FSU Student Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/11603/2165

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Investigating Cognitive Performance in Gamers and Non-Gamers
(2025-04-25) Quach, Jimmy; Mitchell, Spencer; Pumphrey, Jennifer; Morin, Lily; Duncan, Kobe; Kennedy, Steven; Flinn, Rebecca; FSU eSports Club
As gaming becomes an increasingly prevalent form of entertainment, understanding its cognitive effects is essential. This study examines the relationship between gaming and cognitive performance, focusing on reaction time. We explore whether video game players demonstrate improved cognitive skills compared to non-players by analyzing data collected from student participants through reaction time benchmark tests. Additionally, we explore how the duration and frequency of gaming impact cognitive performance. By analyzing this data, we hope to evaluate cognitive performance found in student gamers and non-gamers. Our findings aim to clarify whether gaming is associated with enhanced cognitive abilities and to assess the extent to which different gaming habits influence performance. Ultimately, this research seeks to demonstrate that moderate video game play may provide measurable benefits in memory and reaction time, contributing to the broader discourse on gaming and cognition.
Intergenerational Housing: An Inclusive On-Campus Community for All Ages
(2025-04-24) James, Amaya; Department of Social Work; Research Symposium
This research explores the development of an intergenerational housing model on campus to address housing insecurity, social isolation, and limited intergenerational understanding—challenges that affect both college students and older adults, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. By fostering shared living spaces between students and older adults, the project aims to reduce loneliness and financial hardship while promoting mutual support. Using interviews, surveys, and case studies, we examine the benefits and barriers of implementation. We also consider how university policies, funding, and community partnerships can support this model. Ultimately, this initiative offers a sustainable, inclusive approach to housing that strengthens community and promotes lifelong learning.
Ritual and Superstition: New England Belief in the Vampire
(2023-12-07) Wegman, Caleb; Department of History; HIST 299 - Writing and Research in History
Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the largely rural region of the United States designated as New England was experiencing a virulent epidemic of highly contagious diseases, key among them being that of consumption. Now commonly recognized as pulmonary tuberculosis, then the rapid transmission of the disease was sometimes misunderstood as something much more supernatural in a time when germ theory was in its infancy. Rural communities, inspired by superstitions, exhumed and mutilated the bodies of their deceased loved ones; actions which were fueled by a fear of undead revenants rising from their graves to feast upon their life energies. Though considered absurd or barbaric by modern spectators, this is a common trend subscribed to by misunderstanding communities throughout history. This work explores the New England Vampire Panic and attempts to shed light on how misunderstandings of both tuberculosis and the natural process of decomposition inspired superstitious fears within rural New Englanders.
Understanding Machismo: Roots, Violence, & Resistance
(2024-12-18) Toro, Hailie J.; Lluvara, Angela; Department of Sociology
Machismo is a term that been increasingly discussed in Latin American spaces. Modernly, machismo refers to sexism and the prevalence of hegemonic masculinity in Latin American societies. Machismo has cited as a factor in the heightened rates of gender-based violence in Latin America, which includes domestic violence, rape, and femicide. In this context, femicide describes a type of homicide that is motivated by gender discrimination. Western scholars in the twentieth century had considered machismo to be inherent to Latin American culture, which perpetuated the illusion that Latin Americans were violent and uncivilized. However, this paper aims to assess the history of colonialism and imperialism in instilling machismo across Latin America, and its lasting effects on Latin American communities. Additionally, this paper aims to assess and incorporate ideas from Latin American feminist theory and social movements to pose decolonial solutions to combat machismo. Separating machismo as an inherent aspect of Latin American culture, and rather, recognizing the sexism that is embedded as a result of colonial patriarchal systems, is essential in moving Latin American feminist studies forward. This paper aims to affirm that race, gender, nationality, among other aspects of one’s identity, are social constructs and used to oppress and justify the oppression of Latin Americans. Furthermore, this paper will assess the detrimental impacts long-lasting colonial violence has had on the Latin American community.
Analyzing and Comparing Mineral Identification Methods and their Applications
(2024-12-18) Nooney, Bridget; Department of Geography; GEOG482 and GEOG 483
Mineral identification is a fundamental aspect of mineralogy. Traditional identification methods involved analyzing physical and observable properties, but more advanced methods, such as petrographic microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, can be used to measure optical and geochemical characteristics. Thirteen hand samples from Ward’s Laboratory Rock and Mineral Set were observed for physical characteristics (hardness, streak, crystal habit, luster, color, cleavage, and fracture) and scanned in an XRF spectrometer to generate graphs of their elemental composition. Seven thin sections were observed with a petrographic microscope and photographed using a digital camera. The results for each method were combined into a comprehensive dataset of each mineral. Each method provided a distinctive analysis of mineral characteristics and should be used to supplement each other for a more well-rounded dataset. Implementing a combination of these methods into educational settings, such as undergraduate laboratory exercises, would allow students to gain more understanding and experience with optical mineralogy and geochemistry.
Oral Presentation
(2024-11-13) Alridge, Anderson; Department of Political Science; POSC 324 Criminal Justice Systems
I was pretending to be a State Prosecutor and I was charging a man named Matthew Miller Sr. with kidnapping, child endangerment, and the use of violent language. I proposed an opening statement to the jury giving them all the facts of the case. Then I proposed a closing statement trying to convince the jury that this man was guilty and wrong for going against the protective order.
Old Main Past, and Future?
(2024-12-09) Williams, Antoine II; Department of English; ENGL 336 - Journalistic Writing
This article discusses the historical significance and current challenges facing Old Main, a cornerstone of Frostburg State University, since the school's opening in 1902. It dives into the building's history and its numerous uses throughout the years. Despite proposals for renovation, the building is now closed; the paper presents questions about whether preserving this historical landmark is viable or has reached the end of its practical use.
Mexico-US Migration challenges
(2024-05-24) Ford, Shannah; Geography; Geog 114 - Honors: Human Geography
My work is an outline in Chicago style that shows I could write a full research paper with the information I have gathered. The project is on the migration challenges Mexican's face when migrating from Mexico to the US. The outline contains an introduction, four main points, and a conclusion, along with an annotated bibliography of ten sources used in the outline.
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: Advocating Women’s Evolved Independence
(2024-04-23) Ford, Shannah; Department of English; ENGL 150 - Introduction to Literature
My work is an argumentative essay explaining how the drama A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen is relevant to readers in the world in current times. The essay is focused on how the drama shows several parallels of women's independence in modern times, and each point is supported by a real-life situation and two song lyrics. This work also includes a reference page of the sources used in the essay and a separate artist's statement explaining the work itself, the criteria I followed correctly, why I chose this topic, and the goal of the essay's argument.
Irresistible Instagram: The Negative Effects of This Social Media Platform on Adolescents
(2023-04-06) Kush, Alyssa; Department of English; Undergraduate Research Symposium
In this paper, Kush argues that, although many adolescents in the United States feel connected when they use Instagram, it negatively affects some of them because it promotes competitive body image expectations and unproductive use of time, which can lead to mental health issues. Since many influencers are getting paid to promote an item, it sets up a false idea that viewers need to buy these products to be more liked and attractive. Depending on how much a person believes they look or act the way the influencers say they should determines how they feel about themselves. In a study conducted in 2020, researchers concluded that social media and self-esteem go hand in hand. They have a negative correlation, which means the more time spent scrolling the more likely one will feel bad about themselves. This paper offers steps to address the issue, moving Instagram users toward a happier and healthier life.
Health Disparities: Native Hawaiian & other Pacific Islanders
(2024-04-21) Turner, Meghan; Department of Nursing; NURS411.750- Culture of Health
This project was designed to highlight a group of people and the health disparities they face. The paper discusses the common health disparities Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) face as well as the active and suggested improvements for disparity elimination and overall health equity.
Reducing Central Line Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) with a Bundle Care Approach
(2023-11-06) Turner, Meghan; Department of Nursing; NURS402.701 - Nursing Research and Evidence
After formulating a research problem affecting Critical Care patients, a hypothesis was made to accurately identify a clinical problem for which both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed. Practice recommendations based on the literature reviewed in a form of the PowerPoint. Recommendations include using a CLABSI bundle approach to decrease the risk for CLABSI occurrences on the unit.
Book Analysis of “The Autobiography” by Charles Darwin
(2023-04-23) Teats, Miranda; Department of Geography; GEOG480 - The Geographic Perspective
Charles Darwin has been a controversial figure in the scientific and religious communities since his book, "The Origin of Species." This review of his autobiography reports on his own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs about the events of his life in order to examine the reality behind his motives for his work. "The Autobiography" by Charles Darwin is an essential read for all who endeavor to understand the figure who has been the focus of so many philosophical disputes.
UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY AND BIOFOULING CONTROL PRACTICES ON BIOFOULING ON OFF-BOTTOM OYSTER GROW-OUT BAGS (YORK RIVER, VA)
(2022-08) Galvan Lam, Zophia Anna; Biology; Virginia Institute of Marine Science REU
Virginia, the top producer of Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster) in the United States, supports a fast-growing commercial shellfish aquaculture industry valued at over $30 million. Biofouling is the adhesion of aquatic communities to submerged structures that can have ecologic, biologic, and economic impacts on aquaculture operations. Colonized bags have increased weights that affect handling and blockages that can impede essential water flow, which could affect conditions within grow-out bags. Biofouling contributes to 5-10% of production costs and 20% of the direct costs of an oyster's final market price. This study aimed to (1) quantify and identify fouling communities on floating oyster bags and (2) determine the effects of biofouling control practices (air drying periodically vs not) and stocking density (high, normal, and empty) on biofouling communities growing on mesh settlement plates attached to floating oyster bags. Results indicate that colonizing organisms (Tubeworm fouling and bryozoans) were the most prominent taxa found across most settlement mesh plates. Air drying frequently effectively reduced biofouling, producing significantly lighter wet weights on both mesh plates and grow-out bags than non-air-dried treatments (p < 0.01). Stocking density somewhat reduced biofouling in non-air-dried treatments, albeit not significantly. Understanding which biofouling communities grow on oyster bags and developing mechanisms to control fouling growth can help researchers provide better data for oyster farmers so they can make more informed husbandry decisions.
Alexey Pajitnov: Ackerman’s Main Three
(2023-03-29) Owens, Jared; History; HIST490 - America and the History of Video Games
This paper uses Tetris Effect: The Game that Hypnotized the World by Dan Ackerman to look into Alexey Pajitnov's life during his creation of Tetris. It uses three main points, Pajitnov’s early interest in puzzles, computers, and mathematics, the release of Tetris in 1984, and Pajitnov's move to the United States to explain how Tetris became the game it is today. These three points in Pajitnov's life seem to explain how Tetris gained its fame.
From Jumpman to Mario: Nintendo’s White Buffalo
(2023-02-15) Owens, Jared; History
This paper dives into Jeff Ryan's Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America book. The paper examines how Mario and Shigeru Miyamoto changed Nintendo's landscape worldwide. The work also covers Nintendo of America's creation.
Using Forestry Techniques to Inform Management of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Deer Valley Camp in Somerset, PA
(2023-05-14) Briney, Isabella; Biology; BIO490 - Forest Inventory Techniques
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an invasive pest that has invaded the United States from Japan. This aphid species has the potential to eliminate the eastern hemlock tree that happens to be a keystone species along the East Coast of the United State. Insecticides such as Imidacloprid have been known to effectively control Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, but only so much can be used on an acre of land. During this experiment, we inventoried each hemlock tree in each acre and considered whether the tree was producing cones, if it was infected with the pest, the diameter at breast height (DBH), and the canopy percentage to give it a field score. The scores were ranked between 1-4, where 1 is of the least importance (either too young or dead to need insecticide) and 4 is of the utmost importance (large, full canopy, and cone producing). We found there were a few 1s and 4s, but several 2s and 3s. The 3s and 4s should get treated first, and as time goes on, the 2s can get treated as well. The 1s are the last that need treatment, if they need treatment at all.
Should there be restrictions on dogs welcome in parks?
(2023-05-12) Briney, Isabella; Biology
Dogs have been in our society since the Paleolithic era around 35,000 years ago. They are found throughout our world in many forms, such as pets, working dogs, service animals, and emotional support animals among other things. They can be as small as a Chihuahua and as big as an Irish Wolfhound, and can range in shape and color. With outdoor recreation becoming more and more popular throughout the years, dogs are becoming a major presence in parks. This can create a problem for the wildlife who reside in these parks, and management implications should begin to be placed on public parks that allow dogs in them.
The Benefits of Bibliotherapy in the Classroom
(2021-04-08) Juliana, Buttner; English; ENGL 308 - Social Sciences Advanced Composition
Bibliotherapy offers more than just lessons. Students who have anxiety, phobias, and other mental disorders can take from stories and develop better coping mechanisms. One of the best and most effective ways to use bibliotherapy is to use it so students could grasp complicated concepts like math or the loss of a loved one. Applying scenarios and picture books that listed the same issues the child is going through and encouraging talk therapy alongside bibliotherapy has shown positive effects.
Regional Cultures and their Effects on Caregiver Decisions in Early American Literature.
(2021-11-08) Juliana, Buttner; English; English 261 - Literature of the United States: Pre-Colonial to Present
This paper analyzes the misconceptions about “bad caregivers” in American literature written by various authors. In Bret Harte’s “The Luck of Roaring Camp,” Kentuck risks his life to save baby Luck in the flood and abandons the gold that would have brought them a better life. In Kate Chopin's story “Desiree’s Baby,” Desiree does not want her and her child separated or subjected to the unjust Louisiana race laws. Maxine Hong Kingston’s “No Name Woman” highlights the potential banishment and harsh life the narrator’s aunt would have faced if she kept the child alive in a culture that only supported men. While it can be assumed that the caretakers themselves chose the worst outcome for their child, their actions show more love than keeping the children alive.

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