April 10, 2025 5:30-8:30 pm
Steelman LibraryWe invite you to an evening of learning about the research studies our School of Honors students have conducted within the past two years.

Schedule

5:30 pm Poster Presentations
6:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Keynote Presentations
8:00 pm Medal Ceremony

Keynote Presenter Information

Exploring Thymosin-ɑ1 as a Novel Immunoregulator for the Prevention of Pancreatic Beta Cell Destruction and Treatment of Type I DiabetesKelsea Eichler is a Biology major with a concentration in Medical Sciences. During her time at SEU, she has actively engaged in research, gained clinical experience working at Lakeland Regional, and dedicated significant time to volunteer service. She has also participated in medical mission trips, further expanding her hands-on experience in healthcare. Upon graduation, Kelsea will continue her studies in the Physician Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University.

"Plenty of Heart and Plenty of Hope”: An Analysis of Social and Historical Implications in Post-WWII Western Musical FilmsKaty Lister is a Communication major with a love of film. During her time at SEU, she has served as a teaching assistant and has been actively involved on campus. She has worked as the campus tour guide coordinator with Admission and has been a member and co-captain of Unpland Improv. This year, Katy was honored to represent SEU as the Homecoming Queen and she is a dedicated member of the Honors Leadership Team, where she contributes to fostering community and leadership among her peers.

Go and Tell - A Storytelling Guide for MissionsRynna Burgbacher is a Multimedia Journalism major with a passion for storytelling shaped by her upbringing across Tonga, Costa Rica, and Panama as a missionary kid. Her experiences have fostered a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and the impact of authentic narratives. She currently serves as the Lead Videographer for SEU’s internal marketing team and has traveled internationally for missions in Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Norway.

Memory Collection Initiatives and Preserving Digital HistoryElla Collins is a Graphic Design major with a minor in Film. Throughout her time at SEU, she has served as an associate registrar and a student worker in the Steelman Library where she has created numerous curriculum videos. A talented artist, several of her original works are featured in the library, showcasing her creative contributions to the campus community. She has collaborated with the Polk County Historical Museum with two poetry posters. Ella plans to take a gap year directly after graduation to focus on her art.

An Examination of Karl Barth's Critique of Natural Theology: The Epistemological Shift Post-SalvationLuke Pelkey is a Ministerial Leadership major with a concentration in Christian Ministry. He has been actively involved on campus through the student theology club, SEU preaching team, intramural sports, SGA Senate, and Residence Life, contributing to both the spiritual and community life of the university.

Poster Presenter Information

Supporting the Mental Health of Pastors through Looking at the Dimensions of Wellness and the Concept of Flourishing

Effects of Screen Time on the Language Development of American Children born 2018-2023Madison Boss plans to pursue my Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology upon graduation. She currently serves as the president of SEU’s National Student Speech-Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
Endothelial and Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome Therapy for Restenosis Prevention
Plan Z: Analyzing Goal Setting Trends in Generation ZMadelyn Cook is an Accounting major with a minor in Graphic Design. Throughout her time at SEU, she has served as a student leader project manager for the Department of Spiritual Formation, working with a team of graphic designers to develop creative projects for campus chapels. A dedicated student, she maintains a strong academic record and a passion for learning. Looking ahead, she aspires to apply her knowledge and skills to a successful career in business while making a meaningful impact on those around her.
Challenges of Hispanic Immigrant College Students
Analyzing the Methods and Effects of Implementing Multiple Service Styles in the ChurchChloe Dillman is a Commercial Music major. Throughout her time at SEU, she has worked in Human Resources at MidFlorida Credit Union and on campus in the mailroom. She has been an active member of SEU Students for Life, participating in annual trips to Washington, D.C., and serving with the YoungLives teen mom group. Additionally, she was involved with SEU Worship and volunteers at Family Worship Center as a worship team member and youth leader. After graduation, Chloe plans to begin full-time work, teach piano lessons part-time, and start graduate school in 2026.
AI and Business: An Analysis on the Effects of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market and the Way We Do BusinessGarrett Earle is pursuing a double major in Business Management and Marketing. He is well-versed in coding and scripting, with experience in C#, Microsoft Visual Basic, as well as JavaScript. With this, he has been operating an online video game programming business throughout his time at SEU. Garrett has earned a certification in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel and is additionally working towards Six Sigma and AutoCAD certifications as well. After graduating, he has plans to either work for his family’s AutoCAD manufacturing business, or pursuing a career in marketing in his hometown of Jacksonville.
Effects of a Thymosin-a Hormone Treatment on Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Examining the Effect of Climate Change Denialism in American Christianity on International Climate PolicyHope Firebaugh is a Film Production major who wants to tell stories that matter. She has served on the Film Leadership Team, where she played an active role in the life of the communication department. During her time at SEU, she has crewed more than 30 short films. She is passionate about combating climate change denialism in the American church, and her journey in this area led her to attend COP29, the UN climate change conference, in Azerbaijan last year. She is excited to attend Florida State University in pursuit of an MFA with a producing for film specialty in the fall.
Nursing Competency to Care for Patients with Intellectual DisabilitiesSarah Fulton is a nursing major here at SEU. Throughout her time at SEU, she has served as a Resident Assistant and spent the past two years serving as a chapel producer in our Department of Spiritual Formation. Sarah went on and led mission trips through SEU Missions to Detroit, St. Croix and Belize.She also spent two years working at Pathways School of Excellence on campus. She has completed over 200 clinical nursing hours and spent the last year working at Lakeland Regional Hospital as a Nurse Intern. After graduation, Sarah will be working as a cardiovascular nurse at Lakeland Regional Hospital and hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education.
The Theological Implications of Free Will: A Philosophical Look into the Need for a Divine Source of Grounding
An Analysis of Church Hurt: How the Misrepresentation of Christ within or around the Church Affects the Longevity of Faith in Gen Z
Terrence Malick: Beyond Words
How do the philosophical differences between China and the United States impact business leadership and communication?Cameron Kistner is a graduating International Business major. During his time at SEU, he has been involved with the Department of Spiritual Formation, SEU Worship, SEU Creative, intramurals, and the Admissions Department. Off-campus, he has been immersed in the local church and his love for travel led him to spend a semester abroad in Oxford, England. All of these experiences have grown him to be an experienced leader and have contributed to his thesis work.
Analyzing Data that Uncovers the Factors Driving the Cultural Shift between Specialization and GeneralizationJacob was the first Lateral Admissions student to join the School of Honors. During his time at SEU, he served as a Resident Assistant for Destino Hall, President of Students for Life, Alto Saxophone Section Leader for the Athletics Pep Band, and represented the School of Honors on SGA. In addition to his leadership roles, he worked as a student supervisor at Chick-fil-A. Upon graduation, Jacob will return to the Florida Panhandle to join Ivanco Inc. as a Sales Associate, operating in a marketing capacity.
We Create Because We Are Made in the Image of the Creator & How this Philosophy Affects our WorkplaceSarah McDaniel is a God-fearing woman who wishes to use her creativity to bring others towards Him. She has had a deep-rooted passion for art and film ever since she was a child, and dreams of working in the creative department at big time studios. Some of her greatest projects include illustrating some Disney Jr's Spidey and His Amazing Friends books through Premise Entertainment, working behind the scenes for 30+ SEU -affiliated films, and having the honor of serving under the Film Leadership department.
Leadership and Followership in Athletics
Study on Improving Set Piece Efficiency in the English Premier League.
How Covid-19 Lockdown Impacted Preschool Aged Children's Social Language Development.
The Impact of Digital Media on Problematic Use Behaviors and Emotions in Individuals with ADHD
The Most Magical Place on Earth: Exploring the Magic of Walt Disney World Through Emotional Connections and Imagineered ExperiencesMorgan Reynolds is graduating from SEU with a degree in Christian Ministry and as a member of the Alpha Chi honors society. Throughout her time at SEU, she served as a senator for the Barnett College of Ministry and Theology and spent a year as the Creative Director for the SEU Student Theology Club. She is actively involved in church leadership, serving in the young adult ministry, campus operations, and messaging and marketing. She plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Ministerial Leadership at Southeastern University in the fall of 2025. Her ultimate goal is to become an ordained pastor.
The Parables of Jesus Through The Eyes of an Accountant
The Impact of the Local Church on Marginalized Communities: Addressing Church Hurt and the Incarcerated in the United States Through Biblical LiteracyJoanne Sinniah is a Ministerial Leadership major with a passion for advocacy and service. Throughout her time at SEU, she has served as Student Body Vice President, overseeing Congress, the House, and the Senate to advocate for campus change. She has also been a Resident Assistant and a member of the Pastoral Team, leading the prayer and intercessory team. Committed to uplifting those who feel unseen or unvalued, she works full-time with Prison Fellowship as a Prospect Researcher for Corporations and Foundations. Looking ahead, she will pursue an MBA while serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Department of Spiritual Formation, with plans to attend law school and specialize in advocacy law to restore hope and dignity to marginalized communities.
Contemporary Worship
The Transformative Power of Forgiveness in the 21st Century Criminal Justice System
Anti-Intellectualism's Connection to Book Bans in Academia
Music Genre Boundaries
Investigating the Use of Natural Extracts in MOF Synthesis for Radiation Therapy
Epigenetics and Eternal LifeAnnalisse is a dedicated biochemistry major at Southeastern University, where she has excelled in her academic pursuits over the past three years. Throughout her time at SEU, Annalisse has been actively involved in the university community, working at Steelman Library for nearly three years. Upon their graduation in April, Annalisse and her fiancé will be getting married. Looking ahead, Annalisse plans to pursue a master's degree in pharmaceutical chemistry in the fall.
Targeting Malaria Using RTS,S/AS01 in Combination with Cryptolepine
Occupational Therapy for College Students with Mental Health Issues
The Correlation Between Relationship with Parents and Relationship with God
Non-Profit Operations in Quito, Ecuador
Reception History of the Phrase "Sons Of God" in Genesis 6:1-4, and its Interpretation from Early Christian and Jewish Sources
The Benefits of and Need for Innovative Ministry Approaches for Student and Family Ministries

Additional Honors Scholars

Sophia Musacchio is a Secondary Biology Education major. Due to her passion for science and learning, Sophia took more science courses than necessary for her major because she enjoys learning about God’s creation and finding ways to share how unique His design is. During Sophia’s time at SEU, she has had the opportunity to tutor peers and high school students, work at a homeschool co-op teaching science to students grades 6th through 12th, and volunteer at the Lakeland Regional clinic on SEU’s campus. Sophia also was able to sing Mozart’s Coronation Mass at Carnegie Hall in New York City with SEU’s Chamber Singers. After graduation in December 2025, Sophia plans to pursue her master's degree here at SEU to become more prepared for teaching and learning before she becomes a full-time teacher. She also hopes to be able to utilize her singing skills in some manner, as she feels that God will open doors for her to honor Him with her voice. Sophia is excited to see where God leads her, as He has been faithful to show her glimpses of His beautiful mind.

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