Black Hills State University students to earn Honors distinctions with capstone defenses

Ten Black Hills State University students graduating with a University Honors distinction will present their final capstone projects and research Monday April 22, Tuesday, April 23, and Monday, April 29 from 3-5 p.m. in the BHSU Joy Center.

Capstone projects are similar to a traditional graduate thesis, scaled to allow for completion during undergraduate studies. Honors students apply what they have learned in both major-specific courses and Honors curriculum to their projects. Topics this year cover a wide range from analysis of Caldecott Medal and Honor Books, hybridization of species in Thunder Basin, Wyo., and using music to increase reading comprehension.

Tyler Bortz, double major in biology and science communication from Colstrip, Mont., says “classes offered to Honors students allow us to learn in a more critical manner, allowing us to dive deeper into topics and fully understand and critique them rather than just skimming over them.”

On April 29, Bortz will present his capstone project titled, “Interspecific hybridization of Wavyleaf and Prairie Thistles in Thunder Basin, Wyoming.” He critically studied the interaction between two species that typically shouldn't be able to reproduce with each other.

Bortz was offered involvement in the new project by his mentors, Drs. Justin and Tara Ramsey at BHSU. They told him that if he would rather, he could work on one of their more established research projects. The thought of being the first to work on this new thistle project, though, piqued Bortz’s interest. Since his data collection period in the Thunder Basin during the summer of 2018, Bortz has been analyzing, researching, and compiling his results into his final capstone project. 

Similarly, Skylar Smith, special education major from Rapid City, found the capstone project an extraordinary way to bring light to a previously uncovered topic of research. Smith’s capstone project to be presented on April 23, "Improving Language to Promote Inclusion of Secondary Students with Disabilities: a Proposed Self-Assessment for Teachers,” aims to address the lack of awareness around inclusive language and current outcomes of students with disabilities.

Smith reviewed literature from other disciplines, like elder speak and gendered language, and then developed a self-assessment for teachers to determine what effect their (potentially unintentional) actions may have on their students with disabilities.

Spring 2018 Capstone Defense presenters and capstone project titles are listed below. All presentations will be held in the Joy Center from 3-5 p.m.
Monday, April 22:
1.         Sidney May, social science major from Whitewood- “National Cemeteries: Towards a Sustainable Future in the Black Hills”
2.         Hannah Owens, chemistry major from Spearfish- "Exploration of Photoredox Chemistry in Alpha-Alkynation Couplings and Formation of the Copper Complex”
3.         Aisha Baum, English major from Lead- “Confessional Poetry: Cathartic Expression of Female Oppression and Mental Illness”
 
Tuesday, April 23:
4.         Abby Belus, graphic design communication and music major from Circle, Mont.- "Understanding Children's Literature: A Systematic Analysis of Literary and Graphic Conventions in Caldecott Medal and Honor Books"
5.         Hannah Johnson, chemistry major from Spearfish- “Synthesis and Evaluation of Fluoxetine and N-Methyl Fluoxetine Derivatives on Plasmodium falciparum”
6.         Skylar Smith, special education major from Rapid City- "Improving Language to Promote Inclusion of Secondary Students with Disabilities: a Proposed Self-Assessment for Teachers"
 
Monday, April 29:
1.         Samantha Ray, history education major from Pierre- “Multicultural Education and You: How to Use a Lack Luster Textbook in a Multicultural Lesson Plan”
2.         Tyler Bortz, biology and science communication major from Colstrip, Mont.- "Interspecific hybridization of  Wavyleaf and Prairie Thistles in Thunder Basin, Wyoming"
3.         Druanna Barzeski, Spanish major from Philadelphia, Pa.- “Using Music to Increase Reading Comprehension”
4.         Erin Broberg, English composite major from Rapid City- “The Art of Optometry: the Magic Realist Battle Against Internalized Anti-Semitism”

The University Honors Program students who developed their research projects and worked with a faculty committee over the course of a year will be scored following their capstone defense. Upon graduation, the Honors students will receive academic distinction on their official academic transcript, which sets them apart and can give them an advantage as they apply for graduate school or further education.
 
The typical capstone project ties together familiar knowledge on the topic with a new interpretation or proposal. Some students take an alternative route, though, to express what they have learned at BHSU, especially through the use of creative scholarship, a significant service-learning project, a business plan or proposal, or an extensive literary analysis, to name a few.
 
About the BHSU University Honors Program:
The University Honors Program at Black Hills State University is dedicated to achievement, leadership, and community, seeking to enrich students' university experiences. The program is designed to provide the university’s top students with the support and individualized instruction they need to pursue their academic and professional goals. The Honors Program adds tremendous value to a Black Hills State University education, including additional academic resources and opportunities, individualized instruction and faculty mentorship, and a dynamic academic and social network.