University Colleges: Recent submissions
Now showing items 21-40 of 11628
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Liminal territories: interpreting the inbetweenness of the spaces we inhabitMy 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
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Weaving the past into the future: integrating historical data into science education to foster sustainable fashion practicesInstead 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.
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Building a vibrating probe to detect tiny currents in a liquidBioelectricity 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
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Preventing short-term rental unit conversion through long-term landlord supportOver 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.
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Beyond the skin: investigating psoriasis, its systemic associations, and the future of therapeuticsThis 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
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Influence of Fire Disturbance on Vegetation Structure and The Resulting Influence of This Disturbance on Wildlife Habitat SuitabilityDisturbance regimes, such as fire, play a crucial role in shaping the structure, dynamics, and biodiversity of ecosystems by influencing species interactions, habitat variation, and ecosystem regeneration. This study investigates the ecological impacts of wildfire disturbances on forest structure and wildlife dynamics at the Altona Flat Rock, a globally rare sandstone pavement jack pine (Pinus banksiana) barrens in northeastern New York. We examined how time since disturbance influences forest structure by assessing attributes such as tree height, canopy closure, density, basal area, and understory composition across a chronosequence of disturbances. Our findings revealed minimal variation in forest structure among stands of different ages, with high homogeneity across the landscape. Within jack pine origin stands, only standing dead density and jack pine density showed significant differences. Tree age analysis indicated that fire severity and topographic complexity influenced tree survival and establishment, with most jack pine trees establishing immediately after the last major fire. In addition to assessing forest structure, we investigated the effects of the 2018 fire on wildlife dynamics in the area. Using a network of 20 camera traps and vegetation surveys at 60 plot locations, we monitored wildlife presence and habitat conditions, focusing on predator-prey dynamics and the influence of post-fire habitat characteristics. Our results demonstrated that wildlife species responded differently to post-fire conditions. Predators, such as coyotes (Canis latrans), exhibited increased activity in recently burned areas, benefiting from improved visibility, while herbivores like white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) avoided these areas due to reduced cover. Occupancy modeling showed that species occupancy was not significantly influenced by forest structure, burn year, or season, though diel activity patterns revealed high overlap between coyotes and deer, suggesting complex predator-prey interactions in post-fire environments. Together, these findings emphasize the importance of disturbance-driven habitat heterogeneity in maintaining biodiversity. Fire-regulated management strategies are crucial for sustaining species-rich communities in fire-adapted ecosystems, as disturbances create dynamic mosaics of structural attributes that support both forest regeneration and diverse wildlife communities.
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Beyond the eye: effect of guilt and redemption on hidden self-harmSelf-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.
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Garage sale: a carefully constructed collection of functionally useless objects: MFA Thesis - MetalGarage 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.
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A home within: MFA Thesis - CeramicsA 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.
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Systematic review of peer support delivered by autistic individuals to autistic peersThis 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.
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Let’s keep this between you, me, and the tiles: MFA Thesis - SculptureThe 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.
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Exploring the role of music and creative arts in migrant education: an exploratory intrinsic case studyThis 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
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First-Generation College Students: A Guide and AnalysisThis is a study about the effect of first-generation student status on college experience. Research into the literature on first-generation college students identified significant challenges associated with a lack of social capital to navigate the culture of academia, which creates a downward spiral that may lead to retention and degree completion issues. To analyze this information specifically for SUNY Oswego, I aimed to identify what struggles first-generation college students face and understand how these challenges affect their college experience. To test this, I was given permission to conduct two focus groups with first-generation college students at SUNY Oswego. The focus group questions consisted of prior knowledge inquiry along with questions about the social, academic, and financial challenges faced by first-generation students. After the analysis of this information, I was able to formulate a guide for universities and institutions to use. Through these focus groups, I determined that the themes of representation, affirmation, and accessibility emerge from the attitudes of the interviewees and in their responses, both in support needed and in support provided. Specifically, students identified the intersectionality of social, academic, and financial barriers to their college experience. I found this to be directly related to the various minority groups that make up the demographic of first-generation college students, which intersect to determine experiences of institutional discrimination and microaggressions. Students in the study also highlighted the need for greater financial literacy support and interventions from SUNY Oswego to navigate the system, as many of these students face the culture of academia independently.
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Tolerating ambiguity for alternative awareness: MFA Thesis - Painting & DrawingIn 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.