Fine Arts

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: Mikayla Buckway. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. Women represent half of the world’s population, and half of the worlds potential. Many of those women face hardships and issues with nowhere to turn for help. The adaptive reuse design build project was created in response to the non profit organization Haven and their need for a women’s center. The selected area and building are of historic beginnings and are centrally located for the best optimization of the center. The center is needed to have multiple different functions and uses. From safe temporary living spaces to counseling offices the main focus will be to cultivate healing, rejuvenation and learning in the space. Studies show that the built environment we chose to surround ourselves with impacts our wellbeing and can be the catalyst for a hastened or slowed recovery (Sternberg 2020). A range of different design elements will need to be incorporated in the space to ensure the goals of the facility are met. The use of nature, biophilia, color and acoustics in designing the physical environment has been shown to optimize health, wellbeing and performance of tenants. Utilizing these elements in the Haven women’s center will be a crucial part of creating the desired space. Using these positive stimuli will also assist in creating a less institutionalized space and more of a home for healing.

Authors: Tyler Peterson, Anna Jensen, Daniel Orr, Anton E Bowden. Mentors: Anton E Bowden. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Prior to approval for usage, spinal disc replacements undergo rigorous and costly tests to ensure that they will perform as designed once implanted. Wear testing, specifically, is one of the most important tests as any loose foreign particles can cause osteolysis of the surrounding tissue. Due to this, minimizing the wear experienced by a joint replacement is of extreme importance, however, wear testing is often done in latter stages of the design process as a functioning prototype is needed. These tests can be prohibitively expensive and adjustments to the prototype only add to the costs, thus a more accessible test to get an initial estimate of the wear is desirable. There are current methods employed to perform these preliminary test results, including the use of a Tribometer, which tests friction and wear. Benefits of using a tribometer are that it can control environmental factors that parallel the ISO testing standards, however, these devices cost thousands of dollars. In the present work, we designed a cost-effective preliminary testing apparatus that accurately recreates loadings that the implant will experience in flexion and extension, as well as lateral bending. The machine consists of a roller that can be loaded axially by compressing a spring to mimic realistic compressive loading conditions, and a motor that will move the roller to replicate spinal bending. The design incorporates a spring element to ensure that contact between the roller and the implant is preserved. Predictable, repeated motions achieved with this machine can provide early insights into the implant wear modes, which can facilitate iterative design improvements. Such knowledge early in the design process can save costs by reducing the need for major design changes in the late stages of product development.

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: Roya Adham. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. Given the frequency and severity of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, around the globe, the current refuge center at Salt Lake City faces critical challenges in providing sufficient support for its demand.Security and efficiency of indoor space are critical matters in designing a refuge center.the absence of confidentiality can lead to information leakage and compromise the security of the building. (Reinten, et al 2017). The room acoustics will impact the creation of positive communication and interaction for individuals who seek solitude and peace inside the building. Oasis Haven promised to serve as a haven to those in need, helping them to nurture and heal from their past traumas. According to recent research, organizing and laying out spaces, and putting directional signage and informational labels to guide individuals who don't know the language will effectively increase their satisfaction level with the space Jamshidi et al. (2020). Accessibility for all individuals in a space is an ultimate goal of the designers and we must ensure cohesive visual language and consistency throughout the entire design.additionally, it studied and proved the effects of color schemes on employees' task performance due to the healing effects of colors Öztürk, Yilmazer, and Ural (2012). color plays a significant role in creating a space that helps refugees feel more at home and provides a sense of belonging to them. certain colors may symbolize peace, warmth, or security in one culture, while they might have different connotations in another Öztürk, Yilmazer, and Ural (2012) we try to incorporate all those principles and get help from other elements such as natural and artificial light to create space that feels like a true home and provide a sense of stability and comfort to refugees during the times of transition and adjustment.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: John Walton, Dallin Durfee. Mentors: Dallin Durfee. Insitution: Utah Valley University. We are developing an inexpensive optical power meter to measure lasers in our lab. In the device the signal from a photodiode is directed through a transimpedance amplifier to provide a voltage proportional to the power of the incident light. We will use an Arduino and a 16 bit ADC to collect the voltage measurement. The Arduino will also control a switch, allowing us to change the gain of the transimpedance amplifier for measurements over a larger range of powers. The Arduino will be programmed with the responsivity curve of the photodiode so that the correct power can be calculated for a given wavelength.

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

Authors: Lindsay Beekman. Mentors: Olga Kopp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This research probes the primary historical newspapers of early 1900s Utah, providing insights into the cultural atmosphere of the time and the widespread support for the Eugenics movement throughout the state. Our findings indicate that out of 72 distinct newspaper articles discussing Eugenics in Utah between 1908 and 1938, 62 conveyed a positive perspective, 9 remained neutral, and only 1 expressed opposition. Notably, from 1947 to 1996, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints administered the ‘Indian Student Placement Program’ or ‘Lamanite Placement Program,’ aligning with many Eugenics principles. Utah, like many places worldwide, embraced Eugenics with open arms.

Authors: Greg Avalos. Mentors: Sierra Warner. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The primary objective of this study is to explore caffeine's impact on explicit memory, particularly during the early morning when cognitive performance tends to be at its lowest. We aim to investigate how caffeine modulates attention, memory recall, and consolidation, shedding light on the less-understood psychological effects of caffeine in a real-world context. Participants will be assigned either the caffeine condition or the noncaffeine condition and will be tested on their explicit memory recall using the Craft 21 story recall test. Expected results are that those in the caffeine condition will score higher on the Craft 21 story recall test compared to those who didn't drink caffeine before the study.

Authors: Megara Jensen, Matthew Hatch, Brock Hughes, Madeline Gillies, Spencer Myres, Maddie Blackham, Autumn Gould, Kate Leigh, Nate Lieshman. Mentors: Rebecca A. Lundwall. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Parenting is stressful. Of all children with special needs, parents of children on the autism spectrum report spending the most time at educational, medical, psychological, and behavioral appointments. They also have significant financial expenses. Therefore, we set out to determine if parents on the autism spectrum are more stressed than parents of neurotypical children. We recruited participants using fliers and posts on social media autism support groups and on bulletin boards across campus. The parents (all mothers) had children between 8- and 32-months-old. For this analysis, we divided families into the ASD-sib group if the toddler had an older sibling with autism and the neurotypical group if they had no first-, second-, or third-degree relatives with autism. We asked them to complete surveys using Qualtrics regarding Family Quality of Life, Parenting Daily Hassles, and Parenting Stress measures. Twenty-three parents completed all surveys (n = 7 in the ASD group and n = 16 in the neurotypical group). We performed an ANCOVA with Parenting Stress as the outcome variable, presence of ASD in the family as the grouping variable, and Daily Hassles and Family Quality of Life as predictors. Age was entered as a control variable. We found a trend for the significance for Family Quality of Life predicting Parent Stress (F [17, 23] = 3.80, p = .083, eta2 = .17). No other variables showed a trend for significance. This suggests that parents of children on the autism spectrum are indeed more stressed. Although we need to collect more data, this motivates us in a larger study we are conducting regarding the effects of mindfulness on parental stress levels.

Authors: Heidi Blaylock, Carter Leuba, Eddie Hill, Christina Aguilar, Carla Cox, Aiden Hill. Mentors: Eddie Hill. Insitution: Weber State University. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease that influences all health aspects. The self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that three psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness are necessary for motivation to engage in healthy behaviors. Through medical specialty camps, these needs can be met by educating campers on how to manage T1D and realize they are not alone. The volunteer-based, five-day, inaugural REACH teen/tween camp for youth with T1D was held at WSU. Camp activities were engineered around the three basic needs described by the SDT. These needs were promoted by physical and educational activities, and meeting friends. A pre and post evaluation was given. Two measures were significant with autonomy being the greatest, (M=3.93, SD= .75) to post test (M=4.49, SD= .56), with t(25) = -6.258, p= <.001), effect size r = 1.2 Blood glucose levels were collected through an online platform that allowed staff to monitor campers’ levels. The week's average blood glucose level was 152 mg/dL. This study explored the use of SDT to examine the effectiveness of a diabetes camp for youth and hopefully result in better physical and emotional health thus mitigating the risk of complications.

Authors: Brooklyn Matthews, Andrew Rowley, Michael Salas, Shaun Kader. Mentors: Michele Culumber, Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis causes significant product loss in the dairy industry by causing gas build-up in packaging, and slit-crack defects in the cheese. By invitation, we tested a cheese manufacturing plant in northern Utah for Plb. wasatchensis in their creamery based on reports of puffed packages of aged cheese. We were allowed to swab several locations in the production area where contamination with Plb. wasatchensis was possible. Swabbed areas included the areas exposed to milk before and after pasteurization, floor drains, the cheese vat, curd cutters, cheddaring table, and packaging environment. Samples of raw milk, fresh curds, and gassy cheese were also collected. Swabs taken from surface samples were vortexed in 1 mL sterile saline solution. The solution was diluted and plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar with 1% ribose (MRS+R) agar. All agar plates were incubated anaerobically for 1 week. Enrichment cultures for Pbl. wasatchensis were also made by inoculating 0.1 mL of the saline rinse from each swab in MRS+R broth, and incubated for 2 days. After growth, were diluted and plated on MRS+R agar. After 1 week of incubation, we selected small (~1 mm), slow-growing colonies that were morphologically similar to Pbl. wasatchensis. The 16S rRNA gene and N-acetyltrasferase gene were amplified using PCR primers specific for Pbl. wasatchensis. Positive Pbl. wasatchensis isolates were found on the handle of the cheese cutter and in the final cheese product showing a gas defect. Our finding suggests that Pbl. wasatchensis is a potential contaminant in the creamery, and though only found in one location, may exist throughout the facility at unculturable levels. Further studies will use molecular techniques to identify Pbl. wasatchensis throughout the facility to identify bacterial DNA instead of live cells, which may more accurately represent the presence of this fastidious organism.

Authors: Amanda Lee, Alex Phillips, Bonnie Baxter, Amy Schmid. Mentors: Bonnie Baxter. Insitution: Westminster College. The Great Salt Lake is home to a massive variety of microorganisms and insights into these populations will aid in understanding the ecosystem. The Union Pacific Railroad’s causeway has divided the lake into two distinct sections and over time caused the North Arm to increase in salinity over the South Arm and gain its hallmark pink color due to restricted freshwater input. Terminal rivers flow into the South Arm while the North Arm’s water evaporates, leaving behind accumulating salty brine, and the two very different waters have nurtured two accordingly distinctive ecosystems. Breaches periodically opened in the causeway allow the waters to mix and provide opportunity for the microbial communities of the two arms to intermingle. In a collaboration between the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster University and the Schmid Lab at Duke University, this project focuses on procuring a picture of the North Arm’s microbial diversity and the extent that it adapts to new environments over the four seasons, as well as what happens to the microbes and their nutrient exchange at that breach mixing point. Halophilic archaea and algae comprise the majority of biodiversity in the lake, and we hypothesize that those taxonomic compositions of the North Arm are stable over the different seasons, due to their extremophilic nature. Every season, we have collected water samples from the causeway, breach, and Spiral Jetty to grow and isolate bacterial colonies for DNA extraction and imaging. We also collect biofilm on filters to analyze RNA gene expression and metabolite usage as the environment changes. Over nearly two years of sampling, the hypothesis has been supported and we are seeing stability in community compositions in comparison to the less-salty South Arm. We are still interpreting results from the mixed breach samples, but thus far the microbes appear to be similar to those in the North Arm.

Authors: Brandon Rojas. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. The Mountain Haven building in Salt Lake City, a mixed-use facility, offers a wide range of services, including housing, childcare, and healthcare. The Single Parent Project, a non-profit organization, is working to provide suitable housing solutions for single parents and their children. The primary challenge is creating a secure, private, and healthy living environment that supports the emotional, financial, and mental growth of single parents and their children. To address this challenge, the Mountain Haven building must be designed to meet the unique needs of single-parent families. This includes providing access to quality childcare, flexible work arrangements, and efficient household management solutions. It is also important to foster a sense of community and neighborliness and to ensure that single parents have access to affordable and safe housing in a safe neighborhood (Johnson, 1986). Additionally, the arrangement of the home should be flexible to accommodate both work and childcare responsibilities. The design of the Mountain Haven building should also consider the latest research on daycare centers, healthcare facilities, and interior design. This includes using materials that are free of harmful substances, creating spaces that promote learning and nurture children's development (Monoko, Mukurunge, Bhila, 2021), and using light and color to create a healing environment for parents and children to reduce stress and strengthen the mood, mind, and body. (Khaleghimoghaddam, 2023) By incorporating these principles into its design, the Mountain Haven building can provide single parents and their children with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment in which to thrive.

Authors: Kennedy Parker. Mentors: Melinda Russell Stamp. Insitution: Weber State University. Role-playing is considered one of the most effective teaching strategies for training undergraduate clinical psychology students because it fosters active learning in a supportive and safe environment (Gibbs, 2019; Osborn & Costas, 2013). The literature is replete with studies that document the benefits of role-playing for clinical training. These benefits include the development of active-listening, perspective-taking, empathy, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and increased enjoyment of course material (Dawood, 2013; Gibbs, 2019; Grose-Fifer, 2017). A challenge associated with classroom role-plays involves student reluctance to participate due to feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety associated with being negatively evaluated (Mallonee, 2018). There is limited research on the effectiveness of different role-play modalities which may include classmates role-playing with one another; as well as actors and virtual avatars role-playing with students. There have been mixed findings in the literature regarding whether students are more comfortable disclosing to virtual avatars or to actors in face-to-face encounters (Rogers et al., 2022; Roster & Chen, 2016). To date, there are no research studies comparing student perceptions of role-plays with virtual avatars to face-to-face interactions with actors in undergraduate psychology classes. For the current study, 60 undergraduate Psychology students were randomly assigned to either role-play with an avatar or an actor. Following the 25-minute role-plays, students completed surveys assessing perceived utility value, self-efficacy, level of anxiety, engagement, and future interest in role-playing. This preliminary study will compare the effectiveness of avatar and actor role-play modalities which will help educators better structure training for undergraduate students in clinical psychology.

Authors: Kiersten Gardner, Hannah Duffy, Abbey Blair, Nicholas Ashton, Porter Stulce, Dustin Williams. Mentors: Dustin Williams. Insitution: University of Utah. Transdermal antiseptic products as a method to decrease skin bioburden prior to surgeryKiersten Gardner(1,2), Hannah Duffy(1,2), Abbey Blair(2), Nicholas Ashton(2), Porter Stulce1(2), Dustin Williams(1,2,3,4)1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT2 Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT3 Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT4 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda MDIntroduction: Preoperative skin preparation (PSP) kits are used before surgery to prevent surgical site infection (SSI). These kits consist of alternating scrubs of alcohol and Chlorohexidine Gluconate (CHG) or Povidone Iodine (PVP-I). Transdermal antiseptic products like Ioban, Tegaderm, and Surgiclear are also used clinically to eradicate skin bacteria by releasing antiseptic over time. Despite these precautions, infections often occur, usually stemming from a patient’s endogenous skin flora. The bacteria causing SSI reside deep in dermal sweat glands and hair follicles, untouched by traditional PSP. To eliminate these bacteria, antiseptics must diffuse deeper into the skin at concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). We screened FDA-approved topical antiseptic products using a modified Kirby Bauer Assay to assess bacterial kill over time. We hypothesized that extended use of topical antiseptic products prior to surgery would kill deep-dwelling skin bacteria. We tested the extended use of these products on pig backs in conjunction with a CHG PSP to evaluate remaining bioburden. Methods:We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for CHG and PVP-I against three common skin bacterial strains. We then took 6 mm biopsy punches of Tegaderm, Surgiclear, and Ioban and placed them on fresh bacterial lawns daily for 3 days. We measured the zones of inhibition (ZOI). Lastly, we applied the products to the backs of 4 Yorkshire pigs (n=4 products per test). After 48 h, we removed the products, performed a PSP- CHG scrub, and excised skin sections underneath the products. We homogenized the skin and quantified colony forming units (CFU)/g tissue. We analyzed the outcomes statistically using a mixed effects linear regression to determine significance.Results:The average MIC values for CHG and PVP-I were 2 and 2,000 ug/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The average 24 h ZOIs for S. aureus were 7.9, 22.4, and 10.1 mm for Ioban, Tegaderm, and Surgiclear, respectively. The average log10 reduction for the CHG PSP, Ioban, Tegaderm, and Sugiclear were 1.87 ± 0.232, 1.65 ± 0.192, 1.69 ± 0.222, and 1.77 ± 0.316 CFU/cm2, respectively. The p values between the CHG PSP and Ioban, Tegarderm, and Surgiclear were 0.491, 0.572, and 0.746, respectively. Discussion:The benchtop data indicated adequate antiseptic diffusion and kill. In the porcine model, however; the presence of any of the products resulted in a statistically insignificant log reduction. Extended use of FDA-approved transdermal antiseptic products does not appear to decrease the skin’s bioburden. It appears that the products are not releasing high enough concentrations of the antiseptic to kill bacteria.

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: Jen Hansen. Mentors: Nicole Dib. Insitution: Southern Utah University. Toni Morrison’s contribution to Gothic horror with Beloved expands the tradition into the history of human enslavement, specifically in the context of American history. She reconceptualized ‘remembering’ as both the conscious awareness of the past and the literal reassembling of members of the body, and by extension the family and the home. Morrison coined the term “rememory” in reference to the intentional act of recollection performed by an entire community. The characters of the novel are haunted in several ways and each haunting is only exorcized or overcome through acts of communion, or rememory — many of which are symbolically religious even if not sanctioned as such. The main character is a woman named Sethe, who is haunted by the ghost of the daughter she murdered rather than allow to be taken as a slave. The ghost of Beloved represents the return of the repressed trauma of her death and the connection to Sethe’s previous life in captivity. In order to exorcize Beloved’s ghost and free themselves from her oppressive presence, Sethe and her living daughter, Denver, must re-member the broken family structure within their home, and rememory the traumatic past with the support of the community in order to heal. American Gothic traditions in literature have long been used to reflect on anxiety, discrimination, and disempowerment related to the Other. In this novel, Morrison uses that tradition to give shape to the culturally specific legacy of slavery in America. In this presentation I examine the novel’s Gothic elements and the ways the community plays the part of the exorcist as an essential advocate for the physical and emotional survival of Sethe and Denver.

Authors: Tage T Burnett, Jakob G Bates, Christopher R Dillon, Matthew R Jones. Mentors: Christopher R Dillon. Insitution: Brigham Young University. In recent years, modeling and simulation have become more prominent in solving heat transfer problems. The accuracy and predictive power of heat transfer simulations is limited by the quality of the thermal properties used within the model. Thus, one method for improving computational accuracy is measuring thermal properties more precisely. Additionally, increased precision of thermal properties benefits other aspects of engineering including design and analysis. This research focuses on quantifying approximation errors in the widely adopted flash method for measuring thermal diffusivity. The flash method leverages several approximations to make it simple and easy to use; however, these approximations do not reflect reality and introduce measurement errors. Understanding these errors is critical for developing high-precision thermal diffusivity measurement techniques.In the flash method, the top surface of a small, cylindrical disc of material is subjected to a short pulse from a laser or flash lamp and the time-dependent temperature at the opposite surface is recorded. The thermal diffusivity is calculated using those temperature measurements in combination with a mathematical model. The accuracy of the flash method depends upon the accuracy of the mathematical model. One common mathematical model is the Parker Model. This model assumes that all of the energy from the pulse is deposited in an infinitesimally thin layer at the surface of the material and negligible heat is lost to the environment. These assumptions simplify the model, making it easy to use, but introduce errors into the measured thermal diffusivity.Computational methods can quantify these inaccuracies. Factors including heat lost to the environment, the temporal profile of the laser pulse, and the spatial distribution of the deposited energy can be incorporated into heat transfer simulations. Higher fidelity mathematical models can also be developed to account for these complexities. This project includes these and other factors to make simulations as realistic as possible. Various mathematical models, such as the Parker Model and higher fidelity models, are then used to calculate the thermal diffusivity from the resulting time-dependent temperature profiles and their measurements are compared to the simulated material’s true thermal diffusivity. Repeating this process for several material types will allow the precision of the models to be analyzed for each case. This analysis will be summarized at the conclusion of this project, providing a framework for developing more precise thermal diffusivity measurement techniques.

Authors: Samuel Charles. Mentors: Marc Killpack. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Robots have an incredible potential to help humans in extreme or dangerous situations due to their significant and consistent durability, strength, endurance, replaceability, etc. However, humans and robots move very differently, leading to difficulties working intuitively with a robot partner when completing a task such as lifting a heavy object. We recently conducted studies in which human subjects moved a 60-lb table to several different positions in a room; we recorded force and torque data, along with many other aspects of the movement. In these studies of human-human co-manipulation, we noticed a trend during particularly difficult maneuvers; when lifting the table to high positions or acute angles, subjects switched their hand holds on the table’s handles. This was likely an easier method of holding the table, but it may have also communicated placement, stability, understanding, and strength to the other partner, leading to a smoother and more intuitive movement and experience overall. If this is the case, this data could be used to help a co-manipulation robot both effectively understand the subtle commands in human movement and intuitively communicate needed movement to the human partner. This is particularly useful in emergencies like natural disaster sites and war zones, in which immediate help is needed, but there is no time to troubleshoot an unclear or unintuitive robot.

Authors: Asmaa Alsharif. Mentors: Sayeed Sajal. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Ransomware is malicious software which restricts users from accessing their computer and personal data through encryption. Ransomware attacks target a variety of victims including individuals, organizations, businesses, and governments. Attackers take control of this sensitive data and hold it hostage until a ransom is paid. Whether or not ransom is paid, the attackers’ damage can be irreparable. It includes but is not limited to exposing personal information, identity theft, blackmail, permanent deletion or corruption of valuable data, and Distributed Denial-of-service (DDos). Moreover, the financial implications of ransomware attacks are substantial. Victims face not only the direct costs of ransom payments, but also the expenses associated with system restoration and the potential fines for data protection violations. Furthermore, an ethical dilemma emerges from the response to extortion, as victims must grapple with the moral implications of potentially supporting criminal activities by paying ransoms to recover their data. This raises questions about the broader responsibility of stakeholders in cybersecurity and their duty to protect data privacy. The first ransomware attack emerged in 1989 and since then, ransomware attackers have persisted as a cybersecurity threat, striking at the core of data privacy. This paper delves into the multifaceted impact of ransomware incidents on data security, current ransomware techniques and strategies, and the ethical dilemmas they raise.Because ransomware attackers are constantly evolving their methods, it is important to routinely review the current literature to fully understand the tactics and techniques used by these cybercriminals. This research paper will review, analyze, and synthesize the existing literature about ransomware. It is crucial for individuals and organizations to be proactive, understand the nature of the threat, and take precautions to protect themselves and their data. This study encourages further research and discourse on the multifaceted impact of ransomware attacks on data privacy and the pursuit for effective countermeasures.

Authors: Miranda Judson. Mentors: Mike Ashfield. Insitution: Utah State University. This research explores the relationship between Latter-Day Saint views and classical Christianity through the lens of the problem of evil. More specifically, this research looks at the implications both Augustine’s theory of evil and Latter-Day Saint theology have on each other and the impact that would occur should certain aspects be accepted by Latter-Day Saints. I argue that Latter-Day Saints should accept an interpretation of doctrine through the privation theory of evil in order to avoid potential threats to God’s goodness and the Plan of Happiness. Understanding Latter-Day Saint doctrine through this lens will better situate further research in the broader context of Christianity. Furthermore, accepting this theory will allow for a deeper understanding of the premortal existence and postmortal states. This deeper understanding is beneficial for both adherents to and researchers of Latter-Day Saint teachings. Finally, I argue this interpretation does not pose a threat to the doctrine of “opposition in all things.”

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: Rainey Hughes, Avalon Marker, Elizabeth Bouwhuis, Yeshaswini Dudde, Bryan Dopp, Scot Carington, Jared Nelson. Mentors: Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. Antibiotic resistance is a pressing concern within the medical community as bacteria's resistance to antibiotics is escalating alongside the increased usage of antibiotics. According to the CDC, there are close to 2.8 million antibiotic resistant infections every year, with about 35,000 of them resulting in death. This issue has prompted antibiotic stewardship programs in clinics and hospitals to avoid adding to the list of resistant bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, including the formidable methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain, poses a grave threat due to its antibiotic resistance. The challenges stemming from this resistance become even more formidable when these infecting bacteria assemble into biofilms. Biofilms are robust, adhesive layers composed of bacteria and their extracellular matrices of polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. In clinical environments like hospitals, biofilms frequently develop on medical devices such as stents, catheters, and IV lines, as well as on metal and plastic surfaces of medical equipment. These biofilms exacerbate antibiotic treatments due to incomplete eradication; the most resilient bacteria persist after exposure. There is evidence indicating that bacteriophages, which are viruses that will a target particular species or strain of bacteria, have the ability to encode depolymerases. These depolymerases can identify biofilms, adhere to them, and subsequently break down extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, bacteriophages can produce lysins, which induce bacterial cell death through cellular lysis. These characteristics can potentially render the bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. The use of bacteriophages can also be beneficial when it comes to the concern of opportunistic infections. Due to its selectivity to specific bacteria, it can attack the target hosts and leave the natural flora intact.In our research, we have induced biofilms in our bioreactor. With these biofilms we have been able to test different concentrations of multiple antibiotics, including Vancomycin, Oxacillin, and Carbenicillin in combination with phage K at different concentrations. Our research is aimed at showing a synergistic relationship between phage K and antibiotics, that will allow a subinhibitory concentration of both, in combination, to induce a complete kill and clearance. We have measured this by evaluating bacterial growth via absorbance measurements at 600nm in a Tecan plate reader. We have also measured biofilm clearance using the plate reader and measuring fluorescence at 630nm with a biofilm tablet assay. It was found that a subinhibitory concentration of antibiotic alone did not induce a complete kill and clearing, and that a subinhibitory concentration of phage alone did not induce a complete kill and clearing. However, once these concentrations were used in combination with each other, the complete clearing and killing of MRSA was achieved, and furthermore, was achieved with the antibiotic that the staphylococcus aureus is resistant to. Leading us to believe that we have found a renewed use for a currently ineffective defense mechanism.

Authors: Karli Kallas. Mentors: Jared Colton. Insitution: Utah State University. For this presentation, I will present a care ethics analysis of Web3 and decentralized internet, with a specific focus on privacy concerns and the increase of internet scams due to the lack of regulation and accountability. Ethics of care argues that there is moral importance in promoting the well being of care givers and receivers in a network of social relations, recognizing that all human life is co-dependent. It is important to note that care ethics was not designed to engage with such large networks of relationships, I will be expanding it to apply to the situation, so it gives us one new way of viewing the situation. I will expand on this ethical lens by including points from care ethics such as the empathy in the design of Web3, and responsibility for online communities. My research explores the intricate web of relationships and responsibilities in the decentralized environment, aiming to shed light on the vulnerabilities within internet scams in contrast to the benefits of cryptocurrency. I examine the moral dimensions of these scams, considering the impact on individuals and the broader digital community. The emphasis on care ethics demonstrates the interconnectedness of actors within Web3, as well as the need for a collective commitment to certain forms of innovation.

Authors: Caleb Slade, Evelyn Davis, Michael Orr, Brevin Bell. Mentors: Vinodh Chellamuthu. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Our study examines a viral video featuring a dog named Fritz who consistently fails to catch thrown food items. This research aims to determine whether Fritz's inability to catch is a result of his owner's throwing technique or Fritz's own inherent clumsiness. To investigate this, we employ a mathematical model based on kinematic differential equations to analyze the rotational dynamics of various geometrical shapes that simulate the thrown food items. By pinpointing moments in the projectile trajectory where the food items are most easily caught, we provide empirically-based recommendations aimed at improving Fritz's success rate.

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.