Twenty-six Klein College students presented their research at the 32nd Annual Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity on Thursday, March 26.  

Students across all Klein majors were featured and researched topics including climate change, gender discrimination and the Black Panther Party.  

“We have more presentations now than ever before,” Scott Gratson, program director of communication studies and director of undergraduate studies at Klein College, said. “It truly takes a village to grow a scholar.”

Highlighted below are student projects reflecting the variety of research topics Klein students presented this year:

Clara Kadingo, Freshman, Advertising major 

Social Media's Effect on Political Polarization 

Session: Expression Across Boundaries: Extending Communication to New Applications 

Supporting Faculty Member, Dana Saewitz 

Kadingo examined the relationship between social media and politics, finding that user data, such as likes, comments and posts, shapes algorithms that influence an individual’s political exposure and alignment. 

In her research, she also found that most individuals receive their news from social media. Additionally, well over half of her respondents acknowledged that their political views were influenced by the content they encountered on these platforms. 

“Social media was intended to be a place to build communities, but the way it was built builds polarizations,” said Kadingo. “Social media has been the largest contributor and even a larger creator of polarization and has shaped modern political climate.” 

Oliver Lois Economidis, Senior, Communication Studies major 

Building Student-Run Sports Agencies in Klein College 

Session: Expression Across Boundaries: Extending Communication to New Applications 

Supporting Faculty Member, Lauren Bullock 

Economidis took advantage of the newly established sports media major by exploring what students need to succeed in the sports industry and how student media can support their development. 

They discussed the four-drive model and examined why students choose to get involved during their academic careers. Economidis aims to help establish a predominantly sports media–focused program or firm. While the university already offers some sports media opportunities, the goal is to create more specialized, structured experiences. They also highlighted examples from several other universities that manage NIL opportunities for student-athletes on their campuses. 

 “The success of the agency promotes and highlights students' skills and experiences—while immersing them in their field,” said Economidis. 

Trinity Betters, Junior, Communication Studies major, Michelle Chernyavsky, Freshman, Communication Studies major, Dor'Marie Jackson, Freshman, Media Studies and Production major and Communication Studies major 

Born to Soar 

Session: The Next Steps: Communication and Strategy 

Supporting Faculty Member, Katherine Bex 

Betters discussed the Apollonian and Dionysian, the Greek and Roman mythology archetypes. Apollonian expresses logic and reason, while Dionysian represents chaos and emotion. With that, she correlated finding one’s identity through a resource guide for new students attending Temple for the first time, highlighting resources such as the Student Wellness Fair and Klein Fest. Throughout the year, students can also take part in free events like National Coming Out Week and Pep Rallies. 

The team also interviewed professionals and asked for their advice on preparing for college. Rev. Richard “Rick” Morley encourages students to find mentors or tutors and to focus on the journey rather than just the destination. 

“Attending campus events builds cultural identity,” said Betters. “They help build structural identity and we believe that attending these campus events will help you become a powerful student.”

Ethan Nock, Freshman, Advertising major  

GOTRAX Campus Ride-and-Try Brand Activation 

Session: The Next Steps: Communication and Strategy 

Supporting Facility Member, Katherine Bex 

Nock developed an in-depth brand activation plan for GOTRAX, an electric bike company. His plan features an event offering off-road test rides tailored to college students and faculty. The event also provides information about electric bike safety and includes merchandise for those who may be hesitant to ride. 

He aligns this activation with GOTRAX’s mission to shape the future of urban transportation. The goal is to encourage students and faculty to choose electric bikes over cars within the city. Through this event, Nock demonstrates an understanding of how the brand’s identity can grow through experiential marketing and social media engagement. 

“My ultimate goal for this activation is to persuade students and the facility to rethink their everyday transportation,” and Nock. “And consider a GOTRAX as a personal electric vehicle instead of relying on cars, busses and long walks.”