SRF 2025

Note: Campus Center = "Cube". O'Connell Hall = "OC".

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors! Dr. Russ and Sharon Bell and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Session 1: Posters
(8:30-9:30 AM) Upper Cube

Katherine Bold, Carson Lewis, Mederise Tooke, Zack Prokopyschyn
Chemistry
Photoinitiated Site-Specific Drug Release

Paydin Dodds
Chemistry
Study and Synthesis of Sulfonium Ylide Carbene Precursor Molecules

Sebastian Ackerman
Chemistry
Total synthesis of 3-Oxyangeloyl-tremetone

Sidney Gulick, Adisyn O'Connor, Sadie Filius, Spencer Berger
Chemistry
Synthesis of Biodiesel from Camelina Sativa Seeds

Spencer Berger
Chemistry
Study Towards the Synthesis of 5,5’-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2’-bithiophene via 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-thiophene Oxidative Homocoupling Dimerization

Sadie Filius
Chemistry
Synthesis of Sulfonium Ylides from β-Diketones

Laura Fontaine
Chemistry
Photolysis and Study of Reactive Carbene Intermediates from Diazo and Sulfonium Ylide Precursor Molecules 

Reuben Hornby
Chemistry
Synthesis and Study of Carbene Intermediates

Charlie Markham
Chemistry
The Role of Water in Solventless Mechanochemical Synthesis of Prussian Blue

Baylee Herman
Chemistry
Portable water filter characterization of inorganic material #NoFilter

Willem Trainor
Environmental Science
A Geospatial Approach to Assessing Water Availability Around Drummond, Montana

Vicente Ortega
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Sea Cucumbers Deplete the Sediment Microbiome and Increase Coral Survival

Clare Daley
Mathematics
A Mathematician’s Gambit: “Checking” the Relationship Between Graph Theory and Linear Algebra in Chess

John Goodwin
Environmental Science
Terracette Formation and Microclimates on North-versus-South Facing slopes.  Is aspect Important? 

Garrett Oleson
Environmental Science
Interpreting Paleoclimate Trends from Reconstructed Glaciers In The Anaconda and Flint Ranges, SW Montana

Grace Schopp, Maili Miller, Brooklyn Dryden 
Special Education
The Effects of Media Portrayal on Special Education Students and Teachers

Taylor Plant
History
The Story of a Day Dress: What Woman in the Montana Territory Wore and How They Made It

Trey Melton
French
Les Fleurs: Translating Mallarmé’s Poem for Inspiration

Margaret Todd
Environmental Science
Paleoclimate and Hydrology Reconstructed from Multiple Sediment Cores from Lake Helena

Murat Can Guzelocak
Data Science
Stereo Vision and Depth Estimation

Mariah Moran, C. Jack Conway, Mila Duncan, Trey Melton, Vicente M. Ortega, Kenna Thomas
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Synthesis of Renewable Micelles from Fatty Acids and Glucose

Lauren Heuiser, Brookelyn Jackson, Bodie Smith, Wyatt Sandford
Elementary Education
Supports for Gifted and Talented Students

Maxine Hanson, Olivia Dhoore, Derrick Saltzman, Joseph Ceccacci 
Elementary & Secondary Education
How do tech-based interventions compare to traditional methods in supporting students with special needs?

Trinity Sammons, Gina Piffarerio, Rachel Stacey and Emilia Lindus 
Psychology
Navigating Social Media: The Impact of Text-Based vs. Image-Based Engagement on Social Anxiety Among College Students

Moira McGuire, Adam Baerlocher
Psychology
Relations between Social Media Usage and College Students’ Creativity

Sydney Clark, Jessica Haley, Jorien VerHow
Nursing
The Effects of Kangaroo Care on Mother-Infant Bonding

Madalen Shipman, Peyton Morton, Justin Denson
Business: Management & Marketing
H.A.C.F. Endowment Process Improvement

Eddy Hagenbuch, Kolbe Olmes, Kyle Bender, Henry Lauerman, Jaden Mueller, Quinn Belcher
Business: Management & Marketing
Pioneer Identification Improvement

Emilie Munguia, Elizabeth Ybarra, Garrett Schmill, Benjamin Larsen, Britlyn Mailey
Business: Management & Marketing
Project Registrar - Carroll Not Returning (CNR)

Colleen Blake, Sarah Hiller, Darius Brantley, Charlotte Halbert
Psychology
The Influence of Personality-Associated Factors on Phone Dependency 

Katharina Fihre, Laura DeBowes
Neuroscience
Impact of Natural Progesterone on Courtship, Anxiety, and Fertility in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Edouard Karleskind, Bryce Hall
Biology
The effects of Alpha BRAIN® on Drosophila melanogaster activity and memory
Manion Presenter

Isabelle Erickson, Emma Boharski
Neuroscience
The Effects of Rhodiola rosea on SerT and 5-HT2B Gene Expression and Anxiety-Related Behaviors in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Kathryn Quinn
Health Sciences
Vitamins B and D and their affect on postpartum depression

Gina Leveque-Zapata
Health Sciences
Poster Presentation

Session 2: Presentations
(9:45-11:00 AM) Avila/Desmet, Rice, Sienna, Ross, OC 101, OC 106, OC 107

Abraham Montalvo
Data Science
Development and Analysis of Basketball Statistics
Location: Avila/Desmet

June LePage
Biology
Urbanization impacts on wildlife and ecosystem health: Investigating soil and deer mouse microbiomes
Location: Rice
Manion Presenter

Daniel Koralewski, Bryan Holland, Hannah Schweikert
Engineering
Perry Canyon Mine Closure: Surface Water Restoration
Location: OC 101

Charles Said
Data Science
Computer Vision Edge Detection
Location: Siena

Kaitlyn Wenzel
Communication Studies
Sharing, Understanding, and Exchanging Perspectives: An Autoethnographic Journey Through Chronic Illness, Diagnosis, and the Dialogues of Patient / Doctor Relationships
Location: OC 106

Trey Melton
Honors Scholars Program
The Expansive Nature of Knowledge as Explored through Descartes, Hume, and Merleau-Ponty
Location: OC 107

Ashlynne Jeffries
International Relations
Navigating Neutrality: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Spanish Civil War
Location: Ross
 

Katherine Bold
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Characterization of Microbial Communities with Nitrogen Presence
Location: Avila/Desmet

Michal Mojzis, Jack Conway, Jack Garvin
Biology
Diversity and Composition of Snow Algae Communities in Montana and Wyoming 
Location: Rice
Manion Presenter

Oliver Robson 
Chemistry
The BNR Revolution: An Overview of Montana’s Newest Method for Wastewater Treatment
Location: OC 101

Thomas Klepps, Christopher Akulschin
Engineering
Perry Canyon Mine Closure: Access Road Design
Location: Siena

Olivia Dhoore
Anthrozoology
Animals in the Classroom; How to Integrate Animal Assisted Education Into Schools
Location: OC 106

Myah Rietze
Honors Scholars Program
The World is a Wasteland: An Exploration of the Human Condition and the Search for Peace
Location: OC 107

Vicente Ortega
History
Ireland and Palestine The Fight for Sovereignty
Location: Ross
 

Cole Odegard
Data Science
Image Detection Using OpenCV in Low-Visibility Environments
Location: Avila/Desmet

Mila Duncan
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Examining the Effects of the homeopathic supplement, Nux Vomica, on metabolism in Tetrahymena thermophila
Location: Rice
Manion Presenter

Adrian Rincon Jimenez
Data Science
Human Pose Estimation Using OpenCV
Location: OC 101

Andrew Denegar
Data Science
Implementing and Assessing Diversification Strategies for Investment Portfolio Resilience
Location: Siena

Abigail Kolstad, Laura Dias
Nursing
In pediatric patients undergoing procedures, does the use of distraction techniques (e.g., virtual reality, toys, music) compared to routine care reduce perceived pain?
Location: OC 106

Chris Noel
Master of Social Work
Leveraging Character Development as a Therapeutic Tool in Dungeons and Dragons
Location: OC 107 

Olivia St. Marie
Honors Scholars Program
Love, Suffering, and Transformation in Tales from Ovid and Their Eyes Were Watching God
Location: Ross

Session 3: Posters
(11:00 AM-12:00 PM) Upper Cube

Kenna Thomas, Nathan Stalder
Neuroscience
The Effects of Alpha-GPC on Memory and Locomotion in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Zackery Prokopyschyn, Mederise Tooke
Neuroscience
Effects of Zone Smelling Salts on Locomotion and Anxiety in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Sorren Reese, Sarah Ries
Biology
The Effects of Brain-770 on Sleep, Response Time, and Social Interaction in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Josie Gale, C. Jack Conway
Neuroscience
The Effect of Apoaequorin on Learning and Memory in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Braylin Brooks, Clara Carpenter
Neuroscience
The Effects of L-Theanine on Memory, Locomotion, and Anxiety in Drosophila melanogaster
Manion Presenter

Michal Mojzis, Adisyn O'Connor, Megan Olsen
Biology
The Effect of Niagen on DNA Repair and Metabolism in Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Katherine Bold, Michael Deguzman
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Impact of Cordyceps Fungi on Endurance in Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Madelyn Eggers, Landen Conner
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
The Metabolic Effects of Turkesterone on Mechanically Stressed Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

June LePage, Carson Lewis
Biology
The effects of homeopathic coca on membrane integrity in calcium stressed Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Kenna Thomas, C. Jack Conway
Biology
Investigating Ergothioneine as an Antioxidant for Microgravity-Induced Oxidative Stress in Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Brynn Bohrer, Sadie Filius
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
The Effects of Bovine Colostrum on the Response of Tetrahymen thermophila to Starvation
Manion Presenter

Corinne Anderko, Ameila Carstens
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Examining the Effects of Witch Hazel on Inflammation in Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Chloe Jones, Grace Stiles
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology
Examining the Effects of Oleuropein on Oxidatively Stressed Tetrahymena thermophila
Manion Presenter

Adam Baerlocher, Moira McGuire
Psychology
Relations Between Screen Time and Cognitive Function and Well-Being

Dominic Boitano, Johnathan Amezcua, Joseph Sehulster 
Nursing
In patients at risk for developing hypertension, how does a regular diet, compared to alternative diets, reduce blood pressure?

Nolan DeLeon
Health Sciences
The Effect of Smoking on Epilepsy: A systematic review

Elliot Hencz
Health Sciences
The Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Function in Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review

Peter Bukowski, Ava Dotson, Aiden Jarvis 
Nursing
Infection prevention: CHG wipe bathing vs other methods

Katelyn Miller, Katie Miller, Emily Shumaker, and Sydney Miller
Nursing
Delayed Cord Clamping Effects on Transition into Life

Annelise Hoskinson, Annalise Scheerer, Hailey Neal
Nursing
The Effects of Maternal Positioning on Perineal Trauma

Zoe Hagan, Hayden Allie
Biology
The Effects of Exposure to β-Estradiol on Metabolic Rate and Malate Dehydrogenase Activity in Lithobates catesbeianus
Manion Presenter

Isabella Gordon, Paige Enger, Brooklyn Willford
Nursing 
Does psychiatric inpatient treatment improve mental health outcomes in adolescents with anorexia nervosa?

Lily Nelson, Jessica Venema, Amber Coleman
Nursing  
Effects of Music Therapy on Mental Health

Daxon Graham, Hunter Peck
Biology
The Impact of Intermittent Fasting Intervals on Autophagy: A Quantitative Analysis of Microtubule-Associated Protein Light Chain 3B (LC3) Expression
Manion Presenter

Heather Magera, Carmen Manalang
Biology
The Effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol on Metabolism in Lithobates pipiens
Manion Presenter

Jack Garvin, James Curry
Biology
Preventing ethanol induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in zebrafish embryos through sulforaphane exposure
Manion Presenter

Maximilien Karleskind, Cormac Dunstan
Biology
The Effects of Chronic Nicotine Exposure on Skeletal Muscle Function in Lithobates Pipiens
Manion Presenter

Mariah Moran, Sarah Hoyt
Biology
Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Metabolic Rate and Reduction of Reactive Oxygen Species in Mus Musculus
Manion Presenter

Olivia Banning, Sara Bocquin
Biology
Effects of Hawthorn Extract and Epicatechin on Lowering Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Metabolic Rate in Mississippi Map Turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni)
Manion Presenter

Mason Pereira
Public Health
Factors Contributing to Vaccine Hesitancy in Racial/Ethnic Minorities

Serena Keil-Hoye
Biology
Characterizing Nitrogen and Aquatic Microbial Communities Across Montana
Manion Presenter

Ryan Harvey, Jacob Demmons, Sydney Snyder, Braeden York, Chase Graham
Business: Management & Marketing
Six Sigma Software Adoption Process

Rachael Yanchura, Clare Daley, Stella Adamczak, Kris Prince, Denavion Ali
Business: Management & Marketing
St. Peter's Home Health Care Emergency Room(ER) Visit Optimization

Session 4: Presentations
(1:00-2:00 PM) Avila/Desmet, Rice, Sienna, Ross, OC 101, OC 106, OC 107

Anna Brown
English
Is There Female Agency in Taming of the Shrew?
Location: Avila/Desmet

Amaya Fischer
Hispanic Studies 
Breaking the Cycle of Childhood Trauma in the Film "Psiconautas, los niños olvidados"
Location: Rice

Abigail Brown
Data Science
A Machine Learning Approach to Ultrasonic Testing Signal Degradation
Location: OC 101

Trey Melton
Biology
Linum perenne as a Greenstripping Plant
Location: Siena

Luke Ostberg
Catholic Studies
The Tension that Does not Exist Between John Paul II and Augustine in Love and Responsibility and De Doctrina Christiana
Location: OC 106

Henry Foy
Honors Scholars Program
Locke and Lucretius on the Dangers of Dogmatism
Location: OC 107

Catherine Dudley
Honors Scholars Program
Blood and Guts: How Tragedy Illustrates the Necessity of Recognition
Location: Ross

Morgan Tekorius
Anthrozoology
A Comparative Study on Colic and Hoof Health Concerns in Domestically Bred Horses and Formerly Free Range Mustangs
Location: Avila/Desmet

Joshua Smalley, Tristan Gallagher, Jared Ball
Engineering 
Perry Canyon Mine Closure: Waste Rock Cap and Cover Design 
Location: Rice

Abigail Brown
Public Health
Faith Healing: The Power and Politics of Belief
Location: OC 101

Paxton Sheppard
Political Science
Dislike on the Ballot: Analyzing Negative Voting in Modern American Presidential Elections
Location: OC 106

Natalie Bahou
History
Lifelong Learning: One-Room Rural Schoolhouses in Montana
Location: OC 107

Jack Garvin
Honors Scholars Program
The Contradictions of Human Nature Explored Through Nietzsche and Hobbes
Location: Ross
 

Catherine Dudley
Hispanic Studies
Monsters: How Allegory Interprets Violence
Location: Avila/Desmet

Chloe Jones
Environmental Science 
Examining Changes in Prey Biomass Delivery Throughout American Kestrel Nestling Development
Location: Rice

Anna Brown
Political Science
Women in Politics: Are More Women in Legislative Bodies Enough for Creating Women-Friendly Policy?
Location: OC 101

Leah Melvin
Political Science
Practical Justice: The Role of the Judiciary in Shaping Sentencing Policy Reforms
Location: Siena

Lola Baerlocher
Honors Scholars Program 
What is Love? Lessons on Human Connection In King Lear and The Iliad
Location: OC 106

Josephine Stevenson
Honors Scholars Program
The Justification for a Government’s Use of Violence as seen in On Violence and Leviathan
Location: OC 107

Kaden Crozier
Honors Scholars Program
Don’t Sell Your Soul to the Devil: The Search for Knowledge Through The New Organon and Doctor Faustus
Location: Ross

Session 5: Posters
(2:00-3:00 PM) Upper Cube

Allison Streekstra, Melissa Nava, Grace DuPre
Nursing 
In pediatric cancer patients, does music therapy during chemotherapy compared to standard care reduce anxiety levels over one chemotherapy cycle?

Terra Hurt
Biology 
The Effect of Temperature and Daylength on the Growth of Humulus japonicus 
Manion Presenter

Max Gawlik
Chemistry 
Electrochemistry of Methylphenyl Thiophene

Vicente Ortega 
Biochemistry-Molecular Biology 
Animal and Microbial Adaptations to Ocean Acidification 
Manion Presenter

Julieona Shields
Health Sciences 
Diet and supplement intervention and the effect on gut microbiome and mental health

Trey Melton
Biology 
Developing a Maize Metabolic Model to Study Root Microbiome Interactions
Manion Presenter

Elizabeth Olsen, Haylie Blatchford
Nursing 
The Effects of Night Shift Work on Cardiovascular Health in Healthcare Workers

Brennan Nelson, Tim Larson
Nursing 
The Effect of Telehealth Support on Caregiver Burden

Callie Johnson, Eva Bunger
Nursing 
The Effect of Birth Ball Use on Labor Duration

Sophia Bourekis, Joseph Martin, Samuel Murphy
Nursing 
The Effect of Essential Oils on Laboring Mothers

Kathryn Snyder, Grace Wagner
Nursing  
Exclusive Breastfeeding Effects on Developmental Milestones

Kylie Munsinger
Health Sciences 
Comparing the Efficacy of CBD and NSAIDs in Recovering from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) Following Eccentric Exercise

Abby Smith, Ali Cunningham, Megan Anderson
Nursing 
The Impact of Healthcare Access and Education on the Prevalence of Obstetric Fistulas in Underserved Populations

Mitchell Muralt
Health Sciences 
In Older Adults, How Does Creatine Supplementation Affect Muscle Mass: A Systematic Review

Gabrielle Sheridan
Gender Studies 
Abortion Access Affecting Maternal Mortality 

Molly Molvig, Courtnie Gagnon, Samantha Labrum
Nursing 
Exclusive Breastfeeding Compared to Formula Feeding

Alexis Cook, Zoey Wickens, Kylie Zralka
Nursing 
The Effects of Breastfeeding Compared to Formula Feeding on Long-Term Health Outcomes

Mila Duncan, Landen Conner, Rachel Kaiser, & Vicente Ortega
Chemistry 
Synthesis of Spiropyran for Light-Induced Vesicle Lysing

Kate Wilkins
International Relations 
An Act of Necessity, Not Charity: A Thematic Analysis of International Human Rights Law

Annie Mirkin
Health Sciences 
The Effects of Music Therapy on Preterm Infants in the NICU: A Systematic Review

Madison Quigley
Health Sciences 
The Effect of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances on Female Fertility

Emma Barron
Health Sciences 
The Effects of Hormonal Medications and Surgery for Treating Endometriosis Symptoms, a Systematic Review

Kayla Botkin
Health Sciences 
How Cryotherapy Influences Pain Management and Swelling in Acute Musculoskeletal Tissue Injury: A Systematic Review

Kelly White
Health Sciences 
Are adults who have poor oral health compared with those with good oral health at a higher risk of developing dementia? A Systematic Review

Julian Arias
Health Sciences 
How Does Soy Consumption Affect Fertility?  A Systematic Review

Maxwell Lehman
Health Sciences 
Athletic Pubalgia Management and Return to Play in Competitive Athletes: A Systematic Review of Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

Kade Schlepp
Health Sciences 
In patients with femoroacetabular impingement(FAI), how does physical therapy compare to surgical intervention in terms of pain reduction and return to activity?: A systematic review

Danica Lerch
Health Sciences 
Comparing Hyaluronic Acid and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Michael Klooster
Health Sciences 
Effects of Milk/Vitamin D on Adolescents' Bone Growth/Health Systematic Review 

Gabriella Rinker
Health Sciences 
Twin Pregnancy and the Effects of Advanced Maternal Age

Alyssa Lybbert
Health Sciences 
Corticosteroid Injections or Platelet Rich Plasma Injections in Treating Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy 

Gabriela Doran
Health Sciences 
Ketamine infusions to relieve symptoms in patients with chronic PTSD

Alex Neupert
Health Sciences 
The Effect of Aquatic Therapy on Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Session 6: Presentations
(3:05-4:00 PM) Avila/Desmet, Rice, Sienna, Ross, OC 101, OC 106, OC 107

Trey Melton
Biology
A Pilot Study of Bitterroot Densities in the Helena Scratchgravel Area
Location: Avila/Desmet

Clare Daley
Hispanic Studies
Un modo de la moda: Shaping Social Constructs and Changing Societal Classes Through Clothing as Symbolism in Hispanic Literature
Location: Rice

Mikenna Deschamps
Hispanic Studies
The Cinematic Power of Animation in Challenging Societal Stereotypes Surrounding Mental Illness in the Film Psiconautas, los niños olvidados
Location: OC 101

Alex Neupert
Hispanic Studies
Reclaiming the Earth: Indigenous Resistance to Western Hegemonic Ideologies and Marginalization
Location: Sienna

Abigail Kolstad, Laura Dias
Nursing
The Effect of Distraction Techniques on Pain Perception During Pediatric Procedures
Location: OC 106

Julian Betz, Kyla Dane
Nursing
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Cancer Treatment Induced Nausea
Location: Ross
 

Luke Ostberg
Philosophy
The Role of Truth in a Government and our Ethical Duties to Governments That Lie
Location: Avila/Desmet

Asher Casey
Spanish
Love’s prerequisite of Freedom in “El revolver” by Emilia Pardo Bazán
Location: Rice

James Peruzzi
History
What the Four Communes of Senegal can Teach us Today
Location: OC 101

Anna Brown, Camille Dinard, and Madeline De Leo
English
A Language of One’s Own: Importance of Unique Spaces for Female Voices
Location: Sienna

Asiie Abliatipova
International Relations
The Hierarchy of Nation-State Needs: From Basic Survival to Democratic Maturation and Intellectual Independence
Location: OC 106

Julia Devine, Julie Shriver
Nursing
The Accuracy of Patient Categorization Using AI Triaging Compared to Nurse-Led Triaging
Location: Ross

Jared Nelson
Hispanic Studies
The Politics of Catholic Canonization: Making a Saint in San Manuel Bueno, martir
Location: Avila/Desmet

John Paul Robertson
Theology
Do All Squirrels go to Hell?
Location: Rice

Kara Donahue
Philosophy
Awareness of Mortality: A More Meaningful Life
Location: OC 101

Sara Bocquin
Anthrozoology
Exotic Animals in Therapy
Location: Sienna

Daria Peck, Aura Arroyo
Nursing
Rural vs Urban: Impact of Healthcare Access on Health-Related Outcomes of Chronic Conditions
Location: OC 106

Courtney Gragg, Emma Richards
Nursing
How the Use of Water Impacts Perineal Trauma During Childbirth
Location: Ross