17th Semiannual
Rochester University Capstone Conference
December 6, 2019
Welcome to Rochester University’s 17th semiannual Capstone Conference (formerly
Academic Symposium), where we join together to celebrate our vibrant academic
community and present the academic achievements and capstone projects of dozens of
Rochester University students.
As is always the case, this semester’s program boasts a diversity of subject matter and
a display of critical thinking as reflected in our students’ printed and electronic posters,
scholarly papers, executive simulations, public relations campaigns for real world clients,
and many others.
Poster Session: 11:10 – 11:45 p.m.
Hallways of the Ham Library & Richardson Center
CONCURRENT SESSION A: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Theatre 1 – Ham Library 112
• Courtney A. Cronin: Silent Sky: Becoming the Learn’d Astronomer
• Brandon S. Johnson: Slicing into Sweeney Todd
Christian Ministry 1 – Ham Library 113
• Todd J. Kettler: Moving Toward a New Identity: Sociology and Trinitarian Theology Applied to a
Christian Group Narrative
Psychology 1 – Ham Library 115
• Takia J. Adams: Structure Prevents Recidivism
• Maryam N. Bajawa: The Impact of Narcissism on Parent-Child Relationships
• Julie Pearlyn Boyer: Reduction of Social Media Usage and Its Impact On Well-being
Business Session I: 1:10 – 1:55 p.m.
Business 1 – Auditorium East
• Southwest Airlines: Janai T. Brown, Isabelle M. Dietz, Shakira M. Hodges, Laura A. Willson
CONCURRENT SESSION B: 1:40 – 2:55 p.m.
Theatre 2 – Ham Library 112
• Rebekah R. Coy: What’s Whatsit: Unfolding the Wrinkle in Time
• Tracey C. Vineyard: The Foolish Endeavors of the Lost: Investigating Mourning Through Writing
Mass Communication 1 – Ham Library 113
• Marybeth C. Cairns: JUUL Labs and Advertising to Minors
• Brittani L. Hall: Photo Manipulation
• Jenna Pomaville: Promotions Team Member of 94.7 WCSX
• Dominic Santina: NASCAR Race Hub Crosses Line with Racist Joke
• Alexis D. Ware: Photo Manipulation and Ethics
Psychology 2 – Ham Library 115
• Anna G. Green: Academic Predictions of College Students Based on Childhood Trauma
• Malea S. Hunter: Personality and Grade Point Averages
• Jaime M. Rousson: Impact of Self-Affirmation Statements on Mood in Full Time Working Adults Who
Are Dissatisfied With Their Job
Natural Sciences 1 – Richardson Center 117
• Ashley Peck: Parkinson’s Disease: Analysis of Treatments
• Cara K. Raske: Colon Cancer: Familial Relationship
• Rachel C. Taylor: Code Red: What’s In Your Period? A Closer Look At The Harmful Effects Dispos-
able Menstrual Products Pose At An Environmental And Cellular Level
Business Session II: 2:10 – 2:55 p.m.
Business 2 – Auditorium East
• Under Armour: Peter O. Agba, Kelcie R. Juhas, Silviu C. Nita, Jacob C. Rogers
CONCURRENT SESSION C: 3:05 – 4:20 p.m.
English 1 – Ham Library 112
• Lacy J. Schirmacher – Con Scouts
Theatre Management 1 – Richardson Center 117
• Rachel B. Corp and Erin N. Walters: Serving RU Theatre Company
PRINTED POSTERS
Mass Communication
• Kyle M. Emmi: How Much Is Too Much: The Use of Graphic Images In Media
Psychology
• Takia J. Adams: Structure Prevents Recidivism
• Maryam N. Bajawa: The Impact of Narcissism on Parent-Child Relationships
• Julie Pearlyn Boyer: Reduction of Social Media Usage and Its Impact On Well-being
• Anna G. Green: Academic Predictions of College Students Based on Childhood Trauma
• Malea S. Hunter: Personality and Grade Point Averages
• Jaime M. Rousson: Self-Affirmations Have a Positive Effect On Attitude
Theatre
• Arianna J. Engnell: Uncovering the Life of Meg Murry
• Abigail N. Palella: The Combination of Theatre and Ministry
• Adina J. VanLoo: Weird Is the New Normal
ELECTRONIC POSTERS
Early Childhood Education
• Kimberly A. Allen: Gym and Outdoor Improvements for Children with Disabilities
• Cindy Arancio: Strategies to Support Children with Challenging Behaviors
• Lillian C. Auten: Indoor Playground Grant
• Kerry P. Banish: Rural Reading Readiness
• Susan Bazzi: STEAM in Early Learning
• Jessica M. Beckman: Preschool Teacher
• Rebecca R. Christian: Project Play: Bright Minds Learning Center’s Grant Proposal
• Chelsea R. Collins: Furnishing The Leaders of Tomorrow
• Shachetra Cremeans: Tyshayla Childcare Center
• Gwendolyn D. Evans: How to Disengage States From Becoming Traits
• Cassandra L. Fitzgerald: Project Children’s Play
• Faith Gnacke: Project Sensory Integration Education
• Martha Hindo: Empowering the Quality of Technology In Our Children at Riverdale Elementary School
• Stephanie A. Hoffmaster: Little Vikings Learning Center
• Danielle Jajo: Shape Me Healthy
• Amanda Karoly: Between the Covers Literacy Grant
• Kaitlynn M. Kohler: Proposal For New School Equipment
• Tiffany J. Maier: Little Ones With Large Needs
• Marissa M. Orzel: Growing Leaders through STEM
• Christine Rose Osborne: A Playground Designed for Physically Challenged Children
• Maria F. Pellerito: Leadership in Early Childhood
• Angela L. Robinson: READ, TALK, PLAY: Building Healthy Brains for Reading Success
• Lynda Rubino: Project Curiousness and Engage Play
• Victoria M. Slack: Project T.N.T. (Teachers Need Training)
• Flora Denise Smith: Solutions to Overcome Generational Poverty
• Elisha Soeder: Jump Start to a Great Day
• Chelsae J. Sullivan: Little People Preschool: A Grant to Improve Teaching and Learning
• Megan E. Taylor: Project Safe Hug Grant Proposal
Elementary and Secondary Education
• Hannah Rose Dadles: Evaluation on Students’ Mathematical Growth
• John Oddo: Student Achievement Data
Strategic Leadership
• Joshua D. Allen: Deep Dive Into Stephen Covey’s 8th Habit
• Timothy J. Bauer: The Importance of Embracing Generational Diversity in the Workplace
• Joshua Bratton: Richard Branson
• Armand L. Cartwright: Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X Leadership
• Fred Crawford, III: Transformational Leadership and Parenting
• Jeff A. Duncan: Evolution of Retail
• Ann Kaniuk: Digging Deeper Into Leadership
• Anwaar H. Mio: Hear My Voice
• Kevin M. VanDyke: Transformational Leadership
• Allison M. Woonton: Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen
ART DISPLAY
During the Capstone Conference, students in ART 2213 Ceramics have two exhibits on display in
the Ham Library. One of these presents research about pottery associated with particular cultures
(including Apache, Native American, Chinese, Egyptian, Japanese, and Peruvian pottery) and
showcases student-created work inspired by those cultures. The other exhibit features student work
that has been produced using a variety of techniques, such as pinch, coil, and slab.