Stander Symposium: Projects with UD Institutional Learning Goals

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  Sustainable Biopolymers for Water and Wastewater Treatment

  Moses Ayitey-Adjin

  With the increasing number of contaminants found in wastewater, there has been a need to develop sustainable materials that will help address this issue. This work investigates the use of eco-friendly materials such as lignin, chitosan and vanillin in the formation of a hydrogel composite to help remove these pollutants from wastewater. Lignin a byproduct of the paper industry serves as an abundant and a source of a sustainable polymer, chitosan a biopolymer found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans is noted for its adsorption capacity. Vanillin, a natural crosslinker was also incorporated in the hydrogel matrix to improve the gel’s mechanical strength. Different hydrogel composites were synthesized in this work using lignin, chitosan and by varying the weight percent of the crosslinker vanillin. The various hydrogel composites were characterized using SEM, FTIR and a rheometer. The adsorption capacity of the hydrogels was also evaluated against water contaminants such as methylene blue. Preliminary results revealed that these hydrogel composite had high adsorption capacity and are able to remove contaminants such as methylene blue from wastewater hence a potential adsorbent for waste water treatment.

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  Synthesis and Characterization of Cu3VSxSe4-x Nanocrystals: Intermediate Band Gap and Potential Solar Energy Application.

  Soham Kadam, Godwin Mante, Nikunjkumar Padhiyar

  Semiconductors with intermediate bandgaps have gained significant attention for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency and expanding optoelectronic applications. In this study, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of Cu₃VSₓSe4-x, a promising light-absorbing semiconductor. We systematically introduce selenium as a novel substituent to tune the optical band gap of the material. Selenium substitution is demonstrated to enhance electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, and quantum efficiency in photovoltaic applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the intermediate band gap Cu3VSxSe4-x nanocrystals. The material was synthesized using a modified hot-injection reaction method and its crystallographic structure was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy revealed an optimal intermediate band gap, positioning this material as a strong candidate for efficient solar energy conversion. Further investigations into long-term stability under operational conditions and carrier transport dynamics will be crucial for practical implementation in next-generation solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Keywords: Intermediate Band gap, Cu₃VSₓSe4-x, Semiconductor, Light Absorption, Optoelectronics

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  Teacher Perceptions of Factors that Contribute to Effective Co-Teaching

  Morgan Hemler

  A majority of students with disabilities spend 80% of their school day in general education classrooms, reflecting a commitment to inclusive education reinforced by legal mandates like the IDEIA. Despite positive outcomes associated with co-taught classrooms, there remains variability in implementation, prompting further investigation into potential barriers to successful execution. This qualitative study explored teachers perceptions of factors that contribute to effective co-teaching, as well as how those perceptions contribute to model selection. Results suggest that factors such as collaboration, logistics and access to resources are important to consider when implementing co-teaching practices. Results also suggest that model selection is dependent on those factors being implemented. When implementing co-teaching within your school consider the pairing of co-teachers, and the logistics and resources your school has available. Effective co-teaching practices, including the factors presented in this study can increase the perceived success of students behaviorally and academically. Future research may consider students perceptions of factors that contribute to effective co-teaching.

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  Techno-economic pathway for green hydrogen adoption in thermal applications across US small and medium manufacturing sectors

  Anup Paudel

  This study presents an optimization framework for designing a renewable hydrogen production system to meet the annual thermal energy demand of US small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs). The proposed system integrates solar photovoltaics, battery storage, and an electrolyser and the use of a mixed-integer linear programming model to determine the optimal sizing of components to minimize system cost while satisfying hydrogen demand under varying natural gas replacement scenarios. The optimization results indicate that increased PV and battery capacities are required for higher shares of hydrogen, while the size of the electrolyser remains constant within each industry. The economic analysis shows a significant cost escalation at higher hydrogen shares, with photovoltaics contributing more than half of the net present cost. Evaluation of carbon pricing indicates that while it could theoretically make this system economically competitive, the required carbon price to make hydrogen viable against natural gas would be prohibitively high, rendering the approach economically infeasible in practice. The study thus recommends the use of targeted incentives for renewable components and renewable grid integration to meet the challenges of transitioning SMMs to hydrogen and accelerate industrial decarbonization.

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  Temperature Dependent Hall Measurement of MBE Ga2O3 Using Van Der Pauw Method

  Tom Jacob

  Gallium Oxide (Ga2O3) is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor which has significant applications in developing future power devices and electro-optics. Interest in Ga2O3 research increased upon the demonstrations of the first MESFET1 (Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) and MOSFET2 (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). To enhance development of Gallium oxide technologies, an understanding of temperature dependent characteristics based on carrier transport measurements for MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) films is necessary. In MBE growth, a major challenge is to attain controlled doping of the semiconductor material; temperature dependent Hall measurements characterize the electrical properties of a semiconductor, indicating the level of doping. Temperature dependent Hall measurements were performed on Gallium Oxide using the Van Der Pauw method by applying electric current on a Gallium Oxide sample and subjecting it to a magnetic field under various temperatures. Properties such as mobility, conductivity, and carrier concentration of Gallium Oxide were studied using LabVIEW and OriginPro, and the data was analyzed from 5K to room temperature. The resultant carrier concentration was approximate to the expected value of 1E18 cm-3 at room temperature and showed slight variations as the temperature decreased to 5K which potentially indicates minimal defects during MBE growth. This study improves the understanding of the temperature dependent properties of Gallium Oxide and provides a method to evaluate the standards of MBE growth.References:1 Masataka Higashiwaki et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 013504 (2012)2 Masataka Higashiwaki et al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 103, 123511 (2013)

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  The Aesthetic Advantage: Enhancing Visual Clarity in Point Cloud Labeling with Superpoints

  Nordin Abouzahra

  Modern 3D sensing technologies like LiDAR generate expansive point clouds, necessitating efficient data annotation techniques. Traditional methods focus on a per-point approach, discriminating individual points via global features such as depth or other available sensor data. While functional, this approach becomes unwieldy as point clouds grow in size. To address this challenge, we introduce the use of superpoints as part of the annotation process. By leveraging superpoints, we can exploit geometric information within the point cloud that would otherwise be overlooked, thereby assisting the annotator. These superpoints represent clusters of locally coherent data, offering a more interpretable and manageable unit for labeling compared to individual points.Our approach begins by processing the point cloud into superpoints. This process produces superpoints that belong to a partition level, ranging from a fine-to-coarse representation. This structure lays the groundwork for more precise, human-guided refinement. Annotators can leverage the inherent spatial and geometric coherence highlighted by the superpoints to expedite their annotation alongside traditional methods. Additionally, annotators can choose the granularity at which to operate. For instance, they may start with a rough pass using the coarsest representation and then refine their labels at the finest level.We conducted comprehensive experiments across multiple large-scale point clouds to evaluate the benefits of our method. The results demonstrate a reduction in annotation time, accompanied by enhanced label precision. This improvement is attributed to the method’s capacity to convey complex spatial information through easily identifiable clusters, thereby reducing the cognitive load on human annotators.In conclusion, by redefining the annotation process with a focus on superpoints, our framework offers a robust solution for the challenges of large-scale 3D data labeling. This advancement not only improves procedural efficiency but also lays a foundation for more scalable and detailed annotation workflows in diverse 3D applications.

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  The Brain Health Collective

  Helen McCormick, Hannah Moore

  The Brain Health Collective (BHC) was formed to address the growing need for education, research, and community outreach related to brain injuries and health. The BHC brings together leaders from education, healthcare, and community-based organizations to improve care coordination, prevention, and intervention strategies for individuals and families affected by neurological challenges. Almost 1 in 4 Ohioans will sustain at least one brain injury in their lifetime. Brain injuries, including concussions and other neurological issues such as stroke, brain cancer and “chemo brain,” dementia, and long-term COVID-19, can have wide-ranging and long-lasting physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Individuals with persistent brain health challenges face an increased risk of housing instability, school failure, job loss, substance abuse, and heightened mental health needs. The cost of a brain injury can range up to $3 million over a person’s lifetime. These costs include medical care, mental health care, lost wages and productivity, and impact to family caregiver.Through strategic partnerships with local universities, agencies, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, educational service centers, foundations, and families, the BHC has developed a regional action plan. A 20-member advisory board and four workgroups guide our work:- Continuum of Care (Led by Goodwill Easterseals) – Improving access to a continuum of care and ensuring services for affected individuals, helping them return to school and work.- Professional Education (Led by Clark County Educational Service Center) – Training healthcare professionals, educators, and athletic personnel on brain health to better support children and families.- Applied Research (Led by Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association) – Conducting interdisciplinary research on community brain health needs, including mental health impacts and workforce reintegration.- Marketing, Awareness & Promotion (Led by Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board – Increasing public awareness through education campaigns and events, ensuring families have access to vital resources.

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  The Catholic-Protestant Divide in Northern Ireland and Its Lasting Impact

  Elizabeth Carey

  The religious and political divide between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland has shaped the region’s history, society, and economy. This project explores the ongoing relevance of this division by examining personal narratives, historical treaties, and contemporary political and economic implications. Using a podcast format, I will interview family members and friends who have experienced life in Northern Ireland and those who immigrated to the United States. These firsthand accounts will provide insight into how sectarian tensions influence daily life, job opportunities, and migration patterns. I will use scholarly sources to explore the historical roots of the Catholic-Protestant divide, including British colonial policies and religious discrimination. These sources will also assess the effectiveness of peace agreements like the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements and examine the economic impact of sectarianism on jobs, trade, and investment. Drawing from current news sources and historical research, this project will highlight how religious and political identity still impact Northern Ireland today. By looking at these dynamics, I aim to understand how historical divisions continue to shape modern society and business, particularly in trade and economic opportunities. This research is especially relevant to my background in international business, as it demonstrates the intersection of history, politics, and economics in shaping a region’s development. This project provides a deeper understanding of how sectarian conflict persists and why it remains significant in local and global contexts.

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  The Correctional Responses to COVID-19: in Ohio, the U.S., and Across the Globe

  Kendall Visco

  The United States has the largest correctional system in the world, and as a result, the system is vulnerable to various public health issues, the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic. Correctional institutions across the country were completely unprepared for the pandemic, in terms of supplies and regulations. As a result, tens of thousands of incarcerated individuals fell sick in outbreaks, and thousands more passed away due to complications. Regulations varied from institution to institution, and policies then and now are still unclear. In order to prepare for the future, understanding of these policies is vital to better understand where successes and failures were, and this project aims to shed light on this topic. Analysis of available data regarding policy and interviews of individuals exonerated through the Ohio Innocence Project will be conducted. Questions will be related to the policies implemented before, during, and after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, as well as personal experiences living with the pandemic and how they individually believe policies could have been improved. This information will fill in current gaps in understanding and serve to help correctional institutions better understand how to protect their staff and incarcerated populations from future outbreaks and pandemics.

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  The Correlation Between Social Media Use, Academic Performance, and Sleep in College Students

  Emily Decillo, Jack Doherty, Olivia Goldfarb, Morgan Moore

  This study aims to explore the relationship between social media usage, sleep deprivation, and academic performance of UD students. By examining how these factors interact, the study seeks to better understand the potential impact of social media usage on college students' sleep patterns and, in turn, how both of these variables influence academic achievement.

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  The Drosophila Beta-Tubulin Sperm Code: Cracking Evolutionary Pathways One Amino Acid Insertion at a Time

  Ellin Park

  How does a protein evolve while maintaining its function? One answer to this question is that the protein doesn’t evolve. In this research, we study the beta 2 tubulin protein that is essential to the production of Drosophila fruit fly sperm, in order to explain why ithasn’t evolved in the past 60 million years. By testing the ability of different beta tubulins to support spermatogenesis, we can re-create its evolutionary pathway and determine which possible pathways are viable. Here we test the ability of “CTA”, a chimeric beta-tubulin that has ꞵ2 tubulin amino acid insertions of cysteine, threonine, and alanine in amino acid positions 29, 55, and 57 into the major, ꞵ1 tubulin, to determine if these residues carry sperm-generating power into the ꞵ1 protein. These amino acids were chosen based on the hypothesis that they entail a sperm-generating synergism of the ꞵ2 protein. We are generating flies in which the endogenous ꞵ2 gene was replaced by the ꞵ1-ꞵ2 CTA gene, and will determine if it is sufficient to support spermatogenesis and fertility. If sufficient, this supports an argument that ꞵ2’s evolutionary stasis is due to its ability to win evolutionary competitions against other ꞵ2 alleles. If it does not, we conclude a second protein may need to evolve for ꞵ2 to evolve.

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  The Educational Impact of Film and Media in 20th-Century Classrooms

  Lucile Multer

  This research helps future educators understand how film and media were increasingly adopted as educational tools throughout the 20th century. With the use of audiovisual technologies, educators have begun incorporating films, documentaries, and podcasts to provide diverse learning experiences catered to various learning styles. Film and media improves comprehension, retention, and critical thinking by presenting information for students in accessible and stimulating formats. Promotion of media literacy encourages discussions about societal issues using the integration of modern educational practices and pedagogical approaches.

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  The Effect of Explicit Writing Instruction in Different Content Areas on Students’ Writing Ability and Content Knowledge in Middle School Social Studies Classrooms.

  Casey Bogues

  Implementation of writing in the content areas has been encouraged since the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, still there is minimal research on how to effectively deliver this instruction in the classroom (Galbraith & Baaijen 2018). Teachers utilize activities such as free writing, journaling, and argumentative writing to promote learning, but there is little evidence that teachers of differnt content areas provide the explicit writing instruction students need to successfully write in the specific content area (Graham, Kiuhara & McKay, 2020). The main question being explored in this study is does explicit writing instruction in the content area of social studies in a middle school classroom influence students' writing ability and content knowledge retention? The hypothesis is that while most students will make some progress in understanding the content materials, students who receive the intervention will make greater progress in developing content knowledge through writing with instruction. There are two main objectives while conducting this research: 1) Explore how explicit writing interventions in a different content classroom at the middle school level influences learning in the classroom; 2) Develop a deeper understanding of the different instruction that teachers provide in the content area, social studies, to support students’ development and content knowledge. To determine the effect of explicit writing instruction in a different content area on students’ writing abilities and content knowledge in middle school classrooms, the intervention of a single paragraph outlining template will be implemented in the content area classroom of social studies. A triangulation of data will be implemented throughout this research. Interviews will be conducted with the teachers for both pre-intervention implementation and post-intervention implementation. Documents of students' work samples will be collected and analyzed. Finally, observations of the writing instruction in each classroom will be conducted.

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  The Effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans on Violent Crimes

  Logan Coulehan

  This current study was conducted due to the limited available research on the field of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), within the veteran population, and violent crimes. The prior literature regarding this topic highlighted the complexity of analyzing mental illness and crimes as a whole. Throughout the literature, it has been shown that more psychotic impairing disorders, such as PTSD, have displayed higher rates of violence than those that possess other forms of mental illness. However, research studies on the specific correlation between PTSD and violence are very limited and lacking in the field. In addition, research has also shown that veterans, especially those who have just gotten out of recent military service, are more likely to develop PTSD compared to the general population, indicating the importance of studying both violence and PTSD in veterans. Hence, this research study attempts to investigate the following question: Does post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans display an increase in these veterans conducting violent crimes?

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  The Effect of Red, Blue, and UV Light on the Inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA and Implications for Birefringence in Anisotropic Cellular Matrices

  Eleanor Callaghan, Anna Carollo, Laura Greb, Ethan Potocki

  This poster provides a summary of bioengineering research performed using both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light on the inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA. Red light therapy (RLT) with a wavelength of 620–750 nm is an emerging low-level laser treatment option advertised to improve various dermatological conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, scars, redness/inflammation, and signs of aging such as wrinkles. Red light has the ability to penetrate the inner, dermis layer of the skin, thereby promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which improve youthfulness and appearance. However, blue light therapy (BLT) devices are characterized by a shorter wavelength of 450–495 nm, which focus more superficially on the outer, epidermis layer of the skin. As a result, BLT is marketed as a treatment that kills bacteria, which can lead to conditions such as acne. The overall aim of this study was to quantify the effect of red, blue, and UV light on the inactivation of Escherichia coli DNA in vitro, through measurement of bacterial growth colonies and the level of birefringence in anisotropic cellular matrices. The results may offer insight into alternate methods for promoting prolonged shelf life, sustainable supply chains, and improved food safety measures in the grocery industry.

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  The Future of Education

  Ella Savely

  Education and technology have always been intertwined. Technologies like whiteboards, online platforms, and a focus on multimodal learning increase and create more opportunities for exploration, stress-free schools, and hands-on learning for individuals and groups from kindergarten to high school. Focusing on technology, multimodal learning, and curriculum allows for more learning in the classroom.

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  The Halo Effect and Attributions of Responsibility: How Perceptions of Attractiveness and Promiscuity Influence Victim-Blaming in Ambiguous Sexual Encounters

  Emma Tucek

  The study examined how perceptions of attractiveness influenced attributions of responsibility in an ambiguous sexual encounter involving a male perpetrator and a female victim that aligns with the University of Dayton’s definition of sexual assault. Participants read a brief vignette, along with photos of the purported characters, and rated the two participants on various characteristics; we manipulated the attractiveness of the female using different photos. Participants then provided their judgments regarding the encounter described in the vignette. Due to differences in causal inference difficulties, we found a difference between the effect of manipulating attractiveness versus rated attractiveness. ANOVAs indicated a change in male and female attractiveness, as well as perceptions of promiscuity, before and after reading the vignette. Ratings of both characters’ attractiveness influenced responsibility judgments, but the pathways differed based on the type of responsibility. As male attractiveness increased, he was viewed more favorably and assigned less responsibility, while she was attributed more responsibility through perceptions of her promiscuity. Female attractiveness did not directly predict her level of responsibility. The findings revealed gendered biases in responsibility attributions, where assumptions about a woman’s character assumptions drove victim-blaming, while a man’s character assumptions were less indicative of his accountability. A mediation analysis suggested that a halo effect may be a mechanism through which attractiveness influences attributions of responsibility, specifically by enhancing ratings of positive traits rather than diminishing ratings of negative characteristics.

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  The Impact of Athlete Endorsements on Consumer Purchasing Behavior and Brand Sales

  Michael Erwin, Eleanor Monyek, Daniela Peralta, Jamil Robinson, Lauren Whitt

  Introduction: In the past athlete endorsements have become a significant marketing tool for brands seeking to influence consumer purchasing behavior. The connection between professional athletes and consumer decision-making is often assumed, but the specific factors that drive this relationship remain underexplored. This study seeks to examine the impact of athlete endorsements on consumer purchasing intentions and brand sales. This research aims to offer a deeper understanding of how athlete endorsements can sway consumer behavior. Through a quasi-experimental design involving an online survey, we aim to uncover the nuanced effects that athlete endorsements have on consumer choices, providing valuable insights for brands in their strategic decision-making processes.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how an athlete endorsing a product influences consumer purchasing behavior and intention. Methods: The data will be collected from college students at the University of Dayton (80-100 participants). By using an online survey, our participants will be asked about purchase intentions of suggested products as well as perception of its brand. Specifically, half of the participant group will get asked about purchasing an item from a brand without athlete endorsement and the other half is asked about purchasing the same item however an athlete is endorsing it this time.Discussions/Conclusion: While this study is still under investigation, our results will suggest the impact professional athletes have in promoting a brand and their impact on consumer buying habits. Furthermore, the findings will highlight the importance of choosing the right athlete to promote a brand considering the company's brand image, consumer market, and the campaign's targeted demographic.

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  The Impact of Globalization on Small Craft Breweries

  Aubrey Evers

  Globalization has transformed the craft beer industry, bringing both exciting opportunities and tough challenges for small breweries in Germany. While international trade and digital marketing have made it easier for these breweries to reach global markets, they now face growing competition from multinational beer corporations and foreign craft brands. At the same time, sourcing ingredients has become more complex, with many breweries balancing the need for high-quality, imported hops and malts with a push for sustainability and local sourcing. Consumer tastes are also evolving; German beer drinkers are embracing styles influenced by global craft beer trends, while international tourists are eager to experience Germany’s rich brewing heritage. This shift forces small brewers to innovate while staying true to tradition. Meanwhile, regulations, taxation, and trade policies present additional hurdles, shaping how these businesses expand beyond Germany’s borders. This paper explores how small craft breweries in Germany are adapting to globalization, drawing insights from industry reports, case studies, and academic research. Looking at real-world examples highlights how these businesses navigate challenges and seize new opportunities in a rapidly changing beer landscape.

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  The impact of involvement in student clubs on the well-being of UD students

  Brendan Connors, Grace Felts, Ruth Petrick, Emilee Strine

  We want to investigate the impact student organizations have on UD student's lives whether it is through mental health, physical well-being and life satisfaction.

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  The Importance of Beavers: Effects of a Beaver colony on Biodiversity

  Dustin Holmes

  Ecosystem engineers are vital for natural areas, having a large impact on species richness and ecosystem health. An example is the North American beaver (Castor canadensis). Beavers can radically alter their environment through the construction of dams, which creates new aquatic habitats, leads to greater water availability, and increases nutrient availability for plants and animals. Around two years ago a beaver family began to build a dam in Glen Helen Nature Reserve (Yellow Springs, OH), and since then have completed construction of a dam and a lodge. This has caused significant flooding of the stream that the dam was built on and an opening of the canopy due to the beavers removing many large trees within the area. Our aim was to study the effects that this beaver colony has had on trees in the area and how the beavers are affected by the local fauna and human activity.For this objective, we set up three remote trail cameras to capture beaver presence and activity. Cameras were active for a month, from Nov 15 to Dec 15, 2022. We also monitored and documented the location of trees that showed any signs of beaver activity so that we could identify what tree species were preferred by the beavers. We collected the cameras and reviewed what was captured, following up with analysis of the data collected. We documented 141 photos and videos of beavers during our study. They were primarily active at dawn, and seemed to avoid other mammals and humans. It was also determined that the beavers mainly preferred medium sized sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and hackberry trees (Celtis occidentalis) over other slower growing tree species. This data will aid in the management of Glen Helen Nature Reserve and provide insight on what attracts beavers to locations for their dam.

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  The Influence of Scottish and Irish Traditional Music on the Work of Bob Dylan

  Bryce Russell

  “Jean Redpath sung a song here a while ago, which I heard Liam Clancy sing about two years ago,” Bob Dylan told the crowd huddled around him on July 26, 1963, at the Newport Folk Festival. “I was listening to her sing it, and I thought I wrote this song called ‘With God on Our Side,’ and it must have somewhere stayed in the back of my mind hearing Liam Clancy sing ‘The Patriot Game.’” The connections between Bob Dylan and the American folk music tradition have been studied since the beginning of his career. However, the folk music of Ireland and Scotland have been important catalysts of Dylan’s work as well, spanning his early folk career to his most recent album. Through numerous covers of Irish / Scottish folk songs like “The Roving Blade” and “Easy and Slow,” among others, we can see Dylan’s appreciation and knowledge for this strand of folk music. For example, he seems to have a lasting affinity for “Wild Mountain Thyme,” having played it in 1965 at the Savoy Hotel with Joan Baez, at his return at the Isle of Wight festival in 1969, and on both the 1975 and 1976 legs of the Rolling Thunder Revue.In taking a deeper look into songs like “With God on Our Side,” “Walls of Red Wing,” and others, we can see how Dylan adapted not just the melody of multiple Irish / Scottish tunes, but also the lyrical elements of rebellion and self-reflectiveness.

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  The Legacy of French Colonialism in Haiti: Economic Instability and Gender Inequality

  Lydia Andrews

  This research examines how Haiti’s colonial past, particularly its exploitative plantation economy (1697–1804) and the burden of post-independence debt (1825–1947), has contributed to systemic financial hardship and gender inequality. The poto-mitan figure, derived from the Haitian Creole words for “pillar” (poto) and “center” (mitan), is often viewed as a source of strength that symbolizes resilience, self-sacrifice, and responsibility, particularly among working-class, dark-skinned Haitian women. However, this figure, emerging from colonial and postcolonial labor structures, places disproportionate economic burdens on women while devaluing their contributions. This social construct has reinforced a gendered and racialized division of labor, limiting Haitian women’s economic mobility. Over the past fifty years (1970s–present), continued economic instability, worsened by political unrest and foreign interventions, has exacerbated these gender disparities, constricting Haitian women’s participation in the formal economy. Through an analysis of historical colonial policies, post-independence economic struggles, and contemporary gendered labor dynamics, this research seeks to examine how colonial legacies continue to shape economic and social inequalities in Haiti.

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  The Power of Black Love: Exploring Black Students' Sense of Belonging through the Lens of Romance

  Kayla Jackson

  All humans desire some sort of connection, as we are social beings by nature. This study aims to better understand the relationship between Black students’ experiences in romantic relationships and their perceptions of belonging on campus. This is necessary, given that a student’s sense of belonging is crucial to their success in higher education. The study was conducted using confidential, semi-structured interviews of Black undergraduate students at the University of Dayton who have been in a relationship during their college years. Results show that Black students have mixed feelings about whether they feel that they belong on campus. Though relationships had less of an impact on campus events and involvement, they had a profound effect on social life. These findings paint a more detailed picture of an overlooked aspect of Black students’ experiences on UD’s campus.

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  The Price of Community: Budget Changes and Multicultural Student Sucess and Belonging

  Crystal Kissi

  Increasing political opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies alongside budget cuts at higher education institutions have caused much concern about the future of diversity initiatives on many campuses, including the University of Dayton. This study explores the perceptions of multicultural student leaders concerning budget changes. The goal is to understand the importance of multicultural organizations and perceptions of budget cuts and link these experiences and perceptions to student belonging on campus. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 multicultural student leaders who are involved in MEC and/or SGA, results highlight these organizations as a key factor in why multicultural students feel they belong on UD’s campus. The interviews also revealed the importance of holistic support from advisors and other administrators on campus or in their organizations. These findings demonstrate the specific needs of students and organizations, as well as the importance of administrative structures and national networks in supporting students on campus.