Category: Oral Presentation
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Intraparty Factions in the 2024 Republican Primary
By Amede Karina-Plun Faculty Mentor: Rosalyn Cooperman Abstract Amidst heightened polarization between the two major parties, the continued dominance of former president Donald Trump, and an uncertain future for the Republican Party, how do ascendant and descendant groups within the Republican Party compete for attention and resources? Recent scholarship demonstrates how competing groups of policy-demanders…
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From Yearning to Eroticism: Radical Queer Works from Cuban Writers
By Norah Walsh Faculty Mentor: Ana Chichester Abstract During Fidel Castro’s homophobic regime—especially within the UMAPs camps that were utilized to convert Cuban homosexuals through experiments and forced labor—queer writers were forced to the margins of society due to their identity, and they worked to bring their experience to light through literature because to do…
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Benevolence or Branding? Understanding the Motivations and Public Reception Behind Major Museum Donations, 1900-2020.
By Eric Hummer Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Smith Abstract Museums secure funding through a diverse variety of channels, a substantial portion can be attributed to large donations from individuals or corporations, often manifesting in the form of large-scale exhibitions or building expansions named after the donor. In the United States specifically, numerous renowned museums owe…
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Effectiveness of the (AVANT) UMW Spanish Language Placement Exam for Heritage Speakers of Spanish
By Lucy Schraff Faculty Mentor: Marisa Martinez Mira Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the effectiveness of the UMW Spanish Language Placement exam in evaluating Heritage speakers’ level of Spanish. To create a context for the effectiveness of this placement exam, the paper will analyze the population of Heritage Spanish speakers…
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Comparing the Legislative Process for Protections Against Gender Based Violence in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
By Aleksandra Poletes Faculty Mentor: Surupa Gupta Abstract Gender equality in Uzbekistan has seen both progress and regression since the country gained independence in 1991. Both scholars and public opinion agree that women enjoyed more freedom under Soviet rule, largely through workers’ rights and welfare programs, which disappeared in the turmoil of the USSR’s collapse.…
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Mapping Racial Covenants in Fredericksburg
By Lucas Anderson, Aidan Smagh Faculty Mentor: Dr. Moon, Dr. Hanna, Dr. Henry Abstract The purpose of this project is to increase understanding of racially covenanted properties in Fredericksburg, Virginia, during the early twentieth century. This is done by creating an on-line interactive map showing what land had racial covenants placed on deeds before the…
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ELL Programs within the Fredericksburg, VA area: A Description and Rationale for Advocacy
By Natalie Buchanan Faculty Mentor: Dr. Martinez-Mira Abstract The purpose of this research is to analyze and discuss the common challenges that the English Language-Learners (henceforth ELL) programs face in Virginia. In order to accomplish this goal I will be conducting interviews from various ELL teachers in Fredericksburg City Public Schools as well as Spotsylvania…
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Exploring the Impact of Social Media Usage on Misinformation Beliefs
By Corbin Poyer Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jared McDonald Abstract Does diminishing access to print news have an impact on people’s propensity to believe misinformation? What if this misinformation emanates from an online source as opposed to a print source? The focus of recent research on misinformation has been narrow: (1) recognizing its existence and acknowledging…
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Understanding Anatomy Creates Better Dancers
By Elizabeth Sullivan Faculty Mentor: Dr. Swati Agrawal Abstract Dancers engage virtually every muscle group within their bodies during movement, a phenomenon observable even in the execution of fundamental steps. Such intense muscular activity inevitably predisposes dancers to injuries. I have been part of the Performing Arts Company (PAC) at the University of Mary Washington…
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Making Healthy Choices for Academic Integrity: a Retrospective Study on the Impacts of Health on Violating the Honor Code at the University of Mary Washington
By Hannah Lee Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tracy Citeroni Abstract The Honor Code at the University of Mary Washington educates students not to lie, cheat, or steal. If a student violates the honor code, the case is brought to the Honor Council. Previous studies have shown that students are more likely to be tempted to violate…
