URSA Scholars Week Showcases Outstanding Student Research

Baylor University, Waco, Texas April 4, 2025 

The recent Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities (URSA) Scholars Week highlighted the exceptional work of Baylor students, showcasing a diverse array of research projects across various disciplines. Hosted by the Office of Engaged Learning, the event celebrated the most impressive contributions through the Outstanding Presentation Awards, which included both poster and oral presentations.

Highlighted Research:

• Biology: The discovery of novel bacteriophages provides valuable insights into bacteriophage genomics and their potential applications in medicine and agriculture.
• Anthropology: A study on distinguishing hacksaw blade brands based on paint residues left on the cut surfaces of bones (kerf walls) offers innovative forensic techniques that could aid in criminal investigations.
• Physics and Astronomy: Research on growing and studying the magnetic properties of a new type of thin film material (high-entropy oxide perovskite) aims to discover materials with unique magnetic characteristics.
• Human Sciences and Design: An investigation into the impact of ghosting on sleep quality reveals significant differences in sleep patterns among individuals who experienced abrupt relationship terminations.
• Psychology and Neuroscience: Studies on the effects of virtual reality on emotions and the potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating Alzheimer's Disease highlight the intersection of technology and mental health.
• Environmental Science: An analysis of climate vulnerability and risk perception at the county level identifies regions with low adaptive capacity to climate change, emphasizing the need for enhanced urban resilience efforts.
• Health, Human Performance, and Recreation: Research on the role of myonuclear DNA damage in insulin resistance and the benefits of exercise for breast cancer patients underscores the importance of physical health in disease management.
• Chemistry and Biochemistry: A study on the stability of the replisome in E. coli provides insights into the complex interactions necessary for DNA replication.

Oral Presentations:

• Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media: A study on how objectifying women in TV ads affects viewers and the ethical issues involved, and how these ads have spread to social media.
• Linguistics: A study on the acquisition of the voseo in an Argentinian study abroad environment, investigating how second language learners acquire this distinct second-person singular informal pronoun.
• Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish): An analysis of mental health in canonical surrealist art from Spain and Mexico, focusing on how artists like Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dalí, and Frida Kahlo used their personal traumas and emotional conflicts to develop their art.
• Modern Languages and Cultures (French): An examination of the influence of feminism on the French New Wave cinema, analyzing how the rise of feminism in society influenced the stories and characters in films by directors like Agnès Varda and Chantal Akerman.
• Modern Languages and Cultures (Chinese): An investigation into how specific Chinese characters encode elements of the Christian gospel, exploring the historical context of Christianity in China and the cultural significance of these discoveries.

The Importance of Diverse Research: Research across a variety of disciplines is crucial for fostering innovation and addressing complex global challenges. Scholars Week provides students with the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of research topics and explore how comprehensive solutions can be developed by considering multiple perspectives. This integrated approach to learning not only advances knowledge but also enhances the educational experience, preparing students to become well-rounded problem solvers. Our commitment to supporting diverse research types in undergraduate education is essential in nurturing the next generation of scientists, scholars, and leaders.

"Integrating research into education equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, making them versatile and innovative professionals and community leaders. This practical experience fosters lifelong learning and prepares them to excel in their careers." - Tammy Adair, Director of Undergraduate Research, Office of Engaged Learning

The Role of Mentors and Judges: The success of these projects is a testament to the essential guidance and support provided by our faculty mentors and graduate students. Many of them served as judges or attended the presentations, engaging with students, discussing their research, and offering helpful critiques and advice. Their commitment and involvement were crucial to the event's success, and we couldn't have achieved this without their help.

Outstanding Presentation Awardees and Abstracts Available Online: For those interested in learning more about the research projects, the list of awardees and abstracts of the presentations are available online.

Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication!