The Virtual OMNI Research Showcase May 17-20, 2021 - THE MIRACOSTA HONORS PROGRAM - MiraCosta College
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THE MIRACOSTA HONORS PROGRAM
PROUDLY PRESENTS
The Virtual OMNI
Research Showcase
May 17-20, 2021
~ACKNOWLEDGMENTS~
What a year!
I would like to thank everyone who is presenting in our Spring OMNI week. It was an
incredible challenge to get your presentations ready for the OMNI, but you did a great job.
If this is your first conference presentation, I hope that you will want to keep sharing your
knowledge and presenting at more conferences in the future. I would also like to thank the
faculty mentors who have provided guidance to their student mentees. We could not have
an Honor Program or an OMNI research showcase without you! Thank you for inspiring
such creative projects and for your continual support of the Honors Program.
As she gets ready to enjoy her retirement, I would like to specially thank Honors Dean Dana
Smith for her leadership and support of the Honors Program during these difficult times.
For over ten years she has guided our program with a consistent focus to always focus on the
needs of our students. Susan Corley deserves all our thanks for her leadership behind the
scenes.
I am indebted to my incredible staff for their work on conference activities and the
OMNI. Melina Sam, Christine Walsh, Rolando Pineda and Inayah Abdulmateen
have all played instrumental roles as Navigators this semester helping us through
these difficult weeks. I will especially miss Melina and Christine, my two
Navigators of the Year, who kept our program running this whole year. I
thank them all for serving as moderators for the conference sessions.
My final acknowledgement goes to Elizabeth Lurenana, who has
been brilliantly exceptional in her role as conference program
director in her first year as our Honors Administrative
Assistant. Elizabeth is an organizational wizard, and every
one connected to the OMNI appreciates how easy it is to
“No one who achieves work with our special Administrative Assistant. She
keeps making the MiraCosta Honors Program better
success does so without every week in large and small ways.
acknowledging the help of
others. The wise and confident
acknowledge this help with gratitude.”
~Alfred North Whitehead
~TABLE OF CONTENTS~ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS...................................... 4 GENERAL SHOWCASE INFORMATION.......... 5 MONDAY PRESENTATIONS............................... 6 TUESDAY PRESENTATIONS............................... 8 WEDNESDAY PRESENTATIONS........................10 THURSDAY PRESENTATIONS...........................12 PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES................................14
~SCHEDULE OF EVENTS~
MONDAY: MAY 17, 2021: 9:00AM-2:30PM
Room 1, Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
Morning Moderators: Inayah Abdulmateen & Christopher Sleeper
Afternoon Moderators: Danielle Buford & Christopher Sleeper
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
Morning Moderators: Rolando Pineda, Hamilton Bohannon, Christine Walsh & Renee Buchenroth
Afternoon Moderators: Melina Sam & Elizabeth Lurenana
TUESDAY: MAY 18, 2021: 9:00AM-2:30PM
Room 1, Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
Morning Moderators: Hamilton Bohannon, Christopher Sleeper & Hugo Peralta-Ramirez
Afternoon Moderators: Inayah Abdulmateen & Christopher Sleeper
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
Morning Moderators: Melina Sam, Taewon Jeong & Elizabeth Lurenana
Afternoon Moderators: Christine Walsh & Elizabeth Lurenana
WEDNESDAY: MAY 19, 2021: 9:00AM-2:30PM
Room 1, Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
Morning Moderators: Inayah Abdulmateen, Hamilton Bohannon & Danielle Buford
Afternoon Moderators: Claire Benham & Christopher Sleeper
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
Morning Moderators: Christine Walsh & Elizabeth Lurenana
Afternoon Moderators: Melina Sam & Elizabeth Lurenana
THURSDAY: MAY 20, 2021: 9:00AM-NOON
Room 1, Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
Morning Moderators: Melina Sam, Christopher Sleeper & Hugo Peralta-Ramirez
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
Morning Moderators: Rolando Pineda, Taewon Jeong, Christine Walsh & Elizabeth Lurenana
~GENERAL SHOWCASE INFORMATION~
SHOWCASE SESSIONS
All showcase sessions will be held May 17-20, 2021. Start and end times vary by day and there will be two Zoom rooms running
simultaneously. All presenters, please make sure that you arrive to your session 10 minutes before it begins, double checking
which virtual room you are scheduled for. This will allow you to work out any technical glitches before the session begins. For
pre-recorded sessions, your Moderator will screen-share your presentation. For live presentations, the Moderator will give you
the ability to screen share your own presentation.
Each session will go as follows:
• The Moderator for each session will keep time for the presentations.
• Each presentation is limited to 15 minutes and all presentations will be followed by
a 5-minute Q&A session.
• Videos will be available for viewing after the conference on our YouTube channel.
COMMENTARY FORMS
Students who wish to receive enrichment hours but are not presenting at this conference should fill out a Commentary Form
for each presentation that they attend.
Faculty members are also invited to fill out Commentary Forms.
QUICK ZOOM GUIDE
Zoom accounts DO NOT have to be made in order to access the sessions.
Mobile phone/tablet: On the day you present, navigate to the OMNI Program and click the appropriate zoom link, and you will
be prompted to download the Zoom app. Zoom app is available on Android and iPhone devices, and is completely free. Once
downloaded, you should be able to enter the virtual waiting room, where a host will let you into the session.
Desktop: On the day you present, navigate to the OMNI Program, click the appropriate Zoom link, and you will be brought to
the Zoom website to join the session. You should be able to enter the virtual waiting room, where a host will let you into the
session.
We recommend you attempt to join the meeting 5 minutes before the session to deal with any technical difficulties that may
arise.
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact Professor Sleeper: 949.533.1095 or Elizabeth Lurenana: 760.917.4757
~MONDAY ROOM 1~ SESSION 1: 9:00-10:30AM Zoe Romine The Disturbance Among the Suburbs: Irvine, California’s Suburban Ideals, Influential Urban Planning and the Culture That Ties It Together Prof. Christopher Sleeper This presentation looks into the history of the suburbs and how the ideals that upheld the suburbs are seen today in places like Irvine, California. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. John Siebelink The Magenta Purge: The Lavender Scare and Republican Manipulation in the McCarthy Era Prof. Christopher Sleeper A study of the Republican Party’s rise to power and their efforts to purge homosexuals from governmental and international employment in the 1950s. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. Cristian Marroquin The Delusional Democracy: Voter Suppression Tactics since 1877 Prof. Christopher Sleeper This presentation focuses on the history of American voting rights, the transition into the current state of affairs and how suppression has become discrete. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. SESSION 2: 10:30AM-NOON Diego Luna When America Tuned into the Radio: 1930-1941 Prof. Christopher Sleeper This presentation focuses on the radio in uniting much of America into supporting a war by transforming the public and cultural arena into a wartime culture. Live Presentation/Q&A. Tiffany Chu Follow That Car: How to Become an Industrial Captain Prof. Christopher Sleeper Two of the most influential leaders in the automobile industry share circumstantial factors, entrepreneurial techniques, and unique manipulation of products, Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. guiding them towards immense success. Nicholas Trotta Yesterday, Tomorrow, and Fantasy: Walt Disney and the 1950s Prof. Christopher Miller The research project examines the historic activities of Walt Disney throughout the 1950s, in particular by closely examining the theme park Disneyland. Live Presentation/Q&A. Seoyoung Hwang The Veiled Incentive Behind the Dawes Act of 1887 Prof. Christopher Sleeper This presentation examines the Dawes Act of 1887, an act that ruined the lives of thousands of Native Americans and destroyed hundreds of Native tribes. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. SESSION 3: 1:00-2:30PM Julian Harvey United States Influence on Domestic Public Opinion During World War I Prof. Christopher Sleeper This research paper looks into the methods and application that United States used during World War I to garner support for the war effort. Live Presentation/Q&A. Wyatt Clay Democracy and Crisis in 100 days Prof. Christopher Sleeper Both Presidents FDR and Biden faced huge economic crises when they ascended to the presidency. Their responses show us the very nature of Live Presentation/Q&A. American democracy. Brenna Schnedar “I was born with the Devil in me”: The Rise of Serial Killers in the Seventies Prof. Christopher Sleeper This project examines the correlation between the sharp spike of serial killers in the 1970s and its impact on how Americans view and depict crime. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. Jade MacEoghain Artivism and Azaadi: Kashmiri Resistance Art Prof. John Kirwan Looking to artivism’s origins, and the socio-political oppression of occupied Kashmir, several Kashmiri artivist pieces will be analysed for their political Live Presentation/Q&A. impacts from 2019-2021.
~MONDAY ROOM 2~ SESSION 1: 9:00 - 10:30AM Renee Buchenroth Can the Eexcessive Use of a Cellular Device Cause Physiological Harm? Pamela Perry, MLIS Wireless radio and electromagnetic frequency signals to cellular devices have long been increasing in strength, along with the time spent engaged within the spectrum Live Presentation/Q&A. of electromagnetic and radio frequency. How does data on physiological damage from electromagnetic radiation compare with current wireless safety guidelines? Madeline Duncan The Defining Features of Opposing Classes: A Marxist Analysis of the Novel “Little Fires Everywhere” Prof. Jane Mushinsky A Marxist analysis of Celeste Ng’s novel “Little Fires Everywhere,” specifically exploring the role class differences play in the individual lives of the Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. characters. Zoe Gomes-Aviv “A Guy Like You Should Wear A Warning”: The Impact of Toxic Masculinity Prof. Alexis Faust-Rolland My presentation explores the ways that we as a society are impacted by toxic masculinity from its causes, harmful effects, and to possible solutions. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON Danielle Buford Anxious Female Characters in Literature Daniel Ante-Contreras An in-depth analysis of how anxious female characters are portrayed in literature. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. John Siebelink Science Fiction, Horror, and Lovecraftian Surrealism: Challenging Modernism in “The Call of Cthulhu” Daniel Ante-Contreras An examination of how H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu” embraced and challenged Modernism as a result of its employment of science fiction and Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. horror. Alma Cuevas Shakespeare Through The Ages: From 1597 to a Contemporary Perspective Prof. Jane Mushinsky By analyzing Romeo and Juliet and comparing it to different adaptations, it will illuminate readers why the play can be eternally retold. Live Presentation/Q&A. SESSION 3: 1:00 - 2:30PM Sarah Sleipness Online Learning During COVID 19: Opportunity, Hardship and the Evolution of Community College Education Prof. Sarah Burns Online schooling has helped a stay-at-home mom reach for the stars (literally); we shouldn’t go back to the way things were. Live Presentation/Q&A. Seongwon Ko The Analysis of The U.S. Math Education System and Possible Improvements Prof. Luke Lambert Why curriculum, textbooks, teaching methods, and teacher supply cause problems in America’s math education system and what could be improved. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. Grace Lee Why Do People Choose Internet Convenience Over Online Privacy Concerns? Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of the relationship between internet users’ cognition of privacy violations resulted from internet surveillance and internet management. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
~TUESDAY ROOM 1~
Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
SESSION 1: 9:00 - 10:30AM
Garrek Chan LIDAR: Application of 3D Robot Mapping Topography
Prof. Douglas Brownell This paper will explore the theory behind LIDAR autonomous systems and how LIDAR can be applied towards autonomous vehicle and robotics applications.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Andrea Soto LSD and Mind Control: How the CIA Tried to Change the Tide of the Cold War
Prof. Christopher Sleeper At the peak of the Cold War, paranoia and espionage pushed the US towards research into mind control in order to undermine the USSR.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON
Sarah Sleipness If Tap Water is Safe, Why Does it Have Uranium in it? A Quantitative Analysis and Comparison of Aquifer Water vs. Tap Water
Prof. Rima Abbas Carlsbad Alkaline Water claims to be healthier than tap water, is this true? Clear differences are uncovered revealing potential health implications.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Lea Richter The Weight of Water: A synthesis of experiments using GRACE time-variable gravity data
Prof. Dave Haavig A synthesis of primarily hydrological studies conducted using NASA’s GRACE data on the time variable gravitational field at Earth’s surface.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Alexandra Omel Oil-Cleaning Polyurethane Sponge: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It’s So Important
Dr. Annie Roberts Reduced polyurethane graphene oxide (rGPU) sponges are extremely effective in simultaneously absorbing oil while repelling water, making them an excellent
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. candidate for cleaning oil spills.
Sierra Okamura Progesterone Birth Control: Evaluating its Synthesis Each Generation and Its Mode of Action
Prof. Lynnie Trzoss Birth control has been around for decades. The types of birth control offered is constantly changing every generation and this presentation will be discussing it.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
SESSION 3: 1:00 - 2:30PM
Riley Troyer The Changes in the US Military During WWII
Prof. Christopher Sleeper This presentation covers the long and short term changes that transformed the United States Armed Forces into the global military juggernaut it is today.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Aidan Cooper The World’s Sport: Globalization of Football and the World Cup
Prof. Christopher Sleeper To show how football (soccer) and the culture that surrounds the sport has evolved and changed as a result of globalization.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Juan Pablo Verduzco Tovar The War on Drugs and Its Setback to People of Color and the Psychedelic Community
Prof. Christopher Sleeper This project goes over the detrimental effects the War on Drugs had on minorities by associating them with specific drugs like marijuana, crack-cocaine, and
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. psychedelics.
Sungeun Yun Minerals that Affect Bone Health
Prof. Erin Skoda, MS, RDN Research on how diets with different minerals will affect bone aging.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
~TUESDAY ROOM 2~
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
SESSION 1: 9:00 - 10:30AM
John Siebelink The Co-Reality of AM: Discerning Reality and Simulations in Harlan Ellison’s “I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream”
Prof. Jacob Strona An analysis of Harlan Ellison’s “I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream” and how it expands the simulation theories of Jean Baudrillard and others.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Vanessa Jumalon How is Algorithmic Mitigation (hygiene) Used to Prevent Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination?
Pamela Perry, MLIS Algorithmic bias is an emerging issue for online information. In order to counter the growth of discrimination and exclusivity, algorithmic mitigation is
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. necessary to incorporate.
Claire Benham Lifesaving with Language and Curing with Competency: Addressing Hispanic and Latino Healthcare Disparities in the U.S.
Prof. Sarah Burns Hispanic/Latino patients experience disproportionate inequity within U.S. healthcare. This research provides a comprehensive examination of contributing factors
Live Presentation/Q&A. and identifies culturally competent solutions.
SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON
Melina Sam Your Home is Not Always Your Safe Space: Housing and Health
Prof. Alexis Faust-Rolland & An examination of the link between housing conditions and poor health with reflections on how the healthcare system can help.
Pamela Perry, MLIS
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Alma Cuevas Phosphate?: Looking Into How Detergents Affect the Environment
Prof. Janelle West Phosphate is commonly found in laundry detergent, this studies the difference in ingredients between cost spectrums.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
SESSION 3: 1:00 - 2:30PM
Rachel Fetko Pfizer: the Pharmaceutical’s Financial Giant
Prof. Delores Loedel Pfizer maintains superiority against competitors thanks to their elite financing strategies. They have earned their position by constantly creating innovative
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. pharmaceuticals that aid the health of the world.
Michelle Kim Smoking affects Nutritional Absorption
Pamela Perry, MLIS & This presentation will show how smoking affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins.
Prof. Erin Skoda, MS, RDN
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Paige Moore Plant Genome Editing using CRISPR/Cas9
Dr. Kristine Arquero The CRISPR/Cas9 system is used to edit plant genomes to improve quality and yields in crops, resistance against disease and adapt to different weather conditions.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Gerard Decker The Thalidomide Catastrophe: Demystifying Stereochemistry in Medicine
Prof. Lynnie Trzoss An investigation of how a 1960s pharmaceutical drug disaster led to the discovery that stereochemical isomers function differently in the human body.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
~WEDNESDAY ROOM 1~
Meeting ID: 919 8738 0036, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/91987380036
SESSION 1: 9:00 - 10:30AM
Hugo Peralta-Ramirez Between the Church and State: A Brief Examination of Rule, Identity, and Development in Mexico
Prof. Miriam Riggs An examination and evaluation of Mexico’s reformist priests since colonization, the utilization of the syncretic Catholic Church for reform, and Church-State
Live Presentation/Q&A. relations.
John Siebelink Humans, Cyborgs, and Robots: Redefining Humanity in a Posthuman World
Prof. Jacob Strona A study of the modern ideas of humanity and posthumanism and how the concepts of cyborgs and robots are forcing a redefining of humanity.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Shalom Lee Social Media Influence on Teens
Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of research and information about how social media influences teens and thesolutions to reduce the amount of long-term effects media has on children.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Johannah Yi Psychological Issues from Social Media in Young Adults
Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of how social media affects students psychologically and how it is ruining many students’ lives.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON
Erik Choi Smartphone Addiction and Academic Performance
Pamela Perry, MLIS This presentation examines the possible addiction of teens to their smartphones and the impact on their academic performance.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Lesly Ponce Virtual Reality Therapy: Incorporating New Technology to Psychological Therapy
Prof. Jacob Strona Virtual reality therapy is a new form of exposure therapy incorporating the new virtual reality technology in order to create a safe and controlled environment.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Garrek Chan Application of Machine Learning to Solve Differential Equations
Prof. Shawn Firouzian This study will explore how neural network machine learning can rapidly improve the solve-time of differential equations.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Isabella Salle Religion and Ethics: Can There Be Morality Without Religion?
Jeff Murico, Ph.D. As evolved psychology and philosophy replace the need for religious doctrines to determine morality, the current necessity for religious moral enforcement can be
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. questioned.
SESSION 3: 1:00 - 2:30PM
Cameron Hicks Further Investigation Into Personality, Political Affiliation, and Progressive Social Movements
Prof. Samantha Marshall An investigation of the relationship between individual personality traits, political affiliation and participation in progressive social movements such as
Live Presentation/Q&A. Black Lives Matter.
Kaley Phan Bruised Bananas
Prof. Adam Bishop The Vietnamese experience in America, discussed and artistically depicted.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Despina Karandinos How Amazon Benefited from the COVID19 Pandemic
Prof. Delores Loedel In the midst of a pandemic, the e-commerce powerhouse Amazon, was able to implement the proper safety measures resulting in an even stronger company.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Grace Yoo The Effect of Daily Social Media Use on Adolescent’s Self Image and Self Esteem
Pamela Perry, MLIS Social media is a lasting platform for adolescents. However, with the obsession of social media growing, it is also affecting self-confidence.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.~WEDNESDAY ROOM 2~
Room 2, Meeting ID: 941 4366 7977, https://miracosta-edu.zoom.us/j/94143667977
SESSION 1: 9:00 -10:30AM
Peiyi Liu The Cobb-Douglas Production Function to Economics
Zika Perovic The Cobb Douglas production function is about how the output behaves as a function of the inputs used in production.
Live Presentation/Q&A.
Harley Hughes Path to a Greener Future for the Car Industry
Pamela Perry, MLIS How many of us have a car and how many care about the environment? As the car improves over the years, we look towards ways to make the car safer for the
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. environment.
Isabelle Baek Artificial Intelligence making an Impact on Surgery
Pamela Perry, MLIS Artificial intelligence has inherent advantages that are programmed to have accuracy and effectiveness in surgery. It plays an innovative role in enhancing surgical
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. performance.
SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON
Andrew Kim Dynamic Programming and Discrete Mathemathics
Zika Perovic Real-life usage of dynamic programming and discrete mathematics and why we must appreciate it.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Rosey Gutierrez Automating Oppression: How Algorithmic Bias Normalizes Discrimination in Every Day Social Applications
Pamela Perry, MLIS Decisions influencing society are being made with “proprietary” algorithmic technology based on biased data sets; discrimination is becoming normalized
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. under the guise of machine neutrality.
Audrey Jaeeun Jung The Extent of Online Privacy and Protection in the United States
Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of the extent of data-mining and its relation to consumer privacy.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Daniel Keum Video Gaming: The Leading Factor of Depression in Adolescents
Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of the overall problem with video gaming and researching if it affects adolescents in their mental health, specifically depression.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
SESSION 3: 1:00 - 2:30PM
Shawn Gwak How Have Esports Affected the Sports Industry?
Pamela Perry, MLIS Esports have become increasingly more popular than physical sports due to its flexibility. There are many types of games that each player can master, which
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. means more matches and players around the world.
Eamon “Boogie” Mikulec Jeopardy-Style Tests for Higher Education
Prof. Shawn Firouzian A website to assist teachers who want to perform a Jeopardy-style evaluation, where students may choose their difficulty for each topic in the test.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Hojin Choi The Reality Of and Solution to Cyberbullying in School
Pamela Perry, MLIS How cyberbullying is affecting students in today’s schools and what we can do about it.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
Sungeun Yun Violation of Consumer Privacy by Social Media Companies
Pamela Perry, MLIS Research on how social media companies are violating consumer privacy.
Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.~THURSDAY ROOM 1~ SESSION 1: 9:00 -10:30AM Jessica Harden Laughter: A Means of Survival Dr. Lynne E. Miller Laughter is an innate response to positive stimuli which has effects on one’s physiology as well as social bonding, neurobiology, hormones, and survivability. Live Presentation/Q&A. Alisa Daleo Starving to Death: The Adaptive Value of Anorexia Nervosa Dr. Lynne E. Miller Anorexia nervosa is a heritable disorder that accompanies characteristics such as high levels of intrasexual competitiveness and perfectionism which ultimately do Live Presentation/Q&A. have adaptive evolutionary value. Nyle Connolly The Secrets of Listening to Music Dr. Lynne E. Miller Listening to music affects hormones and biological functions, and has strong adaptive value. The benefits of listening to music range wide both socially and Live Presentation/Q&A. individually. Nura Nejad A Look Inside the Mind of an Adolescent: The Evolution of Risk Taking Dr. Lynne E. Miller Brains and hormones make someone a risk taker in their adolescence years specifically in males. Live Presentation/Q&A. SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON Heidi Armstrong Social Media: Have we Developed Unfavorable Habits or Are We Addicted? Pamela Perry, MLIS Uncovering the technology design used to develop today’s social networking platforms that make them so habit forming and exposing the research between labeling Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. our personal behaviors as habits or addiction. Matthew Park The Effects of Long Term MSG Consumption and Cancer Formation. Prof. Erin Skoda, MS, RDN An analysis of the long term research surrounding MSG and its controversial effects on our health, specifically in regards to cancer. Live Presentation/Q&A. Machenna Peasley Venlafaxine Re-Evaluated Prof. Lynnie Trzoss Venlafaxine (Effexor ER), a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), used to treat depression. The research found suggested that it may be possible to Live Presentation/Q&A. acetylate the hydroxyl group in Venlafaxine. Doing so could reduce the acidity of the molecule, which could potentially lessen the side effects of nausea. Brittany Engel Land of the Rich and Futile: An Analysis of Wealth and Income Inequality in 21st Century Los Angeles County Prof. Christopher Sleeper This project explores how neighborhoods within Los Angeles County are not just segregated by homeownership and incarceration rates, but also indicatively by race. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
~THURSDAY ROOM 2~ SESSION 1: 9:00 - 10:30AM Rolando Pineda The Cinematic Subconscious: The Making of an Artificial Reality Dr. Billy Gunn An explanation of cognitive mechanisms that activate while watching a film and the techniques the film industry has employed to tap unto such mechanisms. Live Presentation/Q&A. Glenna Trone Girls, Gore, and Gender: Analyzing the Role of the Final Girl in Horror Films Daniel Ante-Contreras A visual and textual analysis of the rise of female representation in the horror genre during the 1970s and 1980s. Live Presentation/Q&A. Austin Quandt Political Cinema Prof. Angie Baggett Using the 1962 film, The Manchurian Candidate, the 1960 film, Psycho, along with other films, this presentation will prove that all cinema is inherently political. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. SESSION 2: 10:30AM - NOON Josie Burris Social Media: A Platform with Ill Consequences Pamela Perry, MLIS What is the cause of where and how mental health illness starts to have an effect on young adolescents and adults, through the use of social-media? Live Presentation/Q&A. Alexandra Aloni Christianity in Modern Art: A Cultural and Social Examination Leah Cluff, Ph.D. This project analyzes the changes in art containing Christian religious subjects, with a focus on the 18th century to modern-day society. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A. Jasmin Mata The Impact of Crisis Management Prof. Nina Lovejoy A PowerPoint presentation highlighting the importance of crisis management and the impact it can have on companies. Live Presentation/Q&A. Grace Lee Why Do People Choose Internet Convenience Over Online Privacy Concerns? Pamela Perry, MLIS An analysis of the relationship between internet users’ cognition of privacy violations resulted from internet surveillance and internet management. Pre-recorded. Live Q&A.
~ALEXANDRA ALONI~
My name is Alexandra Aloni and I am a Sociology
major transferring to UCLA in the Fall of 2021. I have
previously participated in the Fall 2020 OMNI, the 2020
HTCC Research Conference, and the Western Regionals
Honors Conference. Additionally, my cultural
background is Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish.
~HEIDI ARMSTRONG~
This is my freshman year at Miracosta College after a VERY
long break from school, 2 kids, 3 cross country moves, and
becoming a new immigrant in the US. I would consider
myself to be a person who believes anything is possible, and
it’s never too late to accomplish your dreams. I had a dream to
become a nurse after I worked as a unit clerk at a
rehabilitation center when I was 19. After registering for my
pre-req’s twice, COVID-19 ushered in an opportunity for me
to begin my schooling online. I will graduate with an AA in
Liberal Arts: Math and Sciences, and will pursue a transfer to
Cal State San Marcos’ BSN Program. Fun is one of my highest
values, so when I have spare time I love to go on adventures
(specifically road trips) with my family, I love to surf, go for
a run, and my all time favorite thing to do is to have a cup of
coffee with a good friend or while making new friends.~ISABELLE BAEK~
Hello, my name is Isabelle Baek. I am a freshman at
MiraCosta College and have not declared a major yet, as
this is my first year and I am still unsure. I do not have
any previous conference experience, so this OMNI is my
first experience. I am Korean, born and raised in Cali-
fornia. Some hobbies or interests I have would be hang-
ing out with friends and listening to music.
~CLAIRE M. BENHAM~
Born and raised in Oregon, I began my education in an elementary school
Spanish immersion program. That inclusive and diverse community helped
shape who I am, equipping me with the tools to persist in language and
cultural studies. A serious interest in the medical field inspired me to
become a CNA in high school, subsequently sparking my curiosity and desire
to further explore healthcare. I earned an additional, advanced, certification,
secured a position at a hospital on the critical care unit, and eventually found
myself in the operating room of a clinic in Guatemala, translating for an
American general surgery team, a pivotal trip that clarified my aspirations. I
am now a proud first-generation college student, working full-time at an out-
patient surgical center. I enjoy finding balance by participating in volunteer
programs and spending time surfing, running, or gardening. I aim to transfer
to UCI for the Fall of 2023, continuing to pursue a Spanish B.A. degree, and
working towards applying to medical school. This OMNI is my first research
conference experience. My goal is to utilize both my clinical and cultural
backgrounds in the development of well-rounded, long-term research and
indefinitely work towards the creation of actionable, dynamic solutions to
cultural and linguistic healthcare disparities for the Hispanic and Latino
population and all those who are under-resourced and underrepresented.~RENEE BUCHENROTH~
I am currently a Liberal Arts major, and this will be my
first conference presentation. It is my desire to earn a
Master’s degree in Communications, in order to teach
principles of higher thought involving social justice,
writing, and the performing arts. I enjoy being involved
with friends, music, and developing conditions of
increased well-being.
~DANIELLE BUFORD~
I’m a sophomore at MiraCosta College and my major is
English, but my final goal is to become a teacher. I have
no previous conference experience, but I’m looking
forward to presenting in this conference. My hobbies
and interests are writing poetry and reading.~JOSIE BURRIS~
I am currently in my third year, last semester at
MiraCosta and will be transferring next Fall. This will
be my second OMNI research project, my first one was
a poster, and now I’m very excited to be presenting a
speech. I’m a History major, and have been part of the
school’s Honors Program since my first semester. It’s
been an amazing journey being part of the program and
it’s an experience I would never want to live without.
When I’m not working on school, I enjoy hanging out
with friends and engaging in activities such as going to
the beach or on a hike.
~GARREK CHAN~
Hi! I’m a graduating high school senior dually enrolled
at MiraCosta. OMNI has been one of my favorite parts
about my time at MiraCosta so far, having presented at
the Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 conferences. In addition, I
had the opportunity to present at the 2021 UC Irvine
HTCC conference. Much of my interest and future
career goals is in the realm of soft robotics, a passion
that developed over the past eight years competing in
robotics competitions. Outside of school, you can find
me playing soccer, trying out new tricks, and watching
the Champions League!~HOJIN CHOI~
~ERIK CHOI~
Hello my name is Erik Choi, and this is my second
semester as a student at MiraCosta College. I plan to
enroll in graduate school and study in the field of
medicine to earn an MDPHD. I strive to become a
surgeon one day to help people that cannot help
themselves. I am Korean American, and I was born in
Anaheim, California. I play sports and enjoy
looking at the sky.~TIFFANY CHU~
Hi, my name is Tiffany Chu and I am a first year Psychology
major. I have attended MiraCosta College for the past year, and
am transferring to the University of Southern California in Fall
2021, where I plan to receive a Bachelors in either Business or
Psychology. In my future, I hope to become a marketing specialist.
I was born and raised in San Diego, but my parents immigrated
from Taiwan, which is where the rest of my extended family live.
Although I resonate strongly with my Taiwanese heritage, I love
living in California, and especially appreciate how close I live to
the beach. In my personal time, I like to hike, go to the beach, do
anything art related, and hang out with my family and friends.
Psychology intrigues me more than any other subject, and I love
to learn about our mental processes and behaviors. I do not have
any previous conference experience, but have watched OMNI
presentations before.
~WYATT CLAY~
My name is Wyatt Clay and I am a Mira Costa Transfer
student looking forward to studying history at Berkeley
next year. I participated in the OMNI last semester with
a presentation examining the links between the
Mexican-American and US Civil Wars and the
implications on mid-19th Century America. I am
fascinated by the ties between the US and Latin America
and would love to pursue further higher education in
either History or Anthropology with the hopes of doing
research, teaching, and activist work one day.~NYLE CONNOLLY~
My current focus is Psychology as a major and this is the
first experienc participating in a research conference. I
have a general desire for my career and practice to be
centered around healing. Playing the guitar is a deep
passion, and learning new songs is very exciting. I also
greatly enjoy playing board games, especially chess.
~AIDAN COOPER~
I am a first year student at MiraCosta hoping to
transfer to the University of Liverpool in the Fall.
I plan to play soccer for the school and study either In-
ternational Business or Engineering. In my free time,
I enjoy going outside to hike and playing sports.~ALMA CUEVAS~
Hi, I am Alma Cuevas, and I am majoring in three
different disciplines: Administration of Justice,
Sociology and Psychology. I am also part of the ASG,
where I hold the position of Student Trustee, and the
Chariot, where I hold the position of video reporter and
have recently published an article! I have presented at
OMNI, and I loved the experience! I want to transfer to
UCI in Fall 2022 and major in Administration of J
ustice and possibly double major with a minor in
Russian Studies.
~ALISA DALEO~
I am a first year Liberal Arts, Math and Science major with plans to
transfer to UCLA or UCSD to pursue a Biology degree. I then plan
to attend medical school and become a dermatologic surgeon whose
job entails removing skin abnormalities. I was born in Moldova, a
small country between Ukraine and Romania; I immigrated to the
U.S. at the age of two with only my mother. I’ve always wanted to
do a job that makes others feel good about themselves, although, I
didn’t know until recently what that job would be. I’ve always been
terrified to make the leap to pursue medical school, but I feel that
this challenging career path will be fulfilling for my goals and I can’t
wait to see what’s in store. This is my first time presenting at a con-
ference and I am eager to share my research on the adaptive values
of anorexia nervosa. This topic is close to my heart as I, myself, have
struggled with the disorder. In my free time I enjoy weight lifting,
running, cooking, spending time with my family, and making the
community aware of the symptoms and dangers of eating disorders
through my social media accounts.~GERARD DECKER~
I am a Latino majoring in Math and Sciences, and
working towards a doctorate in Organic Chemistry,
I would like to pursue research and development in
Medicinal Chemistry and develop new pharmaceutical
drugs to cure ongoing diseases.
~MADELINE DUNCAN~
My name is Madeline and Iam an English major.
My goal is to transfer to a four-year university after
graduating from MiraCosta, and I do not currently have
any conference experience. I’m a single mom with a one
and a half year old, so practically all of my free time is
dedicated to him! We enjoy going for walks together,
watching Curious George, and reading picture books.~BRITTANY ANN ENGEL~
Hello everyone! My name is Brittany Engel and I am a
second-year student here at MiraCosta! From studying
cannibalism to exploring Victoria’s Secret’s financial
statements to the analysis of racist rhetoric from public
officials, MiraCosta’s Honors Scholar Program has
provided me with priceless opportunities to research a
breadth of topics that impact our world. This is my fourth
and final Omni presentation, but I am thrilled to have
this opportunity to speak about an immensely significant
issue in America: income/wealth inequality. Although I am
just scratching at the surface of this monstrosity of a topic,
this topic deserves more discussion. As a business major,
I plan to somehow participate in the business world by
helping others with an equitable lens.
~RACHEL FETKO~
My name is Rachel Fetko and I am a Business Management
major here at MiraCosta. Attending MiraCosta has broadened my
knowledge incredibly and made me realize that there is an endless
amount of information to learn in school that is applicable to daily
life. After receiving my AA, I plan on going to SDSU to further
my education in Business Management. I have not presented at a
conference before, however I took a Communications class that
required me to give various speeches to my peers. The
Communications class assisted me in developing a better
presentation style and getting more comfortable with speaking
in front of people, although I never considered myself a shy
person. I grew up with 5 siblings, which challenged me to
constantly strive to be better at everything I do. Hobbies of
mine include photography, cooking, hiking, swimming, and
spending time with my family. I deeply value my education
and having the ability to implement the things that I learn in
situations or conflicts that may arise.~ZOË GOMES-AVIV~
My name is Zoë Gomes-Aviv and I am a first-year Biology major
at MiraCosta. I plan to transfer to a four-year university as a
Public Health major. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I
hope to pursue a career in the medical field as a Physician’s As-
sistant. I was raised in a creative, positive, and culturally diverse
household. From a young age, my parents have encouraged me to
put my all into whatever I pursue, and for that, I am so grateful as
it has inspired me to take positive risks. The OMNI Conference
will be my first time presenting my own research and I am quite
excited to share my findings on how toxic masculinity affects our
society. The impact of toxic masculinity is a topic that has been
very influential in my life because as a young woman growing up
in our society, I have, like many other members of our society,
been impacted by it. Though a lot of my time outside of class is
dedicated to studying, holding down a job, and family time. You
can also find paddle boarding with my family, soaking up the
sunshine with my dog, and traveling.
~ROSEY GUTIERREZ~
I am a first-generation formerly undocumented student at MiraCosta
College pursuing a degree in Computer & Data Science. I am the lead
Teaching Aide for the Giving Ownership of Active Learning to Stu-
dents in Computer Science (GOALS in CS) grant project within the
MCC CS Department which aims to bring topics of cultural relevance
to the CS curriculum in order to bring a focus towards diversity, in-
clusivity and sustainability. I am also the Outreach Chair for the Em-
powering Chicanx and Latinx to Explore (EChALE) STEM club and
an active member of Women in Computer Science club, MiraCosta
Honors Scholar Program & Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. As
a member of these programs & organizations, I am committed to
increasing women and BIPOC representation in tech, and have pre-
sented information regarding bias in tech to organizations like Umoja
in order to showcase the importance of diversity in the CS field. I
recently accepted a summer internship as a Lamat research fellow at
UC Santa Cruz and am thrilled to be able to develop my skills in Data
Science, and hope to use that knowledge in the future to inspire more
women of color to get involved in big tech.~SHAWN GWAK~
My name is Shawn Gwak, and my major is
Communication. I do not have any previous conference
experience with presenting projects. My career goals are
to be an actor and work at Marvel Studios, and my
educational goal is to transfer to a UC school. Some of
my hobbies and interests are reading comics, playing
video games, drawing, and making stories.
~JESSICA HARDEN~
My name is Jessica Harden and I am a Chemistry/Math
major here at MiraCosta. I have previous conference
experience as I presented my research on Aflatoxin
toxicity within the poultry industry at the 2020 Pacific Egg
and Poultry Association conference in Hawaii. I am
hoping to attend either UCSD or UCLA to pursue a degree
in Chemistry and then attend UCD’s veterinary school
before opening my own small animal practice.
My favorite hobbies include baking, gardening, and
working with animals as I currently volunteer at one of my
local rescues rehabilitating and socializing dogs. As an
Honors student I have found myself struggling with school
and extracurricular activities, however, my peers and
mentors have helped me keep my head up and continue
towards my goals.~JULIAN HARVEY~
Hi, my name is Julian Harvey. I am planning on
majoring in Computer Science or Economics after
transferring to a UC school. My favorite hobbies are
mountain biking and snowboarding.
~CAMERON HICKS~
My name is Cameron Hicks; I was born and raised in
Carlsbad, California and have spent my entire life living in
the northern San Diego County area. My major is
Psychology. Psychology to me is the queen of all sciences. It
allows us an objective glimpse at our own perception and
behavior. Through this, we can begin to understand the
fundamentals of human nature and societies at large. I am
pursuing my PhD in Psychology in the hopes of one day
opening my own clinical practice or teaching as a professor.
I have no previous conference experience, but I am excited for
this opportunity to showcase my student research paper. In
my free time, which is usually on the weekends,
I enjoy bouldering and climbing outside in local areas
like Joshua Tree Nation Park, San Jacinto mountain,
and the Eastern Sierras.~HARLEY HUGHES~
Hi! My major is Business Administration and this will
be my first conference experience. My educational goal
is to earn my Bachelor of Business Administration
degree from San Diego State University in 2023.
I will use this knowledge towards opening my own
business. I plan to open my own bakery once I am
completed with my education.
~SEOYOUNG HWANG~
I am currently in my second year at Mira Costa College,
and this is my first OMNI presentation. When I took a
summer Engineering program last year, I developed an
interest in STEM, and have been studying to pursue
Engineering ever since. My educational goal is to
transfer into a university and study Electrical
Engineering and Computer Science. I aspire to become
an electrical or software engineer in the future after
graduating college to continue my passion. Outside of
school, I really enjoy cooking and learning new recipes
for various dishes. I mostly explore with Korean
dishes and recipes with the influence of my South
Korean family.~VANESSA JUMALON~
My major is Cell, Development, Molecular Biology in
preparation for medicine in hopes of working in the
medical field as a doctor or a physician. I grew up as a
bilingual Filipino-American with activity in the Fil-Am
Community. I enjoy play my violin and listening to
music, especially orchestral. This will be my first OMNI
Conference after a few research projects for Honors.
~AUDREY JAEEUN JUNG~
I am a Sociology major and this is my second time
participating in the OMNI conference. Aside from
school, I enjoy hiking every weekend with my family
and going on drives to the beach. Some of my career
interests lie in education, administration, or law, and I
hope to eventually give back to the community around
me in this way.~DESPINA KARANDINOS~
My name is Despina Karandinos and this is my first year at
Mira Costa College. Although I am still deciding my major,
my goal is to complete two years of college at Mira Costa,
then transfer to a University in California. I hope to pursue a
career in business or law after I complete my degree, but this
will probably change as I have interests in science too. My top
transfer schools are UCLA, UC Davis, or Pepperdine.
Some hobbies of mine include Greek Dancing, as my family is
from the island of Crete! Although it was canceled this year,
there is a Greek Dancing competition on the west coast called
FDF, in which hundreds of groups (from different churches)
perform traditional dances from regions all over Greece. I
love practicing for this event, as well as, meeting other Greek
people from the West Coast.
~DANIEL KEUM~
I am a Biology major, and this is my first conference
experience. My career goal is to end up becoming a
well-respected neurosurgeon, and my educational goals
include managing to graduate a 4-year university
institute as well as getting a perfect 4.0 GPA in this
semester. My hobbies are playing the cello, spending my
free time with friends, and reading books. My interests
are writing, the causes of mental health issues, as well as
volunteering.~ANDREW KIM~
Hi, my name is Andrew Kim, and I’m a Data Science
major. I moved here from South Korea about two years
ago, and I’ll be transferring to Cal for the Fall 2021
semester. I’ve participated in two research conferences
so far. I really loved that those conferences offered me
the platform and ability to channel my desire to inform
and change the world, so here I am participating in one
more research conference before I transfer to Cal.
I’m still figuring out which career and educational goals
~MICHELLE KIM~
My name is Michelle Kim and I am pursuing a degree
in Psychology here at MiraCosta. I am from Houston,
Texas and this is my second year here in San Diego. I
did my first OMNI presentation last year with Professor
Sleeper where I discussed the impact of tobacco on
Jamestown’s economy.~SEONGWON KO~
My name is Seongwon Ko and I am a second year
Applied Mathematics major. Growing up in South
Korea, I have been interested in studying abroad and
decided to study here at MiraCosta. This is my first time
attending the conference, but I would like to take this
opportunity as a chance to develop my skills and ability.
My current educational goals include transferring to one
of the UC schools next year. By doing so, I would like to
continue my academic journey. Some of my hobbies
include watching movies, programming, and
learning. As a person who is passionate about learning
new things, I am excited to learn many things through
attending the OMNI conference.
~SHALOM LEE~
I am majoring in Sociology at MiraCosta College and
this is my first conference experience. My career goal is
to create a business, and in my free time I like to hang
out with my friends and eat good food.~GRACE LEE~
I have not decided on my major yet, but my
educational goal is to transfer to a four year institution,
and my dream career is to start a business. It is my first
time participating in a conference. I live in South Korea,
and I enjoy playing various sports in my leisure time.
A couple of my favorite sports are golf and hockey.
~PEIYI LIU~
My name is Peiyi Liu and my major is Applied
Mathematics. I am from China, and this is my third year
in the United States. I have never attended a conference
so I am looking forward to my first experience. My
educational goals are to transfer to UCSD after two years
at MiraCosta, and I hope to get a Master’s degree in the
end. My future career is to be a data scientist, and I am
working hard for it.~DIEGO LUNA~
As many students, I am a first generation student in my
family to go to college so much of what I’m doing and
studying is all new to me. Currently, my major is Elec-
trical Engineering. I’m still hashing out what to do with
it but certain about pursuing it. Throughout my time in
school, I have had an interest in languages and one in
particular is German. While in highschool, I spent all
four years trying to learn to speak German but without
much success, however, my desire continues and hope-
fully I’ll be able to master it. Another interest of mine
is Astronomy. It’s the reason I am interested in STEM.
Finally, this will be my first conference experience for
me so it is very excited that my first time will be done as
a MiraCosta Student.
~JADE MACEOGHAIN~
I am a first generation student and Kashmiri-British. I
work as a writing consultant at our Writing Center and
am the 2020-21 Director of Public Relations for the
Associated Student Government. I am majoring in
English Composition and Comparative Literature, and
some of my interest areas are rhetoric and critical
theory, LGBTQ studies, and South Asian studies. I plan
to attend graduate school after my B.A., and teach
writing and literature courses at college. I hope to teach
at community college and create a space filled with equal
opportunity for all students.~CRISTIAN MARROQUIN~
I’m Cristian Marroquin and this is my third year at
Miracosta College, I’m currently pursuing a Computer
Science degree for transfer to be a software engineer.
Some hobbies outside of school and tech are reptile
herpetology, hiking, kayaking, comedy and reading.
~JASMIN MATA~
My major is Business Administration and I will be
transferring to USD in the Fall.~EAMON “BOOGIE” MIKULEC~
My name is Eamon “Boogie” Mikulec. I am a
Computer Science major with a focus on Mathematics.
I taught myself how to code when I was 11 years old and
have been programming ever since. I have worked as a
contract developer for a 100 million dollar, B2B safety
equipment manufacturer and worked on over 100
personal projects. I recently started taking college
courses to understand the mathematics behind
computer science. Through my college experience, I
often make small programs/websites to assist in my
learning, but they have only ever been for me.
~PAIGE MOORE~
I am a Biology major with an interest in conservation
genetics. My goal is to receive a Bachelor’s degree in
Ecology from Cal State University San Marcos and work at
the Beckman Center for Conservation Research at the San
Diego Zoo Safari Park. I currently volunteer at the
Safari Park as an Information Ambassador and hope to
work my way up to a Conservation Ambassador. I have
lived in Southern California almost my entire life and I
would love to help conserve wildlife from my own backyard.
My hobbies include hiking, playing frisbee golf and bike
riding. When I am not outdoors I enjoy watching rom-com
movies or reading an entire book in one sitting.~NURA NEJAD~
My name is Nura Nejad, and I am a Computer Science
major. This is my first conference experience,
and I want to become a software engineer at a social
media company. I am Middle Eastern and my
interests include working out, going to the beach,
or being around my friends.
~SIERRA OKAMURA~
Hi my name is Sierra Okamura. I am excited as I will
be transferring to UCSD for Fall 2021. I plan on
majoring is Psychology specializing in Human Health,
and I would like to minor in Biology. I have enjoyed
interning at a hospital for the past couple years and
now am looking forward to a career in the medical field.
Previously I have presented at 2019 Fall OMNI, 2020
Spring OMNI, and NSPIRE. I hope my presentation
for 2021 OMNI is educational and my passion for
health shows to the viewers.~ALEXANDRA OMEL~
My name is Alexandra Omel, and I am a first year Liberal
Arts with an Emphasis in Math and Sciences major here at
MiraCosta. I was born and raised in Oceanside along with
my two younger siblings and I absolutely love this area of
Southern California. I am hoping to transfer to the dental
hygiene program at Southwestern College in the Spring
of 2022 in order to receive an Associates degree in Dental
Hygiene. I have had the honor of presenting my work on
the impact of controlling the narrative at both the OMNI in
the Fall of 2020 as well as UCI’s HTCC conference during
the Spring of 2021. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking
and baking, as well as spending time with my family.
I also love to spend time outdoors in the form of bike rides
and team sports with my family, and doing so has truly
kept me going during the quarantine.
~MATTHEW PARK~
I’m a Linguistics major, trying to get into a four-year uni-
versity. This is my first conference experience,
and I hope to learn more about new fields by
participating here.~MACHENNA PEASLEY~
I am extremely passionate about my field of study.
I know that I am good at my job because I love what
I do. I aspire to be a powerful role model for the next
generation of young women. Only 13% of engineers are
women. My solution to change this statistic is to provide
representation. By doing so, these young women will be
able to have someone to look up to and think “Well,
she became an engineer so I can too.” My goal after
achieving my B.S. in Chemical Engineering is to
engineer more efficient antidepressants and sleeping aids
and eventually own my own pharmaceutical company.
~HUGO D. PERALTA-RAMIREZ~
I am a first year History and Spanish major, a first-generation US citizen and
college student, and the eldest in my family. In my free time, I enjoy reading,
journaling, discussing politics, playing video-games, baking, looking at
memes, or drinking home brewed tea/coffee. I currently work as a tutor in
San Marcos. Both my biological parents hail from the Southern Mexican state
of Oaxaca de Juarez while my step-father hails from Villa’s Durango.
My family’s stories about Mexico inspired me to study History and my
Spanish teacher in high school fomented my interest in Hispanic literature.
I have a huge appreciation for my culture (Mestizo, Iberian, Indigneous,
Latino, and Chicano) and have worked with various organizations to promote
Hispanic-Latino students in education. I hope to transfer to UCLA in 2022
to pursue a double major in Spanish and Education with a minor in either
History or Latin American studies. I then hope to obtain my Masters in
Education or History and my teaching credential to become an Advanced
Placement/Honors high school Spanish, English, and History teacher. I would
also like to teach at the college leve. My goal as an educator is to pay forward
my success and promote the advancement of marginalized, low income, and
underestimated students as my academic mentors have done for me.You can also read
