ZOOM link for off-campus community members
Minecraft is a computer game where players are able to navigate and build three-dimensional worlds using "blocks" of materials such as wood or stone. Using this program, a 1:1 scale-model of the Willamette University campus was constructed alongside Google Maps, floorplans, and reference images. Subsequently, student ideas attained during interviews were used to create designs for several reimagined spaces on campus, including a first-year dorm hall for students of color, a total conversion of Shepard House for affinity groups, as well as a new location and setup for the GRAC and the SOAR Center.
Faculty Sponsor: Janet Lorenzen
Discipline: Sociology
This research aimed to assess the quality of introductory Japanese textbooks, specifically on their merits of meeting educational standards for autodidacts (individuals who teach themselves). The evaluation measure for this study was a modified rating list of previous measures, using a 5-point Likert scale. Of the 25 books reviewed for this study, from various intended purposes and settings, six were found to be “satisfactory” for autodidacts. However, cost-related and breadth-related exploratory analyses indicate the potential need for more autodidact-targeted textbooks that cover Japanese with quality instruction and design.
Faculty Sponsor: Miho Fujiwara
Discipline: Japanese Studies
The use of sustainable agriculture practices is becoming increasingly important, especially in regards to the damages our environment is facing. Better understanding how farmers learn about these practices provides insight into how and why they decide to adopt them.. This research will explore the different ways sustainable practices are communicated to Arkansas farmers, as well as how sustainable practices are viewed by both experts and farmers in Arkansas. I chose to focus on Arkansas farmers due to my connection to Arkansas and Arkansas State University.
Faculty Sponsor: Maegan Brooks
Discipline: Civic Communication and Media
My grandmother, Celia Murray, died on May 21st, 2020. I created the art installation ‘The Living Room’ as a memorial tribute to her, including a photographic timeline, family artifacts, and a video. Reconstructing my grandmother's life through saved items and word of mouth has shown me firsthand the power of storytelling. I invited the audience to share a memory with me; I steward a physical collection of those memories to this day, just as my audience stewards the memory of my grandmother. I will be speaking about my experience making this work, both as an artist and a grieving grandchild.
Faculty Sponsor: Cayla Skillin-Brauchle
Discipline: Studio Art
This project investigates the development and neighborhood revitalization on Broadway Street in Northeast Salem. Focused on the relationships between public and private entities, including businesses, religious institutions, and local government, our research seeks to unravel the complexities inherent in such collaborations. Through interviews, surveys, and observational studies, we unravel the dynamics of power, resource allocation, and decision-making within these partnerships. Our capstone provides insight into how various stakeholders in our community can devise more effective strategies for driving economic growth and fostering an inclusive and vibrant neighborhood space.
Faculty Sponsor: David Gutterman
Discipline: Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics
This thesis evaluates policy initiatives aimed at mitigating homelessness in Salem, Oregon, with a focus on emergency shelter enhancements in response to climate crises. Leveraging SB1530's groundwork, it proposes a dual strategy: short-term solutions to improve immediate shelter accessibility and long-term measures for sustainable housing support. Through qualitative analysis of legislative frameworks, interviews with key stakeholders, and case studies, the research underscores the critical nexus between homelessness and climate vulnerability. Findings advocate for a holistic approach—integrating policy expansion, funding augmentation, and community engagement—to foster resilient infrastructures and comprehensive support systems for Salem's homeless population.
Faculty Sponsor: David Gutterman
Discipline: Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics
People who have been incarcerated have more negative health outcomes than those in the community. The standard of care to which incarcerated people are entitled is described in the 8th Amendment and clarified in Estelle v. Gamble, as a ban on “cruel and unusual punishment” and “deliberate indifference to serious medical needs” by the state. This bar is too low and enables abuse in prison healthcare. We propose that Congress pass a bill superseding Estelle, requiring the state to provide healthcare beyond the absence of “cruel and unusual punishment” or “deliberate indifference,” and outlining specific standards for healthcare.
Faculty Sponsor: Melissa Buis
Discipline: Politics, Policy, Law & Ethics