Ashley Sease: The Impact of Juror Education on the Value of Expert Witness Testimony
Graduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am currently studying forensic psychology and crime analysis at the graduate level, as I completed my undergraduate studies in forensic science and forensic psychology in May 2024. I am a TU dance team alum, and I continue to tutor in my role as the Murphy Academic Support Center's graduate assistant, while acting as treasurer for TU’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor's society."
The need for expert witness testimony in criminal trials is often apparent; however, the content of expert witness testimony has become more complex and diverse over the years, raising concerns regarding juror comprehension of such testimony. Furthermore, a jury’s understanding of expert witness testimony is often crucial to the jury’s verdict, yet advancements in science and evidence testing technology have led to expert witness testimonies consisting of scientific jargon that leave juries unsure of the implications to be made by said testimonies. The researcher seeks to examine the effects, if any, that rephrasing of expert witness testimony as well as juror level of education might have on jurors’ comprehension of scientific testimony. Through a 2x4 factorial, between persons, non-repeated, mixed measures design, the researcher will collect, analyze, and apply survey data to investigate potential impacts of testimony complexity and juror education. The researcher will also inquire about any statistical and social significances the data may present.
Braxton Lint: Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony
Graduate Student, School of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences
Braxton is a masters student in Forensic psychology, a graduate of West Holmes High School and Bluffton University with a bachelors degree in criminal justice and psychology, and was a recipient of the Criminal Justice Merit award at Bluffton University and 2 time OCCJE presenter.
"In criminal justice, we use eyewitness testimony to help convict someone for the crime. This leads to the misidentification of perpetrators and wrongful convictions of criminals that spend long amounts of time in prison for a crime they did not commit. This study measured the reliability of eyewitnesses and their ability to correctly identify a subject. The results of this study were intriguing and showed that the current lineups need to be adjusted and adapt to the current times. As well as the inclusion of more concrete evidence outside of eyewitness testimony should be used."
Kendall Hammersmith, Jasmin Morales, and Chaela Weiss: Are You Aware of Your Title XI Rights?: A Study of Internships Involving Title XI Violations
Undergraduate Students, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Hi, my name is Kendall Hammersmith, I'm a freshman here at Tiffin University studying Forensic Psychology and Terrorism. Here at Tiffin I am apart of the Tiffin Dance Team, Cold Case Fellowship, Student Government, and the National Honor Society of Criminal Justice. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and hanging out with my friends."
"Hi, my name is Jasmin Morales, I am a senior standing here at Tiffin University studying Forensic Psychology with a minor in Justice Advocacy. Here at Tiffin I am apart of TiffinArts, First Generation Dragons, Empow(Her), and the Violent Crime Analysis Fellowship."
"Chaela Weiss is a Junior student at Tiffin University studying Forensic Psychology and Corrections. She is involved in many organizations on Tiffin's campus, such as the Tiffin University Choir, the Tiffin Peace Project, and the Peer Mentor Program. She also serves on the executive boards for both Tiffin's Zeta Pi Beta sorority and Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honors Society."
The purpose of our study was to find out how aware students and faculty members of their Title XI rights and violations when it comes to students doing internships, since many internships take place off of campus where there is no university faculty supervision, which can put students at risk of having their Title XI rights violated. Not only did we want to see if students knew their rights, but we also questioned our faculty here on campus to question their knowledge. In the findings we see how student who have and haven't done internships know their Title XI rights and how faculty who have and haven't overseen internships know the student's Title XI rights. This connects to me and my fellow classmates because everyone at some point of their college career will have to do an internship, so understanding our Title XI rights can prevent students from being taken advantage of and can help faculty help students who may be finding themselves in scenarios of being taken advantage of.
Caitlin Weitzel: Social Media Usage Among College Athletes
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Caitlin Weitzel and I am a college student majoring in forensic psychology. I am also a college athlete who participates in cross-country and track & field. I am also part of the SACC committee. My interest revolve around psychology, mental health, and sports. This passion inspired my current research, which explores how social media usage affects students' performance, recovery, and mental health."
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social media usage on student’s performance, recovery, and mental health. The participants are from a small private university in the Midwest. A total of eighty participants completed a nineteen-question survey assessing factors such as gender, athletic status, daily social media usage, and their self-perceived mental health. The results aim to determine whether increased social media use correlates with differences in academic or athletic performance and overall well-being. An ANOVA test will be used to analyze the data and asses the significance of these relationships. The findings of this study will provide insight into how social media habits influence a college students’ daily lives and may encourage greater awareness of its effects on mental and physical well-being.
Justice George: How social media affects mental health
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Justice George, I am sophomore student athlete on the Tiffin volleyball team pursuing a forensic psychology major with a minor in addictions counseling. I am passionate about counseling and understanding how our social media world affects our mental health."
This research study explores the impact of social media usage on mental health, focusing specifically on anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and body image. The study aimed to understand how these aspects of mental well-being are influenced by the frequency and nature of social media engagement. Participants were surveyed to gather demographic information, including age, gender, and academic major (criminal justice or non-criminal justice), to examine potential differences across various groups. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using individual survey questions, and sleep quality was evaluated through self-reported surveys. Body image concerns were assessed by analyzing the participants' perceptions of their physical appearance and social media's role in shaping these perceptions. The results varied between males and females for anxiety levels as well body image concerns. Depression levels and sleep levels seemed to be consistent across differing groups. These findings contribute to understanding the nuanced relationship between social media consumption and mental health, particularly in college students, and highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions in the digital age.
Alissa Duford: The Effects of Caffeine on Anxiety
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am Alissa Duford. I am majoring in Psychology: Addictions Counseling and minoring in Sociology. I am a first year on campus with junior standing. I am a dedicated student who does my best on everything. I am committed to my work and make sure that I do the best I can on everything."
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of caffeine on anxiety levels in college students. A total of 80 participants completed the survey, including 23 males, 55 females, and 2 non-binary individuals. The results indicated no significant differences in anxiety levels between males and females. Participants were asked about their typical caffeine consumption, baseline anxiety levels, and anxiety levels after caffeine intake. The study's hypothesis, suggesting a correlation between caffeine consumption and increased anxiety, was disproven through correlation tests. Overall, the findings suggest that caffeine has little to no effect on anxiety levels among most college students.
Angela Noakes: How Does Playing an Instrument Benefit Your Academic Performance?
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am Angela Noakes. I am studying Psychology: Human Services at Tiffin University. I am a sophomore standing. I believe that I am a dedicated student who puts in the time and effort needed to complete my assignments. I have a passion for helping children that were brought up in less fortunate circumstances and hope I can make a difference in the lives of others."
The overall purpose of this study is to find if there is any correlation between playing a musical instrument, and ones academic performance. 80 students were asked to complete a survey. There were 62 participants that said they have played a musical instrument. 18 participants said they have never played an instrument. The questionnaire asked the participants if they had any musical history and how they felt about using music as a way to study. The hypothesis set for this study was correct and was proven when the data was calculated using an independent t test. This study will be able to inform students that playing an instrument can have a significant correlation in their academic performance in college.
Ashley Dyer: Psychological Traits that Increase Susceptibility to False Confessions
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Hello! My name is Ashley Dyer, and I am a freshman at Tiffin University, currently studying Forensic Psychology. Previously, I completed and associate degree in science, before graduating with honors from high school. From there, TU has given me multiple amazing opportunities, including joining the volleyball team, the National Honor Society of Criminal Justice, the Violent Crime Analysis Fellowship, and has employed me at The Exchange (mail room). With pursuing forensic psychology, I would like to work with investigation, psychological evaluations for the courts, or officer wellness."
False confessions are a well-documented phenomenon in the criminal justice system, often leading to wrongful convictions. This study explores the psychological traits that may increase an individual’s susceptibility to falsely confessing under pressure. Using a survey methodology, we examine the relationship between personality factors—such as conflict avoidance, suggestibility, anxiety, and guilt— and the likelihood of providing a false confession in high-pressure situations. Additionally, we analyze situational influences, including perceived authority pressure, interrogation tactics, and social compliance. By identifying key psychological predictors of false confessions, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of wrongful admissions of guilt and inform legal professionals on strategies to minimize coercion-induced confessions. The findings from this study can offer valuable insights into interrogation reform and the protection of vulnerable individuals within the justice system.
Maggi Nagel: Stress, Busyness, and Eating Habits: A study of how stress and busyness affects college students' eating habits
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Maggi Nagel. I am currently a junior and I am studying forensic psychology with a minor in corrections. I am also a member of the volleyball team, which gave me the inspiration for my research topic."
The overall purpose of this study is to find how the stress and busyness college students feel affects their eating habits. This study was completed at a small midwestern college. 21 males and 59 females were asked to complete the survey. The survey concluded that stress and busyness has an effect on college students' eating habits. The survey asked students about their stress, busyness, eating habits, and how their eating habits change in times of stress or busyness. The hypothesis for this study is that students will change their eating habits when they are stressed or busy. Overall, this study shows that their is a need for more research on how and why eating habits are changed in times of stress and busyness and on how to help students who are chronically stressed or live busy lives.
Kaitlyn Gum: Recidivism rates in men's and women's prison
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am Kaitlyn Gum I am a sophomore majoring in corrections and minoring in phycology, I am an athlete on the track and field team."
My presentation is to see how well college students know about the prison system and also how well the different genders know about the specific side of the prisons. I had 57 females take the survey and 23 males take the survey. With the numbers that I have it is going to be hard to fully see whether or not the male side knows as well as I will know about the female side of the survey. My hypothesis for this study was incorrect with how well both genders know about the prison system. Overall, I believe that this will help people in the long run look more into what goes into the prison system because their tax dollars are going to the prison systems.
Princess Quinones: The Impact of Reading Engagement on GPA and Academic Performance Among College Students
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Princess Quinones is a dedicated junior student majoring in forensic psychology with a passion for understanding criminal behavior. She is set to pursue her master's in criminal behavior this upcoming semester. Princess is deeply passionate about learning and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge in the field of forensic psychology."
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between reading behaviors, social reading culture, and academic success among college students (and one professor) at a small private university in the Midwest. A total of 81 individuals participated in the survey, which included questions related to reading habits, social reading practices, and academic performance. The survey aimed to determine if higher levels of reading engagement and participation in social reading cultures were associated with better GPA and academic outcomes. Results showed a positive correlation between students who reported more frequent reading and involvement in social reading activities, as well as higher GPAs. Data analysis, conducted using independent t-tests, supported the hypothesis that reading engagement and social reading culture positively impact academic success. This study contributes to the understanding of how reading habits and social reading environments influence college students' academic performance and highlights the importance of fostering both individual reading habits and a supportive social reading culture for academic achievement.
Keywords: Reading Behavior, Academic Success, GPA, College Students, Reading Engagement, Social Reading Culture, Academic Performance
Maleya Whaley: Fear Of Online Dating
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Maleya Whaley is a sophomore student studying with a major in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Criminalistics at Tiffin University. Here at the University, she is a part of many student organizations, the Cold Case Fellowship, Ohio Innocence Project, and the criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma, to name a few. She is a student active in campus life, and an ambitious learner."
The overall purpose of this study is to determine how college students of a private institution in the mid-west feel about online dating and its possible dangers based on their major, criminal justice and non-criminal justice. There were 46 criminal justice students and 41 non-criminal justice students who were asked to fill out a survey. The survey concluded how students felt about online dating was not dependent on their field of study. The questionnaire asked the participants how they felt about different dangers and aspects of online dating. The hypothesis set for this study was disproven by calculating ANOVA. Overall, this study helps determine how online dating has impacted the minds of different college students and how their majors may play a role in how they perceive possible dangers.
Keywords: Criminal Justice, Online Dating, Fear, Dating Dangers, Major
Makena Butcher: Trust in College Authorities and Help Seeking Behavior Among Students After Experiencing Sexual Violence
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Makena Butcher is from Lancaster, Ohio. Makena is currently a sophomore here at Tiffin University and is a part of the Cold Case Fellowship and the Alpha Iota sorority. She is a forensic psychology major with a minor in criminalistics and is dedicated to making a difference in the criminal justice field."
The overall purpose of this study is to find a whether there is a correlation between the help-seeking behaviors of college students who experienced sexual violence at a private institution in the mid-west and their trust in college authorities. Within this study there were a total of 80 participants who were asked to fill out a survey and the survey concluded lower trust in campus authorities is associated with a reduced likelihood of students seeking help after experiencing sexual violence. The questionnaire asked the participants their concerns on campus regarding barriers in reporting and their perceptions of resources on campus. The hypothesis set for this study was correct and it was proven by the data which was calculated using the correlational test. Overall, this study will help educate the students and staff of college institutions that trust is a significant factor when predicting if college students will seek help after experiencing sexual violence on campus.
Keywords: Crime, Sexual Assault, Violence, Mental Health
Jensen Prowant: Examining the Relationship Between Unresolved Grief and Substance Use: Insights from the Grief and Substance Use Coping Survey
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Jensen Prowant is currently a junior at Tiffin University, where she is pursuing a major in Forensic Psychology and a minor in Addictions Counseling. Her academic journey includes active participation in the Cold Case Fellowship Program and serving as a Resident Assistant on campus."
The overall purpose of this study is to examine how young adults, particularly college students, perceive the connection between unresolved grief and substance abuse. The study focused on young adults experiencing grief and aimed to determine how this unresolved grief may contribute to substance use as a maladaptive coping mechanism. A review of existing literature involving young adults, grief, and substance use indicated that unresolved grief could lead to emotional dysregulation, increasing the likelihood of substance misuse. The study hypothesized that unresolved grief is linked to higher rates of substance use due to emotional distress, and this hypothesis was supported by multiple studies. Furthermore, research suggests that individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, a lack of social support, and economic instability are more vulnerable to substance misuse when coping with unresolved grief. Neurological studies also indicate that prolonged grief affects brain areas related to emotion regulation and reward processing, which may contribute to avoidance-based coping strategies such as substance use. The literature review reveals that interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and resilience-building practices can reduce the risk of substance misuse. However, gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects of unresolved grief on substance abuse. This study contributes to the growing understanding of how grief influences substance use and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these issues effectively.
Keywords: Unresolved Grief, Substance Abuse, Young Adults, Emotional Dysregulation, Coping Mechanisms, Intervention Strategies
Abdulrahman Bin Yaeessh: Cyber Security in Saudi Arabia
Undergraduate Student, School of Science, Technology and Health
"My name is Abdulrahman Bin Yaeesh, I am 22 years old, a student at Tiffin University in Ohio, and my major is cybersecurity. Today I will talk about cybersecurity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and how it was created and how it became one of the strongest systems in the world in a very short period of time. I will talk about many points in this field, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the importance of cybersecurity in Saudi Arabia, where this field is experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements and increasing reliance on the internet. We will review current cyber threats and the protective strategies adopted by both the government and private sector. Additionally, we will discuss the role of individuals in enhancing cybersecurity and how educational institutions can contribute to preparing a generation capable of facing these challenges. Personally, this topic connects to my passion for technology and cybersecurity, as I study at Tiffin University in the United States and aspire to apply the knowledge I gain to strengthen cybersecurity in my country. Through this presentation, I aim to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the significance of cybersecurity in protecting information and data in our digital age.
Lacy Widmer: Parenting Styles and How They Affect the Frequency of College Students Going Out.
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Lacy Widmer is from Bradner, Ohio. She is currently a senior here at Tiffin University. Her major is Forensic Psychology. She is also part of the Cold Case Fellowship here on campus. She is also going to be continuing her master's degree here next Spring semester."
The overall purpose of this study is to find how the effect of parenting styles correlates with the frequency of college students socializing with friends. There were eighty people that were asked to fill out a survey and the survey concluded that there was no significant difference in the likelihood of college students socializing based on parenting styles. The questionnaire asked participants about how they feel when their parents take interest and provide input into their decisions of hanging out with friends. The hypothesis set for this study was incorrect and it was proven when the data was calculated using independent T. Overall, this study will help to see that parents are starting to be more supportive of their children and are less controlling than previous generations of parenting.
Keywords: Parenting styles, Involvement, Trust, Support
Megan Fellows: Mental Health and the Reintegration of Veterans in American Society
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Megan Fellows is a junior transfer student studying Forensic Psychology at Tiffin University. She is also a member of the Women's Varsity Soccer team and the Women's EV Basketball team as well as a Student Security Officer for Tiffin's Campus Security."
The overall purpose of this study is to gauge how the college students of a private institution in Ohio perceive mental health and the difficulties they may face in life transitions. There were eighty total participants who were asked to fill out a survey and the survey concluded that most participants believed there is a negative stigma surrounding both mental health in civilian populations and military populations. The survey asked participants how difficult they found the transition to college and how nervous they are to transition from college to their next venture. This was used to determine how difficult people find large life transitions and to see how that could correlate to military data and the transition that active duty military members have from their military life back to civilian life. This study is used to provide evidence of the usefulness of a reintegration program for military members transitioning back to a civilian life.
Alexis Ernsberger: The Impact of Parking Difficulties on Stress Levels and Academic Performance Among College Students
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"She is from Sandusky, Ohio, and is a junior in college and is a Forensic Psychology Major with a Minor in criminalistics. She is also in the Air National Guard and works as a Heavy Machinery Operator. She has had multiple concerns about the accessibility at Tiffin University and realized a lot of her peers were also having the same issues and concerns. She hopes to give her research to Student Government on campus and make some positive changes. She plans to go into an investigations or profiling unit with her degree."
The overall purpose of this study is to find how the parking availability/access on campus affects student’s levels of stress and academic performance. I used the parking situation at the private school, Tiffin University as my sample to study. Eighty students were asked to fill out a survey and the survey showed that the parking at Tiffin University is not acceptable and is adding to student stress and worsening academic performance. The questionnaire asked the participants how they felt about the availability of parking and how it affects their day-to-day lives. There were also questions about whether the parking directly correlated to the students being late or missing class. The hypothesis set for this study was correct and it was proven when the data was calculated using correlational analysis. Overall, this study will help Tiffin University see that their lack of proper parking and designated spots to accommodate the flow of students is affecting students for the worse and in most cases affecting students' academic performance.
Keywords: Stress, Parking, Academics, Commuting
Dylan McCandless: Navigating Online Learning: Impact on Student Engagement and Performance
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Hello, I’m a senior at Tiffin University, currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology while balancing a variety of exciting goals. I'm part of the Air Force National Guard as a Security Forces member and working on my private pilots license at Fremont Airport. I wrestle for my institution and plan to continue pursuing higher level education. I’ve also completed an internship with TAPS in Washington D.C., supporting families of fallen service members. Outside of academics and military duties, I’m passionate about animals, art, and trying new things with my friends and family."
This study investigates the impact of online education on student engagement and academic performance, with a specific focus on the differences between online and traditional learning methods. Through a correlational design and survey-based data collection, the research examines various factors influencing online learning outcomes, including instructor presence, course design, and technology use. A total of 80 surveys were collected from students at Tiffin University, revealing that while online learning offers flexibility, it often presents challenges related to student motivation, engagement, and instructor interaction. The results suggest that online education can hinder student participation and performance if not properly structured, particularly in areas like real-time communication and feedback. This research contributes to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of online learning and emphasizes the need for improvements in course design to better support students. Personally, this study connects to my interest in education and the role technology plays in shaping modern learning experiences.
Ashlynn Bockey: Social Media and the Effects it Has On Mental Health in Students in Higher Education
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Ashlynn Marie Bockey. I grew up in Lima, Ohio, and am now a part of Theta Eta Omicron Society, supporting mental health awareness. I am studying Digital Forensics and Criminalistics at Tiffin University and plan on working at the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children after graduation. I am also a member of Alpha Phi Sigma: Criminal Justice Honor Society."
The overall purpose of this study is to find how social media affects mental health in students in higher education. There were forty males and forty females that were asked to fill out a survey. There was a statistically significant correlation between if people had bad experiences on social media and their mental health worsening after using social media. There was also a strong statistically significant correlation between if a person usually felt mental health symptoms after using social media for a prolonged period of time and how bad their mental health symptoms got after using social media. Finally, it showed a statistically significant correlation between mental health symptoms and social media usage. The questionnaire asked the participants if they had any mental health symptoms, if they had bad experiences on social media, and if they use social media. The hypothesis set for this study was correct and it was proven when the data was calculated using independent t. Overall, this study will help parents and teachers understand how social media can impact mental health.
Keywords: Social Media, Mental Health, Gender
Griffin Hauenstein: Satisfaction And Its Effect On Student's Feelings Of Wanting To Drop Out Or Switch Majors
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Griffin Michael Hauenstein. I was raised in Lima, Ohio. I'm a mental Health advocate, Vice President and Treasurer of the Theta Eta Omicron Society. Studying criminal justice and psychology at Tiffin University to make incarceration less strenuous on juvenile inmates. Member of Alpha Phi Sigma: Criminal Justice Honor Society."
The overall purpose of this study was to prove that there was a connection between the general satisfaction of a higher education student and whether they thought about dropping out or switching their major. There were 39 men, 40 women and 1 other who participated in the survey. The survey found that satisfaction, feelings of wanting to drop out, and feelings of wanting to switch major are all correlated. The survey gathered each participants general feeling in each area and an extremely statistically significant connection was found between satisfaction and feelings of wanting to drop out, satisfaction and feelings of wanting to switch major, and feelings of wanting to drop out and feelings of wanting to switch major. The hypothesis set for this data was found to be correct and it was proven by one way factor ANOVA. Overall, this study will help universities see which problems are affecting their students the most by looking more in-depth into each question to see which produced higher satisfaction scores and which produced lower scores of wanting to drop out and/or wanting to switch major.
Keywords: Higher Education, Dropping Out, Switching Major, Satisfaction
Trinitey Oden: Perceptions of sexual assault
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Trinitey Oden is a junior at Tiffin University, majoring in criminalistics with a minor in forensic psychology. Her studies have deepened her passion for understanding the minds of criminals and the psychology behind their actions. Outside the classroom, Trinitey is a dedicated member of the university’s dance team, bringing the same hard work and discipline to her performances as she has since she started dancing at the age of seven."
This study aimed to examine people's perceptions of sexual assault. A total of 74 participants—26 males and 48 females—completed a survey assessing their knowledge and attitudes toward the issue. The results revealed that some students had little to no understanding of sexual assault. The survey asked participants how they felt about various scenarios related to sexual assault, and the findings indicated that women and older individuals who are not in college demonstrated greater awareness and understanding of the topic. The study’s hypothesis was supported, as confirmed through statistical analysis using an independent t-test. These findings emphasize the need for increased education and awareness about sexual assault, particularly among younger populations. By shedding light on societal perceptions, this research aims to foster meaningful conversations and promote a deeper understanding of both the impact of sexual assault and the way victims are perceived.
Dylan Randall: Does caffine really boost athletic perfromance?
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am from Canal Winchester Ohio and am a Track and Field athlete here at TU. I am a 2x Division 2 All-American in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. I love history and enjoy learning as much as I possibly can. Running, playing video games, and going down historical rabbit holes are hobbies of mine."
I am a daily caffeine user, and I have had withdrawal when I decide to cutback. So, I wanted to do this to find out if it really helps like many athletes say it does, or if it truly is just a stimulant that we are all addicted to, and it keeps us feeling normal.
Ethan Schaal: Red Alert: How the U.S. Perceives Rising Security Threats
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"I am Ethan Schaal, a dedicated undergraduate student at Tiffin University, where I am majoring in Homeland Security and Terrorism. I am also working toward a minor in law enforcement. At 21 years old, I am passionate about studying national security issues and law enforcement strategies, and I am from Mid Michigan."
The purpose of this research is to gather data on the public’s perception of threats to the United States, utilizing a true/false questionnaire to gain insight into how these threats are viewed across different groups. By choosing a subject closely related to my academic focus, specifically my major in Homeland Security and Terrorism, I aim to expand my knowledge and understanding of national security concerns. This study will specifically examine the differences in threat perceptions between individuals majoring in criminal justice and those pursuing other fields of study. By comparing these two distinct groups, the research seeks to identify any significant variations in how each category interprets and responds to various threats facing the nation, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and domestic violence. The findings from this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that shape public perception of security issues and could inform future educational or policy initiatives.
Freider Fornasari Banguera: Middle Child Syndrome
Undergraduate Student, School of Science, Technology and Health
"I am Freider Fornasari Banguera, an Italian-Colombian track and field student-athlete pursuing a second Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience at Tiffin University. After moving to the U.S. four years ago, I graduated summa cum laude in Biology in December 2024. Raised in Colombia and academically shaped in Italy, I enjoy music, art, and recently, thrifting and fashion."
This study investigates whether middle children experience greater psychological and social challenges compared to their siblings (firstborns, lastborns, and only children). Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the research examines the relationship between birth order (independent variable) and psychological outcomes such as self-esteem, social dynamics, and life satisfaction (dependent variables). A sample of 50 participants completed five validated questionnaires and a demographic form, with ethical guidelines strictly followed. Results revealed statistically significant differences, with middle children scoring lower on self-esteem and social support scales. Graphical analyses highlighted consistent trends, supporting the hypothesis of "Middle Child Syndrome." These findings suggest that middle children face unique challenges in family dynamics, potentially due to feelings of being overlooked. Personally, as a middle child (fourth of five siblings), this research provides insight into shared experiences, while professionally, it contributes to understanding how birth order influences psychological and social development, offering implications for family and psychological support systems.
Chloe Myers, Natalie Leszcz, Claire Campbell: The CSI Lie
Undergraduate Students, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"Claire Campbell is an undergraduate student in Forensic Psychology and Corrections at Tiffin University. Her research is focused on how fictional crime shows impact the understanding of the Criminal Justice System. Claire is currently involved in the Cold Case Fellowship Program, Alpha Phi Sigma, and OIP-u TU.
Natalie Leszcz is an undergraduate student at Tiffin University. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Law Enforcement. Her research is focused on how fictional crime shows impact the understanding of the Criminal Justice System. Natalie is currently involved in band, art team, and Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honors Society.
Chloe Myers is a sophomore at Tiffin University. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in forensic psychology with a minor in victim advocacy. Her research is focused on how fictional crime shows impact the understanding of the Criminal Justice System. Chloe is a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honors Society."
The purpose of this study is to look at how fictional crime TV shows affect the knowledge and attitudes of Criminal Justice students compared to non-Criminal Justice students about the Criminal Justice System. The goal is to see if these TV shows contribute to misunderstandings of the system. To do this, two questionaries were used, where both Criminal Justice and non-Criminal Justice students answered questions about their knowledge and opinions on the Criminal Justice System. The research could help understand how crime-related media affects people’s views and whether these shows influence students differently depending on their major. This study is important because it can show how fictional crime TV shows might shape the public's perception of criminal justice and why it's important to have more accurate portrayals in educational settings.
Cooper Yocum: Cyber Sex Crimes: A Comparitive Study of Knowledge and Awareness Among College Students
Undergraduate Student, School of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences
"My name is Cooper Yocum. I am a junior at Tiffin University with a major in forensic psychology and a minor in corrections."
With the rise of technology, cybersex crimes have become more prevalent. Our research aimed at finding out how informed college aged students on the risks and potential threats that cybersex crimes pose to them. The goal is to study how much college students know about the potential threats of cybersex crimes, specifically on websites or platforms that promote sugar relationships. As a criminal justice student, understanding these types of scenarios is crucial to my knowledge and my future potential careers.