Fine Arts

Authors: Abby Hoyal. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. The United States is one of the most prominent locations involved in the exchange of children in human trafficking. There are very few outlets that take in recovered children help them receive the proper aftercare and help to gain an education to integrate them back into society. Research has shown that children learn most efficiently in spaces that are modular and flexible. In research conducted for habilitation centers for children, they discovered, “Planning flexibility and variability comfort children and parents, accessibility and emotionality for children visiting [these] centers.” (Kasper, Ilvitskaya, Petrova, Shulginova, 2019). It has also been found that learning levels are highest in spaces that allow the children to learn from their surroundings rather than by just the instruction alone. “An interior shall lead children to learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction. [Interiors] should improve cognitive learning, promote independence, curiosity, decision-making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem-solving.” (Manav, 2016). One of the key elements to properly educating children, as listed previously, is to promote independence. One of the ways that research has shown independence to be achieved through design is proper wayfinding elements should be implemented so that occupants do not have to rely on any other occupant to navigate the space. Researchers examined how different colors, light temperatures, and lighting brightness can provide a natural easiness to wayfinding for occupants. Results found, that “the use of cool colors and high brightness levels help people be spatially oriented.” (Hidayetoglu, Yildirim, Akalin, 2012). The Grove will be an Aftercare center that will provide refuge and educate child survivors of human trafficking in a modular environment that educates through the use of space and materials used, with an encouraging push for independence throughout the space due to proper wayfinding elements.

Authors: Hailey Packard. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In the vast landscape of architectural mediums, the key to capturing clients' attention and ensuring a comprehensive grasp of a proposed project lies in the choice of rendering methods. This research endeavors to pinpoint the most effective communication medium through an experiment employing various rendering techniques. Four renderings of a single exterior façade will be crafted, each utilizing diverse media methodologies. To convert the renderings into quantifiable data an innovative approach involves subjecting the renderings to AI-driven algorithms, predicting where the human eye is drawn to in the images in the first 3-5 seconds superseding the influence of cognitive bias, and aiming to identify which of the images inherently captures the most attention. The research results will be examined and the significance of differences between rendering methods addressed. This research delves into the implications for architects, exploring how these findings may influence presentation strategies, considering potential impact of passing fads, taking into account the alignment of media style with architectural subject matter, and noting whether the experiment requires diverse architectural styles for optimal effectiveness. The current hypothesis regarding these results is that the images with contrast and hierarchy in the composition, such as watercolor renderings, will outperform the other methods. The overarching objective of this research project is to discern the most effective medium for capturing the client's attention when presenting architectural projects. Due to modern advancements that increase our access to an abundance of knowledge and techniques, architects and designers must make informed choices about how they present their ideas. By comparing these mediums and formats through these methods, this research will attempt to identify the most effective strategy for engaging clients and enhancing their comprehension of projects which will also aid in contributing to a clearer understanding of visual communication in the architectural field.

Authors: Desiree Ritchie. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Both music and classical architecture have a strong foundation in proportion. Further research shows that the same systems of proportions are found in both areas. Common chords found in music can be translated into proportions found in architecture. For example, the octave has the same proportion as a 2:1 ratio. While there is a clear relationship, the question remains: does understanding one help in understanding the other? Does understanding music make one a better architect? Can designers benefit from musical instruction? To answer these questions, a comparative survey was conducted asking participants to determine which visual proportion best matched the sound heard. These questions range from basic chords and rectangles to a more complex comparison of the Fibonacci sequence to the golden ratio. The survey also asks about participants' background in both music and architecture, as well as general demographic questions. The demographics of the current survey are limited to students and faculty attending BYU and Utah Valley University, but further studies will provide a more comprehensive result. To analyze the results, a comparison will be conducted on the percentage of individuals who were correctly able to recognize the same proportions visually and audibly. This will then be cross-examined with the demographics, comparing those who have a background in music and/or architecture to those who do not. The expected result is that those familiar with one of the previously mentioned fields will better recognize proportions in both music and architecture. If this is proven true, it will show that having a background knowledge in multiple fields will help to create a more well-rounded and capable individual. It will provide insight on how to become better in one’s chosen field.

Authors: Eric Burton. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Which approach creates more interesting and beautiful buildings: Those who utilize ‘form following function’, or ‘function following form’? When an architect designs only using form following function, the building can have an excess of the utilitarian, resulting in a building that is very useful but can suffer in its overall design aesthetic, lacking attention to beauty. When the opposite occurs, the building can be an incredible work of art, but perhaps suffer in its usage. For an architect to be successful, there needs to be a balance of both methods.In the field of architecture, many architects and designers follow the adage ‘form ever follows function’. While the purpose of this research project is not to discredit this philosophy, the goal is to prove that the other side of the architectural coin, so to speak, has value and that there are multiple philosophies to consider.The research methodology for this project was comparing the buildings of architects that utilize differing philosophies with various building types, and utilizing eye tracking software to help determine which philosophy is more engaging, and beautiful to the average person. The results show that function following form typically produces buildings that are considered more pleasing to the eye, when it comes to the building facades that are evaluated. Building with form in mind first will allow for the designs to better fit their perceived building typology. There is worth at looking into different perspectives. When one is approaching design, they should be willing to implement multiple methods to achieve the best version of their building. Function following form is one method that can help us attain a more beautiful building experience that will impact the world for generations to come.

Authors: Alexia Trapier. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am studying architectural column orders and how they are interpreted by the average person. I chose this because I want to learn how people are drawn to the orders when looking at them so I may better understand the orders themselves, and how the world perceives them without an in-depth knowledge or understanding of their composition. I will be doing a comparison of three column orders via eye-tracking software. These consist of the doric, ionic, and corinthian orders. First, I will use the eye-tracking software over an image of each column capital on its own, afterwards I will run it again with all three images side-by-side. This process will help us discover which column order is preferred by the human eye, and why. I believe by doing these two comparisons we will learn which column order will draw the eye of its viewers, and how in-depth someone might look at the detailing of the capitals. I anticipate that the corinthian order may draw the most attention due to the higher level of detailing this capital contains. As a designer it is important to learn and understand what the human experience and interaction is with a building's design. To understand what your viewers prefer and how it makes them feel is important in the world of architecture. An architect doesn’t design for themselves, they design for others of the world, and thus, it is important to understand why people enjoy a certain amount of detailing, or proportionality. Although I’ve sampled at a small scale, it shows that there’s room for expansion into other aspects of design. I hope that through this research we can better understand why the classical orders are important to have in the world of design today and how they impact design in our world today.

Authors: Bronwyn Brown. Mentors: Ben Felix. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Architectural Analytique of the Thomas S. Monson Center Building with the Scamozzi Order at University of Utah

Authors: Samuel Weisler, Colton Korpi, Josh Lythgoe. Mentors: Aliki Milioti. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Venice Project addresses the challenge of blending contemporary buildings into the well-established urban environment of Venice, a city well known for its rich architectural heritage. In a city with canals in the place of streets, where motorboats and gondolas are the main mode of transportation, seasonal flooding at high tide continues to become a greater environmental concern. The research centers on the documentation and preservation of these valued characteristics through an analytical and interpretative research approach. The primary focus is on aspects such as perception, harmony of open and enclosed space, and the seamless integration into the urban and environmental fabric.The unique design constraints were taken head on in creating the one of a kind ‘Ca’Meriggiare’, a luxury hotel that enriches Venice’s heritage. In lieu of fighting against them, the design embraces the environmental challenges posed by the periodic flooding of the city and transforms them into an integral part of the design. For instance, the flooding is harnessed to create a charming, arcaded entrance exclusive to hotel guests arriving by boat, providing a unique entry sequence unphased by rising or falling water levels.The expected result of the research is a successful fusion of a contemporary hotel with the rich historical context of the city. The innovative design allowed the periodic flooding to become an integral part of the hotel that added a charm and uniqueness to the guest experience. Ca’Meriggiare stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of historical preservation with environmental adaption that honors Venice’s heritage. This luxury hotel case study offers a holistic perspective on theoretical and design considerations, emphasizing the importance of integration within the environmental dimensions. Rather than viewed as an isolated instance, it provides an overarching framework for innovation that will apply to the evolution of contemporary architecture.

Authors: Sean Donner. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. A building’s function has historically been tied to its form. We see this in civic buildings, schools, churches, and homes. Many of those recognizable forms were abandoned with the modernist movement in the early twentieth century. Are these new forms still related to their functionality and can average people perceive a building’s functionality based on its form. Learning the opinions of the general public will enhance the architect’s ability to design for the people who will live and work in and around the buildings they design.This study aims to answer those questions by means of an online survey. To gain a wider demographic of survey takers, the survey is largely spread through social media where I have access to a wide variety of people across the globe and of differing generations and backgrounds. The survey has two types of questions. The first presents two pictures of buildings and asks the survey taker to tell which holds a specific function. The second question type presents a single building and four choices of building function. In both question types, all signage or other markings of building type were digitally removed from the photographs. The survey includes fourteen architectural functions ranging from single family homes to State Capitols. Each category includes traditional and modern examples. This variety in style will help to analyze whether there is a difference in the general public’s ability to perceive a building’s function if the building is traditionally designed or if it takes a more modern approach in design. Although this survey is still active, the expected results are as follows: Traditional forms are generally more easily discernable than modern designs. Some building forms are equally recognizable regardless of form. The stand outs from this list are schools and stores/shoppes.

Authors: Jacob M Wendt. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This research delves into the transformation of urbanization over the past century, triggered by the influence of modern architectural concepts, and the potential ramifications for mental health. The primary objective is to investigate the neurological effects of specific urban layouts, with a particular emphasis on safety, social interaction, and aesthetic appeal, to gain insight into the human mind's urban preferences. A survey will be designed to capture subjective preferences in which respondents choose one of two anonymous center streets that are subjectively safe and attractive. Participants will favor the traditional street layout over the contemporary one, suggesting a preference for design associated with enhanced safety, aesthetics, and social appeal, affirming the statement by Allen Jacobs that optimal streets have paramount desirability. In parallel, eye-tracking software is utilized to objectively analyze subconscious neurological responses to diverse urban layouts and elements, providing a more scientific perspective on human perceptions of urban environments by revealing more balanced heat maps, and signifying a focus on aesthetic elements and reduced attention to potential hazards. The combination of survey and eye-tracking data presents a comprehensive argument in favor of traditional urban planning principles and expected to underscore the prevalent preference for traditional urban designs over contemporary alternatives. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the enduring human desire for both safety and aesthetic beauty in urban environments. Anonymous survey data ranging from 50 to 100 participants, coupled with eye-tracking simulations indicating balanced heat maps, highlights the potential of traditional design to cultivate healthier and more harmonious communities. Future research may delve into physiological measures, such as heart rate monitoring, to further validate the stress-reducing benefits of traditional urban planning. The findings from this survey are expected to provide actionable insights that can inform urban planning decisions and strategies that foster improved mental wellness and community well-being.

Authors: Thomas Cryer, Brandon Ro. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. ABSTRACT: This study seeks to understand the visual elements of home design that attract the human eye. Specifically, it aims to compare the visual appeal of traditional homes to modern homes using eye-tracking software. However, this study focuses solely on visual analysis, leaving the exploration of emotional and cultural factors for future research. The purpose is to understand the neurological connections between architectural design and human preferences, shedding light on which elements make homes visually appealing. In the mid-20th century, the architectural landscape shifted towards modernism, characterized by functionalism and minimalism. However, recent research suggests neurological links to architectural preferences that challenge modern design's dominance. This study is relevant today as it explores why people are drawn to traditional homes, considering the current preferences of professional architects. This research contributes to the understanding of how architectural aesthetics impact individuals and communities and offering insights into the neurological aspects that influence architectural preferences. The methodology involves analyzing six homes, three traditional and three modern. The analysis will be conducted using 3M Visual Attention Software individually on each home by tracking participants' eye movements, and then given a numerical ranking of 1-6 based on their visual appeal. Subsequently, a comparative analysis will identify the most and least visually attractive homes. Anticipated results from the software suggest traditional homes will score higher due to the "character," or the details that the eye looks, which are missing in modern architecture. The discussion will explore the idea that contemporary homes, by incorporating traditional elements such as proportion, may achieve higher appeal and last for generations of homeowners. Contemporary designs can evolve into "traditional" homes by aligning with the preferences discovered. By understanding what elements people are naturally drawn to, architects can create more appealing and lasting designs, thereby bridging the gap between modern and traditional aesthetics.

Authors: Barrett Blake. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This research project aims to explore the relationship between an individual's cultural and religious background and their perception of mosque architecture and experiences. Given the lack of understanding about the nature of mosques among non-Muslims, it is essential to investigate these perceptions to promote greater public awareness and interfaith understanding. The research methodology employs two approaches. First, it analyzes Nader Ardalan's work, "The Visual Language of Symbolic Form: A Preliminary Study of Mosque Architecture," to identify common architectural characteristics in mosques. This analysis is correlated with a survey to compare common elements of mosque architecture to respondents’ associations with the elements incorporated in mosque architecture. It is expected that the elements that most individuals associate with mosques are likely those that are most common. Second, an online survey assesses the influence of cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds on individuals' perceptions of mosques. The survey covers familiarity with mosques, statements about mosque experiences, and demographics. Statements regarding mosque experiences are derived from Lindsay Jones’ book The Hermeneutics of Sacred Architecture: Experience, Interpretation, Comparison. Demographic questions include religion, ethnicity, and primary household language. Respondents are recruited through QR codes on the Utah Valley University campus, religious groups at universities, and online forums for diverse religious traditions. Responses from those who practice Islam are expected to align more closely than those from non-Islamic backgrounds. In summary, this research shows that some architectural features in mosques are likely to be universally recognized due to their commonality. It also highlights a strong connection between an individual's background and their understanding of Islam, mosque aesthetics, and expected mosque experiences. These findings can inform mosque design by promoting the use of recognizable architectural elements and can contribute to fostering interfaith awareness and understanding, ultimately supporting harmonious coexistence among diverse communities.

Authors: Andrea Tyler. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. The golden thread that runs through this project is ART. The texture, color, shapes, movement, contrast and emphasis which exists in ART will be carried into the interiors. Through this adaptive reuse project, the interior emphasis will be on the historical architecture and will draw on the textures and details as the backdrop. By tapping into these details, the overall aesthetic will ground the visitor to the experience within the space. The ARTshare Project mission is to uplift artists, gather and unite community, and empower human beings through ART. According to research (Pilegaard, 2023) “exhibitions might be said to produce an atmosphere of its own, neither is detached from the architectural interiors’ existing atmosphere. Indeed, they are dependent on it.” Atmosphere, distance and proximity in museum spaces is how we experience space. Access to light, combined with color, improves alertness and affects the soul and spirit. Combinations of color and natural light by using different types of glass throughout the design will stimulate moods and will be incorporated into this environment. Each loop in the golden thread of this project will represent an area of commercial, hospitality, healthcare and residential. Baniyamin, 2020 says, “Researchers have shown that visual stimulation of nature, natural lighting, artwork, relaxing colours and therapeutic sound can greatly accelerate the therapeutic process”. The art therapy rooms place a high priority on privacy while providing a healing environment with light, biophilia and art. Just like artists rely on nature for inspiration, so will the residential condos. With access to views, air and light, the design will connect the resident with nature. The bistro is the air that the interior breaths, inhaling and exhaling, healing and connecting.

Authors: Kevin Hart. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Context, in the realm of contemporary architecture, holds a significant role. It encompasses the information that conveys an understanding of ideas, scenes, or objects. In a world marked by increasing individualism, the consideration of contextual elements in architectural design often takes a back seat. The Royal Ontario Museum serves as a notable case study. The addition of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, contrasting with the traditional backdrop, has ignited debates regarding its compatibility with the existing context. This brings forth a critical question: How does altering the contextual surroundings impact people's perceptions?Furthermore, would the public's perceptions differ if the Crystal were the original building, with the traditional structure serving as the addition? This study delves into the role of contextual factors in shaping the architectural experience. Through a comprehensive survey featuring diverse architectural styles situated in various contexts, my aim is to discern preferences: whether individuals lean toward statement buildings or designs that naturally integrate with their surroundings. My research hypothesis suggests that people derive greater enjoyment from buildings that seamlessly integrate with their contextual environment.The implications of these findings are of significant value to architects and designers. They provide insights to facilitate informed design decisions that not only promote community cohesion but also elevate the public's appreciation of architectural structures.

Authors: Joseph Laudie. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. For an architect, choosing how simple and/or complex your designs are can be a difficult effort. It involves balancing various factors, including appearance, function, cost, time, context, etc. While one might state that a certain way is best, it can be difficult to know. For that purpose, this study will examine the question, “How does the perception of a space or structure change as it evolves from a simple to a more complex state?” The difference between these conditions may involve an increased presence of elements, such as motifs, ornaments, etc., gradually becoming more complex. These changes will be analyzed using eye-tracking software.In contemporary architecture, architects grapple with multifaceted considerations. They must combine the varied desires of clients, adapt to evolving technology's possibilities and constraints, prioritize sustainability and efficiency, adhere to budget limitations, stay attuned to cultural and aesthetic trends, meet functional programming requirements, and navigate site-specific constraints. All these factors influence the architect's decision-making process, guiding them toward either simplicity or complexity in their design approach.Because of the difficulty of this cumulative decision, the issue will be thoroughly examined to determine the true effect both simplistic and complex structures have on the everyday individual. This will be done by examining a single, 3-D-modeled room with progressively more complex states, involving more details such as windows, doors, and classical orders and elements. Photos of the respective conditions will be presented side by side and processed through eye-tracking software.It is expected that more complex spaces and conditions will draw attention more consistently. While the analyzed space will present varying states of detail, it is expected that the more complex and expressive setting will consistently demand attention. This conclusion will better inform future design decisions by architects to make spaces more appealing and conducive to the observer.

Authors: McKayla Ridenour. Mentors: Alex Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. "DID" is a painting that delves into the concept of duality within myself. The painting explores my vulnerability as its subject matter. As someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), I am displaying myself and another personality in the artwork. I aim to shed light on those suffering from DID and other mental conditions. I used a lot of glazing and subtractive methods to achieve the desired effect during the painting process, such as complex darks and layering of paints.

Authors: Emily Barber. Mentors: ALEXANDRA GIANNELL. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am presenting on the process of subtraction with oil or acrylic paint. I have loved this process and have found to be impactful to me and my practice. This process can show you art in a whole new way. It's the opposite of what we are told to do. It gives you the chance to reveal something that maybe was lost or hidden. Maybe you go into the painting with an agenda, maybe not. Both ways will most likely show you more then you expected. This process creates depth, and a feeling that is very different to translate by traditional addition.I have found it exciting to use different kinds of tools to create. Instead of a pallete knife and paint brush it's rags, Q Tips, and maybe any kind of scraping object you find. Because of the nature of this process it is also fighting the clock. You must pull and drag away unwanted value before the paint dries. The timing and planning are very critical, yet when I create this way I find it calming and rewarding. Sometimes when creating you have to pull out of your normal strokes, and methods. When you can do that, it helps you focus more on concept, and feeling rather then aesthetic and style. By pulling and scraping the information away, you might have the chance to reveal the unknown.

Authors: Olivia Mard Oquist. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. “Female allegory” encompasses two oil paintings that together explore the complex, multifaceted nature of womanhood, using metaphorical imagery, specific handling of paint and the traditions of oil painting.The first painting depicts a blurred face of a woman symbolizing the complex and often misunderstand aspects of a woman’s identity. The soft blurry quality invites the viewer to contemplate what is below the surface. In addition, it challenges societies ideas of beauty and pointing to the sometimes forgotten truth that a womans true essence transcends her physical appearance.The blurriness also serves as a mask to hide feeling and emotions that tend to be categorized as typically female and often viewed in a negative light. Parts of the face will be more blurry than others, symbolizing times when as a woman I and every woman I know have felt invisible or powerless.The second painting is a still-life of objects that each symbolizes the female body (both contemporary symbols as well as historically) Seashells, pears, mimosa flowers are some objects that represent womanhood and the female form. The objects represent the diverse nature and the layers of the female spirit. The history of a still-life deals with the ideas of perfection and stillness that long have been expectations of women. The paintings will connect through a visual language of color palette and handling of paint and together, the paintings invites the viewer to explore the intricate layers of womanhood and to go beyond physical appearance. It celebrates the culmination of experiences, emotions, and symbolism of what being a woman means and what the expectations around us have been and still are today.

Authors: Rebekah Victoria Still. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. We all experience panic. For many people it is a rare experience, while for those diagnosed with panic disorders, it can be a regular and debilitating occurrence. Oftentimes, it’s embarrassing and difficult for those living with such a disorder to explain to friends, family, coworkers, supervisors, and peers what they’re feeling and why it affects their lives so thoroughly. In this project, I approached various strangers to ask them about their experiences with panic in an effort to develop a unique and universal language, which would enable viewers to better understand panic and open an empathetic dialogue between those with such a disorder and their loved ones.Based on the answers I received, I was able to sort the data and create multiple visual recipes which I used to develop a series of preliminary works. With each rendition, I asked for feedback from those with and without panic disorders, so as to assess the effectiveness of my color palette, symbology, and mark making techniques. Through this process of creation and criticism, I arrived at a composition which successfully encapsulates the feelings, sounds, and appearance of panic.As someone who lives with PTSD, I believe that it’s important to foster empathy for those around us and earn how to effectively communicate our feelings. My objective is that through this work, people who previously didn’t have the words to discuss their mental health will be able to use this piece to start an open and honest conversation with their loved ones. Furthermore, by using a universal, visual language, those who don’t have panic disorders will be able to begin the process of opening their minds and hearts to understand the people who do. In this sense, my final painting is not an answer, but a question meant to inspire further research and exploration.

Authors: Rayne Beau Vanderpool. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. For this upcoming UCUR art presentation, I will be showcasing two paintings that I created during a previous painting class under the guidance of my mentor. Both artworks are landscape portraits inspired by the breathtaking Utah mountains. Through these paintings, I experimented with new techniques and aimed to express myself uniquely. I had a lot of fun experimenting with my color palette and visual mixing techniques while creating both of these paintings. Through this presentation, I aim to demonstrate how you can find purpose in your artwork while also enjoying the creative process.

Authors: Nawres Al Saud. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My work beautifully embodies the concept of oneness in diversity by seamlessly blending various elements, perspectives, and voices into a harmonious whole. Like a symphony of colors, my art celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience and the interconnectedness of all things. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we share a common humanity. My work is a testament to the idea that diversity is not a source of division but rather a source of strength, resilience, and creativity. It encourages us to embrace the uniqueness of each individual and culture while recognizing the threads that unite us, ultimately emphasizing that we are all part of a larger, interconnected whole.

Authors: Kessley Durrant. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am doing research on Our Lady of Guadalupe, her significance to Mexican culture, and the Aztec goddess she was transformed from. As a Mexican who grew up Catholic, Guadalupe is an important symbol to me, and such an integral part to Mexican culture. Before she was Guadalupe she was known as Tonantzin. She presented herself to Juan Diego when he was lost in the desert and hopeless. She told him that she would change to save her people. Tonantzin means Our Mother, Mother Earth. The giver of life and she changed in order to save her people. She became Guadalupe. She told Juan Diego that her robe would be the night sky and she would protect all her children from the misdeeds that were being forced on them. So, her symbol is a sign of safety, where people would go when they had nowhere else to turn. It was a way for the Aztec culture to live on in secret and for our culture to grow in the only way it could. I want to be able to represent her as a Goddess before she transformed into Our Lady Guadalupe. I want to open up the conversation with my fellow Mexicans and start getting closer to our roots and understanding our culture better before the conquistadors. I also want to be able to teach others of our culture and the changes that occurred.

Authors: Ripjaw lemus. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This presentation will explore a selection of artworks which exemplify varying aspects of visual contrast, honing in on the implementation of the principles and elements of art and design. The presentation will include chosen works to show my personal understanding and exploration of these image-making strategies, including the juxtaposition of realism and abstraction, positive and negative space, 2 dimensional and three dimensional, large and small scale, light and dark value, complementary hues, and oposing painting techniques.As an artist and researcher, I am continuing to study how these elements operate in my work and am building an awareness of how a deep investigation of contrasting elements creates a more stimulating experience for the viewer. The three paintings that will be displayed in conjunction with my poster will allow the viewer to experience the work physically as well as participate in discussion with me around artistic decision making and image possibilities.

Authors: Silvia Medina. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Often times growing up we tend to go through different phases or versions of ourselves until we find one that we truly resonate with. We always retain the older versions, as they still tend to peek out from time to time in different aspects of ourselves. With this piece, I wanted to demonstrate my growth and progress, and how it takes all versions of myself and all my experiences when it comes to being who I am today.

Authors: Jessica DeWeese. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I have made it my goal to try as many mediums as I can, both because it's exciting, and to improve and find my artistic passion. As I have started this journey with the few mediums I have tried, I have learned some things about failing. You always fail in the beginning, but the faster you fail, the faster you learn a better way. I will be sharing failures and successes in various mediums.

Authors: Jessica Downs. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My work is rooted in the observation of landscapes, both metaphorical and physical, internal and external, as well as the ecopsychological connection between identity and environment. Whether closely examining living organisms like root systems and trees, studying the topographies of rock formations, or reconstructing internal structures of the body, I combine these forms into abstract images that are both foreign and familiar, conveying the vast range of thought and emotion within the human experience.In investigating this human-nature connection, my work reflects these ideas through the creation of multifaceted abstract landscapes and psychological spaces. The close examination of natural materials and patterns experienced in nature allow me to form connections between environment and self, often causing natural forms to transition from external imagery to the internal topographies of the body. Utilizing multiple mediums like painting, drawing, printmaking, and digital collage, carefully rendered contours of forms and the use of colors found in nature are both observed and intuitive, built using transparent layers that are constantly added and subtracted, as a way to describe the constant evolution of nature and the search for the understanding of its connection and influence on the human psyche.I am interested in the liminal space between observation and introspection as a means of creating a repository for experiences, feelings, memories, and exploration that elicits an emotional response, seeking to expand on the perception of self and foster a healthier relationship between humans and nature that ultimately promotes overall health and economic sustainability.

Authors: Brittney Weiland. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The cyanotype process is a slow time-based method that uses a chemical mixture, water, and UV light to capture instances of spacetime. Cyanotype translations of the body, whether by directly laying a body down on fabric or through the use of translated photographs inherently capture slices of spatiotemporal continuity by nature of its time-based development. Directly placing one's body on chemically treated fabric undergoes only one translation of form: body to image. However, this direct method fails to capture figural resemblance, but rather captures movement through time, leaving traces of 4th dimensional worms. This method draws a closer comparison to temporal continuity but not to recognizable figure. Photographs, long past captured, undergo a process of camera translation, digital translation, printed negative translation, and then finally cyanotype translation but more directly relates to figural recognizability than a direct capture method. However, this photographic process fails to capture more than a few spatiotemporal moments, less in tune with temporal imagery. Through a series of works, Brittney Weiland explores identity through a perdurantist view by capturing moments of body degeneration and drastic physical form changes over the last year as she has battled nearly life-ending illness through the use of cyanotype and photography.

Authors: Kimberly Lewin. Mentors: Anne Francis Bayless. Insitution: Utah State University. I have been exploring the relationship between connection, disconnection, and control, and I presented my research on these topics to three composers who wrote a piece based off of their interpretation. At URCO, I will perform one of these compositions.

Authors: Brittany Cowley. Mentors: Meaghan Gates. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Art, to me, is an experience, one in which an object, sound, or movement has the ability to evoke an emotion in the viewer, taking them from spectator to participant. Since the first time I laid hold of a ball of clay, I could feel its life and ability to be transformed. This organic material has the potential to become whatever someone can dream up. For the true meaning behind the art piece to come forth and pass to the viewers, a sculptor must fully understand what they are trying to convey and how to best accomplish that. Through sculpting and directing the clay, a form takes place. This is just the first step on the path of creating a sculpture that can evoke emotion in the onlooker. Gestures, textures, and glazes are all added to enhance the feelings of the creator.Franz Xaver Messerschmidt created a series of “Character Heads”. I first came across his work at the Getty Museum when I came face to face with The Vexed Man. Mesmerized by this face, I became fully aware that I had become a participant in his sculpture. The bust of this man is elegantly carved with great care yet reveals the most unusual expression. The nose is scrunched up, eyes tightly shut, and mouth drown into an almost pouty frown. On display at this museum of elite, prestigious sculptures, is a piece that at first glance seemed unsuited to occupy the space, yet through the dichotomy displayed it evoked lasting emotions within me. I have discovered a joy in portraying dichotomous relationships in my own work. This relationship is the marriage of two opposing concepts in one piece. A brightly colored, playful child in the process of self-harm or two decomposing hands embraced in a tender touch can speak emotional volumes to the viewer. The thought-provoking questions that run through their minds allow viewers to start participating in the sculptures. Working alongside my mentor, an expert in the field of emotional sculptures, Professor Gates, I seek to more fully explore the world of conflicting emotions in my sculptures. I will be looking into what dichotomies in different forms produce strong emotions when placed alongside one another. Additionally, I am exploring what glazes and textures can be added to enhance the emotional exchange between the creator and the participant. Within the world of ceramics, glazes are used to add texture, color, sheen, and durability to the fired clay. I believe they can also enhance emotions as well. Through creating sculptures that demand the viewer to stop, take a second look, and question, I hope to enable people to reflect on what they are viewing and see their reality more clearly.

Authors: Brianna Bastian. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My understanding of language as a whole began to broaden when I took my first of many ASL classes almost a decade ago. It continued to deepen and grow when I spent a year and a half in an immersive Spanish-speaking program. Now as a university student studying both Speech Pathology and Art, I have found myself recognizing the validity of art as a language. Thus, my research and presentation explores the linguistics of the visual arts.

Authors: George Wells. Mentors: Timothy Francis. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Cast in the form of a first-movement, 17th century Sonata, this is an original composition that explores different chord progressions out of dissonance to resolution. This solo piece for piano is structured similar to works typical of the classical time period. Piano repertoire from the classical era feature repeated patterns, simple melodies, and contrasting moods. Atypical of piano repertoire from the classical era are characteristics such as chromaticism, common-tone and augmented chords, polyrhythms, and hemiolas. From a framework of the sonata form with simple patterns and melodies, I explored the mood and color each method of resolution brings to music composition, classical and contemporary. From this work we can come away with a better understanding of the abstract emotion and character naturally found in musical resolutions that have been codified through music theory.

Authors: Annalicia Loveridge, Maren Daynes, Noah Guzman. Mentors: Donna Fairbanks. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This project includes the planning and execution of a Carnegie Hall performance featuring the Wolverine Piano Trio. Annalicia Loveridge, Noah Guzman, and Maren Daynes were the first-place winners of the 2023 American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition in the College Students and Professional Musicians category. The performance will showcase the first movement of the Brahms Piano Trio No. 3.We will rehearse extensively leading up to the performance to ensure flawless execution of the selected piece. We aim to create an immersive musical experience for the audience, transporting them to a world of melody and harmony. The performance will be held in the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, known for its remarkable acoustics and grandeur. Performers such as Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, and Joshua Bell have all started their careers at Carnegie Hall. The Carnegie Hall performance is a milestone achievement for us as students and an opportunity to showcase our exceptional talent and passion for classical music to a global audience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to leave a lasting impression on us and bolster our professional goals.

Authors: Maddalena Willis. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Water is the most essential ingredient for life. In the desert, it is much more valuable. As Utah’s population rises, its high desert climate that provides beautiful scenery and fun recreational activities is running on a limited amount of water. Therefore it is vital that our reservoirs, lakes, streams and groundwater supply are in good condition, but this is impossible without our own efforts to help. As such, it is imperative that we avoid water contamination and negligent overconsumption. Displayed are the two paintings titled Churned and Drought. They are commentaries on the observable effects humans have had on the water condition in Wasatch and Utah County. The painting titled Churned uses the imagery of a boat prop agitating the picture plane of the painting. The serene blues and greens have been mangled and torn apart. The painting titled Drought uses the imagery of abstracted storm drains, pipes and fishing lures to illustrate the alterations humans have made on the waterways. It is very grid-like and inorganic. Combined, these two paintings are a reflection on the current state of our marine desert ecosystem.

Authors: Miaja Coombs, Greg Carling. Mentors: Greg Carling. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Our research delves into the intricate relationship between glaciers and Alaskan rivers. We embarked on an extensive study across Southcentral and Interior Alaska, spanning various mountain ranges, to examine how glaciers affect the water chemistry in these regions. From small cirque glaciers to expansive valley glaciers and sediment-covered glaciers, we collected data from river sites extending from glacier termini to the ocean or larger river systems. Over a span of two years, our weekly and monthly samples shed light on the complex interplay of elements, isotopes, and seasonal variations in water sources within these proglacial rivers and streams. Our findings reveal the dynamic nature of glacier-influenced watersheds, especially in the context of a changing climate.

Authors: Carolina Corrales. Mentors: James R. Allison. Insitution: Brigham Young University. This research analyzes ceramics found at the Alkali Ridge Site 13 in southeast Utah. The information generated with this research will allow us to know more about the technological choices of the Early Pueblo I people who lived at this location in the late A.D. 700s. The methodology will examine rim sherds through refiring and porosity tests. Refiring small sections of the sherds will provide initial information about the chemical composition of the clay used to create the vessels. The porosity tests should help determine the pieces' physical properties linked to different technologies. The combination of all these data will show differences in raw materials and their impact on the constitution of the vessels. The database obtained will allow us to statistically compare information from red, grey, and white wares, identifying patterns in size, shape, kind of material, and the technology used for each type.

Authors: Eli F Smith, Christopher Dillon, Matthew S Allen. Mentors: Matt Allen. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Background: Shear wave tensiometry offers a method to measure in vivo tendon tension, crucial for inferring applied loads on tendons. However, existing equipment for this purpose is costly and lacks mobility, limiting the ability to study a larger cohort of subjects engaged in various physical activities. Goal: This research aimed to assess the viability of utilizing low-cost digital accelerometers in conjunction with an Arduino-based microcontroller for shear wave tensiometry. Approach: This work employs surface-mounted accelerometers on a custom flexible printed circuit board (PCB), so that even spacing can be maintained between the accelerometers without interfering in data collection. To test the system and verify its ability to acquire measurements at a high enough rate, the PCB was connected to a shaker driven with a known sinusoidal signal. The flexible PCB was held in place on the Achilles tendon using athletic tape with a tapper placed on the tendon to send a shear wave through the tendon. Results: The results obtained to date compare the accuracy of the proposes system relative to the current system, which uses instrument grade accelerometers. Results obtained to date on the tendon reveal the degree to which the PCB interferes with the measurements, and suggest possible modifications to improve future designs. Conclusion: To attain valid shear wave tensiometry data, further iterations of the flexible PCB design are needed. Moreover, employing more powerful microcontrollers capable of accommodating the requisite sample rates is necessary for an improved system.

Authors: Shauri Thacker. Mentors: Nicole Dib. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The representation of Black narratives within the medium of comics and graphic novels has been and continues to be sparse compared to the focus on white characters and stories. In recent years, however, a new paradigm of Black representation has been appearing in comics and comics studies. Emerging from Black Lives Matter movement discourse about police brutality and taking a new angle on the “organic black protest tradition” is Victor LaValle and Dietrich Smith’s 2017 graphic novel Destroyer. Their visual narrative follows the last descendant of Frankenstein—Dr. Josephine Baker—and her endeavors for justice after the murder of her son Akai as her plotline weaves with the original Frankenstein creature’s quest to subdue humanity (Rickford, 35). In this paper, I will perform a close reading of this work using the theoretical lens of critical race theory and its intersection with feminist theory. My reading will prove that LaValle and Smith’s comic—though it does not have the intent of treating Black women as a “unitary and monolithic entity”—increases a reader’s focus on mother and doctor Josephine Baker in order to portray her rage and grief over Akai’s death at the hands of a police offer (Nash, 8). This analysis of Dr. Baker’s character, combined with LaValle’s usage of allusions and intertextuality, subverts the stereotypically white comic narrative by portraying the lived reality and precarity of many Black individuals within the United States. Through this reading, I will demonstrate that the medium of comics allows for a multifaceted depiction of Black narratives and a new form of literary activism.

Authors: Matilda Gibb. Mentors: Ami Comeford. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Prior to 1930, cannabis was used frequently in therapeutic practices and was found in many over the counter health products. However, around this time what has been dubbed the “pot panic” began infecting American citizens. It was then the film Reefer Madness came onto the scene, exacerbating the public’s trepidation over the allegedly morally degrading effects cannabis inflicted. Putting melodrama at the forefront, the film exploits societal queasiness over sex, drugs, violent crime, and immigration to push its propagandist agenda. The fear mongering rhetoric and imagery used effectively poisoned the public and altered societal perceptions of medical and recreational cannabis use. The goal of this project is to analyze the rhetorical argument presented in the film and address its broader reach and effects. Lastly, I will argue that the message presented in Reefer Madness was not based on any logical argument; it was based on folklore.

Authors: Natalya Misener, John Wolfe. Mentors: John Wolfe. Insitution: Utah Tech University. In our effort to improve education and create a more inclusive learning environment, Natalya Misener and Professor John Wolfe from Utah Tech University are exploring the experiences of neurodivergent students in classrooms. Our goal is to better understand, support, and empower these students, challenging the way things are typically done. We believe it's important to understand that these conditions come in a variety of forms and affect both students and professors in the classrooms in ways that are not currently being discussed, especially as many minorities, especially women and people of color, go undiagnosed and unaccommodated for a variety of reasons. We believe that by educating professors and students alike on how classroom environments can be more supportive of neurodivergent students, we can benefit the entire classroom, including ‘typical’ students. To make this happen, we believe it's important to rethink how we organize our classes, assignments, and interactions, so that we don't have to rely too much on services like the Disability Resource Center (DRC). We have practical suggestions, like adjusting assignments and deadlines and creating a comfortable classroom environment. It's also crucial to be clear in our expectations and listen to what the students need. We ask some important questions, like whether students should consider their instructors' limitations and how students see disabled instructors in their journey to graduation as well. We call for a shift beyond just accommodating neurodivergent students. We want to encourage educators to think about how they can better support all students in their classrooms. It's urgent that we change how we approach neurodivergent students- in order to create a more inclusive, supportive, and successful environment for us all.

Authors: Alexis West Salinas. Mentors: Johnathan Chidester. Insitution: Southern Utah University. There is a growing need to further understand the psychological and physical effects of religiosity among female-identifying members within the LDS church. According to recent studies, as of June 2023, Utah has a Mormon population of 68.55%. Within these statistics, about a fifth of LDS members reported that they have or are currently taking medication for depression. The article also states that 27% of LDS women have depression compared to the 14.5% of LDS men. The church has an infamous reputation with the demonization of mental illness, especially with women. Given the history of society’s treatment of women, women are at an increased risk of suffering within the LDS church. It is important to have the best interests of LDS women in discussing the effects religiosity has on female members within Utah. This paper will analyze the well-being among women of the LDS church as well as assess the specific effects religiosity within Utah may produce surrounding the topics of purity culture, societal expectations, job opportunities, and relationships. This paper will also touch on topics relating to Utah education, LGBTQ+ women within the church, as well as compare and contrast gender roles and sociology. Composing a formulated understanding of these relationships paves the pathway forward in implementing accommodating tools for women within the LDS church in mental health and spirituality.

Authors: Parker Johns, Chandler Warr, Gregory P Nordin, William G Pitt. Mentors: William G Pitt. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) microfluidic devices have gained prominence in various biomedical and analytical applications due to their exceptional material properties and compatibility with cell culture systems. However, the presence of residual uncrosslinked PEGDA monomers and photoinitiators within these devices can lead to cytotoxicity concerns, potentially compromising cell viability and experimental results. In this study, we present an innovative approach to reduce cytotoxicity associated with PEGDA microfluidic devices by implementing an isopropanol (IPA) washing method.Our investigation involves thoroughly characterizing the cytotoxicity of untreated PEGDA microfluidic devices and comparing it with devices subjected to the IPA washing procedure. We systematically assess cytotoxicity using cell viability assays and cell proliferation studies to quantify the impact of residual cytotoxic compounds on cells cultured within the microfluidic channels. Our results demonstrate that IPA washing significantly reduces the cytotoxic effects of PEGDA microfluidic devices, leading to improved cell viability and overall biocompatibility.Furthermore, we elucidate the mechanisms behind the reduction in cytotoxicity, shedding light on the role of IPA in effectively removing unreacted PEGDA and photoinitiators. This study provides valuable insights into the optimization of PEGDA microfluidic device fabrication processes, enhancing their biocompatibility and usability for various biological and biomedical applications.In summary, our research highlights the importance of addressing cytotoxicity concerns associated with PEGDA microfluidic devices and offers a practical solution through the implementation of an IPA washing method, ultimately expanding the potential of these devices in diverse scientific and clinical applications.

Authors: Tanner Van Orden, Dennis Shiozawa, Peter Searle, Ana Kokkonen, Paul Evans. Mentors: Paul Evans. Insitution: Brigham Young University. The Bonneville cutthroat trout (Onchorynchus clarki utah) is the only trout species native to the Northern and Southern Snake ranges in Eastern Nevada. Streams on the east side of both ranges flowed into Lake Bonneville 12,000 – 15,000 years ago when Lake Bonneville was at its maximum. As Lake Bonneville retreated, Bonneville cutthroat trout in these streams were left isolated. To better understand how Bonneville cutthroat trout in the study area are coping with a changing climate, we Investigated the genetic diversity of Bonneville cutthroat in the Northern and Southern Snake ranges and compared them to historic samples. We found highly differentiated cutthroat trout populations in close proximity to each other and a genetic diversity loss of up to 86.3% in the last 12 years.

Authors: Cora Rasmuson, Carly Biedul, David Herbst. Mentors: Carly Biedul. Insitution: Westminster College. Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a unique ecosystem known for its elevated saline conditions, supporting diverse biological communities. However, GSL's vital habitats for birds and invertebrates are diminishing due to climate variability and water diversions. The keystone species, Ephydra gracilis, known as brine flies, is central to this ecosystem's food web.Microbialite mounds of haloarchaea, algae, and cyanobacteria sustain E. gracilis, but receding shorelines and record-low lake levels intensify salinity, reducing food sources and brine fly survivability. This decline has far-reaching consequences, as E. gracilis accounts for over 50% of the diet for 10 million migratory birds at GSL.Ongoing research is focused on refining methods for monitoring populations of Ephydra species in response to changing salinity and elevation levels. This research is vital for the preservation of the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity.

Authors: Michaela Thackeray, Cicilee Petersen, Scott Wiltbank, Emma Newman, Enoch Thackeray. Mentors: Matt Draper. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Abstract: Unlocking Well-Being, Workplace Morale, and Employee Retention: A Tech Company’s Success Story This qualitative study, titled "Unlocking Well-Being, Workplace Morale, and Employee Retention: A Tech Company’s Success Story," explores the experiences of employees and leaders at a Utah-based tech company with an unusually low turnover rate. Motivated by the National Institute of Mental Health's call for workplace well-being focus and exacerbated mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, this research investigates the factors contributing to the company's low turnover and high employee satisfaction. The study employs a series of case studies to delve deeply into individual experiences, utilizing phenomenological methods to uncover and describe the depth and breadth of participants' experiences. The research question guiding the study is, “What experiences inform the mental health and well-being of employees and leaders at this low-turnover company individually and collectively?” Qualitative data collection involved interviews with executives, managers, and employees, facilitated through Microsoft Teams software or on-site at the company campus. The data was transcribed, blocked, and analyzed using Giorgi’s Phenomenological Method, a descriptive qualitative approach, supplemented by Nvivo 12 Plus or similar software for a broader thematic examination across participants. The study aims to provide insights into the workplace dynamics that contribute to employee well-being, satisfaction, and retention in the context of a successful tech company. We will present our findings by poster presentation and are open to presenting orally. Thank you for your consideration!

Authors: Akir Rowe, Hali Hutchinson, Kingdom Wanjoku. Mentors: Katrina Twing. Insitution: Weber State University. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals popularly used in electrical manufacturing companies from the 1930s - 1970s. PCBs, colloquially known as ‘forever chemicals’, are known to cause significant health concerns and are notoriously difficult to remove from an environment. PCBs are currently banned in the US; however, they can still be found in the environment due to improper disposal methods. This research aims to better understand ecological networks, genomic novelties, and potential bioremediation of microbes from PCB-contaminated environments. Microcosm cultures were developed to resemble the original conditions of the environmental samples, containing PCB-contaminated mud from Woods Pond, Lenox, Massachusetts, and filtered pond water with three different treatments: aerobic, anaerobic, and anaerobic with the addition of sulfate. These cultures have been growing for five months, showing signs of active microbial metabolism (e.g., rust patches in sediment gas production). The microcosms were used as inoculum for agar containing PCBs, and 30 PCB-tolerant colonies were isolated, with some belonging to known PCB-degrading taxa of Paenibacillus, Clostridium, Rhizobium, Methylversatalis, and Sphingobacteria. Future analyses will be conducted to (a) identify the microbial diversity within the microcosms via 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, (b) explore the metabolisms within the microcosms, and (c) further characterize the isolated PCB-tolerant bacteria. This data will aid further research to determine if and how these microbes metabolize PCB compounds.

Authors: Jerzee Findlay, Gina Fuller. Mentors: Katrina Twing. Insitution: Weber State University. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic chemicals which were popularly used in electrical manufacturing companies from the 1930s - 1970s and are known to cause significant health concerns for humans even today. These have also been termed “forever chemicals” due to their ability to bind to sediments and soils, which results in difficulties with removal or degradation in contaminated environments. One site of widespread PCB contamination is Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where improper disposal of industrial waste by a General Electric plant has led to chronically contaminated rivers and ponds, even decades later. The aim of this research project is to learn more about the microbial communities that coexist with these toxic forever chemicals, hoping to find evidence that they can degrade PCBs through metabolism. This specific study within the project focuses on microbial diversity of sediment samples collected from the contaminated Woods Pond, located downstream of the Pittsfield General Electric plant.: We performed DNA extractions, PCR amplification, and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on an Oxford Nanopore MinION DNA Sequencer. Preliminary data suggest that the samples contain genera known to be associated with PCB degradation, such as Paenibacillus, Clostridium, Rhizobium, and Sphingobacteria. With this understanding, future efforts aim to evaluate the ability of these environmental bacteria to degrade PCBs.

Authors: Logan Walker, Kate Coneys, Nick Tops, Russ Bailey. Mentors: Russ Bailey. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Background: Cultural humility is an influential concept in Multicultural Orientation therapeutic research (Owen et al, 2011). Cultural humility is defined as “a lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique whereby the individual comes to value and respect cultural diversity, recognizes his or her own biases, and is open to learning from others" (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998, p. 117). Cultural humility practices attempt to address cultural differences in therapy. Therapy absent of cultural humility can run the risk of failing the needs of culturally diverse clients. Racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to experience premature termination (Owen et al., 2015). Premature termination is defined as when a client begins an intervention but discontinues prior to recovering from the problem that he or she sought treatment for against provider recommendations (Swift & Greenberg, 2012). Premature termination is a significant concern as those who do not complete an intervention are less likely to experience symptom relief or meet their treatment goals (Steinberg et al., 2019). hope to better understand the link between cultural humility and premature termination/treatment deterioration in therapy in college students. We hypothesize that lower therapist’s cultural humility will be associated with an increased likelihood to unilaterally terminate therapy prematurely or show treatment deterioration. Methods: Data was collected from students who participated in therapy at the Utah Valley University Student Health Services from 2021-2023. The sample size for this dataset is approximately 560 participants. We will use two different operationalizations of premature termination/treatment deterioration: 1. Clients who reported have attended therapy for at least 3 sessions, has at least 1 cultural humility datapoint, and reported feeling “worse than at intake” on an item of subjective progress during at the last attended session with no future sessions scheduled for at least 90 days. 2. Clients who scored worse or the same on well-being indictors (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) and reported feeling “the same as intake” or “worse as intake” on an item of subjective progress during the last attended session with no future sessions scheduled for at least 90 days.. Clients completed the Cultural Humility Scale (Hook, 2013) and microaggression items at the beginning of their 3rd session and then every 4 sessions (e.g., session 7, 11, etc.). Clients completed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and subjective progress items at the beginning of every session. We will use logistic regression to see how cultural humility scores and microaggression frequency/impact predict premature termination/treatment deterioration. Results: Results from the analyses will be presented during the poster presentation Discussion: The results of the study will help us determine if therapist's cultural humility is related to client premature termination. If we find support for our hypothesis, this means that cultural humility is an important factor in therapeutic processes that has direct impact on the effectiveness for therapy interventions. However, rejecting our hypothesis may suggest that cultural humility is not an important aspect of premature termination. Limitations of this study include potential ceiling effects due to therapists striving to be cultural humble and thus limiting the variability in our sample.

Authors: Ellery White. Mentors: Yi Yin. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This study will examine the influence that parental political beliefs may have on students’ academic performance. Decades of research have formed empirical links between social- contextual factors and student academic achievement, and this paper will seek to identify whether parental political values play a role in the academic achievement of their children (Lee and Shute 2010; Yamamoto and Holloway 2010). Parental attitudes, behavior, and stylistic approaches to their child’s rearing and education have been extensively studied for how they impact educational outcomes (Pandey and Thapa 2017). This study fulfills the gap in research on the association between parental political beliefs and children’s academic performance. This adds to the academic discourse on the impact parents can have on their children in an academic setting by answering the following questions: How can the political beliefs of parents impact a students’ way of thinking and therefore ability to perform in school? Does the extremity of the parents’ political beliefs make a difference in the outcome of the child’s academic performance? A survey was distributed to a random sample of UVU students which measured their academic performance and the political beliefs of their parents. The statistical program SPSS will be used to conduct a multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between the independent variable (parents’ political beliefs) and dependent variable (students’ academic performance) to see if there is an association between the two. I hypothesize that students with parents who have strong political beliefs are more likely to be impacted in their academic performance than students with parents who do not have strong political beliefs. Discovering the impact of parental political belief will open several important avenues of inquiry related to educational outcomes of students.

Authors: Karissa Bauer, Kennedy Lewis, James Belnap, Andrew Torena, Braden Freestone, Luis Montenegro Calla. Mentors: Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. In the United States, 157 documented cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been recorded between 1962 and 2022. In the 60 years since the first reported case, only four patients have survived; a 97.5% fatality rate. The causative agent responsible for the highly fatal infections, is the free-living, single-celled parasite, Naegleria fowleri— or the “brain-eating amoeba.” The aquatic thermophiles are opportunistic pathogens that inhabit a wide range of environments; from poorly maintained pools, moist sediment, rivers, lakes, etc. Exposure to N. fowleri invasion is reliant on direct contact with a host’s upper nasal mucosa, and the active parasite. Rapid deterioration of neural tissues occurs shortly after infection.Today, there is no universally accepted treatment plan for treating PAM infections. The CDC has recommended an empirical approach to treatment, and suggests utilizing combination drug-therapies. Suggested drugs include Amphotericin B, Azithromycin, Fluconazole, Miltefosine, and Rifampin. To better understand and evaluate the effects of these drugs on N. fowleri, a rescue-of-infection model was applied to test the efficacy of single and combination-drug treatments, at various time points. The model utilized an immortalized HeLa cell line that was infected with the amoebae until roughly 50% cytotoxicity was observed. The rescue stage commenced with drug additions, and HeLa cell metabolism, and apoptosis levels were monitored using fluorescence viability assays and caspase-3 enzyme detection systems. Drug combinations that included Rifampin and Amphotericin B, provided the greatest protection for human Hela cells against N. fowleri infections. Data collected from this model provides deeper understanding of Naegleria fowleri pathogenicity. This knowledge will aid the development of more reliable and efficient treatments for this devastating infection.

Authors: Genna Howard, Cameron John. Mentors: Cameron John. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In the history of psychology, the concept of soul played a significant role informing philosophy and theory. In the late 1800’s many questioned the concept of soul in favor of measurable concepts that aligned with the scientific method, distinguished from religious classification that were deemed unworthy of pursuit. In the emergence of the science method, the concept of soul faded and the field of psychology experienced soul-loss, becoming soul-less. After nearly 150 years, there is a movement in the field advocating for soul to return to its former status by shedding light back onto the soul. For some, soul is aligned with religious thought. Religions are experiencing a loss of congregants, members engaging in faith transitions, and experiencing soul-loss. This paper will compare and contrast what happened in psychology with the experiences of some in religious organizations while looking at how the emotion of fear plays a part in both organizations. The methodology utilizes historical concepts and experiences shared by the brave souls who are challenging the current beliefs in both fields. In addition, anecdotal, informal information provided by individuals close to the authors is used to emphasize the practical application of this crisis in psychology and religions with the goal of reigniting a passion for soul.

Authors: Kate Coneys, Nick Top, Russ Bailey, Logan Walker, Julia Toomey. Mentors: Russ Bailey. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Background: Past literature has emphasized the importance of practicing culturally competent care and has shown that higher clinician cultural humility, as well as a lower frequency of microaggressions occurring in therapy, have been associated with more desirable therapeutic outcomes in retrospective, cross-sectional studies. However, research has also shown that patient outcomes appear to be unrelated to their therapist's experience level (Erekson et al., 2017), suggesting that more experience may not lead to being a more effective therapist, including more culturally humble. Despite the breadth of research on the significance of cultural competence, less is known about how a therapist's cultural humility changes across treatment with a particular client, or how a therapist’s cultural humility changes over an extended period. The aim of the current study is to examine this concept by analyzing both the relationship between the number of sessions spent working with a given therapist and a client’s rating of the clinician’s cultural humility, as well as the relationship between the average cultural humility rating of the therapist and time. We will also examine how the impact of microaggressions occurring in therapy changes during the course of therapy. Hypotheses: It is hypothesized that the results of this study will show a positive association between the number of sessions with the same therapist and their cultural humility, as rated by the client, as well as a negative association between the number of sessions and the impact of microaggressions reported by the client. Additionally, it is hypothesized that the therapist’s cultural humility rating over the entire course of data collection will not change to a statistically significant degree. Methods: We used archival data collected by Utah Valley University’s Student Health Services Counseling Center from August 2021 – September 2023. This archival dataset consists of 564 clients with at least one cultural humility and microaggression data point. Beginning at the third session, and occurring again every four sessions, clients were asked to rate their clinician’s cultural humility, using The Cultural Humility Scale (Hook et al., 2013), and report the frequency and impact of microaggressions that had occurred during the last four sessions. We will analyze the data using multi-level latent growth modelling. Results: Results will be presented as part of the poster presentation. Discussion: If the results of this study agree with the hypothesis, the implications may be that cultural humility improves over time with specific clients, potentially explained by growth of therapeutic alliance over time. However, it may also imply that a therapist’s cultural humility does not improve over extended time periods, showing that cultural humility appears to be static rather than dynamic. If the results do not agree with the hypothesis, this may imply that a client’s perception of their therapist’s cultural humility is static, but that over extended periods of time a therapist’s cultural humility can improve, implying that it is trainable. Sources: Erekson, D.M., Janis, R., Bailey, R.J., Cattani, K., Pedersen, T.R. (2017). A longitudinal investigation of the impact of psychotherapist training: Does training improve client outcomes? Journal of Counseling Psychology, 64(5), 514-524. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000252 Hook, J.N., Davis, D.E., Owen, J., Worthington, E.L., Utsey, S.O. (2013). Cultural humility: measuring openness to culturally diverse clients. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 60(3), 353-366. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0032595