BAIRD CHAPEL

Taylor Swift: Why She Never Goes Out of Style
Presenter: Dr. Andrea Davis

Let’s be in our Swiftie Era! This talk will cover Taylor’s albums, why she is rerecording some of them, her economic and
cultural impact, and analyze some of her lyrics. Attendees are encouraged to bring friendship bracelets to trade with
others!

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM

Making a Living as an Artist: Music and Music City Murals with CU Alum Anthony Billups
Presenter: Mr. Anthony Billups

Hear from Anthony Billups, a 2006 baseball alumni from CU about how he ended up at Cumberland University to play
baseball while earning a degree in Fine Arts. Following graduation, he began his career as an artist and later founded The
Building—a renowned art/music venue in East Nashville from 2009-2015 and events like The Germantown Art Crawl (now
100 Taylor Arts Market)— the monthly event that brings music and art to the masses in Nashville’s historic Germantown
neighborhood. His mural business, Music City Murals, is responsible for bringing custom murals to the facades of local
businesses and national brands, alike. Anthony is working on his fourth studio album and has opened for music artists such
as Luke Bryan and Billy Currington. Anthony is excited to share more of his story and how he makes a living as an artist!

CLEMONS LECTURE HALL LABRY HALL 130

Starting A Business with No Marketable Skills
Presenter: Dr. Noa D. Stroop

Many want to start a business but think they have no skills. Well, Dr. Stroop begs to differ. Join him to discuss skills that you
already possess that can create a legitimate income as a (side or main) business.

LIBRARY READING ROOM

Modern Day Witchcraft
Presenter: Dr. Michael Rex

The presenter will look at and explore the ideas of contemporary witchcraft.

LABRY HALL 117

Creativity and Applied Physics
Presenter: Dr. André L. Churchwell

There is a need to develop your “right brain’s” activities as it is the “left brain’s” where your deterministic practices,
mathematics, science, and other tools are used to address daily workday problems. The right brain is where most of your
creativity and epiphanies spring from. This is where art, poetry, and prose are mostly housed and if not developed and
practiced it will not be available in those moments in your life when creative spontaneity is needed to solve a workday
problem. The current courses and curriculum on design thinking that many schools are developing spring from the
interaction of the left and right brain. The presenter will use personal examples and three people whose careers exemplify
the best of this needed “dual mind” approach to problem solving. As a tease, one is Leonardo Da Vinci!

LABRY HALL 118

LEADERSHIP
Presenter: Dr. Paul M. Percy

Using the acrostic LEADERSHIP, Dr. Percy discusses 10 behaviors that make a leader effective.

LABRY HALL 116

Coping with Trauma
Presenter: Ms. Sandra Fields

Managing trauma symptoms while at school can be challenging. This presentation will give some very practical ideas and
end with a guided relaxation time.

LABRY HALL 207

Phoenix Flyers: What Exploring the World has Taught Us
Presenters: Mr. Abdulrahman Albarati, Ms. Yamaris Garfias, Ms. Claire Hopkins, Ms. Shelby Lopez, Dr. Sean McDaniel, and
Ms. Summer Vertrees

Come and hear from Cumberland students that have traveled abroad with the Phoenix Flyers travel group. Listen to the life
lessons and learn from the growth they encountered while exploring the world and seeing its beauty through travel.

LABRY HALL 209

How Data Drives Our World: Making Smarter Decisions Every Day
Presenter: Mr. Lain Tomlinson

Discover how data impacts our daily lives, from personalized recommendations to innovations in banking, healthcare, and education. This presentation highlights AI, predictive analytics, and ethical considerations, while offering a look at future data-driven trends.

LABRY HALL 210

Getting Lost in the Woods
Presenter: Ms. Mia Harris

Being a wildlife technician includes a remarkable amount of undocumented experiences and unconventional learning, things that are rarely discussed in scientific manuscripts or academic settings. From hiking across a mountain ridge to meeting new animals, getting lost in the woods makes for some funny stories and forces individuals, especially those aspiring to be lifetime biologists, to recreate themselves with each new challenge. A Perspective on Summer

Undergraduate Research Programs (REU)

Presenters: Ms. Emily Foster and Dr. Julie Phillips

A great talk for students interested in gaining professional research experience. We will discuss the application process and
what to expect from an undergraduate research program.

LABRY HALL 211

Why Are Martin Van Buren’s Papers at Cumberland University?
Presenters: Dr. Mark Cheathem and Dr. Andrew Wiley

Since 2015, Cumberland University has hosted a presidential papers project focused on Martin Van Buren. Learn the story of what this project is and how it wound up at CU.

Hawaii: The Prototype of US Imperialism
Presenter: J. C. Nichols

The presenter will investigate the congressional discourse over the annexation of Hawaii and the capitalist interests under
the guise of domestic security (aided by the colonial settlement that created a non-indigene government in Hawaii) which
came to serve as a template for US imperialism at the turn of the twentieth century.

LABRY HALL 122
And the Award Goes To…
Presenter: Mr. Rusty Richardson

Are you a movie fan? Come learn about the history of the Academy Awards and the Best Pictures of the Year winners.

MEMORIAL HALL 202
Connecting Environment and Health in Italy
Presenters: Dr. Beth Chatham and Dr. Sean McDaniel

The presenters will be introducing an interdisciplinary course proposal on Health and Ecology. The course will include a 10-day trip in Italy. The presentation will give an overview of the trip to Italy scheduled for May 2025.

War by Other Means: Office-seeking and Political Polarization
Presenter: Dr. Max Matherne

Dr. Matherne will share his research on the men who applied for political offices in the early American republic, with
findings that may shed light on the political polarization we witness today.

MEMORIAL HALL 203
Is Running a Gateway Drug?
Presenter: Ms. Holly Gothard

A runner’s high, marked by reduced anxiety and a feeling of “euphoria”, is thought to be driven by endocannabinoids—naturally occurring compounds in the body that resemble the effects of cannabis. In this talk, Ms. Gothard will explore how endocannabinoids impact the body during running and highlight current research on their role in this exercise-induced state.

MEMORIAL HALL 205
Speed Stacking: Importance on Learning
Presenter: Dr. George Walker

Speed Stacking is a psychomotor bi-manual task. This presentation will show participants how to speed stack and how it
plays a part in learning.

MEMORIAL HALL 206
Recovery Ally/Collegiate Recovery Initiative
Presenter: Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations

This presentation will discuss how to address people with substance misuse. It will also work to raise awareness and build
confidence in those eager to help people who may be struggling.

MEMORIAL HALL 208
How Are You Sabotaging Your Wellness?
Presenters: Ms. Leighanne Fulmer and Ms. Kerry Ann Moore

Learn to recognize avoidance and other habits that drain your energy and time. Instead, cultivate habits that save and
replenish your energy in the long run.

MEMORIAL HALL 306
Plant-Microbe Interactions and Soil Microbial Dynamics: Key to Mitigating Climate Change
Presenter: Dr. Mitra Ghotbi

Elevated CO2 levels from climate change are altering plant-microbe interactions, leading to reduced microbial diversity and
affecting soil nutrient retention, which could exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions and climate feedback loops. The purpose of this talk is to describe ongoing research aimed at understanding these complex interactions and determining what is vital for improving soil health to mitigate the negative impacts on global food security.

Cross-Species Gut Microbiome Transplantation Influences Larval Amphibian Heat Tolerance
Presenter: Dr. Jason W. Dallas

The gut microbiome is a complex and diverse community of microbes, particularly bacteria, in the gastrointestinal tract that have a substantial role in influencing the performance of their host. In this study, the presenter found that transplanting the gut microbiome of a more heat-tolerant frog (green frog) species into a more heat-sensitive frog (wood frog) resulted in an increase in heat tolerance of the recipient wood frogs suggesting the microbiome plays an important role in modulating host thermal physiology.

BAIRD CHAPEL
Steps of Faith in Times of Doubt: Finding God in the Questions
Presenters: Ms. Whitney R. Simpson and Dr. Sheridan Henson

This presentation explores the natural tension between faith and doubt on the Christian journey, encouraging students to view questioning as a vital part of their spiritual formation. It offers practical steps for navigating uncertainty, will be ecumenical and inclusive, and emphasizes that seasons of doubt can lead to deeper trust and growth in one’s faith and connection with God.

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM
Disney’s Version of History and Culture
Presenter: Dr. Natalie Inman

Disney’s portrayals of history and culture have for generations shaped the ways Americans perceive the stories of their nation and people throughout the world. This talk will spotlight how Disney movies and Walt Disney World, in particular, have shaped how Americans think and act.

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Marketing Strategy: Invention Convention
Presenters: MKT/MGT 490 students and Dr. Valerie King

Marketing strategy students are presenting marketing plans for inventions that solve a market problem.

LIBRARY READING ROOM
Alpha-gal Syndrome and Surviving a Rattlesnake Bite
Presenter: Dr. Danny Bryan

Working in and visiting the great outdoors can be quite enjoyable, but what is it like when nature bites back?

LABRY HALL 117
QPR – Question Persuade and Refer
Presenter: Ms. Brenda Harper

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life.

LABRY HALL 118
The Importance of Investing in Real Estate
Presenter: Mr. Andy Garretson

Real estate is the number one way Americans build wealth, and the presenter’s goal is to teach young adults the pathway to buying their first home and the importance of investing long-term. Buying a home earlier in life will pay off in HUGE ways because you reap the benefits of long-term appreciation, tax deductions, and potential rental income.

LABRY HALL 115
A Voyage Through the Warped Universe
Presenter: Dr. Stephen Taylor

This presentation will discuss the search and discovery for gravitational waves in space. We will cover the journey to this point, the discoveries that have been made so far, and what lies ahead for this dramatically new type of astronomy.

LABRY HALL 116
BFA Senior Artist Talks
Presenters: Ms. Catherine Kawasaki, Ms. Kristina Looper, Ms. Saralyn Wiggins, and Ms. Alena Mehić

Graduating seniors will give in-depth talks about their practice, focusing on work displayed in their senior thesis exhibition
and the influences, ideas, and intentions behind it.

Reel Talk: Mental Health Portrayal in Films
Presenter: Ms. Alexandria Trull

This presentation breaks down mental health portrayals in various films. It analyzes how films accurately portrayed mental
health and how they did not.

LABRY HALL 207
See the World with CU- Travel to Ireland
Presenters: Dr. Sean McDaniel and Ms. Summer Vertrees

We will discuss what adventure awaits when you travel abroad with the Cumberland community in the summer of 2025.
From the pubs and dancing of the city to the rolling hills and castles of the country, Ireland has so much for us to explore!

LABRY HALL 209
What Does x Equal? Famous Math Problems
Presenters: Ms. Brooke Turner, Mr. Daniel Wessels, Ms. Lara Zugasti Esteban, and Dr. Will Tune

Ever wonder what keeps mathematicians awake at night? Come and learn about some famous mathematical problems, both solved and unsolved. The presenters will explain what the problems are, some of the history behind them, and what efforts have been made to solve them.

LABRY HALL 210
Ask the Experts: Current Research by CU Humanities, Sciences and Health Professions Faculty
Presenters: Dr. Mark Cheathem, Dr. Laura Bechard, Dr. Jason Grindstaff, and Dr. Julie Phillips

Ever wonder what your professors do besides teach? Join several faculty members as they describe their research, how it
fits into their specific field, and why research is important for graduate school and professional careers.

LABRY HALL 211
An Era of Change: The Progressive Era (History Senior Seminar Presentations)
Presenters: Ms. Jesse D. Cochran, Ms. Lexie Netherton, Ms. Kelsey Suddarth, and Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik

Three senior history majors will present their independent research projects. Jesse Cochran has researched the treatment of women in mental asylums and prisons in the late 19th century into the 20th century. Lexie Netherton will discuss the changing treatment of orphans in the same period, looking at the Orphan Train movement as well as the controversial Children’s Home Societies in Tennessee and Texas. Kelsey Suddarth will present on the impact of lynching in Wilson County in the early 20th century.

MEMORIAL HALL 202
Transcultural Nursing in Honduras
Presenters: Mr. Joseph Mullins, Ms. Delaney Eldred, Mr. Braxton Washer, Ms. Grace Harris, Ms. Jasmin Tatum, and Ms. Michelle Zuercher

Students will be sharing their experience of the transcultural nursing trip to Honduras in Spring 2023

From IVs to EKGs: The Hospital Experience, Explained
Presenters: Ms. Michelle Zuercher and Mr. Joe Callis

This presentation will work to demystify the hospital experience. The presenters will discuss the ins and outs of everything from IVs to why we measure your bodily fluids.

MEMORIAL HALL 203
Nature’s Goths: Studying the Misunderstood in a Time When They Need Our Help
Presenters: Ms. Estie C. Holman and Dr. Michael C. Fulbright

Bats are ecologically important, but widely misunderstood nighttime flyers. Their roles as pest controllers and pollinators are essential to maintaining the health of ecosystems while promoting biodiversity. These fascinating creatures are facing declines in populations globally due to many factors including habitat fragmentation, development, habitat destruction and disease. White-nose syndrome, which is caused by a fungus, has decimated our native bat populations. We want to tell you the story of why bats are so important and how we are studying them here at Cumberland.

MEMORIAL HALL 205
Educational Journey – What’s Your Why?
Presenters: Dr. Sandy Smith, Dr. Katherine Gilligan, Dr. Whitney Matthews, Dr. George Walker, Dr. Cyndy Stone Allen, and Professor Barbara Parker

This presentation will be a panel discussion with the EPP faculty on their educational journeys. Faculty will share
experiences in hopes of inspiring future educators.

MEMORIAL HALL 206
Mental Health Cooperative
Presenters: Mr. Michael Randolph

Presenters from the Mental Health Cooperative will share information about mental health.

MEMORIAL HALL 207
Five Movie Scenes that Changed Everything
Presenter: Dr. Sara Hays

Film professor Dr. Sara Hays will show five movie scenes that she feels had a lasting impact on the film industry – and culture in general – and then discuss each one in terms of production, narrative, and characterization.

MEMORIAL HALL 208
Let’s Celebrate! Five Years of the Novus Literary Arts Journal
Presenter: Ms. Sandee Gertz

Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Novus Literary Arts Journal with a Reading of the Best Works since 2019 and a viewing of fine art from our contributors. Meet Novus Editors and find out more about Cumberland’s international journal and opportunities here and in Dublin Ireland.

MEMORIAL HALL 306
Using AI to Understand Microbiomes
Presenter: Dr. Joshua L. Phillips

In this lecture, we will examine several projects in the presenter’s research lab which explore the use of multi-modal models for processing and understanding complex biological/ecological systems involving prairie plants and their soil microbiomes, snake skin microbiomes and their connection to snake skin metabolomes in the presence/absence of fungal pathogens, and on-going work integrating metabolomic/metagenomic data from wood frog gut samples.

BAIRD CHAPEL
Secrets in the Hills: Who Killed Tracy Sue Walker
Presenter: Mr. Brandon Elkins

In 1985, bones were found in the Elk Valley area of Tennessee. The unidentified remains would only come to be known as “Baby Girl.” It wouldn’t be until 2022, with the help of Othram, that “Baby Girl” would finally have a name. She was 15-year-old Tracy Sue Walker of Lafayette, Indiana. She’d gone missing in 1978. Since giving her a name, Brandon Elkins and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have been working tirelessly to determine who is responsible for Walker’s murder. Someone out there knows something. Someone knows what happened to Tracy–and that person needs to be brought to justice. Join Agent Elkins as he takes attendees into a cold case unlike any other. From remains found in a desolate area, to the long-sought identification, and now, finally, to the need to find secrets in the hills of Tennessee. It’s a case that only YOU can help solve.

HEYDEL AUDITORIUM
Musical Theatre Showcase
Presenters: Ms. Mae Jenkins, Ms. Takiah Ledo, Ms. MaryAnn Waters, Mr. Max Taylor, Ms. Christina Shandor, Ms. Noelle
Duke, Ms. Ally Barnett, Ms. Alex Sain, Mr. J.D. Moore, and Ms. Jenny Ballard

Students will be presenting songs from Little Women, as well as their upcoming production of Sister Act.

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FBI Investigation of the Terrorist Bombings in Riyadh Saudi Arabia in May 2003
Presenter: Mr. David Mitchell

Mr. Mitchell was the On-Scene Commander of FBI resources in the joint investigation of three bombings by Al Qaeda Terrorists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where 27 individuals were killed, including 9 Americans on May 12, 2003. He will discuss his experiences during this time.

LIBRARY READING ROOM
12 O’clock High and Masters of the Air: The Story of the Airmen and Their Struggle
Presenter: Dr. Luke Truxal

This presentation will examine how the 1949 film “Twelve O’clock High” and the 2024 Apple Television series “Masters of the Air” rip away the romanticism of air warfare.

LABRY HALL 117
QPR – Question Persuade and Refer
Presenter: Ms. Brenda Harper

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide, know how to offer hope, and know how to get help and save a life.

LABRY HALL 115
HIV and Alcohol
Presenter: Ms. Stephanie Davis

The presenter will discuss the dangers of HIV and Alcohol. The Overlap of Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Community Presenters: Ms. Caroline O’Brien and Ms. Stephanie Davis This presentation will discuss the mental health crises that is happening in the LGBTQ+ community. It will also include resources from the Trevor Project.

LABRY HALL 116
Strategies for Cultivating your Mental Health
Presenter: Dr. Eddie Christian

This program is designed to learn practical ways for accepting life challenges and enhancing one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

LABRY HALL 202
Facts About Fentanyl and Harm Reduction
Presenter: Will Taylor, Drug Free Wilco

A representative from Drug free Wilco will discuss Fentanyl and Harm Reduction.

LABRY HALL 207
What Are You Thinking About? A Pre-Game Checklist and Curriculum for No-Limit Holdem Study
Presenter: Dr. Stuart Harris

This presentation will talk about the importance of focus while playing No-Limit Holdem poker and will suggest a series of
things that a player should be thinking about as a hand unfolds.

LABRY HALL 209
Star Wars, A Collecting Story
Presenter: Mr. Milton Sager

Collecting toys, comics, and other memorabilia of Star Wars, what could go wrong?

Castles, Dragons, and Fantasy: Medievalism in LEGO
Presenter: Dr. Rory Sellgren

The presenter will showcase the current state of his LEGO collection and management.

LABRY HALL 210
Ask the Experts: Current Research by CU Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences Faculty
Presenters: Dr. Sean McDaniel, Dr. Michael Rex, Dr. Michael Fulbright, and Dr. Chelsea Sterne

Ever wonder what your professors do besides teach? Join several faculty members as they describe their research, how it
fits into their specific field, and why research is important for graduate school and professional careers.

LABRY HALL 211
Questions of Leadership (History Senior Seminar Presentations)
Presenters: Mr. Mark Sullivan Compton, Mr. Niklaus Heimdal, Mr. Joshua Maxwell, and Dr. Tara Mitchell Mielnik

Three senior history majors will present their independent research projects. Sullivan Compton analyzes the conditions of slavery of several slave-holding American presidents in the early American republic. Niklaus Heimdal will compare the relationship between Ulysses S. Grant and President Andrew Johnson at the end of the American Civil War. Joshua Maxwell will discuss Operation Enduring Freedom, the American military operation in Afghanistan and the formation of the modern Afghan state.

MEMORIAL HALL 202
Open Your World: Study Abroad
Presenters: Ms. Györgyi Mihályi, Dr. Mark Hanshaw, and others.

Join us to explore Cumberland University’s global partnerships with universities across the world, while hearing inspiring stories from past participants. This info session will gather your input on preferred destinations and programs, as we plan to launch study abroad courses where you can earn academic credit.

MEMORIAL HALL 203
Novel Energy Generation for the Future
Presenter: Dr. Joshua Klaassen

The presenter will give an overview of novel energy generation methods that have the possibility to change how humans
power our lives.

MEMORIAL HALL 205
From Where Does Money Come?
Presenter: Dr. Richard Grant

What is money? How does it come into existence and what gives it value?

MEMORIAL HALL 206
Navigating First Episode Psychosis: Insights into Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Presenter: Ms. Kaylee Wilson

First episode psychosis represents a critical period in mental health, where early detection and intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the signs and symptoms of FEP, focusing on how they manifest in various populations. We will examine early intervention strategies, including integrated and coordinated care approaches that combine medical, psychological, and community support. Join us to discuss practical tools to identify FEP early, understand treatment options available and gain insight into supporting individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

MEMORIAL HALL 208
Zine Scene: Honors Students Present Their Zines
Presenters: Honors English Students and Mr. Wyatt Keener

The students of Honors English Seminar have been working on zines (DIY magazines) that tell a story about their life. In this session, they’ll present their work and talk about the process of making a zine.

MEMORIAL HALL 306
Green Meets Unseen: Boosting Nature’s Carbon Capture through Plant-Microbe Interactions
Presenter: Dr. Alyssa A. Carrell

Dr. Alyssa Carrell is a research scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Her research in ecology is focused on understanding plant and microbial community dynamics with a special interest in ecosystem resilience and resistance to environmental perturbations. In this presentation she will share recent research in her lab.