Festival of Student Achievement 2021

Watch the virtual ceremony here

The Festival of Student Achievement (FOSA) celebrates students, staff, and faculty who exemplify academic excellence and leadership. The 2020-2021 FOSA information is listed below. Traditionally the day begins with an opening & awards ceremony in Arrupe Auditorium, followed by poster and platform (oral) presentations including the Rockhurst Outstanding Research Award (RORA) presentations, visual and performing art sessions at various locations in Arrupe Hall and concludes with a theater production.
Awards presented at the opening FOSA ceremony and information on presenting student work at FOSA is noted below.

Departmental and Program Awards 2021

 

 

Student Research

Rockhurst Outstanding Research Award winner Emma Martinez, ’21, discusses her research about a new species of Tetragonocephalum:

 

Student research projects featured in Festival of Student Achievement 2021:

Title: Using Multiprocessing to Accelerate Parallel Workloads in Python

Author: Noah Miller

Abstract: Python is a high-level programming language developed by the Python Software Foundation. Its uses are numerous, but it is a favorite among mathematicians and data scientists who hope to accelerate their workloads. Although Python is powerful, its weakness comes from the fact that, by default, only one of a computer’s logical cores can run a program at a time. One’s code needs special instructions to distribute a program across multiple logical cores. In this project, we compare different use cases to demonstrate how effectively Python programs can be accelerated with a module called multiprocessing combined with a cluster of six Raspberry Pi Model 3B+ computers communicating via MPI4PY (Message Passing Interface 4 Python). For this project, we have developed 2 programs which can take advantage of parallel computing. The first approximates Euler's number (e) via random numbers. The second is a password strength tester which uses brute-force algorithms to crack a password.

 

 

Title: Functional Movement Screen for CrossFit Athletes

Author: Katherine Fairchild, Leyton Cabe, Derek Kendall, Stephen Tran

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine normative FMS values for CrossFit Athletes. A secondary purpose was to discover the relationship between CrossFit training and traditional training on individual’s functional mobility through the FMS. Based on the results of our study, we can conclude that there is no significant difference in performance on the FMS screen in CrossFit versus traditionally trained athletes. While it was hypothesized that CrossFit athletes would have increased functional mobility/stability, this data may suggest that the FMS does not examine facets of mobility that are specific to CrossFit methodology.

Title: How AAC Use Effects Vocabulary Development: A Systematic Review

Author: Suzanne Onkka, Morgan Smidlein, Madeline Cullings, Charissa Bender

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of AAC use on vocabulary development of children. A comprehensive search was completed to find peer reviewed articles from 2007-2019. A total of eleven articles were identified to fit the search inclusion criteria. Based on the research, use of focused stimulation and augmented input during interventions lead to an increase in vocabulary development. Use of shared book reading activities during intervention also lead to an increase in vocabulary throughout multiple studies. Research shows that children who use AAC go about learning and accessing language differently as compared to typically developing peers, and they must learn and use strategies to overcome these differences.

Title: The Relationship Between Low Back Pain and Hip Rotation Range of Motion: A Critically Appraised Topic

Author: Madison Wagner, Courtney Armentrout, Chandler LeValley, Jacob Bastin

Abstract: The purpose of this Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) was to determine if there is an association between hip rotation range of motion and LBP in athletes. Based on the seven articles analyzed in this CAT, it appears that lack of hip rotation ROM is a significant variable that is associated with LBP in athletes. This range of motion (ROM) deficit is more apparent in athletes that participate in rotational sports and in the lead leg of athletes such as golfers and tennis players. These results confirm the importance of examining hip ROM in athletes, especially those with a history of LBP. Further studies should focus on the influence of treating hip ROM deficit and the effect on LBP.

Title: ACL Injury Reduction Programs for Female Soccer Athletes

Author: Hailey Blevins, Nic Arnone, Ryan Ingebrand, Austin Shrout, Janice Loudon

Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common sports-related injuries among female soccer players.1 Reduced lower extremity muscle strength and impaired movement patterns contribute to the risk of ACL injury.1 Several ACL reduction programs have been introduced, but the effectiveness of these programs needs to be determined.2 Identifying the most effective program would be invaluable to the clinician, coach and athlete. 

Title: An Exploratory Study of the Influence of Ignatian Pedagogy Paradigm in Conjunction with International Classification of Functioning for Various Therapy Practices: a Systematic Review of Guidance

Author: Briana Wilson, Melissa Spiro, Sarah Lanning

Abstract: Jesuit universities educate students under the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP), which focuses not only on the person but on context (who), experience (what), reflection (why/how), action (what next), and evaluation (how well) within and outside the classroom.  As a result, these students develop the ability to use this paradigm to think critically and clinically. Many other pedagogies and clinical frameworks utilize tenants of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm; however, they do not name IPP outright as a source. Additionally, the more commonly used and taught pedagogies do not seem as comprehensive as the IPP model.  The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) is one of the most widely used healthcare professional models and has the same underlying principles as IPP. This framework organizes information to highlight an individual's current functioning in terms of their specific disability. The ICF takes into account these variables in the classification to give a precise and accurate description of the person’s level of biological, psychological, and social functioning, and the external source of activity limitations, indicating potential sources of intervention. Like IPP, ICF recognizes the role of environmental factors and looks at the patient as a whole. This research study aims to examine the benefits of using the IPP model to develop and implement speech therapy.    

Title: Splicing Defects of S. Pombe Fission Yeast due to Heat and Fluoride Stress

Author: Claire Boehm, Ariana Stanislawski, Ryan Bailey, Michael Marvin

Abstract: Splicing is the process of processing pre-mRNA into mature RNA for translation into proteins. Pre-mRNA is transcribed directly from DNA and thus contains introns, segments that need to be removed in order to paste the essential exons together. The spliceosome is a large and dynamic complex made up of almost 100 different proteins and is responsible for effective pre-mRNA splicing. Correct spliceosome assembly, function, and regulation require the involvement and specific phosphorylation of SR proteins as well as non-SR proteins. Alterations in the splicing process due to modifications in phosphorylation can lead to a variety of diseases. Fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is used as a model organism for splicing research due to greater number of introns compared to humans, making splicing defects more apparent. The proteins involved in splicing, like all proteins, have specific folding that gives rise to specific function and phosphorylation can alter these functions. Increasing temperatures during growth were used to induce disease conditions due to the potential of unfolding of the splicing proteins. In addition, sodium fluoride at high concentrations has shown detrimental growth defects on S. pombe potentially implicating roles in pre-mRNA splicing. With this current research, we are qualitatively searching for growth defects caused by increasing temperatures and fluoride stress at the Branchpoint Binding protein (bpb1), which is an essential protein needed for pre-mRNA splicing and known to be phosphorylated. Bpb1’s function is to aid the spliceosome in identifying the splicing site correctly so that the introns can be excised without any trouble. We hypothesize that the role of bpb1 and its phosphorylation will become more important during stress conditions in order to maintain optimal pre-mRNA splicing.

 

Title: Longitudinal Effects of Childhood & Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury

Author: Briana McCarthy, Paige Musser, Claire Olson

Abstract: The majority of research on traumatic brain injuries focuses on individuals who acquire their injury later in life and the long-term repercussions.  The purpose of this systematic review was to consider the long-term repercussions for children and adolescents who suffered a TBI early in life.  This paper seeks to identify differentiating factors such as the age of injury, the severity of the injury, as well as sex differences. Four electronic databases were searched for articles published 2010-2020. Six research articles met the criteria for this systematic review. Each study addressed at least one of the areas included in the research question. Analysis of the age of injury and severity found that all children with TBIs required support throughout their childhood and into their adult life. There were no significant findings based on sex differences, although these findings may hold significance when determining a plan of treatment. Children with TBI will may require support throughout their education career and into their adult life.  The results of this systematic review highlight the need for more long-term studies following children with TBI to help health care providers plan interventions that lessen the long-term effects of TBI.

Title: Comparing the Effects of Teletherapy In Speech Between Younger and Older Populations

Author: Amelie Hall

Abstract: In this presentation, I will be looking at the different effects of teletherapy on older populations versus younger populations. I will be going over the different variables that influence the effects of teletherapy and why it may be harder for some populations than others to retain information, focus their attention, and conduct any productive therapy when it is not face to face. Different studies were conducted to see if teletherapy was just as effective as face to face therapy, for both populations. The results had shown that teletherapy was not technically as effective as face to face therapy in both populations, however I was curious as to which one had a larger gap in the effectiveness as well as what the contributing factors may be.

Title: Correlation between Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and   Neurodegenerative Disease Prevalence in Veterans

Author: Leah Pautler, Molly Collison, Emilie Diebal

Abstract: This research paper aims to find the reasoning behind the effects of traumatic brain
injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder military incidents have on increased neurodegenerative disease prevalence in veterans. Eligible electronic databases were searched for information regarding this topic. We searched for articles published within the last ten years, before December of 2020. Six peer- reviewed articles met the criteria for this research article. There was a positive correlation between obtaining a TBI during a time in the military and dementia later in life. We conclude that even though there was an overall positive correlation between TBI obtained in the military & later psychiatric problems, there needs to be further research done to support this.

 

 

Title: The Link Between Chronic Migraine and Neurological Changes: A Systematic Review

Author: Kaitlyn McGuffin

Abstract: Chronic headache and migraine are increasingly common conditions for people in the United States. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 12% of the population suffers from migraine. Research shows that women are affected more often than men (about 18% of women and 6% of men), and that migraines are most common between the ages of 18 and 44 (Migraine Facts, 2019). There have been many studies suggesting that chronic migraines can cause lesions in the white matter of the brain. Lesions in the brain can cause a multitude of deficits in various areas including cognitive linguistic skills. As researchers discover more about the effects of chronic migraine, there may be an increase in patients with language and/or cognitive deficits caused by brain lesions.

Title: The Effects of Thickened Liquids in Children with Pediatric Dysphagia

Author: Taylor Moore, Abbey Poelker

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of thickened liquids in children with pediatric dysphagia. A comprehensive search of literature was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles between 2005 and 2019. A quality appraisal was completed for sources meeting inclusion criteria to determine the best available evidence.

Title: Perceptions and Outcomes of Telepractice in Speech-Language Services: A Systematic Review

Author: Claire Chipley, Shannon Greene, Katrina Parrish

Abstract: The profession of Speech Language Pathology has been forced to adapt its materials and methods in order to provide a variety of appropriate resources to clients in the age of technology. Specifically, with the COVID-19 pandemic telepractice has become increasingly important for clinicians to ensure affordable and accessible services can be provided to patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze the perceptions and outcomes surrounding the effectiveness of telepractice in clients and the speech language pathologist community.

Title: Dialogic Reading Effects on Early Literacy Skills in Preschool Students from Low Income Backgrounds

Author: Makenzie Anderson, Hailey Sawyer, Molly Winter

Abstract: The majority of dialogic reading research evaluates literacy skills in children from middle to upper-income families. Children of lower-income families are at higher risk for early literacy skill deficits. As a group, they often have limited access to books, less one-on-one reading, and family involvement. The purpose of this systematic review is to address the following question: How does implementing dialogic reading in low-income students affect their literacy development? Dialogic reading interventions were effective in improving emergent literacy skills in preschoolers from low-income households regardless of the placement of implementation or person implementing the intervention These findings support the recommendation of starting dialogic reading strategies during the preschool years.  

 

Title: A Study of Social Integration in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices

Author: Makayla Phillips-Koch Nora Goller, Lauren Wade

Abstract: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies are used by individuals with limited verbal skills for expressive communication. There are questions about the impact of AAC strategies on overall language development of individuals with communication disabilities. For this study, the researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature to investigate the impact of AAC on development of pragmatic language skills. Multiple electronic databases were searched with a variety of keyword combinations to identify the best available evidence. Quality of evidence was evaluated by each researcher. Ultimately, eight papers were identified with a combined total of 73 participants and 21 parents. Results from these studies were evaluated and synthesized to identify themes across the impact of AAC on the development of pragmatic language skills. Results indicated that aided and unaided AAC strategies were supportive of pragmatic language development. Implications for SLPs will be discussed. 

Thank You!

Thank you to all student nominees and award recipients for your hard work and dedication to our mission of learning, leadership and service.

Thank you to all contributing students and faculty for showcasing academic excellence at Rockhurst.

Thank you to all parents, friends and alumni who watched and joined this celebration.

Thank you to all administrators for your encouragement and participation.

Thank you, to the Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Committee for all of your hard work organizing this event.