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Sex-Specific Behavioral Responses of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) to Odorant Stimuli: Examining Response to Acetic Acid, Ethyl Acetate, and Ethanol

LTSC001

8-8:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Amari Terrell

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Marianne Robertson

Abstract/Description:

The olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster guides survival and reproduction by detecting fermentation-related odorants. We tested sex-specific responses to acetic acid, ethyl acetate, and ethanol across six comparisons (30 males and 30 females). Flies explored odor sources for five minutes; time spent and returns were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Both sexes preferred AA over water. EA produced sex-specific responses, with males favoring water and females favoring EA. In AA vs. EA trials, males trended toward AA and females toward EA, though differences were not significant. Ethanol showed no sex-specific effects. Overall, olfactory responses were odorant-dependent rather than uniform across sexes.

Coronavirus Detection in Decatur Wastewater

LTSC001

8:30-9 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Caroline Arnold

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Samuel Galewsky

Abstract/Description:

Coronavirus detection in Decatur wastewater using PCR, gel electrophoresis, and more.

Evaluation of Rapid, Low-Cost DNA Extraction Methods for Reliable COI Amplification in Insects

LTSC001

9-9:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Ava Zukowski

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Samuel Galewsky

Abstract/Description:

This presentation evaluates rapid, low-cost DNA extraction methods and their ability to reliably amplify the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene in several insects. By comparing simplified protocols to standard extraction techniques in commercial kits, we assessed DNA quality, amplification success, and overall efficiency.

Non-invasive assessment of bladder diverticulum biomechanics using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

LTSC001

9:30-10 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Emily Clevidence

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Travis Wilcoxen

Abstract/Description:

Bladder diverticula (BD) are a herniation of the bladder mucosal layer that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life but have limited diagnostic options. This study used dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze bladder functions and patterns in patients with and without BD. The results were evaluated to determine biomechanical differences in patient groups, leading to an improved understanding of BD behavior. This novel approach demonstrates how dynamic MRI can provide valuable information to help guide clinical management and treatment decisions and improve patient quality of life.

Determining the ability of Pseudomonas sp. to inhibit bacterial growth in the presence of naphthalene

LTSC001

10-10:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Zahra Haji

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Jenna Smith

Abstract/Description:

Antibiotic resistance has become a growing concern. A group of pathogens, abbreviated as ESKAPE, is the most likely to display antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, non-pathogenic bacteria found in soil can produce antibiotic chemicals as a competitive advantage. My research used a Pseudomonas strain isolated from Decatur area soil that previously demonstrated antibiotic activity against ESKAPE safe relatives. I combined the inhibitory behavior of this strain and Pseudomonas’ ability to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene. My goal was to determine the ability of my Pseudomonasstrain to inhibit the growth of various ESKAPE safe relatives in the presence of naphthalene.  

Bisphenol A Levels in Birds of Prey

LTSC001

10:30-11 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Alissa Razo

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Travis Wilcoxen

Abstract/Description:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread environmental contaminant commonly found in plastics that can enter ecosystems and potentially move through food chains. This study investigated whether BPA contamination is present in birds of prey. We analyzed 85 samples for BPA concentrations using a bisphenol A ELISA kit. Results showed that 7 out of 85 raptors had BPA levels of concern (>3g/mg). Detection rates varied by species, with 100% of sampled shar-shinned hawks, 40% of Coopers hawks, and 12.5% of red-shouldered hawks having elevated levels, while red-tailed hawks had levels below 5.9%. 

Antibiotic Production in Bacterial Isolates from Environmental Soil Samples

LTSC001

11-11:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Chloe Hughes

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Jenna Smith

Abstract/Description:

A presentation over my research on antimicrobial production in environmental soil and agricultural systems. Soil and water can act as reservoirs for antibiotic producing bacteria. Factors such as land use, agricultural practices, and microbial interactions influence how antimicrobial production develops in these environments. My research has been influenced by the Tiny Earth project.

Eliminating Impurities in Sr2ZnW(1-x)Mo(x)O6 Double Perovskites

LTSC422

9-9:30 a.m. 

Presenter(s):

Elijah Rojas

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Paris Barnes

Abstract/Description:

Previous students have worked on investigating the double perovskites Sr2ZnW(1-x)Mo(x)O6 (x = 0-1) for their optical properties. However, X-ray diffraction data from previous attempts to prepare Sr2ZnW(1-x)Mo(x)O6 compositions revealed that most of the compounds are impure. The goal of this research project is to identify this impurity and find a better way to synthesize these compounds to make them greater than 99% pure. Mainly, the loss of zinc oxide from its volatility at high temperatures was minimized. Completing this goal would introduce a potential new semiconducting material that could be used in solid-state lighting.

Investigation of New Inorganic Pigments Based Upon the Perovskite Structure

LTSC422

9:30-10 a.m. 

Presenter(s):

Abbey Burkhalter

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Paris Barnes

Abstract/Description:

The purpose of this research project is to investigate new inorganic pigments based upon perovskite structure using X-ray crystallography and absorption spectroscopy. By basing the compounds on the previously discovered red Y(Cr,Al)O₃ perovskite, we will attempt to find a Cr³⁺-to-Al³⁺ ratio to prepare a pink-colored compound. The complete crystal structures of any new metal oxides we synthesize will be measured, both the wavelengths of light absorbed and reflected.

Collage: The Art of Publishing a Literary Magazine

SH412

9-9:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Isabella Blohm and Collage staff

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Rebecca Orchard

Abstract/Description:

Students, including the editor-in-chief of Collage, will showcase the process of publishing a literary magazine. Work from the magazine, written by Millikin students, will be featured, and student-authors and student-artists will be celebrated! The new issue of Collage, hot off the presses, will be presented to the audience.

Creating The Tack: A Collaborative English Capstone Publishing Project

SH412

9:30-10 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Anna Quick, Aubrey Diedrich, Chase Mason, Jack Hughes, Kemper Koslofski, Kyler Griggs, Miamaya Parra

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Julie Bates

Abstract/Description:

In fall 2025, students in the English major capstone course conceptualized a brand-new publication, The Tack (thetackmu.com). This online magazine was designed to connect Millikin students, faculty, staff, and alumni to one another and the greater Decatur community through profiles of students, alumni, and community members; reviews of businesses in and around Decatur; career advice; and more. In this presentation, members of the capstone class will discuss the brainstorming process that led to the creation of the publication; their work to brainstorm, design, write, edit, and post all content; and how they spread the word around campus.

Gender Issues in J.R.R. Tolkien

SH412

10-10:45 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Grey Collier, Lauren Klaus, Elliot Holm

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Michael W. Hollis-George

Abstract/Description:

This session is a result of the Fall 2025 HN203 Race & Gender in J.R.R. Tolkien course. The three papers presented here take novel approaches to gender and sexuality in Tolkien's major works, drawing from feminist and LGBTQ+ theory to provide valuable insights into the representations of Tolkien's characters.

Environmental Studies Capstone Presentations

SH315

1-2 p.m. 

Presenter(s):

Marina Rohman, Lance Frederick, Chase Mirelez

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Travis Wilcoxen 

Abstract/Description:

In this session, each of the graduating senior Environmental Studies majors will give their capstone presentations.

The German Forty-Eighters in Illinois

SH412

11-11:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Harris Dorgan

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Dan Monroe 

Abstract/Description:

The failure of the 1848 German Revolution resulted in a wave of German immigration to the United States, with many of the immigrants being political refugees who played a role in the Revolution. The German-Americans who belonged to this wave are often referred to as the "Forty-Eighters". Because a significant part of the goals of the 1848 Revolution were in line with the ideology of classical liberalism, the German Forty-Eighters established themselves as a political group that advocated for classical liberal issues, most notably abolition. They also advocated for political issues that directly impacted the German-American community.

Elitism in the Trees: Continuity in the Mainstream Environmental Movement

SH412

1:30-2 p.m.

Presenter(s):

Jack Hughes

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Dan Monroe

Abstract/Description:

This paper is an overview of the way environmental thought has motivated political reform movements in the U.S. from the late 1800s to the 1970s. It explores how the idea of the environment and people's relationships to it changed and developed over time and how this was reflected in political action. Culminating in the mainstream environmental movement of the 1960s. which both achieved incredible success at the federal legislative level and failed to move beyond the concerns of the white upper- and middle-class Americans in its activism.

Ulysses S. Grant Presidency and His Commitment to Civil Rights

SH412

2-2:30 p.m.

Presenter(s):

Alexis Wike

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Dan Monroe

Abstract/Description:

This essay examines the efforts U.S. Grant made during his presidency to follow Lincoln's legacy and protect Black civil and political rights. He particularly did so through support and passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution, the Enforcement Acts of 1870 and 1871, the Civil Rights Act of 1875, and the creation of the Department of Justice during his presidency. Such legislation, along with the newly created DOJ, made it possible for Grant to prosecute the Ku Klux Klan and use military might to suppress violence towards Black Americans, ultimately leading to the elimination of the Klan.

Life of Purpose in the Classroom

UC142 & 144

12-12:30 p.m.

Presenter(s):

Dr. Jane Hua, Zoe Lucas, Macie Wright, Bella Griffiths

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Brandon Cockburn

Abstract/Description:

This presentation will focus on the Network for Vocation and Undergraduate Education professional development grant that has brought forth vocational engagement opportunities in first-year courses. This group of students and faculty will present and reflect upon how these modules have helped bring attention to discuss a sense of purpose in their courses and connect their academics to purpose.

Senior Seminar Projects for Mathematics and Computer Science

UC138 & 140

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Presenter(s):

Qowiyu Amuda, Msanaa Bosland, Devin Gloeckner, Noah Horner, Jallah Kollie, Jr., Hailey Newill, Deep Patel, Jack Pearce, Doran Sanders

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Emily Olson, Dr. Jim Rauff 

Abstract/Description:

This is the culminating work of seniors in the School of Mathematics & Computational Sciences.

MA313 Final Project Presentations

UC138 & 140

1-3:30 p.m.

Presenter(s):

Msanaa Bosland, Brian Eiter, Noah Horner, Markus Jesse, Izzy Jones, Jallah Kollie, Lennon Lavarier, Ryan Mensik, Valerie Ocana Pena, Logan Parker, Deep Patel, Trace Shaub, Avi Sheth

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Joe Stickles

Abstract/Description:

Students in MA313 Numerical Analysis students will be presenting the findings of their final projects.

Growing Strong Internship

SH315

9-9:30 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Ainsley Diver

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Kenneth Laundra

Abstract/Description:

Presentation explaining my internship at Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center. Incorporating key concepts of sociology that can be applied to my experience with the organization. Explaining the process of Growing Strong and how someone can get involved with helping victims of sexual assault.

Sociology Capstone presentations

SH315

9:30-10:45 a.m.

Presenter(s):

Marcus Holman, Noah Nagel, Kaleb Brown

Faculty Sponsor(s):

Dr. Kenneth Laundra 

Abstract/Description:

Senior sociology students will present their research and projects.