The 2025 Millikin University Poster Symposium puts student research in the spotlight

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 Millikin students, regardless of major or class rank, and students from Biology, Chemistry, Music, Nursing, Physics, and Sociology & Criminal Justice presented their research. 

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

Millikin 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.

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