| Abstract # 2 |
| Tucker Perry, Port Royal Experiment, Humanities |
| After the Union forces won the battle of port royal they began to occupy the Beaufort district. With ample amount cotton plantations the Union sought an opportunity to benefit their war efforts. Also, this was an opportunity to help the former enslaved people of the area who would become known as “contrabands.†This experiment was designed to assimilate the “contraband†into society after the war was over and slavery was abolished. This was to be done through educational, land and religious reform. |
| Abstract # 4 |
| Sierra Watkins, Black Political Figures During The Reconstruction Era, Humanities |
| South Carolina’s politics was reformed during the Reconstruction Era because of the black political figures that emerged in Beaufort. Robert Smalls was the most prominent black politician in Beaufort during the Reconstruction Era. Smalls served five terms in the U.S. Congress; 1875-1879 and 1881-1887. Elizabeth Smalls, Robert Smalls’s daughter and S.J. Bampfield’s wife, served as Robert’s congressional clerk during his first term in Congress. During this period, other prominent black political figures were William James Whipper, Samuel Jones Bampfield, Jonathan Jasper Wright, Richard Howell Gleaves, and Thomas Ezekiel Miller. Whipper served two terms as a South Carolina representative from 1870 to 1874. Whipper and Smalls had a long-term dispute in the late 1800s. In 1874, Bampfield served his first and only term in the South Carolina House of Representatives. After his term, he served as the Beaufort county clerk for nineteen years. In the early 1890s, Bampfield partnered with W.J. Whipper to publish a newspaper called The New South. Wright was the only black person to be elected to the supreme court during this period. Gleaves was the “highest-ranking African American politician in the South Carolina Reconstruction.†Miller, Smalls, and Whipper were among the black delegates who attended the 1895 SC state convention and tried to fight the disenfranchisement of black men. However, they lost this battle and this caused a decline in black political figures. |
| Abstract # 5 |
| Christine Flores, Health Care Safe Zone Ally Training Pilot, Nursing and Health Professions |
| Members of the LGBTQ+ community have unique health needs that differ and vary from their cis-gender and heterosexual counterparts. Numerous health disparities stemming from a lack of culturally competent care affect this minority population. Consequently, this can predispose members of the LGBTQ+ community to multiple health risks. Many health care providers do not receive formal training, adding discomfort and reluctance of this marginalized group in sharing sexual orientation, behavior, or gender identity with members of the health care system. To address the lack of training, a pilot Health Care Safe Zone Ally training was developed as a course honor’s component and was presented to a cohort of USCB students majoring in Nursing and Public Health. The training introduced and provided application for use of terminology and concepts related to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The training applied common LGBTQ+ language, utilized invitation counseling theory, listed health disparities, and developed strategies for allyship. The purpose of the training is to create a deeper understanding and increased awareness of concepts and language regarding LBGTQ+ communities. After each session, attendees completed a post training questionnaire. The pilot included a total of 35 participants. Participants found the sessions to be enlightening as many were not consciously aware of their own privileges. The overarching themes among the responses were to provide education, spread knowledge, and reduce bias and stigma. These training sessions introduced new concepts of which can be later brought into the workforce. |
| Abstract # 6 |
| Amanda Rutherford, Can Technology Advancements in the Real Estate Industry Mitigate the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic?, Business Administration |
| Since its very beginnings, the residential real estate industry has been viewed by industry professionals as being about developing personal relationships in order to provide the best possible experience for real estate customers who are buying or selling a home. Cutting edge technologies were often seen as less important and therefore were lagging within the industry. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020, a major paradigm shift occurred. Real estate agents and their buyer/seller customers were no longer able to have that routine face to face interaction and instead, were forced to rely almost entirely on technology to either market a home for sale or to view potential homes for purchase. Perhaps the most significant area where this can be evidenced is in the incorporation of technology into real estate listing websites. Technologies such as virtual tours, 3-D modeling, using drones to provide panoramic views of the home and surrounding areas, and even virtual reality that were once used very sparingly have now become the norm. By examining historical trends related to both real estate website viewership and single-family residential home sales, this research paper will attempt to determine if there is a correlation between the recent increase of viewership on Realtor.com due to the adoption of advanced technologies and single-family home sales. Furthermore, it will attempt to answer the question of whether or not this increased viewership has enabled the real estate industry to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Abstract # 7 |
| Adam Park, Managing Employee Motivation, Business Administration |
| In this ever-changing world, employees are playing an increasing role in not only fulfilling the job responsibilities included in their descriptions, but also as brand ambassadors for the company they work for. It is important for managers to make sure that their employees are happy, productive and motivated to go above and beyond their role within a company. Employees are tasked with also embracing the overall goals of the entire company and broadcasting these goals and beliefs to the consumers they interact with each day. The motivation of a company’s employees is also a clear indicator of how well a company’s managers, and the company as a whole, is doing. This paper intends to explore the connections between the management style of a company and the motivation of its employees. Various academic articles are researched and then reviewed within the paper, trying to find a connection between managers and the employees they lead. |
| Abstract # 8 |
| Taylor Christian, Legacy of Clementa Pinckney, Humanities |
| Clementa Pinckney was born in Beaufort, South Carolina and was an American politician and pastor who served as a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate. Pinckney was elected to the SC House of Representatives in 1996 at the age of 23, becoming the youngest African American elected to the S.C. Legislature. In 2000 he was elected to the S.C. Senate representing the 45th district. Pinckney was a father, longtime faith leader, activist and legislator. He often visited jails to inspire inmates, an active member in the church, often read to children in schools, among many other events. People of all ages gravitated towards him and he did not know a stranger. Pinckney was a “gentle giant†and never let his ego get the best of him. Clementa Pinckney had a huge impact on anyone he ever met. Clementa’s legacy of leadership and love has continued to spread. Beginning with his actions in the Mother Emanuel AME church leading to the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the South Carolina Statehouse. Foundations, schools and scholarships have been dedicated to Pinckney such as: the Pinckney Foundation, 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program in Clemson, Simmons-Pinckney Middle School in Charleston, Reverend Pinckney Scholarship Program, and a highway marker along Highway 336, outside his childhood church where he also gave his first sermon at age 14, St. John AME. |
| Abstract # 9 |
| Kayla Smith, See Ya Later Alligator: An Exploration of Environmental Warning Message Strategies and Human Compliance, Social Sciences |
| Every year, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is forced to euthanize a substantial number of alligators in the Lowcountry due to human non-compliance of posted warning messages. When humans ignore posted warnings about approaching, feeding, provoking, or otherwise interacting with wildlife, they are risking their lives as well as potentially putting other human beings at unnecessary risk. The focus of this study was to further previous research and examine attitudes, beliefs, and compliance-gaining communication strategies related to posted messages about alligators in their natural habitats in the Hilton Head, South Carolina area. Framed by Ajzen's (1985) Theory of Planned Behavior and past perspectives gleaned through risk communication literature, 183 participants provided responses to survey questions and offered explanations for their responses. While there were some methodological limitations of this study, the results indicated that participants believed that more education about alligators is needed and that warning message designs threatening punitive outcomes were most effective to gain public compliance. Additional research involving broader, more diverse demographics and more data regarding tourists’ interpretations of warning signage is warranted. |
| Abstract # 11 |
| Alison Reed, Video Games: The Role of Genre in Sales, Business Administration |
| The market for video games has been steadily increasing since they first entered the market. Starting in the 70’s as just basic arcade games, the video game industry has risen to new levels of entertainment. Individuals can now fully immerse themselves into the game with a simple headset. From handheld arcade games to virtual reality, the possibilities are endless for those in the video game world. However, what exactly causes this booming increase in the sales of video games? The purpose of this research paper is to determine if there is a correlation to the genre of a video game and the total copies of the game sold (sales). Based on current research data, it is possible to draw conclusions that would better aid those in the video game industry. Data shows that there is a correlation; however, it is minimal and other variables play an important role in determining the sales of a game as well. The more that the video game industry learns about these correlations, the more they can effectively sell video games. |
| Abstract # 12 |
| Erin K Dobis, The Impact of Race on Compensation for Linebackers in the NFL, Business Administration |
| The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate a correlation between the race of linebackers in the NFL and their compensation, specifically their annual salary. The discussion of compensation and race of NFL players is limited and outdated. Pay discrimination in sports in recent literature and research, focuses mainly on the NBA and the MLB, but rarely on the NFL. This analysis is going to address the theory of pay discrimination in the NFL, specifically in the position of the Linebacker. If such a correlation is to be identified that would reveal the players’ compensation is affected by their race, we must address the managerial repercussions of such behavior in this organization. |
| Abstract # 13 |
| Imelda J. Golden, CREATING A STRATEGIC PLAN FOR A PEG CHANNEL: HARDEEVILLE, SC, Social Sciences |
| Abstract The City of Hardeeville, SC is one of the fastest growing municipalities in our local region. The city's television channel must create and broadcast content to educate, entertain, and connect stakeholders of Hardeeville. The City of Hardeeville prides itself in its transparency and believes that this is more important than ever, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper defines the role of "public, educational, and governmental access" channels (or "PEGs") for small municipalities such as Hardeeville and reveals the necessary strategic planning involved with the dissemination of important information in efficient, community-enhancing ways. A comparison of PEG channel strategic plans of three major cities in the South reflecting the expected growth pattern of Hardeeville is included, along with the plans to propose and implement a strategic plan for Hardeeville's PEG station. The result is a complete PEG channel strategic plan for the City of Hardeeville HTVN channel. Keywords: PEG channel, public, education, government, television station, strategic plan, content |
| Abstract # 15 |
| Vanessa Diaz, The Impact of Research & Development Investment on Net Sales, Business Administration |
| This study analyzes the relationship between the investment in research and development (R&D) and net sales. It defines R&D and explains its many benefits. This study performs statistical analysis of the data from Big Tech company Apple, Inc. to obtain the results of this study. The results of a regression analysis show that R&D investment and net sales have a positive linear correlation. This research also discusses other implications of investment in R&D on business performance. This study indicates that managers should invest in R&D in order to improve overall business performance and lead to stability and success in the future. |
| Abstract # 16 |
| Sydnee Metzold, TBD - In Progress, Social Sciences |
| The role of social media continues to grow in scope and importance within the human experience, from facilitating friendships, reliving memories, and posting about everyday experiences, to offering consumer goods through numerous commercial enterprises. More recently, the public is also utilizing multi-media platforms to create and share content with their followers through blogging, vlogging, and video production. One type of enterprise that has greatly capitalized on new media technologies in recent years is multi-level marketing (MLM), often referred to as “friend to friend marketingâ€, and embraced mainly by women as “a side hustle†to bolster their family incomes. But how do these female marketers on social media balance their relationships with their friends while also attempting to sell their friends goods and services without compromising those friendships? The focus of this study was to explore this question by analyzing the online communication strategies used in social media to simultaneously promote business and maintain friendships, using Hample’s (2016) Theory of Interpersonal Goals and Situations as a means for explanation and analysis. This study reflects the interpretive paradigm, analyzing data collected through 10 in depth interviews with multi-level marketers and 10 individuals approached by their MLM friends through social media for business-related goals. Qualitative content analysis methodologies were applied to identify communication themes relative to interpersonal goals and situations in their respective contexts. The results of this study suggest that women involved in online MLM endeavors should communicate with their friends about their enterprise with a commitment to being self aware and genuine through the sales process. |
| Abstract # 17 |
| Jason Reece McLain & Carmen Farrell, Observations in a Global Pandemic: Group Differences in Mask Wearing Behavior, Social Sciences |
| With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, society's definitions for normal behavior changed. Wearing masks and standing six feet apart became a way of life for most. Following these simple guidelines were said to be pertinent in fending off the virus (Brooks & Butler, 2021; Gandhi & Marr, 2020), yet behaviors such as these remain inconsistent, even a year after the virus's arrival. Understanding more about group behaviors during the pandemic can give us an idea of the level of comfortability people have in breaking the new norms, which can increase people's risk of contracting the coronavirus. Do people tend to feel more comfortable in groups and risk not following the guidelines? This observational study aimed to document the mask-wearing behavior of individuals and groups. Observations were conducted in various settings. A chi square test of independence was performed to examine differences in group type and whether or not masks were worn. The relation between these variables was significant, X2(2, n=286)=11.39, p<.05. The effect size for this finding, Cramer’s V was moderate, .20. People with family tended to wear masks less than others in groups that were not family or by themselves, even though lone individuals were usually more than 6 feet from anyone else. Although these findings were strictly observational, this study gives a clearer picture of the groups less likely to follow guidelines and creates a reference point for when people need to be reminded of proper mask wearing behavior. |
| Abstract # 18 |
| Robert X. Dent, The Exploration of Interracial Friendships Among the Student Body at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Social Sciences |
| Recent tragic events and subsequent media attention surrounding racial inequalities in the United States have prompted individuals and organizations to reflect on diversity and cultural awareness issues. In response to these inequalities, scholars began to invest their attention into college University settings. The interest in campus settings emerged after the realization that universities play a key role in ushering progressive thinking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), due to their high diversity levels within communities. The weakness of previous research is that they fail to address the nature and scope of uncertainty within cross-racial interactions. College students arrive at their campus with a myriad of individual experiences to create communities and friendships with one another. Still, they also experience significant uncertainty in doing so, especially at the onset of their college careers (Lessard, Kogachi, and Juvonen 2019). This study’s exploration of interracial friendships (IRF) at USCB categorized them as a necessary form of cross-racial interaction that occurs as students convene. Consequently, they become individuals that help steer society’s attitude about DEI in the future. Sixty students at the University of South Carolina Beaufort were surveyed to gain insight into their attitudes, relationship formation patterns, and behaviors associated with interracial friendships among White, Black, and Latino students. Berger and Calabrese’s (1975) Uncertainty Reduction Theory was used to analyze results. This small study suggests that students on the USCB campus, while aware of racial issues surrounding American society, are comfortable and confident in forging and maintaining interracial friendships among their peers. |
| Abstract # 19 |
| Julia Flemming, Image is Everything: Exploring the Impact of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta†on Perception of Black Women’s Communication Behaviors, Social Sciences |
| Reality television shows have become a staple in American popular culture over the past 25 years, not the least of which is the very popular “Real Housewives†series produced by the Bravo network, drawing millions of viewers and fans from far and wide. “The Real Housewives of Atlanta†(RHOA), featuring a cast of Black women, consistently maintains the highest Nielson ratings across all shows in the series and is favored by Black viewers in particular. Past related research suggests a growing concern about the role that television has played in perpetuating unfair stereotypes of Black women and their communication behaviors, potentially fueling racist and sexist beliefs. The purpose of this study was to explore viewers’ perceptions of Black women featured in the RHOA series. A total of 20 participants were asked to watch an episode of the RHOA and then complete a survey assessing their attitudes and beliefs about those behaviors, relative to the “reality†of Black women’s lived experiences. Using Harding’s (1993) philosophy of Feminist Standpoint Theory and Cupach and Imahori’s (1993) Identity Management theory as means to analyze findings, results of this study suggest a growing understanding of the stereotypes generated by such “reality†shows, but a racial divide in perceptions of the true lived experiences of Black women exists. |
| Abstract # 20 |
| Jack Blaisdell, Carmen Farrell, Trends in Observations of Mask-Wearing Behavior in Indoor and Outdoor Settings, Social Sciences |
| An observational study on mask wearing behavior in the general public was conducted in order to observe trends in how individuals wear their mask in a variety of settings. The coronavirus has caused a shift in mask-wearing behavior in public, due to masks helping to stop the spread of the coronavirus (Brooks & Butler, 2021; Gandhi & Marr, 2020). In this study, 210 observations about mask wearing behavior were made in public settings. The settings were divided into leisure, essential, and institutional settings, as well as indoor or outdoor. Trends in mask wearing behavior and location were studied by doing a content analysis of written descriptions of the observations, in order to see if the behavior changed based on location. Overall, the most prominent trends were that individuals were most likely to not wear or take off masks in an outdoor leisure setting, and individuals were most likely to wear or put on a mask in indoor essential settings. Other trends included that in outdoor essential or indoor institutional settings individuals were more likely to wear masks, and in indoor leisure and outdoor institutional settings individuals were less likely to wear masks. This shows that in more relaxed settings people where people may feel safer, they are less likely to wear masks, when in fact by not putting on a mask, they are making themselves and those around them less safe. |
| Abstract # 21 |
| Dick Herrin, Nicholas Ferry, and Dr. Xuwei Liang, PhD.(Mentor), Racial demographic impacts of COVID-19 in South Carolina, Computer Science |
| While COVID-19 (â€COVIDâ€) continues to have a detrimental impact on South Carolina as a whole, there is a potential for impact differentiation among race demographics. This potential existence necessitates examining the probability of this occurring, as doing so provides insight into some key functionalities of COVID and human interaction. Through an analysis of a large population such as South Carolina’s racial demographics, conclusions on how the overall population is affected by these same hypotheses can be drawn. The first hypothesis that was tested was whether or not the cases that tested positive for COVID were distributed uniformly amongst the South Carolina racial demographics. The second hypothesis that was tested was whether or not race was a factor in COVID infections throughout the state. |
| Abstract # 22 |
| Kelley Tollison and Katelyn Shndler, Shell-less Chicken Embryo Development​, Natural Sciences |
| Scientists and students can witness and manipulate embryonic development in a visible environment by way of shell-less chicken embryonic development. This method of development refers to incubating the embryo outside of the shell. The research project focused on multiple layers including engineering a homemade incubator, manipulation of time for initial incubation temperature relating to viability, and outreach programs to bring this project into local high-schools. We engineered the homemade incubator out of cost efficient products including a styrofoam cooler and heating lamps. Two dozen fertilized chicken eggs were incubated in the shell for two different durations of time, one dozen for fifty-five hours and one for seventy-two hours, to test which time period allowed for optimum removal of the shell. It was found that at seventy-two hours the embryos are more likely to be successfully transplanted from shell to artificial vessel. Findings from the research were presented to May River High School’s AP Biology class in Spring 2020 in the form of an interactive lab. Students witnessed the development of chicken embryos at various stages of gestation and gained hands on laboratory experience. The method of incubating the embryo outside of the shell allowed for the learning and visualization of chicken embryonic development. |
| Abstract # 23 |
| Wilson McAlarney, The Parallels of Fascist Ideology from Past to Present: A Discourse Analysis on the Political Rhetoric of Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, Social Sciences |
| The political rhetoric of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, has been controversial to say the least, but is it also fascist in nature? The goal of this study was to demonstrate the rhetorical relationships between Trump’s communication and classic fascist message design, as defined by Britt (2003). A discussion of sampled public oratory, social media messages, campaign communication, and press conferences by Trump was featured in this study, using discourse analysis methodologies. Comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolph Hitler’s public communication was also made, using fourteen coded categories of rhetoric representing qualities of fascist thought and action. The analysis demonstrates clear qualitative correlations between Trump’s communication and fascist values, revealing the need to further educate the American public about the power of heavily ideological rhetoric in political decision-making and policy, and the importance of recognizing historical communication records as a means to do so. |
| Abstract # 24 |
| Christopher Catalano, A Qualitative Analysis of Themes in Mask-Wearing Observations During COVID-19, Social Sciences |
| The global Covid-19 pandemic has brought necessity to personal protective equipment, most notably the usage of a mask, covering the mouth and nose. Mask-wearing behavior is seemingly inconsistent, so observations were conducted to better understand differences in behavior. In a qualitative content analysis of 191 observations made by the LEAD research group at the University of South Carolina—Beaufort, the present study identified themes in mask-wearing behavior. Themes included adhering to mask protocol by simply following guidelines or approaching mask-wearing with additional cautiousness. Themes also included not adhering to mask-wearing protocol by improperly wearing the mask, not wearing a mask at all, or blatant disregard of rules in a given area. Through observation descriptions, the study found that 39.3% of observations included adherence to mask-wearing, of which 24.6% were simply following guidelines and 14.7% approached mask-wearing with extra caution. The study also found that 60.7% did not adhere to mask-wearing ordinances, of which 2.1% blatantly disregarded rules, 26.1% were not observed wearing a mask at all, and 32.5% were improperly using their mask. An overwhelming number of observations revealed that many people do not adhere to proper mask-usage. Limitations of the study involved observing more people outdoors than indoors, so results in future studies may vary depending on location. Themes drawn from these observations provide information about differences in mask-wearing behavior that will inform future research on what may drive behavior to either engage in proper mask-wearing or not. |
| Abstract # 25 |
| Antonia Quintero, The Challenges and Needs of Implementing DEI Dialogues in a College Classroom, Social Sciences |
| Student populations on college and university campuses in the United States are more diverse than ever (Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2019). Classroom dynamics in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) must reflect these sociocultural shifts. Challenges often exist, however, in the instructional communication reflected in the pedagogy between faculty and students -- challenges that may not foster honest dialogues and conversations about DEI relative to the curriculum in context. The purpose of this study was to extend relevant research on communication about DEI in instructional contexts by examining the methods and level of communication between faculty and students in classrooms at the University of South Carolina – Beaufort. Guided by the social identity, cultural identity, and sociocultural theories, survey data from 18 faculty and 55 students was gathered and analyzed, along with qualitative data collected through subsequent in-depth interviews with five faculty and 13 students. Interpretive analysis revealed that the current classroom communications only “scratch the surface†of such complex and crucial topics as race, discrimination, and inequality. The results indicate the lack of depth on such topics results from generational communication practices, personal identities, and background education. Results also indicated a need for the university to create additional means to inform faculty and students how better to integrate DEI conversations into curriculum and classroom interactions. Further research involving guided case studies of instructional communication practices and outcomes on campus is warranted to reflect the continuing and rapidly changing student population and learning needs at USCB. |
| Abstract # 26 |
| Daequan Kinsey, How Workplace Friendships Impact Productivity, Social Sciences |
| Business managers invest a great effort to motivate groups of employees to generate their work in efficient and productive ways. Striking the right balance between productivity and positive employee morale isn't easy and while friendships between employees and their managers often develop over time, it is difficult to discern whether these friendships in the workplace can help or hinder productivity. So how do we fix this problem? How do we improve productivity? There are many ways friendships in the workplace can impact productivity, but realizing the problem allows managers to take steps in the right direction. The purpose of this study was to explore the dialectical relationship tensions that sometimes emerge between managers and employees and how managers can successfully manage these tensions. Using Bormann's (1972) Symbolic Convergency Theory as the lens for examination, in-depth interviews were conducted with 8 business managers from a variety of types of organizations and companies to identify communication problems and strategies they used to navigate friendships in the workplace. Overall results indicate that friendships in the workplace can improve morale, which increases productivity. |
| Abstract # 27 |
| Sa`Lima Lazarus, How Does Hunger and Food Insecurity Affect Older Adults?, Social Sciences |
| Over the course of the pandemic, older adults have experienced an increase in hunger and food insecurity (Theilheimer 2021). However, there is not much research to explain this occurrence. Previous research that was conducted pre-COVID explained that some of the factors that have an impact on hunger and food insecurity among older adults include chronic conditions, mobility limitations, and many more (Lloyd 2019). Also, older adults who live in rural areas are more likely to suffer from hunger and food insecurity (Lloyd 2019). To examine the specific reasons how hunger and food insecurity affects older adults, especially during the pandemic, a survey was conducted of adults ages 55 and older in South Carolina. It included 372 participants in Beaufort and surrounding areas from various local organizations, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and more. The survey that was conducted was able to produce results to make multiple comparisons between variables. Findings indicate that about 36% of the participants have experienced more difficulty shopping for groceries due to the pandemic. Findings also indicate that those living in rural areas were more likely to be facing hunger and food insecurity. Mobility limitations and chronic conditions were also relevant factors that impacted hunger and food insecurity. Further research needs to be done to examine how widespread this issue is and what other factors are possible contributors, but these findings demonstrate strong relationships and could potentially help lead to the development of solutions. |
| Abstract # 28 |
| Katherine Medina, Sarah Kirkham, Jonathan Knuth, Jesus Garcia, Swati Debroy, Factors that Contribute to Covid Cases and Covid Deaths in South Carolina, Mathematics |
| Covid-19, one of the many types of coronavirus, has changed the way people live around the world. Dominating the scenes of local and global news from the end of 2019 to this day. Covid-19 has been the cause of an estimated 2.66 million deaths around the world and 120 million cases (as of March 2021). The state of South Carolina accounts for 534,000 cases and over 8,000 deaths. With a population of over 5 million, the number of infections accounts for 10.23% of South Carolina's population. The top ten counties in the state account for nearly 60% of South Carolina's population which also accounts for 2/5th of the reported cases. However, every single county has experienced COVID cases to some extent. The data for covid cases were obtained through DHEC and John Hopkins. This study attempts to understand the underlying causes of the difference in the impact of COVID cases within the counties of SC. Census data was used to gather data for factors such as these. Factors like confirmed cases, deaths, population, race, age, computer usage, educations, poverty, and population per square mile are considered for all the 46 counties. The factors which influence the spread most are determined through a correlation study. Multiple regression analysis is done to develop a model to predict the severity of the impact of COVID in a county based on these factors. |
| Abstract # 29 |
| Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, Abby Brown, Payton Smith, Heidi Baker, and Kayle Peeler, Use of Shark Bacteria for Human-Drug Discovery, Mathematics |
| Sharks, a species of Elasmobranchs, have been on Earth for more than 400 million years. Sharks produce various bacteria species that can be beneficial for injury healing and other potential uses. Sharks were found to have favorable bacteria covering the surface of their body as well as being contained in bodily fluids, which can play a vital role in the production of human antibiotics. Dr. Kimberly Ritchie is conducting an experiment where she sampled two Great white sharks: Hilton and Savannah. As Dr. Ritchie furthers her research, she was able to determine that sharks produce different types of important antibiotic-producing bacteria. Throughout this presentation, it can be found that antibiotic-producing bacteria play a vital role in wound healing. All of the strains found on the sharks are discovered via 16SrDNA sequence analysis, which is a way to sequence genes. It is most widely used for the identification, the classification, and the quantity of microbes found within a species. Complex biological mixtures play another important role in the determination of the experiment as the environment is a factor in the ability of a shark to thrive. The graphs will provide brief explanations and examples of how specific bacteria could be useful and how much is found on both sharks, along with the location it was found. Two other sharks have been sampled for this experiment as well: Beaufort and Weimer, and both are Tiger sharks. |
| Abstract # 31 |
| Shelby Kolodziej and Dr. Lukasz Pawelek, Latin American Superfoods and Immune System Benefits, Humanities |
| As the global pandemic Covid-19 cases reach new highs, the Center for Disease Control continues developing new safety guidelines and protocols, yet there are hardly any recommendations concerning the improvement of the immune system and personal health. Lots of health-deprived conditions are due to Standard American Diet putting millions of Americans at a health risk (Walker 2015). Superfoods on the other hand, despite being a marketing term for food groups conforming to numerous health benefits, have been a topic of increased interest and debate covered by dietitian experts, nutrition scientists, and daily health bloggers (Proestos, 2015). Superfoods have a high nutritional density, are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and proclaim numerous health benefits. In particular, there are superfoods from Latin America that have been used by indigenous cultures for centuries and now they gain more attention as people try to boost their immune system in a natural way. Superfoods used in this way may also help us cope/prevent/fight back with novel viruses such as Covid-19. In this project, I expose myths associated with superfoods and investigate superfoods that mainly derive from Latin America. Furthermore, I discuss their origin, properties and depict a list of benefits that are not limited to immune system health. I argue that the incorporation of these superfoods is beneficial especially in the light of the Standard American Diet and ongoing pandemic. |
| Abstract # 32 |
| David Belitskus, NBA Metamorphasis: An Analysis of Three-Point Shooting in the NBA, Business Administration |
| This study examined the effect of an NBA team's three-point shooting ability on their winning percentage from the seasons spanning 2009-2018. Each team’s three-point field-goals attempted per game, three-point field goals made per game, and three-point percentage were all analyzed in relation to the team’s winning percentage. The data for all 32 NBA teams was collected from NBA.com from the seasons spanning 2009-2018. The data was used to run regressions tests to find any correlation between the independent and dependent variables. The data was also used to create scatterplots to visualize the correlations. The study's findings revealed that an NBA team’s three-point field-goals attempted (r=.171) and three-point field-goals made (r=.264) had relatively weak effects on the team's winning percentage. In contrast, three-point percentage (r=.544) had a more significant effect on a team’s winning percentage. |
| Abstract # 33 |
| Jack Slavin, An Exploration of Compliance-Gaining Tactics of Medical Equipment Sales Professionals, Social Sciences |
| In the industry of medical device sales, professional salesmen from all around the world use compliance gaining tactics to make a sale. This industry happens to be extremely large and shapes our medical field today. The United States exports of medical devices in key product categories identified by the Department of Commerce exceeded $43 billion in 2018 (selectusa.gov). While sophisticated technologies and demand for high quality health care by aging populations continue to drive medical equipment sales, the work that medical equipment sales professionals engage in on a daily basis is more challenging today than ever before due to restricted access to decision-makers and greater competition in the marketplace. The reason for this research was to further discover what makes a good salesman in this industry and to figure out what compliance gaining tactics are used. This research was framed around Marwell and Schmitts compliance gaining tactics theory (1967) strategies used in persuasion, I interviewed four people that are currently in the medical sales industry to ask questions about their work. Although this was a hard obstacle in this research, finding people that are actively in the industry, these interviews provided me with a ton of knowledge about what skill and drive it takes to be successful in this industry. |
| Abstract # 34 |
| Jaymie Robinette, Map of the Soul: an In-Depth Guide to the Positive Effects of K-pop in a Global Pandemic, Social Sciences |
| Over the last year we have seen many changes in the world that we know. One of the biggest changes comes in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic taking its toll on people all over the world, many have had to find ways to experience happiness and a bit of stress relief. For many, that is where global hit BTS came into play. The focus of this study was to see how BTS used their relationship and interactions with fans to spread a positive focus and an agenda of self-love around the world during such a hard time. Framed by Katz’s (1944) Uses and Gratifications Theory and through a content analysis of different personal accounts taken from online fan-pages I was able to compile a mutual viewpoint and understanding that fans hold of what BTS has done throughout this time. With the many different videos and songs released over the past year for fans enjoyment. Now, there are some limitations as to understanding each individual’s full viewpoint when you are just taking a glance into their thought process. However, the overall opinion really stood strong and that is that BTS were able to bring about a positive air to many people’s lives during such a horrible time and this all comes together with their message and beautiful song “Life Goes On.†|
| Abstract # 35 |
| Kiara Mayers, Artist Statement, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| These stories and poems describe different moments of African American history. I have included a mixture of sad, empowering, and thought-provoking pieces. Through the process of writing each one, I wanted to be particular with my words and phrasing. I wanted to both educate, excite, and spark discussion. These stories and poems are fragments of the experiences and the cultures of African American people. They also reflect my personal connection with the cultures of Africa itself because of my Ghanaian father. This material was written this semester in Dr. Malphrus’ Creative Writing Across the Curriculum workshop. Please Enjoy. |
| Abstract # 36 |
| Eduardo Leyva, How local small businesses have communicated during Covid-19, Social Sciences |
| The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on not only the health and well-being of people around the world but also on small businesses and the livelihood small businesses produce for families. Here in the Beaufort Country area, where many small businesses thrive from patronage from a combination of locals and tourists, the pandemic proved to be an insurmountable challenge for some small business owners, but others managed to survive for a variety of reasons. The purpose of this study was to explore the communication factors that may have played a part in if and how small businesses navigated the pandemic well, or not. Dunham’s (2011) articulation of “Economic Signaling Theory†provided a framework to help identify and explain small business owner's ability to communicate appropriate messages to their customers about safety, while also providing directions to customers about the availability of goods and services. A content analysis of various forms of signaling message designs communicated by a limited sample of small businesses in Beaufort Country was conducted to reveal the strategies business owners took in 2020 and 2021 during different seasons of the pandemic. Results suggest that business owners generated little to no pattern in regards to how they sent messages to the public due to the novelty and unpredictability of the pandemic and that crisis communication for small business owners may be justified. |
| Abstract # 37 |
| Kaleigh Furbush, Communication Between Child of Deaf Adults, Social Sciences |
| While greater insights have emerged in recent decades about the Deaf community as a culture, there has been less attention being paid to the study of hearing children of Deaf adults (CODAs). Deaf parents raising hearing children are faced with cultural and linguistic challenges that are still not well understood (Moroe, N. F., & Andrade, 2018). A corresponding difficulty is for the CODAs themselves, as each must navigate their individual identity in both the hearing and the deaf communities at a very young age. “Identity,†when viewed in a social construct, is gradually formed over their childhood through complex combination of sociocultural and communication activities children experience. This study explores the CODA experience through analysis of a series of in-depth interviews with adult children of deaf parents, reflecting on how they navigate a sense of “self†in the hearing community while being raised by deaf parents. Narrative analysis methods were employed to provide structure to interview data and to identify themes for consideration. |
| Abstract # 38 |
| Abigail Nettles, Slave/African American Spirituality, Humanities |
| The topic that I am covering is the spirituality of the enslaved and newly freed people of the South Carolina sea islands. They were tragically stripped from their homes and thrown into terrible conditions in a new place. They were force-fed a type of Christianity that told them it was their job to be enslaved. What they did instead was adopt a new kind of religion. They made it their own by combing the religions they practiced in Africa and Christianity. They practice their religion in little buildings called Praise Houses. Praise houses are filled with songs and a special dance they created. The songs they created tell you their stories, opinions, and feelings. After all the hardships they had been through they finally found their refuge. This refuge would provide them the strength to produce leaders and influence things such as new genres of music in the future. Interestingly, most of this started right here in the South Carolina sea islands. |
| Abstract # 39 |
| Garrett Fricks, Applying Transformational and Servant Leadership Theory to Minister-Believer Communication: Furthering the Understanding of American Male Protestant Christian Ministers Influence on American Male Protestant Christian Believers, Social Sciences |
| For centuries, Christianity has been one of the major world religions, and it has impacted and influenced the livelihood of individuals across the globe. Though some may be opposed to Christian ideologies and practices, Christianity's impact on society cannot be denied. In America, millions of churchgoers regularly attend worship services each week. In most American church services, congregations will gather, sing, worship, and listen as a pastor preaches the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Many churchgoers turn to pastors for advice and opinions, and they value their pastor's advice. This study focuses explicitly on male pastors' impact on their male church members in protestant, conservative, evangelical churches. With an increase in divorce rates and a lack of father figures within American homes, this study focuses on specific interpersonal communication patterns and strategies pastors employ to positively influence young men to mature into better fathers and husbands within their churches, homes, and communities. This study, framed by McGregor Burns (1978) Transformational Leadership Theory and Greenleaf's (1970) Servant Leadership Theory, sought to extend previous research conducted on this topic by identifying, through a series of in-depth interviews with 8 pastors from mid-sized churches in the Southeastern region of the United States, what their beliefs and communication techniques are for influencing young men to adopt leadership behaviors congruent with conservative Christian gender roles in their churches and future families. Further research, knowledge, and exploration on this topic are encouraged, so the church and society may benefit from more mature fathers, husbands, and men. |
| Abstract # 42 |
| Nace Groshon, Neon, Visual Arts and Design |
| My attention as an artist has always been spread out between a wide variety of media. I have been working on my control in each medium and developing my abilities to refine things like form and value. I believe there should be a balance between technique and thought. At the moment, I am more focused on the technique aspect because the quality of a work is something that can be judged in such a subjective field. It doesn’t matter how good an idea a work reflects; if it doesn’t have an equal level of quality no one will take it seriously. In my work that’s in the 2021 USCB Senior Exhibition, I have decided to focus on light and the colors that are produced by neon lights. I am mainly painting to create a combination of iconic images of neon signs that are also personal and meaningful to me. These are signs that I would often see locally around the lowcountry like the Thunderbird Inn, or the O’REAR’S Pastry Shop in the old small town of West Lafayette, Indiana where my family reunited in the summer when I was a kid. I find that people are intrigued with neon lights because they often bring a sense of nostalgia and yet they are also associated with futuristic ideas. The main problem neon lights have is that they can easily break and are often difficult to repair. My goal is to be able to make an impression of their light that will last far longer than many neon lights often do. |
| Abstract # 43 |
| Sage Hollis and Brian Canada, PhD (Faculty Mentor), JellyOcalypse: an Innovative Approach to Addressing Overfishing, Computer Science |
| Scientists suspect we could have fishless oceans by the year 2048 with the main factor being overfishing. Last semester, in Dr. Canada’s Java Programming and Algorithmic Design course (CSCI B145), we discussed public domain resources and tangential learning and how we could incorporate these into our final video game projects. During this same semester, I was also taking Dr. Thornton’s Oceans and Society course and we were discussing human impact on the ocean. When I saw Ernst Haeckel’s Jellyfish on the Public Domain Review website, I decided to incorporate what I was learning in Dr. Thornton’s course into my Java final project. I wanted to create a game that addressed an issue we are already seeing the repercussions of. Due to overfishing and plastic consumption of the jellyfish’s natural predators, bluefin tuna and sea turtles, jellyfish are becoming a nuisance. They are consuming larvae of commercial fish species and preventing repopulation. Utilizing video games to inform and combat environmental problems is an important tool because it engages with the player and reacts to their behavior. I created JellyOcalypse using the Java programming language and the Greenfoot development environment. A useful aspect of JellyOcalypse is the "healthbar" I designed with Dr. Canada's assistance. The healthbar measures the health of the player and can be restored with the collection of coins from a sunken treasure chest. In a more education-focused design, the healthbar could be used to illustrate a species's health and the impact that invasive species have on native populations and their biodiversity. Despite JellyOcalypse being a simple prototype, it has the potential to be utilized in educational formats like Dr. Thornton's course, aiding in real-world problem-solving like the sustainability of our oceans. [Click here to play the game in your browser!] |
| Abstract # 44 |
| Devin Eade, Artist Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| The idea for my featured works was to use both of my skill sets to create a poster of an icon, whether they would be from video games, movies, or a celebrity, and then model something that is closely associated with them and then print it. I thought I would go with someone from a video game, but due to his untimely death, I ultimately chose to do MF DOOM. He built his persona around the comic book character Dr. Doom and wore a mask just like the comic book character, often sampling an older cartoons with him in it his music. Apart from that he was a graffiti artist who had his own signature tag that you can see on the cover of his album “Mm.. Food†so I decided to take that approach when making the poster by making my own tag for him with splashes of color that are reminiscent of how older marvel comic books would represent energy from super powers or magic. As for the mask, when he would be asked why he took up the mask he would answer “Out of necessity†and as fan who is sad to see him go and is inspired by his music, my reasoning's for creating it are the same. Just remember: “ ALL CAPS when you spell the man name.†|
| Abstract # 45 |
| Mikelle Mulroney, Instilling Hope Through Visual Storytelling, Visual Arts and Design |
| My work is story-focused. Before I ever begin sketching I’m fueled by a narrative. That narrative begins vaguely, then my concept artworks act as tools to sharpen it. The digital medium I work in is efficient, which is crucial when ideas come and go suddenly. Digital media also helps me to focus less on my skill in any one medium and more on getting my artistic goals met: this is helpful, personally, because I believe that art is a primarily communication. Though excellence in craft is admirable, it is only a means to that end. Simply put, what I am creating is more important to me than how I create it. Stories are a way to interpret the world around us and communicate that interpretation to others; when I create my stories, the visual elements do their part to point the audience to a hopeful view of the world. I was inspired after a trip to Disney World’s Tomorrowland, which is designed to nod at an idealized version of man’s future. My character, Daresay, is an explorer, retaining elements of the same Tomorrowland fun visually, such as in his blue skin, while his role as a character is to embody the ideas of endless potential and the inventive hope that our newer generations should seek to maintain. I hope my stories will utilize fiction and allegory to slip under the guard of a closed-off, self-focused society and point to the ultimate source of hope, Jesus Christ. |
| Abstract # 46 |
| Celia Nguyen, How Girl Scouts Impacts a Growing Child, Social Sciences |
| Young people, as they grow up and experience the world around them, are heavily influenced by messages about gender and gendered expectations. Recent controversies and research about scouting organizations in America have called into question the goals of such organizations, including the best known of them all: The Girl Scouts of America. The rich history and overall positive reputation of The Girl Scouts organization, however, belies much of the controversy, with empowering themes communicated throughout their website, scouting materials, and projects. The goal of this study, using Feminist Standpoint Theory as its framework for understanding, was to conduct a textual analysis of a sample of informational artifacts used by The Girl Scouts of America which represent the changing narrative about gender and gendered roles in society, from the 1950s through present times. While the goals of this study were broad, the scope was limited to a small collection of textual data, including printed materials as well as illustrations and photographs included in printed materials. Results of this study indicate support for communicating post-feminist ideals and increasing empowerment for girls involved in The Girl Scouts curriculum. |
| Abstract # 47 |
| Edra Stephens, America’s Promise Failed, Betrayed: Analogy of Life, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| My current work explores society’s ills, and the relationship between history and current situations. My love of humanity in all its forms pushes me to use my voice through my writings. Ever since I was a child, I had a love of discovery, learning, reading, and writing. In the English department I found a home. Upon registering at USCB, an English class my first semester was canceled. The professor was offering an upper-level Writer’s Workshop. I asked to take the class and promised I could do the work. Best email I ever sent. So thankful I did. The professor, Dr. Ellen Malphrus, as well as all the other professors I’ve had since starting at USCB have been encouraging, and very helpful. The Writer’s Workshop allowed my mind to open to what my true passion was. Dr. M guides her students, and encourages them to be the best writers, while getting better at their craft. If you have not taken the class, take it, even if you are not an English major. Toni Morrison's writing in Grendel and His Mother states, “the mind really is a palace.†My mind is a glorious palace that is continually evolving, and that makes my soul sing joyously. |
| Abstract # 48 |
| Bryanna Cantrell, Senior Artist's Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| I gather inspiration from 2D concept work that I then use to make my 3D representations. My strengths lie in 3D character modeling, asset creation, 3D sculpting, and texturing. I have the skills to create both organic digital sculptures and geometric models. I can create 3D pieces in a range of different styles, anything from highly realistic to highly stylized. I start by finding references and creating concept art, then I use those images to create a base model to work from, sculpt in detail, and add texture and color. These finished pieces are then used to rig and animate in various projects that include video games and short films. This year, I created two 3D sculptures in ZBrush titled “Brown Thrasher†and “Angelâ€. For “Brown Thrasherâ€, I took inspiration from the animated film “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hooleâ€. The characters of the film were created by using realistic proportions of the types of birds that were being depicted. I used a similar method to create my 3D sculpted version of a brown thrasher. Designing “Angel†was a way for me to experiment with drapery and further develop my skills in rendering the human figure. Throughout the sculpting process of creating “Angelâ€, I referenced the work of Baroque Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Chinese contemporary artist Luo Li Rong for the figure’s dynamic pose, thin drapery, and idealized body proportions. Overall, working on these pieces has been a rewarding and productive experience. |
| Abstract # 49 |
| David Miller, David Miller Artist Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| To me, Digital Sculpting is a way to create characters that inhabit worlds where I will never step foot. In order to fully capture a character, one must fully immerse themselves into these imaginary worlds, sculpting has turned into a form of escapism for me, a way to enter these worlds and bring back what I find. I usually start with a simple sphere without a plan, pulling out shapes that spark imagination, almost like I’m creating my own Rorshack test. It has become a means to understand myself better, and to bring back something I find inside the worlds of my mind. The two pieces that I created for this Senior Exhibition represent two sides of the same coin, dreams and nightmares. The subject matter and tone of each piece differs greatly, but they both came from the same ethereal, subconscious place. |
| Abstract # 50 |
| Williams Bryan, Concept Art and Character Design, Visual Arts and Design |
| A concept artist is someone who creates pre-production artwork for movies, television, or video games. Concept Artists use digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop to create the characters, locations, objects, and more to design the visuals of the production so that the Director and team can work out the correct visual identity. I am interested in becoming a character concept artist, which is a concept artist who focuses on characters and their corresponding objects and props. In a self proposed project, I decided to redesign the relatively unknown character Bibleman. Bibleman is a hokey Christian superhero from the late 90’s and early 00’s, and is essentially Batman with a lightsaber. Much like how Marvel movies reimagine old dated character designs into something new and modern for their movies, I have chosen to update and redesign Bibleman into something more modern and interesting. My redesigns take close inspirations from the originals, incorporating many design quirks, like the awkward armor placement and unusual color scheme, while updating and adding new and additional aspects to create a more modern and serious tone. My intention for these artworks is to redesign an outdated character with a more contemporary look, much like the ones we see in movies and video games today. |
| Abstract # 51 |
| Ashley Lockard, Emerging Identity: "The Creative Academy" and Other Selections, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| In my time at USCB, I have seen myself growing more as a writer than I thought was possible prior to my college career. Through the creative writing across the curriculum workshop, as well as fiction and poetry workshops, and also by being a staff member of The Pen, I have learned many wonderful things about the craft of creative writing. By taking on the roles of Copy Editor, a Writing Center Tutor, and Vice President of Society of Creative Writers, I feel that my identity has been blossoming into one that hopes to inspire others to dive into the world of literature that I have always been immersed in. For this collection, I chose pieces that I hope will showcase the writing versatility I have honed with the help of my amazing professors and peers. |
| Abstract # 52 |
| Tal Gur, Carmen Farrell, Age Differences in Mask-Wearing Behavior During COVID-19, Social Sciences |
| This is an observational study aimed to find patterns and trends in public mask-wearing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The CDC has recommended mask-wearing in public locations as a measure of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, while mask-wearing is required in most indoor public spaces, the guidelines are less specific about outdoor mask use. Specifically, this study focuses on differences in mask wearing between children and other age groups; according to the CDC website, children are susceptible to be infected and spread the virus and should (over the age of 2) be wearing masks (Esposito & Principi, 2020). 286 observation were conducted for this research in different South Carolina locations between October 2020 and February 2021. Observations were documented by filling out an observation sheet noting information about gender, age, and various mask wearing behaviors. Results indicate a significant difference in mask wearing between children and other age groups, showing that children wear masks significantly less than any other age group. Those results might suggest that people underestimate the level to which children might be susceptible to the virus and the need to protect them and others around them by wearing a mask. Further research, using other methods such as interviews or self-report, might help identify the causes of the difference and might allow a review of the need for additional effort in public education on the subject and an effort to encourage better mask-wearing practices in children. |
| Abstract # 54 |
| Tanner Antill, Tanner Antill Artist Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| I am a Graphic designer who works in sports media. I work in a variety of media, including motion graphics, digital paintings, infographics, and graphic designs. For my senior exhibition, I went with the idea of what if Beaufort had a Football team. I made a logo that combines South Carolina and a shark tooth to capture what we are while sticking with the current exact color palette of teal and navy blue. I created uniforms that have a modern approach. The design features a gradient to relate to our current logos while remaining strong and simplistic. I changed the type face to a font that makes us feel more collegiate and less corporate. I composed a graphic package of tickets, billboards, and recruitment graphics derived from our motto of “Fins Up†forming the “s†and “u†into a 21 for the upcoming year. In this graphics package, I make sure to focus on what we are and where we’re from by using elements of the ocean and pictures from Hilton Head. I draw influence from many great modern graphic artists such as Johnny Silva and Brandon Long who make their graphics so clean and eye-catching and past graphic designers like Paul Rand and Saul Bass who approached working with clients and their creative processes. The main goal of my work is to make sports media known for its artwork. When looking at a billboard, a ticket, or a social media post, I want people to say “Wow! That’s art!†|
| Abstract # 56 |
| Sarah McCollum, Sarah McCollum: Animation and Rigging Characters, Visual Arts and Design |
| I am a 3D animator. I am very animated in life, and this is reflected in my works. Animation seems, in my mind, to empower me. The process of animating feels like I am injecting life into something inanimate. My goal is not to create the puppet, but to give it life, to pull the strings and give others the illusion that this model that was once still is now alive. I move around to get the feeling of movements; I walk so the characters can walk. Each movement reflects either myself or the world around me. I give these characters soul. I am also a rigger. Rigging, in terms of animating, is putting joints into the model; it’s like making the skeleton for it. However, with each and every “bone†I put into it, I have to input how the actual character will move with this skeleton. The work that I’m doing now for the exhibition will display my animation skills. It is a gentleman walking. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal on the surface, it is. You have to move the body around in ways you don’t normally think about. For instance, you can’t have just the legs moving for a walk cycle. You have to move the back, the arms, the head, as well as some of the face, as to make the animation more believable. To add to this, I have the character walking around, instead of walking in place. |
| Abstract # 57 |
| Caleb Taylor, Caleb Taylor Artist Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| I aim for my art to be as light-hearted and relatable as possible.I try to stay away from lofty concepts as I feel those are best explored by artists with a more serious approach to art than I. Much of my influences come from the media that shaped and influenced me while I was younger; things such as punk art, cartoons, comics, and different forms of counter cultural art have shaped the way I see art and the way I create things. I have always seen art-making as a very casual process where it is okay to be very obvious about your inspirations. I think being inspired by the world and media that you take in is very important as a growing artist. Everyone is inspired by different things so using that is something that is foundational as an artist. I want my art to be as eye-catching and flashy as possible so that the viewer can have as much fun looking at my work as I did creating it. I work in a very distinct visual style that aims to tell stories that are easy for people to relate to and digest. I only aim to have as much fun as possible creating so that people can hopefully pick up on that and see the passion I put into my artwork. I prefer to just prioritize fun and personal expression in my artwork so I can keep things light and expressive. |
| Abstract # 58 |
| Cathryn Roberts, Jesse Elliott, Katherine Jacobs, Abby Lopez, Wash Your Hands Like a Nurse!, Nursing and Health Professions |
| The purpose of our Nursing Honors Seminar IV event for the “Healthy Hands Initiative'' was to further develop the student population’s knowledge of how to wash their hands effectively enough to protect themselves from dangerous bacteria the way nurses in the patient care setting must. We wanted to highlight how nurses and others in the healthcare field are exposed to dangerous microorganisms resistant to hand sanitizer, and that washing your hands is the best way to protect against this .01% of bacteria. We did this by covering the participants' hands in maple syrup to simulate C. Difficile, an endemic hand sanitizer resistant bacterium. The participants would then wash the syrup from their hands the way sophomore nursing majors are taught within their skills lab in order to simulate the difficulty of removing microorganisms. We had 41 active participants within the hour of our event and collected data about their education via a post-activity survey. 37 of the participants stated that the activity reinforced our furthered their hand washing understanding and 97.5% of participants selected an appropriate length of time to wash their hands in the multiple-choice section of the post-activity survey. Moreover, over half of the students replied that the most interesting thing about the event was learning about the hand sanitizer resistant bacteria C. Difficile, the .01% that they had never heard of. Putting a name to the concept of resistant bacteria emphasized the importance of washing your hands efficiently for 20 seconds or more to the participants of our event. |
| Abstract # 59 |
| Sabrina May, Intimacy is Unavoidable: Uncertainty Reduction Theory and its Role in Cross Sex Friendships, Social Sciences |
| The dynamics of friendships have been slowly evolving over the past few decades and gradually new norms and expectations in terms of cross-sex friendships have emerged. The purpose of this study is to gain additional perspectives on the challenges and rewards of cross-sex friendships and the verbal and nonverbal communication cues males and females employ to establish, maintain, and (at times) challenge platonic friendships with each other, especially when confronted with competing feelings of intimacy within the boundaries of friendship. Forty five participants completed surveys to generate both quantitative and qualitative responses to address the underlying question: “Is it possible for males and females to ‘just be friends’?†Berger and Calabrese’s (1975) Uncertainty Reduction Theory serves as the framework for inquiry, thematic analysis, and discussion for the results of this study. |
| Abstract # 60 |
| NA, Time to Go Bananas! An Assessment of Fan Engagement Strategies of the Savannah Bananas' "Fans First Way" Campaign, Social Sciences |
| Sports marketing is very important for both the business side and the actual sport itself. The Savannah Bananas, our region’s collegiate baseball team in the Coastal Plain League, was established in 2016. The team has a reputation for doing unusual things both on and off the field to capture fan’s attention. Innovative marketing strategies have also been established to engage and excite fans during recent times and build an even bigger online presence outside of the stadium. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the Savannah Bananas’ “Fans First Way†marketing campaign to marketing strategies other sports organizations have employed to increase fan engagement. While using textual analysis, a systematic analysis of the team’s social media, community outreach initiatives and corresponding advertising activities were conducted for the Savannah Bananas compared to other professional sports organizations strategies. A market assessment of the “Fans First Way†campaign is also included, suggesting that the “Fans First Way†campaign to engage with fans is a technique that many more companies and teams should learn from. |
| Abstract # 61 |
| Maria Molloseau, Las Fronteras, Humanities |
| The purpose of this bilingual text is to further expand upon life as a Mexican-American in today’s culture. Living as a Hispanic female has posed challenges due to the major differences in tradition and language that both the American and Mexican cultures have to offer. The goal of this text is to aid others who may be in the same situation become aware of the challenges, but also the rewards, of finding the balance between the two cultures and what each culture means to the self. The contrast in language represents the contrast of living as a female who is both Hispanic and American and where the boundary or ‘border’ is between the two. |
| Abstract # 62 |
| Whitney Walker, Laura Turlington, Linda Lanni-Kreisel, USCB Covid 19 Task Force Response Team: Students in Action, Nursing and Health Professions |
| In March of 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a pandemic. Thousands of college students returned to schools in the Fall with COVID-19 protocols in place to keep all students and staff as safe as possible. The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) implemented 100% use of protective face masks while on campus, provided hand and desk sanitizing stations and implemented social distancing measures in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations. Starting in the beginning of September and spanning over several weeks, a group of USCB nursing seniors performed an observational study as part of a public health task force. The students guised as “secret shoppers†observed persons on the USCB to monitor the compliance of COVID-19 protocols. Quantitative data was compiled from the student’s observations. The findings include; 68% of students, faculty/staff or others adhered to COVID-19 policies. 82% of students, faculty/staff or others social distanced and wore masks. Only 6% were seen using hand sanitizer from posted stations or sanitizing desk areas. This research shows how compliant students and faculty/staff were of COVID-19 protocols. |
| Abstract # 63 |
| Nicki Grace and Brian Canada, PhD (Faculty Mentor), A Thin Line: A Video Game Inspired by a Public Domain Resource, Computer Science |
Pierre Sala’s Little Book of Love, a resource that I discovered on the Public Domain Review website, was considered “one of the most intimate Renaissance manuscripts of the world.†The duality of this book is what captivates me and what I think would fascinate others. Sala wrote this book to win over his future wife, Marguerite Bullioud, and he starts with poems of love, yet he also brings up pessimistic views of the world and other morals. Our goal for the final project in Dr. Canada's Java programming course (CSCI B145) was to promote tangential learning, where the game does not directly teach the player but rather intrigues him or her to want to learn more about the subject of the game on their own, outside of the context of gameplay. Relationships are part of human nature and I hoped to promote tangential learning with curious symbolism throughout my game. A Thin Line is a two-dimensional vertical scroller game based on Sala’s Little Book of Love. The player controls Marguerite, Pierre’s love interest, who is holding a flower-shaped basket. Pierre is positioned at the top of the screen and is computer-controlled to move horizontally while dropping hearts and “pessimistic views†depicted as raindrops, which will then fall vertically down. There is a meter at the bottom of the screen with a “winâ€-zone skewed to the right of the meter. Marguerite will move right and left to catch the hearts and raindrops and a marker will move across the meter according to how many of each she catches. The goal of the game is to end with the marker in the “winâ€-zone when the timer runs out. [Click here to play the game in your browser!] |
| Abstract # 65 |
| Demetre Brigmon, Modern Age Greek Mythical Characters, Visual Arts and Design |
| My work is of Greek mythological characters in the modern age. My idea stems from the book series, Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. The series is the reason I got into Greek Mythology. My paintings are not your typical view of these characters. I try to take them out of their original setting and place them into a new one that would resonate with people of the 20th century. My purpose is to make the experience of looking at my work fun and playful for my viewers. I create my work using oil paint as my medium. I was introduced to this medium my sophomore year of college and I have been using it ever since. I find it easier to use and it allows me time to correct my mistakes. Painting in general is a fun way for me to express myself. |
| Abstract # 67 |
| Lingtao Chen; Amanda Williams; Frank Cazales; Jesus Dionicio Garcia Hernandez; Joyce Pechersky; Kaitlyn Hohmeier; Sankalp Yadav; Veronica Mcleod; Indranil Ghosh, PhD; Swati DebRoy, PhD, Underlying Factors of Children Obesity in Jasper County, Mathematics |
| Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is associated with the leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. About 32.4% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese in the United States. South Carolina ranked 2 (out of 51) for obesity in 10–17-year-olds in 2011 and 10 (out of 51) in adult obesity in 2013. Body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. It is considered an indicator of body fatness and a surrogate measure of body fat since it is measuring excess weight rather than excess fat. Studies have shown that BMI levels correlate with body fat and with future health risks. For nearly a decade, BMI has been measured among 3rd, 5th, and 8th graders in Jasper County School District led by Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services (BJHCHS). Faculty at USCB analyzed data and produced annual reports ever since. The goal of this project is to statistically analyze the underlying factors that cause obesity. The factors that were considered are grade, ethnicity(race), gender and socioeconomic status. A multiple linear regression model is considered that involves both qualitative and quantitative predictors to better explain the obesity. A time dependent analysis will also be done separately to identify the effects of each of the predictors on the response---obesity and/or percentage of increase/decrease on obesity. This is a collaborative project between USCB students and University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) students supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Center of Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM). |
| Abstract # 68 |
| Selena Diamond, Dressing Up to Know Myself: How Cosplay Help Create Community and Identity, Social Sciences |
| "Cosplay" is a term used to refer to "costume play" and represents growing, creative form of performance art comprised of people interested in portraying specific characters, often modeled from popular culture. Some scholars (i.e., Henry Jenkins, et al) characterize cosplay culture as a form of fandom in community form, but for many involved in cosplay, participation is more than merely communicating fandom. Cosplay represents an important means to connect with like-minded others. Since the 1990s, there has been increased scholarly interest directed at understanding cosplay culture and fandom communities in popular culture literature and that interest has evolved significantly as technology has enabled cosplayers from around the world to interact virtually and through social media. The purpose of this study was to explore the specific ways cosplayers communicate to build community and how the constructed cosplay community contributes to an individual cosplayer's identity both within and outside of the cosplay community. This study features an analysis of survey data collected through several cosplay social media sites and several follow-up interviews of cosplayers willing to provide detailed explanations of their experiences in their respective cosplay communities. Key findings from survey and interview data suggest that cosplay helps people learn about themselves as a person and a bond between others with similar interests. |
| Abstract # 69 |
| Victor Collins, Sarah Linder, Jordan Noel, Hailey Tehrani, Tori Smith, Rion Duncan, Graying in the Lowcountry, Social Sciences |
| Aging presents challenges, and along with those challenges most likely being compounded during this last year, it is important to understand what our elderly are going through to implement resources needed to best support them during this time of their life. Using Qualtrics, an online survey tool, we asked South Carolina residents, ages 55 and older, questions pertaining to subjects including COVID19 impacts, social isolation and loneliness, and alcohol usage. The findings show common stressors among this population include money, health, family concerns, aging itself, the current political climate, along with concerns for driving long distances, which may indicate fear of declining cognitive functions associated with aging. Also, a connection between educational attainment and residential neighborhood type was found, with most members of gated communities having a bachelor’s degree while most people living in rural communities only attended some college. Other findings suggest that individuals who used alcohol were less likely to report feelings of isolation. However, educational attainment was not a major indicator of the ability to afford food, higher educational attainment did indicate those individuals were more likely to have received or plan to receive the COVID19 vaccine. We have found these relationships to be interesting and hope they can be a starting point, especially in the Lowcountry, for the potential issues among the older populations to be addressed. |
| Abstract # 70 |
| Amanda Smith, Disembodied Personhood; A Nineteenth Century Fight for Citizenship and Spirit, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| In my scholarship, I explore the intersections of citizenship, land, and spirit that constitute the deeply complex and nuanced personhoods that writers had in the nineteenth century. My literary research with writers like Zitkala-Sa, Frederick Douglass, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and Margaret Fuller paired with the legal documentation of their time, layered with the roles that American land played in their narratives has proven that to fully understand how these writers positioned themselves in America means to analyze the intersections of citizenship, land, and spirit. I focus on citizenship because the legality of protection in America is contingent upon citizenship— Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness favors those who are identified as American citizens. The writers I’ve focused on all had nuanced relationships with American land, and it is in these relationships that I’ve found language reflecting how they, as human beings in this nation, see themselves as being fully alive in the country. In their language, in which they feminize American land, they reveal an intimate insight of themselves through the embodied narrative of America. This sense of self, what I’ve identified as being spirit, represents how these writers see themselves in America, building to my understanding of a collective experience in America for marginalized, oppressed, and violated communities. I fight for this sense of collective experience in America to illuminate how these writers were fighting for their autonomy in this nation. |
| Abstract # 71 |
| Meztli R Herzog, Where Are You From?, Visual Arts and Design |
| Although I am only 22 years old, I have lived a diverse life, learning from several cultures while living in three countries - El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. - and traveling to several others. As an artist and graphic designer, I give social commentary, through my work, on the way the world sees me, as a Latin Jewish female queer artist. The world’s injustices motivate me to create. I believe that my art articulates issues, speaks to individuals and the community. My compassion is rooted in the way I grew up, seeing the world through the deep contrasts of my life. Awareness of a clear divide between the wealthy and the poor in El Salvador, the country of my birth and early childhood, made me understand the diversity of people’s lives, socially, ethnically and economically, and aware of the fact that we don't all live with equal opportunities. Throughout history, the artist is, rightly, the conscience of society. In that tradition, I believe my art encapsules everything I care about. My life so far merges different cultures and experiences that are reflected in my art. My life is almost as diverse as my mediums. I would call myself a mixed media artist who is excited to try anything. |
| Abstract # 72 |
| Starr McNeal and Ric Bynes, COVID-19 Prediction Modeling and Simulation of Three Counties in South Carolina Over 31 Days, Computer Science |
| In this project, we developed a model that focuses on the prediction of COVID-19 infection and death rates among the population of three counties in South Carolina. Careful infection and death predictions through models and simulations can prepare health officials with the awareness of infections and deaths that may occur from a pandemic, such as COVID-19. This motivated us to model COVID-19 infection and death rates simulated for the future. We implemented our model based on basic mathematical principles (e.g., Euler method) to estimate the weekly rate at which uninfected people may contract the COVID-19 virus. We simulated our model with random sets of data representing the percentage of the population that is either infected or uninfected with the virus. The data was collected from three counties (Aiken, Anderson, and Beaufort) of South Carolina. Based on our simulation and histogram analysis, we determined exponential distribution as an appropriate fit for the infections and deaths prediction. To check correctness of our model, we further performed a statistical t-test analysis that collates the means of the original data set and means from our simulated model. The t-test null hypothesis of the three counties proved to be adequate compared to the original data. Collating the means of the original data and our simulated model, we concluded that three county infection rates and one country death rate closely resembled our simulated model output. |
| Abstract # 73 |
| Joseph Keith, Exploration Into Aerial Augmented Reality Photography, Visual Arts and Design |
| I am drawn to location-based or travel photography because I enjoy the process of finding a new location and exploring what makes it special and interesting. My photography pushes me to experience different subjects along with their textures and shapes in this new setting more thoroughly. To do this I like to use a variety of different cameras and lenses. Each camera I own is distinctly different. Each lens has the capability to look at the same subject and enhance different elements of the subject. This allows me to capture the subject from different angles and helps me create more interesting compositions in the picture plane. Aerial photography in particular helps me experience the location from a perspective that I would not otherwise have access to. As an artist I make my work to inspire others to experience their world with a higher level of appreciation for small details than they normally experience. It is very important to me to fully explore a location and display it from a different perspective in the same way that other photographers such as Hunter Barnes do with individuals. I also show the visual details of objects that I feel are compelling but are not noticed as much as they should be. My 360-degree artworks are immersive experiences of various locations taken from a perspective that is not encountered by many. I find the mix of augmented reality and aerial photography compelling because it allows the audience to view the location as if they are physically hovering above it. This gives a sense that the viewer is actually experiencing the setting themselves and they are not limited to what the artist chose to show and not show. |
| Abstract # 74 |
| William Brodie Kaufman and Brian Canada, PhD (Faculty Mentor), Sonic, ergo Sand: Discovering the Wonders of Physics, Computer Science |
| Inspired by the free content that can be found in the public domain, this project aims to educate audiences on what are known as “Chladni Figures,†which I discovered through the Public Domain Review website. By creating vibrational waves on a metal plate, sand particles are compelled by the laws of physics to move toward the parts of the plate where no vibration occurs (these are known as nodal lines). A demonstration of this effect is presented in a fun and humorous manner, as a game-like experience developed in Java and Greenfoot for Dr. Canada' CSCI B145 Fall 2021 final project, in an attempt to promote tangential learning. By "tangential learning," we mean that someone participating in an experience primarily designed for entertainment (such as playing a video game) will be inspired to "self-educate" by learning more about the subject matter, outside of the context of the game or similar entertainment experience. The phenomenon of Chladni figures presents a fascinating occurrence of sound’s ability to influence physical space. In a sense, this remarkable effect displays the visual representation of sound! This game has a large potential to educate players through elements of tangential learning. The players will learn, in a rudimentary sense, that different frequencies (represented by musical pitch) have a direct influence over beautiful geometric shapes. A player may ask themself: “How is it possible that sound waves could create shapes as intricate as these?â€. Additionally, Chladni serves as a memorable character that will remain in players’ heads. His goal is to provoke the players to do their own research on the physicist, as well as research on modern-day versions of the “Chladni plates†experiment. [Click here to play the game in your browser!] |
| Abstract # 75 |
| Griffin Cassell, The Effects Of Behavior and Communication on Decision, Social Sciences |
| Abstract This research project looked at communication factors and processes to determine if the impacted decision-making. In life, making good decisions impacts both success and happiness. As college graduates enter the workforce their success in decision-making can depend, to a great extent, on their communication and behavior skills. Identifying and understanding key components of behavior and communication, can lead to the development of better decision-making. Research revealed three factors to consider1) differences in communication styles, 2) differences in behavior styles 3) differences in learning. Thus, this research proposal is designed to determine the impact of communication and behavior styles on making decisions. The research was conducted using the symbolic interactionism approach of the interpretive research paradigm, in conjunction with qualitative research; to support an approach that provides insight into the impact of communication and behavior styles on decision-making processes. In the absence of adequate information and data, focus groups, interviews and assessments were used to support the study approach. This approach contributed to answering the question, “How do individuals' communication styles influence behaviors of others' decision-making experiences?†Keywords: behaviors, communication styles, learning, decision-making |
| Abstract # 76 |
| Ashley Lockard, Society of Creative Writers and The Pen, English Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies |
| The Society of Creative Writers is a student-run organization that sponsors the publication of The Pen: our university's creative writing journal. The mission of Society of Creative Writers is to create a safe-space where student writers can nurture themselves and their writing alongside their peers, while simultaneously crafting works that they could possibly submit to The Pen for publication. The Pen (also student run, with Dr. Malphrus as the advisor of the practicum, ENGL 211) accepts submissions year-round, and is published twice every school year; once in the fall, once in the spring. The journal accepts a variety of creative works, such as poetry, drama, fiction, photography, and visual art. Being a staff member gives you first-hand experience on the inner-workings of a publication; each student on the staff has the opportunity to hold a position with a title (Copy Editor, Social Media Director, Art Director, and even Editor-in-Chief). The course also helps you to learn a lot about your own creative writing, because, in order to work on this publication, you have to learn how to be critical and analytic of creative writing, which helps you hone your own skills, too. The other places students can go to hone their creative writing skills is all of the wonderful workshops on campus. Starting with Creative Writing Across the Curriculum (ENGL 222); in this course you do four units on poetry, creative non-fiction, fiction, and drama. It helps students to find what genre they enjoy the best, while also shaping their writing in that specific genre. From there, students can move on to any of the other creative writing workshops to further develop themselves with other creative minds (Poetry Workshop, Fiction Workshop, and Playwriting with Dr. Pate). |
| Abstract # 77 |
| Gabrielle Diamond, The External Field and Internal Monologue, Visual Arts and Design |
| Most of the ideas that I have for visual artworks are an emergence of past and present feelings. Whether it’s as simple as, “this would be cool if it had XYZ†or as vast as, “This particular color scheme and/or theme compels me to make ABCâ€. My pieces ‘NECCO’ and ‘Manipulation’ express this to a T. Manipulation, despite the title, was created to stimulate the mind into thinking that maybe manipulation is good…and necessary? This work was created in Autodesk Maya and the figures shown quietly depict how I felt in several different situations. For the most part, it's based on me regaining control of my own body. Much like the model, when grounded, I was the most open—literally and figuratively. Not too long ago, I was raped. The most promiscuous pose was also the most vulnerable position I’ve ever been in. The additional figures show more conservative poses to represent that through pain I've endured I became more reserved and as a result, I never felt freer. NECCO, engages the audience in a completely different way. The skewed perspective invites you to look with caution at the angles and visuals presented before you. The variety of tones give off a calm approach to the usual rush of a typical coffee shop bookstore. Unlike Manipulation, this work was made with the intent to engage the viewer in a more playful manner and visually lower your guard before experiencing the story behind Manipulation. |
| Abstract # 78 |
| Shania Williamson, Artist Statement, Visual Arts and Design |
| I'm an illustrator, portrait artist, and motion graphics designer. As an artist, I am intuitive and I like to express my feelings and ideas through the illustrations and designs that I create. When I complete a piece, I want the viewers to see my creativity and details within my work. I want my work to be appealing and bring as much joy to the viewer as it does to me. In the USCB 2021 Senior Exhibition, my first piece is a digital abstract portrait of my brother Quinn. In drawing portraits, my aim is to capture the expression and beauty in people’s faces . My subjects are primarily family and friends and I use digital media such as photoshop and physical media like graphite and charcoal pencils. I chose my brother because I wanted to take the step into painting a male figure and depict him in a cool, colorful and abstract way. My second piece is an illustration and an animated giphy titled “Let Your Creativity Flowâ€. This piece is an product of my intuitive creative process. It personally relates to me because sometimes I feel like I overthink when I'm trying to come up with new ideas. I feel more relaxed once I just draw and let whatever comes to mind flow out because that's when I enjoy making art the most. |
| Abstract # 81 |
| Carlee Johnson, Zachary Lowery, Victoria Sember, FACTORS AFFECTING THE RATE OF COVID19 INFECTION IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH CAROLINA​, Mathematics |
| The disease known as COVID19, the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is a disease that has ended the lives of countless people and impacted every person uniquely. This research focuses on understanding the underlying factors that caused the differential impact of COVID-19 in the states of South Carolina (SC) and South Dakota (SD). SC being a well populated and tourist heavy coastal state whereas SD is both land locked and not well traveled with. The impact of COVID is studied here in terms of the reported cases per selected county. The top ten affected counties from SD were selected and then matched to SC counties with similar population size. Data was collected on different demographics of each county, viz. percentage of females, median age, occupational employment (white-collar jobs and blue-collar jobs), average people per household, median household income, people below poverty and high school graduates. A correlation analysis between the variables indicated the factors which did not have a statistical influence on the number of reported cases. The factors of highest correlation were further analysis through multiple linear regression. The optimal model for predicting the reported cases in each state was formulated. |
| Abstract # 83 |
| Makayla Bing, A look into the COVID-19 Pandemic: How has COVID-19 altered the development of romantic relationships?, Social Sciences |
| The COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered the human experience in ways that are still being realized, including interpersonal communication norms. While the Centers for Disease Control and federal health agencies continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, it could be argued that the six-foot "social distancing" and masking recommendations potentially impacted romantic norms of behavior, particularly in the early stages of a romantic relationship. Using Knapp's (1978) seminal research on the stages of relational development as a means of prediction, this study explored if and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted dating communication behaviors among couples in the "coming together" stages of their relationships. Questionnaire responses from a limited sample of 27 participants suggest that CDC guidelines for social distancing and masking were often not followed. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses on the survey offered some explanations for why guidelines were ignored and stages of initiating and intensifying new romantic relationships continued to unfold in pre-pandemic communication patterns. Implications and limitations of these findings are also discussed |
| (Total 69 abstracts) |