Now showing items 21-40 of 857

    • Liminal territories: interpreting the inbetweenness of the spaces we inhabit

      Cromling, Ellie (2025-05)
      My honors thesis has taken the form of my BFA show "At The Threshold" exhibited at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art in combination with my research of various theories which have informed my body of work. My work has been guided primarily by theories relating to the uncanny and liminality in built environments, and my influences include Sigmund Freud and Ernst Jentsch's individual theories of the uncanny; the popularization of the online "liminal space" aesthetic; and clinical psychological studies of liminal spaces. In this paper, I will touch on each of these influences, and finish with a discussion of how my research has informed my art and my relationship to my audience. Keywords: painting, liminal, liminality, liminal space, psychoanalytic, uncanny, psychology, architecture, built environment, internet, Reddit
    • Weaving the past into the future: integrating historical data into science education to foster sustainable fashion practices

      Browne-Gallagher, Michaela (2025-05)
      Instead of a paper, I created and hosted four interactive workshops at New Paltz middle school. Using historical and climate data, my goal was to teach and promote sustainable fashion in a school setting. These workshops blend climate data, sustainability, and hands-on clothing repair to inspire eco-conscious thinking in younger generations.
    • Building a vibrating probe to detect tiny currents in a liquid

      Askew, Olivia; Halpern, Richard (2025-05)
      Bioelectricity is an essential part of living organisms to aid in their tissue healing and regenerative abilities, but the apparatus necessary to detect the tiny ionic currents in biological systems are often convoluted in their function and expensive. This project aimed to build a low-cost, simplified version of a vibrating probe, a non-invasive device used to detect currents brought about by a wound in animals with regenerative abilities such as planarians. While the probe was not successfully constructed in the plating stage, some in-depth theoretical groundwork was developed in the presence of such limitations. Experimental procedures for electrode plating were carried out and documented, leading to a deeper understanding of electric field detection, the function of a lock-in amplifier, and the steps to carry out a full calibration procedure of the probe. To remediate the absence of an operational probe, a Python simulation was written to model expected current density near a wound as well as the electric field output. This work plays a role in making tools capable of measuring bioelectric currents more accessible and lays groundwork for future research exploring the electrodynamics through electric field theory, signal detection instrumentation, and current density modeling. Keywords: Physics, Biophysics, Biology, Bioelectricity, Vibrating Probe, Regeneration, Wound currents, Planarians, Simulation
    • Preventing short-term rental unit conversion through long-term landlord support

      Ardieta, Alex A. (2025-05)
      Over the last decade, the rise in third-party market platforms has resulted in a crisis surrounding the quantity and affordability of long-term housing. The domination of short-term rental (STR) units in housing markets across the United States has disproportionately af fected small towns in New York’s Hudson Valley region. When confronted with the appeals of short - term rental markets, long-term landlords face financial pressure to convert their long-term units into short-term units–displacing tenants, reproducing the negative externalities associated with STRs, and further diminishing long-term housing options. This research explores five potential legislative structures to encourage cooperation between public offices and private long-term landlords to maintain a sufficient long-term rental stock in the Hudson Valley. Qualitative data collection occurred through secondary analysis and one-on-one interviews with Hudson Valley renters, long-term landlords, and public officials. Preliminary analysis revealed a strong preference amongst participants for non-cash municipal supports, dilapidated/brownfield site usage requirements, and public engagement opportunities during the permission process.
    • Beyond the skin: investigating psoriasis, its systemic associations, and the future of therapeutics

      Amjad, Safina (2025-05)
      This paper will highlight critical genetic factors that contribute to the phenotypes associated with psoriasis, examine potential causes, comorbidities, and currently available treatment options, and discuss future treatments in development. First, as psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, an examination of the immune system will be presented, along with a discussion of common causes and concerns, associated treatments, and future outcomes. The skin is the largest organ of the body. While many perceive skin disorders as cosmetic issues, this thesis aims to provide information that helps readers regard these conditions as serious problems affecting overall well-being rather than superficial concerns. Key words: Psychobiology, Psoriasis, Immune System, Cytokines, Interleukins, JAK/STAT pathway, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Biologics, Monoclonal Antibodies, Artificial Intelligence
    • Beyond the eye: effect of guilt and redemption on hidden self-harm

      Bansal, Sonakshi (2025-05)
      Self-harm is traditionally viewed as a physical manifestation. This study aims to broaden the scope of what constitutes self-harming behavior and the role that guilt, and redemption can play on it. The study explores non-traditional forms of self-harm, termed as culturally acceptable forms of self-harm, like over-working, procrastination, intentional absence of self-care etc. Specifically, it examines the role of guilt and redemption in motivating individuals to engage in aversive experiences (aversive sound). Participants underwent a guilt-inducing manipulation and were subsequently asked to listen to an unpleasant audio stimulus. It was hypothesized that (1) participants offered a chance for redemption would endure the aversive sound for a shorter duration than those not offered redemption, and (2) engaging in the aversive task would reduce feelings of guilt across all participants. Guilt was measured using the Guilt and Shame Questionnaire (GSQ-8) twice, before the guilt-inducing manipulation, and post the aversive audio phase. A t-test indicated that participants who were given a chance for redemption listened to the aversive audio for a significantly shorter duration than those who were not given a chance for redemption. An ANCOVA analysis, controlling for initial guilt scores showed a significant effect of condition on final guilt, with participants in both conditions reporting reduced guilt levels post-task, and those in the neutral condition reporting a greater reduction. These findings suggest that engaging in culturally acceptable aversive behaviors may serve a guilt-alleviating function, and that perceived opportunities for redemption may modulate the extent of such selfdirected harm.
    • Shapeshifter: MFA Thesis - Metal

      Baer, Talula Evan (2025-05)
    • Garage sale: a carefully constructed collection of functionally useless objects: MFA Thesis - Metal

      Compton, Erica (2025-05)
      Garage Sale is a query into our understanding and expectations of the material world. I create curious objects which simultaneously imply utility through their features and form and disrupt assumptions surrounding their use by being functionally useless. By combining familiar materials, forms, and mechanisms, the outcomes appear both functional and confounding. Initial predictions are perverted or left unfulfilled as levers fail to initiate a reaction or containers spill out their contents. The objects solicit viewers to consider their material world and reconsider their expectations.
    • A home within: MFA Thesis - Ceramics

      Kim, Emilie (2025-05)
      A Home Within delves into the complexity of being bicultural as a Korean American, focusing on the influence of the maternal bond and cooking on self-acceptance of identity. By sculpting ceramic kitchen appliances that act as vessels for personal narratives and miniature worlds, creating molds to slip-cast dishware and food containers that contain illustrations and emptiness, I explore the physical spaces from my life to discuss the emotional weight of my mother’s love, shared through cooking in our kitchen. By working at both actual scale and in miniature, layering underglazes, incorporating kitchen materials, and painting and decorating with food within each sculpture, I explore what it means to be wonderfully intricate as someone who navigates two different cultures, often finding myself in between. A Home Within is a space where personal history thrives, celebrating the richness of cooking, remembering, and sharing what it means to be at home as a Korean American.
    • Systematic review of peer support delivered by autistic individuals to autistic peers

      Contestabile, Maria (2025-05)
      This thesis investigates how Autistic individuals can support their autistic peers. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize the key components and outcomes of Autistic delivered peer support (ADPS). ADPS programs are typically designed to enhance positive social and emotional well-being by employing a strength-based, individualized approach to peer mentorship. By concentrating on Autistic individuals as mentees and peer mentors, this review examines the relationship between shared lived experiences, peer influence, social engagement, isolation, and relationships with others. Analysis yielded recurring outcomes for both mentees and mentors. These findings support the promise of ADPS in meeting the unique needs of autistic individuals. They may also be used to inform the development of practical ADPS and relevant literature.
    • Let’s keep this between you, me, and the tiles: MFA Thesis - Sculpture

      Hricisak, Ava Marie (2025-05)
      The transient nature of conversations within family and community contexts belies their profound influence on individual and collective identities. This thesis investigates how art can capture and memorialize the fleeting, everyday conversations shared with loved ones. Family table talks, in particular, shape our lives, influencing our values and relationships. Yet, these pivotal moments often vanish without a trace, leaving only vague impressions. A worn table might evoke memories of past meals and discussions, but it lacks a direct link to any specific, meaningful exchange. My artistic intervention aims to embed subtle reminders of these important talks within key social spaces, transforming them into tangible memorials. This project seeks to contribute to the broader conversation about art's role in preserving cultural memory and fostering community. By transforming daily chats into enduring artifacts, I hope to highlight the significance of these often-overlooked moments.
    • Exploring the role of music and creative arts in migrant education: an exploratory intrinsic case study

      Boss, Claire (2025-05)
      This exploratory intrinsic case study examined the work of migrant educators in New York State’s Mid-Hudson Migrant Education Tutorial and Support Services (METS) program, with a particular focus on their use of music and creative arts modalities. Using a constructivist qualitative inquiry framework, and informed by Community Music Therapy (CoMT), Resource-Oriented Music Therapy (ROMT) perspectives, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four migrant educators. Data from these interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Trustworthiness of this study was enhanced through member checking and investigator triangulation. Findings revealed that the role of the migrant educator is multifaceted. It extends beyond academic instruction and often centers around advocacy and student empowerment. Music and creative arts modalities were identified as being used by educators to enhance language learning, promote engagement, build inter- and intra-personal relationships, and provide opportunities for students to experience agency and mastery. However, the consistent use of these creative modalities was constrained by programmatic limitations and in some cases, educator discomfort. Significant barriers to student success such as linguistic isolation, institutional limitations, and challenging life situations (often a result of broader socio-political issues) were identified. This study highlights the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration between music therapists and educators and more training for educators regarding the integration of creative arts modalities into their work. This study also underscores the critical need for policy reforms to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for migrant students. Despite a multitude of barriers and limitations, this study highlights the commitment of migrant educators and the resilience of the students they serve. Keywords: Migrant education, creative arts modalities, Community Music Therapy, Resource-Oriented Music Therapy, trauma-informed care, interdisciplinary collaboration
    • Tolerating ambiguity for alternative awareness: MFA Thesis - Painting & Drawing

      Mahar, MaryEllen (2025-05)
      In this heuristic investigation of a phenomenological study of Moustakas’s (1990) Creative Synthesis. the research question was, “What is my experience of painting?” Maintaining a steady practice in my art studio for two years as an MFA student, I kept observation notes on my process. Journals were coded for themes, and I summarized findings. Themes included sustained engagement for the expansion of awareness beyond thresholds of familiar experiencing, increased ability to dwell in disequilibrium and resist premature closure, and the experience of a shift in awareness at which point an observing-self witnessed my actions as I painted. My painting process was found to be a practice of tolerating ambiguity for altered awareness to create paintings, not from a premediated concept, but from attunement to intuition.
    • The impact of music therapy in adult palliative care: a thematic analysis of perspectives held by interdisciplinary team members working on an inpatient palliative care team

      Min, Tzu-Yao (2025-05)
      This study explored interdisciplinary team members’ perspectives on the impact of music therapy in adult palliative care within a hospital setting. The purpose of the study was to examine how their perspectives on the impact of music therapy on patients and caregivers, and how that impact their own clinical practice and well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data collected from the participants, including a nurse practitioner, a physician, social worker, and a chaplain. Four key themes emerged: (A) music therapy enhances patient and family care in palliative care, (B) music therapy strengthens interdisciplinary team members’ practice in palliative care, (C) music therapy as a transformative space in the hospital environment, and (D) conditions that shape the impact of music therapy. Each theme is further divided into subthemes that illustrate the multidimensional impact of music therapy in palliative care. These results underscore the importance of including music therapists as part of the interdisciplinary team to advance holistic and sustainable palliative care. Further research is required to deepen the understanding of the implications of music therapy within interdisciplinary teams. Keywords: Music therapy, palliative care, interdisciplinary team, interdisciplinary collaboration, integrative medicine, hospital