2026 IU Southeast Student Conference

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2022/34793

Research and creative works from students who participated in the 2026 Annual IU Southeast Student Conference, which took place April 22-24, 2026.

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Now showing 1 - 6 of 6

Once Upon a Time The Big Bad Wolf and Emotional Development in Childhood
(2026-04-23) Litvin, Deborah
Once Upon a Time fairy tales were never merely stories. They are psychologically formative narratives supporting children’s social and emotional development. This project explores their therapeutic value, arguing that imagery, structure, and characterization create a safe imaginative space for working through complex emotions. Focusing on anthropomorphism, it shows how animal characters provide emotional distance while preserving narrative tension. Drawing on Freudian and Jungian theory, this study demonstrates how archetypal symbolism and anthropomorphic figures help children confront fear, aggression, and vulnerability, highlighting fairy tales’ enduring psychological relevance and their role in guiding children through emotional and psychic development.
Making a Mark: Creativity, Connection, and Voice in the Picture Books of Peter H. Reynolds
(2026-04-24) Litvin, Deborah
This paper explores how the picture books of Peter H. Reynolds inspire creativity, empathy, and connection in young readers. Through close readings of: All We Need Is Love, A Really Soft Pillow, Going Places, and Our Table, this paper examines how Reynolds combines simple language with expressive illustrations to communicate powerful messages about imagination, perseverance, and relationships. Using a formalist approach, the paper analyzes how visual and textual elements work together to shape meaning. Ultimately, it argues that Reynolds’ stories encourage children to value creativity, pursue ideas with confidence, and recognize the importance of connection in an increasingly distracted world.
Sexual Mores, Behaviors, and Knowledge of 19th Century England
(2026-04-23) Spencer, Olivia
This project examines the moral beliefs of 19th Century England pertaining to sex and how they were influenced by religion and politics. The project also details sexual behavior, specifically pertaining to contraception and deviant behaviors such as homosexuality and masturbation.
Things I learned as an English Major And How it Has Affected Me and My Writing
(2026-04-24) Jansa, Jaymee
Presenting skills that I have learned throughout the years as an English major. Will be using past examples of my writings to demonstrate the skills I gained.
Taking Notes: Predicting Parasocial Guidance Through Media and Similar Life Events
(2026-04-24) Marie, Xondrais
One way people use media, whether it be books, movies, video games, or other media outlets, is to self-socialize (Garmon et al., 2018). Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships between the media consumer and a media figure. In this study, I will investigate behavioral media engagement and the intensity of a parasocial relationship between a media consumer and a mentor in the media. I will also look at the prevalence of similar life events between the consumer and the character. Data will be collected through convenience sampling through an online survey using Qualtrics that will be shared through social media.
A Gamified Informatics Approach to Library Shelving Training
(2026-04-24) Gayler, Callie Brooke
This project addresses an informatics challenge in the IUS library: student workers must learn to shelve materials accurately using the Library of Congress and Dewey systems, a skill that requires structured, repeated practice. Current training tools (modules, limited games, and hands-on exercises) lack a centralized interactive environment. To improve training, this project uses user-centered design and systems analysis to create a custom web application that delivers gamified shelving practice with progressive difficulty. Through drag-and-drop exercises, immediate feedback, and non-identifying

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