Scholars' Day 2024 Schedule

Session 1A

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Building 12-113

A Critical Analysis of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings on American Feminist Attitudes 

Joshua King
Professor Robert Muhlnickel (English/Philosophy)

This presentation is a critical analysis of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, through the lens of feminist theory. The inverse character trajectories of Arwen Evenstar and Eowyn illustrates progressive depictions of women in film, which I hypothesize influences feminism in America. I will show the correlation between the individual character arcs of Arwen/Eowyn and attitudes towards feminism in America, exemplified by a drop or rise in marriage rates and/or membership of traditional religious organizations. Such a correlation would be a return to more traditional values and/or roles among contemporary American women (after the rise of the 3rd wave American feminist movement). Or, inversely, an increase in the popularity of 3rd wave American feminism among American women. In conclusion examining said these correlations, while juxtaposing the characters’ individual arcs against feminist theoretical principles, suggests the influence of the films on attitudes toward traditional marriage.

From Stereotype, Freedom: Tracking the Impacts of Queer-Coding in Vampire Fiction 

Brianna Cook
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Since Polidori introduced the vampire to mainstream western culture in 1819, these creatures have carried elements of society’s marginalized “other” drawing from various stereotyped traits and identities like antisemitic blood libel tropes or orientalist caricature. Authors and filmmakers have in particular drawn on evolving conceptions of the “other” associated with queer people to inspire their iconoclastic vampiric subjects, in a practice known as queer-coding. Analyzing primary vampire texts such as Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, or Le Fanu’s original Carmilla, and integrating the studies of queer-theory academics like Sue Ellen-Case illuminates the links between the presentation of vampires, and dominant and counter-cultural conceptions of queer behavior and identity. In offering a problematic form of representation for queer people in the era of the Hays Code, vampire fiction provided a complicated avenue for expressing queerness that helped fuel the rise of Camp, a liberatory aesthetic movement. By studying how vampire media queer-coded their subjects, especially during the latter half of the 20th century, queer communities can develop a greater understanding of how they moved from the realm of taboo to a place of true representation in the broader cultural landscape.

The Heart of Darkness Within the Colonial Gaze: Analyzing Miguel Gomes' Tabu and Western Cinema's Construction of the African Other

Jesse Dwaileebe
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness (1899) remains a quintessential example of a cultural text maintaining Western hegemony. Chinua Achebe, in his 1978 lecture entitled, An Image of Africa, responds to Conrad’s novella by analyzing its deployment of various problematic tropes that subject the African native to Otherness. Cinematic texts from ethnography to romantic adventure films, which obfuscate the West's cultural identity rooted in colonization and slavery, have functioned homogeneously to works like Conrad’s as a hegemonic amplifier. Insofar as film images have projected indigenous and non-white people as the Other (from the American Western to the subgenre of the White Savior in an unfamiliar land), congruent to those in literature, Achebe‚Äôs criticism of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, can be fittingly recontextualized within the realm of cinematic analysis. Accordingly, Miguel Gomes’ Tabu (2012) is a relevant cinematic work that uniquely interrogates the history of portrayals regarding the Colonized Other. This presentation will analyze Tabu as if it were a response to Achebe’s contentions made toward Heart of Darkness and the canon of reductive cultural texts. Applying this specific mode of analysis will allow for Gomes’ film to be interpreted as a meditation on cinema’s complicity in manufacturing Otherness.

Session 1B

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Building 12-107

Whispers in the Woods: Unveiling the Science, Chemistry, and Biology of Tree Communications

Naz Barmak
Professor Jason Anderson (Chemistry)

This presentation explores the intricate world of tree communication, investigating the scientific, chemical, and biological aspects that underlie this phenomenon. Through mycorrhizal networks, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and root-to-root communication, trees engage in complex interactions. The chemical compounds involved in these processes and the signaling pathways they follow are examined, shedding light on the mechanisms triggering responses in neighboring trees. Genetic and epigenetic factors influencing tree communication are explored, along with the adaptive responses of trees to environmental stressors. The abstract delves into ongoing debates within the scientific community, presenting diverse perspectives. The implications of understanding tree communication for ecological balance, sustainable forestry, and biotechnological applications are discussed. This condensed overview provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of tree communication, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary ecological discourse.

Negative Branding, Surveillance, and Industry Backlash Against Direct Action Radical Environmentalism

W. Gennady Poehner
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Anti-environmentalists introduced the term “eco-terrorist” in 1983 to describe environmental organizations that destroyed property during direct action protests. Commonly called ecological sabotage (ecotage), illegal and destructive tactics mean to counter harm done by oil, logging, and animal product industries while impacting their economic bottom line. Since the term “eco-terrorist” was introduced, the USA-PATRIOT Act and other federal bills expanded the definition of terrorism, increasing penalties for actions against targeted industries. Analysis by Michael Loadenthal found that especially destructive actions by radical organizations are both rare in practice and overreported in media. However, negative branding campaigns continue to undermine movement building and effectiveness while the image of the eco-terrorist is used to justify surveillance of environmental groups. This presentation attests that the “eco-terrorist” label attached to radical environmentalist groups that use direct action stems not from threats to public safety but the interests of targeted industries. It also argues that in keeping with established branding practices, new strategies and technology used to target demographics for advertising can be used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in surveillance of radical environmental groups.

Saving Salamanders: MCC Students testing Salamanders for Chytrid Fungi

Professor Richard Stevens (Biology)

Amphibians are among the most endangered vertebrates, with 40% of species in danger of extinction. Salamanders are the most endangered of the amphibians with currently 60% of species endangered. There are multiple causes for these amphibian declines, but among the most significant are the chytrid fungi. There are two species of chytrid fungi, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) that are currently known to adversely affect amphibian populations. For the past two years (2022 and 2023), MCC students have participated in SNAPS, or the Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance, run by the USGS (United States Geological Survey) and the Bsal Working Group. Students from the MCC Biology Club, and BIO 120 and SCI 132 courses have gone to Mendon Ponds during the annual salamander breeding season and swabbed salamander (Spotted Salamanders, Blue-spotted salamanders, and Eastern Newts) skin for the Bd and Bsal fungi. The endemic Bd fungus was detected in several salamanders in 2023, but thus far, no salamanders have been found to be infected with Bsal. Because North America has among the most biodiverse salamander fauna in the world, it is imperative that monitoring continue for these deadly fungi.

Session 1C

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Building 12-109

Navigating the Storm: The Art of Resilience

Rokhan Ahmadzai
Professor Ilene Benz (Visual And Performing Arts)

You are thrown into a sea of tests, tight budgets, and post-graduation anxieties when you are a college student. However, in the middle of these waves, your resilience serves as a foundation to help you navigate hardship and uncertainty. I developed resilience at an early age, from dealing with the difficulties of Afghanistan to losing my father when I was four years old. It gives me the strength to overcome the challenges of life and is more than simply an idea. With this strength, I entered college with the knowledge that the challenges of school would challenge me, but I continued because I had the strength that comes from difficult circumstances. Reflecting on my journey, resilience proves to be more than just survival, it is transformational. This Abstract explores the concept of resilience in coping and therapy by reviewing three key research papers from prominent journals. The first paper, authored by Eric D. Miller from Kent State University, discusses the redefinition of resilience to encompass all individuals who have demonstrated strength in the face of adversity, rather than solely focusing on children and adolescents. Miller argues that resilience should be broadened to include adults and emphasizes the importance of studying human strengths and virtues, particularly in clinical contexts. The second paper, an editorial by Ivan Robertson and Cary Cooper, examines the increasing interest in resilience, especially during times of economic hardship. They define resilience as the ability to maintain well-being under adversity and highlight the role of both experience and underlying psychological factors in its development. Additionally, they discuss the potential for resilience to be developed through training programs. Finally, the third paper discusses the various factors contributing to resilience, including positive attitude, active coping, cognitive flexibility, and social support. It also examines the origins of resilience and its potential for change through environmental and experiential influences. Overall, these papers provide valuable insights into the evolving understanding of resilience and its implications for research and practice in psychology and related fields. Combined with my own experience, I will discuss the necessity to identify, develop, and nurture resilience in one’s own life and as organizations to move forward in the current strains we find our culture in.

A Transfer Readiness Course for all Students at MCC

Connor Klaric, Mara Waynick, Seth Emler 
Jodi Oriel (Student Life & Leadership)

Alpha Theta Iota's College Project aims to help students navigate their transfer journeys by providing an interactive tutorial and necessary tools. The TRAIN (TRAnsfer INtension) initiative aligns with Monroe Community College's mission to support student success. TRAIN offers an online training course on Brightspace, a learning platform widely used in education. The Brightspace course is split into 4 video modules, Research, Communication, Planning, and Applying, that aim to familiarize students with the transfer process. An open monitored chat was available for any students to ask questions where Transfer Services or Phi Theta Kappa members in charge of the project could help with questions. By familiarizing themselves with the course, our hope is that students won't need transfer services for questions such as "How do I transfer?" The Alpha Theta Iota chapter ensures the project's sustainability by working with MCCs Transfer Services to manage TRAIN and eventually implement the initiative in the department. Despite the eventual graduation of the current officers, the project is expected to continue benefiting students, demonstrating a lasting partnership with Monroe Community College. The project should be fully implemented by the beginning of the fall semester, with the course being available to every student on their Brightspace page. 

Mapping Informal Settlements in India: A Geospatial Exploration of Indian Culture and Poverty

Professor Catherine DuBreck (Chemistry and Geosciences)

This presentation will summarize the speaker’s experience with the Community College Internationalization Fellowship (CCIF) Program through Cornell University and the Cornell-Syracuse South Asia Consortium and showcase her CCIF project – the development of a small geospatial/geography course unit with a lecture and lab about India. The purpose of this CCIF project is to introduce students to another country and culture outside of their own, to expose them to global issues like poverty and informal settlements, and to show students a real-world application of geospatial technology used to identify the changes (growth over time/sprawl, landscape, topography) of an informal settlement.

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Session 2A

11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Building 12–113

French Neoclassical Visionary Architects and the Democratization of Architecture

Christopher Hoffarth
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Within the various subjects of architecture, visionary architecture remains among the least academically studied, consisting of impossible sketches and drawings not limited by physics, technology, or funding. The visionary architecture that emerged out of France spanning from 1784 to 1813 reflects tension before, utopian ideals during, and the alienation after the French Revolution. During the Revolution, the scope of accepted architectural criticism expanded from closed academic circles to the general public. This project studies that democratic movement through the visionary works of three French neoclassical architects, Etienne-Louis Boullee, Claude Nicolas Ledoux, and Jean-Jacques Lequeu. The works of these architects show a progressive abandonment of certain neoclassical elements and concepts that coincide with both the democratization of architectural criticism, and the chronology of the French Revolution. These architect remain pioneers in both theory and technique, fostering a community of scholars such as Sylvia Lavin and Luc Gruson who study how visionary works function as cultural critique and define the architecture of the future. This presentation will study visionary architecture’s ability to push the conceptual limits of their field as Boullee, Ledoux, and Lequeu funneled the cultural anxieties and tensions of their respective times into truly meaningful and worthwhile pieces of art.

The Sad Clown Paradox: An Analysis of the Voyeuristic Psychology of Sad Clowns in Paintings

Lee Rodriguez
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Clowns have been beloved figures in entertainment and art for centuries. With exaggerated features, colorful costumes and jocular personalities, the jester provides comedic relief and jubilant sentiments. However, beneath the surface of their painted smiles often lies a paradoxical phenomenon: The Sad Clown. My research explores the enigmatic figure of The Sad Clown’s depiction in paintings, and the psychological implications for both artists and viewers. By examining questions such as what draws an audience to the contradictory figures of despaired fools, and the emotional detriment sad clown imagery may have on a viewer and artist introduces an additional cognitive element of voyeurism as a fundamental piece of the paradoxical enjoyment. Utilizing the research of Jan Doe and others, framing my argument using traditional art theory and practice, I will formally analyze works such as Edward Hopper’s Soir Bleu, and Jan Matejko’s Stanczyk to perform critical exploration of the enticing nature of melancholic harlequins, and the subtextual social commentary of mental health latent within whimsical imagery.

Power's Privilege: Sociopolitical and Religious Narratives in High and Low Relief Sculptures

Patricia Donato
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Relief sculptures have been used throughout history to communicate visual narratives and themes of sociopolitical and religious authority to viewers. The themes of the following relief sculptures – the Stele of Hammurabi, the Doors of St. Michael, and The Great Departure – reveal a pattern of inspiring submission to that culture’s respective ideologies. The politically and economically powerful commissioners of this art sought to instruct the illiterate masses on how they should feel and behave according to their current sociopolitical and religious climates. The prominent religious imagery in these reliefs suggest an interest in garnering authority for their respective religious figures (i.e., Shamash, Jesus Christ, and the Buddha), subsequently promoting the behavior espoused by their teachings. The reliefs impart schemes of divine law and corporal punishment onto viewers, thus impacting both the social and spiritual lives of their past and present audiences. This presentation will analyze how the reliefs influenced viewers of their day to further their promoted ideologies, particularly how the physical elements of the art were constructed to manipulate viewers’ emotions. Furthermore, this presentation will analyze how modern viewers not only experience the same visual manipulation as ancient viewers once did, but also how the ideas passed down by these art pieces remain influential in society today.

Session 2B

11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Building 12–107

Chronic Struggle: Discrimination Against Chronically Ill Individuals Within the Workplace
Alex de Smidt

Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Over the past few years, the number of individuals around the world reporting one or more chronic illnesses has skyrocketed from 51.8% in 2018 to 60.2% in 2022 specifically within the United States. Half the global population, regardless of demographic, suffers from pain and discomfort daily throughout various body systems. Although measures to help chronically ill people do exist, workplaces rarely integrate these changes. This presentation will begin by outlining the effects of chronic illness on an individual’s physical and mental health and the attendant complications to one’s academic success, economic stability, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on the findings of several scholarly articles that trace the impact of various chronic illnesses and studies concerning the effectiveness of workplace intervention strategies, this presentation argues that appropriate accommodations and proper training not only supports chronically ill people, but also decreases discrimination in their daily lives. Chronically ill people fight every day to do the tasks expected of them therefore, individuals in every community have a duty, not only to employ and treat them as equals, but to support them in all aspects of their life.

Debunking Transphobia: Is This All They Have?

Elizabeth Tackitt, Chianti Franz
Professor Angelique Johnston (English/Philosophy)

The reprehensible dirge of transphobia rages on throughout our nation at an unprecedented rate. Countering such narratives and actions will be necessary for the safety of this people group, whose validity in their struggle serves as a call to arms for all those passionate about equality and bodily autonomy. Two transgender researchers, Elizabeth Tackitt and Chianti Franz explore the scientific and social truths which profess that trans rights are human rights, aiding in the understanding of transgender people and their pleas for respect. Among their sources are included the American Psychological Association’s Doctor Jack Drescher, who authored an overview on gender dysphoria alongside three other doctorate physicians. From the organization who defines the condition, not only does gender dysphoria not always correlate with transgender identity, but the organization testifies to the mental stability of transgender people. Further attested by researcher Philip Graham, he demonstrates in a meta-analysis the safety of childhood transition that regret rates for transition are overwhelmingly low, and author Julia Serrano handily counters the narrative that transgender people are engaged in “transvestic fetishism” and exposes this claim as outdated misinformation. The facts are clear: strong transgender rights are imperative to the foundation of a free society.

Myanmar Civil War

Angelo Romero
Professor Joseph Scanlon (Political Science)

Myanmar is experiencing a devastating Civil war Since February 1st, 2021, after Myanmar's Armed forces overthrew the elected government. Since the coup, numerous human rights violations have been committed, such as unlawful killings, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, and cruel treatment, including acts of sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary deprivation of nationality, and violations of the right to remain in the country, among others. This paper will examine the causes of the Coup and the variables that gave rise to the military’s return, and it will also inform how the International community has responded to the country's actions. The paper asks the questions: How are people affected by this? Does this affect any relationships with other nations? Why was there a coup in the first place? I hypothesize that many European countries, the U.S., and other pro-democracy nations will disavow the government's actions over their human rights violations, and the coup occurred because the military wanted to preserve power. Qualitative Methods will be used and omitted for this research. This links into political science, the study of government, and research because it shows how the international world responds to human rights violations and military intervention in politics. 

Session 2C

11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Building 12–109

Introverts, Social Fears, and the Positive Psychological Impact of Passing Connections with Strangers

Raina Lockwood
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Many people, particularly introverts, are uncomfortable with and uninterested in talking to strangers; however, this instinctual avoidance of others eliminates countless opportunities for valuable human connection. Sociological studies by researchers such as Gillian Sandstrom and Juliana Schroeder have demonstrated that conversations with strangers are often much more enjoyable and rewarding than many people predict. Common fears of rejection or being unwelcome, which often discourage people from reaching out to strangers, are frequently misplaced; studies consistently show that even the briefest of interactions can leave both conversation partners feeling happier. In this presentation, I will survey research on the positive impacts of “minimal social interactions,” explore if and how these social benefits apply to people with a preference for solitude, and investigate why unwarranted social fears are so prevalent. Additionally, I will argue that habitual usage of smartphones limits meaningful in-person connections, both by providing easy distraction and by signaling disinterest to other people in the vicinity. Making the simple choice in our daily lives to be present, attentive, and open to engaging with others could encourage those around us to follow suit, leading to more positivity, engagement, and community for everyone.

Propagating the American Dream: The Hegemonized Ideals that  Constructed the American Suburb

Mark A Kanelba
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

For years, images of single-family homes adorned with white picket fences, otherwise known as “suburbia”, have been used to benchmark and epitomize the American Dream. To most, the enduring image of suburbia signifies the promise of opportunity and upward mobility to all. However, problems persist with issues of equity and inclusion as the suburbs were built to obstruct those very ideals. This presentation will outline the events that motivated the paradigm shift of middle-to-upper-class suburban homeownership and analyze the historical advertisements, articles, and federal documents that informed the introduction of suburbia to the American landscape. Through examining the federal oversight and commodification of housing enacted through bureaucracies including the Federal Housing Association (FHA) and the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) this presentation also seeks to illuminate how the government sought to imbue society with ideals and norms utilizing the homes and neighborhoods of America to do so. In confronting difficult truths of our past through candid exposition of American suburbanization, this research also offers emerging social and environmental movements, such as lifestyle minimalism and Helena Norberg Hodge's concept of localization as compelling approaches that both challenge and reconcile the hegemonized ideals that are so closely tethered to the American suburb. 

Separating the Self from the Masses: How Habitual Social Media Use Affects Self-Identity Development in Those Under 25 

Anastasia Waite
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Since the early 2000s, image and comment-based social media platforms have grown in use and popularity, reaching a critical point where a 2021 study from the Pew Research Center showed that since 2005, the percentage of people using at least one social media platform spiked from 5 to 72 percent. The spike in usage comes primarily from teens and young adults under 25 who have grown up with social media as part of their everyday lives. Such globalized online socialization raises concerns about how spending time on a platform based on others’ recognition affects self-identity development and individuality. My presentation aims to answer excessive media use and overreliance concerns by using a variety of studies, statistics, and academic journals to analyze the connection between the neurological processes involved in social and self-interpretation and the addictive qualities and methods used by social media platforms that exacerbate overuse. This overconsumption can result in a struggle to differentiate media expectations and personal goals, resulting in identity confusion and self-doubt. My research will conclude with recommended courses of action, such as time limitations and lifestyle changes to ease the reliance put on media platforms for recognition of self. 

Session 2D

11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Building 12–111

A Human's Guide to Updating the Matrix

Sam Griffin
Professor Thomas Blake (English)

“Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?” is Nick Bostrom’s attempt to calculate the probability that all human life is simulated inside a computer. The argument for this calculation assumes that a conscious mind can be generated by a sufficiently advanced computer. Given this assumption, Bostrom refines three categories which theoretically cover all possibilities: In category 1, it is not possible to build a powerful enough computer; In category 2, no conscious beings want to run simulations; In category 3, nearly all beings are simulated. This presentation will consider Bostrom's analysis and discuss three counterexamples which cannot be accurately sorted into Bostrom’s three categories. These counters include simulations after extinction, simulations created by artificial intelligence, and theological explanations for simulation. Additionally, all three counterexamples evolve from the same weakness in Bostrom’s argument - insufficient distinction between Bostrom's simulated realities and the realities from which they originate. In this manner, Bostrom’s Simulation Argument favors cohesion over versatility. Addressing this weakness can introduce new understanding and nuance into evaluations of our potential simulation.

Building Biomedical Technology Today

Connor Spence, Alexander Calamel, Gavin McAllister, Andrey Kravchenya, Robert Staheli, Taryn Liendecker
Professor Christopher Kumar (Engineering Sciences)

Our focus is to utilize different skills amongst diverse students to develop a fully operating EEG UAV FPV controlled drone. This project allows for varying fields of study to work cleverly together as we would in a professional working environment. Our goal is to create a stronger sense of community within MCC, to seek out professional relationships within the relevant scope of work, and to promote leadership skills amongst one another. Our engineering students will build and assemble a custom quadcopter with first-person capabilities utilizing ExpressLRS receivers. They will be designing and 3-D printing an adjustable headset capable of collecting EEG readings and will build FPV goggles that work in conjunction with the EEG headset. Our computer science students will be integrating open-source programs that allow for communication between the two operations, thus allowing for the EEG to input a signal through OpenBCI and then outputting the data through the ExpressLRS receiver controlling the UAV. Finally, our biomedical students will have the opportunity to study neuroscience, analyze EEG data and create medical technology that can one day be implemented into the healthcare system. Though we are flying drones with EEG technology, what may be on the receiving end can vary. 

Concept to Prototype: The Development of a Wearable Haptic Display

Piotr Cetner
Professor Benjamin Schermerhorn (Engineering Sciences)

This project chronicles the journey from concept to prototype of a novel wearable haptic display. The display aims to enhance the quality of life of the visually impaired. The presentation will describe the various engineering methods used throughout the design process and will include a short demonstration of the first prototype, which controls a single pixel, as well as the second prototype, which controls 25 pixels. Topics to be discussed include an introductory overview of controlling haptics with pulse width modulation(PWM) signals, depth calculations via a stereo camera, printed circuit board design, and more.

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Session 3A

2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Building 12–113

Ethical Concerns of Fast Fashion

Jayme Lee Seiple
Professor Robert Muhlnickel (English/Philosophy)

Clothes and fashion are universal, so it should come as no surprise that the apparel industry’s profits have been on a steady incline since the industrial revolution. In 2017 over 300 billion dollars was spent on apparel in the U.S alone. By the late 80’s there was a growing demand for inexpensive fashion with a quick turnaround time to coincide with the latest trends. This demand gave way to a new term: “fast fashion.” Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends. Fast fashion became popular towards the end of the 20th century as clothing manufacturing became less expensive due to synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, and the outsourcing of low-wage labor in developing countries. Since its origins, fast fashion has generated a strong opposition from Enviromental activists and civil rights groups. The dissatisfaction has only grown as more and more companies adopt the “fast fashion” model. From omitting dangerously toxic chemicals, to horrific working conditions, it is clear that something within the fast fashion industry needs to change. Through a case study of the worlds largest fast fashion brand SHEIN, my research will show how the fast fashion industry is structured, what negative economic and civil concerns are present within the industry, and what companies can do to help ease them.  

From Legal Scholarship to Culture Wars: Misconceptions of Critical Race Theory and the Movement to Ban It

Natalie Stoner
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Critical Race Theory (CRT) was initially developed in the 1980s as a legal approach to understand racism throughout American history and how many current practices and policies uphold and reproduce inequitable outcomes. Despite origins in legal studies, CRT has made its way into conversations about children’s education. Conservative politicians have launched a campaign against the framework, introducing bans at the state and federal levels that describe CRT as “woke indoctrination” that threatens to divide America and teaches children to hate themselves. These bans are rooted in misconstructions of the framework, labeling any anti-discriminatory efforts in schools as CRT to instill fear and gain the upper hand in today’s polarized political climate. This presentation explores the attempts to extirpate discourse about the history of slavery from schools and the resulting negative effects of a filtered education on students and instructors. Additionally, this presentation compares the current content bans to historical events of the same nature such as the Negro Act of 1740 and other similar slave literacy prohibition acts, evidencing deep-rooted racial entrenchment in America. Finally, this presentation argues that to teach Black history properly, a national standard for social studies teaching must be established to level educational gaps among students to ensure a complete understanding of the nation’s history and how it affects them. 

The Legality of Family Vlog Channels that Focus on Children 

Anastasiya Klymenko
Professor Karen Morris (Business Administration)

This presentation will address vlogs and the relative lack of regulations. With the rise of social media, new business opportunities are starting to become attainable. Parents are starting Family channels on popular social media platforms because of this. These channels include their children as they get the chance to get a steady stream of revenue. With an estimated average of $10 per 1,000 views, a family can make $20,000 from a single post. Yet are these children getting their share of the earnings? What measures can states take in modern-day America to make sure these children are not exploited for financial gain? When the California Child Actors Bill passed, it prevented financial exploitation of child actors. Since an online platform is not the equivalent of a typical work setting, Child Labor Law requirements do not apply. There is no equivalent that exists for kids of families who pose on social platforms. I’m proposing legislation to control these family channels. This bill must be detailed on what must be reported for proper compensation. This bill will protect the children who are unknowingly contributing to the family. It will periodize the well-being of children in this digital age while preventing online exploitation.

Session 3B

2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Building 12–107

The Disproportionate Impact of the Death Penalty on Latino Individuals in the United States

Paola Dozier
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

The striking overrepresentation of Latinos on death row remains an overlooked fact of capital punishment in the United States. This presentation will explore the complex dimensions of capital punishment, specifically focusing on the systemic inequities experienced by Latino individuals within the justice system. This research explores the historical origins of these inequities and identifies the entrenched systemic biases that sustain them, while seeking to contribute to a more nuanced and informed dialogue regarding the disproportionate application of the death penalty to Latino people. Additionally, this presentation aims to address the notable lack of information and research dedicated to this critical aspect of the criminal justice system, thereby illuminating the need for increased attention and scrutiny in understanding the disparities faced by Latino individuals within the wider dialogue around capital punishment.

Solitary Confinement in U.S. Prisons: Punitive Action and its Long-Term Mental and Physical Effects 

Kyle Kronenberger
Professor Scott Rudd (English/Philosophy)

Despite advisements from the United Nations and numerous healthcare associations against the excessive use of solitary confinement, one in five inmates in the U.S. will experience it. Inmates are subject to isolation in Security Housing Unit (SHU) cells as small as six feet by nine feet for weeks, months, or years, while basic rights such as rehabilitative programs and visitations are restricted. Many studies show that any challenging behavior exhibited by inmates living with a serious mental illness (SMI) can authorize a correctional officer to sanction the use of solitary confinement which exacerbates the conditions of that disorder. This presentation will argue for the continued and increased implementation of alternative methods to solitary confinement, which continue to enhance the well-being of prisoners and correctional officers alike. Ninety-five percent of all prisoners are eventually released from prison, and solitary conditions have proven to be ineffective in rehabilitation but remain a torment that places the inmate, guards, and the community they return to at risk.

Private Prisons

Joseph Leichtner
Professor Mark Sample (History)

Private prisons are an extremely controversial issue in the United States. Private prisons are institutions wherein individuals are imprisoned by a third party and contracted by a government agency to do so. Private prisons are also commonly paid a per diem or monthly rate based upon the number of individuals who are imprisoned or the number of spaces that are available for imprisonment. Private prisons present ethical, moral, and effectiveness issues. This research paper aims to explore these issues and provide the answers to the following questions: What are the recidivism rates for private prisons compared to public?, What are the rates of inmate violence for private prisons compared to public?, What are the rates of correctional officer violence for private prisons compared to public?, Are private prisons ethical and/or effective?. These issues are incredibly important to address because they concern the right of whether or not this industry should exist as a whole. The methods of collecting data will be quantitative and primarily looking at the numbers of inmates, violence rates, and recidivism rates.  

Session 3C

2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Building 12–111

Skylink 

Alex Cappuccio, Kyle Spooner, Caden Stollery, Alexander Chamov
Professor Christopher Kumar (Engineering Sciences)

Everyday millions of soldier’s face challenges the average person could not endure, such as navigating through terrain where human intervention is life threatening. In response, this project was initiated to design and develop an integrated system for autonomous deployment. The team has designed, built, and developed a drone that was used to transport a self-driving vehicle to a desired location. Utilizing a hook feature, once hovering over the desired landing spot, the vehicle detects the ground, detaches from the drone, and efficiently navigates through the path using color and light sensors. Through extensive research alongside principles from physics and mathematics, the team has developed various vehicle and drone body prototypes to achieve an ultra-lightweight, yet durable design to maximize payload and agility. Within the vehicle lies two dual motor drivers, simultaneously providing maximum power to both wheels enhancing redundancy and increasing performance optimization. Following repeated testing demonstrating the systems performance, the results prove its reliability and suitability in hope to raise awareness regarding autonomous deployment. 

Design Lab Drone Project

Taylor Garbacik, Chris Stollery, Robert Lewis
Professor Christopher Kumar (Engineering Sciences)

The field of remotely controlled or autonomous vehicles is growing year over year, with a wide array of applications. Drones are useful in their ability to reach areas that would be dangerous or impossible for a human to travel, or simply to reduce the cost of manned transport. Some specific applications are locating people trapped by natural disasters, providing reconnaissance on a battlefield, or simply delivering goods. The TYESA-MCC Mini UAV Design Competition has given students in ENR-259 the task of designing small-scale drones that mimic these capabilities. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) piloted by remote control must carry an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) to a specific destination, before detaching from the UGV and flying off. In addition, the UGV must then be able to autonomously follow a path to a separate destination, while the UAV is flown back to the starting area. Designing these systems involves a knowledge of circuits and electronics, software development, the design and fabrication of parts and materials, the ability to research what you don’t understand, and the flexibility to work together as a team.

Lamplighter Group

Professor Judy Dean (Mathematics)

We will take a mathematical romp with Group Theory to visit a whimsical land known as the Lamplighter Group. Functions will describe the tasks of the lamplighter as she travels along the integer number line, turning lamps on and off. Some fundamentals of Group Theory will be described and illustrated in this presentation. Expect to find some unusual and remarkable results. The Lamplighter Group is one of the groups explored in the book, A Sampling of Remarkable Groups. This Group Theory journey will be presented by Judy Dean, retired MCC Associate Mathematics Professor Emeritus who is one of the authors of A Sampling of Remarkable Groups. She may share some of her story of how she became an author of this book. One of the original authors, Margaret Dean, will join the presentation as well.

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