Live Schedule - Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Presentations will be on Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 at

https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97178171692

Because all sessions in this program will be sharing the same Zoom meeting room and live presentations will be continuing through the day, presenters and audience are asked to wait until 5 minutes prior to the start of their session to click on the link to be admitted to the room.  A moderator will admit you to the room prior to the start of the session. 

10:00 - 10:50 am

Arts and Humanities

https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97178171692
 

"The Poetry of Paul Éluard"

Isabel Crist
Advisor: Dr. Glenn Fetzer
The French surrealist poet Paul Éluard’s poems underwent a dramatic shift between the First and Second World Wars. His poetry during the First World War shows an emotional distance from the events occurring; his writing is broad and focuses on his peaceful and mundane home life as a petition for peace. However, his poems that were written during the Second World War are poignant, dark, and foreboding. They demonstrate an emotional proximity and affinity towards the victims of atrocities.  This research focuses on the literary differences between the two time periods and the underlying elements that make Éluard’s poetry distinct.
 

"Spring 2021 Collection: Re-envisioning the Land of Enchantment"

Savannah Willingham
Advisor: Dr. Insook Ahn
Fashion, as a visually communicative medium, has the ability to both reflect traditional ideals and inspire new ones. A strong collection is not only aesthetically pleasing and well-constructed but has a distinctive style that sets it apart from others. This collection has been inspired by the rich culture of New Mexico and the varying customs that make the state unique. Just as the renowned designer Cristóbal Balenciaga had recreated traditional Spanish garments and modernized them in the 20th century, these are pieces that can speak to a contemporary audience while honoring the heritage they were inspired by.
 

"Amulets: How Materials Objects Connect Cultures"

Andrea Maranon Laguna
Advisor: Dr. Kristin Otto
Amulets are portable objects attributed with protective powers for the person who wears or displays them. The University Museum’s Frisbie Collection of contemporary Spanish ceramics includes multiple colorful, porcelain amulets manufactured at a workshop in Galicia. These amulets bear symbols representing their functions. By studying the iconography and materiality of the amulets in the collection and similar objects in other museums, I will show how through their creation, communication, and consumption, the amulets acquire meaning and power. The amulets further reinforce how material culture reflects the long-term Celtic influence in Galicia, which demonstrates cultural interconnectedness through time, geography, and politics.

 

11:00 – 11:50 am

Business, Policy, and Government

https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97178171692

 

"The Rising Pork Trade between Mexico & the Asia-Pacific Rim"

Luis Chavez Gil
Advisor: Dr. Yu-Feng Lee
In recent decades, the Asia-Pacific region has been the largest producer of pork but also the largest consumer. Due to its culture and other factors, pork has become one of the principal ingredients in Asian cuisines. China is one of the largest port producers in Asia-Pacific, accounted for 55% of the world pork supply. However, the African swine fever hit in 2018 which decreased China’s production capacity. Instead, Mexico’s pork exports to Asian countries grow tremendously and become essential. This study therefore aims at the dynamics of Mexican pork in Asia-Pacific with its challenges and opportunities, and the business implications.
 

"FAFSA Completion Rates Influenced by State Guidelines"

Jaqueline Munoz
Advisor: Dr. Phame Camarena
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has become a requirement for financial aid at the state and federal levels. According to preliminary research, millions of students do not complete the FAFSA form, which creates a substantial financial barrier for most first-generation college students. To better understand the nature of this barrier, policies, and practices across borderline states will be compared. More specifically, this analysis will identify first-generation students’ FAFSA completion rates across US southern states. It will identify resources and programs, as well as policies that may hinder or promote FAFSA completion among first-generation college students.
 

"Electoral Reform in the Presidential Selection Process: Should the Electoral College be Abolished in Favor of a National Popular Vote?"

Reagen Truex, Brennan Ramsey, Isaiah Granado, Noah Ward, & Devin Narveson
Advisor:  Dr. Ani Ter-Mkrtchyan
The Constitution of the United States dictates that the President should be chosen through an indirect election process, not directly by the people themselves. Since its inception, critics of the Electoral College claim that the institution is undemocratic. Recent failures in the presidential selection process have caused many to question the Electoral College’s validity in Presidential elections and instead favor the direct election method found in a National Popular Vote. Considering the relevance of this topic in the current political climate, we strive to answer the following: Should the Electoral College be Abolished in Favor of a National Popular Vote?

 

1:00 – 1:50 pm

Higher Education and Student Development

https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97178171692

 

"Evaluating Campus Student Newspaper Coverage of Minority Students-Police Relations"

Tiffany Flores
Advisor:  Dr. Dennis Giever
The death of George Floyd happened on May 25, 2020.  George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American male, died after being handcuffed and pinned down by a white officer’s knee. In light of his death and others similar, controversies about police behavior, toward people of color have been on the rise. Campus newspapers have provided a way for students to tell their experiences and express their views about policing practices, policies, and treatment, both nationally and on their own campuses. My goal with this project is to examine the NMSU's "Round Up" coverage of these issues and compare it to reporting at neighboring Universities campus student newspaper such as UNM, El Paso, Western, and Eastern. Given the high minority population at NMSU, whether this coverage is adequate remains an important question.
 

"First Generation College Student Aspirations:  Passion or Practical?"

Ana Maria Gutierrez
Advisor: Dr. Phame Camarena
Are first generation college students (FGS) aspirations more focused on concerns about income and security or their desire for passion in their work? Past research shows that barriers can impact the educational performance FGS limiting their aspirations.  Using data drawn from an anonymous online survey from 445 university students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA, this study examines whether high academic FGS are following their professional passions or not. Both quantitative and qualitative data help explain the patter of aspirations for this sample of high achieving first generation students.
 

"COVID, Educational Plans, and Well-Being in High Achieving Students:  Who is Most Impacted?"

Zaira Martin
Advisor: Dr. Phame Camarena
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on overwhelming challenges and additional stressors to students in higher education. High academic achieving student have been known for their ability to easily adapt to changes and academically excel in a variety of different settings. Through data gathered through an anonymous, online, survey of high achieving university students, this study aims to highlight how the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes that came with it impacted high academic achieving students and if first generation students were impacted differently than non-first-generation students. Additionally, this study takes into consideration the intersectionality of first-generation students in regard to gender, ethnicity, and social class and how these identity concepts affect the student’s wellbeing.

 

2:00 – 2:50 pm

Social Science and Culture

https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/97178171692

 

"A Migrant’s Journey from Latin America to a US-Mexico Border"

Ashley Hernandez
Advisor: Dr. Christopher Brown
The surge of migrants within the U.S- Mexican border have gradually increased through recent years and have caused large political issues. The vast majority of these migrants flee their countries due to many push and pull factors and have recently become of most extreme significance under the new Biden administration. Further research will be conducted upon the different push and pull factors that drive migrants from Central America into the United States. Overall, with a series of interviews and research among governmental data, news, and articles, the hardships that these migrants must endure will be revealed through its uttermost emphasis. 
 

"An Exploration of Ongoing “Treatment” against LGTQ*"

Elle Mayner
Advisors: Dr. Patti Wojahn & Jarod Gonzalez
One might think that a therapy method linked to increased rates of suicide, depression, anxiety, and drug abuse would be illegal. Yet, in twenty-nine states there are no laws protecting minors against conversion therapy, meant to “treat” homosexuality and help patients change sexual orientations. My study explores medical and mental health research to identify effects of a therapy still allowed in the U.S. despite dangerous outcomes. My presentation depicts initial rationale for such “therapy,” stories of survivors of this “therapy,” and what we might do in our society to change attitudes toward homosexuality if not also laws.