11th Annual University Research Conference | Page 13

Colin Heisler( V) Ethics of Concussions in Contact Sports This research explores the ethical implications of concussions in high-contact sports, focusing on hockey, boxing, and football. It examines the tension between entertainment value and athlete safety and questions whether organizations prioritize profits over player well-being. It discusses informed consent, the adequacy of current concussion protocols, and the role of technology in injury management. Ultimately, the research advocates for stronger protections, greater education, and a cultural shift toward prioritizing athlete health over competition.
Caroline McSorley( Marketing), Rocco Springer( Finance)( V) Decisions that influence your future Analyzing the significant factors influencing a student to choose a specific university or college. This research looks at significant factors such as the influence of social media, school culture, extracurriculars, family recommendations, financial considerations, and long-term professional goals. Additionally, it will explore how surrounding school communities contribute to students’ decisions about which university to attend.
Makaylah Sides( V) How important are music-related courses to students? Music has always played a role in campaigns, from jingles to viral TikTok trends. This presentation will deliver insights on how a brand can leverage music in campaigns. It will also analyze record-breaking campaigns like Coca-Cola and Pepsi and their iconic ads utilizing top vocalists. It will utilize secondary data to elucidate why music is essential to marketing. The importance of this presentation is that it provides a fresh view of the evolution of the power music has on shaping consumer behavior.
Alenah Richburg( V) How do micro-influencers impact Gen Z’ s purchasing behavior compared to traditional influencers? The digital marketplace has become a focus among generations, mainly Gen Z. Social media influences purchasing decisions and has transformed consumer behavior. This study explores how micro-influencers impact Gen Z’ s purchasing behaviors compared to traditional influencers. The research will analyze case studies, secondary data, engagement rates, and purchasing patterns. It would provide data-driven insights and aim to highlight the growing significance of micro-influencers and digital marketing strategies. It will also show the importance of the shift of macro versus micro-influencers for brands looking to maximize their impact on Gen Z’ s consumers in the digital marketplace.
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