The Law of Livelihoods: How Legal Frameworks Shape Migrants’ Financial Journeys

Presented By: Annie Bright, J.D., Moddy Foundation Visiting Assistant Professor

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: The financial lives of migrants reveal critical intersections between legal frameworks and socio-economic outcomes. Drawing on the findings of the Journeys Project, a qualitative study examining the financial health and trajectories of migrants in their countries of arrival, this article explores the role of laws and policies in shaping the financial health of migrants, addressing barriers such as documentation, legal status, and access to financial services. It proposes legal reforms and frameworks that foster environments where migrants can achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency, using firsthand accounts from the project’s financial biographies to highlight the human impact of these issues.

Thermal Interventions for Heart Health: Bridging Biology and Physiology for Accessible Treatments

Presented By: Benjamin Enslow, M.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Sven Hoekstra, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sports Science

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: Passive heat therapy interventions, using saunas or hot tubs, have shown effective in improving cardiovascular outcomes in a range of populations. For example, eight weeks of hot tub therapy improved endothelial function in healthy individuals, while twelve weeks of sauna therapy was superior to exercise in reducing blood pressure in persons with peripheral arterial disease. However, previous studies have not examined tissue-derived cardiometabolic outcomes, limiting our understanding of the mechanisms behind these benefits. By integrating biological sciences with thermal physiology, we aim to breach this knowledge gap and accelerate the optimization of thermal interventions to improve cardiovascular health.

We propose two experimental studies, both examining the acute effects of thermal therapy protocols. The aims are: 1) to investigate the cardiometabolic effects of passive heat therapy using a low-cost and accessible sauna blanket, 2) to compare the cardiometabolic effects of sauna therapy versus contrast therapy (alternating sauna with cold water immersion). Participants will be individuals with hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg) and normotensive controls. Blood and saliva samples will be obtained for the analysis of IL-6, ET-1 and NO concentration, while core temperature, blood pressure and perceptual responses will be monitored throughout.

The impact of both proposed studies is two-fold: integrating outcomes derived from blood and saliva samples will help us unravel potential underlying reasons for the observed improvements following thermal therapy interventions. More practically, the novel sauna blanket and community center-based protocols form highly accessible and low-cost modalities to improve cardiovascular health at the community level.

Why Liberal-feminist Laws Fail

Presented By: Amanda Stephens, Ph.D., J.D., Assistant Professor of the Practice of Law

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: In this section from my book, Women Volunteers in India and the United States: Between Activism and Complicity, I examine the potential and limitations of liberal-feminist laws in India and the United States to achieve gender equality. Liberal feminism, a strand of feminist thought, argues that gender equality can be achieved by reforming existing legal and political systems. For instance, a liberal-feminist approach to eradicating workplace sexual harassment might involve passing laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which allows employees to seek redress for harms caused by such practices.

Drawing on data from legal texts, feminist writings, interviews, and ethnographic observations of feminist activists in northern India, I argue that while liberal feminism offers a pragmatic strategy by working within existing patriarchal structures, this reliance on patriarchal systems is also its greatest weakness. My analysis of liberal-feminist laws in two vastly different democracies reveals that they often fail to create gender-equitable conditions because they emerge from and operate within patriarchal, male-privileging social systems. Instead of dismantling systemic inequalities, these laws frequently reinforce existing hierarchies and predominantly benefit society’s most privileged groups.

I propose an alternative feminist approach to addressing gender inequality—one that focuses on transforming the underlying sexist social structures rather than addressing isolated issues through piecemeal legal reforms. This broader approach could more effectively address interconnected issues like gender violence and pay inequality, moving toward comprehensive social change rather than lackluster legal solutions.

Acute Effects of CrossFit on Cognitive Function in CrossFit Athletes

Presented By: Gary Guerra, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, Kelvin Wu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Exercise and Sport Science

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: CrossFit, a high-intensity functional training program, has gained widespread popularity for its physical fitness benefits, but its acute effects on cognitive function are not well understood. This study investigated the immediate impact of a CrossFit workout on cognitive performance, compared to a resting condition. Twenty experienced CrossFit athletes participated in two conditions: (1) a 12-minutes high-intensity CrossFit session and (2) a resting session involving 12 minutes of seated magazine reading. Cognitive performance was assessed using a flanker task, measuring reaction time and response accuracy as indicators of cognitive processing and inhibitory control.

Results revealed significantly better performance in the flanker task following the CrossFit workout compared to the resting condition. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise acutely enhances cognitive performance, particularly in tasks requiring quick decision-making and attention.

A multidisciplinary approach to studying microplastic and chemical pollution

Presented By: Jennifer Harr, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Director, SET Forensic Science Program, Chiara Maldonado, Forensic Science Biology Major

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) are pervasive in the environment and an emerging health concern. MPs have the ability to accumulate chemical pollutants from the environment and contribute to bioaccumulation of pollutants, making their consumption potentially hazardous. Microplastics have been found in the air, water, and our food sources, and have been detected in nearly all human tissues. In this presentation, we will discuss our group’s multidisciplinary approach to studying the impact of microplastic-chemical mixtures on biological systems. This work is carried out and supported by individuals from multiple programs on campus, including Biological Sciences, Forensic Science, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Environmental Sciences and Sustainability. We will give an overview of the development of the project and share our most recent results.

Political Populism and Infrastructure Projects

Presented By: Barclay James, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Management and Marketing

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: More information coming soon. 

Development of a Training Program for Effective Prompt Engineering

Presented By: Cody Cox, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, Sung-Tae Kim, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Finance and Quantitative Management

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: Few technologies have been as disruptive as generative AI. Employees in industries that are traditionally viewed as safe from being replaced by automation have found that many of their duties could be replaced by this technology. As faculty, we have struggled with adapting our typical assessments around this new technology; free generative AI platforms like ChatGPT can create an essay on almost any topic of any length in the voice of an undergraduate student.

However, while faculty may have initially felt apprehensive about this new technology, it has also become increasingly apparent that using Generative AI will be an important skill for the future workforce. Employers across a variety of industries have harnessed generative AI to create marketing ideas, streamline communications, write briefs and conduct research (Marr, 2024). Therefore, for students to be competitive in the workplace, they will need training in effective and ethical use of generative AI.

In this project, we will develop a method of training students to utilize generative AI to find accurate information effectively and ethically. Our project objective is to design a training module that demonstrates a measurable and significant improvement in students’ abilities to utilize generative AI effectively.

Decoding Brand Polyphony: A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Multi-Voiced Brand Communication on Social Media

Presented By: Nicole Kirpalani, Ph.D., Lecturer, Department of Management and Marketing

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: This paper introduces the brand polyphony model to address the challenges of managing multi-voiced brand communication in today’s digital landscape. Unlike traditional frameworks that rely on a single, controlled voice, contemporary brand narratives are shaped by diverse contributors (e.g., employees, consumers, and influencers), who play an active role in defining the brand’s identity. Built on four key dimensions–voice origin, consistency, interaction, and impact—the brand polyphony model offers a structured approach to harmonizing these diverse voices while preserving narrative coherence and authenticity (Johansson & Bengtsson, 2019; Borau-Boira et al., 2023).

The model is illustrated through case studies of Nike, Starbucks, and Patagonia, showing how aligning stakeholder voices can strengthen engagement and brand equity (Nadkarni & Lee, 2020; Robertson, 2018; Smith, 2019). The brand polyphony model helps brand managers craft unified narratives across platforms, effectively managing the complexities of multi-channel communication in today’s hyperconnected world.

Join me on a virtual adventure to relieve stress and to improve your well-being!

Presented By:JoAnn Martinez, Ed.D., Associate Professor

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: Chronic stress can lead to poor attendance, lack of study habits, poor time management, not being able to focus or concentrate, and developing health issues. The presentation will discuss using coping mechanisms such as Virtual Reality as an important tool to mitigate stress in the classroom.

Anime, Comics, and Meeting people where they are: Using popular culture to forwards Science Communication

Presented By: Roman Gomez, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Physics

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: Effective science communication is often a daunting exercise. When preparing a presentation, one must consider many different factors. However, intimidation and insecurity are the biggest obstacles to outreach, other than outright denial. How do you make science more “seeker-friendly?” While demonstrations and hands-on learning are possible, sometimes the answers are right before you. Comics, especially those featuring superheroes, have been integral to American culture since the 1930s and still enjoy significant popularity. Dating back to the late nineteen-teens and introduced to the United States in the 1960s and 70s, anime has become quite popular among younger members of the American populace. Manga, the Japanese counterpart of American Comics, has outsold the latter for several years.

ESG Practices and Corporate Financial Performance: Evidence from the Airline Industry during the Russian-Ukrainian War

Presented By: Jialin Zhao, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Quantitative Management

Location: University Center, Mengler Conference Room

Description: This paper investigates the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance and financial outcomes in the airline industry during a period of geopolitical conflict, the Russian-Ukrainian war, using a difference-in-differences approach. We delve into the airline sector for its competitiveness and vulnerability to geopolitical risks, such as the war. We hypothesize that firms with higher ESG scores are better equipped to manage crises. Our findings indicate that European airlines, which were more directly impacted by the conflict, suffered greater post-war losses than non-European counterparts. However, firms with higher ESG scores exhibited stronger resilience towards the war’s negative effects. These results offer new insights into how ESG practices can play a positive role in helping firms and investors mitigate risks such as the geopolitical crisis.