JSU Student Symposium 2025

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  Marijuana Pain Management Effects Among NCAA Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

  Aquriya Muller

  Context
  An estimated 4.3 million Americans use marijuana medically to improve pain management. In 2024, the NCAA removed marijuana from its banned drug and substance lists. Since the removal of marijuana, athletes are using this substance for pain management for their injuries, rehabilitation, and behavioral health. This critically appraised topic will examine the effects of NCAA athletes (P) concerning marijuana use for pain management (I) as compared to no marijuana use (C) to improve pain relief (O)?

  Methods
  A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and JSU GEM Finder databases. The search terms used were “Marijuana,” “Cannabis,” “Pain,” “NCAA,” and “Athletes.” Inclusion criteria included studies on NCAA athletes addressing marijuana use for pain management and articles written in the English language. Exclusion criteria were studies focusing on non-athletic individuals and articles that did not address pain management and the use of marijuana. Validity of the selected studies was determined using Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scale. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to come to a consensus on the study quality.

  Results
  The literature search retrieved 94 total articles and 90 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in four studies. Evidence indicates that marijuana use among athletes can improve oxygenation of tissues, reduce muscle spasm, and enhance pain management. For patients with fibromyalgia, marijuana use displayed benefits in alleviating symptoms such as pain and stiffness, while enhancing relaxation and sleep. Furthermore, marijuana’s anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to recovery and post-exercise treatment. Despite these findings, effectiveness varies among individual athletes. In addition, concerns about behavioral health and performance are limited.

  Conclusions
  Marijuana has demonstrated positive findings as an alternative for pain management among NCAA athletes. However, varying outcomes and limited evidence dictates the need for future research. Athletic trainers and healthcare providers should remain informed about evolving policies and evidence to provide tailored, evidence-based care to their athletes and patients. This knowledge supports developing treatment plans for athletes that incorporate alternative and traditional pain management methods.

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  A Case Study in Accessible AR and 3D Illustration

  Brittani Myers

  Creating with AR allows illustrators and designers to develop novel experiences for viewers; creating new avenues for storytelling. This presentation walks participants through an investigative augmented reality advertising campaign that seeks to lower the barrier of entry in to AR and 3D illustration through accessible programs and easy to implement workflows. This project, and the documentation of its creation, simplifies complex skills and concepts allowing creative professionals of all disciplines to implement 3D AR into their creative practice.

  Created almost entirely with applications native to the iPad the workow is inspired by industry standard 3D pipelines. The project documentation serves as a guide for others beginning with initial concept development and ending with nal presentation and dispersion techniques that are conceptually relevant. Along the way, the documentation illustrates basic 3D sculpting and eciency techniques, the importance of user testing, and the limitations and advantages of certain AR programs.

  The Mystery of Sweetbrier, while created as advertising for an original video game concept, is also an example of what the tools currently available to designers and illustrators are capable of. The documentation of the process seeks to educate and encourage creative professionals to continue to experiment with its capabilities.

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  Graphic Design | Brittani Myers

  Brittani Myers

  Graphic design entry for 2025 Student Symposium

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  The Importance of Black Acting Techniques for Young Black Actors

  Semaje Newton

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  Black Acting Methods (BAM) is a new form of acting that has yet to be discussed in education and within the arts. It is a form of expression that can be utilized within the theatre industry and in daily life. This new method was created as another outlet for young, Black theatre artists to express themselves in theatre. However, within this presentation, Black Acting Methods provides several reasons why this method does not have to be used only for Black artists, but it can be used for all artists. Black Acting Methods targets emotional vulnerability, intelligence, and creativity like no other. The reason I have decided to spread awareness of Black Acting Methods is because it is beneficial for all forms of art and it is a healthy way for young artists to be comfortable within themselves and their crafts.

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  Case Study: Raffe Studio, Inc.: Innovation in an Evolving Industry

  Eryn Oft

  Synopsis: Since 2001, the music business Raffe Studio, Inc. (formerly Raffe Reeds) has served global musical communities as a multifaceted educational bassoon nonprofit organization. The initial business strategy was to cultivate musical communities through whimsical and thoughtful educational resources and performances while highlighting social responsibility. As the organization continues to expand, Raffe Studio has recognized a need to reposition to remain sustainable. By shifting the organization from a non profit organization to a corporation, the business can offer the bassoon community a greater variety of services and create a stronger market presence. As the brand chases a wider audience, the case follows the challenges of social media engagement, well intentioned deals, and the excitement of the evolving music market.

  Themes: Brand reposition, media “influencer” marketing, customer relationships, social responsibility, competitive advantage, branding alliances, product strategy, and global marketing

  SERVING A NICHE MARKET
  Who is the Raffe Studio Consumer? Why is the Customer Base Small?

  Raffe Studio serves a niche facet of the music industry, the bassoon market. The size and scale of the bassoon market is narrow due to the financial barriers to entry. The first and foremost barrier to entry is the cost of the instrument. A good quality beginner bassoon starts at $10,000. Professional bassoons can exceed $60,000. Additionally, throughout a bassoonist’s career the bassoonist will need to buy reeds and/or reed making supplies. The daunting number of thumb keys, 9 for the left hand and four or five for the right hand, force many bassoonists to splurge on educational resources like private lessons, masterclass tutorials, or additional books. Expenses to facilitate the challenges unique to bassoon, exacerbate the financial challenge for many.

  THE HISTORY OF RAFFE STUDIO
  How did the business get started?

  Like most professional musicians, Eryn’s career required her to “wear many hats.” Raffe Studio was founded in 2001 to encompass the multiple music income streams. In the beginning, Raffe Studio was as a Schedule C business that provided professional music performances, hand-made bassoon reeds, private music lessons and reed making tutorials. In 2014 to increase product sales and global outreach, Eryn joined the YouTube creator program, launched her YouTube channel and increased her marketing presence on social media.

  Becoming an Influencer
  Bassoonists, music educators, and woodwind class method courses tuned in for weekly videos, blogs, quizzes, and updates. Education about the elusive bassoon became accessible without the expensive price tag.

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  Graphic Design | Laney O'Neal

  Laney O'Neal

  Graphic design entry for 2025 Student Symposium

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  Play Art Paralysis Away: Overcoming Creative Fear Through Low-Stakes Exploration

  Laney O'Neal

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  The fear of failure can be one of the greatest obstacles to creativity, especially in academic settings where students feel pressured to produce perfect work. “Play Art Paralysis Away” is a presentation showcasing last semester’s initiatives from the Art and Design Club, which aimed to help students break through creative blocks by engaging in low-stakes artistic exercises. These activities encouraged students to explore new techniques, mediums, and creative approaches without the weight of expectations or rigid academic evaluation. By shifting the focus from perfection to process, the club cultivated a space where experimentation was not only accepted but celebrated.

  College courses in art and design can often feel intimidating, leading to creative paralysis, where students hesitate to start projects due to fear of judgment or failure. The Art and Design Club sought to counteract this by fostering a peer-supported community that reframes failure as an essential part of artistic growth. Through short, engaging exercises—such as timed drawings, collaborative works, and unconventional material challenges—students learned to prioritize the joy of creation over self-doubt. These playful interventions not only helped students develop confidence in their artistic instincts but also strengthened their ability to take risks in their coursework and beyond.

  This presentation will explore how structured play can be an effective tool for overcoming creative fear. It will highlight student work produced during these sessions, share participant reflections, and discuss the broader impact of these activities on artistic development and community building. By embracing the philosophy that failure is progress, “Play Art Paralysis Away” demonstrates how informal, low-pressure creative experiences can help students reclaim their artistic voice and build resilience in the face of challenges.

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  Media Literacy: College Admissions Standards and COVID-19

  Greenlee Orman

  This presentation describes how admission standards have changed after COVID-19 and the impact of those changes for community colleges, four-year universities, and students. Looking at the admission standards for colleges in the State of Alabama pre-COVID, during COVID, and post-COVID-19 to illustrate how the relaxed admission standards have leveled the playing field for all students. Hard work has become the priority over ACT test scores. The focus is more on how the skills learned through the media literacy courses, student events, and resources offered at JSU allows one to develop the skill set to understand what sources are credible and relevant. What misinformation and stumbling blocks occurred in doing this research and how to solve those to develop a comprehensive project.

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  Can an Instant Pot Sterilize a Bacterial Culture?

  John Osborne, Makenna Case, and Emily Ligon

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  This research investigates whether the Instant Pot can effectively sterilize E. coli liquid cultures, providing an innovative alternative to traditional autoclaving. The experiment started with E. coli cultures incubated in LB broth at 37°C using a shaking biological incubator. Following Instant Pot processing, the treated E. coli samples were inoculated into fresh LB broth and streaked onto LB agar plates, which were then incubated using shaking and standing biological incubators and observed for microbial growth over a 30-day period. Results indicated that samples processed by the Instant Pot showed no visible bacterial growth in either liquid or solid media, in stark contrast to the positive controls that demonstrated robust growth. These findings highlight the Instant Pot's potential as a reliable and accessible method for sterilizing bacterial cultures, particularly in educational settings and low-resource laboratories. This experiment was conducted as part of a larger, ongoing project in The Lab., led by Dr. Turner, within the ESE 423/523 Teaching General Science CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) in the Department of Teacher Education, CEPS.

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  Combination of HDAC and FYN Inhibitors in Synovial Sarcoma Treatment

  Kyra Parker

  Synovial sarcoma is a deadly type of cancer that affects mainly children and young adults. It is a rare cancer and impacts 1 of 1000 individuals a year. It is very aggressive and deadly type of cancer with a 50% metastasis rate. Most patients that have synovial sarcoma live about two years or less after diagnosis. This presentation showcases how the combination of two clinically studied drugs are being used to find a drug synergy that can combat synovial sarcoma.

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  Comparing Android OS and iOS Security

  Madelyn Repzynski

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  In recent years, mobile devices have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and role in entertainment. Phones have become indispensable tools for work, education, and daily activities, leading to an increased reliance on them. As a result, the security of these devices and the protection stored in them are of big concern. As technology improves, many cyber-criminals find new and sneaky ways to attack mobile devices. It is essential that mobile operating systems implement robust security measures to protect users from cyber-attacks that may destroy their device or leak sensitive information. The two dominant mobile operating systems, Android and iOS, have established themselves as reliable and secure choices for millions of users. However, their approaches to security differ in many ways, such as how they handle app permissions or their methods of protecting user data. These differences often have a big influence on users when they decide between the two platforms. This presentation aims to explore and compare the security of Android and iOS through an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, makeup, and their effectiveness in addressing current mobile security challenges.

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  Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplements: Synergistic Effects, Potential Risks, and Athletic Benefits

  Cianni Rhodes

  Multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) have gained popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and researchers. These supplements are used before a workout to enhance performance, provide higher energy levels, and increase muscle growth. MIPS products contain caffeine, amino acids, nitrates, nitric oxide, and other ingredients that work together to improve performance. Caffeine appeared to be the primary ingredient responsible for several effects of MIPS. It peaks the bloodstream within sixty minutes of ingestion, allowing the body to provide more energy during activities. Nitric oxide is a molecule that increases blood flow to active muscles, increasing exercise performance. Acute MIPS ingestion improves focus, alertness, and self-reported energy levels. Studies have shown that MIPS has little effect on soreness, inflammation, and biomarkers of muscle damage resulting from exercise. Creatine is a compound in the body that supplies energy to the muscles. It also enhances performance and promotes brain health. Studies suggest that proprietary MIPS formulations may enhance performance beyond that of creatine alone in certain contexts. Safety assessments have been a key focus in studies on MIPS. It has been found that the consumption of MIPS for acute (less than 8 weeks) is relatively safe. During the research on acute MIPS ingestion, very few findings have been made for long-term or chronic ingestion of MIPS. Some MIPS may contain contaminants such as heavy metals or various banned ingredients. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of MIPS use.

  Athletes who take supplements should discuss specific products with a health professional or a sports dietician to ensure their product is safe. No products will show during a drug test, which may cause disqualification depending on the organization. A few studies provide information about different genders and how MIPS may affect them. One study, which Collins and colleagues investigated, tested females. Different variables were recorded, such as height, body composition, and absolute upper and lower body strength. The researchers did not find any evidence that MIPS affected the participants.

  In conclusion, studies have shown that MIPS has many benefits to athletes. Several studies have examined MIPS ingredients, contributing to a growing body of research in this area. Short-term use appears safe, but more research is needed to assess long-term effects.

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  Investigation of the Mechanism and Purpose of Birds’ Head Bobbing

  Emma Riseborough

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  This presentation will discuss why some bird species bob their heads and show how their musculoskeletal system allows this motion. Currently, there is a debate among scientists over whether the purpose behind the bobbing of the head of some bird species, including pigeons, is due to visual stabilization, balance, or another evolutionary adaptation. Research on a pigeon specimen was conducted at JSU to determine the mechanism and reason for the head bobbing movement. The presenter will share photos of the observations made in the lab and demonstrate how the neck muscles (longissimus capitis muscle, M. biventer cervicis muscle, and entotympanicus muscle) and other anatomical features support the hypothesis of visual stabilization. The results from the research hypothesize how the observed neck muscles have the capacity for this head movement. In addition, the observed neck muscles of the pigeon will be compared to vultures’ neck muscles from literature. Since vultures do not exhibit this unique movement, the locomotion of these two bird species will be contrasted to hypothesize the reason some species bob their heads.

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  Sway Medical vs. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 Concussion Sideline Reliability: A Critically Appraised Topic

  Isabel Robles

  Context: Concussions in sports are a growing concern, with biomechanical forces frequently resulting in traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can have long-term cognitive and physical effects. Early and accurate assessment of concussion-related impairments is crucial to prevent further injury and guide return-to-play decisions. The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) and Sway Medical are two commonly used tools for sideline concussion assessments. This critically appraised topic compares the reliability and effectiveness of these tools, focusing on their ability to assess cognitive and proprioceptive functions in athletes suspected of concussion.

  Methods: A computerized search was completed in October 2024. The search terms used were concussion, SCAT5, SWAY Medical, TBI. Electronic databases used were PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: published articles within the last five years and studies that discussed cognitive and proprioceptive reliability. Exclusion criteria: articles that did not include sideline assessments and articles that examined a computerized application called Impact. Validity of the selected studies was determined using PEDro and STROBE checklists. One author independently reviewed the studies, scored each paper, and reviewed the completed appraisals to come to a consensus on the study quality.

  Results: The literature search retrieved 565 total articles and 560 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, resulting in five studies. Both SCAT5 and Sway Medical were found to provide reliable assessments, however each have unique strengths. SCAT5 is a comprehensive, multidomain tool that evaluates cognitive, neurological, and symptom-related functions, making it ideal for clinical settings. However, its reliance on baseline data, manual scoring, and time-consuming process yields less suitable for rapid sideline assessments in high-pressure sporting activities. In contrast, Sway Medical offers a mobile app that leverages smartphone accelerometers to assess balance, reaction time, and cognitive function. The app provides a quick, objective, and repeatable assessment in approximately three to four minutes. This tool is particularly effective for sideline evaluations due to its portability, ease of use, and minimal inter-rater variability. When comparing sensitivity and specificity among the two sideline assessments, SCAT5 had a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 80.9%, while SWAY Medical had a 52% sensitivity and a 52% specificity.

  Conclusions: Both SCAT5 and Sway Medical have distinct advantages in concussion management, and their usage depends on the context. SCAT5 is best suited for detailed clinical evaluations, while Sway Medical is ideal for fast-paced sideline assessments. Despite the limitations of both tools—SCAT5’s complexity and Sway’s reliance on technology—each tool offers reliable and valid assessments that help ensure athlete safety. Future research should focus on head-to-head comparisons of these tools in various sports and activities to refine concussion management protocols and better guide clinical decision-making for athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals.

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  Transforming Healthcare with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Elderly Caregiving

  Stutika Thapa Shrestha

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  The increasing global elderly population necessitates efficient, personalized, and accessible healthcare solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing elderly caregiving by enhancing disease diagnostics, treatment planning, remote monitoring, and health record management. These technologies improve healthcare efficiency, empower seniors, and support caregivers and medical professionals in delivering high-quality care.

  However, the widespread adoption of AI in elderly healthcare faces significant challenges, including data privacy concerns, limited digital literacy among seniors, and the opaque nature of AI-driven decision-making. Addressing these barriers requires enhanced AI transparency, stronger privacy safeguards, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure that AI-powered healthcare remains trustworthy and accessible.

  This review explores strategies to optimize AI’s role in elderly care, emphasizing the importance of a balanced AI-human caregiving model. By integrating AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement, healthcare systems can maintain both technological precision and human empathy. The findings suggest that with responsible implementation and continued innovation, AI can reshape elderly caregiving—enhancing healthcare outcomes while preserving the ethical and compassionate aspects of senior care.

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  Fallen Soldiers of Calhoun County: The Stories and the Sacrifice

  Anna Grace Silvey

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  My presentation is on the stories of Calhoun County soldiers who were killed in the line of duty from WW1 through the Vietnam War. I also include one soldier who survived and is a war hero. I chose this topic because it hits close to home for me and I want to continue preserving these soldiers' stories for generations to come.

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  A Crowdsourcing Approach for Families to Adapt in the New Internet Landscape with Real-Time Online Safety Information

  Jakob Skipper

  Please note: No video is available for this presentation.

  The fluidity of today’s online environment presents increasingly complex safety challenges, especially for those with limited digital literacy skills. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive co-design work to create adaptive tools that can respond to threats as they appear. There is an opportunity to utilize the collective knowledge of adults from all backgrounds to establish a dynamic knowledge base that can educate children about avoiding threatening websites and developing healthy digital habits. This paper introduces a lightweight Google Chrome extension that crowdsources online safety information. Adults submit website reviews based on a set of broad safety categories, while children receive context-specific warnings about flagged sites, including tailored explanations of the websites’ specific risks. Unlike traditional parental control applications, this project emphasizes education over restriction, thereby focusing on fostering a culture of trust and encouraging constructive conversations between parents and children. The initial implementation includes a simplistic user-friendly review interface, safety metrics, and real-time warning capabilities. Preliminary feedback from five lab members demonstrated feasibility and highlighted potential for improving safety awareness. Future work includes user studies to refine functionality and evaluate impact.

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  Graphic Design | Brandon Smith

  Brandon Smith

  Graphic design entry for 2025 Student Symposium

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  From the Garden to the Lab

  Harli Smith, Hannah Scruggs, and Lindsey Whaley

  As a part of BY107 (Honors Introductory Biology Lab I), all students are tasked with creating a group presentation outlining the procedures conducted throughout the course. The purpose of the lab was to discover antibiotic producers in local, Alabama soil. Finding antibiotic producers is important due to the increasing prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens, or strains of bacterial infections that have evolved to be resistant to most mainstream antibiotics. By utilizing methods such as streaking for isolation, testing for zones of inhibition, gram staining, and Kirby Bauer Assays, we were able to prove that our soil sample, which was found in a simple garden, has the potential to be an antibiotic producer.

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  Roles of Carbohydrates, Protein, and Amino Acids for Athletic Performance and Recovery

  Hugh Sullivan

  In athletes, performance and recovery can be greatly helped by carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids. The quality and timing of these nutrients can also help with things such as muscle growth, glycogen replenishment and protein breakdown. Clear and practical recommendations are essential to helping athletes integrate these strategies effectively into their training and recovery routines. Carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids can also aid muscle recovery by boosting protein turnover, increasing insulin levels, and lowering cortisol levels, which can support muscle protein synthesis, glycogen resynthesis, and limits degradation. When carefully planned, they can lead to increased muscle growth, improved strength, and greater endurance, specified to the unique needs of the athlete. Implementing these strategies can help athletes sustain performance during intense training sessions.

  The “pathway of adaptation model” highlights the interactions between resistance training, nutrition, and molecular adaptations. Nutrient timing—before, during, and after exercise—is a crucial factor in creating an anabolic environment. For example, carbs can help conserve and replenish glycogen, while proteins and amino acids can activate pathways like mTOR and leucine signaling, enhancing the synthesis of muscle protein, and promoting recovery. This approach can ensure that athletes can consistently perform at their absolute best!

  For instance, athletes should understand the importance of choosing the correct nutrients, which includes comparing and choosing between whey and casein proteins, dosing guidelines, and when to consume them in relation to their training schedules. Optimizing recovery and enhancing athletic performance through combining nutrients like carbs, proteins and their constituent amino acids has been demonstrated. Athletes' energy needs may vary based on their sport, age, gender, and training goals, allowing for personalized strategies. For example, a weightlifter may prioritize glycogen replenishment and protein intake for muscle growth, while an endurance runner benefits from sustained carb consumption for prolonged energy. It is also important to plan for the long term, to keep getting nutrients over time without over or underloading the body with them. Certain variations in genetics, training status, and diet can lead to different outcomes, making individualization crucial! Ongoing research explores specific amino acids and innovative supplementation strategies. With advancements in metabolic profiling, personalized nutrition plans are becoming more viable, offering more precise, targeted interventions for athletes.

  To maximize the benefits of resistance training, athletes can prioritize high-quality proteins after training sessions, consume carb-rich drinks during training, and eat balanced meals combining carbs and protein within an hour post-exercise. Modifications may depend on training intensity and the athlete’s reaction to supplementation, but by implementing these strategies it can enhance recovery, build strength, and support long-term performance for the athlete.

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  Effects of Pomegranate Supplementation on Strength, Endurance, and Post-Exercise Recovery

  Abby Swearinger

  Various studies show that pomegranate supplementation has positively affected exercise performance and recovery. Studies varied in exercise type and dosage; they regularly showed benefits for endurance and recovery. Given the increasing popularity of natural, plant-based supplements, this is significant because it explores a promising, antioxidant-rich option that could accelerate recovery and enhance performance in individuals. Understanding how pomegranates work could lead to a more sustainable and effective approach to health and fitness, especially for those looking to optimize exercise outcomes. Combining research on pomegranates helps us understand the impact on recovery markers like oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle soreness, and its effects on strength and endurance. The results continually showed that pomegranates have a positive impact on endurance.

  Several studies have shown that pomegranate can boost VO2max, stamina, and aerobic capacity, making it a good option for improving endurance and speeding up recovery. Regarding strength training, the results are mixed. However, some studies suggest pomegranate can help with recovery post-workout and enhance performance during strength exercises; this likely depends on factors like exercise, dosage, and individual response.

  On the recovery end, pomegranate shows potential in reducing inflammation and muscle soreness. This is due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies show that it may help protect important enzymes and reduce harmful chemicals in the body that can cause damage. These powerful actions of pomegranate lead to suggestions that it benefits one’s body by protecting it from the damage that intense physical activity can cause.

  Pomegranate’s antioxidants effectively enhance recovery by improving cardiovascular function, reducing oxidative stress, and reducing inflammation; this contributes to quicker recovery and less muscle fatigue. However, pomegranate properties have effectively enhanced exercise recovery and performance. There are variations across studies that make it difficult to conclude. Differences in dosage, exercise regimens, and study design complicate determining the most effective use of pomegranate supplementation. Higher doses have better results, but these may not work for everyone.

  Pomegranate supplementation may benefit endurance athletes the most, but evidence for strength improvements is less consistent with factors like dosage and exercise type. Variability in protocols limits the conclusion on the best use of pomegranate supplements. While the exact benefits can vary, pomegranate has much to offer to support endurance and recovery. Further research and standardizing protocols are needed to unlock the potential of pomegranates and ensure they are used to their greatest advantage in recovery and training for athletes and coaches.

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  Tigers, Bears, Power, and Primitivism

  Juliana Thompson

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  The idea of the Grotesque, described by Mikhail Bakhtin, is often characterized by a connection to nature and how the human body connects to the world. The philosophy of Primitivism is deeply flawed, especially in the way it deems so-called “uncivilized” societies as helpless and “savage.” Despite this, its focus on the benefit of man’s connection to nature is helpful and prevalent. Combining and simultaneously analyzing these ideas provides a deeper perspective when analyzing animal symbolism in literature. In Oroonoko by Aphra Behn, Oroonoko’s autonomy is physically cut off, much like the tiger he hunts, symbolising the needless and cruel mistreatment Oroonoko experiences while foreshadowing his fate. In “The She-bear” by Giambattista Basile, Preziosa’s autonomy is also stolen. The bear form acts similarly to the tiger. By analyzing the newfound power gained from her bear form (and considering a more modern example of the empowerment it brings), the significance of the connections she makes as the bear can be further appreciated. This paper focuses on these characters’ lack of autonomy in their lives and circumstances and how their stories’ animal symbolism impact and foreshadow their fates.

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  Can an Instant Pot Sterilize Media?

  Nallely Vega, Emmie Grizzard, and Lucy Avina

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  This study evaluates the feasibility of using the Instant Pot, a commercially available pressure cooker, for sterilizing microbiological media. Controlled experiments began with LB agar media prepared and sterilized using the Instant Pot. To assess the efficacy of sterilization, LB plates were inoculated with E. coli and other bacterial samples, then incubated at 37°C in a biological incubator. Observations were made at 24, 48, 72, 96 hours and at weekly intervals for 35 days. Results showed that the control plates containing Instant Pot-sterilized LB media exhibited no visible bacterial growth throughout the experiment, in contrast to the positive controls, which displayed expected bacterial proliferation. These findings suggest that the Instant Pot can achieve and maintain the necessary conditions for sterilizing LB media, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative for secondary education and resource-limited science laboratories. This experiment was conducted as part of a larger, ongoing project in The Lab., led by Dr. Turner, within the ESE 423/523 Teaching General Science CURE (course-based undergraduate research experience) in the Department of Teacher Education, CEPS.

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  Antibacterial Properties of Alabama Wildflowers: A Preliminary Study using the Kirby-Bauer Test

  Hannah Walker

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  Plants have been used for medicinal purposes throughout recorded history, with evidence dating back 5,000 years on their usefulness for a diversity of ailments, and as a source of conventional and alternative medicines. The current study examines the antibacterial properties of leaves from seven native or naturalized plant species collected on or near the Jacksonville State University (JSU) campus in Alabama. The species include Southern Hoary Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum incanum var. puberulum), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta var. pulcherrima), Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Common Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), American Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), and Eastern Rabbit Tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Phytochemicals were extracted using four solvents—methanol, ethanol, ether, and nuclease-free water—and tested for antibacterial activity using the Kirby-Bauer disk diƯusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. The strongest inhibition was observed against Bacillus subtilis, with Common Evening Primrose and Common Dog Fennel exhibiting the greatest antibacterial eƯects. Ether and methanol extracts demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity, with seven instances of successful inhibition each, followed by ethanol with six. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that Common Evening Primrose and Common Dog Fennel contain antibacterial compounds, likely terpenoids and/or alkaloids. These results are especially noteworthy since little previous research has been done on the medicinal properties of Dog Fennel.

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  Optimizing Nutritional Strategies for Physically Demanding Occupations: Enhancing Health and Performance in Tactical Athletes

  Mollee Walker

  Please note: no video is available for this presentation.

  Energy and nutritional recommendations are based on work schedules, job demands, and environment, focusing on military personnel, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. Understanding these recommendations are crucial to reduce injury, disease, and mortality in these physically demanding occupations. Energy and nutritional demands in physically demanding occupations are influenced by specific stressors of tactile athletes, identifying tactile, environmental, cognitive, and metabolic stressors. Military personnel must address multiple physiological, cognitive, and environmental factors to meet their nutritional needs. Military personnel suffer from many physiological and energy expenditure demands. Further regarding load carriage, chronic sleep loss, environmental stressors and more impacts health and performance, which should be considered when developing nutritional guidelines to help ensure a successful mission. The supply and timing of sufficient amounts of energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients promote peak occupational performance outcomes and decrease risk of disease or injury. First responders have different physiological demands due to calls for response occur sporadically, meaning law enforcement officers or firefighters may shift from a sedentary state to a state that requires maximal physical exertion. Firefighters and law officers are more at risk for cancer, CVD, and other diseases compared to the general population due to exposure to various physiological, psychological, and environmental stressors along with long-term sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation adversely affects both mental and physical health. Law enforcement officers and firefighters’ specific energy needs are challenging to plan due to the unknown occupational tasks and increased energy demand from load carriage, PPE (personal protective equipment), and environmental factors. Due to all the occupational factors and stressors for firefighters and law officers, it is recommended that they actively take steps to improve their health. Other considerations listed in the article includes implementing wellness policies, supportive food environments, healthier food system suggestions, and using community assets to offer evidence-based nutrition classes that are affordable and meaningful to improve dietary habits. It is recommended that these tactile athletes should form and maintain a nutritious eating plan to optimize performance levels. The findings suggest that these tactile athletes work in distinctive environments that challenge them mentally and physically. These challenges highlight the need for targeted nutritional and hydration strategies. Further explaining hydration, PPE can decrease convection cooling currents along with the evaporative potential of the skin, therefore, these factors increase the rate of dehydration. Proper hydration and nutrition are critical for maintaining health and performance under occupational stressors. Customized nutrition and hydration are crucial for optimizing performance, mitigating health risks, and improving the general well-being of tactical athletes.