"I research the musculoskeletal impact that carrying devices have on caregivers while carrying their infants."

The Big Picture
The perinatal population (mothers and their children) are very understudied. Finding more knowledge in this area will allow translational application to occur. Newer product design, safer carrying techniques discovered, and an overall understanding on the biomechanical relationship of mothers and their children.

One thing to know about my project
My project has been assisted on by many hands. I am thankful for the BABI Lab in their support and contribution to the success of its completion. This project is special and has inspired me to continue my studies going into graduate school.

Who inspired your research?
Dr. Mannen inspired my interest in research. She has been my mentor for two years now, and has guided me through the whole undergraduate research experience as well as pursuing graduate school next.

"My research is focused on exploring how news organizations of various political orientations differ in how they present information, specifically in times of increased public interest. By analyzing word usage and grammatical construction, we seek to gain a greater understanding of how news articles may be used to sway public opinion in a specific direction."

The Big Picture
This research will provide greater insight into the mechanics behind how news is constructed to facilitate specific audience reactions, possibly leading to increased polarization. Specifically, the goal is to increase understanding of how news articles' intentions sway public opinion in a specific direction, possibly biasing and misrepresenting the information. These insights will allow the greater community to be more conscious of the media they consume and how it may be crafted to instigate certain reactions.

One thing to know about my project
News media is constructed and crafted to create specific reactions from the audience, such as inciting attitudes of aggression or exclusion. As a media consumer, it is important to be informed about how these mechanisms work so one can navigate complex issues without succumbing to these pitfalls.

Who inspired your research?
I was inspired by observing the recent coverage of the rise of polarization of political issues in the U.S., such as the coverage of Covid-19 vaccination.

"My research has been focused on how big sagebrush can respond to a changing environment by comparing their genetics and physical attributes."

The Big Picture
Since plants are immobile, identifying populations with better drought tolerance will be key to informing future restoration of important habitat. Results show key differences in drought responsive traits in these two populations, even between individuals, highlighting the importance of seed source selection for restoration.

One thing to know about my project
Our local sage-steppe ecosystem is rapidly declining and understanding how sagebrush adapt to their changing environment is vital to protect them and all the other organisms that rely on them for their survival.

"My capstone is an economics approach to investigating a viral list for racial bias."

The Big Picture
A satirical list meant to spread joy and cheer does the opposite if a child, excited to see if they are getting presents or coal this year, is subject to algorithmic discrimination. Unfortunately, children facing potential racial bias in a satirical list have a life-long journey being impacted by many forms of discrimination, including algorithmic.

One thing to know about my project
I appreciated that my professors embraced my creativity. I originally was going to do a traditional economics project using FEMA data, but after a year of thinking about this project I finally started and was encouraged along the way.

Who inspired your research?
My family felt disheartened when we started to notice that "distinctively" Black names on a satirical list were disproportionately turning up "naughty" in comparison to my extended family's (white) names.

"I am researching the impacts of various types of industrial employment on property tax revenue generation across the counties in Idaho."

The Big Picture
One of the goals of my research project is to demonstrate sustainable ways to boost a given county's economy by encouraging employment in a given industrial, while still maintaining the small-town feel and charm of a rural community. Additionally, I want to develop an original approach to a fiscal study for populations of interest with a limited supply of data and unique characteristics.

One thing to know about my project
I wouldn't have been able to start and complete this project without the assistance and guidance of my professors Dr. Brand, Dr. MacPherson-Krutsky, Dr. Parton, Dr. MacDonald, and Professor Brookman. They were instrumental in my learning process, worked on this research project, and facilitated my success. I am so, so grateful to them, and the community partners of Kamiah and Lewis County for working with me on this project, too.

Who inspired your research?
Dr. Brittany Brand and the HCRI at Boise State inspired this research project after their resilience assessment of Kamiah, Idaho in the Spring of 2022. They were looking for an economist to looking into ways to boost Kamiah's economy, and I expanded the research project to the county level.