The 2025 Âé¶¹Ô¼ÅÄ University Poster Symposium puts student research in the spotlight

A total of 35 projects were on display in the University Commons.

Poster Symposium

DECATUR, Ill. -- The annual Judith & G. Richard Locke Poster Symposium took place on Friday, April 25, in the Bob and Debi Johnston Banquet Room of the University Commons. 

The event showcases student and student-faculty scholarship, and this year’s symposium featured 35 presentations. Participation in the poster symposium was open to all Âé¶¹Ô¼ÅÄ students, regardless of major or class rank, and students from Biology, Chemistry, Music, Nursing, Physics, and Sociology & Criminal Justice presented their research. 

Poster Symposium

Students participating were eligible for cash awards provided by the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Judith & G. Richard Locke Poster Awards. 

Âé¶¹Ô¼ÅÄ Nurse Anesthesia DNP graduate student Alexis Stouffee’s poster about her research on the guidelines around the use of anesthesia for patients who are undergoing lung cancer surgery received first-place honors from the Poster Symposium judges.

Alexis Stoufee
Alexis Stoufee won first place and Phi Kappa Phi Poster Award at the 2025 Judith & G. Richard Locke Poster Symposium. 

To read more about Alexis’ research and why it has such a personal connection for her, check out her . 

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY 2025 POSTER SYMPOSIUM WINNERS LIST

First Place and Phi Kappa Phi Poster Award – Alexis Stouffe, Nursing

“Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines And Simulation To Improve Management Of Anesthesia Care For Patients With Cancer Undergoing Thoracoscopic Lung Resection�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Dana Flatley

Second Place – Stephanie Ekeopara, Nursing

“Epidural Vs. Alternative Pain Management In Laboring Women�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Teresa Gulley

Third Place – Alix Phelps, Nursing

“Implementation Of A Crisis Management Simulation For Management Of A Perioperative Myocardial Infarction: A Quality Improvement Project�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jamie Nickell

Third Place – Gracie Shemwell, Nursing

“Effects Of Music Therapy In Cancer Patients�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Teresa Gulley

Third Place – Alec Mallinder, Nursing

“Cold Capping For Chemotherapy Patients: A Literature Review�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Teresa Gulley

Honorable Mention – Sophia Gibbs, Biology 

“Antibiotic Production In The Summer Vs. Winter By Bacteria From Soil Samples In Central Illinois�
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Jenna Smith

Honorable Mention – Hope Moore, Biology

“A Look Into Prescribed Burning Of Prairie Fields And The Effects It Has On The Amount Of Certain Mycorrhizal Fungi�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Alicia Knudson

Honorable Mention – Emily Huttes, Nursing

“Impact Of Nurse-Driven Interventions On Delirium Incidence In Hospitalized Adults�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Teresa Gulley

Honorable Mention – Tara Morris, Nursing

“Enhancing School Nurses' Knowledge Of Concussion Management Through Evidence-Based Education�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Audra Trump

Honorable Mention – Hailey Gula, Biology

“Significance Of Aspergillus As A Pathogen To Birds Of Prey In Central Illinois�

Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Travis Wilcoxen