28th Student Academic Conference Schedule

Mimosa pudica exhibits rapid leaf-folding behavior in response to mechanical stimulation, making it a useful model for studying plant sensitivity and habituation. This study investigated whether repeated mechanical stimulation affects the growth and behavioral response of Mimosa pudica during early development. Seeds from the same batch were germinated and grown under identical conditions. Two plants were observed from germination through later growth stages: one plant was subjected to frequent touch and movement, while the second plant served as a minimally handled control. Growth and behavior were recorded through qualitative observations. The mechanically stimulated plant exhibited reduced growth, losing two of its three initial shoots, while the control plant lost only one. However, the stimulated plant showed reduced sensitivity to novel mechanical disturbance during transport. These findings suggest that repeated mechanical stimulation may reduce growth while increasing tolerance to environmental stress, indicating a potential trade-off between growth and resilience in Mimosa pudica.

   Phishing remains the most prevalent form of cybercrime. Criminals are taking advantage of deceptive emails, smishing, and vishing to steal sensitive data. Current data suggests that despite advancing firewalls and detection software and AI, human psychology remains the most vulnerable entry point. Cyber security is only as strong as its most vulnerable user.

   The effects of a successful phishing attack can range from individual identity theft or loss, to massive corporate data breaches that could cripple national infrastructure and subvert national security. As digital communication becomes more sophisticated, so do psychological tactics. Which makes this a critical area of study for cybersecurity and behavioral science, as well as the back end implications of the IT sphere.

   While technical solutions like spam/ham filters exist, there is a large gap in users' technical literacy, and with the continuing rise of social media, "bad actors" playing on individuals' psychology has never been easier. Many individuals remain unaware of how to identify modern, highly-targeted "spear-phishing" attempts or the specific protocols to follow once a compromise has occurred. Most are also unaware of the negative and positive impacts of AI in phishing, including AI powered Vishing on the negative side, and deep learning CNN models detecting and removing phishing links before they have the chance to be malicious. 

My project is a biographical presentation about the lives of individual enslaved people in North Carolina during the 1790s. My presentation will answer questions such as what they looked like, skills these people possessed, how they escaped, what motivated their escape, where they fled, and what a contemporary individual can learn from their escape. I will be using sources like census data, maps, and fugitive slave advertisements to further help in my presentation. The goal of the presentation is to provide a historical voice to the lives of individuals who were formerly silenced.

Cybersecurity has become a critical component of modern information systems as organizations increasingly rely on digital infrastructure for operations, communication, and data storage. This project examines common cybersecurity threats, including ransomware, phishing, malware, and web application vulnerabilities, and analyzes the prevention strategies organizations use to mitigate these risks. Emphasis is placed on established frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and Zero Trust architecture. The research evaluates how layered security controls, structured risk management processes, and human-factor awareness contribute to stronger organizational resilience. By synthesizing industry reports, academic research, and government security standards, this study highlights the importance of proactive and framework driven security strategies in protecting enterprise information systems.

This literature review explores evaluation methods, evidence-based treatments, and accommodations that Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) use to ensure success for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental language disorder (DLD). Using a multidisciplinary approach, individuals have cohesive, effective care amongst team members and caregivers. Intervention typically includes language and cognition support through executive function support, caregiver training, and literacy development. Decreasing the cognitive load a child has can improve their ability to use language skills, thus increasing the chance of therapeutic and educational success (Senter et al., 2023). This decrease allows for more effective access to intervention through targeted language, executive functioning, and literacy supports for individuals with ADHD and DLD.

The purpose of this study is to examine whether Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) can be effectively used as a strategic tool to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in organizational settings. Drawing from Korzynski’s (2024) discussion of GenAI’s role in bridging human resource development processes, this research focuses on how GenAI may influence workplace communication, particularly in DEI-related contexts. Through an online survey and quantitative analysis, the study explores differences in perception, familiarity, and current use of GenAI among employees and managers across various demographic groups. It further investigates how GenAI is perceived to affect culturally responsive communication, trust-building, and the facilitation of inclusive dialogue. The results aim to identify potential benefits and barriers to adopting GenAI to support more equitable and effective workplace communication, providing practical ideas for DEI professionals and employers. 

Runaway slaves who have runaway, what happened to them, where did they go, three different African American slaves who ran away from their masters. We do not know a lot of information by just looking at the slave ads but when doing more extensive research we can get more ideas of what they did in slavery and why they ran away with who their slave master was and what they did for a living and where they lived. Did they get caught and have to go back to their master’s or did they stay free. If the slaves had any help running away and did the ones that helped them turn them in or get in trouble for helping the runaways. How much did they help the masters and did because of their jobs when slavery did, they had actions that their masters had them do to get out of their master’s house and did this help them to escape.

Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is a systematic and hierarchical intervention that uses musical elements of rhythm and melody to improve language output in persons with nonfluent aphasia (Norton et al., 2009). Nonfluent aphasia is a condition often comorbidly occurring with apraxia of speech (AOS). MIT has a marked history of being accepted as an effective treatment for nonfluent aphasia, a language disorder, but is not commonly used as a method to treat AOS, a speech sound disorder. This literature review explored the growing body of research that supports the use of MIT as an effective intervention option for treating AOS as a comorbid diagnosis of nonfluent aphasia. Understanding the effectiveness of MIT for treating AOS has the potential to help clinicians optimize treatment outcomes for people with these diagnoses, as well as understand the strengths and limitations of MIT as a treatment option for AOS. 

New York City, today the largest municipality in the nation, was by the end of the American revolutionary period a city of only around 340,000. Not yet the financial capital of the world, it was nevertheless a moderately important trading port on the south end of Manhattan Island. Amid the growth of the city and the gradual abolition of slavery in neighboring states, New Yorkers continued to trade in slaves into the 19th century. These enslaved persons are permanently documented as people through the escape efforts of those who sought freedom. The stories of three such freedom seekers from the 1760s-1780s: Nick, Tom, and a young woman whose name is lost to the impersonal cruelty of slavery, exemplify the variety of lives led by enslaved New Yorkers and the ingenuity by which they resisted their oppression.

Busy corporate women in the Fargo–Moorhead area often struggle with cluttered makeup bags, forgotten essentials, and damaged products when needing quick touch-ups throughout the workday. The problem is not just storage, but organization, visibility, and protection. The Routine Compact solves this issue with a sleek, durable, all-in-one design that keeps daily essentials secure, organized, and easily accessible. Priced at approximately $30, the product generates revenue through direct sales to working professionals. Our contribution is transforming everyday clutter into a streamlined, professional solution built for women on the go.

While two factor technologies exist and are becoming more mainstream, password are still the primary line of defesne for both personal and business data, yet they still remain one of the most exploited elements of the modern internet. This comes down to poor design and understanding of how the systems work and how they can effectively fight against password cracking. This project explores the vulnerabilities that modern password authentication presents through the demonstration of the common password attack techniques like brute force, rainbow tables, and dictionary attacks. The purpose of simulating these is to demonstrate how threat actors are able to crack a password and access accounts using poorly designed passwords. As a result of the understanding of how the offensive strategies are applied, we can gain a better understanding about how to defesnively protect our data and our accounts against these attack methods. This highlights elements like the importance of password design, multi-factor, and other strategies that can produce a more robust password for authentication.

My presentation will review and compare various treatment approaches for fluency disorder. Comparisons discussed include population age, population size, treatment approach, duration of treatment, and the presence or absence of a control group. These comparisons will help speech-language pathologists determine if the treatment is appropriate for their client.

Art centers play a vital role in children’s development across multiple domains, laying the foundation for deeper learning. Providing open-ended and choice-rich materials invites children to explore, take creative risks, and solve problems. The intentional design of an art learning center supports cognitive growth, motor skills, and emotional intelligence. Art makes learning accessible and engaging to all children, incorporating touch, movement, and visual elements. Art is a right because it honors every child’s need to express ideas and emotions in developmentally appropriate practices.

Grassland and associated bird populations have experienced widespread declines across North America, yet locally relevant long-term datasets needed to inform management decisions remain limited. The Regional Science Center (RSC) in northwestern Minnesota is part of an actively managed conservation landscape of native and restored grassland and riparian forest that provides an opportunity to evaluate bird population trends at a management-relevant scale. The site was surveyed using standardized point count methods in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022, and this project proposes additional surveys during the 2026 breeding season, yielding an eight-year dataset suitable for trend analysis. Previous work comparing RSC bird communities to a nearby remnant prairie surveyed in 1980 suggested substantial declines in several grassland and riparian-associated species, motivating a focused analysis of trends within the RSC itself. This study will assess population trends for three focal species: Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), a declining grassland specialist; Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), a species of conservation concern in Minnesota associated with oak savanna; and Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), a riparian forest associate that is declining regionally. Thirty-three established survey points will be resurveyed five times in spring 2026. Repeated visits allow estimation of detection probability and accommodate lower detection rates typical of undergraduate observers. Abundance will be estimated using binomial N-mixture models with year included as a covariate to assess population trends. Results will support ongoing management decisions by partners at the RSC, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and The Nature Conservancy, including prescribed fire, invasive species control, and habitat maintenance timing. 

Total laryngectomy is a life-altering surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the larynx, resulting in permanent loss of natural voice and significant changes to breathing and swallowing. These anatomical and functional changes profoundly affect communication, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a central role throughout the continuum of care for individuals undergoing total laryngectomy, with counseling serving as a critical component of intervention. This paper reviewed and analyzed current literature regarding the SLP’s counseling role across preoperative education, postoperative voice rehabilitation, and long-term quality-of-life outcomes. Evidence indicates that structured preoperative counseling improves psychological adjustment, reduces anxiety, and enhances preparedness for postoperative rehabilitation. Postoperatively, SLPs provide training in prosthesis management, stoma care, and tracheoesophageal speech production while also addressing emotional adjustment, identity reconstruction, and social reintegration. Family involvement and support group participation further contribute to improved outcomes. The literature supports counseling as a dynamic, continuous, and patient-centered process that extends beyond technical skill acquisition to encompass emotional resilience and psychosocial adaptation. Although interdisciplinary collaboration is widely recommended, additional research is needed to evaluate its direct impact on patient outcomes and to develop structured counseling models targeting identity and long-term adjustment. Ultimately, SLP counseling should be recognized as a core component of total laryngectomy care, essential not only for restoring communication but for promoting holistic recovery and long-term quality of life.

This research aims to thoroughly research three advertisements for runaway enslaved persons from the Revolutionary War period of American history. This research is done to give voices back to those who have lost theirs throughout history, their stories never being told and by discovering pieces of their stories within these three advertisements, this research focuses on what life would have been like for these three individuals- Stephen Butler, Sall Cooper and Nick. This is done by taking primary sources such as advertisements themselves as well as secondary sources to learn about their lives and to have a forgotten part of history no longer be hidden. 

This poster explains how dramatic play can foster children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development through role-playing real-life scenarios. Dramatic play provides a structured environment for children to use skills in imagination, problem-solving, negotiation through assigning and receiving roles, and collaboration in initiating, joining, and sustaining play. Children will demonstrate self-regulation and social-emotional skills by acting out unfamiliar scenarios like a doctor’s appointment. This helps children to gain understanding and a sense of control. Children develop cognitive flexibility by being able to switch roles and find alternative uses for objects. Teachers are an essential component of dramatic play by facilitating play, modeling behavior, and intentionally creating a developmentally appropriate space for imaginative real-life play.  The implication of dramatic play on teaching practices requires the educator to provide open-ended props, rotating themes that are relevant to children’s lived experiences, using observation to inform further teaching, and guiding play to support learning.  

   This project demonstrates the design and implementation of a secure network for a mock business, a Vinyl Shop. The main goal is to showcase practical cybersecurity and networking skills through secure design, controlled communication, and hardened web application deployment.
   The network uses a firewall configured with three interfaces: an administrative network (172.16.10.0/24), an internal network (172.16.20.0/24), and a guest network (172.16.30.0/24). The internal users can connect to the network through a switch, while guest users can connect through a wireless access point.
   A Debian server hosted on the administrative network runs a Linux, Apache, MariaDB, and PHP (LAMP) stack to support the web application. This website allows users to create accounts and manage a wishlist. Administrative users on the internal network can manage inventory and user accounts.
   This project emphasizes best security practices, including network segmentation, firewall configuration, least privilege access control, and server hardening.

This project presents a review of the literature examining the relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and pediatric feeding challenges, with attention to assessment and intervention practices within the scope of speech-language pathology. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors, and it is frequently associated with co-occurring feeding difficulties that significantly impact children and their families. Current prevalence estimates indicate that ASD affects approximately one in thirty-one children, demonstrating food selectivity, limited appetite, feeding-related fear, and mealtime behavioral challenges. Feeding difficulties in children with ASD are multifactorial in nature and may be influenced by sensory processing differences, behavioral rigidity, impaired communication, medical comorbidities, and familial dynamics. Assessment components discussed include thorough medical record review, caregiver interviews and standardized questionnaires, direct mealtime observation, oral peripheral examination, and sensory profiling to guide individualized treatment planning. Intervention approaches emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, integrating behavioral, sensory, oral-motor, and environmental strategies tailored to the child’s needs. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of structured, multidisciplinary feeding interventions utilizing procedures such as stimulus and texture fading, shaping, prompting, reinforcement, and escape extinction. Both cases demonstrate measurable improvements in food acceptance, dietary expansion, texture tolerance, and reduction of challenging behaviors. The importance of caregiver training and systematic carryover strategies is further highlighted to support generalization and long-term outcomes of feeding intervention. Collectively, the reviewed literature and case evidence support the effectiveness of individualized, evidence-based, and collaborative feeding therapy approaches for children with ASD.

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic airborne fungus that poses significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and patients with preexisting conditions such as asthma. Despite its clinical relevance, the interplay between host sex, genetic background, and immune response to A. fumigatus exposure remains underexplored. This study investigated how immune cell counts, mucus production, collagen, and antibody production vary with sex and strain in BALB/cJ and C57BL/6J mice exposed to A. fumigatus. 

Mice were challenged with airborne A. fumigatus spores weekly for three consecutive weeks. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to collect immune cells, and histological analysis of lung tissue was conducted to assess mucus and collagen production, and an ELISA was conducted to analyze IgE antibody levels. Immune cells were identified using morphometric differences; mucus and collagen production were scored using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and  Pico-Sirius Red (PSR) with Fast Green (FCF),  respectively. 

Results showed that granulocyte counts peaked at day 3 post-challenge and declined by day 28, with male C57BL/6J mice exhibiting significantly higher granulocyte numbers than male BALB/cJ mice. While immune cell counts were not significantly different between sexes, mucus production varied. Male C57BL/6J mice had higher mucus production on day 3 post-challenge, whereas female BALB/cJ mice showed elevated mucus levels at day 28. Across all time-points and genetic background, females had significantly higher IgE production compared to their male counterpart. 

 This study highlights that genetic background (strain), timepoint and sex are important variables affecting , mucus, collagen, and antibody production dynamics in A. fumigatus mediated immune responses. These findings have implications for improving fungal disease models and developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies. 

The endocrine system is objectively essential for immune functioning and formation. Agents such as Atrazine (ATR) disrupt the ability of the endocrine system to signal the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of autoimmunity, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Atrazine is sprayed on corn cropping systems across the United States, which introduces small particles that can be absorbed into the alveolar sacs, damaging epithelial lung cells and possibly impacting gas exchange. This molecule has been known to inhibit cytokine production, such as IL-6, and cell proliferation. However, there remains a gap in current research as to which pathways ATR inhibits. This research utilized the A549 cell line to evaluate cytotoxic effects post ATR exposure. Atrazine was prepared in DMSO and diluted with media to obtain concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM. Cells were exposed for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. Following exposure, MTT assay was utilized to confirm treatment with ATR did not result in cell death but remained metabolically active before immunocytochemistry can occur. The cell viability (%) mean after 24 hours at 100 μg/mL was significantly lowered to ~50% when compared to the control of 100%. After both 48 and 72 hours of exposure to 50 and 100 μg/mL of ATR, cells showed significantly less metabolic activity when compared to the control. 48 hours with means of ~50% and ~25% for the 50 and 100 μg/mL, respectively, and 72 hours with means of ~40% and ~45% of ATR, respectively. Atrazine, particularly at higher concentrations for longer durations, decreased the cells' metabolic activity, meaning ATR affected cell function. Overall, the results indicate that ATR has a statistically significant effect on A549 cells at multiple concentrations over 24-to-72-hour time frames. Further research will dive into specific cytokine signaling pathways, to understand the mechanisms involved in immunomodulation. 

This poster discusses why sensory activities are a crucial area of the classroom in an early childhood setting. Sensory activities encourage children to use proprioception that connects with touch, sight, hearing, and smell. Using these senses actively engages children to learn through a constructivist approach. Children exploring by using these four senses are able to answer questions that foster language development such as; “What does this sound like?” or “What does this feel like?” Children can then critically think and describe what they are feeling, expanding their vocabulary. Some different ideas for sensory activities include smaller sensory bins or larger sensory tables, and outdoor exploration that fully immerse the child in the moment. The sensory table allows children to enter into the world by self discovery and witness how they see the world through their perspective. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of acquired disability in adolescents and frequently disrupts social communication during a critical period of development. Adolescents with TBI often demonstrate impairments in pragmatic language, executive functioning, attention, memory, and social cognition. These deficits affect turn-taking, perspective-taking, interpretation of nonliteral language, and behavioral regulation, leading to academic challenges and social isolation. Recovery is influenced by injury severity, lesion location, and environmental factors, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment using both standardized and dynamic measures. Evidence-based interventions, including social communication groups, role play, script training, and interdisciplinary collaboration, highlight the critical role of speech-language pathologists in supporting recovery and social reintegration. 

Research pertaining to three different newspaper articles containing runaway advertisments for enslaved people during the Revolutionary War era of the United States. The goal of the research was to find information about the enslaved people and their lives, in an attempt to give a voice to those who were not allowed one. 

Corporate networks have for a long time been an area of productivity and communication for organizations. Going back to a time without a digital network for communication would most likely leave organizations limping. Which shows the importance of hardening these networks from attacks. The question that we as students aim to ask and provide an answer for is "What is the best security stance for our network that we can find as the administrators of this corporate network lab by developing security rules, attacking the environment, and defending against those attacks?" We will be using industry standards for securing our devices and software so that we can mimic the best security practices such as from CIS. Preliminary research shows that hardening a system is easy but keeping it up to date is hard. There will always be a new vulnerability so making sure that a organization knows all new threats is important. This research project gives insight into the necessity of a vigilant security focus when the topic of networks is involved.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. This fungus is commonly found in agricultural fields and can contaminate crops. When ingested, DON can cause changes in the intestinal, nervous, and immune system. However, during harvesting season, Fusarium graminearum and DON can become airborne and inhaled. Minimal research has been done regarding the effects DON has on the respiratory system when inhaled. This study assesses the effect of DON inhalation in an allergic asthma murine model. Allergic mice were exposed to 30 or 60 ng of DON once daily for six days. Serum was analyzed for IgE and IgA, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for IgA levels. Cytokine levels were analyzed in lung homogenates, and goblet cell metaplasia with associated mucus production was visualized by periodic acid Schiff staining of lung histology sections. Inhalation of DON in an experimental allergic asthma murine model did not have an effect on allergic asthma mediators but resulted in increased IgA levels. Our next step will be to understand the role of pulmonary epithelial cells in mediating this cascade. The results of this study are likely to help inform therapeutics and diagnostics for DON related exposure. 

This literature review examines evidence-based interventions to improve executive functioning in individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI often results in persistent impairments in executive functioning, including self-awareness, planning, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and goal-directed behavior, which can limit independence and social participation. This review examines interventions including metacognitive strategy training (MST), Goal Management Training (GMT), virtual reality, and rhythmic or music-based therapies. Current research supports MST and GMT as structured, strategy-based approaches that enhance self-monitoring, goal awareness, and real-world problem-solving, particularly when combined with external supports. Emerging interventions, including virtual reality and music-based therapies, show promise in targeting executive functioning through immersive, engaging methods. A comprehensive, individualized intervention integrating cognitive strategy training with functional, real-life practice appears most effective in supporting executive functioning and improving quality of life in adults with moderate-to-severe TBI.

Boring, routine showers represent an overlooked opportunity for innovation in everyday life. Our project aims to transform mundane bathroom routines into engaging, immersive experiences that help users recharge and reconnect. After interviewing 15 potential customers, industry experts, managers, and everyday users, we identified a clear demand for enhanced relaxation and entertainment in personal care spaces. In response, we developed a bundled product designed specifically for showers, baths, and hot tubs. The bundle includes a waterproof, magnetic Bluetooth speaker, a TV-like screen, and integrated LED lighting, all engineered for durability and ease of use. The system installs in under 30 minutes with no wiring required and is built to last more than five years. Financial analysis supports the venture's feasibility: with a cost of goods sold at $103.15 per unit, fixed costs of $8,000, startup costs of $20,000, and a selling price of $150 per bundle, the company must sell approximately 170 bundles per month to break even. By combining convenience, technology, and affordability, our solution reimagines the shower as a space for entertainment, relaxation, and daily renewal.

Many teams, particularly student-athletes and high-performing groups, struggle to consistently follow through on shared goals due to weak accountability structures and reliance on passive reminders. Using a Lean Startup approach, we conducted interviews with 15 potential users to validate assumptions, identify team-specific accountability challenges, and refine features that emphasize social commitment and behavior-driven follow-through. Buzzed is a team-based accountability platform that prioritizes peer accountability supported by AI-driven check-ins, enabling groups to reinforce commitment, transparency, and consistent progress toward shared goals. Our minimum viable product (MVP) includes team goal dashboards, peer accountability tracking, and AI-powered SMS check-ins, layered on top of group accountability, supported by a scalable cost structure and revenue generated through team subscriptions and athletic department partnerships. Buzzed’s unique value proposition is delivering team-first accountability enhanced by AI support, transforming shared motivation into consistent action and measurable performance outcomes.

This project explains how data travels across the internet when a user accesses a website. While billions of people use the internet daily, the networking processes that make communication possible are often not fully understood. This presentation breaks down the journey of data from a user’s device to a web server and back.

The project focuses on several core networking technologies that enable internet communication, including the Domain Name System (DNS), Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). These technologies work together in layers to ensure that data is addressed, transmitted, routed, and delivered reliably across networks.

Through diagrams and simplified examples, this presentation demonstrates how a domain name is translated into an IP address, how packets travel across networks, and how web servers return content to the user’s browser. The goal of this project is to provide a clear understanding of how modern internet communication works and highlight the importance of networking protocols that support everyday online activity.

To present a piece of code able to run some games from scratch with an AI.

This literature review explores the essential role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) within clinical and educational settings. Trauma is highly prevalent and significantly impacts communication, language development, behavior, and self-regulation in children and adolescents. Individuals who experience adverse childhood experiences or chronic stress are at increased risk for academic difficulties and communication challenges. Trauma-informed care, which emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choices, collaboration, empowerment, and the prevention of retraumatization, provides a framework for addressing these complex needs. As SLPs frequently serve vulnerable populations, they are uniquely positioned to integrate trauma-informed principles into assessment, intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This research examines the effects of trauma on communication development and analyzes how SLPs can implement trauma-informed practices to support both functional communication outcomes and relational safety. By synthesizing current literature and identifying gaps in training and systems-level implementation, this paper highlights the critical need for trauma-informed approaches within the field of speech-language pathology.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a motor speech disorder that is characterized by impaired motor planning and programming. As a result, a child may exhibit inconsistent speech errors, disrupted coarticulatory transitioning, and impaired prosody (Alduais & Alfadda, 2024). With the variability in presentation and ongoing increase in acceptance of this diagnosis and treatment, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must rely on evidence-based intervention approaches tailored to the individual's needs. This literature review and presentation compare motor-based and linguistic-based intervention approaches for CAS, including Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) (Grigos et al., 2024; Strand, 2020), Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) (Dale & Hayden, 2013; Namasivayam et al., 2021), and Integrated Phonological Awareness (IPA) (McNeill et al., 2009). Motor-based interventions focus on principles of motor learning to establish accurate and consistent speech movements, whereas linguistic-based approaches address phonological awareness and literacy skills alongside speech production. A review of current literature indicates that integrating motor and linguistic strategies is the most effective support for children with CAS (Murray et al., 2014). Providing an individualized combination that incorporates both frameworks allows for the most evidence-based treatment possible that improves intelligibility and functional communication.  

This literature review explores the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in early literacy intervention, with a focus on shared book reading as an evidence-based approach to support language development in young children. Early oral language and emergent literacy skills form the foundation for later academic success, making early intervention critical, particularly for children at risk for language and literacy difficulties. This review summarizes typical language and literacy development, outlines risk factors that may impact progress, and examines key shared reading strategies, including dialogic reading and print referencing. Research demonstrates that interactive shared book reading improves vocabulary, narrative skills, print awareness, and overall language outcomes across populations. The discussion highlights the SLP’s role in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with caregivers and educators to support generalization across environments. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive practices and individualized intervention planning to promote meaningful participation and long-term literacy success.

Clinical Scenario: Cold-water immersion (CWI) is widely used in athletic and rehabilitative settings to enhance post-exercise recovery, yet optimal treatment parameters remain inconsistent across clinical practice. Physically active individuals frequently seek recovery strategies that improve muscle function and sleep quality, creating a need to evaluate the evidence supporting specific CWI protocols. Focused Clinical Question: The purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) was to determine which temperature and duration parameters of CWI most effectively improve muscle recovery and sleep in physically active populations. A focused clinical question was developed using the PICO framework. Search Strategies: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified through searches of major databases and relevant journals, with inclusion criteria emphasizing peer-reviewed evidence reporting specific CWI parameters and outcomes related to muscle recovery or sleep. Studies lacking defined temperature or duration protocols, non-athletic populations, or non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Search terms included combinations of cold-water immersion, recovery and athletes, sleep, and physically activity. Results and Summary of Search: Qualitative and quantitative findings demonstrated that CWI has a positive effect on muscle recovery and sleep outcomes. The most effective protocols consistently involved immersion for 5–15 minutes in water between 44°F–59°F (7°C–15°C). These parameters were associated with reduced muscle soreness, improved restoration of muscle function, and enhanced sleep quality. Strengths of the evidence included pooled data from multiple controlled trials and relevance to physically active populations. Limitations included variability in CWI protocols, heterogeneity in exercise types, and reliance on subjective outcome measures in some studies. Clinical Bottom Line: CWI performed for 5–15 minutes at 44°F–59°F provides meaningful benefits for muscle recovery and sleep in physically active individuals. The strength of this recommendation is moderate, supported by

consistent findings across systematic reviews but limited by protocol variability. Implications: Clinicians should consider integrating CWI within comprehensive recovery programs, tailoring parameters to patient tolerance, contraindications, and sport-specific demands. Word Count: 316

Title: School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist Responsibilities in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Management

Abstract: Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability among school-aged children and adolescents and can significantly impact cognitive communication, academic performance, and social participation. School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in supporting students with moderate-to-severe TBI through assessment, intervention, advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration. Guided by frameworks from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), this literature review explores the multifaced responsibilities of SLPs within the school setting. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive cognitive communication assessment, proactive and developmentally appropriate intervention, support for generalization across environments, and ongoing monitoring to prevent neurocognitive stall, as described by Sandra Chapman. Current literature highlights gaps in assessment tools, educator training, and long-term follow-up practices. This review highlights the importance of collaborative, evidence-based, and student-centered approaches to promote academic achievement, social integration, and long-term functional outcomes for students recovering from TBI. 

In the disability services field, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are indispensable in

providing care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This study aims to analyze the cybersecurity measures used by DSPs in the provision of care to

adults with moderate to profound IDD. Technology has become an increasingly important tool

for DSPs to manage documentation, coordination of care, and communication. However, the

growing presence of technology in disability services gives way to cybersecurity threats such as

data breaches, phishing attempts, third-party risks, and improper use of technology by

employees. It stands to reason that their cybersecurity practices play a vital role in maintaining

client privacy and providing person-centered care. Fifteen DSPs working in an enrichment-based

day program will be interviewed regarding their experience in the field, their habits when using

technology in the workplace, and their experiences with data breaches. These interviews will be

analyzed thematically, and key trends in behaviors, attitudes, and cybersecurity awareness in the

workplace will be identified. The findings from this thematic analysis will be used to propose

recommendations for improving data protection in community-based care environments.

Parenting can be a challenge by itself. Factors such as single parenting and going through

crisis are strains that can greatly affect a parent and their children’s lives. The purpose of this

research is to better understand single, custodial fathers and homelessness, how their experiences

differ from single, custodial mothers in the system, and to investigate more efficient plans and

opportunities to help fathers in crisis. This is an exploratory research proposal with the goal of

conducting in-depth, face-to-face interviews with fathers who currently or previously experience

homelessness. I hope to work with local agencies with the goal of helping the unhoused to

achieve these in-person interviews. Anonymity will be maintained throughout the paper, and

interviews will only take place when full consent is given.

Gurnica is, perhaps, the most famous painting of the Twentieth Century.  Painted for the  1937 Paris International Exhibition, Guernica is Picasso’s response to the destruction by bombing of the Basque town in Northern Spain by the German Condor Legion on 26 April, 1937. After the exhibition, the painting toured the world as part of fundraising for Spanish victims of the civil war. The outbreak of World War II stranded the painting in the United States. Picasso made it clear the painting belonged in Spain, but it remained primarily at the Museum of Modern Art in New York until 1981. This was only possible after Spain returned to a democratic Monarchy in 1978, and the final return occurred eight years after his death. 

Hundreds of papers and books have been published about a semiotic analysis of the painting. Many of these contradict each other, and the correct interpretation is confusing.  It is my thesis that a full analysis should consider two things: Picasso’s words about the painting, and Picasso’s background and interests as shown in other works.  This starts with the starting point; it is expected, based on the subject, to view the painting as one of the village of Guernica.  Picasso spent significant time involved with the theatre.  If we view the painting not as a village, but as a theatre stage set, a new framework for analysis develops.  I will lay out a basis for this method of analysis and indicate ways this can be used for future research and analysis.  

This literature review examines the critical role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the transition from high school to adulthood. The transition period presents significant challenges, particularly in communication, employment, independent living, and social relationships. Although many students with ASD receive speech-language services in childhood, support often declines sharply after graduation, despite increasing communication demands in adult life. Drawing on current research, this review highlights targeted intervention areas including pragmatic language, self-advocacy, workplace communication, and functional life skills. Evidence-based approaches such as video modeling and the PEERS social skills program are discussed as practical strategies to promote independence and social integration. Gaps in professional training, research, and policy are also addressed, emphasizing the need for expanding services and interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, the findings suggest that sustained speech-language intervention is essential to improving long-term adult outcomes and empowering individuals with ASD to navigate adulthood with confidence and autonomy.

The problem our app solves is that we allow resturaunts to market promotions in one place for consumers to easily track deals in their area. We would apply the Lean Startup method by interviewing 15 potential customers to test interest, gather feedback on desired features, and continuously refine a simple version of the app before fully launching it. Our idea is an app that is a location based promotional service for resturaunts to market deals, while also allowing the final consumer to choose based on prompts. We contribute by allowing local resturaunts to help fill seating by marketing deals to students in the area all in one place.
 
 
 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social communication challenges and restricted or repetitive behaviors, with many children also experiencing significant sensory processing differences. Sensory dysregulation can interfere with attention, engagement, and responsiveness, limiting opportunities for meaningful communication. This presentation examines the rationale and evidence for an integrated service delivery model that combines speech-language therapy with Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) to address both communication and sensory foundations of learning. A review of current literature, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, indicates that while SIT does not directly target speech or language skills, it improves regulation, engagement, and adaptive functioning; critical foundations for communication development. Evidence suggests that when sensory supports are embedded within speech-language sessions or delivered through interdisciplinary collaboration, children demonstrate increased readiness to participate and greater responsiveness to intervention. Although findings remain mixed and methodological limitations persist, the integration of sensory and communication supports aligns with ASHA’s emphasis on interprofessional practice. This model highlights the importance of addressing sensory barriers to maximize communicative participation and long-term outcomes for children with ASD.

This study explores the memory blocking effect (MBE), contextual change, and a connection with creativity. The memory blocking effect occurs when orthographically (spelling) related study words (e.g., KANGAROO) impair word fragment completion performance (K_NG_O_S) for a similar target (e.g., KINGDOMS) (Smith & Tindell,1997; Leynes et al., 2008). The current study investigates a possible interaction between study words (e.g., competing KANGAROO and positive KINGDOMS) and match/mismatch of contexts between study and test fragment presentations. A 2x3 mixed within-subjects factorial design will be used, with prime type as the repeated variable (positive, competing, unrelated).  For the study phase, all participants will view 30 study words (15 positive and 15 competing). Participants will take a word fragment completion test for the 45 targets corresponding to the 30 studied primes and 15 unprimed fragments. Participants will then complete the K-DOCS creativity self-assessment (Kaufman, 2012). Data will be collected online via Qualtrics. Results are expected to show higher completion rates for positive primed fragments and lower completion rates for competing primed fragments relative to unprimed fragments, with reduced memory blocking in different-context conditions. A negative correlation between memory blocking rates and academic creativity scores is anticipated, suggesting a link between adaptive forgetting and creativity. 

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory and cognitive ability loss that affects around 10-20% of people over age 65 (Alzheimer's Association, n.d.). In addition to cognitive decline, individuals with MCI frequently experience difficulties with cognitive-communication abilities that negatively impact their psychosocial health, including increased depression, anxiety, apathy, and social withdrawal. This literature review examined the existing research that explored the relationship between communication changes and psychosocial health across the globe. It also highlighted the role of speech-language pathologists in implementing therapy strategies to help with these changes.  

A. fumigatus is a common opportunistic airborne fungus that poses significant health risks, especially for those with pre-existing allergic respiratory illnesses and those that are immunocompromised.  Toll Like Receptor (TLR)-7 is important for the activation of the innate immune response; however, there is little knowledge against A. fumigatus regarding this receptor.  Wild-type or TLR-7 deficient male and female mice and were exposed to airborne A. fumigatus spores. Bronchoalveolar lavage cells were collected; collagen and mucus were assessed using histological staining. Data was collected from naïve mice and mice at day 1 and day 14 post-exposure. Mucus and collagen levels had increased by day 1 post exposure and did not return to baseline till day 14 post exposure. TLR-7 knockout mice had higher levels of Macrophages, Neutrophils, and Eosinophils. Females had higher level of immune cells and IgE antibody levels overall. The results of this study will inform fungal disease modeling in mice and can help design better therapeutics and diagnostics for future reference.

During the 1780s slavery was well incorporated within the city of Charleston, as a result, newspapers were filled with ads requesting the return of runaway slaves multiple times a year. Following their running away, these slaves were almost entirely undocumented and we have no information about their story. This presentation analyzes primary documents from the timer period in an attempt to hypothesize what the lives of three slaves who ran away from their masters was like following their escape. This project is immensly relevant to our contemporary world due it's giving of a voice to oppressed people whose only legacy is a wanted poster in a newspaper 250 years ago. 

This literature review examines the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting safe and effective oral feeding for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Feeding and swallowing challenges are highly prevalent among infants in the NICU, particularly those born prematurely, due to neurological immaturity, respiratory compromise, and other complex medical conditions that disrupt the development of coordinated suck–swallow–breathe patterns necessary for safe oral feeding. This review specifically synthesizes current evidence related to the identification of feeding readiness, clinical and instrumental assessment of dysphagia, and the implementation of evidence-based, developmentally supportive interventions within the NICU setting. Evidence-based practices including cue-based feeding, positioning and pacing strategies, oral-motor interventions, and caregiver-centered education are discussed. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and the critical role of SLPs in SLPs in promoting safe feeding, supporting neurodevelopment, and equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster positive early feeding experiences.

Despite the fact that modern PCs are extremely powerful and can run increasingly complicated applications with ease, there are still programmers who choose to write software for "obsolete" hardware, even with all its processing limitations. One such piece of hardware that has a dedicated scene of homebrew developers is the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. I chose to port an existing game to the system, one that I definitely never played during any of my lectures, “Minesweeper.” The game’s objective is to mark the hidden bombs on a grid using the numbers that indicate adjacent bombs in each cell. My aim is to get the experience of coding for such a simple device compared to the ones I’ve worked with to this point and further my knowledge of software programming and computer hardware in general.

This paper presents a review of the literature examining dyslexia, with a particular focus on early identification and the role of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability affecting approximately 15–20% of school-aged children and is characterized by persistent difficulties in reading, decoding, and spelling. Although dyslexia is a lifelong condition, research consistently demonstrates that early identification and timely, evidence-based intervention lead to improved academic outcomes and reduced long-term impacts.

The literature highlights the unique qualifications of SLPs in identifying dyslexia due to their expertise in language development, phonological processing, and literacy assessment. This review examines current screening and assessment practices, including the use of performance-based and rating-based tools, comprehensive measures such as the Tests of Dyslexia (TOD), and the integration of SLPs within Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks. Evidence supporting early, structured language-based intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration is discussed. Additionally, the review addresses barriers to SLP involvement, including limited literacy-focused training and role ambiguity within school systems. Implications for practice emphasize the need for clearer role delineation, enhanced professional training, and advocacy to support effective, school-based dyslexia identification and intervention.

Managing email communication and personal schedules can be time-consuming and difficult to organize, especially as digital communication continues to increase. This project introduces Quincy, an artificial intelligence (AI)–based personal assistant designed to help users manage their email and calendar more efficiently. The goal of the system is to reduce cognitive load by automatically organizing scheduling information, providing reminders for important events, and helping users make better decisions about how they spend their time.

Quincy integrates with a user’s email and Google Calendar to monitor upcoming events and detect scheduling information within messages. Through natural language interaction, users can ask Quincy to recall events, set reminders, or suggest possible meeting times and activities based on the user’s stated goals and availability. By combining contextual data from email and calendar systems, Quincy demonstrates how AI-driven assistants can improve productivity, streamline scheduling tasks, and support goal-oriented time management.