University Archives

“Painting with Words: An Ekphrastic Poetry Reading”

Description: This proposal is for an ekphrastic poetry reading by writers, Jannath Aurfan, Maria Bitar, Emma Boucher, Alexander Comer, Asha George, Michelle Gomez-Angeles, Isabella Goolsby, Mariam Homayed, and Giovanni Romero, inspired by visual art. Each poet has selected a different painting or image as a catalyst for their work, using poetry to interpret, reimagine, and engage with emotions, narratives, and themes within the artwork. The presenters will explore how poetry can bridge visual and literary expression, offering new perspectives on familiar and unfamiliar works of art.

Statement of Value: This presentation displays the power of ekphrastic poetry to deepen artistic interpretation and foster creative dialogue. By engaging with visual art through poetry, the presenters highlight how language can breathe new life into images, uncover narratives, and evoke emotional responses beyond the canvas. Each poem reflects a unique perspective, demonstrating how art and poetry intersect to offer new ways of seeing and understanding. This reading emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary creativity, providing that poetry is not only a form of personal expression but also a bridge between different artistic mediums, enriching both the writer's and the audience’s experience of visual art.

Hide abstract

This presentation reflects on a Titan Innovation Fund project devoted to remodeling the Gardella Honors House. Professors Stephen Pasqualina and Thomas Provost will offer an overview of the project, including its original conception, its execution thus far, and the work ahead, which is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. The talk will communicate the vision behind the project; the process of involving students in its conception, planning, and completion; and the practical steps taken, from purchasing and building furniture to interfacing with the Honors community. 

Hide abstract

This presentation will investigate the way blackness and counterculture are intertwined. Examining texts from disciplines like sociology and anthropology, in addition to primary sources. I will make an argument that Moral panic in the United States related to countercultural social movements and subcultures inherently belongs to a spirit of colonialism and anti-blackness

Hide abstract

This presentation will be exploring topics from Pyc 3500 and making claims about countercultures and themes of dying. Specifically, this presentation will delve into the emo subculture and themes of death and dying with in, while also speculating about the rhetorical function of these themes.

Hide abstract

This presentation will be an elaboration of a research paper for black modernisms. This presentation will explore the ways Zora neale Hurston embodies the spirit of contemporary movements like punk, anticipating these values before its formation as a cohesive social movement. This presentation will argue about the intertwinedness of blackness, punk, and queerness.

Hide abstract

For this presentation, I will be reading a  piece that I worked on in intermediate creative writing 

Hide abstract

As creative writing students of varied backgrounds, Andrew Bosah, Hannah Burdinie, and Melissa Converse approach the past, present and future through common human experiences. This proposal is for a reading of “Sursum Corda” (Bosah), “October Sun” (Burdinie), and “Survive” (Converse) that feels through multi-leveled fear, hope both realized and not, and the realities of social injustices. Through sharing of these fictional stories, these authors hope to encourage the imagination and bravery in others to find themselves in written expression. 

Hide abstract

Putative 2-methylcitrate dehydratase (PDH1) is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial protein that participates in propionate metabolism. The PDH1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is orthologous to the human gene aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1), which recent reports suggest is a regulator of immunometabolism in inflammation and infection. However, the metabolic consequences of PDH1 deletion have not yet been fully characterized.  To further explore the molecular functions of PDH1, we performed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics to compare PDH1 deletion mutant yeast to BY4741 wild-type yeast. Both intracellular and extracellular metabolite extractions were performed on yeast cultures harvested at mid-log growth phase.  The yeast extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer operated in positive ionization mode. Following untargeted feature detection and alignment, univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to detect differential features between the yeast strains. Preliminary results, which suggest the mutation has multiple potential metabolic effects, will be described.

Hide abstract

Clearly written literature has often involved a subterfuge of masking, specifically, by the female author – a form of double consciousness. This is not to say that female authors fail to identify themselves through their writing. They choose to often not identify their personhood (i.e. gender, sexuality, age, economical status, race, political leaning, etc.) so as not to provoke opinions of themselves from their desired audience in order for the spotlight to fully envelope the subject or theme they are writing on. It is in the opaque – the masked – where we find the freedom to explore meaning. Some of the most notable female authors in literary history are the craftiest of maskers. This discussion will explore the reasons behind female writer masking and how clarity plays within the shadows, looking specifically at Emily Dickinson and Harriett Ann Jacobs. Masking is a tool of rebellion and commitment that emboldens the confidence of the female pen being wielded.  

Hide abstract

Crisis management has become an increasingly significant area of research, particularly in light of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, mass shootings, inflation, and climate crises. These crises profoundly affect individuals and businesses, heightening the demand for well-trained professionals in crisis response. 

Human service professionals—including social workers, first responders, counselors, psychologists, and other healthcare workers—often find themselves in situations where they must act as crisis counselors, regardless of their formal training in crisis intervention. Their ability to navigate these situations effectively is influenced by crisis self-efficacy, which refers to their confidence in managing crisis situations (Peters et al., 2017). Given this, our research team conducted a preliminary review on crisis self-efficacy among human health professionals. This presentation will summarize the preliminary review, highlight future research directions, and provide an update on our ongoing project currently in the data collection phase. This presentation will summarize the preliminary review, highlight future research directions, and provide an update on our ongoing project currently in the data collection phase. 

Peters, M., Sawyer, C., & Peters, J. W. (2017) Counselor's Crisis Self-Efficacy Scale: A Validation Study. American Counseling Association VISTAS Online. https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas/by-subject2/vistas-crisis/docs/default-source/vistas/article_4070ce2bf16116603abcacff0000bee5e7 

Hide abstract

A few poems by the presenter/author will be presented in the form of a poetry slam.

Hide abstract

Emily Dickinson is most known for her works of poetry and fiction. However, one of the most prolific examples of her writing is her correspondence with her sister-in-law, Susan Gilbert. The two wrote letters to one another for years, which are a suggestion of a romantic relationship. This can be inferred even though Gilbert’s half of the correspondence is missing. Arguably, this is what makes this theory stronger. This presentation contends that the absence of full context does not equal the absence of a complete narrative. Even though there is only half of their story on paper, Dickinson is such a strong writer there is enough clues throughout the letters to fill in the rest. The presentation will analyze Dickinson’s letters as well as hypothesizing how Gilbert could have responded, thus creating a fuller narrative of their relationship and demonstrating there is as much to learn about the two from what was written, as what wasn’t.

Hide abstract

This qualitative study explores the interrelatedness of trauma and substance use and examines the social determinants of health that influence this relationship. The research focused on 12 trauma-exposed Black women diagnosed with substance use disorders (SUDs) who were in recovery. In-depth interviews were conducted to understand participants' trauma and substance use histories, as well as their experiences with SUD treatment and recovery. Key findings highlight early substance exposure, adverse childhood experiences, and complex trauma as significant factors. Additionally, the study found that socially devalued identities had minimal impact, while support systems played a crucial role in recovery. The study's findings have important implications for future research and the development of culturally sensitive SUD treatment approaches for trauma-exposed Black women.

Hide abstract

In the United States, interdisciplinary collaboration for substance use disorders (SUDs) remains essential yet underutilized, with evidence-based integrated healthcare (IHC) models not fully implemented despite the need for comprehensive care. This presentation proposes a Holistic Integrated Healthcare (HIHC-SUD) model specifically designed to enhance SUD treatment by addressing both opportunities and barriers inherent in current fragmented healthcare models. The HIHC-SUD model emphasizes practical applications, such as co-locating healthcare providers, targeting multiple IHC domains concurrently, credentialing providers for SUD treatment, considering cultural factors, and advocating for policy amendments. Additionally, this presentation will showcase the practical application of the HIHC-SUD model within an interdisciplinary team through a specific case example, demonstrating its potential to improve SUD treatment outcomes.

Hide abstract

Purpose: The study’s purpose was to assess students’ perceptions towards impact of mindfulness interventions implemented during their class sessions.

Study design: Descriptive study

Methods: A total of 96 students from the second-degree option and BSN programs in the host institution participated in a mindfulness intervention prior to course activities. The four mindfulness interventions utilized in this study included: music, meditation, guided breathing, and positive affirmation.  The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics on post intervention surveys. 

Findings: The mindfulness intervention was overwhelmingly received by the students as reflected in the result of the confidential post surveys. At the completion of the post mindfulness interventions, majority of the students (85%, n = 82) either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they felt “at ease and majority (80%, n = 77) either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they felt more comfortable to take course requirements.

Conclusion: The mindfulness intervention can promote students’ feelings of “at ease” and confidence prior to a nursing course activity.

Hide abstract

This lab Manual will prepare students in health professions and related fields with fundamental but practical anatomical information, equipping them with a strong basis for a better understanding of the structural organization of the human body. This book, organized into sixteen chapters, covers all human organ systems. Each chapter follows a unique pattern of “Information-Label Diagrams-Case StudiesPractice Quizzes,” which meets the needs of students at various levels. Each chapter will guide the instructor in preparing for each lab session. Practice Quizzes are parts of students’ Lab reports that include microscopic or macroscopic drawings of anatomical structures. 

Hide abstract

If accepted, I would read two of my poems ("Solid" and "Self-Portrait as a Son").
The former addresses a (hyperbolic) ideal of human love, and the latter reflects on the perfection of God's love.

• "Solid" is a poem about a marriage so strong it persists even in death.
• "Self-Portrait as a Son" is a Catholic poem, exploring Jesus and the Eucharist through the images of food and parenting. 

Hide abstract

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera responds to
environmental conditions in series of transcription activation steps that results in co-
activation of the toxT promoter by two membrane-anchored transcription factors, ToxR
and TcpP. Once toxT is activated, the ToxT protein activates a number of virulence genes
including cholera toxin and the toxin co-regulated pilus. The requirement for both ToxR
and TcpP for toxT activation is well described with TcpP serving as the direct activator and
ToxR assisting TcpP with activation. However, how exactly the molecules engage DNA
and subsequently stimulate transcription is unclear. Using Cryo-EM, we were able to
solve the structure of a toxT transcription complex including ToxR, TcpP, RNA polymerase
(RNAP) and the toxT promoter. The positions of binding largely confirm prior genetic
studies, but also indicated key contacts between each molecule in the complex. Using
site-directed mutagenesis of TcpP, we confirmed TcpP-Q80 as a key DNA binding residue
in the DNA-recognition helix, required for toxT activation, due to it having multiple contacts
with nucleotide bases at positions -38 and -39, relative to the transcription start site. In
addition, TcpP-K101 is a critical residue in the wing domain that engages the minor grove
in winged-helix-turn-helix transcription factors. Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the
Cryo-Em structure was the indication that TcpP-F72 makes critical contacts with the -
CTD of RNAP to initiate transcription. Mutation of TcpP-F72 to alanine or serine resulted
in an 85% or 95% reduction in toxT activation, respectively. Finally, alteration of two
residues (TcpP-P32 and TcpP-I41) in an N-terminal hydrophobic patch predicted to affect
TcpP/ToxR interactions, reduced toxT activation by 40-90% depending on the
substitution. Thus, we have demonstrated the promoter architecture of the active toxT
promoter complex at the atomic levels and verified predicted critical molecular
interactions for initiating toxT activation required for the disease cholera. Future studies
will be aimed at disrupting these critical interactions in a search for effective therapeutics
for a disease with millions of cases each year worldwide.

Hide abstract

Over the past two years, there have been thousands of Ukrainian citizens fleeing from their homes in Ukraine and seeking sanctuary in numerous host countries. War and global conflict cannot only impact an individual's environment but can impact their accessibility to health care. This highlights the potential lack of accessibility and effective knowledge about the importance of vaccines. The purpose of this scoping review is to acknowledge the lack of research on vaccination resistance and hesitancy for Ukrainian refugees. By searching for the 4 different databases, we hoped to discover a lack of literature reviews focusing on Ukrainian refugees who are resistant and hesitant towards receiving the COVID-19 and HPV vaccines. The databases used to search this population and this global healthcare concern were; ERIC, Proquest Psychology, CINHAL, and PubMed. After a search, was conducted there was a total of 148 literature reviews in the past ten years addressed, “ Vaccination or Immunization and Refugee or Ayslumn and hesitancy and resistance.”  (  7 in PubMed, 129 in Proquest Psychology, 0 ERIC, and 12 in CINHAL). 

• Rationale. The reason for conducting a scoping review is to address vaccination rate concerns for Ukrainian refugees coming into host countries that are in need of medical care. The number of reviewed articles reveals there to be limited studies or attention focusing on Vaccination rates for Ukrainian refugees and highlights the need for future studies to take place. 
• Some of the many potential barriers that reveal the low vaccination rates among Ukrainian refugees include a lack of vaccines available during the Russian and Ukrainian war, misconceptions about the use of vaccines (HPV and COVID-19), and feeling uneasy with the potential long-term effects of recently mandated vaccines like COVID. 

Hide abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education, its integration into university curricula presents new opportunities for enhancing student learning and instructional design. This research project at the University of Detroit Mercy, in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) and the Center for Augmenting Intelligence, explores the impact of StudyAI’d, an AI-powered academic platform, on curriculum innovation and student engagement.

Funded through Faculty Research Awards 2024 and IRB-approved, this study examines how AI tools can support faculty in designing adaptive course materials, developing assessments, and enhancing instructional strategies while providing students with AI-driven study aids, writing support, research tools, and multimedia learning experiences.

This presentation will highlight preliminary work on integrating  AI into the curriculumn and discuss challenges and best practices for ethical and responsible AI adoption in higher education.

Hide abstract

This presentation will discuss the themes of existentialist philosophy in connection with Richard Wright’s posthumously published novel, The Man Who Lived Underground. By comparing the novel to other works of existentialist literature, such as a Nausea and The Stranger, I will show how The Man Who Lived Underground not only explores racism and white supremacy as themselves absurd, but also how the notion of these structures as absurd itself has profound political implications in the American context which both confronts and threatens the status quo of White Supremacy in and by its very expression.

I argue that The Man Who Lived Underground approaches the existential question posed by death through the confrontation of structures of racism and white supremacy through an embrace of Camus’ notion of the absurd and an affirmation of life as such. By embracing life as absurd, Fred Daniels confronts the “political deployment of the threat of death” at the heart of American politics and society, and in so doing, becomes a threat to its existence.The Man Who Lived Underground explores the human condition by inverting the problem of death, exploring it not as a biologically determined reality but as a political project propped up by American society.

Hide abstract

In 2013, the city of Detroit filed for bankruptcy with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) being responsible for one third of the city’s debt. As a result of the DWSD’s debt, Detroit started shutting off residential water supplies in response to unpaid water bills, depriving people of a basic human necessity. For over a decade, Detroit residents have been confronted by inadequate access to water. Between 2013 and 2020 alone, over 140,000 homes in Detroit experienced having their water supply shut off because of unaffordable water bills. This presentation will focus on the financial disparities of the disadvantaged and declining population of Detroit. It will also discuss some of the financial struggles of the city and its residents, and the decisions made by the city before and after declaring bankruptcy which have caused unnecessary hardship and led to residential water shutoffs.

Hide abstract

Abstract: A good physician-patient relationship is essential for the delivery of quality health care and is associated with better health outcomes. This study explored the association between patients' object relations and the physician-patient relationship. Primary care patients (n = 72) and physicians (n = 21) participated in the study. Patients' early memories were obtained prior to their medical visit and were coded with the Social Cognition and Object Relations–Global Method (SCORS-G). Patients and physicians independently rated the quality of the physician-patient encounter. Results indicated that object relations (SCORS-G Cognitive-structural and Self factors) incrementally predicted physician-patient relationship ratings, as rated by the patient, above and beyond psychological distress, somatization, and level of physician training. Patient education, psychological distress, and level of physician training predicted physician ratings of the medical encounter. The authors discuss the discrepancy between physician and patient ratings as they relate to patients' object relations.

Hide abstract

American theorist and essayist Ellen Willis's critique of feminist artists who shifted from seeking male validation to seeking approval from other women highlights a broader issue: Can genuine artistic expression thrive if it is always tailored to meet the expectations of an audience? This question goes beyond feminism, encompassing social movements, literature, and identity politics. While building solidarity within a community can deepen understanding, focusing on a specific audience can influence expression in ways that can jeopardize authenticity. This presentation explores the conflict between self-definition and the desire for external validation, examining how movements that begin as liberating can eventually become limiting. By engaging with Willis’ perspectives, contemporary feminist thought, and the concept of creative autonomy, I argue that true expression lies not in merely rejecting one set of constraints for another, but in embracing complexity, individuality, and intellectual independence.

Hide abstract

Abstract:
This presentation examines the systemic misrepresentation of Muslim women in Western media, tracing its roots to post-9/11 political narratives and cultural bias. Drawing from personal experience, interviews with Muslim and Christian voices, and scholarly research, I reveal how media sensationalism reduces Muslim women to stereotypes of oppression—ignoring their agency, faith, and diversity. Key findings include the hijab’s role as a symbol of choice and dignity (contrary to its portrayal as a tool of control) and the media’s profit-driven focus on fear over nuance. This work challenges audiences to confront harmful narratives and engage directly with Muslim communities to foster interfaith understanding

Hide abstract

This paper contends that several factors, such as a nearly 18-year-long blockade
restricting the movement of materials, trades, water, assistance, and travel (even for
life-threatening scenarios), economic instability, and constant bombardment, contribute to the
deterioration of mental stability among youth in Gaza. To be alive in Gaza today, as someone
born in the 2000s, you must have survived over 6 wars. Around half of Gaza’s population of 2.1
million are children, and 41% are aged 14 or under, which means hundreds of thousands of young individuals
have known only life under the dire conditions of the Israeli blockade. Due to such unfavorable
conditions, many studies have shared the same results. For youth ages 6-19, well over half suffer
from PTSD alone (2020). In addition to post-traumatic stress disorder, youth in Gaza have
alarmingly high rates of depression and anxiety. This paper aims to highlight the dense
population of the Gaza Strip, and how this plays a vital role in justifying the claim that any
bombardment of Gaza is collective punishment. This research aims to recognize multiple contributing
factors resulting in psychological disorders faced by youth in Gaza, the world’s only current open-air
concentration camp.

Hide abstract

This capstone project was conducted by Master of Community Development graduate student Cicely Turner, who partnered with organization Northwest Goldberg Cares, to complete her two-semester action-based research project. This study engaged various stakeholders - including longtime residents and business owners - in the historic Northwest Goldberg Community, located adjacent Henry Ford Hospital's main campus in Detroit, Michigan. The community revitalization plan consists of an analysis of the community, its residents, current land use and housing conditions, economic development, challenges, opportunities, needs assessment, and recommendations. Highlighted in this presentation are neighborhood assets, plans and challenges to corridor activation, top proposed project ideas, and an action plan and implementation strategy of this community, of which the student is a generational resident.

Hide abstract