Academic Symposium Logo

Academic Symposium

May 1st, 2025

The Fourth Annual Academic Symposium at Missouri State University–West Plains is set to take place on Thursday, May 1st. This dynamic and inspiring symposium is designed to highlight the academic accomplishments of students across all disciplines. From the sciences and humanities to health and business, students will present evidence-based research projects that reflect their creativity, curiosity, and commitment to discovery.

Highlights of the Event Include:

  • Student-led presentations on a variety of innovative topics.
  • Poster showcase featuring original research and thought-provoking ideas.
  • Opportunities to engage with students, faculty, and experts from across the region.
  • Free refreshments and open admission for all attendees.

A Diverse Showcase of Talent

Students from a wide range of academic programs will take center stage, including nursing, education abroad experiences, microbiology, education, computer graphics & programming (CGP), human biology, and more. This is a unique opportunity for guests to explore the incredible work being done across multiple disciplines and see firsthand how our students are applying their knowledge to real-world challenges.

Through their research and presentations, students are not only honing their critical thinking and professional skills but also preparing to become future leaders who will make a lasting impact in our community.

Important Dates

  • Event Date: Thursday, May 1, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the MSU-WP Campus
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, April 4th, by 5:00 p.m

Calling All Students

Students interested in presenting their work—whether as a poster or live presentation—are encouraged to submit their proposals before the April 4th deadline. This is your chance to step into the spotlight and share your insights with a broader audience.

Save the Date – You’re Invited!

Whether you’re a student, faculty member, local resident, or lifelong learner, we invite you to join us for this celebration of curiosity, discovery, and innovation. Come see what makes MSU-WP students stand out!

Campus Map

Missouri State-West Plains building locations and campus map web page.
Printable version of campus map.

Special Thanks to Our Supporters

This incredible event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated efforts of our faculty, student volunteers, and presenters—thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm in bringing the symposium to life.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our generous sponsors, the Friends of the Garnett Library and the Student Government Association (SGA), for their continued support and commitment to student success.

For more information or to submit a proposal, contact: wp_symposium@missouristate.edu.

Let’s celebrate the power of ideas—see you at the symposium!

Past Poster Sessions & Presentations

2025

Poster Sessions

Poster Session Title Presenter(s)
Empathy in Human Development

Marissa Ayers

COM 205 - Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills

Missouri State University - West Plains
Mechanisms and Principles Underlying Love, Desire and Attachment

Michelle Robles
Sam Mathews

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
How Sleep Effects/Optimizes Metabolism, Learning, and Sleep

Chesnea Blakey
Karla Ochoa
Maddie Saul
Lilli Honeycutt

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Are You a Genetic Lark or Owl?

Alexis Inman
Brylee Bonham

BMS 231 - Human Genetics w/Laboratory

Missouri State University - West Plains
Tasters vs Non-tasters

Kennedy Cogdill
Evan Helton

BMS 231 - Human Genetics w/Laboratory

Missouri State University - West Plains
Forensic Lab Analysis

Jessica Contreras
Taylor Cobb

BMS 231 - Human Genetics w/Laboratory

Missouri State University - West Plains
Flightless Fighters: A Fighting Game About Penguins

Viv Iacovlev

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
E’s Quest

William Cole

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Interstellar: The Flat Adventure

Dustin Johnson

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
A 2D Puzzle- Based Maze Exploring Game

Jay Richardson

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Damage Control- Strategy Based First Person Shooter Video Game

Tyler Nieves

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
C. diff Prevention Measures and Their Effectiveness

Summer Gabriel
Kelsey Pritchett
Olivia Crites
Angelyn Wood

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Pressure Injury Prevention

Ania Christopher
Zoey Williams
Gretchen Zastrow
Bridgette Porter

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Prevention of Surgical Site Infections

Jordan Pohl
Taylor Coffey
Makayla Lucas
Justice Pearson

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Progressive Changes in Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) Prevention

Raigan Denton
Callista Russell
Cassidy Beavers
Riley Villavicencio

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Effects of Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer on Hospital Associated Infections

Devonna Mitchell
Payton Hugg
Liz Kinworthy

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Prevention of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) in Hospitalized Patients

Jessica Mitchener
Elizabeth Phiri
Courtney Ames
Audrey Whitten

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains

General Session Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
Small Business, Big Betrayal

Reuben Belinskiy

BUS 170 - Business and Professional Ethics

Missouri State University - West Plains
The Science of Learning and Speaking Languages

Macy Meeks
Elsie King
Tyler Hough

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Grizzly Guidance - MSU Tutoring

Samuel MacPherson

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains
Science of Muscle Growth and Recovery

Lydia Harris
Cameron Brill
Allie Pace
Roxanne Clinton

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Tutoring Lab Environment

Lillian Blagg

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains
Microplastics and the Body

Weston Contreras
Payton Harker
Tyler Fleetwood

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Education Abroad MSU: Jamaica Medical Mission

Faith Watson
Kennedy Eckley
Morgan Dixon
Maria Ruble
Brooklyn Mead

NUR 297 - Health Topics

Missouri State University - West Plains
Outcome of Family Members Being Present in a Code

Alexis Hurst
Morgan Phipps
Gracie Rothermich
Kodi Shockey

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Impact of Nurse-Patient Ratios on Patients

Athena McCart
Chris Robertson
Kendra York

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Alternative Medicine- Uses for Placenta

Malyn Hedden
Faith Watson
Maria Ruble

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Noise Reduction in Hospitals

Morgan Dixon
Sheremy Anderson
Sabrina Casey

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Nursing Education Programs for Asthma

Caitlyn Sisco
Lillie McMenamy

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 1

Justice Pearson
Jordan Pohl

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 2

Elizabeth Phiri
Jessica Mitchener

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 3

Kelsey Pritchett
Olivia Crites

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 4

Makayla Lucas
Heather Wallar

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 5

Audrey Whitten
Angelyn Wood

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 6

Gretchen Zastrow
Zoey Williams

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 7

Ania Christopher
Payton Hugg

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Elements of Microbiology Unknown Bacteria ID Project - Group 8

Callista Russell
Cassidy Beavers

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Science of Love, Desire, and Attachment- Neural Mechanisms and Human Behavior

Emma Arnold
Natalie McKee

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Cyber Security

Drake Marshell

MGT 286 - Business Communications and Professional Development

Missouri State University - West Plains
Mental Health in Teens and Adolescents

Standra Smith
Brittany Blair
McKenzie Smith
Christina Kemper

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
History of Tutoring: Medieval to Renaissance Periods

Nolan Fitzsimmons

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains
Behavioral Health Support Practicum Experience

Harold Ryan

BHS 291 - Field Practicum I / COM 205 - Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills

Missouri State University - West Plains
A Tutor’s Perspective on Group Learning

Regan McGinnis

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains

2024

Welcom/Keynote

Keynote Title Presenter
Close Encounters of the Ozark Kind

Dr. Thomas Kersen

Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Jackson State University in Mississippi

Poster Sessions

Poster Session Title Presenter(s)
Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment

Juliane Lopez
Macie Tate

BMS 231 - Human Genetics

Missouri State University - West Plains
Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment

Dr. Sharath Rongali

Assistant Professor of Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders- Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging

Calvin Berry
Trevin Brill
Keegan Tripton
Elizabeth Phiri

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human
Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Growing and Identifying Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus

Lillie McMenamy

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Hand washing against fighting infection in elderly

Gracie Rothermich
Hailey Bradley
Julia Felton

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
PICC vs PORT and the complications

Christopher Robertson
Faith Watson
Maria Ruble

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Post-Op CAUTIs

Morgan Dixon
Sheremy Anderson
Alexis Hurst

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Preventing Surgical Site Infections

Athena Waller
Kodi Shockey
Kendra York

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Benefits of Hand washing in Elementary

Caitlyn Quarles
Lillie McMenamy
Malyn Hedden

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Sepsis in Older Adults

Cassandra Carlo
Morgan Phipps
Sabrina Casey

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical
Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Hallowed Call

Abe Khan
Spencer Spreutels
Connor Quimby

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Syringe Man

Julian Proctor

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Active Learning Styles

Kennedy Eckley

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains
Learning Center of the Future

Holly Wehmer

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains

Astronomy Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
The Stars as Religious Signifiers in 20th-century Science Fiction

Dave McCorkendale
Paulo Roberto Freitas
Dr. Vadim Putzu

Department of Language, Cultures and Religion

Missouri State University - Springfield
Let There be Night

Dr. Vayujeet Gokhale

Professor of Physics

Truman State University
Unveiling the Dark Energy’s identity Through Galaxy Surveys

Dr. Shun Saito

Assistant Professor of Physics

Missouri S&T
Determining Optimal Weighting for Cosmological Observables in the Non-Gaussian Case

Cole Rischbieter

Doctoral Student of Physics

Missouri S&T
Enhancing Galaxy Surveys with Machine Learning

Steven Karst

Undergraduate Student of Physics

Missouri S&T

Nursing & Allied Health Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
Laughter Does the Body Good

Travis Pohl
Robert “Bob” Johns
Wilhelm Christopher
Elizabeth Benson

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Family Presence During Resuscitative Efforts

Kelsey Pitt
Jacie Cotter
Hannah Hulsey
Haley Prewitt

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Cailee Garrison
Chloe Kelly
Maryanne Love
Marissa Webber

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing (Capstone Course)

Missouri State University - West Plains

General Education Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
Adderall, Stimulants & Modafinil for ADHD: Short- & Long-Term Effects

Andrea Fowler
Taylor Coffey
Ashley Kirk

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Using Light (Sunlight, Blue Light & Red Light) to Optimize Health

Savannah Johnston
Sailor Anderson
Averie Maynard
Makayla Lucas
Callista Russell

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Nicotine’s Effects on the Brain & Body & How to Quit Smoking or Vaping

Mattison Williams
Gwendolyn Broderick
Catelin Campbell
Payton Hugg

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Analysis of Gamification in Learning Environments

Vivi lacovlev

Grizzly Tutoring Lab

Missouri State University - West Plains
Using Caffeine to Optimize Mental & Physical Performance

Jordan Pohl
Ally Brashear
Randall Hock
Parker George

BMS 110 - Introduction to Human Biology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Identifying Unknown Bacteria - Group 1

Sheremy Anderson
Kodi Shockey

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Identifying Unknown Bacteria - Group 2

Sabrina Casey
Morgan Phipps

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Identifying Unknown Bacteria - Group 3

Malyn Hedden
Caitlyn Quarles

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains
Identifying Unknown Bacteria - Group 4

Athena Waller
Kendra York

BIO 210 - Elements of Microbiology

Missouri State University - West Plains

2023

Poster Sessions

Poster Session Title Presenter(s)
Identification of Antibiotic Resistance Genes from Environmental DNA

Jessica Aye
Skyla Caldwell
Mckaylie Sullivan

BIO 121 - General Biology I

Missouri State University - West Plains
PTC Taster Lab

Alicia Surface

BMS 231 - Human Genetics w/Laboratory

Missouri State University - West Plains
The Hike

Jacqueline Welch

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Ron's Dungeon

Gavin Martin

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Shadow Peaks

Christopher Smith

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Color Blaster

John Haskins

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Animatronic Nightmare (Factory Demo)

Gage Cozort

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Journey Man (2D Web Game)

Jesse Mills

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
A Literature-based Writing Assignment to Enhance Learning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Chemistry

Jamie Lunn

CHM 116 - Fundamentals of Chemistry

Missouri State University - West Plains
A Capstone Guided-inquiry General Chemistry Research Project on Synthesis of Aspirin Isomers and Characterization by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

Caitlyn McNew

CHM 116 - Fundamentals of Chemistry

Missouri State University - West Plains
ASL Similar Signs with Delivery/ Meaning

Ashley Wilson

COM 205 - Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills

Missouri State University - West Plains
Teaching Styles in the Classroom

Lucy Hershenson

IDS 297 - Interpersonal Communication

Missouri State University - West Plains
How Cultures View Cremation Differently?

Lucas Conyers

IDS 297 - Interpersonal Communication

Missouri State University - West Plains
Hand Hygiene Compliance

Robert Johns

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Indwelling Urinary Catheter Times

Kelsey Pitts

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Do Home Health Patients Have Decreased Mortality Rates with Flu Vaccinated Caregivers vs Unvaccinated Caregivers

Elizabeth Benson

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Chlorhexidine vs Providone Iodine for Surgical Asepsis

Haley Prewitt

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains
Central Line Infections

Cailee Garrison

NUR 101 - Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing 1

Missouri State University - West Plains

Nursing & Allied Health Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Introducing Nitrous Oxide into OB Units for Pain Relief During Labor

Julie Andrews
Taylor Vonallmen
Grace Schierling
Ryder Kincheloe

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains
Virtual Reality as an Intervention to Reduce Pain & Anxiety Among Children Receiving Venipuncture

Savannah Bailey
Audrey Sweet
Mackenzie Simpson

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains
Therapeutic use of Animals to Help Prevent Nurse Burnout

Nicolas Barraza
Nevaeh Cones
Shelly Collins

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains
Impacts of Overcrowding in the Hospital ER

Adiline Hicks
Megan Webster
Shawna Sanders

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains
When is NPO Necessary and When it is not?

Jamaica O' Shield
Jacob Skiles
Seth Stiles

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains

CODE/Rapid Response Protocol/ Policy

Hailey Hugg
Kyla Bunch
Heather Day
Tara Silveus

NUR 220 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing

Missouri State University - West Plains

General Session Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
10/40 Coffee Commercial Application of Propaganda Techniques

Dalton Ball
Jennsen Vestal
Analyl Jotz

HNR 250 - Honors II Seminar

Missouri State University - West Plains
Sportfish Management in Ozark Scenic Rivers

Blake Stephens

Fisheries Management Biologist

Missouri Department of Conservation
The Effect of Education on Per Capita Income

Ashleigh Jackson

PLS 232 - International Relations

Missouri State University - West Plains
Feral Hogs: An Invasive Menace

Megan Crane

Cooperative Feral Hog Outreach Educator

University of Missouri Extension
How do Haptics Affect Communication in Heterosexual Romantic Relationships?

Abbigail Horstman

COM 205 - Interpersonal Communication Theory and Skills

Missouri State University - West Plains
West Plains' Historical African American Spaces and Places

Crockett Oaks III

Associate Vice-Chancellor for Business Support Services

Missouri State University - West Plains

2022

Poster Sessions

Poster Session Title Presenter(s)
Monitoring the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Environment

Mackenzie Smith
Tiarra Davis
Carolyn Pool
Kylee Sheppard
Madison Bowers
Chance Eldringhoff
Whitney Vaughan
Logan Brewer

BMS 231 - Human Genetics w/Laboratory

Missouri State University - West Plains
Package Delivered

Elanor Favuzza

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains
Exploration Game

Farrand Crawford

CGP 297 - Capstone

Missouri State University - West Plains

General Session Presentations

Presentation Title Presenter(s)
Light and Dark Mazes and Starting my Business

Kasandra Woods

CGP 270 - Virtual Media Entrepreneurship

Missouri State University - West Plains
Logging, National Forest, and Carbon Credits

Faith Collins

PLS 197 - Rural Studies/Research Methods

Missouri State University - West Plains
Honors Propaganda Project Presentation: Commercial Propaganda Techniques

Morgan Brill
Maggie Tackitt
Jayce Haven
Summer Gabriel

HNR 250 - Honors II Seminar

Missouri State University - West Plains
Honors Propaganda Project Presentation: Commercial Propaganda Techniques

Logan Thompson
Dakota Decker
Randen Walton
Thomas Brannan

HNR 250 - Honors II Seminar

Missouri State University - West Plains