ULS Academic Summit

Oral Session 2A (IESB 110)

1. Caleb Boudreaux, Alec Plaisance, and Raj Boopathy
   Nicholls State University
   “Presence of Trimethoprim resistant bacteria isolated from Hurricane Ida sediments.”
2. Hali Mitchell and Chiara Digilormo
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Senior Adult Fish Fry”
3. Kyle Hargrove
   Northwestern State University
   “Minoan Agroforestry: Analyzing the environmental archaeological record of Bronze Age Crete”
4. Ke-Sean Peter
   Grambling State University
   “Study of nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering”
5. Vincent Mountiz Stevenson
   The University of New Orleans
   “Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production Using Surplus Renewable Power”

Oral Session 2B (IESB 114)

1. Robert Rees Boulanger
   University of Louisiana at Lafayette
   “Household Energy Consumption: A Focus on Efficiency”
2. Desirae Mead, Jalaieh Brim, and Junior Hopwood
   Grambling State University
   “Excellence is a Way of Life not an Option”
3. Caleb Helms, Avery Tullos, Alex Laurent, and Trenton Kaine O’Neal
   Northwestern State University
   “The Degradation of Acetaminophen Under Nitrate and Sulfate Reducing Conditions”
4. Naima Bomani
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Addressing Racial Disparities through the Guise of Visual Art”
5. Tori Register
   The University of New Orleans
   “The Work of Chung-Hoon Chung”

Oral Session 2C (IESB 222)

1. Summer Brownfield and Aaliyah Harris
   Grambling State University
   “Revisiting the Breonna Taylor Case: How Six Shots Changed the Racial Makeup of Law Enforcement”
2. Heather Kennedy, Julie Odom, Emma Dupree, Annabelle Yates, Dario Cosic, and Mollie Owens
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Implementing the ‘You Can’t Say You Can’t Play’ Rule in Classrooms to Encourage Equity and Inclusion: An Intervention Project Promoting Individual Well-Being Among First Graders and Capacity Building within an Elementary School”
3. Aaron Nathan Hock
   The University of New Orleans
   “Simulation of Combined Cycle and Supercritical Rankine Cycle Using Liquid and Gaseous Ammonia as Fuel”
4. Chloe Hamilton, Hailee Kyrou, Helen Casey, Ironda Miles, and Paige Brooks
   Northwestern State University
   “Healthy Nutrition for Optimal Promotion of Healing and Immune Function Among the Homeless Population”
5. Mary Frances Cali
   Nicholls State University
   “Imagery and Voice in the Poetry of Whitman and Melville”

Oral Session 3A (IESB 110)

1. Mierra Simmons
   Grambling State University
   “Could your Child be Next: Cleft lip Birth Defects in America”
2. Anna Jones
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Disordered Eating: Providing Resources to Students”
3. Sydnee Johnson
   University of Louisiana at Lafayette
   “Challenges and recommendations to support inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems”
4. Matt Matthews and Casandra Saxon
   Southeastern Louisiana University
   “How Social Media Consumption, Breaks, and Healthy Practices can Affect College Students’ Mental Health”
5. Sara Kimble
   Northwestern State University
   “Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide and Indium Oxide Modified Carbon Nanotubes: Towards the Development of Novel Photocatalysts for the Degradation of PFAS”

Oral Session 3B (IESB 114)

1. Lauren Cooper and Meghan Michael
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Break or Burn: The importance of intentional study breaks”
2. Kiandria Ina, Nauyauna Bryant, and Katrina Harris
   Grambling State University
   “Reading with Head Start/Art with Head Start/ Black History with Head Start”
3. Iphy Emeka Kelvin, Holden Heldenbrand, and Joseph Overstreet
   Southeastern Louisiana University
   “Mind-Print: Exploring EEG-Based User Authentication with Machine Learning”
4. Karii Gautreaux-Gribanov and Blade Beaubouef
   Northwestern State University
   “Inventory Management System in Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets”
5. Kirstin Wilson
   University of Louisiana at Lafayette
   “ACEs in Elementary African American Students”

Oral Session 3C (IESB 222)

1. Amani Dobard
   University of Louisiana at Lafayette
   “Effects of Maternal Separation on Microglia and Immune Marker Expression in the Central Nervous System”
2. Cassandra Hill
   Northwestern State University
   “Increasing Self Care Among College Students to Support and Enhance The Collegiate Experience”
3. Zoe Klein, Abby Orgego, Deanna Short, and Brandon Barr
   Southeastern Louisiana University
   “TCGPocket: A Deep Learning Approach to Efficient Web-Based Trading Card Inventory Management using Computer Vision”
4. Emily M. Lubag, Sarah Bergeron, Aimee Hollander, Margeret Franzen, Gina Vogt, Theodore E. G. Alivio, and Abby Adams
   Nicholls State University
   “Evaluating chemistry students’ molecular misconceptions with two-dimensional interpretations”
5. Ashtyne Monceaux and Caroline Cresap
   Louisiana Tech University
   “Weekly Professional Development Lunches to Build Community Among an S-STEM Cohort”

Zachary Chastain, Matthew Fast, Keyon LJolivette, and Glenn Bertrand
McNeese State University
“Myths and Legends for Trombone Quartet” 
Mentor: Bill Rose

Sarah Curtis 
Nicholls State University
“Improvization I (Ryo Noda”)
Improvisation 1 is based on Shakuhachi playing, a Japanese flute made of bamboo, tuned to the minor pentatonic scale. For all saxophonists, Noda’s Improvisation 1 is an excellent, varied addition to advanced repertoires. 
Mentor: Dr. Taylor Assad

Dylan Decker 
The University of New Orleans
“Swinging at the Haven” 
Swinging at the Haven is a composition by the late great Ellis Marsalis, patriarch of the UNO Jazz Studies program. I will play this piece to honor him and represent UNO’s great musical history. 
Mentor: Victor Atkins

Brett Harrison, marimba
Louisiana Tech University
Caleidoscópio (2007) by Gene Koshinski (b. 1980)
Caleidoscópio, was inspired by the composer’s study of a coordinational independence method called ritmica that was developed by Brazilian conductor José Eduardo Gramani. Portions of the method focus on the simultaneous performance of unrelated meters and ostinati, which can be heard throughout most of the piece. The second section pays homage to the method’s Brazilian roots by hinting at a light samba feel and providing more melodic focus. (notes adapted from the composer)
Mentor: Dr. Gregory Lyons

Julia Kuchler and Austin Anderson
Northwestern State University 
“This World” from Bonnie and Clyde
Mentors: Dr. Sloane Artis (director), Alex McBride (choreographer) and Daniel Ley (pianist)

Madison Smith, Karrington Jackson, and Reygan Mullins
Grambling State University
“It’s Just…” 
Original scripts written for playwriting class. 
Mentor: Mr. Kyle Zimmerman

Claire Timphony, Hunter Hamilton, Riley Mendoza, and Emily Walls 
Southeastern Louisiana University
“Allegro de Concert by Caryl. Florio”  
Mentor: Bourliea Faciane

Poster #1
Favour Aina, Mofetoluwa Akinkoye, Life Makarudze, Ifeanyi J. Njoku, and Samuel Torto
Grambling State University
“Inflammatory Microenvironment for Cancer Cells in TIB73 Mouse Liver Cells Exposed to Pentachlorophenol”

Poster #2
Bryson Andras
Nicholls State University
“Analysis of the insecticide chlorantraniliprole in sugarcane leaves using HPLC and LCMS”

Poster #3
Eian Josué Bailey
The University of New Orleans
“Staying On Track: Implementing Commuter Rail Service in Southeast Louisiana”

Poster #4
Dani Carver, Blye Daniels, and Christian Hawkins
Northwestern State University
“Precision in Production: Understanding the Ripple Effects of Minor Stops and Adaptive Speed Strategies”

Poster #5
Nico Chaney-Martinez and Aidan Hidalgo
Southeastern Louisiana University
“Genetic Analysis of Phage BenchScraper isolated on Arthrobacter globiformis”

Poster #6
Kansas Cooley
Louisiana Tech University
“Advancing Technologies Affects On Energy Cost”

Poster #7
Sabina Dahal
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Catalytic Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Pyrazolone Derivatives”

Poster #8
Emily DeGruise
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Experienced corporal punishment and empathy, leadership, and achievement in college”

Poster # 9
Renata Alexis Dykstra
The University of New Orleans
“Are Chemicals or Plants Better at Controlling Nitrate and Promoting Fish Growth”

Poster #10
Nolan Ezernack, Riley Birdwell, and Gaberial Craig
Northwestern State University
“PanicGuard+”

Poster #11
Jessica Fiser
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Loss of Fgfr1 signaling in the central nervous system results in impaired maternal behavior”

Poster #12
Jenan N Ghannam
The University of New Orleans
“Probing Fish Otoliths: Unveiling Heavy Metals through Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry”

Poster #13
Juan Gomez
The University of New Orleans
“Ames Test, genotoxicity of oil photoproducts”

Poster #14
Lily Guidry and Aylin Yigiter
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Condensed Phase Dynamics of Atmospherically Relevant Molecules at the Air-Water Interface of Organic Aerosols”

Poster #15
Jayce Hammond
Southeastern Louisiana University
“Reviving Ruskin: Rebuilding a Digital Archive”

Poster #16
Kate Horton, Morgan Bourgeois, Kristin Jackson, and Jeanne Dugas
Louisiana Tech University
“The Influence of Perturbing a Hormone Signaling Pathway on Human Adipose Stem Cells”

Poster #17
Ethan Jamerson and Gavin Soniat
Louisiana Tech University
“Developing Metal-organic and Organic Working Scintillator Materials”

Poster #18
Coby James, Donovan Green, and Kendal Harmon
Northwestern State University
“Redesign of Cleat Dryers for Athletes”

Poster #19
Abbey Johnson
Nicholls State University
“The Impacts of Prolonged CO2-Induced Acidification of Seawater on the Crab Shell, a Biological Concrete”

Poster #20
Brielle Jones
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Flourishing Variables in a Normative Weight Sample and Overweight Sample of Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis”

Poster #21
Cat Karam
Northwestern State University
“Physiological Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease and Analysis of the Mental Health Differences Between Professional Caregivers of Alzheimer’s vs. Non-Alzheimer’s Patients”

Poster #22
Kylie Lacrouts
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Towards the Development of a U.S. Multi-Hazards Spatial Database for the Twenty-First Century”

Poster #23
Payton Laskie, Bryce  Norris, and Legend Vires
Southeastern Louisiana University
“The Environmental (EVE) Sleeve: A Tool for Monitoring the Environment for Hazardous Gasses”

Poster #24
Emmy Mai and Avery Hearnsberger
Southeastern Louisiana University
“Characterization of Phage Kovu Isolated on Arthrobacter globiformis”

Poster #25
Donald Mckinnies, Nicholas Kidd, George Prince, and Augustin Muniglia
Northwestern State University
“‘Rise and Shine’ for College Students”

Poster #26
Vance Melmoth, Megan Burns, Annabeth Rawls, and Caitlyn Fontenot
Louisiana Tech University
“Fipronil Pesticide Cause Declines in Zooplankton Populations”

Poster #27
Trang Dang Nguyen
The University of New Orleans
“Measuring cost of transport in Gulf killifish”

Poster #28
Sulab Niroula
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“The Effect of Microbial Consortia on Drought Tolerance in Maize (Zea mays)”

Poster #29
Sophia Owens
Louisiana Tech University
“The Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa Risk in Future Nutrition Professionals”

Poster #30
Subash Sapkota
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Using Machine Learning for Quantifying the Spread and Identification of Aquatic Species in a Water Body in Northeast Louisiana”

Poster #31
Faragi Shabazz
Grambling State University
“Sustaining Voices: A Pilot Study Exploring the Art of Bel Canto Style Singing Technique at Historically Black Colleges and Universities”

Poster #32
Cody Smith
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Who Done It: William or Winston? The Hidden Biases Revealed by Name Popularity and Socioeconomic Status.”

Poster #33
Alec Soileau
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Evaluating the Three-Ingredients Method for Nowcasting QLCS Tornados”

Poster #34
Mawisire Takudwa and Nakada Ross
Grambling State University
“Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of bio-gold nanoparticles on Acinetobacter baumannii”

Poster #35
Samuel Torto, Nonso Duaka, Favour Aina, and Mikella Osborne
Grambling State University
“Do weight loss drugs affect survival and productivity of aquatic invertebrates?”

Ashton Barber
Louisiana Tech University
“Invasive”
In “Invasive,” players find themselves isolated in a space station, plagued by a mysterious presence. With each flickering light and echoing sound, tension mounts as players unravel the station’s dark secrets and attempt to find a way out.

Ginina Biondini
Southeastern Louisiana University
“This is where you’ll find me”
Being in the presence of a place can alter your life and you may not even know it until after your full experience. A routine was created, every Friday, same time, same place. But every visit, I noticed different things. Different smells. Different sounds. Different temperatures. Manchac was always transitioning like we are. Our lives are always changing, shifting and evolving from our childhood to where we are now; the present. Being present in the marsh brought back memories I did not know I even had or remembered. Memories of being a kid running freely in my yard, climbing trees, building tents, frolicking in puddles. Memories of being connected to the inner part that we all contain of being a worriless child. Home was one place, but now home looks a little different. Home was always moving or changing. I was reminded that years ago, the outdoors was a sense of safety and extension of home for me. Why can’t it be that again? Fabricating a habitat for this feeling was the only sensible thing I could express. A type of environment I always seem to be searching for. An environment of peace and curiosity. For this is a place where you can leave your baggage behind and simply just be. This structure is a shelter protecting what was there while simultaneously keeping the present close.
Mentor: Tabitha Nikolai

Naima Bomani
Louisiana Tech University
“America’s Underbelly, East St. Louis”
I amplify black voices in a society that continues to hush them. My work critiques the social, political, and cultural issues impacting the African American community. I confront racial discrimination through the means of contemporary art because art is one of the best catalysts for conversations. Inspiration arises from firsthand social interactions from there; I cross examine my experience with corresponding moments throughout American history. The goal is to find a direct correlation between what was experienced, and what African-Americans have experienced historically. The work Hair Police critiques ongoing hair discrimination in America. Three wigs were created with caution tape, referencing the 1700s’ Tignon Laws, The Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Crown Act of 2022. Through art I create a safe space for black viewers to discuss their own personal experiences, as well as educate unsuspecting viewers, forcing them to face their own latent racial prejudices. This strategy was tested at the senior preliminary showcase Melange Mosaic. During this showcase many viewers approached me expressing awareness for their underlying prejudice. They recognized moments in which they had perpetuated harmful stereotypes and left with the intention of correcting their previous behaviors. Work like this is important to society because it is historical, educational, as well as a call to action for many viewers.

Cameron Elise Boni
The University of New Orleans
“The Meeting”
This piece depicts two unicorns, one much older than the other, coming face to face within the lush woods.
Mentor: Daniel Rule

Cullen Breaux
Louisiana Tech University
“Choose Your Character”
As an artist who builds sculptures using found objects, I am drawn to the stories and histories embedded within these materials. With a mix of natural and artificial elements, I strive to create pieces that speak to my personal experiences and relationships. In my work, references to childhood and maternal figures in my life are recurring themes. These influences have shaped my identity and continue to inspire the narratives woven into each sculpture. The blending of organic and man-made objects reflects the complexities of my own journey and the interplay between nature and technology in today’s world. Through my sculptures, I aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia, wonder, and introspection in viewers. Each piece is a reflection of my own inner world, a visual representation of the stories and emotions that have shaped my existence. By repurposing and reimagining found objects, I hope to invite others to reconsider the value and beauty in the overlooked and forgotten. Ultimately, my art is a personal exploration of memory, identity, and the connections that bind us all together. Through the medium of sculpture, I seek to share my story while inviting others to reflect on their own experiences and the relationships that shape who we are.

Lemon Burnside
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Live, Laugh, Love…”
Mentor: Megan Smith

Hfope Butcher
Grambling State University
“Bond with Nature”
My paintings will consist of up to 15-20 paintings using acrylic paint. The basis of my paintings include landscapes of nature. These paintings of nature are to show us the sight of what keeps us mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. This makes our relationship with nature important because it affects our mental health and our very existence. Our forests, oceans, and soils provide us with food to eat and water to irrigate ourselves with. Therefore, we rely on it for numerous things including our happiness and prosperity. When my audience views my work, I want to fulfill my duty to generate feelings of joy and peace.
Mentors: Rodrecas Davis and Emily Ezell

Raena Disney
Southeastern Louisiana University
“Loss”
Living in Louisiana, it’s rare to meet someone who hasn’t experienced natural disasters, especially flooding. In 2016, heavy, continuous rains came through and caused high waters, flooding many areas in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. St. Amant, where I grew up, was one of the areas heavily affected. People reported the water rising up to reach their roofs, completely losing their homes and the memories within them. Although my family was some of the lucky few, many of our neighbors and friends were heavily affected, losing almost everything in the flood.

In “Loss,” I depicted many recognizable objects such as rings, a necklace, and a knife, moving through flowing waters, sinking away from the light on the surface. These are the memories, the heirlooms, the priceless items lost, taken away by the waters, never to be recovered again. The blues of the cyanotypes not only depict the depths of water, but also represent the grief that many have felt during the devastation. Although many lost so much, the light of hope shone through the darkness, much like how light shines through the surface of the water. The strength I have witnessed from those who suffered was extraordinary. The way strangers came together, pushing forward to help each other get back on their feet. The peoples’ unification and strength is represented by the flow of the water moving to the right, towards the light. “Loss” is a representation of how even in the darkest of times, when everything seems to have collapsed around you, having hope that everything will be okay, despite your losses, will push you forward.
Mentor: Tabitha Nikolai

Lia Esler
McNeese State University
“Blue Vase”
I have found that using clay as a medium helps me unite with ceramic artists of the past. The world has changed in many ways over the years, but the use of clay to create artwork is something that has stayed the same. This material allows me to connect with my ancestors in a way that wouldn’t be possible without it. As an artist, I find that the best way to express my abilities is within the manipulation of clay. I use my hands for ceramics the same way a painter uses a paintbrush. Using my hands allows me to connect with my material on a deeper level. The result of making myself a “tool”, creates an immersed personalized relationship within each completed piece. There is something so raw about making artworks from the earth we live on. By utilizing this organic material from the earth, I am able to create something beautiful. I enjoy keeping this organic quality in my finished pieces by incorporating rounded lines that flow into vessel itself. These organic shapes feminize my work. With this, I can express the beauty of the female figure within my art.
Mentor: Ken Baskin

Emma Gayle Frierson
Louisiana Tech University
“Self Portrait”
In my work, I use painting as a tool to transform silence once forced upon me into a loaded symphony of color and emotion. Painting is more than just oil paints and the canvas; it is a sanctuary where whispers of my inner child find their roar. Past traumas that weighed upon me are lifted up as empowered narratives. With each brushstroke, I push the energy into climbing the ladder out of powerlessness, mixing memories with pigments of imagination to concoct a visual lexicon that speaks of healing and audacious joy. I find great peace, growth and validation in my work.

No matter what I may create, my artistic process will always be an intimate dialogue with the self, sparked by the rawness of unfiltered emotions. It is a fierce dance of creation I dance; fueled by the need to be heard and to understand the complexities of the self in a world that often mutes individuality. The subjects of my work are the unvoiced messages of my younger self, bold, imaginative figures and scene that resonate with the echoes of my history. These pieces are born from emotions that have simmered within me, nurtured by the myriad inspiration of life, from the animated stories of my childhood to the profound depths of surrealism.

Kassidy Greer
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“My Studio”
Mentor: Clifford Tresnor

Taylor Hess
McNeese State University
“Pristine”
The goal of this photograph was to evoke the feeling of pristine. When I think of pristine, my mind goes to elegant and clean. After looking at some ideas and brainstorming what I could do, I thought of the best way I could showcase the idea of pristine would be to create a portrait using dramatic lighting. This approach is in line with my current body of work. I used a digital camera and my school’s lighting studio to set it up. I used someone close to me because I wanted this project to feel personal, as I believed this would help create the allure of pristine. In all, I hold this study deep in my heart and I see it as my “Mona Lisa.” 
Mentor: Rosemary Jesionowski

Nova Honeycutt
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Morning Routine”
Mentor: Clifford Tresnor

Nicholas Lawrence Hutson
The University of New Orleans
“A Long Way Home”
For this body of work, I have employed both infrared and expired film to amplify the presence of our native foliage, which are constantly facing natural forces that challenge their existence. Louisiana is known to be historically hot, but recently it has been affected by drought and saltwater intrusion. While these images may portray the barrenness of the surviving plants, they also serve as a testimony to the resilience of our natural landscape. To highlight this best I often utilize infrared film which is sensitive to light just above the visible spectrum. More specifically it is sensitive to light between 720m-850nm, just above what we can see with the unfiltered eye and just below what is seen in thermal infrared often depicted in military use. This light is most prolifically produced by living foliage that displays green, yellow, orange, and red hues, which happens to be perfect for stressed trees and grasses. The photographs are also printed on various expired fiber-based papers as a reflection on time and footprint. Through these images, I aim to pay homage to this altered state of my homeland and not just illustrate its detriment for visual pleasure. It reminds me to cherish these fleeting observations even if it’s just in my contemplating them for a photograph. They conjure the strength we and plants naturally possess and eventually surrender. For me, taking these images is a way to clarify uncertainties about my identity, stability, legacy, and worth.
Mentor: Ariya Martin

Jansyn Jenkins
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“Mould Set”
Mentor: Megan Smith

Nadia Johnson  
Northwestern State University
“Reflection” Digital Photograph; Inkjet Print
Mentor: Jonathan Clayton

Kate Lawrence
McNeese State University
“Roald Dahl Book Jackets”
I read many books by Roald Dahl when I was a child, which inspired me to create a triptych of book jackets. My goal for the book jackets was to mirror the whimsy and fun nature Dahl envisioned. The color pallet used reflects that of a children’s book, easy to digest and inviting. Rather than draw the characters in the books, I chose to illustrate objects from the books so that the reader can envision themselves in the story or their own version of the character. My vision for these book jackets was for readers to immediately want to start reading it and dive into the story once they saw the book jackets. Whenever I was young, the book jacket would be the first part of the book that I noticed. Many of the books I read had fun or interesting art that made me instantly want to read it and imagine myself in that illustration. I think that the bold and fun nature of the composition is very inviting to young children and would draw their attention.
Mentor: Tom Galmarini

Catelyn McClinton
Northwestern State University
“The 25th Letter”  Oil on Board
Mentor:  Edgar Lopez

Ashly Veronica Mcloney
The University of New Orleans
“Child’s Dress”
This piece entitled “Child’s dress” is graphite on paper. As an interdisciplinary studies major, I have concentrated on the intersection between history, anthropology, and fine art. This work represents my historical research into material culture, specifically the role of clothing. The objective of the work is to combine my previous training as an academic painter, with the meanings imbued in human artifacts. I aimed to accomplish this through faithful representation of my young daughter’s clothing. I believe the choice of medium (drawing, rather than photography or painting), by virtue of the time spent, engages with the labor involved in garment making. The piece is unmistakably a drawing, which creates an interpretive and subjective element, which is meant to evoke a feeling of memory and documentation. My final claim is that; there is always something communicated through dress. And always something subjective, even creative in the interpretation of history. This work is inspired by both these premises.
Mentor: Kathy Rodriguez

Breanna Melancon
Northwestern State University
“Peek-a-Boo” Oil on Canvas
Mentor: Edgar Lopez

Abigail Miller
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Printmaking Research Through Artist/Student Collaborations and Publications at Marais Press”

Caitlin Cynthia Moore
The University of New Orleans
“Torn”
This piece was done on a 30 x 30 canvas in oil. It’s a depiction of three different versions of myself using primarily blue and red to help emphasize conflicting emotions. I decided to keep an accurate depiction of myself in the middle to show how unaware one can be to someone’s true emotions. Through this process I truly enjoyed reflecting on myself and the idea of how different emotions can coexist. No one wants to feel anger, despair, or loneliness but without negative emotions the positive ones wouldn’t exist. Learning how to simply exist without loathing those feelings was important to me through the process of making this piece.
Mentor: Kathy Rodriguez

Andre Christopher Pellebon
The University of New Orleans
“The Jeweler”
This piece uses the remnants one of my first glass necklace pieces, and turns it into a doorway to transform my broken or unappealing glass jewelry pendants into depictions of caricatures, people, and art.
Mentor: Daniel Rule

Anna Poe
Northwestern State University
“Leaf Platter” Slab Built Plate
Mentor: Sean Callander

Ellie Puljak and Paige Thomas
Louisiana Tech University
“Miller Quarters Park”
Miller Quarters Park is a civic initiative to revive a historic property in Downtown Minden, Louisiana. The 11-acre plot was once a lively housing development that fell into disrepair and abandonment over time. Supported by its feature on the HGTV show “Home Town Kickstart,” the park continues to develop into an active gathering area made to foster community and honor its former residents.

We proposed a vibrant and welcoming identity system for the revitalized space, focusing on building community from the diversity of Minden’s population.

Luna Rae
Southeastern Louisiana University
“the Swamp is a STRANGE PLACE and it is d i s s a p p e a r i n g”
I am myself. I am not myself. I am growing. I am dying. I walk farther into the bush and I lose my humanity but I gain my life. I become that which surrounds me. For too long I have thought of myself as separate. There is no I. There is no time. There is only this, there is only energy, there is only the transformation of one substance into another into another into another. From the clay I was formed and my breath is star particles. _ am living but so is everything else. Should my surroundings disappear so should _ follow. There is nothing without this that is.
Mentor: Tabitha Nikolai

Riley TaDeadra
Grambling State University
“Retrograde Memory”
My work is a look into my personal life and the transitions I went through that made me who I am today. Since I am an introvert, I want my art to be my “voice” and portray the things that I value most using paintings, digital art and photography.
Mentors: Rodrecas Davis and Emily Ezell

Nelson Tamez
Northwestern State University
“Contra el Tiempo” Oil on Canvas
Mentor:  Edgar Lopez

Quashaun Tibbs
Grambling State University
“Exist to Inspire”
This is the definition of my work, I create work that speaks to the mind and the soul, so that maybe someone will be inspired. The sole purpose of what I do is to inspire people. I always believe that if you have a story you’re willing to share, and it touches the spirits of those willing to accept it, then something in that individual is changed. That’s why I enjoy my work so much, because I love to see the smiles, and hear the feelings of those who are taking in the images. What inspires me to create is everyday life, memories, and childhood experience. I’m inspired by emotion, and feelings of those around me and sometimes my own personal experiences. Everything that I would never tell a human being, is hidden within the lines, color, and subject matter of my work. I’ve discovered so many ways to make art over the years, it’s in everything we do. I’ve done digital art, painting, drawing, music, and even a little bit from the theatrical standpoint. As an artist I always just want to feel something real, and I want the audience to feel the same as I do. I want to give those with no voices a voice, those with no dreams a piece of mine, for those who can’t visualize, I want to share my vision with you.
Mentors: Rodrecas Davis and Emily Ezell

Trea Trapp
McNeese State University
“The Club Sandwich”
The goal of this photograph was to evoke the feeling of pristine.  When I think of pristine, my mind goes to elegant and clean. After looking at some ideas and brainstorming what I could do, I thought of the best way I could showcase the idea of pristine would be to create a portrait using dramatic lighting. This approach is in line with my current body of work. I used a digital camera and my school’s lighting studio to set it up. I used someone close to me because I wanted this project to feel personal, as I believed this would help create the allure of pristine. In all, I hold this study deep in my heart and I see it as my “Mona Lisa.”
Mentor: Meghan Fleming

Asiaha Wiggins
Grambling State University
“Black and Strange Tales”
This painting is an insight of the world around us and how animatedly mysterious, loathsome, and confined things are behind all the false truths. The windows are the eyes to the soul. Someone else’s truth may be another person’s lie. This painting shows three similar individuals who are women of the same truth. They are positioned differently, this indicates depending on which reality they are living their reality is not one’s life so the truth is somewhere in between the lies. This shows the unrealistic view and how as a person we may occasionally lie to each other or ourselves depending on our circumstances and will drown ourselves in our own unrealistic reality that may be a false to others but we view it as our true reality.
Mentors: Rodrecas Davis and Emily Ezell

Haley Wiley
University of Louisiana at Monroe
“The Fragility of Girlhood”
Mentor: Clifford Tresnor

Ciera Wright
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Meditative Healing”
When we think of growth we mostly think of nature. The roots and trunk are metaphorically the base of our lives. While we, as the leaves, grow and grow until flourishing into a beautiful soul. It’s important that we grow and continue to grow. In this way, I continue to work on my divine self, thanking, and appreciating the life that I have and am living. There’s no end to a journey but also everyone’s journey is different. Meditation has made me realize how important it is to self-reflect, put yourself on a higher pedestal, and acknowledge “ the human now “. Since starting my spiritual meditation journey, an evolution of self and growth has taken over my body and the realization refuses to revert back to the old self.