BAIRD CHAPEL 

Taylor Swift: Why She Never Goes Out of Style 

Presenter: Dr. Andrea Davis 

Let’s be in our Swiftie Era! This talk will cover Taylor’s albums, why she is rerecording some of them, her economic and cultural impact, and analyze some of her lyrics. Attendees are encouraged to bring friendship bracelets to trade with others! 

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM 

History of Lebanon 

Presenter: Mayor Rick Bell 

Mayor and former Cumberland University history professor Rick Bell will talk about the history of Lebanon. 

TIERED CLASSROOM LABRY HALL 130 

Starting A Business with No Marketable Skills 

Presenter: Dr. Noa D. Stroop 

Many want to start a business but think they have no skills. Well, I beg to differ. Join me to discuss skills that you already possess that can create a legitimate income as a (side or main) business. 

LIBRARY READING ROOM 

And the Award Goes To… 

Presenter: Mr. Rusty Richardson 

The presenter will give a history of the Academy Awards and the Best Pictures of the Year winners. 

LABRY HALL 117 

Origami: A Hobby for Life 

Presenter: Mr. William Hall 

The presenter will talk about the hobby of origami and give a demonstration. 

LABRY HALL 118 

The Importance of the Microbiome to Human Health 

Presenter: Dr. Laura Bechard 

The presenter will be talking about the human microbiome and the things it does for our bodies. 

LABRY HALL 209 

Collecting Star Wars, an Addiction 

Presenter: Mr. Milton Sager 

Collecting Star Wars memorabilia can be exciting but can also have its downfalls. How to not lose yourself in collecting is key. 

Current Trends in LEGO Collection 

Presenter: Dr. Rory Sellgren 

This session will cover general trends in LEGO collection and interests. The presenter will not only talk about his own extensive Harry Potter (TM) collection, but also the benefits of exploring a variety of themes to add value and building skills in your own collections. 

LABRY HALL 210 

Curiosities, Oddities, and Variations of the Human Body 

Presenter: Dr. Roger Jackson 

Do you think you know what it means to be human? This talk will explore some of the lesser-known curiosities, oddities, and variations of the human body. 

LABRY HALL 207 

So You Made It to the Flop–Heuristics for Flop Play in No-Limit Holdem 

Presenter: Dr. Stuart Harris 

This presentation will present a series of heuristics for how to proceed on the flop in No-Limit Holdem Poker. Participants should be familiar with the logistics of Holdem and shouldn’t be afraid of math. 

MEMORIAL HALL 307 

Unusual Partners: American and Soviet Joint Operations During the First and Second Iași and Chișinău Offensives in 1944 

Presenter: Dr. Luke Truxal 

This presentation examines the efforts by the United States and Soviet Union to coordinate their air and ground forces to defeat the Axis forces defending Romania in 1944. The fighting in Romania demonstrated that despite Cold War tensions, American and Soviet officers found methods to successfully coordinate their operations and finally end the supply of Romanian oil to Germany. 

MEMORIAL HALL 202 

Enhancing Your Self-Esteem and Keeping it Strong 

Presenter: Dr. Eddie Christian 

This presentation addresses specific perspectives and behaviors people may engage in order to cultivate a healthier sense of oneself. 

LABRY HALL 211 

Brain Games, Behaviors, and Beliefs 

Presenters: Ms. Iseli Irizarry and Dr. Jenny Mason 

The presenter will examine brain games performed during an experimental study conducted on campus. 

Preventing HIV Transmission 

Presenter: Ms. Morgan Lima 

The presenter will discuss HIV as well as transmission and prevention techniques for college students. 

MEMORIAL HALL 208 

Zine-town: Honors English Students Present Their Zines 

Presenters: Honors English Seminar students and Mr. Wyatt Keener 

The students of Honors English Seminar have been working on zines (homemade magazines) that tell a story about their life. In this session, they’ll present their work and talk about the process of making a zine. 

MEMORIAL HALL 203 

Beginner Hammock Camping/Hiking for the Student on the Cheap 

Presenter: Dr. Sheridan Henson 

Grumpy rascals are always complaining about nothing happening on campus (a horrid falsehood), and they languish in despair, slowly rippling their one foot through the cafeteria like miserable mucous-ridden slugs. Not you, though, you’re ready to explore. Still, you’re on a tight budget and you want to be as free as your itinerary. Come learn the basics of hammock camping and hiking in Middle Tennessee. 

MEMORIAL HALL 206 

Economic Policy and the Prerequisites of Civil Society 

Presenter: Dr. Richard Grant 

The presenter will discuss the impacts of current and recent economic policy on the civil relations and health of Americans. 

MEMORIAL HALL 207 

Who the Hell is James K. Polk? The 1844 Presidential Election 

Presenter: Dr. Mark Cheathem 

The first assassination of a U.S. presidential candidate is only one of the reasons that the 1844 election was one of the most consequential of the nineteenth century. 

Seeking the Lost Seekers: Office-Hunters and the Shaping of Early American Political Development 

Presenter: Dr. Max Matherne 

This presentation spotlights the Van Buren Papers’ records of early-American political partisans who tried to secure federal appointments for themselves and their allies. Taken together, their stories give us cause to rethink the development of political parties and institutions in the early American republic, with consequences still echoing down to the present day. 

MEMORIAL HALL 205 

Adverse Childhood Experiences 

Presenter: Dr. Cyndy Stone Allen 

This presentation will discuss how Adverse Childhood Experiences affect brain architecture and what supports can be learned to help build resilience. 

Criminal Justice – Criminal Profiling Research Presentation 

Presenters: Criminal Justice 458 students and Ms. Suzann Lafferty 

Students from the Criminal Justice 458 Criminal Profiling class will present their research project. 

BAIRD CHAPEL 

Adventures in Herpetology 

Presenter: Mr. Michael Fulbright 

Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. The presenter will share some of his research experiences studying these animals in the southeastern US. 

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM 

Nonviolent Compassionate Communication 

Presenters: Ms. Leighanne Buchanan and Ms. Kerry Ann Moore 

Learn how to communicate in a way that fosters health, compassion, and growth in your personal and professional relationships. 

TIERED CLASSROOM LABRY HALL 130 

Researching Roots: Genealogy and Family Research 

Presenters: Dr. Rachael C. Bible and Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik 

Websites like Ancestry, Find A Grave, and Newspapers.com have made finding information about your family history a little easier for many Americans. Dr. Bible and Dr. Mielnik will demonstrate some of the research methods for these sites and tell some of their personal family research stories in this session. 

LIBRARY READING ROOM 

WWII Memorabilia and Memories 

Presenter: Mr. Peter Johnson 

The presenter will discuss the events that lead to the war and U.S. involvement, the effects of the war on the U.S. home front, and mobilization. 

LABRY HALL 117 

Facts About Fentanyl & Harm Reduction 

Presenters: Mrs. Tammy Grow and Mr. Michael Bare 

Tammy Grow, Executive Director of DrugFree WilCo will share what the prevention coalition is doing to prevent and reduce substance misuse and addiction in Wilson County. Michael Bare, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, will follow up with a brief talk about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning in many illicit drugs in TN and how to reduce the harm done in our community due to the overdose epidemic. 

LABRY HALL 118 

Suicide Prevention Training-QPR 

Presenter: Ms. Brenda Harper with TN Suicide Prevention Network 

The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) program will provide training for an individual to recognize the signs, symptoms, and ways to try and help prevent Suicide among individuals. The QPR mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. 

LABRY HALL 122 

Electric Vehicles: Past, Present, and Future Directions 

Presenter: Mr. Steve Seger 

In this session, CU Business Council Member Steve Seger will discuss the transformation of the energy sector including the migration to electric vehicles and carbon-free generation. 

LABRY HALL 209 

Why We Don’t See I to I 

Presenters: Dr. Mike Ripski and SGA Members 

It’s a matter of perspective. So what’s yours? This session will seek awareness of our perspective and its origins. 

LABRY HALL 210 

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Mental Health 101 for College Students 

Presenter: Dr. Chelsea Sterne 

In this talk, the presenter will discuss how to talk to peers about mental health issues, how to find a counselor or therapist, how to recognize the signs of suicide, and where to get help if needed. 

Cannabis/Marijuana 101: Weeding Thru Opinions 

Presenter: Ms. Stephanie Davis 

This presentation will provide a broad understanding of cannabis/marijuana. This includes terminology, reasons young people do or do not use, the endocannabinoid system, short-term and long-term effects of cannabis/marijuana use, and the potential impacts on the adolescent brain. 

LABRY HALL 207 

Eight Mathematicians 

Presenters: Mr. AJ Akpan, Mr. Elliot Grinder, Ms. Rachel Hale, Mr. Adrijan Hrzic, Ms. Alexandra Leisibach, Ms. Brooke Turner, Mr. Daniel Wessels, Ms. Lara Zugasti, and Dr. Laurie P. Dishman. 

Dr. Dishman’s MATH 451 Abstract Algebra students will each present a brief biographical sketch of a mathematician connected to the field of modern algebra. 

MEMORIAL HALL 307 

To The Virgin Lands! 

Presenter: Dr. Sean McDaniel 

In 1953, shortly after the death of Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev embarked on an ambitious plan to cultivate tens of millions of acres of previously untilled land throughout areas of the Caucasus, Western Siberia, and Northern Kazakhstan. More than 300,000 volunteers relocated to the desolate regions to work the land and build their socialist future in what amounted to one of the Soviet Union’s most expansive agricultural undertakings. 

MEMORIAL HALL 202 

Yes, the Square Peg DOES Fit in the Round Hole… The Brand of YOU! 

Presenter: Dr. Valerie King 

The presenter will discuss understanding your place in the space and gaining insight on developing and managing your brand. 

LABRY HALL 211 

Bystander Intervention: Empowering Individuals to Act 

Presenter: Ms. Maria Michonski, Sexual Assault Center of Nashville 

This presentation reviews consent, the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, the bystander effect, and the causes of the bystander effect. This training aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to see red flags of sexual violence and effectively intervene in situations of potential violence. 

MEMORIAL HALL 208 

Creative Writing Confessions: What Can You Do with a Creative (And Professional!) Writing Degree and What Does CU Have to Offer? 

Presenters: Creative Writing Students and Ms. Sandee Gertz 

Most people know what Creative Writing is, but they might not know about all the careers for which a Creative Writing degree can be valuable. CU has a revised Creative and Professional Writing Major which includes all the creative genres, plus covers the professional aspects of writing: from grant writing, to marketing and PR writing, to social media, and more. Come and learn more about the program and its viable careers and hear from CPW majors about the experiential learning available in publishing a literary journal, developing a podcast, and learning the craft of literary writing via classes and active clubs! 

MEMORIAL HALL 203 

From Field to Lab: Exploring the Sphagnum Moss and Microbial Symbiosis 

Presenter: Dr. Alyssa Carrell 

Dr. Carrell is a staff scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She will share her exciting interdisciplinary research identifying relationships between moss and microbes. 

MEMORIAL HALL 206 

Leadership–Is it Better to be Loved 

Presenter: Dr. Paul Matthew Percy 

As a means of developing business leaders for a better tomorrow, the presenter describes ten leadership characteristics using an acrostic that define leader follower relationships in the 21st century using extant empirical research. Ten leader behaviors and characteristics that define successful leader-follower relationships are discussed. 

MEMORIAL HALL 207 

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch? 

Presenter: Dr. Michael Rex 

The presenter will discuss the realities of Neo-Paganism in the US. 

MEMORIAL HALL 205 

What America Could Learn from Northern Ireland 

Presenter: Mr. Jim Shulman 

For almost thirty years, Northern Ireland experienced what is known as the “Troubles.” Conflicts between groups, primarily due to religious affiliations and allegiances to the United Kingdom, turned deadly with thousands of individuals killed through acts of terrorism. With the assistance of the Clinton Administration, a peace agreement (now known as the Good Friday Agreement) was reached between the parties in 1998. Although sometimes shaky, the peace agreement has held for 25 years. The presenter calls it a “sociology experiment” happening right before our eyes. And we should be watching. 

Poster Boy Posers: Sociocultural Gentrifications and Its Effects on Modern Day Society 

Presenters: Mr. Levi Bookout and Dr. Kent Hallman 

Punks, Mods, Rockers, Goths, Skinheads, and Hippies. Every subculture had its beginning and end, but how did these niches go mainstream? And what does that mean to us now? 

BAIRD CHAPEL 

New AI Tools: Insights and Clarifications from an AI Practitioner’s Perspective 

Presenter: Dr. Joshua Phillips 

Dr. Phillips is an Associate Professor of computer science at MTSU. He will describe the recent history and developments in AI research and then discuss why, from the perspective of a researcher in this field, this knowledge helps us better understand how AI is impacting and continues to impact our lives. 

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM 

Contact Combat: How Krav Maga Empowers People to Get Home Safe 

Presenters: Dr. Sara Hays and Mr. Eric Cook 

This will be a demonstration of some of the basic techniques of the mixed martial art Krav Maga, including strikes, chokes, gun and knife disarms, and grappling on the ground. The presenters will also show how Krav is an especially useful self-defense system for all body types and genders so that anyone can use the techniques to protect themselves and get home safe! 

TIERED CLASSROOM LABRY HALL 130 

Conspiracy Theories in Recent U.S. History 

Presenter: Dr. Mark Cheathem 

Conspiracy theories have always been a part of the American experience, but in the past few years, they have reemerged in significant ways. This presentation explains the history of American conspiracy theories and how they are affecting the U.S. today. 

LIBRARY READING ROOM 

WWII Memorabilia and Memories 

Presenter: Mr. Peter Johnson 

The presenter will discuss the events that lead to the war and U.S. involvement, the effects of the war on the U.S. home front, and mobilization. 

LABRY HALL 117 

Facts About Fentanyl & Harm Reduction 

Presenters: Mrs. Tammy Grow and Mr. Michael Bare 

Tammy Grow, Executive Director of DrugFree WilCo will share what the prevention coalition is doing to prevent and reduce substance misuse and addiction in Wilson County. Michael Bare, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, will follow up with a brief talk about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning in many illicit drugs in TN and how to reduce the harm done in our community due to the overdose epidemic. 

LABRY HALL 118 

Suicide Prevention Training-QPR 

Presenter: Ms. Brenda Harper with TN Suicide Prevention Network 

The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) program will provide training for an individual to recognize the signs, symptoms, and ways to try and help prevent Suicide among individuals. The QPR mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. 

LABRY HALL 122 

It’s All in Your Head 

Presenters: Dr. Cyndy Stone Allen, Dr. Whitney Matthews, Dr. Barbara Parker, Dr. Sandy Smith, and Dr. George Walker 

The Educator Preparation Program faculty will present an interactive session modeling various activities that promote the development of critical and creative thinking skills. 

LABRY HALL 209 

Generational Perspectives 

Presenters: Dr. Mike Ripski and SGA Members 

How does the current generation view the world its inheriting? 

LABRY HALL 210 

Transcultural Nursing 

Presenters: Ms. Jessica Clark, Ms. Emma Carson, Ms. Ashley Lynch, Ms. Zoie High, and Ms. Michelle Zuercher 

Nursing students will be discussing their experiences in Honduras on a transcultural nursing trip. 

Incivility in Education 

Presenter: Ms. Carolyn Goodin 

The presenter will discuss recognizing and responding to incivility in education. 

LABRY HALL 207 

Connecting with Gen Z (!) not (.) 

Presenter: Dr. Karah Sprouse 

Join this interactive session to learn and discuss how Gen Z is commonly perceived and misunderstood by older generations at school and at work. 

MEMORIAL HALL 307 

CU Travel – Germany, Italy, and Switzerland 

Presenters: Dr. Sean McDaniel and Ms. Summer Vertrees 

Come learn about your opportunity to travel to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland with other members of the CU community in May 2024. 

MEMORIAL HALL 202 

Daylight Savings Time: What Time Is It? 

Presenter: Dr. Carole Bucy 

With Daylight Savings Time ending just two days before Colloquium, Distinguished University Professor Dr. Carole Bucy, will discuss her research on the history of Daylight Savings Time as well as Tennessee’s interesting, and even humorous, place in the story. 

LABRY HALL 211 

Bystander Intervention: Empowering Individuals to Act 

Presenter: Ms. Maria Michonski, Sexual Assault Center of Nashville 

This presentation reviews consent, the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, the bystander effect, and the causes of the bystander effect. This training aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to see red flags of sexual violence and effectively intervene in situations of potential violence. 

MEMORIAL HALL 208 

Writing Fiction: Student Reading 

Presenters: Creative Writing 255 students and Ms. Kerry Ann Moore 

Students from Creative Writing 255: Writing Fiction will perform a reading from their short stories. 

MEMORIAL HALL 203 

Houseplants 101 

Presenter: Dr. Andrea Davis 

Let’s cover the basics of keeping houseplants alive. Feel free to bring plant clippings to trade with others! No green thumb required. 

Animal Husbandry: Expanding Enrichment 

Presenter: Ms. Mia Harris 

Enrichment provides captive animals with additional stimuli and opportunities with the goal of increasing animal welfare. From cownose stingrays to African elephants, the design and implementation of animal enrichment vary across fields, species, and conspecifics. 

MEMORIAL HALL 206 

BFA Senior Artist Talks 

Presenters: Ms. Chana Crouch, Ms. Sophia Roberts, and Ms. Alena Mehić 

Graduating seniors will give in-depth talks about their practice, focusing on work displayed in their senior thesis exhibition and the influences, ideas, and intentions behind it. 

Exploring Public Art Potential in Post-WPA 

Presenter: Mr. Stephen Simmerman 

The presenter will discuss his current research project on the lasting influence of artists from the Works Progress Administration [WPA] and ways of parlaying public art in 21st century spaces. The work of muralists like Diego Rivera, Bernhard Zakheim, and Frederick Olmsted Jr. will be explored. 

MEMORIAL HALL 205 

History Senior Seminar Talks 

Presenters: History Senior Seminar students and Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik 

History Senior Seminar students will give presentations about their senior research projects. 

A Double National Treasure: The Buried Letters of William Lyon Mackenzie 

Presenter: Dr. Andrew Wiley 

In this presentation, the presenter will document how William Lyon Mackenzie stole numerous letters of Martin Van Buren, published them, and then carried them to Canada where they remained. The presenter found them in the Archives of Ontario and the Papers of Martin Van Buren has published several of them, making them more widely available. 

LABRY HALL 115 

Questions and Answers with the President and Provost 

Presenters: Dr. Paul Stumb and Dr. Bill McKee 

Do you have a burning question for CU’s President Dr. Paul Stumb or CU’s Provost Dr. Bill McKee? Come to this session to have those questions answered.