships between the Big Five Aspects of personality and career interest in working individuals in Redwood County, Minnesota. A total of 88 quantitative items are included in the anonymous Personality and Career Interest Questionnaire, which was developed by the researcher, with an additional 4 qualitative (i.e., open-ended) items. The questionnaire was field tested and updated according to the recommendations provided by the reviewers before it was distributed to various businesses, organizations, and community members via email. Partial correlations were found between the Big Five Aspects of personality and Holland’s Codes of career interest. Partial correlations were also found between two Big Five Aspects of personality and job satisfaction. Partial correlations were found between the Big Five Aspects of personality and career fit. This exploratory study allows researchers to put forth recommendations for the improvement of career coaching, advising, and counseling.

The general direction of this research was to study eclipsing binary star systems. To start, stars to observe had to be chosen. There were several targeting tools that contained lists of objects and their corresponding information. This is sufficient for most types of variable stars; however, most tools do not consider whether an eclipse was observable on a particular night or at our location; they simply list where the stars are visible.

An open-source program was created in Python to calculate when an observer can observe an eclipse. Predictions were generated for the eclipsing binary stars listed in the Otero+ spreadsheet using period and eclipse duration pulled from the Variable Star Index (VSX). The spreadsheet and index are sourced from the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). The program uses the observer location and observer-specified constraints on elevation and sky darkness to generate a list of upcoming full or partial transits observable from their location.

Several observations of object V2480 Cyg were taken with the Paul P. Feder Observatory using the times that were calculated from the program. The observed eclipse time was 1.73 hours past the prediction. This could be a result of either the period or the epoch reported in VSX being incorrect, or both. Other objects were observed to confirm that the program works correctly. Fortunately, there was Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data from NASA that was used to compare the period times for V2480 Cyg. The periods between TESS and VSX agree only to the first three decimal places. Further study of this object is planned to discern the source of this discrepancy.

Years later after slavery was abolished with the 13th amendment in 1865, women of color still had struggles and faced challenges. One of those challenges was the right to legally vote. Whereas white men and men of color already had the right to vote. Later on, the 19th amendment was passed giving all women the right to vote. Although women of color still faced many challenges. One of those challenges being the right to freely be able to vote. There were many laws in place that prevented women of color from being fully able to have the right to vote. For example, the Jim Crow laws, tests of literacy, and more. Yet, this wasn’t the only major fight women of color were fighting for during the 1960s Civil Rights Era. Women of color were fighting for education in schools(desegregation), healthcare and reproductive rights, protection against racial behavior and/or violence, and more. So, the question is why did it take so long for women of color to get the right to vote? More specifically, African American women fighting to be fully enfranchised. As, women of color didn’t fully get the right to freely vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Along with fighting for other rights during the 1960s Civil Rights Era. 

Background
With the rapid advancement of technology, cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated, making traditional security measures less effective. The increasing volume of data generated in digital environments makes it difficult to monitor and detect attacks in real time. As cyber threats evolve, there is a growing need for more advanced security solutions capable of identifying and mitigating threats proactively.

Research Purpose
This study explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in threat detection and response, focusing on its ability to enhance cybersecurity by addressing the limitations of traditional security approaches. The research aims to analyze how AI-driven systems improve threat identification, automate responses, and reduce the impact of cyberattacks.

Methods
The study involves a comprehensive review of existing AI-based security models, including machine learning techniques, anomaly detection, and behavioral analysis. Case studies and real-world applications of AI in cybersecurity are examined to assess their effectiveness in detecting and mitigating cyber threats.

Findings
The research indicates that AI-driven threat detection significantly enhances cybersecurity by processing large datasets, identifying patterns, and detecting anomalies in real time. Machine learning models improve over time, allowing for adaptive security measures against evolving threats. Automated response systems reduce reaction time, minimizing damage from cyberattacks.

Conclusion
AI has emerged as a crucial tool in modern cybersecurity, offering a proactive approach to threat detection and response. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, detect anomalies, and automate security processes makes it superior to traditional security methods. Future research should focus on refining AI models to enhance accuracy, reduce false positives, and address ethical concerns related to AI-driven security solutions.

   Algal blooms are a growing phenomenon that, while beneficial in some circumstances, have many harmful effects on the environment. While a generally natural occurrence, the number of cases has drastically increased in recency due to human influence. This presentation explores the many facets of algal bloom: its development, its impact on multiple ecosystems, and humanity's contribution to its spread (i.e. pollution, changes to both land and water, climate change, etc.) An in-depth analysis will be conducted on pre-existing research, including occurrence rates and documented cases of environmental damage/wildlife poisoning. With this knowledge gathered, potential preventative measures and treatments will be discussed. It is important that this relationship is recognized and action is taken to prevent further growth, as this issue has larger worldwide consequences than most realize.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal disease characterized by lung remodeling. Antipyrine, a 5-membered pyrazolone ring substituted with two methyl groups and a phenyl group, has been identified as an early-stage alternative lead drug candidate for improved treatment of IPF by collaborators at the Mayo Clinic. Our research group is pursuing synthesis of a library of antipyrine-analogs for improved IPF treatment. The C4 group of antipyrine is replaced, through standard Grignard reaction followed by dehydration, by more complex alkene groups to alter the electronic characteristics and size of the attachment. Variations in attachment groups allow for potential differences in drug binding to improve antipyrine as an alternative for IPF treatment. GC-MS analysis shows alkene products ranging from 60-100% purity in comparison to starting products. Percent yields of several alkene products were obtained and shown to be more variable, ranging between 30-65%. The procedure used to prepare antipyrine analogs was successful in adding a vinyl group in five of the six attempted reactions. Each of the five successful products are novel molecules and will be tested by Mayo Clinic for drug efficiency in remediating IPF. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects individuals in various ways, including challenges with social interactions and communication. Anxiety, a common experience that impacts many people across different areas of life, often intersects with ASD. Studies have highlighted that the neurological differences observed in both individuals with ASD and those with anxiety are strikingly similar. For instance, reduced gray matter volume (GMV) in the amygdala has been identified in MRI scans of both groups. Studies have shown that people with ASD tend to experience higher levels of anxiety compared to neurotypical individuals, making it essential to provide tailored support. This research identified that effective interventions include anticipatory strategies; such as picture schedules and video modeling. These strategies support by setting clear expectations before an experience, thereby reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of control. 

International students contribute over $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy; however, as of 2021, only 17 percent of those earning an undergraduate degree remained in the country post-graduation, with fewer than 50 percent staying long-term. This study evaluates the economic value of a U.S. undergraduate degree by examining labor market accessibility in both the United States and students’ home countries. A comprehensive literature review, incorporating data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the Institute of International Education, and other government sources, identifies structural barriers limiting international graduates' employment prospects. Additionally, policy analyses assess the extent to which visa regulations constrain labor market participation. Findings indicate that U.S. labor market access for international students completing an undergraduate degree in the U.S. is highly restricted, with opportunities increasing at higher levels of education. Further, no labor market preference exists for international students holding U.S. degrees compared to peers educated in their home countries. These insights provide a data-driven framework for prospective students to assess the return on investment of a U.S. undergraduate education and inform policy recommendations aimed at improving international student retention and labor market integration.

Axolotls, often referred to as "Mexican walking fish," are amphibians native to the Xochimilco waterway system near Mexico City. Unlike most amphibians, axolotls exhibit neoteny, meaning they retain their larval features into adulthood, such as gills and a finned tail. This, along with their regenerative abilities - capable of regenerating limbs, their spinal cord, heart, and other organs -makes them extremely valuable for scientific research. They have become critically endangered in their natural habitat due to urbanization, pollution, and invasive species. Axolotls have a diverse diet, primarily consisting of small aquatic animals, and can live up to 15 years in captivity. Their fascinating traits and adorable appearance have made them popular in the pet trade, while their cultural significance is deeply rooted in Aztec mythology. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this extraordinary species and their ecosystem.

Entrepreneurship is a journey of learning, adaptation, and transformation. Roselta Cosmetics was born from my personal experiences with self-expression and the challenges of embracing bold, alternative makeup styles in an unsupportive environment. I created this brand to provide a safe and empowering space for makeup lovers to celebrate their individuality without fear of judgment. However, as I’ve grown as an entrepreneur, so has my vision.
This presentation explores the journey of Roselta Cosmetics, its transformation into StarSpire Cosmetics, and how the knowledge gained from ENTR 229 and Digital Marketing is shaping this evolution. ENTR 229 provided me with essential business and branding strategies, refining my marketing approach and long-term vision. Meanwhile, Minghan’s expertise in Digital Marketing has given us the tools to leverage digital influence effectively. Together, we are combining our skills to create collaborative marketing content, including two to three videos, to analyze their impact on website traffic, sales, and social media growth.
Through ENTR 229, I learned how to strengthen my brand identity, engage my audience more effectively, and refine my business model. The course helped me recognize the need for a complete brand renewal, leading to StarSpire Cosmetics—a brand that embraces a magical, celestial, and otherworldly aesthetic while staying true to its core values of self-expression and inclusivity.
This presentation highlights how entrepreneurship and digital marketing intersect to drive real-world business growth. StarSpire Cosmetics represents not just the evolution of my brand but also my personal growth as an entrepreneur, demonstrating the power of adaptation, collaboration, and strategic marketing.

This presentation explores how I wrote a lesson plan using bibliotherapy practices to engage learners in a social and emotional way. Bibliotherapy is a tactic of therapy that uses books to help people solve problems and find characters they can identify with. The main goal of teaching a lesson this way is for students to gain an understanding of themselves and their surroundings through the reading of books. When teaching in this way, the first step is to have the student identify with the character or situation in the book. Next, the student would experience emotions similar to the character. Lastly, the student will apply the characters’ experience to their own life through the help of the teacher. I personally used the book The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss to encourage students to embrace differences and equity.

According to the Federal Reserve, the top decile of U.S. households possesses over 70% of total wealth while the bottom half of U.S. households claims approximately 2% of total wealth. This stark disparity highlights the growing concentration of wealth among a small segment of the population, raising concerns about economic mobility and long-term financial stability. Using publicly available data, this research employs regression analysis to examine the relationship between wealth inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, and independent variables such as education level, race, access to credit, inheritance, and tax policy. Unlike prior studies that focus on the relationship between income and wealth inequality, this research analyzes wealth disparities through the lens of intergenerational transfers and financial asset accessibility. Policymakers and economists can utilize the findings to design comprehensive interventions that reduce economic disparities.