GRAD Abstracts

Abstract Title: Effect of Hydrodynamic and Thermal Parameters on Scale Formation in Oilfield Pipelines

Program: Chemical Engineering

Mineral scale, especially calcium carbonate, can narrow oilfield pipelines and cause costly downtime. This thesis used a recirculating flow loop to isolate how temperature and pH drive scale buildup. A model brine was circulated at 2L/min for 4h while temperature increased in 10°C steps from 28 to 90°C, and the pH was adjusted from 8.0 to 10.8 at 28°C. Results were measured by mass gain and analyzed using spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Deposition rose about six times from 11.1 to 70.4 gm⁻² h⁻¹ across the temperature range, and nearly tripled as pH increased at constant temperature. An apparent activation energy of ~28kJ/mol and a rise in surface roughness from 0.52 to 3.28µm suggest that both transport in the flowing liquid and surface growth matter. Deposits were mainly calcite (>95%), with only trace vaterite at high pH. The results support practical temperature/pH management and faster screening of inhibitors and surface finishes.

Abstract Title: KASHless Nesprin2-Giant Disrupts LINC-mediated mechanotransduction and Causes Mild Skeletal Muscle Dystrophy

Program: Biomedical Sciences

The Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex is a nuclear envelope assembly that mediates mechanotransduction by physically coupling the cytoskeleton to the nucleoskeleton. Through interactions between outer nuclear membrane KASH-domain proteins (Nesprins) and inner nuclear membrane SUN proteins, the LINC complex transmits mechanical forces, influencing gene expression and cell fate decisions. Mutations in LINC components are associated with muscular dystrophies, progeroid syndromes, and age-related pathologies. Disruption of the KASH domain has been widely used to uncouple Nesprins from SUN proteins and impair mechanotransduction across the nuclear envelope. However, the skeletal muscle phenotype of a new KASHless Nesprin2-Giant mouse model has not been fully characterized. Here, we investigate the impact of KASH-domain deletion in Nesprin2-Giant on skeletal muscle structure and function. Our findings demonstrate that loss of KASH-mediated LINC mechanotransduction results in a mild dystrophic phenotype, supporting a critical role for Nesprin2-dependent mechanotransduction in maintaining muscle formation and maintenance. 

Abstract Title: A Sustainable Method for Producing Plastic Building Blocks from Plant-Based Materials

Program: Chemistry

We report a sustainable synthesis of 3-methylpentanedioic acid (3-MPA), a branched diacid designed for next-generation bio-based polymers. The compound was prepared from the renewable platform molecule 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone (TAL) using a light-driven transformation followed by mild hydrogenation. The reaction was effective in both solid and solution phases, with improved efficiency in solution. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that molecular branching creates a non-planar structure that disrupts packing and lowers the melting point compared to adipic acid. The diacid was further converted to its diester to demonstrate synthetic versatility. As a renewable, bifunctional monomer, 3-MPA introduces controlled branching into diacid frameworks, offering a promising route to tune thermal and structural properties in sustainable polymer systems.

Abstract Title: Zone of Self-Efficacy Development (ZSED) Model: A Framework for Teacher Growth in Community-Relevant Engineering Design (CRED) Implementation

Program: Chemical Engineering

The poster introduces the Zone of Self-Efficacy Development (ZSED). This conceptual framework aims to explain how teachers build confidence to implement new classroom instructional approaches through professional development (PD) and applies it to PD for Community-Relevant Engineering Design (CRED). ZSED fills a gap: PD often emphasizes instructional frameworks and content, whereas the phased development of teacher self-efficacy necessary for sustained classroom implementation remains underexplored. Drawing on an integrative synthesis of established learning theories, the framework is theoretically grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive self-efficacy theory, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, and Kolb’s experiential learning theory. ZSED conceptualizes teachers’ self-efficacy development as a progression across five iterative zones: Unfamiliarity, Engagement, Integration, Application, and Mastery. Each zone represents a distinct set of awareness, confidence-building, autonomy, and instructional agency, rather than a separate PD session. Bandura’s theory explains shifts in efficacy beliefs across zones… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Computational Investigation of Thermodynamic Stability in Novel High Entropy MAB Phases Based on the Cr₄AlB₄ Structure

Program: Physics

Using density functional theory with special quasi-random structures, we investigate thermodynamic stability mechanisms in high-entropy MAB (HE-MAB) phases. Convex hull analysis reveals three equiatomic compositions (Cr-Hf-Nb-W-Ta)₄AlB₄, (Cr-Mo-W-Ti-Nb)₄AlB₄, and (Cr-Re-Nb-W-Ta)₄AlB₄ achieve hull stability (ΔHhull = 0 meV/atom) comparable to ternary Cr₃MnAlB₄. Metastable phases stabilize at synthesis temperatures (1400-1800 K) through configurational-entropy contributions. Stability depends critically on three descriptors: optimal valence electron concentration (VEC ≈ 5.5-6.0), atomic size mismatch (δ < 9%), and elemental composition. Hf, Re, Nb, and Mn stabilize phases ⟨ΔH⟩ < 15 meV/atom, while Ti and Mo destabilize ⟨ΔH⟩ > 30 meV/atom. Cr₂Ti₂AlB₄ has the lowest Ef (-0.768 eV/atom) yet highest instability (ΔHhull = 124 meV/atom) due to size mismatch. Therefore, formation energy magnitude doesn’t alone predict stability. These findings show that hull-stable HE-MAB phases gain thermodynamic stability from optimal electronic structure, good geometric compatibility, and high configurational-entropy, offering guidelines to design stable high-entropy ceramics for high-temperature applications.

Abstract Title: Oxidative Stress as a Mechanistic Link Between Mild Food Allergy and Behavioral Alterations

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Mood and cognitive problems are often reported in people with food allergies who can tolerate offending foods. Using a mouse model of mild cow’s milk allergy, we have demonstrated that allergen consumption causes anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Because these allergic mice have higher histamine levels, which can affect brain function via inflammation, we examined whether long-term allergen exposure would lead to oxidative stress and changes in brain activity. Male C57BL/6J mice were sensitized to a milk allergen or given a control treatment while on an allergen-free diet for five weeks, and subsequently fed an allergen-containing diet for additional two weeks. When their brains were examined, allergen-sensitized mice showed increased oxidative stress and reduced neuronal activity in brain regions important for the regulation of mood and cognitive function. Our data supports oxidative stress as a possible mechanism by which allergy-associated inflammation influences brain function.

Abstract Title: The Role of Grit in STEM Faculty Research Success: A US Longitudinal Study

Program: Higher Education

Grit has emerged as an important psychological trait linked to faculty research success, characterized by sustained perseverance and enduring interest in long-term goals. This longitudinal study examined how grit predicts both self-reported and bibliometric indicators of research success among 167 STEM faculty members across 10 U.S. research institutions. Data were collected over three years through annual surveys and supplemented with publication and citation records from the Web of Science. Results showed that perseverance of effort predicted publication and citation counts, whereas consistency of interest was more strongly associated with faculty self-perceived success in research activities, publications, and grants. Over time, the influence of perseverance weakened, while consistency of interest remained a stable and positive predictor. These findings highlight grit as a multidimensional construct whose effects on research success evolve over time, with implications for faculty development and institutional policy.

Abstract Title: Honing Law Students’ Legal Drafting Competency with an AI Personal Coach: Does it Work?

Program: Instructional Design & Technology

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in professional education, a critical question emerges: Can structured AI-guided coaching enhance law students’ legal reasoning compared to traditional instruction? This completed quasi-experimental study examined whether structured AI-guided coaching improves law students’ legal drafting performance compared to traditional lecture-based instruction. Seventy-six students participated in a controlled comparison between conventional teaching and an AI-supported condition grounded in established legal reasoning frameworks. The intervention included structured training on responsible AI use, verification strategies, and guided feedback prompts designed to refine reasoning rather than generate completed drafts. Drafts were evaluated using a validated rubric measuring organization, coherence, and argumentative precision. Results indicated significantly stronger structural reasoning and clearer analytical development in the AI-supported group. These findings provide empirical evidence that instructional design, not technology alone, determines AI’s educational impact and advance interdisciplinary understanding of responsible human-AI collaboration in high-stakes professional learning contexts.

Abstract Title: Diagnosing the roles of climatology, storage memory, and network connectivity in cold-region streamflow prediction

Program: Civil Engineering

Accurate streamflow prediction is important for effectively managing water resources, agricultural planning, and flood forecasting. Data-driven models have advanced understanding of hydrology, but their frameworks rarely integrate spatial features, temporal sequences, and seasonal behavior within a modeling system. This study presents a structured framework for diagnosing the relative roles of meteorology, storage, and network connectivity across sub-basins in the Goose River watershed. The framework evaluates six tiers of model complexity, ranging from simple temporal deep learning and static physiographic models to Spatio-Temporal GNNs. Results indicate that while meteorological drivers dominate short-term daily discharge, static physiographic attributes alone are insufficient for daily predictions. The incorporation of discharge memory provided the highest numerical accuracy. However, the ST-GNN framework offered the most physically consistent representation. This study demonstrates that while autoregressive models maximize statistical skill, graph-based frameworks prioritize process-aware connectivity.

Abstract Title: Enhancing Power Quality Using Packed U-Cell (PUC5) Multilevel Inverter-Based  DSTATCOM with Advanced Control Strategies

Program: Electrical Engineering

This work investigates a Packed U-Cell (PUC5) multilevel inverter-based Distribution Static Compensator (DSTATCOM) for improving power quality in distribution networks. Compared with conventional cascaded multilevel inverters, the PUC5 topology generates a five-level output using fewer switches, reducing switching losses and harmonic distortion. A synchronous reference frame (SRF) control strategy generates inverter switching signals, while a proportional-integral (PI) controller regulates DC capacitor voltage for reactive power compensation and suppression of total harmonic distortion (THD) under a nonlinear diode rectifier load (NLDRL). The study further extends the system to a solar photovoltaic (SPV)-integrated DSTATCOM, where solar energy supports DC-link voltage maintenance and grid power quality instead of drawing active power from the grid. A Sliding Mode Control (SMC) scheme with open-circuit voltage-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) improves PV energy extraction. MATLAB/Simulink results demonstrate improved compensation, reduced THD, and enhanced overall efficiency for modern renewable-rich distribution systems under nonlinear loading scenarios.

Abstract Title: Development of a Composite Reliability–Resilience Evaluation Framework for Networked Distribution Microgrids with Utility Planning Applications

Program: Electrical Engineering

Modern distribution systems must achieve high reliability under normal operating conditions while maintaining resilience against extreme events. Although reliability and resilience are both critical for utility planning, they are commonly evaluated using separate metrics, time scales, and analytical methods. This separation limits comprehensive performance assessment, particularly for emerging networked microgrids that enable coordinated operation and resource sharing during disturbances. Existing reliability indices quantify interruption frequency and duration, whereas resilience metrics focus on system degradation and recovery characteristics. However, no unified framework currently integrates these dimensions into a single decision-support tool for utility applications. This research identifies methodological gaps in combined reliability–resilience evaluation and proposes the development of a Composite Reliability–Resilience framework tailored for networked distribution microgrids. The proposed approach aims to support planning, investment prioritization, and performance benchmarking in modern grid systems facing increasing climate and operational uncertainties.

Abstract Title: A Novel Hydrogel Matrix for Three-dimensional Culturing of Breast Cancer Cells

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Tunable materials such as hydrogels provide a reliable niche for 3D cell culture due to their adaptable mechanical properties, high water content, controlled porosity, permeability to oxygen and nutrients, and intrinsic biocompatibility. In this work, a new hydrogel matrix was developed to synthesize an interpenetrating network of synthetic and natural polymers. The physical crosslinking was utilized to control the material’s porosity and stiffness. Thorough material characterization was applied to evaluate the homogeneity, stability, functionality, and tunability of the hydrogel. The developed hydrogels showed reliable and tailored mechanical properties, thermal stability up to 200 oC, and tunable porous morphology. After that, the cell lines MCF7 and MCF10A were separately seeded within three different stiffness levels labeled as soft, medium, and hard.  The cells were rapidly growing and successfully formed good quality and well-defined spheroids. Phenotype and immunofluorescence assays were performed to assess spheroids viability, morphologies, cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions.

Abstract Title: Exploring the Stories of Growing up Rural and LGBTQ+: A Narrative Analysis of Challenges, Strengths, and Identity

Program: Counseling Psychology

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of sexual and gender minorities that grew up in predominantly rural communities. More specifically, this study will seek to better understand how LGBTQ youth navigate identity within rural spaces by analyzing the stories they tell and the meaning given to those narratives through their individual and collective experiences. This analysis will utilize a strength-based approach with the intention of gathering stories of strength, resilience, and uniqueness alongside the potential challenges and barriers of growing up in rural communities. Under a constructivist and intersectional paradigm, the collected data will be analyzed with narrative analysis with the intention of creating a coherent narrative that identifies key themes, similarities, and differences within participant interviews.

Abstract Title: Wetland function and productivity responses to Ducks Unlimited’s Working Lands initiatives in the Prairie Pothole Region

Program: Biology

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) contains millions of wetlands and supports the majority of North America’s breeding waterfowl. Agricultural land-use surrounding these wetlands can influence habitat quality and wetland function. Ducks Unlimited’s Cover Crop and Livestock Integration Project (CCLIP) was developed to encourage regenerative agricultural land-use, including cover crops and managed grazing, with the goal of improving wetland condition and waterfowl habitat. We evaluated the influence of CCLIP on wetland function and productivity by comparing water quality, aquatic macroinvertebrate communities, and waterfowl use between wetlands embedded in CCLIP fields and those in conventionally farmed fields. We sampled nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia concentrations, macroinvertebrates, and waterfowl pair and brood use in CCLIP (n = 38) and conventional (n = 13) wetlands from April-July 2024-2025. Ecological responses showed limited differences between land-use types, potentially reflecting flexibility in program requirements. These results will inform future refinement of regenerative agriculture programs in the PPR.

Abstract Title: Additively Constructed Cementitious Civil Infrastructure

Program: Civil Engineering

Additive Construction using Cementitious materials (ACC) presents a promising solution to workforce shortages and statewide culvert construction backlogs. This study evaluates the feasibility of extrusion-based 3D concrete printing for 18-inch diameter pipes and box culvert formwork using optimized non-proprietary mixes without viscosity modifying or high-range water-reducing admixtures. Fresh-state performance was assessed through flowability, extrudability, and buildability testing to ensure stable layer deposition and geometric control. Structural performance of printed pipes was evaluated using the ASTM three-edge bearing test. Maximum loads of 3366.95 lbf and 3273.11 lbf exceeded the ASTM requirements of 3300 lbf (Class III) and 3000 lbf (Class II). Results demonstrate that ACC pipes can satisfy ASTM strength classifications and maintain dimensional stability. The findings support the viability of automated cementitious printing for transportation infrastructure and highlight its potential to reduce labor demand, accelerate production, and enable modular pipe fabrication for field implementation.

Abstract Title: Hyperbranched Poly(silyl ether)-based Polymeric Nanoparticles as Potential Nanocarriers for Cell Imaging

Program: Chemistry

In our previous work, we displayed the ability of linear poly(silyl ether) (PSE) based polymers to both be able to degrade in cancer-like environments as well as be formulated into nanoparticles to uptake a drug for potential use in cancer treatment. In this project, we hope to expand upon this concept and build on the uses of PSEs in cancer therapeutics. To achieve this, we have investigated the use of hyperbranched (HB) PSEs and their advantages over the linear analogues previously used. We further explore the utility of PSEs in cell imaging, examining their intrinsic fluorescence as well as their performance when paired with additional fluorescent compounds, either through uptake or direct conjugation.

Abstract Title: Statistical Model of Subsurface Scattering Bias in ICESat-2’s ATL06 Product

Program: Physics

ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2) uses green laser pulses and photon counting to determine surface elevation across the cryosphere. However, over snow and glacier ice, photons enter the medium and scatter, making the surface appear lower than it is. We developed a Monte Carlo radiative transfer model to simulate photon propagation through ice. The model calculates how this bias varies with photon count, scattering length, and surface slope. Simulation shows statistically significant biases for strong returns on firn, weak returns on bare ice at low slope angles, and strong returns on glacier ice at moderate slope angles. Although most of the Greenland ice sheet is affected, this bias is expected to cancel in elevation-change and mass-balance estimates. Analysis of subsurface-scattering bias in ICESat-2 data offers new opportunities for research on glacier-ice scattering coefficients.

Abstract Title: Instructional Reform and Resource allocation as determinants of state-level high school graduation outcomes

Program: Instructional Design & Technology

This study examines whether instructional reform enhances the effectiveness of educational resource allocation in shaping state-level high school graduation outcomes in the United States from 2013 to 2022. Using panel data from 15 states, random effects and robust generalized least squares models assessed the direct and moderating effects of per-pupil expenditure, median household income, student–teacher ratio, and adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Smaller class sizes and higher household income consistently predict higher graduation rates, while per-pupil expenditure alone does not reliably improve outcomes. However, NGSS adoption significantly moderates the relationship between spending and graduation, suggesting that instructional reform strengthens returns on educational investment. Predicted margins indicate higher graduation rates in NGSS-adopting states. These findings position instructional policy reform as a systemic design intervention and highlight the importance of aligning financial inputs with coherent instructional structures.

Abstract Title: Uncertainty Analysis of Non-Boiling Two-Phase Flow Heat Transfer Correlations Using Taylor Series and Monte Carlo Methods

Program: Mechanical Engineering

In thermal-fluid sciences, accurately predicting heat transfer in non-boiling two-phase flows remains challenging because current correlations often produce conflicting results when input parameters are uncertain. This study provides a systematic uncertainty analysis of non-boiling two-phase flow heat-transfer correlations, aiming to understand how input variability affects their predictive behavior and reliability. It evaluates 20 well-established correlations commonly used in the two-phase flow literature and various engineering applications, including heat exchangers, pipelines, refrigeration systems, and air-water test facilities. The Taylor Series Method (TSM) and the Monte Carlo Method (MCM) are two numerical techniques employed to assess and compare the propagation of uncertainty in heat transfer coefficients. These methods complement each other: TSM is more efficient for sensitivity analysis, while MCM better handles nonlinearity and complex input distributions. Simulations vary input parameters such as Reynolds number, Prandtl number, and fluid viscosity under standard conditions for air and water at 25°C… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Gamifying Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Student Engagement and Outcomes

Program: Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy students face high rates of student burnout and dropout rates throughout educational engagement due to mental health challenges, reliance on passive study strategies, and difficulties navigating non-learner-centered curricula in graduate school (Abreu Alves et al., 2022; Grenier, 2015; Treminio, 2024). The incorporation of gamification effectively addresses these needs and enhances practical application of theoretical knowledge through engagement in active learning experiences; however, the adoption of gamification is limited by time constraints, attitudinal barriers, and a lack of clear guidance on effective implementation (Lester et al., 2023; Sundareswaran et al., 2024; Zainuddin et al., 2020). The purpose of this project is to address the needs of faculty and students concomitantly through development of practical, evidence-based, accessible, and impactful training and guidance resources to support educators in integrating gamification into occupational therapy curricula for the promotion student well-being, engagement, and professional readiness.

Abstract Title: Automation and scale-up of sugar scrub production facility for a regional soap company

Program: Chemical Engineering

This research focused on automating a complex batch formulation process for a range of sugar-based scrub products while also increasing production capacity by 700% compared to the current manual process. The proposed process fills the need for increased production and efficiency for a regional cosmetic and soap business. The designed process includes three process areas: the hot oils mixing area, the cold oils mixing area, and product mixing and finishing area. This designed facility will also increase ease of operability and maintainability and reduce the potential for human errors during production. An economic analysis of the facility was conducted, including a broad cost estimate of equipment, operating costs, and an overall cash flow sheet. This study includes process concept drawings as well as process and instrumentation diagrams to show the batch recipes for the scrub process. A manual alternative was also researched and described.

Abstract Title: Machine Learning-Accelerated Discovery of Nickel Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

Program: Energy Engineering

Green hydrogen production via PEM electrolysis is currently bottlenecked by the prohibitively high cost and scarcity of Platinum catalysts. Current industry efforts focus on reducing Platinum loading or utilizing bulk transition metals; however, these strategies fail to overcome the critical trade-off between acidic stability and electrochemical activity. To bridge this gap, this research introduces a machine learning-accelerated framework to discover Earth-abundant Nickel-ligand complexes as robust, high-performance alternatives. Leveraging the tmQM dataset, we employ unsupervised clustering and stability-focused descriptors—specifically HOMO-LUMO gap and metal charge—to screen 108,000 candidates for acid resistance. Top candidates are synthesized and validated through rigorous accelerated stress tests (AST) and full-cell PEM integration. This work successfully moves beyond trial-and-error to molecularly engineer stable active sites, offering a scalable pathway to decouple hydrogen from precious metals and achieve the DOE’s $1/kg cost target.

Abstract Title: County-Level Predictors of Hospital-Based Obstetric Unit Closures in the United States, 2010–2022

Program: Public Health

Background: Obstetric unit closures are increasing in the United States, particularly in rural areas with limited maternity care access. We examined whether county-level rurality, poverty, and racial/ethnic composition were associated with obstetric unit closure from 2010–2022. Methods: County-level data from 3,131 U.S. counties were obtained from national datasets. Percent rural, poverty, and non-Hispanic White population were categorized into population quartiles. Cox proportional hazards models estimated associations with obstetric unit closure; counties were censored if services were maintained or never present. Results: Counties with obstetric services declined from 56.1% in 2010 to 49.0% in 2022. Rurality was the strongest predictor of closure: noncore counties (HR 10.95; 95% CI 6.28–19.11) had higher hazards than urban counties. Higher poverty was associated with lower closure risk, and NH White composition was not significant. Discussion: Rurality independently predicted obstetric unit loss, highlighting the need to address financial and workforce challenges in rural hospitals.

Abstract Title: Risk-Aware Learning and Planning for Safe Multi-Vehicle Navigation in DynamicWater Environments.

Program: Electrical Engineering

Autonomous surface vehicles are increasingly used for environmental monitoring, inspection, and data collection. Safe navigation in real-world water environments is challenging due to moving vessels, fixed obstacles such as buoys and rocks, restricted no-go zones, and complex water currents that can unpredictably alter a vehicle’s motion. In this project, we develop a high-fidelity multi-vehicle simulation in which multiple ASVs must independently reach assigned goals while avoiding collisions, respecting safety constraints, and minimizing energy use, relying only on local, sensor-like observations. To address uncertainty and safety, we employ a risk-aware framework that learns decision-making policies by modeling a full range of possible future outcomes rather than only average behavior. This enables the system to reason about rare high-risk events. Risk control mechanism steers decisions toward safer actions when conditions become difficult. Learning efficiency is enhanced using guidance from a planning-based search method that evaluates many future action sequences within the simulation.

Abstract Title: Field-Constrained Injectivity Regimes in North Dakota Saltwater Disposal Wells: Implications for Geothermal-Class Injection and Rare Earth Element Mobilization

Program: Petroleum Engineering

Saltwater disposal (SWD) wells in North Dakota inject large volumes of hot, saline brines into subsurface formations under conditions analogous to geothermal injection systems. These wells provide long-term field records to examine how injection history and geochemical conditions influence injectivity evolution and flow behavior. This study develops a field-constrained, reproducible framework to classify injectivity regimes in North Dakota SWD wells using publicly reported injection rate and pressure data. Time-series diagnostics and cumulative pressure–volume relationships are used to identify opening, quasi-steady, and sealing regimes. Produced-water chemistry is incorporated to link injectivity behavior with scaling propensity and rare earth element (REE) mobilization context where data are available. Results include a classified SWD dataset and canonical geothermal-class injection scenarios that quantify coupled pressure–rate and geochemical evolution. These scenarios provide realistic boundary conditions for future studies of fracture-controlled flow and injectivity evolution in geothermal and hydrocarbon-associated injection reservoirs.

Abstract Title: Cross-modal generalization of novel letter recognition following unsupervised learning

Program: Psychology

Humans learn about the world using multiple senses, yet little is known about how children acquire unfamiliar symbols across vision and touch without instruction. This study examined whether children could generalize learning of novel letters and shapes between sensory modalities through unsupervised exposure. Thirty-two children (ages 7–11) learned entirely unfamiliar Japanese characters and geometric shapes either tactually or visually and were later tested in the opposite modality. Accuracy and reaction time were measured. Results showed that children performed significantly above chance in all conditions, demonstrating successful cross-modal transfer. Learning was more effective when tactile learning preceded visual testing, resulting in higher accuracy and faster responses. Geometric shapes were recognized more easily than letters. These findings indicate that unsupervised multisensory learning supports robust symbol recognition and highlight the importance of tactile experience in strengthening visual learning. The study has implications for multisensory education and inclusive teaching practices.

Abstract Title: The Relationship Between Community of Origin and Self-Stigma

Program: Counseling Psychology

We investigated the extent to which one’s community of origin (i.e., rural, urban, and suburban) contributes to one’s internalized mental health stigma. Internalized stigma, or self-stigma, is when people retain negative thoughts, beliefs, or stereotypes about their own circumstances or experiences (Prizeman et al., 2023). Participants (N=397) were recruited using Cloud Research’s survey recruitment service. Participants anonymously completed a 77 item Qualtrics questionnaire. We measured self-stigma through the Stigma and Self Stigma (SASS; Docksey et al., 2022) instrument. We found a significant difference in self-stigma across communities (p = .022), with suburban communities reporting the highest self-stigma (M = 17.59) followed by rural communities (M = 17.28) and urban communities (M = 15.45). These findings suggest that self-stigma can be impacted by the communities people were raised in.

Abstract Title: Mentor Teachers in Teacher Preparation: A Synthesis of Roles, Benefits, and Barriers

Program:Teaching & Leadership

Mentor teachers play a central role in preservice teacher development, yet their experiences are often shaped by complex and competing demands. This literature review synthesizes research on mentor teachers to examine how mentoring is conceptualized, enacted, and supported within teacher preparation partnerships. The review is organized around three thematic areas: (a) the core role of mentor teachers in clinical practice, (b) key dimensions that shape the mentoring experience, and (c) aspects of those key dimensions that contribute to both successful and challenging mentoring experiences. Across the literature, several recurring sub-themes emerge, including university-based boundary-spanning roles, mentor motivation, recognition and professional identity, preparation and professional development, role clarity and shared expectations, and communication and collaboration. While each dimension presents potential benefits for mentor teachers, the literature also highlights persistent challenges that can undermine the mentoring experience… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Methodology and Preliminary Results of a Military-Land Seasonal Inventory

Program: Biology

Military lands cover a significant portion of the United States and often contain sensitive habitats and wildlife.  These lands must be managed both for active missions and species use. Some military sites have limitations which make daily monitoring difficult and limit technology use. This study aims to combine active and passive monitoring methods to create a seasonal wildlife inventory of the LaMoure Naval Facility (NRTF LaMoure) in LaMoure, North Dakota. We also hope to create a suggested methodology for effective biological inventory collection that complements the bounds of the site’s accessibility. In this proposed multi-faceted inventory, avian presence is detailed using a combination of in-person point counts and acoustic recording units, camera traps mammal presence, and netting and area surveys of bumblebees and butterflies.  Preliminary results of detected species are shared alongside data collection and analysis methodology. These results will be used in future management of NRTF LaMoure.

Abstract Title: Age-Stratified Machine Learning Analysis of Therapeutic, Immune, and Glycosylation Gene Signatures in Colorectal Cancer

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Colorectal cancer (CRC) biology varies with age, yet most biomarker studies ignore age-specific molecular differences. We developed an age-aware machine learning framework to identify interpretable gene signatures distinguishing tumor, normal, and mucosal tissues. Using the GSE44076 transcriptomic dataset (n=246), patients were stratified into younger (<70) and older (≥70) cohorts. Three biologically relevant gene categories were analyzed: Therapeutic, Immune, and Glycosylation. We implemented 5×10 nested cross-validation with Random Forest as the primary classifier, benchmarked against SVM, GBM, and KTSP models. Top-10 gene panels achieved balanced accuracy of 0.94–0.99 and macro-AUC up to 0.99, with significant permutation testing (p≈0.01). Minimal top-3 models retained strong performance. Age-dependent shifts were observed, particularly in immune signaling and glycosylation pathways. External validation using GSE106582 confirmed generalizability (≈93–97% accuracy). These findings establish age as a critical molecular stratifier in CRC and support the development of age-informed precision oncology biomarkers.

Abstract Title: Reframing Externalizing Behavior: Trauma, Educational Disparities, and the Role of School-Based Mental Health

Program: Counseling Psychology

Childhood maltreatment and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with the development of externalizing behaviors across childhood and adolescence. Emerging evidence suggests that trauma-related symptoms – particularly hyperarousal – may underlie many disruptive behaviors observed in schools, reframing these behaviors as expressions of traumatic stress rather than solely conduct problems. Exposure to adversity is disproportionately concentrated among youth in under-resourced communities, contributing to persistent educational disparities in discipline, academic performance, and access to support services. Schools increasingly rely on school-based mental health (SBMH) services to address students’ psychosocial needs; however, evidence of effectiveness is mixed, and disparities in access, retention, and treatment response remain. Family adversity, parental functioning, and school-level organizational factors further shape engagement and outcomes. Integrating trauma-informed, ecologically grounded SBMH frameworks may strengthen schools’ capacity to address externalizing behaviors while advancing more equitable educational and mental health outcomes.

Abstract Title: Making Invisible Chemistry Visible: Graphene Quantum Dots-based Nanozymes for NADPH Detection

Program: Chemistry

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) is a redox co-factor that plays an important role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis, driving biosynthetic pathways, and regulating antioxidant defense mechanisms. Accurate detection of NADPH is essential for investigating metabolic regulation and oxidative stress related diseases. In this study, we leverage the potential of nanomaterials to develop a nanozyme that would detect and quantify NADPH. Nanozymes are synthetic nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activity. We designed and developed iron and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots (FeN4-GQDs) with catalytic activity. The FeN4-GQDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal approach using polyethyleneimine and hemin as precursors. The nanozyme demonstrated a concentration-dependent and specific fluorescence quenching response toward NADPH with a limit of detection of 17.1 nM. Biocompatibility studies in mouse brain-derived microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) confirmed suitability of nanozymes for use in both normal and metabolically distressed conditions, demonstrating its potential for applications in metabolic disease research.

Abstract Title: Synergistic CoFe Electrocatalysts for Highly Selective Nitrate to Ammonia

Program: Chemistry

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising strategy for sustainable nitrogen cycling. However, designing catalysts with both high activity and selectivity remain challenging. In this work, we developed high-performance Co modified Fe foil (CoFe) electrodes by controlling the Cobalt deposition rate to optimize the surface electronic structure. The optimized CoFe catalyst achieved an exceptional Faradaic Efficiency (FE) of ~90%, significantly outperforming pure Fe (FE ~14%). This structural evolution, combined with optimized interfacial engineering, effectively suppresses the competing hydrogen evolution reaction and enhances nitrate-to-product conversion. This study provides a simple effective strategy for developing robust, earth abundant catalysts for environmental and energy applications.

Abstract Title: Addressing Relationship Concerns Endorsed by Veterans with PTSD in a Therapist-Facilitated Brief Relationship Check-Up Session: A Qualitative Analysis

Program: Counseling Psychology

Veterans are impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use. In a recent study, PTSD and psychiatric diagnoses are found comorbid with complex interpersonal challenges within romantic relationships. These relationship concerns can exacerbate psychological distress, PTSD symptoms, and suicidality. Although there is growing evidence supporting the efficacy of brief relationship interventions for Veterans, there remains a critical gap in understanding the therapeutic processes, particularly how Veterans and their partners report about relationship concerns in the context of PTSD. Thus, the present study uses reflexive thematic analysis to analyze therapy session transcripts drawn from an ongoing randomized controlled trial of a structured relationship intervention. Participants are couples treated at a VA Hospital. To meet eligibility, at least one member of the couple reporting both clinically significant relationship distress and symptoms of PTSD within the past month… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: AI in Academic Work Design: SDT Pathways to Faculty Motivation and Technostress

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) including learning analytics, automated feedback, and generative AI is rapidly reshaping academic work, yet evidence on how AI-driven changes in work design and evaluation affect faculty motivation, well-being, and performance remains limited. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study will test a needs-based pathway model in which AI-use profiles and perceived AI support/pressure influence autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction/frustration, which in turn predict motivational regulation, technostress, and self-reported teaching and research performance. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design will be used. Phase 1 will administer a cross-sectional survey to faculty across disciplines and institution types to estimate the SDT mediation model. Phase 2 will conduct purposive follow-up interviews (with optional artifact review) to explain quantitative pathways, identify boundary conditions (e.g., policy, evaluation transparency, design support), and document sensemaking about ethics and professional identity. Findings will inform needs-supportive AI policy and faculty development.

Abstract Title: Flow Cytometry–Based Minimal Residual Disease Assessment and Its Impact on Relapse Prediction in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Program: Medical Laboratory Science

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic cancer, and relapse remains an obstacle to long-term remission. A relapse in patients can result from small numbers of residual leukemic cells that persist despite treatment and remain undetectable by traditional assessment. In the past, treatment response in AML has been evaluated using morphologic criteria and cytogenetic or molecular remission. However, these methods may fail to detect very low levels of residual cancer cells that can lead to relapse. Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of these remaining leukemic cells below conventional detection thresholds. In this independent study, I explored the question: In patients with AML, how might MRD assessment using flow cytometry impact relapse prediction compared to traditional methods? A literature review was conducted to investigate the role of flow cytometry–based MRD testing in predicting relapse risk compared to traditional methods.

Abstract Title: The Role of Parental Relationships in Shaping Masculine Identity

Program: Counseling Psychology

The stereotypical qualities of masculinity and femininity are influenced by a society’s history of social and cultural factors. Social negotiations (e.g., popular culture, norms) dictate which qualities are accepted characteristics of a gender, with masculine characteristics being defined by that which enables dominance. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between masculinity and parental relationships. Participants (N = 397) were recruited using Cloud Research’s survey recruitment service, and they anonymously completed a Qualtrics questionnaire. We found a significant relationship (p = .029) between masculinity dominance and the parent they felt closest to, with participants reporting the lowest masculinity dominance when they felt closest to one parent or another and higher masculinity dominance when they felt equally close to both or neither. Results indicate the potential contribution of parental competition in the development of dominance-related masculinity beliefs.

Abstract Title: Schlafen family intra-regulation and cell viability in Triple negative breast cancer

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive and lacks targeted treatments. Schlafen (SLFN) family members regulate immune, protein synthesis, and oncogenic processes, but whether they function independently or influence one another is poorly understood. SLFN12 overexpression increased SLFN12-like, SLFN11, and SLFN5, and reduced SLFN14, at RNA level while SLFN13 remained unchanged, protein level for all SLFN family increased. SLFN12 overexpression increased cell death. In contrast, SLFN14 overexpression did not alter SLFN family expression and was associated with increased proliferation. Overexpression of SLFN5 led to increased SLFN11 and SLFN14 RNA and protein expression and increased cell proliferation. SLFN12+SLFN5 combined overexpression produced a greater cell viability reduction than either SLFN alone, suggesting that interactions between specific SLFN members may contribute to TNBC cell survival. Together, these findings suggest that SLFN proteins may function as an interconnected network that contributes to TNBC cell fate and could represent potential areas for further therapeutic investigation.

Abstract Title: Trustworthy Cyber-Resilient Reinforcement Learning for Secure Navigation under Adversarial Attack

Program: Computer Science

The rapid deployment of autonomous ground vehicles across critical domains has heightened concerns regarding their susceptibility to cyber–physical threats. Adversarial obstacle injection, whereby false objects are maliciously introduced into sensor data, poses a risk to navigation safety. To address this challenge, a cyber-resilient reinforcement learning framework is developed based on the proposed Enhanced Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (EDDPG) algorithm. The framework unifies path planning and control through continuous action outputs and incorporates adversarial training in which the agent is deliberately exposed to deceptive sensor inputs during training. By learning to differentiate between legitimate hazards and falsified obstacles, the trained policy acquires resilience to sensor manipulation while maintaining efficient navigation. Comparative studies indicate that the adversarially trained EDDPG agent consistently achieves robust trajectory performance under attack conditions. This work demonstrates that resilience in autonomous navigation must be explicitly engineered and provides a practical methodology for constructing trustworthy AGV navigation systems.

Abstract Title: Modeling Melt Season Snow and Ice Albedo Based on Calibration with Climatological and Physiographic Data in the Wind River Range, Wyoming

Program: Earth System Science & Policy

Albedo, the fraction of incident radiation reflected by a surface, influences glacier melting rates, particularly under current climatic changes. However, due to data constraints, albedo calculations for small snow and ice areas in mountainous regions are limited. This study develops a melt-season albedo model for the Wind River Range, Wyoming, using data from 2000-2018. Albedo is analyzed in relation to elevation, temperature, precipitation, previous winter snowfall, and radiation. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) approach enables the analysis of a predictive relationship between albedo and these variables at each pixel, allowing estimation of albedo at random points based on independent variables. The resulting interannual GAM, incorporating main effects and interactions, produced the best model fit, with independent variables explaining approximately 43% of albedo variance across five melt seasons within the study period. This model provides a framework for predicting spatial and temporal albedo dynamics in mountainous regions necessary for environmental analysis.

Abstract Title: Making Sense of Infrared for PFAS Detection

Program: Environmental Engineering

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that resist conventional water treatment processes and are difficult to detect at low concentrations. Their chemical stability and bioaccumulation have raised concerns for environmental and human health, underscoring the need for sensitive, sustainable detection methods. However, existing analytical techniques are costly and time-consuming. Therefore, newer detection technologies are needed. The method tested in this study uses coated optical fiber to investigate the feasibility of real-time analysis of varying PFAS species in aqueous systems. The main research objectives are to: (i) establish PFAS IR-Spectra, (ii) evaluate the fiber-sensor capabilities to measure varying PFAS compounds (Perfluorooctanoic acid and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) in single-solute systems, (iii) investigate diverse solution pH on detection sensitivity, and (iv) assess regeneration capability of fiber-sensor for reuse. Preliminary tests confirmed that using coated optical fiber in IR spectroscopy enhances the detection of different PFAS compounds.

Abstract Title: Theoretical study and prediction of the optical properties of diverse meso-substituted cyanine 7 fluorophores for biomedical purposes

Program: Chemistry

The design of fluorophores with specific optical properties for certain biomedical uses has continued to be a challenge in synthetic chemistry and biological science. Today, fluorophores are crucial in modern biomedical research and clinical applications because of their ability to absorb light at a particular wavelength and emit fluorescence at a longer wavelength. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) is one factor that can cause fluorescence quenching in fluorophores, resulting in decreased fluorescence or a turn-off state. PET occurs when an electron is donated from a donor group, either within or between molecules, to an acceptor group during excitation. In computational studies, an effective method for accurately modeling this electron transfer process has not been available. It was mostly inferred based on chemical intuition and property analysis, which made modeling PET and, more broadly, electron transfer, sensitive to the level of theory, basis set, and charge population algorithms… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: The Relationship Between Current Parent Marital Status and Interpersonal Emotion Regulation

Program: Counseling Psychology

Emotion regulation can be experienced in two main ways: internal and external capacities. Internal capacities are in reference to the way that an individual can regulate their emotions within themselves, and external capacities refer to the various ways that an individual can regulate another individual’s emotions (Gross & Jazaieri, 2014). We investigated the relationship between the perspective taking component of interpersonal emotion regulation and the current relationship of participants parents, as well as the relationship between the soothing component of interpersonal emotion regulation and the current relationship of the participants parents. We found a significant relationship between perspective taking and current relationship of parents (p < .001), with participants of separated parents reporting the highest level of perspective taking. We found a significant relationship between soothing and the current relationship of parents (p < .001), with participants of separated parents reporting the highest level of soothing.

Abstract Title: Techno-Economic Evaluation of Second-Life Electric-Vehicle Batteries for Commercial Energy-Storage Applications

Program: Energy Engineering

As global electrification accelerates, a substantial volume of electric vehicle batteries are projected to reach end‑of‑life by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity to reduce energy storage costs, mitigate material supply constraints, and advance sustainability. This study proposes a data‑driven framework for evaluating the technical and economic viability of second‑life lithium‑ion batteries in commercial peak‑shaving energy storage applications. Retired 35 Ah LiFePO₄ cells from the PulseBat dataset were analyzed through a MATLAB‑based workflow to estimate state of health, model long‑term degradation, and classify batteries by performance grade. The degradation model integrates semi‑empirical square‑root capacity fade with calendar aging and cycling effects to reflect realistic stationary conditions. Results show that an A‑grade system providing approximately 245 kWh of usable energy can sustain an eight‑year lifetime above 70% end‑of‑life capacity. Economic evaluation using discounted cash flow analysis confirms positive NPV and competitive levelized storage costs, with tariffs and battery costs as key financial drivers.

Abstract Title: The Effects of Chronic Sleep Deprivation on Visuomotor Performance

Program: Psychology

The present study examined the effects of acute and chronic sleep deprivation on visuomotor performance using electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral measures (Senaptec Sensory Station) in 43 students (M = 19.56). Participants were categorized into high or low sleep groups based on Chronic Sleep Reduction Questionnaire (CSRQ) scores, and acute sleepiness was assessed using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). Heart rate variability was recorded to support condition placement, though no group differences emerged. No significant differences were found in visuomotor control or eye-quickness tasks. However, visual clarity was significantly better in the high sleep group. A significant interaction between condition and KSS indicated that subjective sleepiness more strongly reduced visual clarity in the low sleep group. EEG analyses revealed increased theta activity in the low sleep group during the go/no-go task, and distraction probabilities increased with rising sleepiness, particularly in the high sleep group… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: TGD Youth’s Utilization of Videogame Avatars During Early Gender Exploration: A Grounded Theory Study

Program: Counseling Psychology

This study aims to develop a greater understanding of the ways in which transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth utilize video game avatars for identity development. A grounded theory (GT) qualitative method will be used to gather and analyze data on the meaning that TGD youth derive from the avatar creation process in role-playing videogames. The current study will recruit 10 TGD adults via online LGBTQIA + communities and local organizations. Participants will complete a 45-to-60-minute, semi-structured interview consisting of predetermined open-ended prompting questions regarding their use of avatars in role-playing games. Follow-up questions will be posed to increase the richness of the data. Transcripts will undergo 3 phases of iterative coding (initial, intermediate, and advanced) by a research team (principal investigator, 2 trained coders, and auditor). A finalized grounded theory will be constructed, and implications for the findings will be explored.

Abstract Title: Site-Specific Localization of Cu Nanoparticles on Ceria Enhances Catalytic Activity

Program: Chemistry

Precise control of metal–support interactions is essential for understanding and steering catalytic processes. Here, we demonstrate that the surface location of metal nanoparticles on oxide supports can dramatically alter catalytic performance. Using atom-trapped Cu catalysts as precursors, we directed the growth of Cu nanoparticles to the trapping sites on CeO2. Nanoparticles anchored at these sites efficiently drive CO2 hydrogenation by promoting CO2 and formate activation, leading to improved methanol formation compared to Cu catalysts prepared by impregnation or colloidal methods. Enhanced reactivity arises from a distinct interfacial environment that lowers the overall reaction energy barrier, as revealed by theoretical calculations. These findings establish a direct mechanistic connection between nanoparticle location and catalytic activity, providing a rational design strategy for oxide-supported metal catalysts.

Abstract Title: Stabilizing Ti3C2O2 MXenes through Montmorillonite Clay Heterostructures: An Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study

Program: Physics

MXenes, particularly Ti3C2O2, offer exceptional properties for energy storage, electronics, and biomedical applications, but water-driven oxidation severely limits their aqueous stability. This study investigates Ti3C2O2 – montmorillonite clay heterostructures to mitigate degradation. Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that water attacks bilayer Ti3C2O2 through oxygen chemisorption at basal Ti sites, causing irreversible surface reconstruction. Clay integration shows that interfacial electrostatics and ion-water structuring govern stability outcomes. Mg-substituted clay without counterions (Mg-Clay) accelerates Ti-O chemisorption through enhanced interfacial polarization, while neutral Al-clay (Clay) suppresses adsorption. Critically, Na-containing Mg-clay heterostructures (Mg-Clay-Na) inhibit degradation by forming persistent Na+ hydration shells that sequester water from reactive basal sites. Charge-density analysis confirms reduced reactivity at Ti attack sites in Mg-Clay-Na versus bare Ti3C2O2. These results establish a design principle: controlling interfacial ion-water organization in clay-MXene composites suppresses basal-plane oxidation while preserving MXene functionality, enabling stable, cost-effective materials for aqueous environments.

Abstract Title: Yersinia pestis Drives Early Macrophage Polarization toward an M2 Phenotype via STAT3/STAT6-Dependent Mechanisms

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Macrophages play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of plague. Yersinia pestis, the causative agent, preferentially targets these cells early during infection, establishing an intracellular niche that supports its survival and replication. This study sought to characterize the macrophage phenotype induced by Y. pestis at the initial stages of infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Employing an in vitro infection model, we examined the bacterium’s impact on macrophage polarization, cytokine profiles and key intracellular signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that Y. pestis drives the differentiation of alternatively activated (M2) macrophages in a manner dependent on STAT3 and STAT6 signaling, characterized by the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. Additionally, the pathogen effectively suppresses secretion of key pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the strategies Y. pestis utilizes to circumvent host immune responses and establish infections.

Abstract Title: Development Robust Machine Learning Models for Fetal Heart Anomaly Detection Using the NInFEA Maternal and Fetal ECG Database

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Accurate and early detection of fetal heart anomalies is a critical challenge in prenatal care. This study utilizes the underexplored NInFEA Maternal and Fetal ECG Database, which provides non-invasive fetal ECG recordings captured between 21 and 27 weeks of gestation. The goal is to build a robust machine learning pipeline for fetal heart anomalies detection, starting with unsupervised learning methods and progressing to supervised classification. Despite challenges such as weak fetal signals, high noise, and the absence of clinical labels, the NInFEA dataset offers rare and valuable insights by including simultaneous maternal and fetal ECG data for anomaly detection. The workflow begins with unsupervised learning techniques, including DBSCAN, One-Class SVM, and Isolation Forest, to explore potential anomalies in the data. Isolation Forest, with a silhouette score of 0.5868, provided the best balance between interpretability and performance. For supervised learning, a rule-based labeling strategy was applied… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Computationally Guided Design and Validation of HA/PLGA Bone Scaffolds Using TPMS and Lattice Architectures

Program: Chemical Engineering

Fragility fractures create major clinical and economic burdens, motivating bioresorbable bone scaffolds that can bear load while promoting regeneration. This project develops hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HA/PLGA) scaffolds using Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) and Simple Structure Lattice (SSL) architectures, guided by a calibrated computational–experimental workflow. We will (i) build composition-dependent HA/PLGA material inputs using micromechanics (Voigt–Reuss–Hill bounds and Kerner) and define reproducible geometry parameters, (ii) run high-throughput compression finite element simulations across a full-factorial design space (3 scaffold families × 11 HA:PLGA ratios × 2 loading analyses; n = 660) to quantify stiffness and stress/strain while tracking architecture-based biological proxies (porosity, interconnectivity, surface area/volume), and (iii) validate top candidates via compression testing to close a predict→test→update loop. Outcomes include design rules, a ranked shortlist of scaffold candidates, and a lightweight database-driven screening tool for application-specific selection.

Abstract Title: A Numerical Investigation into the Impacts of a Rear Flank Storm Interaction on Storm Behavior and Tornadogenesis

Program: Atmospheric Sciences

Storm interactions have long been associated with changes in convective storm behavior and evolution. In particular, the interaction of neighboring convection in or near the rear-flank (RF) of a supercell thunderstorm has frequently been associated with tornadogenesis. Although statistical relationships for these changes have been established through observations, the underlying physical mechanisms governing their evolution remain poorly understood. Previous modeling efforts lack the design required to sufficiently examine this problem. We investigate the effect of auxiliary convection near the RF of a weakly tornadic supercell thunderstorm. Presented are two sets of numerical experiments, each consisting of five idealized model simulations. One experiment set simulates a single discrete “parent” supercell thunderstorm, while the other simulates the same “parent” subjected to a RF interaction with a “neighbor” cell. The interaction simulations reveal drastic changes in storm behavior, including the accumulated duration of tornado-like-vortices, which is up to 75% higher than control simulations.

Abstract Title: The “Sleeping” Cell, How Genetics Plays a Role in Cellular Quiescence

Program: Biomedical Sciences

When cells are exposed to stress, they reduce their activity and enter a non-growing state. This non-growing period of a cell’s life is called quiescence, where a cell enters a “sleeping” state becoming less active. This “sleeping” state involves significant changes facilitated by genes turning off and on within the cell. However, the mechanisms at play within quiescent cells are not well described. To understand the mechanisms that regulate these genes in quiescence, we are using a model yeast called Schizosaccharomyces pombe, to study components of genetic regulation that are essential for quiescent cells, such as the Mediator complex. By studying components of gene regulation conserved from yeasts to humans - such as Mediator, we expect these experiments to be applicable to human systems, furthering our understanding of stem cell and cancer cell biology.

Abstract Title: Utilization of interdisciplinary theories and their application to Historical Preservation with special regard to the implementation of 3D-digital preservation tools and impacts on heritage tourism

Program: Geography

This thesis aims to conduct a micro-case study focusing on land use change, preservation, heritage, and education at the Grand Forks Historical Society’s Myra Museum. By exploring the relationship between the people who ascribed value to place, the reinterpretation of those places through historical lenses, and the development of a sequential occupancy for the area.  In conjunction with employing tools, such as geomorphology, aerial photography, cartography, and 3d imaging, in developing a model for analyzing landscape change, sequential occupancy, land use change over time, preservation of material culture, the humanities, and education. Studying the effects of population shifts and land change, as well as a community’s sense of self, by incorporating modern technologies in the geospatial fields. Creating a new methodology with applications outside the micro case study of the Myra Museum, which may be applied to larger communities across North Dakota.

Abstract Title: Numerical Verification of a GPU-Accelerated Particle-in-Cell Code for Low-Temperature Plasma Simulations

Program: Mechanical Engineering

Particle-in-cell (PIC) codes are important tools for the computational modeling of low-temperature plasmas, where numerical verifications through comparison with analytical solutions and established benchmarks are critical for ensuring their correctness. This poster presents the PIC numerical verification study of the recently developed Comet code. Comet is a GPU-accelerated Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and PIC code using distributed unstructured meshes, capable of large-scale DSMC simulation on GPU systems. Several numerical verification problems relevant to low-temperature plasma are presented, ranging from single-particle dynamics to collective multi-particle collisions that are directly related to radio frequency capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) systems. These include: (1) single-particle dynamics in prescribed electric or magnetic fields against analytical solutions, (2) collision cross-section and Monte Carlo collision (MCC) algorithm verification against analytical collision rate constant, and (3) PIC-MCC plasma modeling against eduPIC benchmark results in CCP discharge.

Abstract Title: Geographic Disparities in Children's Sleep Patterns and Environments: A National Study of Rural, Suburban, and Urban Caregivers

Program: Counseling Psychology

Introduction: Sleep is a critical component of children's health and development, yet disparities in sleep patterns and environments across geographic contexts remain underexplored. Understanding how rural, suburban, and urban settings impact children's sleep is essential for informing tailored interventions that promote health equity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a national sample of 189 caregivers of children aged 3 to 16 years, representing rural, suburban, and urban areas. Caregivers completed three validated instruments: the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Pediatric Insomnia Severity Index (PISI), and the Children's and Adolescents' Sleep Environment Scale (CASES). We analyzed geographic differences in sleep behaviors and environments, using both continuous scores and clinical cut-offs to identify clinically significant sleep concerns. Results: Significant differences emerged across geographic groups. CSHQ total scores differed significantly by setting (F= 4.820, p = .009)… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Performance of Flax Fiber-Reinforced Mortar for Low-Carbon Cementitious Applications

Program: Civil Engineering

This study investigates the mechanical performance of flax fiber–reinforced mortar as a potential low-carbon cementitious material. Mortar specimens containing 0.7% flax fiber by weight of cement were evaluated for flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and compressive strength compared with plain mortar (control). The results indicate that flax fiber incorporation enhanced tensile performance, increasing 28-day flexural strength by approximately 3.4% and splitting tensile strength by 7.12%, demonstrating improved crack resistance and post-cracking load transfer. In contrast, compressive strength decreased relative to the control, with flax fiber mortar achieving about 85% of the 28-day control strength. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of low-dosage flax fiber reinforcement in improving tensile behavior while maintaining practical compressive capacity, supporting its potential use in sustainable cement-based construction applications.

Abstract Title: Self-Stigma & Psychological Distress Among Medical Students: A Proposed Study

Program: Counseling Psychology

Medical students experience increased risk of psychological distress due to the unique demands of their training and job duties. Like other populations, stigma associated with mental illness and seeking mental health services may discourage them from accessing mental healthcare. Yet, no study has examined them concurrently, obscuring our understanding of their unique contributions to psychological distress in medical students. This proposed study will address these gaps in knowledge by recruiting a sample of medical students through Managed Research. Participants will respond to an online survey with several demographic items and validated instruments measuring the self-stigma of seeking help, the self-stigma of mental illness, and psychological distress. Multivariate multiple regression will be used to test the hypotheses that each form of self-stigma will explain unique variance in psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results will inform future research and interventions aimed at supporting the well-being of medical students and their patients.

Abstract Title: The Therapy Behind the Tractor: An Occupational Therapist's Guide for Treating Farmers

Program: Occupational Therapy

Background: Historically, farming is known as a highly laborious job, placing farmers at increased risk for injury. Despite an injury, the farm must continue to be cared for. Although occupational therapy cultivates client-centered care, many therapists have limited knowledge of farming culture and best practices to integrate the demands of farming into therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational guide, Built for the Farm, to support therapists treating farmers. The guide promotes culturally informed, occupation-based strategies to strengthen therapeutic relationships and improve healthcare experiences. Methodology: Guided by the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP), needs were identified through a literature review, on-site needs assessment, and farm-based experiences with farmers. Conclusion: The guide aims to enhance farmers’ healthcare experience by integrating farm-based methods into treatment and increasing therapists’ understanding of agriculture.  

Abstract Title: Reinforcement Learning Oriented Descent Modeling for a Mars Lander Using Physics-Based Simulation

Program: Space Studies

Entry, descent, and landing (EDL) remains one of the most challenging phases of Mars exploration due to the planet’s thin atmosphere, reduced gravity, and communication delays. This research work aims to develop a physics-informed framework for modeling hypersonic Mars lander descent using reinforcement learning (RL). An axisymmetric blunt body capsule geometry is analyzed using high fidelity CFD in ANSYS Fluent to characterize orientation-dependent aerodynamic drag and thermal behavior across representative descent conditions. The resulting drag coefficients and thermal trends are integrated into a physics-based Python descent simulation that models motion under Martian conditions. Rather than performing full EDL CFD simulations, precomputed aerodynamic and thermal data are interpolated within the simulation to enable efficient trajectory modeling. The resulting environment is used to train an RL controller that adjusts lander attitude and thrust to achieve controlled descent while respecting thermal and stability constraints... (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Modeling and Evaluation of False Data Injection Attacks (FDIA) in DER Inverters

Program: Electrical Engineering

This poster presents the development and evaluation of false data injection attack (FDIA) modules to enhance the cybersecurity of distributed energy resources (DER) in solar inverters. Real-time data from Fronius Primo 15.0-1 208–240 single-phase inverters were used to design FDIA modules targeting frequency parameters. Three anomalous data versions (V1–V3) and five signatures (S1–S5) produced 15 datasets with distinct patterns. Gaussian, sigmoid, pulse, sinusoidal, and polynomial functions modeled randomness and stealthiness. Detection performance was evaluated using four machine learning models: Isolation Forest, Local Outlier Factor, Elliptic Envelope, and One-Class Support Vector Machine. Results show that anomalies with varying duration at random times (V3) were the hardest to detect, with F1 scores between 0.425 and 0.76. Continuous three-hour daily anomalies (V1) were most detectable, with Elliptic Envelope and Isolation Forest achieving F1 scores of 0.895 and 0.890. These datasets serves as the baseline for enhancing grid cybersecurity.

Abstract Title: Associations of Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, Sex, Screen Time, and Neighborhood Environment with School Functioning: Evidence from the 2022-2023 National Survey of Children’s Health

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

Objective: To examine associations of BMI, physical activity, sex, screen time, and neighborhood environment with school functioning among U.S. youth. Methods: Data from 27,100 participants aged 6–17 years in the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children’s Health were analyzed. Weighted linear regressions were conducted separately for ages 6–11 (T2) and 12–17 (T3), adjusting for socioeconomic and family factors. Sex interactions were tested. Results: In T2, greater screen time predicted more difficulties (β=0.10, 95% CI=0.06, 0.14), whereas higher BMI (β=-0.05, 95% CI=-0.10, 0.00) and better neighborhood environment (β=-0.04, 95% CI=-0.06, -0.01) predicted fewer difficulties. In T3, higher BMI (β=0.11, 95% CI=0.04, 0.18), lower physical activity (β=-0.07, 95% CI=-0.12, -0.01), and greater screen time (β=0.12, 95% CI=0.09,0.16) predicted poorer functioning. No sex interactions were detected. Conclusion: Addressing modifiable behaviors and environments may improve youth well-being.

Abstract Title: Reduction-Tuned PtSn Alloys for Selective and Stable CO2-Assisted Propane Dehydrogenation

Program: Chemistry

CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of propane provides a viable route to integrate CO2 utilization with sustainable propylene production. A persistent challenge, however, lies in achieving high propane conversion, high propylene selectivity, and long term stability within a single catalyst system. From the standpoint of nanomaterials synthesis, precise control over bimetallic structure and alloy formation is essential for establishing reliable structure activity relationships in this reaction. Here we synthesize PtSn/SiO2 catalysts and apply controlled reduction treatments to regulate catalyst structure. The reduction condition governs the structural transformation from Pt domains to PtSn alloy nanostructures, thereby tuning Pt ensemble size and electronic structure. Compared with monometallic Pt, the PtSn/SiO2 catalyst reduced under optimized conditions delivers higher propane conversion while maintaining high propylene selectivity and stability. These findings establish controlled reduction as a central structural determinant of bimetallic nanostructure and reactivity in CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.

Abstract Title: Centering Teacher Voice at the Intersection of Science of Reading Reform and Multilingual Learner Support

Program: Teaching & Leadership

As multilingual enrollment increases nationwide, elementary teachers are implementing Science of Reading reforms while also supporting students developing English proficiency. Although these priorities are often addressed separately in research and policy, educators experience them simultaneously in practice. Existing scholarship offers guidance on structured literacy and multilingual learner instruction independently, yet less is known about how teachers integrate these approaches within reform contexts. This proposed qualitative case study will explore how K–5 classroom teachers, multilingual specialists, and literacy leaders describe their preparedness, professional learning, and collaboration during structured literacy implementation. By centering teacher voice, the study examines how literacy reform and linguistic diversity intersect in everyday classroom practice. The study aims to better understand how teachers navigate these dual priorities and how schools can more effectively support them.

Abstract Title: Analyzing UAV Propeller Performance at Various Advance Ratios Using Wind Tunnel Testing and CFD

Program: Mechanical Engineering

This work developed a computational approach to predict thrust coefficients, power coefficients, and propeller efficiencies of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) propellers and validate experimental data over various advance ratios. Ansys Fluent® software (version 24.2) was used to simulate Advanced Precision Composites (APC) 19x12E and 14x12E propellers; simulation results along with experimental results from the University of North Dakota (UND) were compared to experimental data from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The 19-inch propeller experienced angular velocities between 1,500 and 3,007 RPM and freestream velocities up to 41 mph; the 14-inch propeller experienced angular velocities between 1,997 and 3,507 RPM and freestream velocities up to 31 mph. The 19-inch propeller had percent differences to experimental results of at least 0.167%. The 14-inch propeller had percent differences of at least 0.0641%. The results from the developed procedure show that the Fluent software can adequately predict small-scale propeller performance.

Abstract Title: Serotonin as a target modulator of cell migration in breast cancer cells

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in women with metastasis leading to worsened outcomes. Serotonin treatment enhances the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by promoting migration and invasion. Serotonin influences platelet aggregation through its transamidation to Rho GTPases, a process known as serotonylation. Rho GTPases coordinate complex adhesion dynamics similar to those that anchor cancer cells to their environment. Ultimately, abnormalities in cell adhesion facilitate the ability of cancer cells to metastasize. Though serotonylation influences other adhesion-related processes outside of cancer, there are few studies that dive into the link between serotonylation and adhesion in breast cancer. To address this question, we have treated breast epithelial cell lines with serotonin and transforming growth factor beta (tgfB). We use immunofluorescence staining to analyze changes to the adhesion complexes of both cancerous and noncancerous breast epithelial cells as a result of serotonin treatment.

Abstract Title: Transporting oxygen from air to fuel: an investigation of reaction kinetics and mechanisms

Program: Energy Engineering

The energy sector is evolving in response to the growing demand for more sustainable energy systems. This has prompted the development of advanced energy systems such as chemical looping and air separation technologies. However, the success of these technologies is hinged on the design and performance of oxygen carrier materials (OCMs). Sr-doped LaFeO3 perovskite materials have emerged as viable OCMs or OCM supports for the aforementioned systems, but their redox kinetics and reaction mechanisms are insufficiently explored, which is critical for material optimization towards future commercialization. Therefore, with thermogravimetric analysis this work investigates the effect of temperature and CO/CO2 partial pressures on the reduction kinetics and reaction mechanisms of La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 (LSF641). A kinetic framework incorporating multi-step nucleation-growth behavior was developed to describe the reduction process. The results demonstrate strong temperature sensitivity and provide mechanistic insight necessary for the optimization of advanced energy systems.

Abstract Title: Access as a Right, Not a Favor: Upholding Disability Rights within AI-Enhanced Learning Ecosystems

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Digital accessibility in today's world is not merely a technical issue, but a fundamental human and legal issue and an essential area of research. A significant portion of the human population are blind, deaf, or face challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, color blindness and so on constantly encounter "digital barriers" in traditional education systems. Statistics show that approximately 8% of men worldwide are colorblind, and 15% of students in the United States receive special education services. So, neglecting the capabilities of this large population means excluding a significant portion of the overall economy from the mainstream. The study analyzes the importance of establishing accessibility in the digital environment of higher education not as a "favor", but as a "right," which inherently involves the corresponding duties of the educators. This study will compare the effectiveness of manual methods and AI-enhanced accessibility checking against the standards of the existing legal framework… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Co-Optimization of Hybrid Energy Storage integrated into Renewable energy

Program: Energy Engineering

High renewable penetration introduces variability and intermittency that can degrade grid stability and supply adequacy. This work models and optimizes a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) comprising a 301kWh lithium-ion battery, a 295kWh supercapacitor, and a 295kWh flywheel to supply a constant 70 kW load over a 4-hour horizon. The battery provides energy balancing, the flywheel supports fast ramps, and the supercapacitor mitigates short-duration transients to reduce battery cycling stress. Dispatch is formulated as a nonlinear constrained optimization solved in MATLAB/Simulink using fmincon with the SQP algorithm. Constraints enforce SOC0 = 0.5; SOC bounds of (0.10, 0.80)- battery, (0.20, 0.95) - supercapacitor, and (0.15, 0.90) - flywheel; battery DOD <= 0.9; efficiencies of 0.90/0.95/0.85; and thermal caps of 45/65/40°C at 25°C ambient. A one-device-active supervisory constraint is applied. Scenarios include normal renewables (34, 205, 80, 49 kW), no renewables, and single-component contingencies.

Abstract Title: Examining the Impact of Suicide Myths on Stigma and Suicidal Ideation in Rural Populations

Program: Counseling Psychology

Stigma is known to play a significant role in the formation of suicidal ideation, with myths about suicide informing such stigmas. Research has focused more on the impact of stigma as a mediating variable, largely ignoring the role the myths play directly on suicidal ideation. This project will examine the direct impact that belief in suicide myths has on both stigma and suicidal ideation to better understand the relationships between these variables in rural populations. Participants will complete an online survey to measure belief in suicide myths, stigma, and suicidal ideation. We will measure the variables using the Literacy of Suicide Scale, the Suicide Stigma Assessment Scale, and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Data will be analyzed via a multiple regression, examining the relationship between endorsement of myths, stigma, rurality, and suicidal ideation. Results from this study will clarify these connections and inform future educational opportunities for suicide prevention.

Abstract Title: Optimizing Fresh and Mechanical Properties of Eco-Friendly FR-HP-SCC for Pavement Applications

Program: Civil Engineering

Eco-friendly fiber-reinforced high-performance self-consolidating concrete (FR-HP-SCC) has great potential for sustainable pavement construction by enhancing workability while lowering cement use and reducing cracking risk. This study provides a systematic experimental evaluation of FR-HP-SCC mixtures with different levels of fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag replacement, along with fibers, shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRA), and expansive agents (EA). Cement replacement levels of up to approximately 40–50% were tested to reduce embodied CO₂ emissions. High-range water reducers and viscosity-modifying admixtures were employed to ensure stable self-consolidation. Fresh properties were measured using slump flow and J-ring tests, while hardened performance was assessed through compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strength tests. Results indicate that higher fly ash content improves flowability but delays early-age strength, whereas fiber reinforcement increases flexural strength and post-cracking behavior, both of which are vital for pavements. Although SRA decreased early splitting tensile strength, optimized doses of EA countered this effect… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: K–12 Teachers’ Awareness of Aphantasia and Use of Visualization in the Classroom

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Mental visualization is widely used in K-12 reading and mathematics instruction, but mental imagery ability varies. About three to five percent of the population, or one child in every classroom, have aphantasia, or no or reduced mental imagery. There is limited educational research on teacher awareness of mental imagery variation or of accommodations for students who are unable to picture things in their minds. This exploratory, survey-based study will examine how K-12 teachers in North Dakota use mental visualization in the classroom, their use of multimodal teaching strategies and classroom materials, their familiarity with aphantasia, and any accommodations they have made for students with mental imagery differences. Data from approximately 200 K-12 teachers will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analyses of variance to examine differences in teaching approaches based on teachers’ reported familiarity with aphantasia. Findings may inform future research on K-12 classroom teaching practices and cognitive diversity.

Abstract Title: Utilization of Learning Analytics to Enhance PT Student Learning and National Physical Therapy Examination Performance

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

This project proposes a learning analytics (LA) framework to enhance physical therapy (PT) student learning and first‑time pass rates on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) at the University of North Dakota. By integrating institutional data (e.g., GPAs, GRE scores, comprehensive exam results, observation hours, and admission characteristics) with NPTE outcomes, descriptive and predictive analytics will identify variables correlated with student success. Visualizations and a student-facing interactive data dashboard will communicate trends across timepoints, demographics, and program metrics. Ethical use, informed consent, and data anonymization are prioritized to protect privacy while supporting early interventions and evidence‑based changes to admissions, curriculum, and advising. The framework aims to strengthen self‑regulated learning, improve teaching effectiveness and early interventions, and demonstrate continuous data-informed quality improvement within UND’s program to CAPTE (accreditation body).

Abstract Title: Skeletal Muscle Remodeling Underlies Extended Healthspan in Ames Dwarf Mice

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Ames dwarf mice live 50% longer than controls due to postnatal growth hormone deficiency, exhibiting delayed aging. Skeletal muscle, a key regulator of metabolism and resilience, remains understudied in this model. Here we evaluate performance, muscle architecture, metabolic phenotype, and inflammatory responses in Ames dwarfs and hormonally normal controls across young, middle-aged, and aged cohorts. Fitness testing revealed preserved strength and coordination, with endurance capacity diverging sharply at 21 months, where aged dwarfs outperformed controls in absolute and relative running measures. Histological analyses of dwarf muscle suggest resistance to sarcopenia, including reduced atrophy and fibrosis. Although dwarf myofibers are diminutive, total fiber number is increased. Fiber typing revealed a shift toward mitochondrial-rich oxidative myofibers. Following prolonged downhill running, dwarfs exhibit an attenuated immune response. Collectively, lifelong GH deficiency remodels skeletal muscle toward oxidative metabolism, fiber expansion, and stress resilience; contributing to the preserved function and extended healthspan of Ames mice.

Abstract Title: Addressing Disability in Teacher Education Programs: Preservice Teachers’ Perception and Preparation for Inclusive Classroom

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Inclusive education is a global priority that emphasizes the equitable participation of students with disabilities in general education settings (UNESCO, 2023). U.S. frameworks, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), provide structured approaches for supporting diverse learners (Sailor et al., 2021; Thomas et al., 2023). Despite these frameworks, preservice teachers often report feeling underprepared to implement inclusive practices in real classrooms (Malter, 2025). From a disability studies perspective, inclusion is not only a procedural compliance, but it is also about practice and applying strategies that value diverse learners (Selisko, 2024). Limited qualitative research examines how preservice teachers conceptualize disability or perceive their readiness to execute inclusive frameworks (Khazanchi, 2022). With purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews, and in-depth thematic analysis, this qualitative study focuses on exploring how preservice teachers conceptualize disability and perceive their preparation to implement inclusive frameworks in general education settings.

Abstract Title: How to Engineer Transverse Hydraulic Fractures from Horizontal Wells in Reverse-Faulting Stress Environments

Program: Petroleum Engineering

Hydraulic fracture (HF) orientation impacts the well deliverability from hydrocarbon reservoirs. In low-permeability (“tight”) formations such as shales, completion efficiency and stimulated-well productivity are improved when multiple HFs are oriented transversely, rather than longitudinally in relation to a horizontal well lateral. However, transverse-HF initiation from horizontal wells in reverse-faulting stress environments is challenging because the in-situ stress field naturally promotes longitudinal (“pancake-like”) HFs. This research explores a method for inducing transverse-HF initiation in reverse-faulting stress states through strategic use of stress shadows from previously-initiated HFs. The proposed method involves initiating two longitudinal HFs and limiting their growth such that stress shadowing from their widths alters the local stress state, so that a third HF initiated between them becomes favorably transverse. Laboratory-scale experiments on transparent gelatin blocks validate the concept using a specially designed manifold that enables non-simultaneous injection at different regions (“frac stages”) from a common fluid source.

Abstract Title: Development of a structured program to enhance academic success for medical students in the US medical licensing exams

Program: Educational Practice & Leadership

Background: The United States Medical Licensing Exams are high stakes exams taken by allopathic medical students in the United States. Passing them is a requirement to become licensed medical doctors in the US. This study explores the development of a structured program to enhance academic success in these exams for medical students. Methods & results: The structured dedicated Step 1 & 2 prep programs were designed to provide online, synchronous small group sessions, wellness sessions, study strategy support sessions and weekly National Board of Medical Examiners exams with additional self-study period for effective academic support. Two high yield basic sciences subject areas and one clinical science subject were allocated weekly for effective learning and assessment in the two prep programs respectively. Conclusion: The structured prep programs were effective, and provided successful outcomes with  98-100% of students passing the two  licensing exams in the first attempt. 

Abstract Title: Finite Element Modeling of 3D Concrete-Printed Structural Elements: Application to Pipe Culverts

Program: Civil Engineering

This study develops and validates a finite element (FE) modeling framework for 3D concrete-printed (3DCP) pipe culverts, explicitly addressing constructability, structural performance, and sustainability. 3D concrete printing enables automated construction, eliminates formwork, and reduces material waste, offering significant potential to lower the life-cycle carbon footprint of buried concrete infrastructure. The proposed FE model simulates the layer-by-layer deposition process, incorporates printing-induced anisotropic material behavior, and models interlayer bonding using advanced interface formulations. Validation against experimental results shows accurate prediction of crack initiation and propagation in critical areas, such as the crown, invert, and springlines. The framework facilitates efficient parametric studies to assess how printing strategies, interlayer properties, and geometric configurations influence structural response. The findings establish quantitative links between constructability choices and structural performance, providing a solid basis for performance-based, life-cycle–informed design of low-carbon 3DCP culverts and related additively manufactured concrete infrastructure.

Abstract Title: AN EVALUATION OF THE ACCEPTABILITY AND COST-BENEFIT OF BROADENING THE REGULATORY MANDATE FOR CRASH-RESISTANT FLIGHT RECORDER SYSTEMS FOR 14 CFR PART 135 AICRAFT OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Program: Aerospace Sciences

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has faced challenges investigating multiple 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 accidents related to the absence of crash-resistant flight recording systems, including cockpit image recorders, on board several accident aircraft. These limitations largely stem from existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which have not shifted to incorporate NTSB safety recommendations A-13-13 and A-16-34. Current regulations under 14 CFR §135.152 mandate crash-resistant flight data recorders only for multi-engine turbine aircraft or those configured for more than nine passengers and does not require flight imaging technology. Key barriers to implementation of NTSB recommendations include financial implications for operators and pilot privacy concerns. This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts, and an anonymous quantitative survey grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model and Public Utilization Perception Potential to assess pilot perceptions. Findings will provide empirical data to influence future regulations.

Abstract Title: Assessing Factors Influencing the Severity of Truck Crashes on Rural North Dakota Interstate Roadway

Program: Civil Engineering

This study examines factors associated with the severity of truck crashes on rural segments of North Dakota interstate highways. Using multi-year truck-involved crash records linked with roadway, traffic, and environmental attributes, the analysis will apply logistic regression models to identify predictors of severe outcomes (fatal and serious injury). A corridor-based screening step will be used to identify rural interstate segments with elevated truck crash concentrations, followed by separate severity models for single-vehicle truck (SVT) crashes and multi-vehicle truck (MVT) crashes, and an overall truck crash severity model. The study is intended to support targeted safety interventions for rural freight corridors, including location-specific countermeasure selection, enforcement, and operational strategies, as well as infrastructure improvements to reduce severe truck crash outcomes.

Abstract Title: Investigating Spatial Correlations of Radar Estimated QPE in the Northern Great Plains

Program: Atmospheric Sciences

Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) derived by NOAA’s Next Generation Weather Radars (NEXRAD) have substantially improved hydrological outlooks and forecasts for the Contiguous United States. While these radars provide high-resolution spatial and temporal precipitation data, the accuracy of precipitation estimates highly depends on the point’s distance from the radar. While verification shows good comparisons between radar-derived estimates such as National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Stage IV QPE and observations, comparisons have not been analyzed as a function of distance from nearest radar. Meanwhile, the rise in precision agriculture has led to the rise in sub-field level prescriptions for fertilizer and pesticides built upon variables such as soil moisture. As such, accurate analyses of soil moisture are necessary to optimize agricultural production and food security. This work investigates the correlation between radar-derived precipitation estimates and in-situ measurements as a function of distance from radar.

Abstract Title: Optimizing Modified Asphalt Binder Performance: Role of Recycled Polyethylene and Waste Cooking Oil

Program: Civil Engineering

In North Dakota, road pavements are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, leading to rutting during hot summers and severe cracking during long, cold winters. At the same time, plastic waste and used cooking oil continue to accumulate in landfills, creating environmental concerns. This study investigates whether these waste materials can be repurposed to improve pavement performance. A PG 58-34 asphalt binder commonly used in North Dakota was modified using recycled Polyethylene (PE) from grocery bags and waste cooking oil (WCO). Laboratory testing evaluated rutting resistance at high temperatures, fatigue performance at intermediate temperatures, and thermal cracking susceptibility at low temperatures using rheological studies. Results show that recycled plastic enhances rutting resistance by increasing stiffness, while WCO improves flexibility and reduces cracking potential. The combined modification provides balanced performance across temperature ranges, demonstrating a sustainable approach to developing longer-lasting roadway pavement.

Abstract Title: Understanding Early Childcare Programs in Rural North Dakota:  A Study of QRIS Implementation

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) aim to improve early childcare program quality, however their provider engagement is shaped by contextual and organizational factors beyond financial incentives. This study examined QRIS participation, perceptions, motivations, and challenges among early childcare providers. Following survey data, descriptive and inferential analyses (t-test, ANOVA) were conducted to examine differences by program location, role, type, experience and current QRIS quality step. Findings shows that provider perspectives and QRIS participation vary significantly by location, role, and current quality step. QRIS step is strongly associated with providers’ perceptions of program quality and their motivation to sustain engagement. Differences between administrators and teachers also found uneven implementation experiences within programs. These results focus the need for context-responsive, step-specific, and role-based implementation strategies to strengthen provider engagement and program quality in North Dakota.

Abstract Title: From Gut to Brain: How Inflammation May Shape Memory

Program: Biomedical Sciences

More than 3 million adults in North America live with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition marked by chronic inflammation of the gut. While IBD primarily affects the digestive system, long-term inflammation throughout the body may also impact brain health and processes linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we investigated how chronic intestinal inflammation affects behavior and cognition in a mouse model relevant to AD. Colitis was induced to mimic sustained inflammatory exposure, and animals underwent behavioral testing to assess memory capacity and mobility. Overall activity and movement were preserved, indicating that chronic inflammation did not impair motor function. Similarly, short-term working memory was unaffected. However, a sex-specific difference emerged when examining long-term memory. Male but not female mice had reduced function compared to their untreated controls. Our results demonstrate that chronic gut inflammation communicates to the brain distinctly depending on sex… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Pretend Play, Emotion Regulation, and Socioemotional Functioning in Children

Program: Counseling Psychology

Aim: Children’s play is recognized as an important factor in emotion regulation (ER) and socioemotional functioning (SEF). This study examined associations between children’s pretend play and ER and SEF, focusing on emotions expressed and play structure. Methods: 67 children were recruited for a longitudinal study, and the analysis drew on data from 28 children who completed a 2-year follow-up. Pretend play was measured with the APS–P–BR, and ER and SEF were measured using the ERC and the SDQ. Results: Results indicated that emotional and structural characteristics of pretend play were associated with ER and SEF. Play comfort was moderately associated with ER, and greater expression of negative affect was associated with higher externalizing scores, although this was not statistically significant. Discussion: The results extend prior research by linking early pretend play to later ER and SEF and suggest that emotions during play may be relevant to socioemotional adjustment. 

Abstract Title: Impact of Active Learning Implementation on Student Performance in Introductory Atmospheric Science Laboratory Classrooms

Program: Atmospheric Sciences

While numerous studies across STEM disciplines have demonstrated active learning education is beneficial to student performance, fewer than 50 of these studies explored the atmospheric sciences specifically. This study aims to build upon these limited publications by investigating student performance when exposed to more interactive education practices. In this study, three active learning strategies are randomly chosen to be implemented in an introductory meteorology laboratory. The randomly chosen active learning strategies include think-pair-share, role-playing, game-based education, gallery walks, and diagramming exercises, which have demonstrated effectiveness in other STEM disciplines. Student performance is analyzed using overall course grades. Pre- and post-test are also examined for direct assessment of learned material.  Preliminary results indicate that students exposed to active learning performed better on most laboratory assessments. More specifically, mean grades were higher on most assessments in sections implementing active learning, with pre- and post-test data also indicating greater learning gains.

Abstract Title: Relationships Among Symptom Validity, Performance Validity, and Cognitive Discrepancies in Adult ADHD Assessment in Veterans

Program: Counseling Psychology

This study examines the relationships among symptom self-report, symptom validity, performance validity, and cognitive index discrepancies in veterans undergoing evaluation for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Accurate assessment of ADHD in veterans is particularly challenging due to high rates of co-morbid conditions (e.g., PTSD, depression), trauma exposure, and potential secondary gain related to educational or disability benefits. Using archival data, the study will investigate associations among self-reported ADHD symptoms and consistency indices from the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), performance validity, and cognitive index discrepancy scores from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV). By evaluating how these commonly used validity and cognitive measures relate to one another, this study aims to clarify their unique and overlapping contributions to ADHD assessment. Findings are expected to inform clinical decision-making and improve diagnostic accuracy in veteran populations. Limitations and future directions will be discussed.

Abstract Title: Effects of AI on Performance and Coordination

Program: Applied Economics & Predictive Analytics

As artificial intelligence (AI) begins to be introduced into the workplace there are many different jobs that are likely to be affected. While there has been research on where AI can replace humans there has been less research done into the influence of AI in human-machine team collaboration. For this study, I re-examined the study by Dell’Acqua, Kogut, Perkowski (2025), which found that in a task where AI outperforms humans, there is a decrease in team performance and an increase in coordination failures when AI is introduced into the work environment. Additionally, I expanded on these results by determining whether the individual’s attitude towards AI affects their performance and number of coordination failures when AI is introduced.

Abstract Title: Perceived Institutional Support and Faculty Motivation in Context: A Comparative Study of Universities in Ghana and the United States

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This study examines how perceived institutional support (PIS) relates to faculty motivation and research success across higher education systems in Ghana and the United States. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Organizational Support Theory, the study investigates whether motivational pathways linking institutional support to research success operate similarly across national contexts with differing structural and resource conditions. Using a cross-national comparative design, survey data will be collected from faculty in Ghanaian public universities and U.S. institutions. Multi-group structural equation modeling will be employed to test measurement invariance of the PIS construct and to compare structural pathways among institutional support, autonomous motivation, and research success. Semi-structured interviews with Ghanaian faculty will provide contextual interpretation of institutional support in resource-constrained environments. Findings are expected to illuminate both shared and context-specific mechanisms through which institutional support shapes faculty motivation and research success, contributing to cross-national theory and informing context-responsive institutional policies.

Abstract Title: Using subspace corrections to improve quantum ansätzes

Program: Chemistry

Quantum hardware is still held back by significant noise and by the limited flexibility of many standard quantum ansätze. Because of this, error-mitigation methods are essential for obtaining reliable results on today’s pre–fault-tolerant devices. In this work, we introduce a subspace correction technique inspired by classical equation-of-motion methods to improve quantum estimates of molecular ground-state energies. Our approach expands the effective solution space boosting ansatz expressivity while also suppressing the impact of hardware noise. We demonstrate the method on representative examples and outline cost-efficient strategies for deploying it on existing quantum processors.

Abstract Title: Structure and function of newly replicated SV40 chromosomes

Program: Biomedical Sciences

The successful proliferation of the DNA virus SV40 requires the precise coordination of replication, transcription, and encapsidation using a shared pool of newly-replicated chromosomes. Because all SV40 chromosomes are genetically identical, the virus must utilize epigenetic mechanisms to direct chromosomes toward each function. However, it’s not known how viruses with chromatinized genomes utilize epigenetic regulation to control infection dynamics. Through the utilization of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments, we have characterized the epigenetic structure of SV40 chromosomes undergoing replication, transcription, and encapsidation respectively. With thymidine analogue labeled viral chromatin, we are also able to utilize ChIP experiments to identify strand-specific structure of newly-replicated chromatin. Therefore, we can explore chromosome structure plasticity for the purpose of fate determination during DNA replication. This research is significant because it proposes a novel model in which viral chromatin structure is not faithfully inherited during replication, but is instead restructured in order to govern chromosomal fate.

Abstract Title: Designing a Formal Study on Visibly Random Grouping in Undergraduate Mathematics

Program: Teaching & Leadership

This poster outlines a proposed research study examining visibly random grouping (VRG) in introductory undergraduate mathematics courses.  Active learning strategies such as group work are widely used to promote engagement and discourse; however, questions remain regarding equitable grouping and student perception of collaborative learning.  VRG, derived from Peter Liljedahl’s thinking classroom research, assigns students to frequently changing groups of two or three through a transparent randomization process. The study builds on preliminary classroom implementation that highlighted the need for a more formal research design and improved data collection.  The poster outlines the instructional experiences that motivated the preliminary study, identifies key limitations, and presents a refined research design along with future research direction. The goal is to establish a student-centered framework for investigating collaborative practices in undergraduate mathematics.

Abstract Title: Project-based Learning in a Secondary Social Studies Classroom

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Project-based learning (PBL) has gained prominence as an instructional approach in secondary social studies due to its emphasis on inquiry, student agency, and authentic learning experiences. This literature review examines current research on the implementation and outcomes of PBL in secondary social studies classrooms, focusing on its impact on student engagement, critical thinking, historical reasoning, and civic competence. Preliminary review noted possible gaps in the research for PBL in secondary social studies classroom. Addressing these gaps may strengthen PBL’s effectiveness and inform more inclusive, equitable social studies instruction.

Abstract Title: Masculinity and Mental Health Stigma Within Intimate Relationships

Program: Counseling Psychology

Mental health stigma includes negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward people with mental health challenges (Prizeman et al., 2023). Stigma can be public (directed at others) or internalized. This study examined relationships among stigma, masculinity beliefs, and intimate partner relationships. Significant associations emerged between stigma toward others and number of intimate relationships (p = .044), masculinity beliefs and relationship status (p = .042), masculinity toughness and relationship status (p = .007), and stigma toward others and relationship status (p = .035). More intimate partners were linked to lower stigma toward others. Masculinity beliefs differed by relationship status, with separated and married participants reporting lower levels and single or “other” participants at higher levels. Masculinity toughness also varied, with single individuals endorsing the greatest toughness and separated individuals the lowest. Stigma toward others differed across groups, lowest among separated individuals and highest among those in situationships.

Abstract Title: Differences of Self versus Formal Diagnosis in Workplace Outcomes for Autistic Employees

Program: Counseling Psychology

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects social functioning and sensory processing. There is a growing awareness of the symptomology of (ASD) in mainstream media. This has led to some adults opting out of traditional diagnostic procedures for a more informal, self-identification of autism. The recent shift in autism self-advocacy supports the validity of self-diagnosis due to diagnostic barriers. The current study was part of a data set that recruited self-identified (n = 30) and formally diagnosed (n = 71) autistic adults (N = 101) to examine differences in workplace outcomes. Independent t-tests show no significant differences. The lack of significant differences between these groups demonstrate that self-diagnosed and formally diagnosed participants responded similarly on scales assessing workplace outcomes. These findings support the growing area of literature supporting the validity of self-diagnosis of ASD.

Abstract Title: Improving Graduate Trainee Attitudes and Competency Levels In Working with Clients with Disabilities

Program: Counseling Psychology

People with disabilities (PWD) experience significant barriers when seeking mental healthcare, such as inadequate competency levels, negative attitudes, and a lack of training experiences of providers. This proposed study will utilize a quantitative two-group experimental design with N = 80 graduate-level psychology trainees to explore the perceived attitudes, competency levels, and training experiences of graduate-level psychology trainees when working with PWD. The experimental group will participate in a brief training intervention on disability competency, while the control group will not receive the training. Before and after the intervention, both groups will complete measures, including the Attitudes to Disability Scale (Power & Green, 2010), the Counseling Clients with Disabilities Survey (Strike et al., 2001), and items assessing prior disability-related training. Group differences will be analyzed to determine whether the training improves attitudes and perceived competency.

Abstract Title: Pilots’ Transition to eVTOL Flight:  A Mixed Methods Study

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This mixed-methods study will examine pilot workload and decision-making during powered-lift (eVTOL) operations using a repeated-measures simulator design grounded in experiential learning theory, specifically David Kolb’s learning cycle. Three participant groups—fixed-wing pilots, helicopter pilots, and Part 107 UAS pilots—will complete progressively complex, scenario-rich flight missions designed to replicate realistic operational demands. Quantitative workload will be measured after each scenario using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), allowing statistical comparison across pilot backgrounds and task complexity. Qualitative data will include structured observations and semi-structured interviews to explore participants’ reflections, transfer of prior experience, and adaptive strategies. By integrating NASA-TLX data with observational and interview findings, this study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how diverse pilot populations experience, interpret, and adapt to emerging powered-lift operational environments.

Abstract Title: Citizen Science in Extremis

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This study examines how participants in citizen science fieldwork express their lived experiences through photography. This qualitative study is guided by a conceptual framework based in phenomenology and arts-based inquiry. These perspectives position participant-generated photographs as personal expressions of experience that reveal underlying meanings. The project explores photography not merely as a data collection tool but as a medium of meaning-making and expressing their perspectives. Participants engaged in field-based scientific activities in extreme situations were invited to capture images that represent their personal, emotional, and relational experiences. Using qualitative visual analysis, the study investigates how photographs communicate place attachment, stewardship, social interaction and sense of contribution, immersion and intensive experiences, and challenges. By foregrounding participant-produced imagery, this research contributes to emerging conversations about lived experience in citizen science and expands methodological approaches to understanding how individuals interpret, perceive, and represent their engagement in field-based scientific work in extreme situations.

Abstract Title: The Economic Diversity of North Dakota: A Spatiotemporal Analysis

Program: Geography

North Dakota's economy is among the least diverse in the United States, primarily because of its reliance on agriculture and extractive industries, such as oil and natural gas. This reliance, while lucrative for the state, poses long-term risks to its economic security. This study examines North Dakota’s economic diversity at the state and county levels from 1980 to 2020 using occupational data. Using the Hachman Index, North Dakota ranks among the lowest in the nation for economic diversity. This is mainly due to the state’s dependence on industries such as agriculture and fossil fuel extraction. Counties that rely more heavily on agriculture and fossil fuel extraction have lower Hachman Index scores. These findings highlight the need for greater economic diversity in North Dakota’s economy to avoid the booms and busts of the agricultural and extractive industries and to support the state’s long-term sustainable development.

Abstract Title: Role of Vanadium Dopants in Modifying Thermoelectric Transport of SnSe

Program: Physics

SnSe is a narrow-bandgap (IV-VI) semiconductor that has become a high-performance thermoelectric (TE) material due to its naturally low thermal conductivity and favorable electrical transport properties. Previous research shows that elemental doping is an effective way to enhance the TE performance of SnSe by adjusting charge carrier levels and phonon scattering mechanisms. Transition metal dopants present a promising method to both modify electronic structure and improve related properties. In this project, we examine how vanadium (V) doping influences the TE characteristics of SnSe. Incorporating vanadium is expected to alter carrier concentration and transport behavior while adding additional phonon-scattering centers. The findings aim to provide insights into how transition metal doping can optimize the thermoelectric performance of SnSe and to highlight vanadium-doped SnSe as a potential candidate for higher thermoelectric efficiency.

Abstract Title: TPE-Endcapped Hyperbranched Poly(silyl ether)s as Degradable Platforms for FRET-Based Nanoparticles

Program: Chemistry

We report the design and synthesis of fluorescent energy-transfer constructs using hyperbranched poly(silyl ether)s (HBPSEs) covalently endcapped with tetraphenylethylene (TPE), a well-known aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen. Leveraging the amphiphilic nature and degradability of HBPSEs, we prepared nanoparticles capable of efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when combined with the conjugated polymer MEH-PPV. Structural characterization by NMR and FTIR confirmed the successful incorporation of TPE, while GPC analysis revealed polymers with moderate molecular weights. TEM and DLS demonstrated size-tunable nanoparticles, with average diameters ranging from 7 to 61 nm, depending on the polymer feed ratio. Optical studies showed strong AIE fluorescence from TPE and efficient spectral overlap with MEH-PPV, enabling donor–acceptor interactions that enhanced emission properties. Preliminary cytotoxicity assays indicated good biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These findings underscore the potential of TPE-endcapped HBPSEs as versatile platforms for constructing degradable, biocompatible FRET systems, particularly in the promising field of bioimaging.

Abstract Title: Rural CAV Policy and Operations: Legislative Review and Microsimulation Analysis on North Dakota’s I-29 Corridor

Program: Civil Engineering

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles offer strong potential to improve mobility and safety in rural regions, yet deployment faces infrastructure, weather, and policy challenges. This study combines a fifty-state legislative review with microsimulation analysis of North Dakota’s I-29 corridor to link policy readiness with operational and safety outcomes. The review identifies gaps in liability, cybersecurity, testing permits, and rural infrastructure investment, and recommends harmonized permitting and targeted broadband and signal upgrades. Using PTV VISSIM, five CAV penetration levels were modeled under two driver behavior frameworks: the internal Wiedemann 99 model with CoEXist profiles and an external Intelligent Driver Model implemented through a C++ DLL. At full penetration, delays decreased by 89.7 percent under Wiedemann and 92.1 percent under IDM, stops were eliminated, speed increased by 40 to 80 percent, and conflicts declined by 68.2 percent and 76.5 percent. Aligning legislative strategy with simulation evidence strengthens rural interstate safety and mobility.

Abstract Title: Multidimensional Assessment System for Functional Performance and Movement Efficiency in Extreme Environments

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

Astronauts sustaining musculoskeletal injuries during spaceflight missions face functional limitations that compromise crew safety and mission success. Existing assessment methods lack quantitative approaches for evaluating operational readiness under reduced gravity. This project developed the International Classification of Functioning Task Performance Readiness Index (ICF-TPRI), a novel scoring system operationalizing the World Health Organization's ICF model for extreme environments. The ICF-TPRI integrates four biomechanical and physiological parameters: task duration, biomechanical deviations, compensatory strategies, and fatigue factors, each scored on a 0-100 scale with explicit operational criteria. The index maps specific ICF body function and activity domains to measurable performance decrements during mission-critical tasks. Future validation will assess inter-rater reliability and sensitivity across simulated injury conditions in partial-gravity environments. This index will enable autonomous crew health monitoring, objective return-to-duty decisions, and countermeasure evaluation for extended space missions, with applications extending to extreme operational environments on Earth.

Abstract Title: Photochemical Construction of Dual-Reactive Bisimide Architectures via [2+2] and [4+2] Cycloadditions of Maleimide with Benzene Derivatives

Program: Chemistry

Maleimide was photochemically reacted with a range of benzene derivatives under UV-A and UV-C irradiation to construct dual-reactive bisimide architectures via concurrent [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition pathways. Monosubstituted benzenes afforded three to four regio- and stereoisomers, whereas para-disubstituted benzenes and the trisubstituted derivative mesitylene yielded a single isomer; meta- and ortho-xylene produced multiple isomeric products. All reactions were performed at room temperature with or without a photosensitizer, and selected structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. These bisimide frameworks serve as versatile monomer platforms for advanced materials, including diepoxy resins, as well as potential bioactive applications.

Abstract Title: Bile acid sequestrants modulate microbiome diversity and host immunity during enteric microbial infection

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Approximately 90 million American adults have hypercholesterolemia, and nearly 43 million are using or eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapies, including bile acid sequestrants. Although bile acids are end-products of cholesterol metabolism, they also function as signaling molecules that regulate intestinal and systemic physiology. Growing evidence supports their essential role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. However, the impact of bile acid sequestration on gut homeostasis in healthy individuals and during enteric infection remains poorly defined. In this study, we examined how bile acid sequestration shapes mucosal immune responses, microbial community structure, and susceptibility to enteric infection in vivo. Sequestrant-treated mice displayed significantly increased microbial diversity and richness prior to and during infection. This enhanced microbial ecosystem correlated with greater resistance to pathogen colonization in the small intestine… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Effects of a Cognitively Enriched Dance Program on Motor Competence, Executive Function, Emotional Function in Preschool Children

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

Grounded in embodied cognition theory, this study examines whether an eight-week cognitively enriched dance program enhances motor competence, executive function (EF), emotional regulation, and academic achievement in preschool children (N = 72; ages 3–6), and whether intervention dose moderates outcomes across socioeconomically diverse settings. Children from a university child learning center (n = 48) received four sessions per week; children from a Head Start program (n = 24) received two. Instruction integrated Command Style (Style A) and Guided Discovery Style (Style F) within a mastery-oriented motivational climate. Motor competence was assessed via TGMD-3; EF and academic outcomes via NIH Toolbox; emotional functioning via NIH parent-proxy measures. Pre–post analyses and hierarchical regression models will evaluate cross-domain gains and dose-response effects. We hypothesize that cognitively enriched dance will improve outcomes across domains, with EF and emotional regulation partially mediating motor-to-academic pathways.

Abstract Title: Specific Language Deficits Relating to Mild Traumatic Brain Injury​

Program: Speech Language Pathology

Purpose: This study examined self-reported changes in language, cognitive, and social communication functioning among adults with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The primary aim was to identify specific skills perceived as affected using direct pre- and post-injury comparisons. Method: Forty-four eligible adults completed a survey rating pre- and post-injury functioning across domains. Likert-scale responses (1 = Never to 5 = Always) were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests. Results: Significant pre- to post-injury differences were observed across all domains, indicating a broad range of perceived changes following mTBI. In addition to language and cognitive changes, participants also reported increased frequency of social communication difficulties post-injury. Conclusions: While perceived changes were evident across domains, social communication represents a comparatively underexamined area within the mTBI literature. These findings highlight the need for further research exploring subtle, real-world interpersonal changes and their clinical implications. 

Abstract Title: Understanding Occupational Therapy Student Confidence for Working in Rural Pediatric Practice

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Purpose: A proposed research plan to understand the perspective of UND occupational therapy students regarding their preparedness for rural pediatric therapy practice. Methods: OT students will have the opportunity to engage in a longitudinal survey study gathering data at 3 distinct points in their educational program. Survey data will assess student confidence, while also collecting relevant demographic data. A semi-structured interview will occur to better understand student perceptions of gaps and supports within the program’s clinical and didactic experiences. Hypotheses: It is anticipated that students will gain confidence related to pediatric therapy practice as they progress through the OT program. Through the interview process, the authors hope to gain a greater depth of understanding regarding student perceptions of strengths and limitations in their academic and clinical experiences to prepare them for rural pediatric therapy practice.

Abstract Title: Trauma-Informed, LGBTQ+ Affirmative, Intersectional Practices in Clinical Supervision

Program: Counseling Psychology

Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are a growing population and experience heightened risk of health risks associated with to discrimination, heterosexism, and increased exposure to trauma Over half of SGM who sought therapy did so to address trauma. Non-affirmative clinical supervision practices have been associated with weakening the supervisory working relationship, reinforcing power dynamics, and marginalizing SGM clients through heterosexist practices. Additionally, they do not train clinicians on trauma work and thus risk emotional distress of the clinician and compromise care of SGM clients. This poster proposes a clinical supervision framework based on trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and intersectional supervision principles to reduce oppressive practices and promote culturally responsive and ethical supervision.

Abstract Title: Investigating Flexible Pavement Responses and Performance under Trunnion Axle Loading Using 3D FE Modeling and Field Validation

Program: Civil Engineering

The growing demand for high-capacity freight vehicles has heightened the need to evaluate the impact of heavy truck axle configurations on pavement behavior. This study employed a validated three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) model to evaluate the structural response of flexible pavements under trunnion and tandem axle configurations at two vehicle speeds (35 mph and 55 mph), using legal load levels of 60 kips and 34 kips, respectively. Then key pavement responses, including tensile strain, stress, and vertical displacement, were assessed; also, pavement performance in terms of fatigue cracking and subgrade rutting was evaluated. The results showed that the trunnion axle generated higher tensile strain, von Mises stress, Max. principal stress, vertical stress, and vertical displacement compared to the tandem axle. This increase in pavement responses is primarily attributed to the trunnion’s shorter axle spacing, which causes overlapping stress zones and amplifies strain concentrations within the asphalt and subgrade layers… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: A Proposed Structural Model of Help-Seeking Following Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Program: Counseling Psychology

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a form of child sexual victimization where sexual acts, images, or services are exchanged for money, goods, or services. Although CSEC is a highly stigmatized experience, there is a significant lack of studies exploring how criminalization and stigma affect help-seeking trajectories of individuals who have experienced CSEC. This study examines how stigma and discrimination interact to influence help-seeking intentions among those who have experienced CSEC. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative survey design, we will assess the relationships among three proximal factors (sex work stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived criminalization) and two mental health-related outcomes: attitudes toward seeking professional mental health services and intentions to seek these services. Utilizing latent variable path analysis, we will test the fit of a structural equation model to the data gathered in my survey… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Trace Detection of Phosphorus using Anion-Exchange Resin Coated AgClBr Fiber Coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Program: Environmental Engineering

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all living things. However, it can cause eutrophication and harmful algal blooms in high concentrations. Phosphorus can be detected using several analytical techniques such as chromatography, fluorescence, colorimetry, and spectrophotometry. However, the suitability of these methods for on-site and real-time monitoring has been limited due to their cost, large-scale instrumentation, and complex procedures. In this study, phosphate-selective materials were evaluated to support the development of an optical fiber-based sensing approach coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted with anion-exchange resins, magnetite, and Fe-doped activated carbon to identify a material selective for Phosphate. The SBG2-OH resin and A592E demonstrated significant phosphate adsorption in batch experiments, with the SBG2-OH resin exhibiting a higher removal efficiency. These findings suggest that anion-exchange resin-coated optical fibers could be employed to preconcentrate phosphate and provide a basis for the development of real-time phosphate monitoring applications.

Abstract Title: 17α-Estradiol Protects Against HIV-1 Tat-Induced Cellular Senescence in Human Astrocytes

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Tat continues to contribute to the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in ART era. As a secreted protein, Tat enters cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. We have shown that Tat induces endolysosome dysfunction in CNS cells, and importantly, Tat induces cellular senescence via its endolysosome damaging effects. There exist sex disparities in HAND with women having greater neurocognitive impairments. Such sex-differences could not be readily explained by the protective role of 17β-estradiol (E2), which is higher in women. But the precursor of 17α-E2, an isoform of 17β-E2, is twice as high in men. Thus, 17α-E2, the predominant E2 in the brain may contribute to such sex-differences. Significantly, 17α-E2 exerts endolysosome enhancing effects and neuroprotective effects. Here, we explored the role of 17α-E2 in protecting against Tat-induced senescence in primary human astrocytes… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Exploring Impacts of Multigenerational Historical Trauma on Indigenous Academic Outcomes

Program: Counseling Psychology

The proposed study aims to explore how multigenerational historical trauma impacts academic wellbeing for K-12 Lakota students. The proposed study also serves to fill a gap in current literature on North American Indigenous research. The proposed study will use separate semi structured interviews for K-12 Lakota students to examine their experiences related to the research topic. Using content and narrative analyses, researchers will transcribe interviews and analyze its content for themes and patterns. Researchers will then conduct cross comparisons to compare school experiences and academic outcomes of Indigenous K-12 students, and its relation to multigenerational historical trauma. Expected results of the study include themes of low academic retention, and motivation, and feelings of unsafety at school, increased anxiety, and experiences of racism. The implications of the proposed study may improve the cultural knowledge and awareness in educators and clinicians by identifying any educational gaps and improving Indigenous students’ learning experience.

Abstract Title:  Co-Constructing Belonging: Photo-Elicitation with Children in a Community Garden

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This qualitative study examines photography as the primary method of data generation among four elementary-aged students in a community garden, with particular attention to how children constructed a sense of belonging. Grounded in participatory visual methodology and informed by nature- and place-based education frameworks, children photographed outdoor spaces and experiences that made them feel they belonged. Data included student-generated photographs, in situ photo-elicitation interviews, field notes, and transcribed conversations. Analysis explored how belonging was co-constructed through image, language, and embodied interaction with the natural environment. Findings suggest that photographs redistributed conversational authority to children and elicited spatially grounded, emotionally nuanced narratives about belonging that traditional interviewing alone may not reveal. The study also recognizes how analytic decisions, including coding and interview prompting, shaped interpretations, underscoring the relational and interpretive dimensions of participatory research. Overall, the study highlights both the affordances and limitations of photography in examining children’s constructions of belonging.

Abstract Title: Epitaxial Growth of VN on Si3N4(0001)/Si(111)

Program: Physics

Transition metal nitrides have attracted interest due to their chemical stability, CMOS compatibility, and diverse properties, including superconductivity, making them promising candidates for quantum computing, low-loss electronics, catalysis, energy storage, and plasmonics. Among superconducting TMNs such as TiN, NbN, ZrN, and VN, vanadium nitride is compelling, with theoretical predictions suggesting a high critical transition temperature of 32 K. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of VN thin films on Si₃N₄(0001)/Si(111) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. We investigate the mechanisms and growth parameters required to achieve highly crystalline films and demonstrate that increasing nitrogen flow during deposition significantly improves film quality. Comprehensive characterization was performed using multiple experimental techniques. These analyses enabled identification of the crystallographic orientation relationships between VN, Si₃N₄, and Si, establishing correlations between synthesis conditions and film quality. Our results demonstrate a pathway for integrating epitaxial VN with silicon-based platforms, advancing its potential for device applications.

Abstract Title: Building the Future of Regenerative Biomaterials: Bio-Based Hyperbranched Polymers for Tunable Nanofibrous Scaffolds in Skin Tissue Engineering

Program: Chemistry

The development of sustainable and biocompatible polymer systems with tunable properties is essential for next-generation nanofibrous scaffolds in skin tissue engineering. Hyperbranched polyesters offer unique architectures and functional group density that enable enhanced polymer interactions and property control. Here, a novel approach is introduced for the synthesis of bio-based hyperbranched polyesters through acid-catalyzed polycondensation of multifunctional monomers. The role of diacid structure and composition in controlling polymer architecture is systematically explored. The resulting materials are designed to improve network stability in hydrophilic polymer systems without the use of toxic cross-linkers. Solution blow spinning is employed to fabricate nanofibers, establishing a platform for flexible and biocompatible scaffolds.

Abstract Title: Identifying Ice Crystal Chain Aggregates in Cold-Season Storms: Leveraging Machine Learning to Map Occurrence and Distribution

Program: Atmospheric Sciences

In-situ observations of electrically induced aggregation of cloud ice and frozen droplets have largely been limited to mid to upper levels of summertime storms. These elongated, quasi-linear aggregates, termed chain aggregates, form preferentially in cloud chamber experiments under temperature dependent conditions and electric fields > ~60 kV m⁻¹, yet their storm scale locations and mechanisms remain poorly constrained, limiting parameterization in cloud models. During NASA’s Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS), chain aggregates were observed in 30 of 34 flights across temperatures from −38.2 to 2.5 °C, including weakly electrified winter storms. To enable campaign scale analysis of millions of CPI images, we developed a supervised transfer learning CNN to classify chains versus non-chains. After benchmarking ResNet18/34/50/101 and VGG16/19, a ResNet34 model achieved ~95% precision and ~80% recall for chains on unseen data, supporting robust mapping and comparisons with collocated ER-2 radar and lidar observations. 

Abstract Title: BENCHTOP MODEL USED TO MEASURE THE EFFECT OF  DISTANCE BETWEEN ECG ELECTRODES

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Traditional ECG devices face challenges like wire clutter and inefficiency. This study explored reducing electrode distance to develop a compact wireless ECG system. A benchtop model simulated a 3-lead ECG, analyzing signal quality using BIOPAC MP160 and AD8232. Results showed improved signal quality with closer positioning of electrodes, enabling future advancements in wireless ECG development.

Abstract Title: Cultivating Connections: Empowering Agricultural Community Members Through Collaborative Care

Program: Occupational Therapy

Background: Agriculture and mental health – two words not typically used in the same sentence; however, considering the rate of suicide among those working in the agriculture profession is significantly higher than the general population, the need for both awareness and action is critically important. Purpose: The goal of this project was to create educational resources for interprofessional healthcare teams on therapeutic relationships, screening, and intervention methods that are culturally relevant among agricultural community members. Methods: An extensive needs assessment was conducted, including meetings with key players, a literature search and review, and an environmental analysis to identify preliminary information on this hard-to-reach, yet extremely vulnerable group. Results & Outcomes: “Running on Empty” Simulation and Cultivating Connections: An Interprofessional Guide for North Dakota Healthcare Providers Serving Agricultural Community Members were created to meet the identified needs. 

Abstract Title: Promoting Parent Wellbeing and Balance During Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Stays

Program: Occupational Therapy

Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience challenges that influence quality of life, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful activities, limiting their ability to nurture their infants. Currently, occupational therapists in the NICU focus on observable infant occupations including oral feeding, holding, and social interaction. Occupational therapy can support families by promoting engagement in meaningful co-occupations, encouraging balanced routines and roles, providing caregiver education, and adapting tasks or environments to meet family needs. Guided by the ecology of human performance (EHP), this project utilized literature reviews, informal interviews, observations, and collaboration with occupational therapists and other healthcare providers to identify parent needs. Evidence guided the development of the Parent Educational Session and Toolkit addressing habit changing, interpreting infant behavior, coping tools, infant care, sleep routines, and co-occupations. This resource aims to enhance parental competency, confidence, well-being, and occupational balance during NICU stays.

Abstract Title: ADHD and Reading Development in Early Childhood Classrooms

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often linked to reading difficulties; nevertheless, research suggests that reading development in early childhood is influenced by more than diagnostic labels alone. This literature review synthesizes studies examining the relationship between ADHD and reading development in early childhood classrooms. Findings indicate that inattention, not hyperactivity, is more often linked with challenges in decoding, reading comprehension, and engagement with print. Significantly, research shows that children with ADHD are not a homogeneous group in terms of reading outcomes. Instructional context, including explicit and systematic literacy instruction, dialogic reading practices, structured routines, and differentiated small-group support, plays a critical role in shaping reading performance. The review highlights the importance of responsive early childhood literacy environments that support attentional regulation and sustained engagement. This poster emphasizes moving away from deficit-based perspectives, strengthening inclusive instructional practices, and addressing gaps in early childhood research on ADHD and reading development.

Abstract Title: The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on  Confidence, Motivation, and Self-Esteem in College Athletes

Program: Counseling Psychology

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) impact Athletes’ psychological development; influencing confidence, motivation, and self-esteem (Firmansah & Widiantoro, 2025; Rosenberg, 1965). This literature review explores how ACEs affect college athletes under physical and psychological pressure. Understanding this intersection can improve mental health support and athletic achievement.

Abstract Title: Can Microalgae Help Remove PFAS from Water?

Program: Chemical Engineering

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals commonly used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and water-resistant fabrics. Their strong carbon–fluorine bonds make them extremely resistant to breakdown, which allows them to persist in the environment and accumulate in ecosystems and drinking water sources. Current treatment methods, such as adsorption and advanced oxidation, can remove PFAS, but they are often costly, energy-intensive, and may generate additional waste. This study explores the potential of Chlorella Vulgaris, a freshwater microalga, as a sustainable alternative for PFAS remediation. By examining its interaction with PFAS, the research aims to assess the feasibility of algae-based strategies for removing these persistent pollutants from water. The findings contribute to the growing interest in biological approaches for environmental remediation and support the development of greener water treatment technologies.

Abstract Title: Assessing the Potential Changes of Streamflow and Extreme Flow Events of the Red River of the North, Due to Climate Change

Program: Geology

Climate change can have a significant impact on river systems from higher magnitude flood events to extended periods of drought. The Red River of the north drainage basin covers more than116,500 km² and supplies water to more than 1.3 million people. This study examines whether streamflow within the Red River of the north basin has changed in ways consistent with climate change. Daily discharge data of the Red River mainstem at Fargo and the following three tributaries: Sheyenne (Valley City), Pembina (Neche), and Forest (Minto) will be examined using water years 1971-2025. Seven annual indicators including mean flow, snowmelt season (March- May) and rainfall season (June – November) maximum daily flows, seasonal 7-day low flows, and count of high and extreme flow days will be tested for trends using Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope analysis. Results will help identify basin-wide versus sub-basin differences relevant to water management and climate adaptations.

Abstract Title: From Chains to Rings: How Temperature Redesigns Plastic for a More Sustainable Future

Program: Chemistry

Polyethylene is one of the most widely produced plastics and a major contributor to global waste streams. Understanding how it degrades at high temperatures is critical for improving recycling and plastic conversion technologies. Pyrolysis (heating in absence of oxygen) offers a promising route for converting plastic waste into useful chemicals. In this study, polyethylene pyrolysis from 500–900 °C was investigated using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. At lower temperatures, degradation was dominated by random C–C bond scission, producing primarily linear aliphatic hydrocarbons. As the temperature increased, the product distribution shifted toward aromatic compounds, and near 900 °C, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were observed. These results demonstrate that temperature governs the transition from primary fragmentation to secondary aromatization, directly influencing product value and potential by-product formation. By identifying how reaction regimes shift with temperature, this work provides insight for designing more efficient and selective high-temperature plastic recycling systems.

Abstract Title: Two Levitation Techniques for Producing Atmospherically Accurate Ice Crystal Aggregates and Measuring their Bonding Strength

Program: Mechanical Engineering

Aircraft observations in cirrus clouds show abundant chain-like ice aggregates that influence Earth’s radiative balance. However, their bonding strength and microphysical mechanisms governing their formation remain unresolved. Low-temperature dual-balance electrodynamic trapping (LT-DBET) and acoustic levitator were used to produce and study atmospherically relevant aggregates. NaCl + AgI droplets (~50 μm) were levitated, frozen, and merged in the LT-DBET under controlled relative humidity and temperatures below −16 °C. Brightfield and far-field imaging confirmed ice formation and mass growth was inferred from changes in bottom balance voltage (Vbal). The acoustic levitator enabled controlled impacts of aggregates onto a Cu plate. High-speed imaging (6400 fps) resolved collision dynamics and internal stress responses. Results indicate bonding is weakest at inter-monomer joints, as aggregates fragmented at contact points without cracking individual crystals. The ice-crystal morphology was strongly RH-dependent. These findings advance cloud microphysics parameterizations relevant to climate prediction and aviation icing mitigation.

Abstract Title: Lowering the carbon intensity of the grain drying process

Program: Energy Engineering

Grain drying is an essential pre-processing step that enables the preservation of the quality and value of grains. The conventional grain drying process has a high carbon intensity as it involves the direct combustion of propane; a solution to this dilemma is the integration of pyrolysis into the grain drying process. Propane is pyrolyzed into solid carbon and hydrogen-rich gas; the solid carbon is collected and sold, while the hydrogen-rich gas is combusted and utilized in the grain drying process. This solution presents a sustainable approach to the decarbonization of a carbon-intensive process without the integration of carbon capture and storage infrastructure. This study conducts a techno-economic assessment to determine the economic viability of the propane pyrolysis approach by estimating retrofit CAPEX and OPEX and exploring potential revenues from carbon sales. Sensitivity analyses will probe propane price, propane conversion, pyrolysis heat input, carbon yield, and carbon value… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Accept All: Consent, Power, and the Cultural Life of Web Cookies

Program: English

Web cookies, though often treated as technical tools, offer a lens into how digital tracking shapes human experience and identity. This paper explores the cultural and philosophical dimensions of being “tracked,” examining how cookies influence notions of autonomy, privacy, and digital selfhood. I analyze the metaphors and narratives people use to describe cookies, considering how these reflect broader cultural anxieties about surveillance and control. Drawing on discourse analysis, and critical theory, particularly Jeremy Bentham’s concept of Panopticon, this study investigates how everyday interactions with cookies, such as responding to consent banners or traversing personalized content influence privacy-related decisions. By framing cookies as cultural artifacts, this research highlights the interpretive, ethical, and narrative dimensions of tracking, revealing how seemingly invisible mechanisms mediate human experience online and contribute to ongoing conversations about identity, power, and freedom in digital spaces.

Abstract Title: Novel Expression of GPR40 in the Entorhinal Cortex Mediates Lipid-Based Signaling Mechanisms

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Cognitive impairment is a dysfunction in memory that ranges from the mild cognitive impairment to the more severe dementia. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a brain region responsible for the formation of episodic memories and is the first region to be altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) long before the onset of symptoms. GPR40 is a free fatty acid receptor expressed throughout the brain. GPR40 signaling and expression have been shown to be reduced in AD, suggesting a protective role. However, the mechanisms underlying GPR40 effects on cognition remain to be determined. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording, we demonstrated a novel expression of GPR40 in the EC and the ability of GPR40 to induce a long-term potentiation of synaptic strength. In addition, we show that application of a GPR40 agonist increased neuronal excitability through the PI3K-PLCβ-IP3 pathway. Our findings suggest the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GPR40 in the EC.

Abstract Title: Synthesis of Biodegradable and Crosslinkable Polymers For The Development of Biomedical Hydrogels

Program: Chemistry

Hydrogels are gaining significant recognition in biomedicine due to their soft tissue-like properties, high biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical strength. These characteristics allow them to mimic the natural extracellular matrix, supporting their use in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Despite their promise, challenges in refining their performance remain. To address this, a series of polymers, TMPB, TMP-SH, and TMP-PDS, were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR. This work establishes a foundational pathway for developing advanced hydrogels for targeted and effective treatment in the human body.

Abstract Title: Acoustic levitation at sub-atmospheric pressures and reduced temperatures: An approach to study ice crystal and hypersonic shockwave interaction

Program: Mechanical Engineering

Micrometer-sized atmospheric ice crystals are commonly observed in high-altitude clouds. Inside clouds, they attach in different orientations, producing varied geometries, yet their formation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Their behavior under shock wave conditions remains underexplored due to lack of laboratory techniques capable of producing atmospherically realistic ice in controlled conditions. No experimental data and laboratory techniques exist to date on the interaction between atmospheric ice crystal aggregates and hypersonic shockwaves. To explore realistic atmospheric ice crystals’ thermodynamic and mechanical changes in hypersonic environments, we investigate the formation and behavior of ice crystal aggregates using acoustic levitation that avoids physical contact and better replicates freezing processes in clouds.

Abstract Title: How Aging Makes Stem Cells Lose Their Function: Mechanical Signaling and the Decline of Muscle Regeneration

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Skeletal muscle regeneration declines with age partly due to dysfunction of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), which are normally maintained in a quiescent state by signals from their surrounding niche. Recent studies suggest that mechanical signaling within MuSCs plays an important role in preserving this quiescence, yet how these pathways change during biological aging is poorly understood. This study investigates how biological aging alters cytoskeletal tension and mechanotransduction pathways in MuSCs from young, middle-aged, and aged mice. We examined Rho-mediated cytoskeletal signaling, cellular mechanical properties, and expression of the activation marker MyoD. Our findings indicate that aging is associated with increased cytoskeletal tension and mechanical stiffness, accompanied by altered quiescence dynamics. These results suggest that age-related disruption of mechanical signaling contributes to the decline in muscle stem cell regenerative potential. Understanding these mechanisms may inform future strategies to improve muscle repair during aging.

Abstract Title: Experiences of Racism and Heterosexism in BIPOC LGBTQ+ Individuals: Application in Varying Settings

Program: Counseling Psychology

Racism and heterosexism, whether experienced first-hand or vicariously, can be classified as significant sources of stress for those individuals. Studies have shown that these experiences can not only negatively impact one's well-being but also lead to many adverse health outcomes, such as an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression, a decrease in one's self-esteem, and other problems related to their physical, mental, and/or emotional health. This poster explores: (1) how individuals with minoritized intersecting identities experience stressors, such as racism, heterosexism, and discrimination associated with their racial, sexual, and/or gender identities; (2) the intersectional experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals by examining the unique stressors that they experience in different contexts within society; (3) the impact of these distressing intersectional experiences on their overall mental health and well-being; and (4) the application of these pertinent issues in various settings, such as school- and community-based mental health agencies.

Abstract Title: Quantum State Engineering via Nonlinear Interferometer Involving Only Linear Spectral Phase

Program: Physics

Quantum mechanics has real-world applications in the areas of computing and secure communications wherein there is a quantum advantage in terms of security and speed. To accomplish this, carefully tailored quantum states are required. One needs to be able to generate states involving the two foundational quantum properties: superposition and entanglement. The frequency degree of freedom of single photons is advantageous for several reasons including robustness over distance and arbitrarily high-dimensionality. Many existing schemes generate one of those two foundational types of quantum frequency states at a time. Here we present a scheme that can generate both types of states on the frequency degree of freedom of single photons produced via spontaneous parametric down conversion by utilizing a nonlinear interferometer implemented with time delays between different optical fields. This in turn offers a useful degree of versatility for realistic implementation of quantum advantage.

Abstract Title: Synthesis of Poly (silyl ether- silyl ester) s and Their Nanoparticles: A Promising Nanomedicine Strategy for Doxorubicin Delivery

Program: Chemistry

We report the design and synthesis of a new class of poly(silyl ether–silyl ester) (PSEE) polymers for nanoparticle-based drug delivery. These polymers were prepared via tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane–catalyzed ring-opening reduction polymerization of anhydrides with dihydrosilanes. Structural characterization by 1H and 13C NMR and molecular weight analysis by GPC confirmed successful polymer formation. The synthetic approach is scalable and tunable, enabling precise control over polymer and nanoparticle properties. The resulting nanoparticles displayed uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale size, and moderately stable negative surface charge. PSEEs nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability at physiological pH and rapid degradation under acidic conditions, supporting pH-responsive drug release. Doxorubicin was efficiently encapsulated with moderate loading, and cellular uptake by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) was confirmed. Biocompatibility studies showed minimal cytotoxicity, highlighting PSEEs nanoparticles as a promising drug delivery platform.

Abstract Title: Graphene Oxide Membranes for Biofouling Mitigation in Anaerobic-Phototrophic Membrane Bioreactors

Program: Chemical Engineering

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes offer a promising solution for enhancing surface properties and mitigating biofouling in advanced life support systems. In this study, GO membranes are fabricated and characterized through cross-flow filtration tests to determine their efficacy in long-duration space missions which necessitate sustainable waste recycling via closed-loop systems like the Anaerobic-Phototrophic Membrane Bioreactor (APMBR) that converts with algal treatment solid waste into fertilizer. Because membrane biofouling remains a critical barrier to long-term APMBR operation, often leading to reduced permeance and increased transmembrane pressure, this work evaluates GO membrane performance under APMBR-relevant operating conditions to ensure system resilience and efficiency.

Abstract Title: Importance of Masculinity Dominance and Relationships

Program: Counseling Psychology

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between participant’s relationship status and masculinity dominance. Additionally, we examined the relationships between individual’s relationship and masculinity dominance. Participants were recruited using Cloud Research’s recruitment service. They completed a 77-itme Qualtrics questionnaire anonymously. We found a significant result between the belief of the importance of masculinity dominance and the participant’s relationship status (p = .040), with individuals who are single reporting the highest dominance and those who are married reported the lowest belief in the importance of dominance. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between masculinity dominance and the parent that they felt closest to (p = .029), with those not knowing they felt closest to or those who felt closest to neither reporting the highest belief of the importance of masculinity dominance.

Abstract Title: Optical Methods for Determination of Physical Properties of Snow

Program: Physics

Snow’s high albedo and strong scattering significantly influence Earth’s energy balance and hydrological cycles. Snow grain size, absorption, and scattering coefficients strongly affect albedo, making in situ measurement potentially valuable for ecological studies. This research 
investigates a portable laser-based diffusion apparatus (PLDA) and infrared spectroscopy to measure these properties. The PLDA was used in laboratory and field settings with pulsed diode lasers (405, 520, 640 nm) to estimate absorption and scattering coefficients and estimate spherical albedo. Time-of-flight histograms were fit using a diffusion model convolved with a super-Gaussian source function. Results show higher albedo and lower absorption at 405 nm, with albedo decreasing as wavelength increases. The other aspect of this research is investigating the use of infrared spectroscopy centered around a 1,030 nm absorption feature to estimate snow grain size. Laboratory results are consistent, indicating infrared spectroscopy is a promising method for portable, accurate estimation of snow grain size.

Abstract Title: A Hybrid Retrieval-Augmented Generation Framework for Source-Grounded Climate Intelligence

Program: Data Science

Large Language Models (LLMs) demonstrate strong generative capabilities but remain limited by static training data and lack of source attribution, posing significant risks in scientific domains requiring up-to-date and verifiable information. Climate intelligence, in particular, demands transparent and traceable insights derived from recent authoritative reports. This study proposes and evaluates a domain-specific Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework designed to address these limitations. The system integrates document ingestion from 2025–2026 climate reports, semantic chunking, dense vector embeddings indexed with FAISS, and hybrid retrieval combining lexical and semantic search. Retrieved evidence is optionally re-ranked using a cross-encoder and provided to a locally deployed large language model to generate citation-grounded responses. By constraining generation to verified context, the framework mitigates hallucination and enhances transparency. Findings indicate that hybrid RAG architectures offer a scalable and explainable solution for transforming unstructured scientific reports into reliable, queryable knowledge systems.

Abstract Title: Identifying Diet Quality of Ultra-Processed Foods Among Student Health Professionals

Program: Nutrition

Disagreement exists in literature and media on definitions and classification of ultra-processed food (UPF) making interpretation for policy makers, consumers, and health professionals (HP) confusing.  As HPs have a large role in nutrition education, this study looked at how students enrolled in a health professional program at the University of North Dakota determine nutrient density of food. Researchers calculated nutrient density to classify foods into a survey.  Students completing the survey had access to both the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts Panel before selecting the food as choose often, sometimes, or rarely and then indicated which tool was used to make that determination. One-way ANOVA statistics found students who used both the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts Panel were more accurate with classifying UPFs than those using one tool alone. Findings support the need for consistent definitions and inform future nutrition education and policy on UPFs.

Abstract Title: “I Have Doubts”: Exploring Imposter Syndrome in UND Faculty Members

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Imposter syndrome is often described as persistent self-doubt despite demonstrated competence. Although extensively studied among graduate students, far less research has examined how faculty members experience imposter feelings within established academic roles. This qualitative study explores how faculty at the University of North Dakota understand and navigate moments of self-doubt. Drawing on three semi-structured interviews, the analysis focuses on how imposter feelings emerge during role transitions, heightened visibility, and increased professional expectations. Findings suggest that these feelings are not constant but are triggered by moments of becoming—such as leadership appointments or new responsibilities—where confidence is renegotiated. Over-preparation appeared as a common strategy to manage perceived risk and avoid being “found out.” Rather than framing imposter syndrome as an individual weakness, this study situates it within institutional structures and relational dynamics that shape academic work… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: The Promise and Uncertainty of Alternative Teacher Pathways: Evidence from Teach For Bangladesh

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Despite growing global interest in alternative teacher pathways as solutions to teacher shortages, empirical evidence regarding teachers’ experiences in the programs and the longer-term influence on educational equity remains uncertain and highly context-dependent. This evidential gap is particularly critical in high-need contexts such as Bangladesh, where teacher shortages contribute to school closures. While traditional pathways of teacher preparation continue to dominate policy responses, their capacity to meet system-wide demand is limited, leading to the adoption of alternative approaches, such as Teach For Bangladesh (TFB), inspired by the Teach For America (TFA) model. Nevertheless, the influence and experience of TFB teachers remain underexamined. Drawing on comparative insights from the TFA literature, this qualitative study explores TFB alumni’s experiences to understand how participation can contribute to educational equity. By centering alumni perspectives, the study aims to generate context-specific evidence to inform policy debates on the sustainability of alternative teacher pathways in Bangladesh.

Abstract Title: Assessing Groundwater Recharge from Snowmelt in the Elk Valley Aquifer, North Dakota

Program: Geography

For long-term water resource management in cold regions, understanding how snowmelt contributes to groundwater recharge is essential. This study examines the relationship between seasonal snowmelt and groundwater recharge in the Elk Valley aquifer, where snowmelt contributions is not well understood. Groundwater level data from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources are integrated with snow data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including snow water equivalent, snowpack depth, and melt timing. Trend and correlation analyses of thirty years of historical data from 1995 to 2025 evaluate how climatic variability influences snow accumulation, melt timing, and groundwater recharge response. Predictive models will be developed to estimate future snowmelt-driven recharge over the next thirty years under multiple climate scenarios. Future work includes quantifying recharge lag time and magnitude, isolating snowmelt contributions from other recharge sources, validating models using independent datasets, and developing decision-support tools for regional water planning and climate adaptation.

Abstract Title: PUBLIC GOODS, POLITICS, AND THE PUBLIC GOOD: RURAL EDUCATION POLICY IN EARLY 20th CENTURY NORTH DAKOTA

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This dissertation explores education policy in North Dakota's Progressive Era and how public-school reforms and debates reveal the tensions and nuances of the press for modernity in rural spaces. The first chapter explores education governance and the politics of education within the state at that time. The collaboration between county superintendents reflected a relationship in which the state was valued as a protectionary force assisting local leaders. The second chapter covers a civics program for one-room schoolhouses called the Young Citizens League. The YCL engaged students in active, problem-based learning while also functioning as a means of rural Americanization. The last chapter goes into district owned housing for teachers in rural areas called “teacherages.” In addition to exploring historical perceptions of modernity in rural education, the project’s conclusion situates this research within the present-day landscape of rural education policy.

Abstract Title: Carrier-free Single-molecule Hypoxia-activated Nanoprodrug of SN38 with Ultrahigh Drug Loading for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Program: Chemistry

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies for human health. The anticancer drug SN38 has been proven effective against pancreatic cancer cells; however, its clinical application is limited by its poor aqueous solubility and restricted bioavailability in vivo. In this work, we developed a novel carrier-free single-molecule hypoxia-responsive nanoprodrug of SN38 for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. The nanoprodrug has an ultrahigh drug-loading content of 80 wt% and a nanoscale size of 50 nm. The drug molecules are masked by a hypoxia-sensitive aromatic azo group in the nanoprodrug, thereby shielding the therapeutic effects and toxicities of SN38 under normoxic conditions. Thus, the toxicity of the new regimen toward healthy cells and tissues is alleviated. In response to the upregulated level of azoreductase enzymes in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, SN38 molecules are released in situ with their intact structures, exerting a powerful suppressive effect on tumor cells.

Abstract Title: When Bigger Is Not Better: Evidence-Grounded Extraction of Vaccine Adjuvants Using Instruction Finetuned Large Language Models

Program: Computer Science

Vaccine adjuvants play a critical role in infectious disease research, yet the rapid growth of biomedical literature makes manual curation increasingly impractical. Automated extraction using large language models (LLMs) offers a scalable alternative, but performance often depends on computationally expensive model scaling and remains vulnerable to hallucinated outputs. To address these challenges, we developed a Vaccine Ontology-based evidence-grounded extraction framework and applied it to a curated dataset of 298 PubMed abstracts with 449 sentence-level annotations of adjuvant mentions from the VIOLIN-Vaxjo database. Four LLMs (4B–70B parameters) were fine-tuned to generate structured JSON outputs linking adjuvant names to text-supported evidence snippets. Although performance generally increased with size, the mid-scale Mistral 7B model achieved the highest F1 score (76.9%), outperforming the larger Llama 3.3 70B (73.7%). These findings demonstrate that domain-specific fine-tuning and strict evidence constraints enable high-fidelity structuring of vaccine adjuvant knowledge without dependence on resource-intensive architectures.

Abstract Title: LEARNER BEHAVIORAL APPROCHES IN RELATION TO  EDUCATOR SELF EFFICACY AND EDUCATOR RENTENTION

Program: Teaching & Leadership

The United States is experiencing a teacher retention crisis, with increasing turnover influenced by factors such as workload, limited support, and rising undesirable learner behaviors. This study examines how student behavior contributes to educators leaving the profession and whether structured behavioral approaches can improve retention. Three frameworks, the Catalyst Approach, Responsive Classroom, and The Nurtured Heart Approach, will be investigated. Using a mixed-methods design, the research includes case studies of teachers and quantitative tracking of behavior frequency in three elementary schools in Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota. The purpose is to explore the relationship between classroom behavior and teacher self-efficacy and to identify practical behavior management strategies that may support educator retention.

Abstract Title: Creative Art Use for Personal Coping: Impacts on Mental Health Therapist Burnout and Well-being

Program: Counseling Psychology

Mental health therapists have been found to have higher rates of burnout, stress, and turnover than other professionals. Engaging in creative art activities, encompassing a wide variety of art modalities, have displayed efficacy in positively impacting professionals' level of burnout and well-being. Few studies have explored how using creative arts for personal coping impacts mental health therapists specifically regarding burnout, perceived stress, general self-efficacy, and well-being. Therapists throughout the United States will be surveyed regarding their use of coping skills and creative arts for personal coping. Results will suggest that there are significant differences in burnout, perceived stress, general self-efficacy, and well-being between clinicians who do and do not use creative arts for personal coping. Creative art use for personal coping presents as a potential solution for therapists seeking to promote their own well-being.

Abstract Title: Reimagining Freight Mobility: Bridging Perception Gaps in Truck Platooning Deployment

Program: Civil Engineering

Truck platooning has been widely recognized as a promising strategy to enhance freight efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This study evaluates truck-platooning readiness in rural and mountainous regions through a structured questionnaire survey administered to experts and public stakeholders. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, decision-tree modeling, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify perception gaps and factors shaping trust and acceptance. Analysis revealed that experts and the public evaluate truck platooning from different perspectives regarding readiness, economic feasibility, and operational safety. On a seven-point scale, expert responses clustered around 5, reflecting positive to very positive attitudes, whereas public scores were around or below 3, indicating negative perceptions. Experts expressed higher confidence, while public respondents showed greater caution and concern about safety, regulation, and system preparedness. Based on these findings, a practical roadmap was developed providing a pathway for achieving safe, credible, and socially accepted truck-platooning deployment.

Abstract Title: Investigation of the Key Parameters Controlling Microfracture Propagation in the Upper Bakken ShaleOil

Program: Petroleum Engineering

Microfractures generated by kerogen thermal maturation are among the most effective mechanisms for establishing hydraulic connectivity and hydrocarbon migration in organic-rich shales; however, the quantified roles of differential stress, kerogen geometry, and total organic carbon (TOC) in controlling the architecture of this network have not yet been systematically clarified. In this study, focusing on the upper member of the Bakken Formation, a fully coupled hydro–mechanical model based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Finite Volume Method (FVM) was employed to evaluate the mechanical response at the microscale and the evolution of the microfracture network under fluid pressure generated by kerogen maturation and in-situ stress. The low-porosity rock specimen was modeled as a dense packing of particles in the YADE software, fluid pressure in kerogen patches was applied under different differential stress states and various kerogen configurations… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Where Do They Go? Home Range Patterns of Translocated Nuisance Wild Turkeys in North Dakota

Program: Biology

In North Dakota, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are a nonnative species who’s expanding populations have led to increased human-wildlife interactions prompting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to routinely use translocation as a management strategy. Translocation efforts provide a unique opportunity to evaluate responses and offer baseline information that is lacking for wild turkeys in the state. Our objective was to compare home range sizes of wild turkeys translocated to Wildlife Management Areas to control birds that remained at capture sites. From January – March 2023 and 2024, we captured 211 turkeys and attached GPS and GPS-GSM transmitters prior to translocation. We quantified home range size using an autocorrelated kernel density estimator and compared spatial use between control (n = 46) and translocated birds (n = 165). Our findings will help managers better assess how translocation influences movement patterns and population dynamics of wild turkeys in the Northern Great Plains.

Abstract Title: The First-Principles Study of the Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructure as a Cathode Host for Polysulfide Adsorption in Li-S Batteries

Program: Physics

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have become a promising choice for next-generation energy storage due to their high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their commercialization faces significant challenges due to the cathode’s poor conductivity and lithium polysulfides ‘shuttle effect’. The highly soluble lithium polysulfides can migrate between electrodes, resulting in active material loss, reduced coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity loss. To address these challenges, developing effective cathode host materials is crucial. 2D materials like graphene and MoS2 are of interest due to their high surface area, tunable physical and electrical properties, and strong affinity for sulfur species. In this study, we used a first-principles approach to explore the potential of graphene/MoS2 heterostructures as effective cathode host materials to improve battery performance. We find that the graphene/MoS2 heterostructure exhibits greater polysulfide adsorption capacity than pristine MoS2 and graphene. Moreover, this study offers fundamental insights for designing advanced Li-S battery cathodes.

Abstract Title: Validating STEM Faculty Self-reported Research Success with Web of Science Bibliometrics

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This study aims to compare and validate STEM faculty members’ self-reported research success with Web of Science bibliometric data longitudinally. Across three years, STEM faculty recruited from 10 US universities completed an online survey measuring research success regarding activity and publication output. Their responses were matched with bibliometric data, specifically number of publications and citations. Correlations of self-reported measures with the bibliometrics were positive and ranged from small to large based on their similarity and timeframe. The results supports the use of self-report data by researchers and administrators as a valid, cost-effective alternative to bibliometric measures for evaluating research success, though additional analysis will need to be done to quantify the relationship between bibliometrics and self-report data.

Abstract Title: Early Occupational Therapy Services: Addressing Health Disparities Following Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Program: Occupational Therapy

In the US, 1/10 children are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and at risk for developmental delays (Heiny et al., 2021; National Center for Health Statistics, 2025). Through occupational therapist’s scope of practice, screening, evaluation, and intervention can be provided to address potential developmental delays (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2018). Purpose and Product: The infants’ and families’ needs necessitated the creation of an occupational therapist guide for evaluation and intervention for this population and educational handouts (in English and Spanish) for the population. This product is anticipated to enhance occupational engagement for infants and their families and support occupational therapy’s role in early care.

Abstract Title: Automated Mean Free Path-Based Adaptive Mesh Refinement Framework for DSMC Simulations

Program: Mechanical Engineering

Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is critical for accurate Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations, where computational cell sizes must remain comparable to the local mean free path. In rarefied plume flows, strong density gradients lead to large spatial variations in mean free path, making uniform meshes inefficient and unable to adequately resolve key flow features, particularly within plume cores and plume–surface interaction regions. This work presents an automated AMR framework that generates unstructured meshes using a physics-based refinement criterion derived from the local mean free path. Built on the open-source meshing tool Gmsh, the framework supports both two and three dimensional geometries and ensures that DSMC resolution requirements are satisfied throughout the computational domain. The complete workflow is implemented through a Bash-based automation script that allows users to specify geometry, mesh locations, and refinement parameters through a single input file… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Anomaly and Drift Detection for ICS Telemetry Using a Containerized OT to IT Testbed

Program: Computer Science

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) in critical infrastructure generate continuous telemetry data, yet many deployments lack an end to end secure OT to IT pipeline and monitoring that stays accurate as behavior changes. This work presents a Docker containerized OT to IT testbed that streams PLC signals over Modbus TCP into Node RED, InfluxDB, and Grafana for acquisition, storage, and visualization. The implemented system delivers scenario driven synthetic telemetry with repeatable fault and attack like behaviors, enabling dataset creation and benchmarking. A balanced ML layer is being developed for anomaly detection using Isolation Forest, One Class SVM, and PCA baselines, and for drift detection using ADWIN, Page Hinkley, and KS or PSI tests. Outputs will be integrated as edge inference results and can drive closed loop alarms and safe state actions. The approach will be validated by migrating the same pipeline to real PLC, HMI, and motor training hardware.

Abstract Title: Understanding Rural Teachers' Professional Decisions Around Difficult Topic Moments

Program: Teaching & Leadership

This qualitative study examined how seven rural teachers who participated in an inquiry-based professional learning program addressed unplanned difficult-topics moments in their classrooms. Difficult topic moments (DTMs) are defined as unexpected classroom situations involving controversial or sensitive issues that create uncertainty about how to respond. Through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, three approaches were identified: (1) leading spontaneous classroom discussions; (2) holding private conversations with students; and (3) deferring to parents/guardians or other educators. These findings suggest how rural teachers transform potentially fraught moments into learning opportunities focused on inquiry, empathy, and understanding.

Abstract Title: Differences in LMS Use Among Faculty at the Public University in North Dakota

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This study examined differences in LMS use among faculty at the public university in North Dakota across gender, prior LMS training, course delivery mode, and academic rank. Data were collected from 111 faculty using structured online survey measuring use of ten LMS features, including: announcements, assignments, journals, calendars, chatrooms, course content, discussions, documents, interactions and tests. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and one way ANOVA. Results indicated significantly higher LMS use among women faculty compared to men, among faculty with prior LMS training, and among those teaching online compared to face-to-face. Associate and assistant professors also reported significantly higher LMS use than full professors. These findings indicate that faculty LMS use varies across background characteristics, suggesting the need for targeted, context-sensitive professional development to support equitable LMS use.

Abstract Title: Cultural Orientations in STEM Curriculum: Document Analysis of NDNAEU and State-Aligned Lesson Plans

Program: Educational Practice & Leadership

This study examines how cultural values, epistemologies, and learner roles are embedded within STEM curriculum materials by analyzing paired lesson plans aligned with the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings (NDNAEU) and state standards.  Using qualitative document analysis informed by Critical Method of Document Analysis and the Documentary Method, six lessons across three thematic areas; water, animals, and food systems, were coded for roles of culture, community connection, epistemology, student positioning, language values, and place-based learning.  The analysis revealed clear contrasts in how knowledge is framed: NDNAEU lessons emphasize relationality, community engagement, and responsibilities to land and people, while state standard lessons state-aligned lessons foreground technical approaches, procedural tasks, and students’ roles as investigators or experimenters.  These contrasts illustrate how curriculum documents reflect distinct cultural orientations and position learners within STEM contexts, offering insights for advancing culturally responsive and Indigenous-centered STEM education.

Abstract Title: Linking Social and Ecological Approaches to Fisheries Management to Inform Resource Allocation in North Dakota Fisheries

Program: Biology

Effective allocation of limited resources challenges natural resource agencies as environmental and societal conditions change. Funding constraints, shifting values, and limited management options complicate efforts to sustain fisheries that meet diverse angler expectations. Predicting angler responses to resource allocations is difficult because anglers vary in preferences, harvest orientation, and participation over time. Understanding this variation, particularly in site selection, is essential for aligning management with angler behavior. This study integrates social and ecological approaches to examine angler responses to management actions and landscape features across North Dakota. The objectives are to identify attributes influencing angler site selection; compare walleye stocking contributions and population dynamics between newly developed and older lakes; assess angler responses to major management actions; and evaluate historical changes in angler behavior. Through a combination of angler surveys, fish population sampling, and otolith microchemistry, this study will inform targeted strategies to optimize resource allocation and promote resilient fisheries.

Abstract Title: Identifying Writer’s Block among First-Year College Students: Pedagogical Strategies and the Role of Metacognitive Reflection

Program: English

This paper evaluates the diverse writer’s blocks that my first-year students identified and the strategies they used to overcome them, as most were able to produce the expected outcomes. My goal in conducting this research was to help students by relating their issues to the types of obstacles identified in this study, and then providing possible solutions based on research findings on methods that helped students produce successful writing by overcoming difficulties throughout the writing process. I believe that such first-year students’ reflective accounts should be treated not merely as data but as insights into how writing development actually occurs among students. By foregrounding students’ own metacognitive reflections, this paper argues that first-year writers actively theorize their learning processes in ways that composition pedagogy has not sufficiently recognized.

Abstract Title: Multi-axis biopsy-RNA biomarkers for acute kidney injury demonstrate superior discrimination in a multi-cohort study

Program: Clinical Translational Science

Early, reliable identification of acute kidney injury (AKI) from biopsy-level RNA remains challenging, and single-gene injury markers can be unstable across platforms. We developed a 4-axis signature from locked gene sets and externally validated a multi-axis biopsy-RNA model integrating orthogonal epithelial programs to improve diagnostic discrimination. A logistic model was trained per dataset and evaluated with repeated stratified 5 fold cross and across independent external cohorts (N = 307, AKI = 151, Control = 156). We observed superior AUCs under repeated stratified 5 fold cross validation (pooled DeLong p < 0.05), with the best result in KPMP single-cell data (AUC = 0.974). The model showed sustained performance under weight transfer across independent cohorts. At p=0.50, the model delivered higher net benefit than single-gene comparators and maintained more stable calibration. Null tests demonstrated added value from HRTPT-Up and HREC24T-Up beyond the adaptive axes.

Abstract Title: Deposition of optical thin films for quantum optics experiments in the UND Nano-foundry

Program: Physics

In optics and photonics, optical thin films are used to control light, which is essential for optical components. Reflection and transmission properties can be controlled by varying the thickness and number of layers. While modeling and optimization of multilayer coatings can be performed using software and open-source packages, fabrication is typically done only in industry. Here, we present results from the fabrication of optical thin-film coatings at UND’s Nano-foundry. The POCAL Python package is used to model optical fields in the structures. An EvoVac physical vapor deposition platform is used to fabricate two thin-film samples. The first structure is a 12-layer stack consisting of alternating TiO₂ and SiO₂ layers on a glass substrate. The second structure was fabricated on a silicon wafer coated on both sides with TiO₂ and SiO₂ layers. Our future goal is to characterize each thin-film layer using ellipsometry and to implement coated optical components in quantum optics experiments.

Abstract Title: Equity in Action: Balancing Inclusion and Behavioral Health in North Dakota's Elementary Classrooms

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Elementary classrooms across North Dakota are becoming increasingly diverse, encompassing students with diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, learning abilities, socioeconomic statuses, family structures, social-emotional development, and lived experiences. As performance demands remain a priority for stakeholders and policymakers, teachers are tasked with meeting the individual needs of learners who redefine what it means to teach in an inclusive educational setting. As education policies are designed to ensure equal access to education, the impact of student well-being and disruptive behavior raises important questions about the systemic guardrails that protect learning environments for all students. Understanding the students who occupy today’s elementary classrooms is essential to creating inclusive yet equitable learning environments. A closer look at the day-to-day experiences of students and teachers can reveal how diverse needs are recognized, interpreted, and addressed in today’s classrooms, offering valuable direction for how schools can balance inclusion, academic rigor, and behavioral health.

Abstract Title: Comparing superficial markers to implanted markers for XROMM analyses on a chicken carcass

Program: Geography

X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) is an integral method for furthering our understanding of the kinematics of living organisms. Of its two current standards, the markered method involves the use of invasive implantation of submillimeter diameter X-ray-dense beads into bones of interest, resulting in accurate and timely collection of kinematic data. Contrastingly, the non-invasive scientific rotoscoping method does not involve these beads but is less timely. Herein, we analyze the accuracy of an intermediate method that prioritizes non-invasive procedures without sacrificing timeliness. This method was tested by attaching superficial and implanted markers to the hindlimb bones of a puppeted chicken carcass. Mean residual error among these markers was calculated, resulting in translational error ranges spanning 0.7-2.2cm and rotational error ranges spanning 4.7-5.7° among the hindlimb bones. This ability to accurately model kinematics with superficial markers opens possibilities for longitudinal studies of growth while bypassing obstacles common among current methods.

Abstract Title: Exploring Microaggressions Experienced by Transgender and Nonbinary Clients During Evidence Based Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment: An IPA Study

Program: Counseling Psychology

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals face higher incidence and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite this, most psychotherapy providers do not receive adequate training on treating TGNB clients, particularly during PTSD related treatment. TGNB clients report having higher incidence of microaggressions during trauma focused psychotherapy, which may degrade the therapeutic alliance. No previous study has yet investigated the types of microaggressions TGNB people experience during psychotherapy for PTSD and the ways TGNB people may experience these microaggressions and its perceived effects on the therapeutic alliance. This study will utilize semi-structured interviews of TGNB individuals that are currently undergoing or have undergone psychotherapy for PTSD related concerns. Post-interview analysis will utilize Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), which will allow the research team to offer rich descriptions of TGNB persons’ experiences of trauma-focused psychotherapy, including their perspectives on how providers’ behaviors, including microaggressions, may impact therapeutic alliance and therapy outcomes.

Abstract Title: Faculty Experiences Supporting Students with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Narrative Study

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Faculty having the skills and confidence to utilize these skills to support students with disabilities in higher education is a significant issue. We do know faculty want support in working with these students, but what kinds of support is not clearly specified. This study aims to explore how faculty draw upon previous experiences to support students with disabilities and what faculty need to feel confident working with students with disabilities. A study will be conducted using two semi-structured interviews during which faculty will discuss previous training, working with students with disabilities, what resources they have utilized, their confidence working with students with disabilities, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II. The results will be written in a narrative format, allowing each participant to tell their story of their journey working with students with disabilities in higher education. The participants’ journeys will then be compared to show similarities and differences.

Abstract Title: Cultural Beliefs and Emotion Regulation in Interracial Romantic Relationships

Program: Counseling Psychology

Emotional regulation within romantic relationships is shaped not only by individual tendencies but also by culturally embedded beliefs about emotion and expression (Gross, 2015). In interracial relationships, partners may bring differing emotion display rules, identity-based experiences, and culturally informed expectations into shared relational spaces (Tsai & Clobert, 2016). Despite growing research on cross-cultural emotion and intercultural communication, limited qualitative work has examined how individuals in interracial partnerships interpret and negotiate these differences in lived relational contexts. Guided by constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2014), this proposed study will explore how individuals in interracial romantic relationships describe and make meaning of culturally shaped emotional expression and regulation within their relationship. Findings aim to develop a process-oriented understanding of how emotional norms are co-constructed, adapted, and renegotiated over time. Implications include advancing culturally responsive models of relational emotion regulation within counseling psychology.

Abstract Title: Development of a User-Centered, Research-Grade IMU-Based Movement Analysis System

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

Objective movement analysis is foundational to kinesiology and rehabilitation research, yet access to research-grade systems is often limited by technical complexity and poor usability, restricting who can conduct high-quality movement studies. This project examined the development and feasibility of a user-centered, research-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU)–based movement analysis system designed to lower barriers to data collection and interpretation. A modular wireless sensor network was built using ESP32-S3 microcontrollers and STEMMA QT–compatible IMUs. Sensor nodes communicated via the ESP-NOW protocol to a dedicated ESP32 gateway, which streamed synchronized, high-frequency kinematic data directly to a web-based application over USB, bypassing latency and bandwidth limitations associated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy. AI-assisted development workflows were leveraged to accelerate firmware and software iteration and support usability without requiring formal engineering training. Benchtop testing and controlled movement trials demonstrated stable synchronization, high data throughput, and kinematic resolution appropriate for functional movement assessment… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Hydrothermal Synthesis of Boron and Sulfur-doped Porphyrin Silicon Nanoparticles for Bioimaging in Near Infrared Range

Program: Chemistry

Fluorescent nanocomposites are attractive for bioimaging due to high brightness and photostability, but UV–visible autofluorescence can interfere, making near-infrared (NIR) probes preferable. Here, tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP), phenylboronic acid (PBA), and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) were combined via hydrothermal synthesis to form NIR nanoparticles. TCPP promoted porphyrin-based nanostructure formation, PBA improved stability and introduced potential targeting through boron–OH interactions, and MPTMS contributed a protective silica-like network to enhance dispersibility and surface reactivity. DLS, TEM, UV–Vis, and fluorescence analyses confirmed nanoparticles of 19.7 ± 4.7 nm with emission peaks at 647.3 and 703.2 nm. Zeta potential indicated stability from pH 1–11 (except pH 3). RAW 264.7 cell imaging showed strong labeling, and BMVEC assays indicated >90% viability, supporting their promise as NIR imaging probes.

Abstract Title: Seismic Damage Prediction of Liquid Storage Tanks Using Machine Learning and Balancing Techniques

Program: Civil Engineering

Predicting seismic damage to liquid storage tanks is essential for effective seismic risk assessment. This study applies a data-driven artificial intelligence approach to forecast tank damage states using real earthquake field data, including ground motion parameters, tank geometry, and observed damage categorized under the HAZUS classification system. Three machine learning models—Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, and Artificial Neural Networks—were evaluated alongside data balancing techniques such as SMOTE, ADASYN, and class weighting. The RF model performed best on the imbalanced dataset, achieving test accuracy of 0.63, which improved to 0.66 using ADASYN. To further enhance performance, a two-step RF framework was developed. The first step classified damage presence with 0.81 test accuracy, while the second multi-class classifier incorporated probability outputs and ADASYN balancing, achieving a maximum test accuracy of 0.85. Feature importance analysis identified liquid level as the most influential parameter… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Tau Phosphorylation Along the Gut-Brain Axis

Program: Biomedical Sciences

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a dementing disease that affects 55 million people worldwide. Neuronal cells in the brain aggregate tau protein to form neurofibrillary tangles during disease. Increasing tangle numbers correlate with worsening dementia. However, neurons exist in many organs besides the brain, and it is not known whether tangles also develop in these areas during AD. We used a technique known as a Western blot to compare brains, the vagus nerve, and colons from male healthy control and AD patients to ask whether phosphorylated, disease tau occurred in all three areas. As expected, we observed phosphorylated tau in the brains of AD patients. However, it was largely absent from the vagus nerve and colon. Our data demonstrated that a unique disease process occurs within brain versus colon neurons. Determining why intestinal neurons are resistant to tangle formation may reveal strategies to protect brain neurons during disease.

Abstract Title: Cultural Pathways of Stigma Internalization: Authoritarian Filial Piety as a Mediator in Chinese Sexual Minority Men

Program: Counseling Psychology

Internalized heterosexism occurs when individuals incorporate public stigma into their self-concept. In Chinese contexts, filial piety (FP) may be one pathway through which public stigma becomes internalized. This study examined whether authoritarian filial piety (AFP) mediates the association between perceived public stigma (PPS) and internalized heterosexism (IH) among 84 Chinese sexual minority men residing in the United States. Filial piety, including reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety, was measured using the Dual Filial Piety Scale. PPS was measured using the Public Homosexual Stigma Scale. IH, including Family-Oriented, Socially Oriented, and Heteronormativity dimensions, was measured using the Chinese Internalized Homophobia Scale. Mediation analyses indicated that AFP partially mediated the association between PPS and IH. A similar mediation pattern emerged for Family- and Socially Oriented Identity, but not for Internalized Heteronormativity. Findings suggest that internalized stigma in this sample was linked to authority-based family expectations rather than reciprocal emotional closeness.

Abstract Title: Reimagining Grading in Alternative Education: Where Student Voice Informs Valid and Equitable Assessment

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Traditional grading systems often persist in traditional schools, yet their validity in alternative high school settings remains under-explored. This proposed mixed-methods study investigates how alternative grading practices influence student motivation, perceptions of fairness, and demonstrations of mastery within an alternative education context. Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, student interviews and classroom artifacts were analyzed to identify emerging themes regarding engagement, agency, and assessment validity. Preliminary findings suggest that alternative grading structures may shift students’ perceptions of academic identity from compliance-based performance toward mastery-oriented growth. By centering student voice and integrating data analytics, this study hopes to contribute to broader conversations about equitable assessment practices and the ethical measurement of learning in nontraditional educational environments.

Abstract Title: Caregiver beliefs about pretend play: Associations with pretend play skills and academic focus

Program: Counseling Psychology

Play is an important part of children’s ability to learn and develop. Prior research has explored parenting styles and parental beliefs surrounding play (LaForrett & Mendez, 2016). However, there is a gap in the literature surrounding caregivers’ beliefs of pretend play and its relationship to children's pretend play skills. Caregivers (n = 66) of children aged 4 – 5 years old completed two measures of X (Parent Play Beliefs Scale [PPBS; Fogle and Mendez, 2006] and Parent’ Attitudes Toward Pretense [PATP; Gleason, 2005]). Children’s pretend play was assessed with the Affect in Play Scale – Preschool Brief Version. Caregiver support of play and beliefs in focusing on academic development with their children over play were negatively correlated (r = -.333, p < .05), which indicated that greater caregiver beliefs about the importance of play for development was related to lower beliefs surrounding focusing on academically-focused activities (i.e., reading) over play… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: From ISS To Commercial Space Stations: Managing Public-Private Partnerships in the New Space Age

Program: Space Studies

This paper examines the transition from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO) destinations through public–private partnerships (PPPs). With NASA planning to retire the ISS in the early 2030s, the agency is shifting from direct government operation to purchasing services from privately owned and operated stations. This change raises a central management question: can government and private incentives align to ensure safe, sustainable, and strategically valuable operations? The paper focuses on NASA and U.S. commercial station initiatives projected for 2030–2040. The project analyzes NASA directives, oversight reports, feasibility studies, industry filings, and academic literature. The framework combines stakeholder and incentive mapping and a sustainability assessment across operational, financial, and strategic dimensions. The paper highlights conditions for successful alignment, while identifying potential risks. Findings inform whether PPP-managed commercial space stations can achieve a central objective as the ISS retires: maintaining continuous American human presence in LEO.

Abstract Title: Bureaucratic Compliance vs. Learning Outcomes: A Century of Compulsory Education in Minnesota

Program: Teaching & Leadership

A long-standing debate exists over the true purpose of American public schooling. Is it for workforce preparation, instilling values, or promoting citizenship? This qualitative historical study explores how Minnesota’s educational purpose shifted during the early twentieth century due to evolving attendance policies. While literature is vast, this research uniquely analyzes how the legal system redefined education from a process of learning to a mandate of physical attendance. Using document analysis, this study examines Minnesota Supreme Court opinions, statutes, and media reports from 1858 to 1930. Thematic analysis, combining deductive and inductive coding, identifies shifts toward bureaucratic compliance. These findings are critical today as only 75.5% of Minnesota students maintained consistent attendance in 2024. By uncovering the original motivations behind attendance mandates, this research aims to inform policy changes that reconnect legal compliance with meaningful student learning.

Abstract Title: Computational Advertising: Interdisciplinary perspective and the impact of AI

Program: Data Science

Computational advertising (CA) integrates computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and traditional advertising to transform the modern marketing ecosystem. This paper examines CA's core components — data collection, audience targeting, ad optimization, media planning, and performance measurement — and analyzes the complex stakeholder ecosystem amid growing privacy and ethical concerns. We classify AI techniques employed in CA, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning architectures (CNN, RNN, GNN). Empirical evidence demonstrates AI's superior performance in ad viewability prediction (~80% accuracy), click-through rate prediction, and recommendation systems. Findings highlight AI's transformative impact through enhanced targeting precision and personalized user experiences. However, challenges including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and user comfort persist. Future research must harness AI's potential while establishing ethical frameworks that foster trust across the computational advertising ecosystem.

Abstract Title: Analyzing the Chemical Composition of Different Quinoa Inflorescences

Program: Chemistry

Domesticated in the Andes roughly 7,000 years ago, Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a nutrient-dense annual grain from the Amaranthaceae family. Although many articles have been published on the nutritional and bioactive components of quinoa grains, leaves, sprouts, and microgreens, there is a scarcity of research on the inflorescence which is the focus of our study. In this work, a comprehensive extraction, characterization, and comparison of the chemical constituents of different quinoa inflorescence varieties were carried out. The bioactive compounds were extracted using an exhaustive sequential Soxhlet method by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analysis of the three quinoa varieties resulted in the identification of about 200 compounds, which was confirmed by comparing their retention times, common ions, and mass spectra against data obtained from various spectral libraries. The three quinoa varieties exhibited distinct chemical profiles characterized primarily by varying levels of sugars, fatty acids, flavonoids, and phosphoric acid derivatives.

Abstract Title: Piloting an Inquiry-Based Professional Learning Program to Support Rural Teachers Navigating Difficult Issues

Program: Teaching & Leadership

Amid increasing political polarization, teachers frequently encounter unplanned difficult-topic moments (DTMs)—unexpected classroom situations in which sensitive or controversial issues surface and require immediate professional judgment. These moments are often intensified for rural teachers, who navigate close-knit communities, multiple community roles, limited professional learning access, and heightened visibility. This conceptual presentation shares reflections from a pilot year of an inquiry-based professional learning program designed to support rural teachers as they navigate DTMs. Grounded in a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and equity-centered inquiry cycle, the model engages teachers in developing contextualized wonderings, examining classroom practice, taking instructional action, and learning alongside colleagues within trusted professional communities. Rather than positioning teachers as needing solutions, this approach honors educators’ existing expertise and frames sustained professional learning as a form of support that builds relational trust, professional agency, and reflective capacity… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: A Performance Guide and Review of the Interpretation of Schumann's Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129

Program: Music

This research explores the technical and structural complexities of Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129, challenging the historical over-criticism of the work. By analyzing the composer’s use of non-musical references and unconventional formal structures, this study addresses why the concerto remains uniquely demanding for the interpreter compared to more ergonomic staples like the Dvořák Concerto. The investigation bridges the gap between historical context and practical execution, providing cellists with a comparison of interpretations of selected performers, for a wider perspective on Schumann’s distinctive style. Beyond the traditional analysis and performance analysis, this work offers pedagogical tools designed to enhance a student's self-solving abilities. By integrating musicality with targeted technical strategies, performers can develop more effective time management and practice methodology, ultimately unlocking the expressive potential of this often-misunderstood masterpiece.

Abstract Title: NON-TERRESTRIAL CONSTRUCTION USING NOVEL IN-SITU BIOCHEMICAL 3D PRINTING WITH MARTIAN AND LUNAR REGOLITH

Program: Space Studies

This research investigates the performance of biologically derived binders for use with lunar and Martian regolith simulants in non-terrestrial construction. This study characterizes binder–regolith interactions and their influence on material behavior by experimentally evaluating how variations in biological binder composition and concentration affect the mechanical performance of regolith-based composites under controlled laboratory conditions. Experiments use Space Resource Technologies(SRT) regolith simulants—LMS-1E, LHS-1E, and MGS-1—to represent lunar and Martian surface materials. Results to date demonstrate that biological binders can significantly alter cohesion and failure modes compared to unbound regolith, highlighting their potential for independent in-situ construction applications. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to develop low-energy, resource-efficient construction materials for future lunar and Martian surface missions. The study will continue to investigate the implementation of these materials through 3D printing methods, as well as the printed materials characteristics.

Abstract Title: K-12 Instructional Coach Toolkit

Program: Teaching & Leadership

The role of an Instructional Coach in the K-12 setting varies depending upon district, school, and individual teacher needs. Integrating professional learning, mentoring supports, and data-driven practices to inform classroom practice while still honoring teacher agency and autonomy is crucial to practitioner growth. This preliminary toolkit, grounded in research-based practices, provides instructional coaches with resources and publications foundational to supporting educators, promoting inquiry, and enhancing professional practice.

Abstract Title: Building Sustainable Self-Care Routines in Mental Health Graduate Training

Program: Counseling Psychology

Self-care is widely recognized as essential for maintaining personal wellbeing and professional competence in mental health training, yet many graduate students struggle to establish consistent and sustainable routines. This poster synthesizes research on self-care, habit formation, and trainee wellness to provide a practical framework for building individualized self-care routines. A conceptual review of peer-reviewed literature identified several key themes: effective self-care is holistic and ongoing rather than episodic; small, repeatable habits are more sustainable than large, infrequent efforts; and structured routines reduce decision fatigue and support emotional regulation. The literature also highlights the importance of peer and supervisory support in maintaining self-care practices, particularly in high-stress training environments. Implications for mental health graduate students include beginning routine-building early in training, integrating small daily practices, and using community support to sustain wellbeing. Establishing realistic, flexible self-care routines may promote resilience, reduce burnout risk, and support long-term ethical and effective clinical practice.

Abstract Title: Whose story are we telling: An analysis of photography as a method of data collection used with young children

Program: Teaching & Leadership

A literature review will be presented on the use of photography as a data collection method for young children. It will include the methodologies used, the theoretical orientations drawn upon, the methods, and the kinds of analysis used. I am looking to answer the question of what is the best way to use photography as a research method for young children?

Abstract Title: A Global Climatology of Tropical Cyclone Integrated Kinetic Energy Using Best Track and Synthetic Aperture Radar Observations

Program: Atmospheric Sciences

Tropical cyclone (TC) intensity has traditionally been quantified based on the maximum sustained wind. To account for both the size and strength of the wind field, Integrated Kinetic Energy (IKE) has been proposed to quantify the damaging potential of TCs. IKE is calculated as the total kinetic energy of the TC’s wind field inside its radius of tropical storm-force winds. This work presents the first global climatology of IKE from 2004-2024 using observations of 34-, 50-, and 64-knot winds from the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center. IKE is analyzed relative to the storm’s translation direction and speed and how IKE is distributed among the 34–50 kt, 50–64 kt, and 64+ kt wind regions, and in four quadrants. We assess other aspects of IKE climatology including interannual variability and relationship with intensity change across all global basins, including the impact of extratropical transition (ET) on IKE. 

Abstract Title: Predicting Readability with Machine Learning and Clustering-Augmented Representations

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

This study proposes a machine-learning-based framework to predict text readability. The dataset comprises 1,600 texts from the CLEAR corpus, each rated approximately 46 times by human teachers. Support Vector Regression (SVR) models were trained using traditional readability indices (e.g., ARI, FRE, and New Dale–Chall) and clustering-based representations derived from word embeddings. The results indicate that models incorporating either readability indices or clustering-based features outperform a baseline model. The integration of both features further improves predictive performance. These findings suggest that the two feature types contribute complementary information: readability indices capture surface-level linguistic characteristics, whereas clustering-based representations encode higher-level semantic structure. Overall, the results demonstrate that traditional readability indices remain valuable within machine-learning-based readability prediction and underscore the potential of such approaches for educational technologies, including personalized text evaluation and adaptive learning material recommendation.

Abstract Title: The Principal’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity for Diverse Staff and Students in K–12 Schools

Program: Teaching & Leadership

This study examines the role of school principals in promoting inclusivity for diverse staff and students in K–12 schools. Drawing on existing research and secondary analysis of international education data, the project explores how inclusive leadership practices influence school climate, teacher retention, and student outcomes. Inclusive leadership strategies include equity-focused policy implementation, professional development centered on cultural competency, and active community engagement. Findings from the literature indicate that principals who prioritize inclusivity contribute to stronger school cultures, improved staff collaboration, higher retention of diverse educators, and increased student engagement. The study highlights the importance of leadership in translating inclusive policies into consistent daily practices and emphasizes the need to strengthen leadership capacity to build equitable and supportive educational environments.

Abstract Title: Educational Emasculation and the Reimagining of Black Boyhood

Program: Educational Foundations & Leadership

This scoping literature review is part of a larger study on the education of African American boys. Drawing on 35 peer-reviewed articles from 1972 to 2024, the review traces historical and contemporary understandings of how systemic inequities and cultural tensions shape the schooling of African American males. Using Critical Race Theory (Ladson-Billings & Tate, 1995) and Intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991), this review examines how race, gender, and school policies intersect to marginalize African American boys. Given the current political climate that challenges equity-centered, culturally relevant, and sustaining pedagogies in school and the challenges African American boys face in school, we must center this marginalized group within academic discourse. To ensure rigor, I utilized PRISMA-ScR and the PAGER Framework to enhance clarity and organization. The review reveals that neither systemic nor cultural misalignment fully explains the rationale behind the underperformance of African American males in school.

Abstract Title: Academic success and test-related anxiety with the use of student AI generated and instructor provided quizzes

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

Within this study we assess the use of student generated AI quizzes and instructor developed quizzes as study strategies in student academic success.  The primary aim is to assess student test anxiety and the academic effectiveness of using these study strategies.  For participants we will request voluntary participation for a cohort of 52 students in the graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of North Dakota. SPSS will be used to quantitatively analyze the results.  The findings of this study will add to the body of knowledge on the best educational study strategies to reduce anxiety and facilitate student success.

Abstract Title: Yellow Flower Coverage Detection in Roadside Ditches of North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region: A Case Study

Program: Earth System Science & Policy

Accurately quantifying flowering plant abundance is essential for assessing pollinator habitats along roadside rights-of-way (ROWs). This study proposes a two-stage deep learning pipeline for detecting and counting yellow flowers using both vehicle-mounted GoPro videos and supplemental imagery obtained via the Google Street View Static API. In the first stage, the YOLOv8 object detection model identifies yellow flowers across diverse roadside environments. In the second stage, a regression network, developed based on Congested Scene Recognition Network (CSRNet), directly estimates flower density from input images, enabling fine-grained counting without relying on bounding boxes. We apply this method to large-scale datasets collected across North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region, covering several routes that were previously surveyed. Compared to manual surveys, our approach enables scalable, GPS-tagged assessments with reduced labor and time requirements. Overall, our work highlights the potential of combining object detection with density estimation to support pollinator habitat monitoring at landscape scales.

Abstract Title: Ultrasonication-Assisted Synthesis of Spinel-type Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles for Bioimaging

Program: Chemistry

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), also known as long-afterglow luminescence nanoparticles, have emerged as promising nanoscale materials capable of emitting luminescence for minutes to several days after initial excitation. This unique optical property makes them compelling candidates for a variety of bioimaging and biosensing applications. In this study, zinc (II) nitrate and gallium (III) nitrate were employed to synthesize a spinel-type host structure (ZGO), with chromium (III) nitrate and europium (III) nitrate introduced as single dopant and co-dopants for emitting persistent luminescence through an ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the four PLNPs possessed the typical spinel phase of ZnGa2O4, confirming the successful synthesis of the well-organized ZGO nanocrystals. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) showed the bonds between elements as designed. UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra revealed the continuous absorbance of the four nanoparticles… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Pt-like Electrocatalytic Performance of 1T-MoS₂ Enabled by Enhanced Hydrogen Underpotential Deposition

Program: Chemical Engineering

The demand for fossil fuels is rising rapidly, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising clean energy alternative that could help meet future demands way sustainably, especially if produced using renewable methods. The production of sustainable hydrogen with water electrolyzers is envisaged as one of the most promising ways to match the continuously growing demand for renewable electricity storage. MoS2, a layered transition metal dichalcogenides material, has been widely used in water splitting, energy storage and conversion due to its unique structure and properties. 2H-MoS2 can be found in nature and is the most stable phase, but only edges are active. In contrast, 1T-MoS2, a hydrophilic and metallic material, has more active sites which exit in both edges and basal surfaces. Meanwhile, the electronic conductivity of 1T phase is 10^7 times greater than that of 2H phase… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Be tween Two Palms: Podcast ing as Record Keeping, Honoring Our Elders, & Empowering Students

Program: Counseling Psychology

In summer 2024, a multigenerational team of faculty, practitioners, graduate students, and postbaccalaureate trainees launched the *Between Two Palms* podcast in partnership with the Asian American Psychological Association. The project documents and bridges generational divides between Asian American psychology Elders and emerging professionals by amplifying “Elder knowledge,” defined as cultural, spiritual, and experiential wisdom, while honoring lived, political, and mentorship legacies. Guided by Asian Critical Race Theory and Liberation Psychology, the study centers counter storytelling, solidarity, and collective healing while challenging racialized dynamics such as the model minority myth and treating knowledge sharing as praxis. We conducted semi structured interviews with ten Elders using *kuwentuhan* story sharing and deductive coding. Themes included racism and exclusion in psychology, cross racial solidarity, and future visions for the field. Team reflection sessions revealed identity and positionality, power and structure, resistance narratives, and decolonial futures… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Supporting Native American Self-Efficacy, Engagement, and Persistence Through Near-Peer Mentoring

Program: Teaching & Leadership

This study explores the impact of a culturally responsive near-peer mentoring program on self-efficacy, academic engagement, and persistence among Native American high school students in North Dakota. Native American students face significant educational challenges, including the highest dropout rates and the lowest academic performance compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Despite efforts to implement culturally responsive pedagogy and mentoring models, they remain underrepresented in post-secondary education. This research focuses on juniors and seniors at a rural high school, examining a mentor-mentee program that pairs students with undergraduate mentors from a nearby university over a three-year period.

Abstract Title: A Mixed Methods Study of Preservice STEM Teachers’ Self Efficacy in Multilingual STEM Classrooms

Program: Teaching & Leadership

This mixed methods study will examine preservice STEM teachers’ self efficacy for teaching multilingual learners in rural contexts. The study will focus on teacher candidates enrolled in early childhood, elementary, and secondary STEM programs at the University of North Dakota, where opportunities to learn linguistically responsive pedagogy are often limited. Using an explanatory mixed methods design, data will be collected through a single questionnaire survey. Quantitative items will measure self efficacy across instructional domains including STEM instruction, academic language support, discourse facilitation, and inquiry based learning. Qualitative open ended responses will explore candidates’ perceptions of preparation, anticipated challenges, and emerging professional identities. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons will identify patterns across preparation pathways, while thematic analysis will explain how these beliefs are formed. Anticipated findings suggest higher confidence in general STEM teaching and lower confidence in language responsive practices. Results will inform teacher preparation, coursework design, and field experiences… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Childhood Emotional Maltreatment, Minority Stress and Mental Health among Asian American Adults: Exploring the Mediating Roles of Emotion Regulation

Program: Counseling Psychology

Research on childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) among Asian/Asian Americans is limited, despite previous studies showing that CEM is significantly related to mental health symptoms (Li et al., 2021; Huh et al., 2017). Asian/Asian Americans also have a higher risk of experiencing minority stress, which may exacerbate mental health risks (Lei et al., 2022). This study examined the relationship between CEM and mental health, with particular attention to the potential mediating effects of emotion regulation, while accounting for minority stress. 360 Asian/Asian American adults residing in the United States completed self-report measures. The study showed that CEM and minority stress were significantly associated with higher mental health symptoms. Cognitive reappraisal partially mediated this relationship. Expressive suppression did not demonstrate significant mediating effects.

Abstract Title: How to Write a Musical

Program: Music

Have you ever watched a musical and thought, “How did that all happen?” I decided to find out firsthand. There are 4 parts you need to put on a musical. The script, the vocal score, the full score and parts. The script has all the words for the actors. The vocal score has the actual music for the actors and pianist. The full score is for the conductor so they know what every instrument is playing and when. The parts are the books each instrumentalist reads from and includes notes, dynamics, cue lines, and instrument changes. There is also the process of writing a musical, which took me 5 steps: finding the theme, what moments I want to showcase, what will each song be about, what each song sounds like, and what are the lyrics to each song. My presentation highlights my process, and what my musical sounds like. 

Abstract Title: Zinc-Catalyzed Pore Engineering of Humic Acid-Derived Hard Carbon  for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Program: Chemical Engineering

Sodium-ion batteries have recently attracted increasing attention as one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, owing to the abundance and low cost of sodium resources. Among various candidates, hard carbon is considered the most competitive anode material. Coal-derived humic acid, being both abundant and cost-effective, represents an economically viable precursor for producing hard carbon. To address this limitation, we employed zinc amalgam, where zinc serves as both a catalyst and a reactive component during carbonization. The presence of zinc promotes carbon framework reconstruction, enhances graphitic ordering, and induces the formation of micro- and closed-pore structures, which together optimize sodium storage properties. Structural evolution of the materials was systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The assembled half-cells exhibit high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and stable cycling performance, confirming that zinc-amalgam-modified humic acid-derived hard carbon is a viable anode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Abstract Title: Who Am I When I Sing with AI? Student Voice and Identity in Vocal Music Education

Program: Music

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in vocal education through tools such as pitch correction, real-time feedback, and virtual coaching. Existing research primarily focuses on technical improvement, yet less attention has been given to how students understand themselves as singers when learning with AI. This literature-based study reviews research in three areas: AI-supported learning in education, AI in music education, and vocal identity development in vocal pedagogy. It defines vocal identity as an evolving awareness of one’s singing voice shaped by social norms, institutional contexts, and technological feedback. The paper argues that AI-assisted vocal learning is not only a technical support but also a space where identity, creativity, and agency are negotiated. It calls for interdisciplinary approaches that connect music education, technology, and student experience to rethink singing and learning in the age of intelligent systems.

Abstract Title: The Impact of Chinese–English Bilingual Diction on Vocal Production in Singing

Program: Art & Design

This study explores how differences between Mandarin and American English diction influence vocal production in Bel Canto singing. For bilingual singers, language habits may affect resonance placement, vowel shape, and the feeling of the passaggio. The research includes three to five Mandarin-speaking singers who also perform English repertoire. Audio and video recordings are analyzed using Praat software to observe acoustic changes, especially the Singer’s Formant Cluster. A six-week teaching intervention examines how diction adjustments influence resonance and vocal stability. Results are expected to show that Mandarin tends to produce a brighter, forward resonance, while English requires deeper resonance space and a more relaxed jaw. This study connects acoustic analysis with studio teaching and offers practical strategies for bilingual voice education.

Abstract Title: Inclusive Moves: Benefits of Team-Based Summer Pickleball Program for Youth with Developmental Disabilities and Siblings

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

This study evaluated the impact of a biweekly, 7‑week summer pickleball program on perceived motor competency (PMC), reported sleep patterns, and fundamental motor skills (FMS) among children aged 7–15 with developmental disabilities (DD) and their siblings. Physical activity (PA) of 13 youth was measured via accelerometry during the program. Pre‑ and post‑camp FMS and survey results were compared across cohorts using Repeated‑Measures ANOVA and paired t‑tests. Parents of children with DD initially reported significantly lower PA than siblings, but no group differences emerged in accelerometer‑measured PA during the program. Across all participants, PMC, sleep‑related behaviors, and manual dexterity improved significantly following the program (α = .05). These preliminary findings suggest that an inclusive, biweekly pickleball camp may support improvements in PMC, sleep habits, and FMS for youth with DD and their siblings.

Abstract Title: Methane Injection and Storage in Depleted SAGD Reservoirs Using Repurposed Observation Wells

Program: Energy Engineering

Depleted oil reservoirs are ideal locations for underground methane storage because they possess proven structural traps, scientists understand their geological makeup, and they already have established infrastructure (Bo Wei et al., 2023). The subsurface architecture provides efficient seasonal storage which supports national energy security and helps reduce environmental pollution (Buscheck et al., 2023). Research studies demonstrate that cyclic injection and withdrawal operations can succeed when the reservoir maintains its natural integrity (Zhao et al., 2024). The use of observation wells for injection purposes creates problems because cement loses its bond and casing materials fatigue, which current assessment methods detect during initial well-logging stages (Yousuf et al., 2021). The conversion of an observation well to an injector requires thorough integrity assessments to validate the system's long-term storage capabilities (Freifeld et al., 2016).

Abstract Title: Prevalence, Frequency, and Age of Tobacco Initiation Among American Indian/Alaska Native and Non-Hispanic White Youth - 2019 NYTS

Program: Indigenous Health

Using secondary data, National Youth Tobacco Survey, this study examines self-reported cigarette and e-cigarette use, frequency, and age at first-time usage among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) youth. Statistical methods included chi-square tests, rank-sum tests, and proportions. A higher proportion of AI/AN youth who used cigarettes (9 vs 5%; P=0.002). E-cigarette usage was similar in both groups 23 vs 22%; P=0.7). Small proportions of AI/AN (8-39%) provided data on frequency of use and age at start. In exploratory analyses, cigarette and e-cigarette use frequencies were similar between AI/AN and NHW youth. National survey data on cigarette and e-cigarette usage in AI/AN youth is limited but suggests cause for concern. Exploratory findings suggest a need for prevention intervention at earlier stages of school level for AI/AN youth. Inclusion of culturally relevant questions in the NYTS may improve understanding of tobacco use in the AI/AN demographic.

Abstract Title: AL3X: A High Altitude Platform for Comparative Analysis of Stratified Atmospheric Microbial Communities Across Earth’s Surface Ecosystems

Program: Earth System Science & Policy

The atmosphere is a central connector in Earth system processes, yet its biological component remains largely unobserved. This study introduces AL3X (Aeromicrobiology Layered 3D Exploration), a modular, 3D printed, altitude resolved bioaerosol sampling platform conceived to generate vertically structured microbial data. Preliminary results from the first launch reveal clear stratification: surface associated taxa dominate at lower altitudes, peak diversity occurs in the troposphere consistent with long range transport, and the stratosphere contains a low diversity but distinct assemblage of stress tolerant organisms. These observations demonstrate that the atmosphere functions as a structured biological transport system rather than a well mixed reservoir. Designed as a reproducible and cost accessible platform, AL3X enables standardized, distributed observations across spatially separated sampling sites. This framework provides the data infrastructure required to investigate the atmosphere as a living biome and to quantify microbial connectivity among Earth’s surface ecosystems… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Childhood Adversity and Mental Health in Early Adulthood: A Proposal to Explore the Role of Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Functioning, and Social Support

Program: Counseling Psychology

This project proposal aims to explore how experiences of childhood adversity shape well-being and mental health in early adulthood. The proposed study builds on prior research by adopting the dimensional framework of adversity introduced by McLaughlin and Sheridan (2014), which conceptualizes adversity across distinct domains (e.g., threat and deprivation). Specifically, this proposal outlines a study which aims to examine the differential pathways through which these domains of childhood adversity influence mental health and overall well-being. Emotion regulation and cognitive functioning will be tested as a potential mediators of the relationship between adversity and mental health outcomes. Additionally, social functioning will be examined as a protective factor that may buffer the negative effects of adversity in childhood on mental health.

Abstract Title: Rethinking Stress and Recovery Prediction with Glucose and HRV

Program: Space Studies

Long duration spaceflight missions (LDSFMs) are strenuous undertakings, placing sustained physiological and psychological demands on individuals engaged in the endeavor. Accurate monitoring and recognition of psychological stress responses will therefore remain essential for mission planning and crew health management. Physiological stress is commonly measured through sampling of salivary cortisol secretion, which is not feasible for LDSFMs. However, delayed kinetics and lab dependence limit real-time use during LDSFMs. This proposal will evaluate the feasibility and scientific validity of continuous blood glucose measurement (CGM), both independently and in combination with heart rate variability (HRV). We hypothesize that CGM combined with HRV may detect acute physiological stress and may enable earlier prediction of 24-hour recovery than salivary cortisol sampling, whose delayed hormonal kinetics limit its real-time utility in analog mission environments. Such monitoring capabilities may improve the detection, interpretation, and prediction of stress and recovery states of measured stress in LDSFM crews.

Abstract Title: Is Prenatal Exposure to Acetaminophen/Paracetamol Related to Autism/ADHD in Children?

Program: Nursing

For pregnant females, would taking acetaminophen increase the rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (autism/ADHD) compared to pregnant women that do not take acetaminophen throughout the course of a pregnancy?

Abstract Title: Investigating Decision-Making in the Consolidation of Norway's Rural Schools

Program: Educational Foundations & Research

The purpose of this study is to explore the school consolidation process, with a focus on political and administrative decision-making, that is carried out in rural Norway. Four rural municipal sites were selected across three different counties in Norway, each of which had at least one school consolidated or closed since 2020. Qualitative data about these municipal sites were collected and integrated according to case study methodology. Research questions about stakeholder perspective and factors for decision-making yield an analysis leading to thematic findings about the institutional logics which are at play in the examined municipal sites within Norway. Findings and discussion of this analysis pose questions about the values and voices of rural community members, the ideas and choices that influence the administration of rural schools, and whether the growing trend of rural school consolidation serves the public interest in Norway, as well as internationally.

Abstract Title: Victimization, Health, and Help Seeking in North Dakota: How Interpersonal Violence Shapes Physical and Mental Health

Program: Criminal Justice

Interpersonal violence extends beyond physical assault to include psychological and/or emotional abuse that can produce substantial physical and mental health consequences. This study examines how multiple forms of interpersonal violence relate to health outcomes among North Dakotan women, focusing on differences between rural and non rural residents. We compare victimization patterns, physical and mental health status, and treatment seeking behaviors. We anticipate that rural victims will report more severe or chronic victimization yet face reduced access to and use of healthcare and victim services. By jointly considering violence type, rural versus non-rural status, health outcomes, and treatment seeking, this project highlights differences between rural and non-rural residents, identifies the unique needs of rural North Dakotans.

Abstract Title: A Survey on Concept and Data Drifting Behavior in Zero-Day Attack Detection Research

Program: Computer Science

In zero-day attack detection research, A critical yet underexplored factor undermining the efficacy of machine learning-based zero-day detection is the dynamic and drifting nature of data, resulting not only from evolving attacker tactics, but also from system behaviors, software updates, and changes in user behavior or network topology. This drifting behavior in data streams created two related but distinct phenomena called concept drift and data drift where the underlying statistical properties of the target variable and the distribution of input features changes over time. Worse still, while these phenomena can potentially degrade the performance of static detection models, making effective real-time zero-day detection difficult; the absence of labelled data for novel attacks, further compounds the problem, placing detection systems in a continuous game of catch-up. This survey seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of concept and data drifting behavior in zero-day detection research… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Multi-Channel Detection of Antialiased Pixels in Rendered Content for Visual Regression Testing

Program: Computer Science

Visual Regression Testing (VRT) detects unintended graphical user interface(GUI) changes. However, rendering inconsistencies, specifically anti-aliasing(AA), often trigger “false positives.” This forces developers to manually inspect differences unrelated to their code changes, undermining automation. Vyšniauskas (2009) [1] proposed an algorithm to identify AA-affected pixels by measuring intensity gradients between immediate neighbors. Yet, this approach ignores color data and alpha blending, which are fundamental to modern GUIs. We present a method that integrates multi-channel color analysis and probabilistic alpha-blending reversal to more accurately estimate if a pixel value results from AA. By modeling the blending process, our approach provides a theoretically grounded framework for isolating rendering noise. We validate this method using images from a modern rendering engine, measuring performance against existing algorithms and “ground truth” (i.e. without AA) renderings. This research demonstrates a more precise path for reducing manual overhead in automated visual testing.

Abstract Title: Encouraging Isolated Community Connectiveness with Swing Dancing: An Research Study at McMurdo Station

Program: Aerospace Sciences

This study explores a Swing dance class at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, and the implications of non-formal dance education for community connectedness. McMurdo is the largest US station in Antarctica, maintaining a population from a few hundred in the austral winter to over a thousand during the austral summer. Stressors of those in Antarctica involve “isolation, confinement, and an extreme physical environment” (Palinkas, 2003, p. 354). Those working at McMurdo face significant challenges due to harsh environmental conditions, rigorous workloads, limited privacy and space, and limited access to the Internet. This qualitative study seeks to better understand whether a greater sense of connectedness can be fostered in students through swing dance. Connectiveness is being used to describe “a sense of belonging expressed through new types of interaction across space and time” (Twyford et al., 2009). Overall, classroom observation showed increased feelings of connectedness made in workplaces and the greater McMurdo Community.

Abstract Title: Building and Analyzing the Factor Structure of a New Motion Sickness Susceptibility and Severity Questionnaire

Program: Aerospace Sciences

Motion sickness is a pervasive experience, depending on the intensity of motion or simulation of motion. Since the frequency and intensity of motion sickness varies across a population, validated questionnaires are necessary to measure this subjective experience. The current research attempts to develop a new motion sickness questionnaire based off the MSSQ-Short Form and the SSQ infused with visual motion stimulations and symptoms from a widely used anxiety symptom scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The administration of this questionnaire and resulting factor analysis aims to assess how stimulations that provoke motion sickness are organized into factors in a questionnaire assessing real motion and VR stimulations. As part of the symptom factor analysis, with the inclusion of anxiety symptoms, this research also aims to determine if symptoms associated with anxiety fall into a factor unique from other symptoms. This research is foundational for creating a new motion sickness assessment.

Abstract Title: Introduction of Occupational Therapy in a Suburban Supportive Housing Program

Program: Occupational Therapy

Unhoused individuals experience compounded barriers beyond housing access and are often underserved within occupational therapy practice. This doctoral capstone project partnered with a nonprofit residential program to develop a research-informed onboarding manual grounded in a holistic occupational therapy framework. The manual was designed to clarify expectations, address diverse resident needs, and promote independence as the organization expands. Development was informed by a comprehensive literature review identifying anticipatory barriers and supports commonly experienced prior to program entry. Key areas of need including physical, mental, and spiritual/social health were organized into a self-paced residential manual. Although direct intervention was not feasible due to site constraints, the occupational therapy lens was used to guide creation of a resource to enhance individualized support and promote independence along a pathway toward permanent housing. Survey measures were developed to support long-term evaluation and program sustainability, demonstrating the value of occupational therapy in an underserved practice area.

Abstract Title: Resilience and Adaptation in Southern Pine Forests: Investigating the Interactions between Climate Change, Forest Management, and Ecosystem Health

Program: Earth System Science & Policy

Southern US pine forests, dominated by longleaf and shortleaf pine, face threats from climate change and forest management practices. This study investigates how different forest management strategies impact pine tree health and ecosystem resilience. Using the VIDA model, various management scenarios are simulated, including timber harvesting, prescribed burning, and restoration efforts, to examine their effects on pine growth, health, and ecosystem dynamics under climate change. The goal is to inform adaptive management strategies that balance timber production with ecosystem conservation, promoting the long-term integrity of these ecosystems.

Abstract Title: AI-Driven Handover Optimization and QoS-Aware Routing for 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks

Program: Computer Science

The research focuses on handover challenges in 6G networks integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. LEO satellites provide global coverage but introduce frequent handovers (5-10 minutes) and variable latency, which pose challenges for mission-critical applications. This study develops an AI-based handover mechanism using deep learning and reinforcement learning to manage seamless network transitions while monitoring signal quality, network load, and transmission delay. The research leverages BrightLight, a novel hybrid emulation-simulation framework that combines Linux network namespaces and NS-3 integration to enable realistic 6G-satellite network testing. BrightLight enables real-time protocol execution, supports constellations with more than 4,000 satellites, and provides comprehensive telemetry. Expected contributions include validated AI models for handover optimization, novel ML training datasets generated from BrightLight simulations, and demonstrated improvements in QoS maintenance during terrestrial-to-satellite transitions.

Abstract Title: A non-thermal plasma system to generate aqueous fertilizer compounds for Indigenous and rural communities

Program: Chemical Engineering

Nitrogen based fertilizers are required to sustain global food production and their typical manufacture by the Haber-Bosch process is energy intensive, centralized, and depends on fossil fuels. This project investigates a decentralized alternative process using non-thermal plasma technology to produce aqueous nitrogen fertilizer compounds for Indigenous or rural communities. The proposed system uses a nanosecond pulsed microbubble reactor to produce reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RONS) from atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen at standard temperature and pressure. Experimental data from prior plasma-activated water (PAW) studies show the formation of RONS like nitrate, nitrite, hydrogen peroxide, and ozone in aqueous solutions at 10g per kWh. The proposed design utilizes continuous flow reactors. Ten 0.1 m3 plasma units powered by solar panels produce 4-5 kg of dissolved fertilizer per day for a 0.5 km2 farm. The aqueous nitrate solution may be applied directly to fields, or can be stored for later use… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Fuzzy Logic-based PMDC Motor Speed Control

Program: Electrical Engineering

This paper investigates the performance of Fuzzy Logic-based controllers in regulating the speed of Permanent Magnet DC (PMDC) motors, comparing them against conventional Proportional and PI controllers. Four control strategies - Proportional, PI, P-FLC, and PI-FLC - are implemented and evaluated under varying speed references and load disturbances. Simulation results show that Fuzzy Logic-based controllers outperform their conventional counterparts, with P-FLC and PI-FLC achieving better rise times, settling times, and disturbance rejection. Notably, P-FLC yields the best overall performance in three out of five scenarios. These results support the integration of Fuzzy Logic into PMDC motor control systems to improve precision, adaptability, and robustness.

Abstract Title: Exploring Imagery Symptomology of Athletes with OCD to Inform Therapeutic and Performance-Enhancing Imagery Interventions

Program: Education, Health, & Behavior Studies

Mental imagery is known to be a potential symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but there needs to be more research on how exactly it appears and is experienced. Imagery in OCD can serve as both obsessions and compulsions and can arise out of the person’s control or be intentionally created (e.g., reassurance-seeking mental compulsion). There are also potential ways in which these individuals may have unique capabilities or struggles when it comes to supportive imagery usage due to their brain’s circuitry and the relevancy of imagery as a symptom of their disorder. Thus, gaining information on these topics will support understanding of the disorder and how to work most effectively with these individuals, and will guide supportive imagery interventions (i.e., psychotherapeutic and sports-psychology based). This poster explains the work of a qualitative three-article dissertation aimed at synthesizing analysis of OCD imagery symptomatology and procedures for connecting to supportive imagery concepts.

Abstract Title: A Point-of-Care Optical System for Quantifying Hemolysis and Detecting Clots in Whole Blood Samples

Program: Biomedical Engineering

Hemolysis and clotting are the leading causes of clinical specimen rejection, resulting in significant diagnostic delays and an estimated $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. Rejected samples often require redraws, adding hours to turnaround time (TAT) in emergency settings and days to weeks in rural or outsourced laboratories. Current detection methods rely on centrifugation, visual inspection, and centralized spectrophotometric analyzers, delaying time-critical tests and impacting regulatory compliance and patient outcomes. We developed a point-of-care (POC), consumable-free optical system for rapid assessment of hemolysis and clotting in whole blood. The platform applies Beer–Lambert–based absorbance measurements using a miniaturized spectrophotometer, alongside 90° side-scatter detection from LED illumination to correct turbidity and flag large clots. A binary pass/fail output is generated using user-defined hemolysis thresholds. Testing with de-identified clinical discard samples demonstrated correlation with a clinical reference standard. This CLIA-waivable, noncontact system enables bedside verification of specimen integrity… (abstract truncated)

Abstract Title: Bridging the Mentorship Gap: A Cognitive Load Theory Case for AI Decision Support

Program: Nursing

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) offers a framework for understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) may support novice nurse decision-making. Traditional clinical mentoring is highly effective for reducing information overload, building clinical reasoning, and supporting the transition to practice; however, mentorship is often unavailable in real-time clinical situations, particularly in rural settings. My poster proposes that AI chatbots can support novice nurses through cognitive scaffolding, much as a mentor would. My research adapts CLT, suggesting novice clinicians experience high extraneous cognitive load due to fragmented information, chaotic learning environment, and limited schemas. AI chatbots can reduce extraneous load by organizing information, prompting clinical considerations, and offering timely guidance, allowing learners to devote more cognitive resources to germane load and schema development. By aligning AI support with established learning theory, my research provides a theoretical rationale for integrating AI chatbots as a clinical decision-making support when residency programs or mentors are unavailable.

• Poster Number 1: Mary Maroney-Fernandez
• Poster Number 2: Nicholas Holte
• Poster Number 3: Matthew Evans
• Poster Number 4: Sheena Ofori
• Poster Number 5: Kara Buchhop
• Poster Number 6: Erin Becker
• Poster Number 7: Brogan Lommen-Solig
• Poster Number 8: Michaela Lano
• Poster Number 9: Mansi Dere
• Poster Number 10: Patience Toro
• Poster Number 11: Wanting He
• Poster Number 12: Ruiqing Zhang
• Poster Number 13: Marielle Korringa
• Poster Number 14: Everett Glower
• Poster Number 15: Robbie Lunnie
• Poster Number 16: Abdulrahman Batyyb
• Poster Number 17: Shaylah Anderson
• Poster Number 18: Yeqian Xu
• Poster Number 19: Stacey Skarperud
• Poster Number 20: Lidya Emmanuel Guteta
• Poster Number 21: Avery Katz
• Poster Number 22: Logan Dietrich
• Poster Number 23: Andrea Johnson
• Poster Number 24: Imteaz Osmani
• Poster Number 25: India Stockert
• Poster Number 26: Brody Salander
• Poster Number 27: Lori Heydt
• Poster Number 28: Kate Wadhwani
• Poster Number 29: Paige Arsenault
• Poster Number 30: FNU Tabish
• Poster Number 31: Chandler Tobeck
• Poster Number 32: Jennifer Tallackson
• Poster Number 33: Leisha Lunnie
• Poster Number 34: Johan Dominguez Lopez
• Poster Number 35: Jaxon Erie
• Poster Number 36: Cody Payne
• Poster Number 37: Amanda Wilson
• Poster Number 38: Fatemeh Saberi
• Poster Number 39: Maya Zepeda
• Poster Number 40: Matthew J. Johnston
• Poster Number 41: Brittany Johnson
• Poster Number 42: Adewale Ajao
• Poster Number 43: Amber Peterson
• Poster Number 44: Jack Peterson
• Poster Number 45: Brandon Lee
• Poster Number 46: Temitayo Ikuerowo
• Poster Number 47: Crystal Lundmark
• Poster Number 48: Christian Nairy
• Poster Number 49: Lisa Vojacek
• Poster Number 50: Chukwuemeka Kalu
• Poster Number 51: Claudia PromSchmidt
• Poster Number 52: Ashan Fernando
• Poster Number 53: Cortney Shuley
• Poster Number 54: Victor Ojo
• Poster Number 55: Kearyn Nelson
• Poster Number 56: Bernard Frempong
• Poster Number 57: Sara Tezel
• Poster Number 58: Jurie Visagie
• Poster Number 59: Daniel Lureen 
• Poster Number 60: Chidiebele Oraegbuna
• Poster Number 61: Matt Torgerson
• Poster Number 62: Raja Abubakar Khalid
• Poster Number 63: Molly Hacker
• Poster Number 64: Ushan Adhikarige
• Poster Number 65: Krista Steele
• Poster Number 66: Tanzim Jim Hassan
• Poster Number 67: Ricardo Gomez-Nieto
• Poster Number 68: Kayla Kenow
• Poster Number 69: Jessica Zorn
• Poster Number 70: Mohammad Alam
• Poster Number 71: Sonia Tudjeu Chendjou
• Poster Number 72: Frannie Tunseth
• Poster Number 73: Ashraf Mokhtar Al-Goraee
• Poster Number 74: Kassidy Kjos
• Poster Number 75: Mostafa Manjahi
• Poster Number 76: Katy Ries
• Poster Number 77: Mohammad Mazhari Pakenari
• Poster Number 78: Aleasha Marcotte
• Poster Number 79: Zachary Bailey
• Poster Number 80: Caleb Larson
• Poster Number 81: Fahim Shahriyar
• Poster Number 82: Ellie Schumacher
• Poster Number 83: Carlos Munoz
• Poster Number 84: Sarah Zacher
• Poster Number 85: Maysara A. Ghaly
• Poster Number 86: Gabriella Montero
• Poster Number 87: Sujin Kim
• Poster Number 88: Sydney Walters
• Poster Number 89: Darian Sherva
• Poster Number 90: Riswat Musbau
• Poster Number 91: Payton Baumann
• Poster Number 92: Mouhmad Elayyan
• Poster Number 93: Zachary Schultz
• Poster Number 94: Hasin Rehana
• Poster Number 95: Rylee Bergeron
• Poster Number 96: Bex Cecil
• Poster Number 97: Trevor Weiland
• Poster Number 98: Matias Tolone
• Poster Number 99: Wei Guo
• Poster Number 100: Firehiwot Melaku
• Poster Number 101: Lauren Nelson
• Poster Number 102: Goshen Miteu
• Poster Number 103: McKenzie Marquart
• Poster Number 104: Hesham Abdelaziz
• Poster Number 105: Allison Haiby
• Poster Number 106: Nurcan Kilic
• Poster Number 107: Maria Zaman
• Poster Number 108: Samarth Singhal
• Poster Number 109: Odunola Odofin
• Poster Number 110: Sherry Zeng
• Poster Number 111: Eugene Oga
• Poster Number 112: Tanwa Iwayemi
• Poster Number 113: Devika Panicker
• Poster Number 114: Amrit Regmi
• Poster Number 115: Sharmin Rahman
• Poster Number 116: Nethshan Narasinghe
• Poster Number 117: Shakila Parvin Bristy
• Poster Number 118: Christian Abosede
• Poster Number 119: Rabeya Khatun
• Poster Number 120: Achouak Benarbia
• Poster Number 121: Tiffany Chiu
• Poster Number 122: Anahita Mansouripour
• Poster Number 123: Alexander Martinez-Sosa
• Poster Number 124: Demilade Afolabi
• Poster Number 125: Kevin Read
• Poster Number 126: Adesola Adetunji
• Poster Number 127: Topaza Yu
• Poster Number 128: Md Abdus Samad
• Poster Number 129: Percy Kpodo
• Poster Number 130: Naimul Hasan
• Poster Number 131: Andrew Lenway
• Poster Number 132: Kavindi Madduma Hewage
• Poster Number 133: Komal Mangle
• Poster Number 134: Md Nasifur Rahman Sakib
• Poster Number 135: Chinaecherem Okwuonu
• Poster Number 136: Aaron Cooper
• Poster Number 137: Thilini Bamunu Arachchige
• Poster Number 138: Mohammad Johurul Islam
• Poster Number 139: Farhad Bina
• Poster Number 140: Kathryn Ellingson
• Poster Number 141: Yujie Xue
• Poster Number 142: Kaijie Zhuang
• Poster Number 143: Binger Yan
• Poster Number 144: Giovanni Whyte
• Poster Number 145: Redeat Kassaye
• Poster Number 146: Damilola Olobaniyi
• Poster Number 147: Chiranthi Mahadurage
• Poster Number 148: Parvej Ahmed
• Poster Number 149: Xiong He
• Poster Number 150: Kalie Chambless
• Poster Number 151: Chandana Perera
• Poster Number 152: Torosa Johur
• Poster Number 153: Sourav Bhattacharjee
• Poster Number 154: Kelsey Klinger
• Poster Number 155: Prince Kwao
• Poster Number 156: Bijaya Shrestha
• Poster Number 157: Oladipupo Emmanuel-Ojodu
• Poster Number 158: Zhongling Zhang
• Poster Number 159: Herbert Che Mughe
• Poster Number 160: Godwin Ahiase
• Poster Number 161: Srinila Pogalla
• Poster Number 162: Jamal Oakes
• Poster Number 163: Esther Addo
• Poster Number 164: Pearl Fafa Bansah
• Poster Number 165: Md Ashik Mahamud
• Poster Number 166: Ethan Spana
• Poster Number 167: Nneka Nwaokeafor
• Poster Number 168: Zhihao Tang
• Poster Number 169: Wei Mao
• Poster Number 170: Swaranjit Roy
• Poster Number 171: Alexander Jaeger
• Poster Number 172: Nuwan Subasinghe Mudiyanselage
• Poster Number 173: Daniel Stone
• Poster Number 174: Jayandra Sai Kumaran Shanmugam Karthikeyan
• Poster Number 175: Kate McKinney
• Poster Number 176: Hannah Huthmaker
• Poster Number 177: Md Tahsin Rahman
• Poster Number 178: Eugene Assuah-Damoah
• Poster Number 179: Cassidy Brown
• Poster Number 180: Chalani Siriwardhana
• Poster Number 181: En Yu Wang
• Poster Number 182: Jaya Sri Raga Navya Javvaji
• Poster Number 183: Jinxuan Guo
• Poster Number 184: Yingying Chen
• Poster Number 185: Al Amin Chowdhury
• Poster Number 186: Jonathan Simak
• Poster Number 187: Ashwin Devanga
• Poster Number 188: Alison Rollag
• Poster Number 189: Shuxuan Feng
• Poster Number 190: Minnie Kalyanasundaram
• Poster Number 191: Brian Skillman
• Poster Number 192: Soumaya Ghali
• Poster Number 193: Arafath Ahmed Simon
• Poster Number 194: Justice Paintsil
• Poster Number 195: Katie Walsh
• Poster Number 196: Olusayo Osadiya
• Poster Number 197: Ivana Perkovic
• Poster Number 198: Ana Leticia Tzab Pool
• Poster Number 199: Kyle Gillett
• Poster Number 200: Dawit Kebede
• Poster Number 201: Abigail Chrisman
• Poster Number 202: Hakan Celik
• Poster Number 203: Shravan Kumar Akula

• Session 1:
  • Poster Number V1-01: Rachel Jones
  • Poster Number V1-02: Madeline Kuntz
  • Poster Number V1-03: Megan Stubbs
  • Poster Number V1-04: Mofe Jeje
  • Poster Number V1-05: Kim Berthet
  • Poster Number V1-06: Sydney Raboin
  • Poster Number V1-07: Tahmid Hassan Jeeshan
  • Poster Number V1-08: Yasha Pirani
  • Poster Number V1-09: Murat Parlakisik
  • Poster Number V1-10: Haily Augustine
• Session 2:
  
  • Poster Number V2-12: Sarah Kingsbury
  • Poster Number V2-13: Scott Johnson
  • Poster Number V2-14: Morticia Moonchilde
  • Poster Number V2-15: Michael Eide
  • Poster Number V2-16: Richard Hoberg
  • Poster Number V2-17: Matt Weisgarber
  • Poster Number V2-18: Christina Burns
  • Poster Number V2-19: Carter Peek
  • Poster Number V2-20: Joseph Matthew Clift
  • Poster Number V2-21: Yomi Adesimi