Scholars Day

Scholars Day 2026

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026

BCC is committed to providing universal access to our events. Email kmullaney@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-2125 to request accommodations.

Barbara Kotelnicki
bkotelnicki@berkshirecc.edu
Jeremy LaCrosse
jlacross@berkshirecc.edu

2026 Abstracts

Staff

Jacob Barnett

Bringing Real-world Scientific Research into BCC Biology Classrooms with the Wolbachia Project

Since Spring 2025, the General Biology labs at BCC have been implementing an exciting new research-based curriculum called The Wolbachia Project , which engages students in a real-world study where the results contribute knowledge to the scientific community. By collecting arthropods (insects, spiders, etc.) and using biotechnology techniques such as gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, BCC students have been testing for a remarkable bacteria called Wolbachia, which may sound alarming but can actually help prevent the spread of viruses such as dengue and Zika! Intrigued? Come hear more from Professor Jacob Barnett and student guests Michael Conboy, Andrea Krysiak, and Rachel Signer!

Akinyemi Blackshear

Plant-Powered: Vegan 101 for Real Life

Curious about vegan food but not sure where to start? Vegan 101 breaks down the basics of plant-based eating in a fun, approachable way. Learn what veganism really means, how to cook tofu so it's crispy and flavorful, and how to use affordable proteins like textured vegetable protein (TVP). We'll also explore cashew-based vegan cheeses and share easy, delicious recipes that anyone can try, no special skills required.

Toni Buckley

Crafting Futures: Craftivism, Slow Making, and Community Care

"Craftivism," the practice of using traditional crafts to advance social and ecological change and wellbeing, invites us to slow down, notice, repair, and preserve. In this session, we explore how creating (knitting, sewing, mending, retailoring), gardening, and more can function as everyday practices that reconnect us to the earth, to one another, and to a future we can co-create. Participants will explore historic and contemporary forms of craftivism and reflect on making as a practice that nurtures presence, care, community, and action. Together, we will begin co-creating a campus "craftwork" that becomes an invitation to (re-)consider the choices we make to stay soft, to keep feeling, and to remain open-hearted in a world carrying so much pain without being consumed by it.

Sheaden Callahan, Meghan Donnelly, Casey Young and Morgan Mickle

Food Security Work in Higher Education

This session will offer a comprehensive exploration of food insecurity and its growing impact on college students. Presenters will discuss the definition and scope of food insecurity, examine where and how it most frequently affects students, and analyze the ways these challenges can hinder academic performance, wellbeing, and overall student success. In addition, we will highlight Berkshire Community College's ongoing efforts to address food insecurity within our own campus community, outlining how our strategies have evolved over time and showcasing the programs, partnerships, and innovations that continue to shape our commitment to supporting students' basic needs.

Betsy Gamrat

Squeeze in Some Python

Wrap your hands around one of the most popular programming languages - Python. In 30 minutes we'll get a snake to hiss "Hello World," then learn how to make it even friendlier. Python is an accessible programming language used to solve problems and work with data, and this hands-on session will introduce you to basic concepts and specific examples in a fun environment.

Eric Holmes

The Ethics of Prompt Injection

In Fall 2025 at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School, I used prompt injection to detect AI cheating. I embedded hidden text in a writing assignment instructing any AI tools used by students to reference "Bill's Burritos." 14% of students fell for this trap, confirming they'd copied the prompt into an AI tool and asked it to complete their work for them. My presentation, "The Ethics of Prompt Injection," examines whether this constituted entrapment and seeks to open up conversation with BCC faculty about the use of entrapment to catch the inappropriate use of AI.

Lyndsay Isham-Morton and Tammy Westlake

Advising with Intention: A Student-centered Process

A strong start matters. This session provides an overview of our new student advising process, designed to meet students where they are and help them navigate their transition to BCC with confidence. We'll review what we discuss during a student's first advising appointment and how the current practice emphasizes relationship-building and proactive outreach ensuring every student feels supported, informed, and empowered from day one.

Paul Johansen

A History of Hansen's Disease (aka Leprosy) from Bergen, Norway to Boston

Hansen's Disease (aka leprosy) is by far humanity's least contagious infectious disease. And yet it has produced the most intense stigma across time and geography. Why? The 1873 discovery of Mycobacterium leprae was a watershed moment in medical history, but does not get the attention it deserves. Different cultures have responded in very different ways to this disease. A common thread is the courage and resilience of the people who suffered the most, some of whom you will meet (virtually).

Cody Johnson

Can AI Co-authorship Be Academically Rigorous? A Graduate Student's Perspective

Much of the conversation about AI in academic work assumes or prescribes transactional use: student asks, AI answers, done. This presentation documents a different experiment: using AI throughout graduate-level research writing as an iterative editorial partner, exploring the metacognitive work involved, the intellectual friction generated, and what rigorous AI co-authorship might actually look like. It invites reflection on assessment, disclosure, and moving beyond binary thinking about AI in academic work.

Charlotte Lotz and Judith Monachina

Managing Responsibilities When You Have Too Many: A Story Circle

This session will explore managing the stress of our busy and complicated lives. If you have an elderly or sick parent or children and you are trying to give your energy to school and/or work, and you are also caring for others, this might be a session for you. What is a Story Circle? A safe space where a group of people tell personal stories, led by a facilitator.

Jim Mancall

"Percentages:" Can Sgt. Rock Tell an Anti-war Story?

On July 1, 1976, DC Comics published "Our Army at War" #297, which featured the long running character Sgt. Rock in "Percentages," a story that dramatizes the human cost of war. "Percentages" is a remarkable story, published at the height of the Bicentennial celebration, while subtly questioning manufactured patriotism. It both gestures back to the long history of war comics and forward to our day, as we prepare to celebrate Rev 250.

Alzie Mercado

Building a Creature Costume: The Technical Skills We Use for Cosplay

From drawings to the final product, this session will go over the step-by-step process of designing a creature costume in the creative craft we call cosplay. Attendees will learn how to start with a reference picture and make a proportional design that will serve as a guide for buying materials and building your costume in an efficient way. We'll also discuss common materials and tools that will be helpful for your cosplay journey.

Linda Merry

Cliff Swallows: A Microcosm in the Driving Force of Present Mass Extinction

The 2025 closure of Simon's Rock college means an uncertain future for the largest cliff swallow nesting colony in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, the town of Rowe has discontinued the cliff swallow nesting program, which is also bad news for the second largest cliff swallow nesting colony in the state. This presentation will outline the life history and present threats of nesting cliff swallows in the Northeastern U.S.

Kenneth Newberry, Jeremy LaCrosse and Cody Scolforo

Dungeons, Dice and Personal Development: The Hidden Curriculum of Role-playing Games

On their surface, games provide a pleasant diversion from our lives; they are fun. But what is going on underneath? Are games providing anything beyond a good time? Are games sneaking in valuable life lessons wrapped in a candy coating of entertainment? In this session we will do a little hands-on gaming (no experience required!), talk about some of the hidden benefits of gaming, and reflect on experiences in the BCC Dungeons and Dragons Club.

Abby Powers

Being Heard: Student Voice, Belonging and Persistence in Practice

This presentation highlights how coordinated listening can support continuity in the student experience, lower barriers to reaching out, and reinforce the work already happening across campus. Through student quotes collected through EdSights (BCC's AI chatbot tool for students) and shared reflection, participants will consider how student voice functions as trust, and how institutional responses can help students feel known, valued, and supported over time.

Denise Reid

Thrift Smart: The Art of Sustainable Shopping

Discover the art of thrifting! This workshop explores how buying secondhand clothing, accessories, and household items can save money, reduce waste, and spark creativity. Learn practical tips for finding quality pieces, styling thrifted fashion, and transforming pre-loved items into treasures for your home. Whether you're new to thrifting or a seasoned bargain hunter, you'll leave inspired to shop sustainably and make mindful choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.

L. Gordon Roberts

1776: Pittsfield's First Full Year of Revolution

Using primary source documents from the City of Pittsfield's archives, this session will examine Pittsfield's role in national and world affairs during the year 1776 as the United Colonies fighting a rebellion becomes the United States fighting for Independence.

Liesl Schwabe

Truth in Motion: Scottsboro in Calcutta

In Alabama in 1931, nine Black American teenagers were wrongfully convicted of raping two white women on a freight train. Thirty-seven years later and more than eight thousand miles away, their story was retold, in Bengali, on a stage in North Calcutta. Written and directed by the iconoclastic playwright Utpal Dutt, Maanusher Adhikare (The Rights of Man) both illuminates and revises the original trial and its outcome. While I was serving as a Fulbright-Nehru Scholar in 2024-25, my research included exploring Dutt's prismatic use of American racism and the contemporary questions it raises about the possibilities and limitations of solidarity.

Jonah Sykes and Rebecca Wehry

Cluck Around and Find Out! What Nobody Tells You About Backyard Chickens

Rebecca Wehry and Jonah Sykes will present on raising chickens in the Berkshires, following up on last year's presentation with more wisdom, insight, and research about aging birds, incubation anomalies, and biological oddities. Takeaways include helpful tips and important information about how to keep your girls happy in the Berkshires. Guests can meet Mary, the Brahma, and other special guests at this series about our feathered friends who know a thing or two about sustainable small farming practices.

Colin Wilson

Gamifying Learning: Using Entertainment Techniques for Better Student Engagement

Engaging learners can be a careful balance of different elements: clear direction but also independent decisions and quantifiable results. While there is a healthy amount of scholarship on how to solve this challenge, it is also something that game designers have been doing for centuries. Applying their understanding to the classroom is a valuable tool for educators looking to hook learners and transform their approach.

Lori Wynters

Staying Human Is the Work: An Embodied Conversation on Epistemology

What are some of the ways we as educators, researchers, artists, scholars and reflective practitioners access embodied knowledge and what value may it offer to our pedagogy, research, and practices? Drawing from a combination of the work of Sarah Ahmed, Audre Lorde, psychogeography, and expressive/creative arts practices, we will explore this question. In this workshop, participants will be led to explore different dimensions of their bodies (movement, senses and sensations, emotions, speech and silence, play and interaction) through an introduction into improvisation and body theatre techniques, exploring the centrality of our bodies, emotions, sensations, thinking as researchers, and constructers of knowledge.

Students

Berry Attoh, Courtney Dinan and Rachael McHugh

Lyme Disease

Sponsor Crystal Kruszyna

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in children in the United States and can significantly impact physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development if not promptly identified and treated. This presentation examines the pathophysiology of pediatric Lyme disease, focusing on infection with Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted through Ixodes tick exposure. Disease progression is discussed across early localized, early disseminated, and late stages, highlighting neurologic involvement, cardiac manifestations, and Lyme arthritis. Special attention is given to Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), emphasizing that while most children recover fully within six months, a small subset experience persistent symptoms requires supportive management rather than prolonged antibiotic therapy.

The developmental implications of Lyme disease are examined through Erikson's Initiative versus Guilt stage, as affected children may experience fatigue, pain, and decreased participation in play, potentially disrupting motor, social, and emotional milestones. An interdisciplinary approach to care is important, involving pediatric infectious disease specialists, neurologists, physical or occupational therapists, mental health professionals, and school nurses or case managers. Each discipline contributes targeted interventions to support recovery, symptom management, emotional well-being, and academic reintegration.

The nursing process (ADPIE) is applied to a pediatric case scenario to demonstrate comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. Emphasis is placed on family education, symptom monitoring, emotional reassurance, and age-appropriate autonomy. Overall, this project teaches the importance of early recognition, evidence-based treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developmental support to enhance outcomes for children with Lyme disease.

Natalie Bennett and Frederick Simon

Collaborative Care of Wilms Tumor from the Nursing Perspective

Sponsor Crystal Kruszyna

Wilms Tumor, also known as Nephroblastoma is the most common pediatric renal cancer and the fourth most common pediatric cancer overall. About 650 new cases occur in the U.S. per year; the disease has about a 92% survival rate in the United States (Leslie et al., 2023). Tumors develop from an embryonic kidney issue which improperly persists beyond gestation and is associated with several non-inherited genetic markers and hub genes (Liu et al, 2021). Symptoms may include abdominal mass, abdominal pain, hematuria, altered blood pressure, fever, varicocele, dyspnea, tachycardia and UTI (Chintagumpala 2025). Nursing care should focus on managing symptoms, coordinating complex treatment pathways, supporting patient developmental challenges and familial-social impacts brought on by the diagnosis and treatment plan. Priority patient concerns relate to body image and self-perception, delayed or disrupted developmental milestones, potentially inadequate support for caregivers, and complications from surgery and chemotherapy (Makic and Martinez-Kratz 2023). Successful treatment requires coordination across several disciplines such as primary care, radiology, pediatric oncology, urology, vascular surgery, nurse navigators or case management as well as potentially social work and available supportive community resources (Chintagumpala, 2025).

Faye Bontemps

The Feeling of Music

Sponsor Nell McCabe

This presentation explores the effect that music has on human emotions and why different people respond differently to certain aspects of music. The varying emotions associated with music can emerge from experiences, culture, and deep-rooted instincts. We may instinctively associate loud noises with the fear of imminent danger, or repetitive rhythms with the adrenaline-fueled rush of a hunt. When paired with people's experiences, music takes on the meaning of the context that surrounds it. For example, A minor key in Western culture is known to be melancholic; some cultures don't make that association, however. Taking the time to understand the emotional meanings in music could allow for a better perspective on human nature and, most importantly, yourself.

Dana Brassard

TSS Caused by S. aureus

Sponsor Amanda Lardizabal

The purpose of the Unknown Bacterium Project was to use tests in the lab to identify a bacterium from 16 different options using morphological, biochemical, and physiological tests. After finding out what the bacterium was, further research was done on a specific disease or illness it may cause. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that is found on the skin and mucous membrane and in the environment. If it is able to enter the body, it can cause multiple diseases or infections such as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is caused by the bacterium S. aureus and can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly. TSS is caused by surgery site infections, skin injuries, or when a tampon is left inside the vagina for a long period of time. This infection can lead to sepsis, low blood pressure, and organ failure. Some S. aureus can be resistant to the antibiotic methicillin; these strains are called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and treated with clindamycin, fludoxacillian, and nefcillin. When S. aureus is not methicillin resistant, the antibiotic penicillin is used. Prevention of TSS includes keeping surgery sites and skin injuries clean, changing tampons every 4-8 hours and using the lowest absorbency tampon.

Davey Castegnaro

Reflections from the 2025 CCSLA Fall Conference

Sponsor Abby Powers

Attending the 2025 CCSLA Fall Conference was an incredible opportunity to grow as a student leader and connect with others who are passionate about making a difference. This conference brought together student leaders, advisors, and community college staff from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island to focus on communication, teamwork, student engagement, and inclusive leadership.

This was my fourth time attending a CCSLA conference and my third as President of the Berkshire Community College Student Government Association (SGA). Having attended before allowed me to get more out of the sessions, discussions, and group activities while also reflecting on my growth as a student leader. I attended hoping to learn new strategies to bring to BCC, strengthen my leadership skills, and discover ideas that could help improve our campus community and support other student leaders.

In this presentation, I share the key takeaways that were most meaningful to me, including lessons on shared leadership, collaboration, and creating inclusive spaces. I also connect these insights to my roles at BCC serving as SGA President and helping with New Student Orientation, and I reflect on how these experiences have helped me understand my own leadership style and responsibilities.

Finally, I explore how the knowledge and skills gained can be applied to strengthen SGA initiatives, increase campus engagement, and foster a more connected and inclusive college environment. This presentation highlights how leadership conferences like CCSLA provide practical tools and experiences that help student leaders grow, build confidence, and make a meaningful impact on their campuses.

Taylor Defer

Infective Endocarditis Caused by Enterococcus faecalis

Sponsor Amanda Lardizabal

The "Unknown Project" was a project in which students were given a mysterious bacterium and instructed to complete a series of laboratory tests with the goal of identifying which of several bacteria they had through the process of elimination. Through a series of chemical tests, I was able to identify my bacterium as Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium that is usually considered harmless and is found in the human gut. In addition to identifying the bacterium, the project required students to research the organism itself, any associated conditions it can cause, the signs and symptoms of those conditions, related diagnostic procedures, and available treatment options. Through this research, I learned that E. faecalis can cause many conditions and diseases, including infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart that can be deadly. Identification of this disease can be difficult, as symptoms tend to be general and non-specific, often resulting in a delay in treatment. Once identified, treatment options for those with Infective Endocarditis are equally limited because E. faecalis is considered a multidrug-resistant organism, or MDRO, meaning it is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. My research of the bacterium and the resulting condition demonstrate how normally harmless bacteria can be opportunistic, causing significant health concerns under certain conditions.

Norah Esko

Social Media's Impact on Overconsumption

Sponsor Thomas Tyning

In my 16-slide presentation, I discuss the negative impacts of social media, specifically its role in encouraging overconsumption. Social media continues to grow every day, and with that growth comes a constant stream of advertisements promoting products that are often unnecessary. This project began as a personal self-reflection when I realized I owned many items I didn’t use and didn’t have space for.

As I continued my research, I began to understand how heavily social media platforms rely on ads, promotions, and misleading information. I noticed that I was consuming far more than I was actually using. To explore this further, I conducted a small study using my own social media accounts to track how many ads appeared within a two-minute time span. The results were surprising and far more concerning than I expected.

This presentation highlights how social media influences consumer behavior and encourages viewers to think more critically about their own online habits and purchasing decisions.

Colleen Fallon

Salon Story Sections

Sponsor Barbara Kotelnicki

The Salon Story Section is a community literacy pilot that I started up as an honors component. This project places small book collections in local hair and nail salons across Berkshire County with help from local groups of girls to help me sort and deliver. By bringing books into everyday waiting spaces, the project encourages reading for all ages while strengthening connections between local businesses, families, and the community.

Charlotte Fleury-Belman

Woodland Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles punctipennis) Identified in Richmond, MA for Wolbachia Project

Sponsor Jacob Barnett

This project investigates the presence of Wolbachia in the woodland malaria mosquito Anopheles punctipennis in Western Massachusetts. Although native to North America, this species' relationship with Wolbachia remains understudied, particularly in Western Massachusetts. By identifying and genetically screening a locally collected specimen, this study aims to determine whether Wolbachia infection occurs in this population and assess its potential implications for mosquito fertility and malaria transmission. The findings may contribute to broader Wolbachia-based vector control strategies and support regional surveillance efforts under changing environmental conditions.

Alex Fuster

The Importance of Independent Pharmacies

Sponsor Liesl Schwabe

This presentation will explore the recent changes within the retail pharmacies business in the United States and its impact on local communities. It examines how large corporate chains have been replacing independent pharmacies, reducing personalized care and access to services, especially in rural areas like the Berkshires. Using real world observations and my personal experience, the presentation will highlight the economic and social consequences of pharmacy closures and explain why independent pharmacies are essential to maintaining quality healthcare.

Keeley McKenney

Wolbachia Bacterium Found in Water Strider (Gerris sp.) in Dalton, Massachusetts

Sponsor Jacob Barnett

Wolbachia is a bacterium that can live within the cells of many species of arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans, etc.). It passes through generations from infected mother to offspring, often altering the host's reproductive processes to spread more efficiently. It can also stop hosts, such as mosquitos (Culicidae sp.), from contracting certain viruses and spreading them to other organisms. My research aimed to discover if Wolbachia-infected the Water Striders (Gerris sp.) in Dalton, Massachusetts as a contribution to Penn State's Wolbachia Project. I wild-caught one Water Strider from a brook in Dalton, extracted the DNA from its abdomen, ran three different rounds of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and visualized the PCR products against known controls using Gel Electrophoresis. My results showed the Water Strider to be infected with Wolbachia. To determine a more confident identification for my arthropod and its Wolbachia strain, the DNA was sent to a lab to be sequenced. Sequencing showed my arthropod to be a Non-Biting Midge (Chironomidae sp.), and the Wolbachia to be from the Supergroup A strain. My data was uploaded to the Wolbachia Project database to aid in uncovering where Wolbachia is present, what types of arthropods it is infecting, and what strains of Wolbachia are infecting certain areas as well as arthropods. This may contribute to the control of arthropod-borne virus infections in humans (Homo sapiens).

Colleen Murphy

Waldorf

Sponsor Barbara Kotelnicki

I will be presenting my honors component research project about the Waldorf schools. I have done in-depth research into how and why Waldorf schools design their classrooms and curriculum the way they do, how this benefits childhood development, and how I can incorporate some of these practices into my own classroom.

Jason Raffey

Berkshire County Geology and Associated Economic Products

Sponsor Thomas Tyning

Berkshire County, Massachusetts is bordered by the Taconic Mountains on the west and the Berkshire highlands to the east. Geologically, the area presents a unique vision into the past, and its formation is the consequence of several orogenies, accretions, and ice age events. Through online research and personal interviews with mining experts in the region, the presentation here explains how the bedrock of the Berkshires (and indeed, the entire Eastern North American coast) came into creation. Further, in determining its value economically, the Berkshire foundations and environs are evaluated monetarily and from a personal perspective. Its value as a natural resource is compared between its functional mineral content and its drawing of tourism dollars and real estate attractive ability. Conclusively, the region has been better served by its ability to inspire personal joy in residents and tourists alike while the elements that pilfer the bedrock serve the residents and nature somewhat poorly.

Braden Rice, Ethan DuBreuill and Robert Perry

Water Quality and Assessment

Sponsor Bruce Winn

Students applied skills learned in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (ENV-205) to community projects. Projects included a pre-project assessment of a stream before removal of a 19th century dam, and creating a baseline assessment of a section of the Housatonic River for Berkshire Environmental Action Team's newly purchased property. Assays included pH, turbidity, nitrate levels, streamflow, bacteriological studies and more. The work will continue with a new group of students in the upcoming semester.

Shelsy Rodriguez

Water Speaks to Us

Sponsor Bruce Winn

My project combines water quality science and visual art to communicate the health of the Housatonic River near the Berkshire Environmental Action Team. In Summer 2025, I collected and analyzed data such as pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, turbidity, and E. coli using standard monitoring methods. Instead of presenting these results only as charts or tables, I translated the data into visual artworks, using color and composition to represent changes and patterns in the river. The goal is to make scientific information more accessible and emotionally engaging, especially for communities that depend on these water bodies but may not have access to technical reports. By blending research and artistic practice, I aim to show how art can function as a tool for environmental communication and water stewardship.

Katie Smegal

How Dreams Help Process Emotional Situations in Real Life

Sponsor Lori Wynters

I wrote two brief research papers on dreams and how what you dream can help you process repressed emotions for your conscious life. I then took this information and made it into a fictional podcast episode in which a dream is interviewed and explains how it all works.

Jeffrey Thomson

From Broadway Dreams to New Beginnings: The Power of Mentorship

Sponsor William Pelosky

My journey to BCC has been circuitous. Before March 2020, I was on track to set New York City ablaze with a rock musical I had written for Broadway. The money? Secured. The producers? On board. The talent? Emmy and Tony-award winners were lined up. And then, the pandemic hit.

I felt lost, wandering my house like a ghost, constantly replaying "the life that could've been" in my head. It took a year of reflection, but I ultimately made the decision to become a non-traditional student at BCC.

I knew, given my age and background that every opportunity mattered, and I wanted a mentor. From my very first meeting with my mentor, it was clear that he was extraordinary. Through thoughtful guidance and practical heuristics, he helped me map a new path forward.

Through my mentor, and with the support of Charlotte Lotz and Sarah Burdick, I applied for the Massachusetts Municipal Finance Fellowship, and thanks to their guidance I was selected. Last summer, I immersed myself in municipal finance across a number of finance departments at Pittsfield City Hall, discovering a field that was entirely new to me, and thriving in it.

None of this would have been possible without mentorship. My mentor's encouragement, wisdom, and steady support gave me the confidence to reinvent myself and embrace opportunities I might never have pursued on my own. To me, having a mentor is an invaluable part of the BCC experience.

BCC student presenting during Scholars Day

About Scholars Day

Scholars Day is a conference-style event to honor and learn from the scholarly, creative, and assessment work all of us do — faculty, staff and students. It is a combination of the Undergraduate Scholars Conference that the College has held for many years with presentations from faculty and staff. Scholars Day aligns with our mission and our Strategic Plan in that it fosters life-long learning, supports a culture of assessment, and showcases a High Impact Practice (student undergraduate research). It is an opportunity to celebrate the work that all of us do at the College.

BCC students presenting during Scholars Day

Abstracts

2025

View Scholars Day photos on Flickr™

Employee Abstracts
Title Description Presenters
Integrating Innovative Micro-industrial Technologies into Theatrical Design This presentation provides an investigation of micro-industrial technologies (3D printing, laser engraving, computer aided design and rendering, and file sharing applications) as it applies to theatrical design. This investigation will be made through examples from current professional projects at theatre companies across the country. Participants will have the chance to gain:
  • A new understanding of theatrical design and technology and the innovative practices that designers are now implementing;
  • A snapshot of technologies that could be integrated into teaching practices and research practices across the College;
  • An awareness of resources and potential resources available to faculty and students through the science commons; and
  • A really fun presentation with possible donuts.
 Jack Golden
Assessing Shared Course Outcomes (Without Going Crazy) History faculty recently met to assess student learning for the first common student learning outcome (SLO) in HIS 121. It was a productive and — yes — enjoyable experience. It was also time-consuming, begging the question: How do we make this work for all the other history SLOs (without going crazy)? After sharing the process and results for history, we'll "workshop" how this could be done more simply and sustainably across disciplines. Bring your own SLOs so we can share models and ideas for assessing SLOs. Chris Laney
Environmental Barrier Coatings for Aircraft Engines: A Review of Current Technology and Recent Experiments from NASA Glenn Research This presentation will provide an introduction to thermal spray coatings and one of its cutting-edge applications: protecting ceramic components during high-temperature service in aircraft engines. The session will first introduce terminology, basic technical concepts, and applications. The second half will focus on coating development work performed in the Summer of 2024 at the NASA Glenn Research Center plasma spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) rig and materials testing facilities. The presentation will explain improvements in coating consistency, microstructure, and phase analysis as well as preliminary high-temperature testing results. Participants will have a chance to:
  • Understand what thermal spray is and what it is used for, or what the significance of coatings is for industrial development; and
  • Learn what the forefront of the industry is doing at NASA with some help from yours truly this past summer.
 Jose Colmenares
Mental Health in Higher Education Please join us for a discussion of the importance of student mental health to success in higher education. The three speakers will be Lisa Mattila, Senior Academic/Personal Counselor; Pamela Farron, Coordinator of the Disability Resource Center; and Paul Johansen, Adjunct Faculty. After setting the stage with some national trends and BCC-specific support programs, we want to engage in an honest discussion about the challenges of being a student while maintaining individual mental health. Paul Johansen, Lisa Mattila and Pamela Farron
Pittsfield Prepares for the American Revolution This research presentation will share how Pittsfield, as well as many other communities across the Commonwealth, were preparing for the possibilities of hostilities between colonial and British imperial forces months before fighting actually erupted. The session will include a presentation of slides, maps and pictures, as well as document scans that show that Pittsfield was preparing for the American Revolution months before the Battle of Lexington and Concord. It will also highlight the local opportunities for scholastic research in this area. Gordon Roberts
The Art of Brevity A lot of the teaching of composition focuses on length, be it ten pages, five paragraphs, or 300 words. Length in writing is often assumed by students to be a minimum rather than a maximum but there is something to be said for the art of brevity. In this presentation, adjunct instructor Eric Holmes will detail how he focuses on brevity in the teaching of professional writing. Participants will gain a greater understanding of the importance of brevity in some genres of writing and how providing more information than is needed can create enmity with the audience. Eric Holmes
Cluck Yeah! A Fun Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens in the Berkshires Learn about the process of raising chickens in your own backyard, from incubation to shelter to braving the elements and protecting your flock from predators. Rebecca Wehry and Jonah Sykes will detail how they got involved in raising their feathered friends and how they approach the various obstacles and opportunities associated with raising fowl in New England. Participants should come away with an understanding of how to set up their own chicken coop and how to raise their own chickens in their own backyards. Facilitators will share advice, guidance, logistics, and more. This session will inspire folks to start raising their own chickens but will also provide some tips and explanations of a variety of costs and obstacles that raising chickens entails. Jonah Skyes and Rebecca Wehry
The Snake That Loved People This is the story of a lonely snake from the Berkshire Hills that set out to see the world — and ended up turning a small part of it upside down. Timber rattlesnake researchers remain dumbfounded to explain what this rattlesnake did and why. There's ongoing research on Endangered Species here in the Berkshires. Even though we know a lot more than in the past, there's always new things to discover, even if they have no immediate explanation. Tom Tyning
Mental Health First Aide Training Course at BCC Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. At BCC we have instructors that became trainers in MHFA with hopes of sharing this training with many cohorts and faculty. Katie Polchlopek and Kim VanDeusen
Stall Tactics: Bathroom Bills and the Civil Rights Backlash to Bostock This session offers an overview of a section of my dissertation, which examines the backlash to the landmark Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) Supreme Court decision. This case was the first to provide transgender individuals with legal protections from employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The chapter focuses on state-level efforts to pass laws restricting transgender access to public restrooms that match their gender identity, reflecting a longstanding history in which public bathrooms have served as sites where questions of citizenship and social inclusion are actively contested. Participants will gain an understanding of the historical, legal, and social dimensions of sex-segregated bathrooms in the United States. By examining key factors such as Victorian-era gender ideologies, racial segregation, and the exclusion of disabled populations, participants will understand the ways in which public bathrooms have served as contentious spaces in the struggle for civil rights and public accommodations. The session will highlight how access to these spaces has been a significant civil rights issue, as well as how contemporary debates often provoke deeper societal anxieties about gender non-conformity. Participants can expect to leave with a nuanced understanding of how public bathrooms have historically and continue to serve as political battlegrounds. Mary Dickman
Biology and Nursing Alignment The Biology and Nursing departments are working together to create a scaffolding process for students that ensures a smooth transition from the Biology Pre-Nursing courses to the Nursing program. In this session, we will share the importance of alignment, the process of alignment, and initial findings. The primary focus of this work is to align the learning outcomes of the Fundamentals of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Nursing courses. These efforts ensure that the Biology Department is providing a firm foundation for Pre-Nursing students. Before the formal start of this work, preliminary alignment has already improved program completion rates and NCLEX-RN pass rates. This crucial work will result in short-term benefits, by fostering student success and improving the student learning experience, and long-term benefits, by leading to safe, competent registered nurses. Participants will be able to:
  • Describe the importance and benefits of course alignment (both short-term and long-term benefits);
  • Discuss the impact on student persistence and retention; and
  • Implement alignment strategies within a program and between programs.
 Amanda Lardizabal, Linden Crane and Sarah Broughel
Cliff Swallows: A Preliminary of Ferren's Hypothesis This presentation will cover the basic life history, behavior, and environmental stressors affecting cliff swallows and other aerial insectivores. The heart of the presentation will explore "Ferren's hypothesis," the Campus Big Dig of 2023. We will explore the mobile mud source project done at Simon's Rock and BCC during the 2024nesting season, and what can hopefully be accomplished in the 2025 nesting season. I hope to pique the interest of at least a few individuals enough to assist in the creation and maintenance of two temporary mud sources on the BCC campus for the duration of the 2025 cliff swallow nesting season. The placement of the mud sources ideally will be in the vicinity of their former mud gathering locations. Linda Merry
Enacting Equity in Higher Education We know that higher education has long upheld systems of power and privilege at the expense of marginalized students. In an age where talking about equity is forbidden at the federal level, how do we continue to engage in the work of dismantling these systems and move toward racial equity? This interactive session will examine the component characteristics of White Supremacy Culture (Okun, 2021), how these characteristics show up in higher education, and approaches for moving toward a more collectivist model for the benefit of all students — without ending up on a watch list. Participants will be able to:
  • Identify the characteristics of White Supremacy Culture;
  • Connect WSC to oppression and marginalization of students;
  • Process the ways in which higher education as an institution upholds WSC; and
  • Envision concrete ways in which we can pivot toward a more collectivist model of education.
 Erin Milne
What Students Wish We Knew Ever wonder what students wish we knew about their lives and about their everyday experiences, and how challenges they face impact their learning? In this session, you'll hear from some of your student support colleagues about what they've learned about our students' lives, and you'll have a chance to share your own ideas and thoughts about how to best help our students be successful. We'll do this by discussing a challenging student case study, talking through approaches to supporting students in difficult situations, and collaborating to generate a list of strategies to support student success. You will leave with specific ideas from your colleagues to support your students that you can implement right away. Gabriela Sheehan, Sarah Burdick, Alicia Ginsberg and Lyndsay Isham-Morton
Harnessing Student Development Theory for Impactful Practice This session introduces participants to foundational Student Development Theory, highlighting its value in shaping effective educational practices. We'll explore how theory-informed strategies enhance both student outcomes and professional growth. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will learn to apply theory to assess and support student learning and development in their own roles. Join us to deepen your understanding and advance your career by leveraging theory as a powerful tool for meaningful impact in higher education. Adam Klepetar and Casey Young
Open Educational Resources: BCC Data and Perspectives National data have suggested that using free, Open Educational Resources benefits all learners, but OER is associated with even greater gains for minoritized and/or first-generation students. For the first time, BCC now has data from last year bearing out these same results locally with our own students. In addition to sharing recent success data, we'll also hear from a variety of faculty and students sharing their experiences with OER and how using it has enhanced their work as teachers and learners. Participants will be able to:
  • Compare BCC success rates by course materials cost to data from national studies such as the University of Georgia Study of 2018;
  • Appreciate the efforts of faculty who have utilized OER for their own courses, and their perspectives on how it has impacted their teaching practice; and
  • Understand students' perspectives on textbook costs and ways in which OER materials have aided their educational journey at BCC.
 Matt Martin
Student Abstracts
Title Description Presenters
Creating Text Sets Creating text sets for your students helps to build their background knowledge and vocabulary as a way to introduce various examples of literature in an enriching and engaging format. Text sets typically center around a theme/topic with an anchor book that branches out into other genres that share the common theme. Text sets also include activities that create connections to the books by having students experience the main theme in a broader and appealing way. Inspired by Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence learning, text sets include various ways children experience the theme and vocabulary of the text. Whether it's pictures with lots of visuals or materials and activities that invite children to explore using their senses, the text set provides wonderful ways for every child to gain access to rich literacy experiences. The text set that I created is based on the theme of food and nutrition and was created for children in a toddler to pre-k classroom. Children in this age range are being introduced to the concepts of self-help skills and expanding their vocabulary of everyday objects and experiences. The category of food and nutrition is rich in its diversity of texts and allows for multiple possibilities to create and connect to curriculum. Food and nutrition are subjects that are universally experienced and act as a bridge among cultures, traditions, and age ranges. I chose for the anchor text The Hungry Little Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Branching off of this book I created a text set that includes varied types and visually diverse forms of literature, activities and multimedia tools. This text set can be used by early childhood educators and families to captivate and encourage young children to develop an enjoyment of literature and expand their vocabulary and horizons. Eva Simonian
M≥Monday – Building Your Brand Through Digital Tools M≥Monday is a live-action digital journal designed to help students build their personal brand, showcase their skills, and share their journey in real-time. By using simple digital tools like HTML, CSS, and WordPress, this platform allows students to manage projects, reflect on their progress, and broadcast their work to potential employers, collaborators, or broader networks through platforms like LinkedIn. The blog is more than a creative outlet — it's a tool for presenting findings, sharing data, and analyzing completed projects in a way that's professional yet personal. Whether for creative or academic work, M≥Monday bridges the gap between learning and applying digital skills, showing how technology can empower students to explore, organize, and broadcast their unique contributions. By participating in the conference, M≥Monday highlights how acquiring basic digital skills can help students not only stay current with technology but also leverage it to build connections, demonstrate growth, and create opportunities for themselves beyond the classroom. It's a powerful tool for anyone ready to take control of their learning and future. Zarina Dyussen
World of Groin In a world that's neither here nor there (or anywhere for that matter), and where humans are nowhere to be found are the Groins, a species of bipedal creatures with little intelligence, a complete lack of self-awareness and humanity and a knack for violence. The World of Groin is told through acrylic paintings and a comprehensive species guidebook. Learn the groin life cycle, from the infantile stage of the "Grub" to the reproductive stage of the "Mother of Groin." Examine Groin culture and learn everything from the 100 Year March, to the shunning of nudism. Their world is shrouded in strange impossibilities and mysterious origin. Where did the symbols on their chests come from? Why do they covet rocks? Who is the famed J^2? All will be explained in "The World of Groin." The original Groin was my brother's creation. We would both throw around ideas that would make each other laugh and write it down. Soon however, I would begin to expand the World of Groin myself, building off what my brother and I had created. From there began the paintings, writing origin for the Groins, and eventually creating a species guidebook for them. The whole thing is a creation to behold. It can at times be stupid, disturbing, funny and overall, a strange world to peer into. The project will be presented in a number of mediums, mostly focused on paintings, but also on drawings and sculptures. I very much hope you enjoy the bizarre World of Groin. Conroy Franklin Casey
Music in Ancient China: Its History, Philosophy, and Legacy This presentation examines the significant influence of music in ancient China, as it went beyond artistic expression to serve as a fundamental element of governance, ethics, and spiritual rituals. Rooted in Confucian and Daoist beliefs, Chinese music was viewed as a representation of cosmic balance and a tool for developing individual moral character and social harmony. The presentation explores the historical development of Chinese music, beginning with its mythological beginnings involving Ling Lun and the pentatonic scale, moving through its incorporation into state ceremonies during the Zhou Dynasty, and culminating in its peak during the Tang Dynasty. It emphasizes how music reflected the philosophical concepts of harmony and simplicity while influencing Chinese cultural identity. Core themes encompass the interaction of Confucian morals and Daoist worldview in forming musical traditions, the impact of instruments such as the guqin and pipa, and the significance inherent in the pentatonic scale. The article also explores the global reach of Chinese music, demonstrating its lasting significance with instances like Hans Zimmer's Kung Fu Panda soundtrack and the Twelve Girls Band, which combine traditional and modern elements. Through an examination of music's importance in ancient Chinese culture and its impact on contemporary global music, the paper highlights its enduring philosophical relevance. The conversation wraps up with a personal insight on integrating these principles into today's works (including my own compositions as a musician), connecting age-old traditions with contemporary artistic expression. This research helps illuminate how historical musical philosophies still inspire and unite cultures over time and distance. Clara B. Guatta Cescuni
The Responsive Classroom For my final research project in EDU-105 Foundations of Education, I chose to take a deeper dive into what the Responsive Classroom model looks like in action. This presentation describes the hallmark practice of "Morning Meeting" with personal pictures and examples from a day in a second-grade classroom. It examines the idea of "Active Learning" which encourages and inspires peer collaboration, student ownership, empowerment, risk taking, retention, and much more. This developmentally responsive approach helps to build a culture of community and belonging. Responsive classroom considers cognitive and affective development through the use of consistent classroom routines, engagement of learners, student led inquiry, and the involvement of student families. This presentation explores aspects like the use of "Energizers," "Teamwork," the magic of "Quiet Time," and "Closing Circle," all of which are integral in a true "Responsive Classroom." Finally, it addresses "The Heart of the Responsive Classroom" and the innumerable benefits to students, teachers, and communities. Evangeline Weller
PTSD and Support in Our Area My project focuses on support for children and adults diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, in Berkshire County. It can be caused or brought on by witnessing or being a victim to a traumatic event. These traumatic events can include but are not limited to domestic violence, sexual assault, a violent crime, natural or human-caused disasters, a serious illness and/or death of a loved one, and combat exposure. PTSD symptoms can be separated into four main categories: avoidance, intrusive thoughts, negative changes in thinking and mood, and lastly negative changes in physical and emotional reactions. Because of the many different symptoms to PTSD, there are many different therapeutic interventions that a person dealing with PTSD can seek out for treatment. Most of the time, a combined number of methods works best, for example, group support and psychiatric care. Some of the most common treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric care, where you might try out medication, and therapy. Therapy can include group therapy, family therapy and/or one on one therapy. About 12 million Americans suffer from PTSD during any given year. The best way to try and prevent someone from developing PTSD is to seek out timely treatment after exposure to a traumatic event. It is important for those suffering from PTSD, and their families, to know that they are not alone. Knowing where to get help in our area is imperative in helping those in need. We can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by raising awareness in our community! Rachel Taylor
Identification of Enterococcus Faecalis "The Unknown Report" is a project in which students are given an unidentified bacterium and must run physical and chemical tests to diagnose and identify the bacterium. The bacterium in this project was Enterococcus faecalis. The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive coccus shaped bacterium. This bacterium is typically commensal to the human gut, but in certain cases can be the cause of an infection. This bacterium can cause nosocomial diseases, meaning it is mostly contracted and spread in the healthcare setting. The immuno-compromised and elderly groups of the population are much more susceptible to contracting an Enterococcus faecalis infection. In the healthcare setting, identification of this bacterium usually requires a urine sample, as the most common disease it causes is a urinary tract infection Tyler W. Duquette
Influenza A: The Pandemic Flu There are three types of Influenza known as A, B, and C strains, but this project will focus on Influenza A, the most virulent of the three types listed. Influenza type A, or pandemic influenza, is a viral infection caused by orthomyxovirus. Influenza A can be infectious, ranging from seasonal flu to global threat pandemics. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have only been four "pandemic" Influenza events in the last 100 years. There are several subtypes of the Influenza A virus based on its structure. There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin and 11 types of neuraminidases. Only a few of the combinations are known to be infectious to humans. Pandemics are caused when a new strain of Influenza A emerges, and the host immune system has no defenses. An infamous strain of Influenza A is H1N1, which was responsible for the outbreak in 1918 that reportedly claimed 40-50 million lives. Several medications help treat and lessen the severity of Influenza infections. Influenza A strains constantly mutate, substituting proteins and becoming resistant to many antiviral medications, causing concern for future outbreaks. Caleb Stone
Measurements of Neonatal Eastern Garter Snakes and Hatchling Painted Turtles from Berkshire County, Massachusetts During the spring semester of the field methods research class, we conducted a study on eastern garter snakes and hatchling painted turtles. We measured various parameters for the garter snakes, including snout-to-vent length, tail length, ventral scales, and subcaudal scales, subsequently calculating their overall length. The data was organized in an Excel spreadsheet to determine statistical measures such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, and variance. For the painted turtles, we collected data by measuring the carapace and plastron lengths and widths, along with their total weight in grams. All specimens were sourced from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with data collection occurring between September 20th and Oct. 20, 2024. The primary aim of our research was to investigate the utilization of an artificial habitat made of wood and metal by the garter snakes, while also assessing the size and activity of the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) on campus. Ongoing studies will enhance our understanding of this species, which is prevalent in the Berkshires, yet there remains a continuous need for further data on their morphology and behaviors. Robert Garth Perry
Exploring Aquatic Insects in Berkshire County Through Fly-Fishing Freshwater ecosystems have seen drastic decline, with an average 83% decline since 1980. Insects at large have seen a 45% decline globally, in the last 40 years. The Berkshires have an abundance of aquatic insects that play crucial roles in freshwater ecosystems. They provide forage for fish, amphibians, birds, and other insects. The Housatonic watershed has been taken advantage of, and it can be inferred that things like PCBs and pollution have contributed to local population decline in wildlife. Hopefully with more research, the loss of wildlife can be highlighted, and more action can be taken. Through fly-fishing, people can be introduced to aquatic insects and hopefully gain an interest in protecting them. John Beauregard
Demonstrating Phenotypic Mutations in D. Melanogaster Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are model organisms that are used in teaching and researching genetic mutations. This experiment was designed to demonstrate how different types of mutations occur when fruit flies with different phenotypic traits are crossed. The mutations used in this experiment were either autosomal or sex-linked genes, of which would be dominant, partially dominant, or recessive. Punnett squares use the parents' known genes to predict the percentage of the possible combinations of genes the offspring will inherit; in this case they predicted the different phenotypic mutations the fly offspring would possess. After the parent flies were crossed and the resulting offspring were counted, the predicted percentages from the Punnett squares were compared to the actual counts and percentages of fly mutations and sex. Virgin female fruit flies were used in most of the P1 generations, which was beneficial and aided in accurate data across the generations due to the ability to pair the P1 females with the intended P1 males. Not all of the crosses were able to begin with virgin P1 females which was not ideal to demonstrate clean crosses, but it did allow for the opportunity to use Punnett squares to explain where the unexpected results of some F1 and F2 generations' phenotypic traits originated. The results of this experiment supported my hypothesis; that if two fruit flies with phenotypic mutations are paired together, then the resulting offspring will follow the results of their corresponding Punnett square. Morgan Depson
Creating Connections in Literature for Early Learners: A Text Set on Food and Nutrition Creating text sets for your students helps in building their knowledge and vocabulary as a way to introduce various examples of literature in an enriching and engaging format. Each text set is based off a theme with an initial anchor book that branches out into other forms of literature that share that common theme. These text sets also include activities that create connections to the book by having the student experience the main theme in a broader and appealing way. Inspired by Gardner's theory of multi-intelligence learning, text sets include various ways children experience the theme and vocabulary of the text. Whether it is pictures for children who are more visual, or a game for children who learn more tactility, the text set provides wonderful ways for every child to have an opportunity to learn how they are most comfortable. The text set that I created was based off the theme of food and nutrition, and was created for children with ages ranging from toddler to pre-k. Children in this age range are being introduced to the concepts of self-help skills, and they are creating vocabulary from everyday objects and experiences. The category of food and nutrition is rich in its diversity of texts and allows for multiple possibilities to create and connect to curriculum. Food and nutrition is a subject matter that is universally experienced and that acts as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and age ranges. I chose for the anchor book The Hungry Little Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Branching off of this text I created a text set that includes various types and visually diverse forms of literature, activities and multimedia tools. The text set I created can be used by early childhood educators and families to captivate and encourage young children to develop an enjoyment of literature and expand their vocabulary and horizons. Eva Simonian
How SGA Is Helping Me Grow as a Future Politician Participating in SGA for BCC has given me an experience that lit a fire within me to grow a deeper passion for politics and equipped me with some skills that I continue to learn for my future political career. As a student leader, I have had the opportunity to keep an open mind when it comes to diverse perspectives, building coalitions, and advocate policies that not only represent me as a student, but all other student bodies on campus. This experience has helped me develop stronger communication skills, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which are extremely invaluable in politics. I learned Robert's rules, how to work with administrators, and build a relationship with literally everyone on campus. Moreover, student government provided me with a platform to address pressing issues affecting students, such as mental health, affordability, and inclusivity. By working on initiatives, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of policy making and the importance of collaboration on compromise with other members of the SGA. My experience in the SGA has deepened my understanding of politics and instilled in me a sense of purpose and responsibility to serve not only the student body, but the community I live in as well. In the near future I will represent the public in my community as a whole. Not limiting my abilities to help only students, but everyone! I am confident that the skills, knowledge, and networks I gained through SGA will serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors. A true person for the people cannot be bought. I will spread my wings and shield everyone from corruption. Victor Xavier Reyes Pagan
Static Study and Stress Simulation of a Motorcycle Frame This project is an examination of how the frame of a motorcycle responds to forces, to better understand how frame design and modifications can affect safety in the event of an impact. A 1996 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 was used as a reference to design a simple, two-dimensional custom frame, in which the distribution of force from a direct front-end impact was first calculated manually. The two-dimensional frame was then converted to a three-dimensional model and a static stress simulation was performed using the same force and point of impact as the original study. As a final step, complexity was added to the simple frame design, and a second static stress simulation was performed, however, the limitations of the software affected the results of the comparison. Autodesk Fusion was used to model the simulated frame, and its simulation environment was used to perform the computerized study. Michael Morse
Live Closer to Nature, One Walk at a Time We all know nature has many benefits, but how do we make time to enjoy them? It's simpler than you think. Berkshire Community College has a long history of connection with nature, but you don't have to be an environmental science major or an environmental activist to benefit from what we have here. A few minutes between classes is all you need to take a walk around campus and transform a tough day. Pulling from tens of thousands of photographs taken on our campus over more than a decade, this project explores how a connection with nature can heal us, particularly during difficult times. Through sharing these photographs, this presentation aims to motivate community members through photography and stories to explore the almost 200 acres we have here at BCC. Roberta Hayes
The Need for Awareness and Prevention Efforts in Teenage Dating Violence This project, developed for HSV-135: Intro to Community Resources, investigates the unique needs of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berkshire County, with a focus on the services provided by the Elizabeth Freeman Center. The research highlights alarming statistics from 2023, revealing that over 2,000 youths in Berkshire County have high Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores. Despite this, there is a significant gap in services for youth aged 13-18, particularly in programs that promote education and awareness of dating violence and sexual assault. By examining national and statewide statistics on teen dating violence, this project underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention efforts and increased awareness in Berkshire County. The findings advocate for the implementation of comprehensive programs to address this critical issue, ensuring that all youth receive the support and education necessary to prevent and respond to dating violence and sexual assault. It is imperative that community leaders, educators, and policymakers collaborate to develop and fund initiatives that fill this service gap. By investing in prevention and education programs, we can create a safer environment for our youth and empower them with the knowledge and resources to combat dating violence and sexual assault. Addressing the gap in services for youth aged 13 to 18 in Berkshire County is not just a local necessity but a moral imperative. By taking proactive steps to educate and protect our young people, we can foster a community that values safety, respect, and support for all its members. The time to act is now, and together, we can make a lasting difference. Dawn Syrko
Legionnaire's Disease: A Microbiological Review According to Fields et al. (2002), Legionnaire's Disease is a serious form of pneumonia often caused by the bacterium L. pneumophila. However, 10% of reported cases are caused by other species in the same genus and cases may be underdiagnosed. L. pneumophila is a waterborne facultative intracellular bacterium that usually makes its home in freshwater amoeba, although L. pneumophila may also replicate outside a host cell in the biofilms in which they thrive. Legionnaire's Disease is a noncommunicable infection, with outbreaks occurring due to shared environmental exposure (common source spread) such as in the 1976 American Legion meeting for which it is named (Parker et al., n.d.). According to Edens (2024), Legionella spp. are ubiquitous in freshwater environments, but rarely in concentrations high enough to cause disease. The problem arises when human activities create effective breeding grounds for Legionella in spaces such as air conditioners, water cooling towers, water fountains, and hot tubs. When Legionella in these environments are aerosolized, people can get infected by breathing in the bacteria. Most healthy people will be able to fight off the infection, but older adults, smokers, and those who are immunocompromised are susceptible to infection. The severity of Legionnaire's Disease means that patients usually require hospitalization and the illness may be fatal in about 10% of cases. Jessica Plowright
Social Media for Paterson Field House: Building Community and Boosting As of October 4th of 2024, according to the Director of Recreational Services Daryl Shreve, only 19% of BCC students had activated their free gym membership at Paterson Field House. This presentation highlights my Liberal Arts Capstone project through which I managed the Paterson Field House social media pages on Facebook and Instagram in an effort to increase the overall use of resources at Paterson. I collaborated with all of the active directors at Paterson Field House in Daryl Shreve, Michael Carnevale, and Craig Ptak to establish a game plan and make my vision a success. I incorporated some of the ongoing events, programs and trips which took place during the Fall 2024 semester while also promoting events which will be taking place through the duration of the Spring 2025 semester. This presentation covers the development process of my project, my overall goal of trying to increase the use of resources and programs at Paterson, whether I managed to achieve my goals, and concludes with a reflection on my experience. I truly enjoyed this experience and developed key traits and characteristics which I will be able to carry out in the career I aspire to obtain as well as beyond my time here at Berkshire Community College. Sebastian M. Dowd-Smith
Systemic Racism Systemic racism is deeply embedded in the societal, political, and economic systems of the United States, often viewed as an unavoidable norm. Rooted in history, its foundations stem from slavery, Jim Crow laws, and white supremacy, perpetuating inequality across generations. My paper explores how systemic racism marginalizes African Americans in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, and the criminal justice system, while disproportionately benefiting a small elite. Personal anecdotes and historical analysis highlight the profound impact of discrimination, revealing the societal conditioning that sustains hate and inequality. The paper emphasizes that racism is a learned behavior, passed through environments and generational teachings. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, these ideals can be dismantled, fostering a society where equality is not aspirational but foundational. The resilience of African Americans, as exemplified by leaders advocating for change through nonviolence and love, inspires hope. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting equitable policies, society can strive to ensure equal opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race. Amber Boesse

2024
2024 Presenters
Title Description Presenters
Student Spaceflight Experiments Program: The Effects of Microgravity on the Chromosomal Alignment on the Metaphase Plate in Onion Root Tip Cells In our proposed experiment we will address the following question: Does microgravity affect chromosomal alignment on the metaphase plate during mitosis in onion root tip cells? We hypothesize that the onion root tip cells that will enter metaphase in microgravity will have more abnormalities in the equatorial chromosome alignment than the cells that will enter metaphase in Earth's gravity. Alignment of chromosomes on the metaphase plate is important for ensuring that both daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes and are completely identical. Prior experiments have shown that microgravity affects the cytoskeleton of the cell, which is crucial for chromosomal alignment on the metaphase plate, and chromosomal segregation in anaphase. For this experiment, we will germinate onion seeds in microgravity on the International Space Station and in Earth's gravity on the ground in the FME mini-lab. After 12 days of germinating we will fix the germinating onion roots with formalin. We will then stain the onion root tip cells and use light microscopy to compare the cells undergoing metaphase in microgravity to the cells undergoing metaphase in Earth's gravity. The goal of the analysis is to see whether chromosomes stray away from the metaphase plate or if their equatorial alignment will remain unaffected. As human cells perform mitosis similarly to plant cells, this proposed experiment will be able to provide insight into the possible effects of long-term exposure to microgravity and other low gravity environments on humans and on the growth of plants in microgravity. William Garrity, Erica Langnickel, Anastasiya Bolotova
Sponsor: Dylan Carman
A Comparison of Gravity vs Microgravity Impact Upon Coliforms' Metabolic Dynamics A project that might end in 2025-2026, in which a control group of e. coli's cellular metabolism is studied in Earth's gravity, and later (if accepted into the SSEP) studied in microgravity. The purpose is to see how metabolism, a finely-tuned process, may react to these changes: Will it adapt? Will it break down? Will the bacteria be able to survive, perform well, or no? And so on. While these are tiny organisms, I would like to see if they parallel astronauts' metabolic changes while in orbit. If it is successfully accepted into the SSEP, I intend on returning to a second undergraduate scholars conference with additional findings. E. "Deaux-Deaux" Thibodeaux
Sponsors: Dylan Carman, Colin Wilson
Designing an Online Portfolio Using what I have learned in the past semester of web design, I created an art portfolio with CSS and HTML. I utilized several outside resources to implement complex design elements including galleries, contact forms, and wrappers. I discovered and solved issues with formatting, several being caused by smaller resolutions. I used the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to identify issues and plan maintenance to improve user experience. The website is currently fully functional with several improvements planned. Evan Purscell
Sponsor: Christian Tenczar
Student Textbook Cost Survey This project was implemented for the Open Educational Resources (OER) committee. These are learning and teaching materials in the public domain that have an open license to provide no cost or low-cost access. The modality has been implemented in many campuses across the country, and we were interested in collecting data to advocate and create awareness to lower the cost of textbooks at Berkshire Community College. We created a survey in Google Forms, that was distributed via email or a QR code handed in person during the first two weeks of class of Fall 2023. This code was also posted in the "Weekly Buzz' and in strategic areas on campus where students could easily access it.This project was a success, in the first four days of administering it we reached the 10% of the student body needed to validate the results. The survey results concluded that the cost of textbooks impacts enrollment numbers and students' performance and success in courses. Our survey responses are in line with research studies and national surveys on student textbook costs. Autumn Bateman, Mari Dus
Sponsor: Andrea Robare
Promoting Childhood Development Observing, Documenting and Assessing a Young Child: A project I created last semester for my Early Childhood Growth and Development course was based on observing a young child in the various developmental learning domains including cognitive, social/emotional, physical, and language. As I move through my power point presentation, I will explain my observations, documentation, and assessment of this child over the semester. Honing our observation skills and learning about various theories that explain how children grow and learn were key learning outcomes for this course. Along with a multitude of different kinds of assessment tools, I have provided pictures and videos from a preschool classroom. To summarize my presentation, I will suggest developmentally appropriate activities for teachers/adults to scaffold learning and provide creative child centered experiences for the child I observed. Savanah Schofield
Sponsor: Patricia Kay
The Benefits of Music in the Classroom I conducted a research project on The Benefits of Music in the Classroom. I have loved music and singing since I was a very young girl and that love has continued to grow as I have gotten older. When I was in high school education, I wanted to continue to share that love and become a music teacher. There are many benefits for using music in the classroom. Students are able to learn new ways to remember math problems and poetry. When music is used in an early educational setting, preschool children are able to learn body parts, colors, numbers, and how to process their feelings. In the past, I have struggled with math and not feeling confident in a math class. After viewing a TED talk about music and math, I wanted to change that mindset. If I could relate math to how I was able to learn music, then I could understand the math problems better. Learning and reading music has many math applications. Music has different time measures and beats- quarter notes, half notes, whole notes. When I was able to picture the math problem in my mind as music the problem became easier to see. By using music and math we can see students make connections. In this presentation I share the benefits and some of the ways that educators can use music to enhance their lessons to engage students using a multimodal approach. Kristin Wilcox
Sponsor: Barbara Kotelnicki
The Intelligence of Rats as Displayed with Trick and Agility Training There is a stigma spread by the media against rats in our society, deeming them to be dirty, scary, and unintelligent. I will be doing research against this stigma to prove otherwise, focusing on the intelligence in rats as displayed with trick and agility training. I will begin by training one of my rats using valuable treats (e.g. yogurt, applesauce, or malt paste for ferrets) as positive reinforcement. The first few training sessions (TSs) will be held in the rat's free roam space because it's familiar to him, then I'll move the TSs to other places (e.g. on a bed, on a sofa, or at school) to get the rat used to training in unfamiliar and distracting places. I'll be starting with a few tricks ranging from easy to difficult (e.g. spin, stay, ring-toss, fetch, etc.), and then I'll begin agility training. Throughout the research process, I'll be referencing online articles and videos of how others have trained their rats to inform my own methods. I believe my rat will learn and catch on to the training very quickly, and I hope that many people will see the results of this project and change their view of these wonderful animals. Danielle Lemieux
Sponsor: Thomas Tyning
Magnetizing Sodium Acetate Our understanding of magnets and how they work inspires the most powerful minds to create new inventions. Our stimulated research of magnets and their magnetic fields privileged us with the ability to synthesize tape recorders, speakers, and hard drives. However, chemists need to understand the atomic layout of these magnetic compounds as well as the properties governing their magnetic ability. One of the most immediate examples being earth, our super magnet home. In our traditional environment, gravity is stronger than the intermolecular forces (Van der Waals forces) that affect surface tension. In a microgravity setting however this is not the case. The ISS has their water glove experiment to showcase this. With the help of partnering companies like Infiniti, NASA is able to explore the means of space manufacturing. An ability like that would push us into the next generation of space technology and open up the door for new understandings of the secrets of the universe. I am currently working on growing sodium acetate crystals and determining if they can grow differently when mixed with iron shavings as nucleation points. From there I am seeing how the iron shavings affect the crystallization structure growth when exposed to a circular Halbach array. Eventually I plan to study the difference in having surface tension and no surface tension for this crystallization reaction. Ethan Vaughan
Sponsor: Colin Wilson
Statistical Analysis of Psilocybin vs. Niacin Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects more than 21 million American adults or about 8.4% of the U.S. population age 18 and older each year. Clinical trials administering psilocybin have shown promising effects to sufferers of MDD. In one such study a single dose of psilocybin vs. niacin placebo was administered to a group of 104 participants. To interpret the results of the study using inferential statistics, I used a standard normal curve to test my hypothesis. Using the data from the clinical trial I conducted a Z-test to determine if I would reject my null hypothesis or support it. At the 5% level of significance, the data supports the claim that psilocybin is more effective than niacin to drop depression scores in adults with MDD. Evidence that psilocybin-administered with psychological support- may hold a promising future for those afflicted by MDD. Dan Hardy
Sponsor: Paul Johansen
Phenology of Avian Species in Berkshire County This research project is based on the various species of birds in the Berkshires. Species have specific cycles- due to global warming, these cycles are advancing at different rates. The study of this is known as phenology. We are recording data on how this has changed over the course of about 60 years using journals written by S. Waldo Bailey. Bailey was a naturalist born in Newbury, Mass. in 1885, and he was the first warden at Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield. He has been described as "Berkshire County's closest approximation to Henry David Thoreau." Bailey recorded journals from 1902-1963 largely detailing what birds he saw, the location, and the weather. We are analyzing these documents and recording every bird named and the details about such. This is definitely a long-term research project- as of now, we've only managed to gather data from about 1959-1963. Continuation of this research project will grant us valuable information on the phenology of birds in the Berkshires, which we will compare to modern data bases to learn how it has changed over the course of 122 years. Holden Loverin
Sponsor: Bruce Winn
The Tragedie of Metacom In 1675 the bloodiest war (per capita) in US history broke out between an alliance of Native American tribes and colonial settlers, who were aided by a few critical Native allies. History recognizes this conflict as "King Philip's War," and by the time it was over the demographics of a budding nation and Native-colonist relations were forever altered. Last semester I chose to write a "book" of poetry as an honors component to my US History class. I chose poetry in an effort to tap into the deep emotional undercurrents of this conflict, which extinguished warriors and civilians alike without mercy. I strove to abandon the narrative told from the perspective of the European victors as is commonly written in sources. Instead, I wanted to acknowledge the impact of this conflict from the Native American perspective. Therefore, when I gave a title to my collection of poems, I chose to use the Native name of Metacom for the Wampanoag sachem, or chief, who led the revolt against the colonists rather than the English nickname of "King Philip." During my presentation I will read a selection of the poems I have written. My readings will include an analysis following each poem that will help contextualize the material within and highlight the significance of the issues each one addresses. Mercedes Bell
Sponsor: Christopher Laney
Peer Tutors Within Community College Writing Centers From prestigious academies notorious for legacy enrollment, to community colleges across the US that pave the way for countless students beginning their pursuit of a career, writing centers are a common resource available to students. But what purpose does a writing center fulfill? Who are peer tutors and are their roles within writing centers effective? And if peer tutors are beneficial, why are they under-utilized at a community college level? After all, The Writing Center Research Project reported only 58% of community colleges used peer tutors in contrast to the 95% seen in four-year institutions from 2014-2015. While the daily operations of individual writing centers may vary based on the needs of their primary visitors, there are a few universal ideals that most strive for. As a peer tutor who works in the Writing Center here at Berkshire Community College, I plan to discuss the common misconceptions about writing centers and the roles of peer tutors working within them. I then plan on sharing a few of the practices that we consider standard and what some of our many skills include. Most importantly though, beyond the "what" I hope to clarify the "why." To the best of my ability, I hope to share why our writing center is a special resource within our community which positively impacts the development, creativity, and lives of our peer tutors as well as the diverse array of visitors we have the privilege of working with. Mercedes Bell
Sponsor: Liesl Schwabe
Effective Communication with Dementia Patients As someone who has worked a lot in long-term facilities, I have noticed a lot of people coming and going; mostly elderly. They are at the nursing homes for various reasons, falls, recent surgery, but one of the main reasons an elderly person lives at a nursing home is because they are suffering from dementia. I have heard a lot of family members say, "I don't know how you do this' or "I don't know how to take care of him/her at home'. As health care workers we get a lot of training and experience on how to communicate with people who suffer with dementia, and so I thought "What about the people who chose to keep their loved ones at home'?Yes, there is a lot of information on the internet, but all of this is overwhelming and sometimes even more confusing, and sometimes even after reading, people have a hard time applying what they read to real life. During my communications class we learned about the importance of not only communicating but communicating effectively. So instead of giving you a lot of pamphlets or directing you to those long websites that end up being overwhelming, I decided to show you some tips that I personally use when communicating and dealing with people who suffer from dementia. This is a great help to not only those who work in health care or choose a health care career, but also those who take care of their loved ones at home and need help. Stephanie Sanchez Heredia
Sponsor: Barbara Shimer
TRIO Talks: Breaking Down Barriers: Connecting Students to Campus and Community Resources During my fall internship with TRIO, I was tasked to create and facilitate two TRIO Talks. I collaborated with Rachel Smith another TRIO intern and created PowerPoint presentations and handouts for students. These two presentations were different but followed a bigger theme of connecting students to resources and explained what those resources can do to help students in not just their academic roles but also the many other roles that students at Berkshire Community College hold. The first presentation was given during First Generation Week, where we celebrate what it is to be a first-generation student. During this talk students were able to share stories that highlighted the joys and the challenges of being a first-generation student and to show students the different supports that are on campus as well as in the community. This included supports such as the SUCCESS Program, Tutorial Services, etc. on campus as well as help applying to outside programs such as RAFT for housing and LIHEAP for fuel assistance. The second TRIO Talk that was presented was about post-mindset and evaluating goals that students had set at the beginning of the semester to check in and determine the challenges faced and resources used to reach those goals. It was also a great way to determine the barriers that impacted a student's ability to reach their goals and how to overcome those barriers. These two groups brought great conversation and discussion where the group members were able to learn from each other and share their personal stories. Fiona Casey
Sponsor: Kristin Winsett
Alcohol Consumption During the COVID-19 Pandemic Public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate medical, psychological, and social issues, including raising rates of harmful alcohol use. Alcohol overconsumption is linked to violence, crime, poverty, sexually transmitted diseases, and other threats to community wellbeing. Additionally, alcohol is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States today. The reason I chose this topic for my project is because of my role as an Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) nurse in our community. My curiosity was driven by a desire to understand the shifts in the drinking habits of the U.S. population and the factors influencing these changes. My personal goal was to enhance my effectiveness in assisting patients dealing with these issues. The project involved an analysis of alcohol consumption data in the United States in 2020, and a specific hypothesis was formulated predicting an increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic. The hypothesis suggested that U.S. adults would consume more than 12.0 alcoholic drinks over a 30-day period. Employing a Z-test, the hypothesis was tested, leading to the conclusion that the data supported the claim. Nataliia Riva
Sponsor: Paul Johansen

2023
2023 Presenters
Title Description Presenters
Enzymes: What makes the Life Engine Race Enzymes are proteins inside of living organisms that speed up chemical reactions, and frankly, life would be extremely short without them. They have a variety of different applications ranging from commercial use to medicinal use, but they are mostly important because of their ability to carry out the body's most vital chemical processes, such as digestion, to keep it alive. To better understand enzyme function, several experiments were conducted using the fungal enzyme Invertase in order to determine which changes in temperature (°C), pH, and concentration of substrate (Sucrose) would cause the enzyme to produce a higher percent of product. The experiment results were interpreted using a monosaccharide standard curve and the Benedict's Test, and the initial findings showed that the enzyme made the most product at a temperature of 48°C, a pH of 6, and a 12% substrate concentration. Ultimately, this experiment built a better understanding of data collection, data analysis, experimental design, and the scientific method, however it also helped explain the behavior of one of the most valuable mechanisms in living organisms. Anastasiya Bolotova: BIO 101
Identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae This research project was conducted to identify an unknown bacterium based on a series of tests that looked at the morphology, physiology, and biochemical characteristics. Three different media were used to grow the bacterium - agar broth, agar slant, and agar plate. These were used to study the growth and colony characteristics. The bacterium's cellular morphology was examined through a Gram Stain. The next step of the project was biochemical and gram-specific tests that observe the metabolic traits of the bacterium. The researcher used the results of the tests to identify the bacterium as Klebsiella pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae is found in the respiratory tract of between 1-6% of healthy individuals and the stools of 5 – 38% of healthy individuals. It is commonly known to cause nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs); responsible for 3 – 8% of all nosocomial infections and 11.8% of hospital acquired pneumonia. K. pneumoniae infections are considered a global health concern, as multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent strains have developed over the years. It is more prevalent in developing countries. Infections typically arise in sick patients that are older, immunocompromised or receiving treatments with equipment such as catheters and ventilators. Long courses of antibiotics, alcohol use, and diabetes mellitus increase the mortality rate. Healthy people are usually not affected by K. pneumoniae. Olivia Vilord: Microbiology
Unknown Bacteria Project For this project, several tests were conducted to identify an unknown bacterium. This project was a fantastic way to show how a bacterium is studied to identify what it is. It shows how people in the lab identify the cause of an infection. This is how nurses find what infection their patients have and how to treat it. During this project, several tests were conducted to narrow down what bacteria was being studied. A gram stain was conducted to see if the bacterium was gram- negative or gram- positive. The bacteria was gram-positive because of its thick purple peptidoglycan layer. Then a motility test was done to see if it was motile or not. After a few more tests were completed, a nitrate and salt agar test really narrowed down the result to this bacterium. The mannitol salt agar (MSA) helped the most during this because of the yellow growth that appeared on the plate. These test results proved that the bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive coccus shaped bacterium. It appears on the skin and causes small painful red bumps. This bacterium is not harmful but can be if it grows into the bloodstream. The most common infection caused by S. aureus is MRSA (Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection. It can also cause MSSA, VISA, and VRSA, which are all skin infections. Michele Belliveau: Microbiology
Identification of Escherichia coli The purpose of this research project was to identify an unknown bacterium using morphological, biochemical, and physiological tests. The bacterium was grown in an inoculating broth, on an inoculating slant, and on an inoculating streak plate to examine the bacterium's growth characteristics and colony morphology. A gram stain test was conducted to observe the bacterium's cell wall structure and cellular morphology. Lastly, five biochemical tests and four gram-specific tests were conducted to study the bacterium's metabolic characteristics. After analyzing these results, it was determined that the unknown bacterium was E. coli. The specific helpful characteristics were that E. coli is a gram-negative bacterium. E. coli is VP (Voges- Proskauer) negative which means that the bacterium does not ferment glucose. E. coli is also Citrate negative which means that no growth will occur therefore meaning that E. coli cannot utilize citrate as an energy source. The bacterium E. coli is important in the medical field as it is the most common cause of UTI (urinary tract infection) which is commonly talked about in the healthcare field. As UTIs can happen to a person at any age it is important to know about the most common cause. The bacterium spreads from the anus to the urethra causing the UTI. When taking the antibiotics, the symptoms may stop after 24-48 hours but the infection still is not cleared until the patient has taken the full amount of antibiotics. Jocelyn Cote: Microbiology
Unknown Bacterium The purpose of this research project was to identify an unknown bacterium using structural and biological tests. The unknown bacterium was grown on an agar plate, an agar slant, and in an agar broth in order to examine its growth and morphology. A Gram Staining procedure was conducted to determine the bacterium's cell wall structure. In addition to this, nine other tests were conducted to study and observe the bacterium's metabolic characteristics. Five of these tests are biochemical tests, and the other four are gram-negative specific tests, since the Gram Staining determined the bacterium to be gram-negative. After reviewing all of the results, the unknown bacterium was correctly identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae. The two main characteristics that were most helpful were that K. pneumoniae is a gram-negative and nonmotile bacterium. K. pneumoniae is commonly a cause of hospital-acquired infections, and mainly impacts patients with low to weak immune systems. This bacterium can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical infections and meningitis. The most effective antibiotics to use against Klebsiella pneumoniae are the broad spectrum, third- or fourth- generation cephalosporins, quinolones, or carbapenems. However, this bacterium is becoming more resistant to some antibiotics. Jaiden Tatro: Microbiology
Creative Writing created at Herman Melville's "Arrowhead" A public reading of original writings I produced while taking part in the 2022 Melville Fellowship. Working on-site at Herman Melville's Arrowhead with Writer-in-Residence Emeritus Jana Laiz, I was able to sit at the very desk where Melville wrote some of his greatest stories, and take inspiration from the same environment he did. Watching autumn fade to winter outside Melville's window, in the same manner he must have, instilled an affection within me for the opportunity to think — to simply be — while still letting words trap my thoughts in their fragile bubble. I wrote a variety of stories inspired by Arrowhead. I will read two writings that include quotes from Melville's stories, a writing inspired by the grounds of Arrowhead, and a poem that encapsulated what I felt as a writer in the shadow of one of the greats. Ashton Bird: 2022 Melville Fellowship
The Influences of Creativity Among Individuals with Depression and Anxiety I decided to do a research project on how creative expression can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. The reason I chose to do this topic for my research paper is because it is something very close to home. I struggle with depression and anxiety on a daily basis and one of the few distractions I have is creative expression. My project encompasses the wide variety of creative expression and the multiple effects it has on individuals diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety. Many forms include sculpting, painting, writing, singing, and dancing. Each has various aspects of helping relieve symptoms of both depression and anxiety by decreasing stress, increasing motivation, improving focus, and bettering a person's sleep schedule. Allowing outlets such as creative expression is the first step to understanding and comprehending the problem and moving towards the solution. Sahra Abderrahim: Liberal Arts Capstone
Uncovering the Creative Process What inspired one of the first great American novelists? As a 2022 Melville Fellow I sought to uncover the secrets of the creative process through establishing my own writing practice. Working on-site at Herman Melville's Arrowhead with Writer-in-Residence Emeritus Jana Laiz, I drew inspiration from sitting at the very desk where Melville wrote some of his most profound works. In a public reading I will share three original pieces in which I explore personal narratives through poetry and prose, alongside sharing what I learned about the creative process while remaining grounded in a literary giant's shadow. Josie Overbeck: 2022 Melville Fellowship
The Role of Mental Health in Education The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the mental health crisis in the United States. The CDC says 37% of young people suffer from poor mental health. Our educational system is feeling the strain of our chronically underfunded mental health system and our students are bearing the brunt. One in ten children/adolescents suffers from a mental health issue however, 75% of children who have mental-health needs, do not receive services. School-centered mental health services would increase accessibility and reduce stigma. Sarah Suriner: EDU-105
Designing a Tensegrity Structure As an aspiring engineer, designing pieces that work properly and defy conventional structures is something I look forward to. During the past five months I was able to learn the basics of Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) through an Independent Study. It led me to understand the huge possibilities that this program holds for engineering. I was particularly interested in what is called Tensegrity and after taking steps towards learning how to use Fusion 360, I was ready to step it up and try to build a structure utilizing the Tensegrity concepts. Exploring Tensegrity structures through CADD has been a major step for me. It let me create something from scratch, figure out if it is a model that is viable, and gave me a clear view on how this design would work in real life. My understanding of the program and how to design a new piece has grown. Learning that trial and error is an important part of the design process and being able to overcome the downs of not having a working model is knowledge that I consider very important as I move forward in this career path. Rosa Lopez Moritz: Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
They Lead First So We Can Rise! This text set is about women who have changed history despite tough obstacles in their lives. It is important to celebrate women and important to honor women of importance who have changed history. Today women are stepping up and becoming leaders, fighting for women's rights, and having many firsts in a world where women were overlooked. I also believe it is more important to celebrate women who have played a role in changing The United States in more ways than one no matter if it was big or small. Young children now more than ever are standing up for what they believe in and if they are not already speaking up, they will and push for change without changing who they are. This text set will help young readers see that women have come a long way in history. I think that boys and girls both will enjoy this text set. I believe that all children have a woman figure in their lives that they look up to, it could be their mother, a teacher, or an aunt that has done something in their lives that boys and girls think is amazing. So why not celebrate them as well. Learning about important women will make them appreciate the brave women from the past and the ones they already know. I hope by sharing this text set, children will learn new information and want to learn more about other women in history. Porscha Hamilton: EDU-205