Prism Focus Exhibition

A poster advertising a focus exhibition of artwork selected by Hope College\u27s Prism student organization. The exhibition was held from January 14-March 1, 2025.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_poster/1068/thumbnail.jp

Salvador Dali: Memories of Surrealism

A poster for the exhibition Salvador Dali: Memories of Surrealism held January 14–May 17, 2025.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_poster/1066/thumbnail.jp

The Effects of Visual Dominance and Object Naming on Word Learning in Infants

Children learn new words every day, a majority of which are nouns (e.g., car, dog, ball). This raises the question: how do infants connect the correct words to each object? Previous research suggests that infants as young as 12 months can learn object names by tracking which words and objects appear together (Smith & Yu, 2008). Additionally, object names may be learned better when the object being named is visually dominant, meaning larger in the infant\u27s view (Yu & Smith, 2012). However, this correlation has not been tested experimentally. This study tests whether visual dominance enhances word learning in infants. Thirty-two infants (17 females; M age = 12.9 months, SD = 4.1) participated in a standard object-name learning task similar to that of Smith and Yu (2008). However, in our task, infants viewed on a screen four target objects that we modified to be presented as larger (dominant) than eight distractor objects. In each trial, a target object was presented along with two distractor objects. In the Naming condition, target objects were named; in the No-Naming control group, they were not. After 160 training trials, word learning was assessed by how long infants looked at the correct target object when it was named, using eye-tracking. If learning occurs, we expect infants to look longer at the named target object in the Naming condition. Results showed that infants did not look longer at named target objects in the Naming condition compared to the No-Naming control. This suggests that, even though target objects were visually dominant, infants were not learning the object names. A follow-up study is underway with equally-sized objects to further explore the role of visual dominance in word learning and will compare effects of visual dominance in both conditions

Training Artificial Intelligence Agents to Play a Family of Combinatorial Games

This project explores the application of various artificial intelligence techniques in developing strategy for combinatorial games. A family of deterministic 2-player games is played on m-by-n grids, potentially with some cells removed. Players take turns placing pieces on the board until the board is filled, then sequences of pieces are scored based on length. AI agents are trained to play the game using methods including tabular reinforcement learning, evaluation of N-tuples of grid squares, and development of genetic training methods with artificial neural networks. These agents are trained against a variety of non-learning agents, then evaluated against both non-learning agents and one another to assess the quality of decision-making. Additionally, this family of combinatorial games is studied using the theoretical foundations of game theory and strategy

Saints and Syncretism in Global Christian Art

Kruizenga Art Museum, Hope College Catalog for the exhibition: Saints and Syncretism in Global Christian Art. Exhibition dates: January 14 – May 17, 2025. Alexandra Lewis, photographer, designer. Andie Near, photographer.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_catalogs/1007/thumbnail.jp

Belonging Among LGBTQ+ Students at Hope College

At Christian Colleges and Universities (CCUs), studies estimate that approximately 12% of a given college\u27s student population identifies as LGBTQ+ (REAP, 2021). Unfortunately, research literature also indicates that LGBTQ+ college students experience significant challenges, including, but not limited to, discrimination from peers and staff, alienation from the wider campus environment, and inhospitable housing conditions (REAP, 2021; Rankin et al. 2019; Kortegast, 2017; Craig et al. 2017; Wolff et al. 2016, Christie, 2021). Academic research on LGBTQ+ students at CCUs is somewhat limited, even more so research that uses a qualitative orientation, attempting to gain in-depth insights into LGBTQ+ students\u27 experiences. This current study involved a sample of seven LGBTQ+ Hope College students, who participated in six weeks of focus groups and documentary photography, using a participatory action method of research called photovoice. The photovoice method enables participants to record and reflect upon their personal and community strengths and concerns, promote critical dialogue through group discussions, and influence policymakers through data. This study aimed to understand how LGBTQ+ students at one CCU experience belonging, and the lack thereof, within the campus community

Anti-immigrant Violence in the UK

This research explores the complex issue of anti-immigrant violence in the United Kingdom, contrasting the author\u27s personal experience of the perceived mild temperament of British society with the eruption of anti-immigrant riots following a triple murder. This discrepancy motivates an investigation into the underlying factors contributing to this violence. Through analysis of both primary sources, including interviews and speeches from key political figures, and secondary sources such as research articles, news reports, books, and official immigration websites, this study aims to uncover the roots of anti-immigrant sentiment and its manifestation in violent acts. The definition of anti-immigrant violence will be derived inductively from observed actions during the riots, encompassing both physical and verbal aggression. The study will examine the actors involved, including far-right movements, law enforcement, immigrants, and pro-immigrant groups. Furthermore, it will analyze the historical context of anti-immigrant rhetoric from political leaders and activists, particularly in the post-9/11 era, exploring the influence of global terrorism, subsequent changes in foreign policy, immigration policies, and events such as Brexit. Finally, the research will explore the interconnectedness of anti-immigrant violence with related phenomena such as Islamophobia, racism, and fascism. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of anti-immigrant violence as a crucial step toward finding solutions

Experimental Validation of Bio-Inspired Control: 4 Story Shear Structure

With the rise of rapid urbanization, skyscrapers are increasingly common, making them vulnerable to environmental pressures such as high winds and earthquakes. These forces threaten the structural stability of tall buildings, necessitating the development of active control methods to mitigate their effects and maintain structural integrity. Traditional control systems utilize numerous sensing nodes that feed data into a centralized system, which then determines the appropriate actions for the actuators. However, this centralized approach can introduce substantial lag due to the overwhelming amount of data being processed. By transitioning to a decentralized wireless system, where sensors directly feed data to control nodes, scalability is improved, and lag is reduced. However, the wireless nature increases the risk of data loss. The proposed solution draws inspiration from the biological central nervous system, with sensing nodes performing upfront signal processing. A weighting matrix determines how data is transmitted to motor neurons, which decide actuator firing and force application. Using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control theory, weights are optimized by modeling structural behavior while striving to minimize floor displacement and acceleration. The experimental setup involved a four-story shear structure outfitted with position sensors and accelerometers, which fed data into sensor nodes. These nodes relayed information to control nodes that calculated the necessary control force, which was then transmitted to actuator carts, ensuring effective stabilization of the structure

The Taxonomy of Evidence-Based Practices for United States History Education

Teaching the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and citizens is the one of the primary roles for Social Studies teachers. This can be especially true for those instructors who teach United States history since this class focuses on the past and future of our country. To help in this teaching endeavor, this study has created a Taxonomy of Social Studies Evidence Based Practices. A systematic and exhaustive review of the literature was completed finding 17 articles in which the taxonomy was created. Within this taxonomy, arms related to (1) effective technology use, (2) place-base-learning, (3) primary documentation sourcing, and (4) culturally relevant teaching practice will be emphasized. This poster will discuss this taxonomy in depth and how Social Studies teachers can improve their teaching using these important Evidence Based Practices

Meadow Brook Project: Lighting Design

In theatre, artists come together for collaborative storytelling. Through meetings, discussions, rehearsals and tech, designers, technicians, actors and directors decide how a story is going to be told and how they can support one another during the process. Lighting design is a crucial element of that theatrical storytelling, telling the audience where to look, when to look there, and how to feel about it. Meadow Brook Theatre\u27s production of Ella: First Lady of Song, a musical following the life and discography of Ella Fitzgerald, was brought to life through lighting. This research allowed for the creative and technical exploration of light alongside industry professionals in a professional regional theatre that promoted learning and growth