2025 CROW
Letter from the Editors
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This momentous Tenth Edition of The CROW was composed and published in the midst of major education funding cuts, and anxieties around changes in the country. As we witness ongoing attacks on the rights of our community members, we feel that the mission of the CROW to platform and uplift student voices is our way of advocating. We thank you for being part of this work and reaffirm our belief in the value and impact of student writing, student activism, and student investment in global futures.
With this edition, The CROW continues to highlight the incredible dedication of students at UW Bothell as they synthesize their own investigations in topics ranging from science and technology, interdisciplinary arts, health studies, and everything in between. Research is a high-impact learning practice that engages students outside the classroom and allows them to think more critically about the topics they wish to discover. By taking the initiative to submit their work for review by a board of their peers, the authors in this journal have taken steps towards becoming active contributors to academic discourse that values inclusion, expansion, and critical thinking. As ways of writing and research advance, student publications like The CROW lie on the frontier. This year saw us throwing our belated 23-24 launch party, working through several power outages, and fielding papers from a wide variety of disciplines.
We would like to extend special recognition and gratitude to our student authors. Despite fears of rejection, judgement, or critique; our authors showed perseverance with the editing and publication process. We know submitting was difficult, and we appreciate your patience and effort as we tried to ensure your work would shine. We are so excited to share the 2025 Edition of The CROW!
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With love,
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Your friends on the Editorial Board: Layla, Chuck, Rehema, Kaya, Sabine, Newt, Cecilia & Morgan.
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Reflecting the Poem That Never Ends​
phoenix kai
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ABSTRACT: This paper critically examines the themes, details, language, and processes in Silvina López Medin’s book Poem That Never Ends. Investigating personal lineages of motherhood, Poem That Never Ends navigates the complexities of writing about shared family history. Looking closely at the many thematic layers and the discussion of process into the book itself reveals insights into contemporary discourse around poetics, imagination, and form.
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Racism in Healthcare: Researched and Analyzed from an Intersectional Angle
Sidra Yousaf
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ABSTRACT: This literature review explores the interplay of racism and implicit bias in healthcare, particularly focusing on the reproductive health of women of color through an intersectional lens. The legacy of Jim Crow laws and forced sterilizations have contributed to a mistrust of the American healthcare system among women of color. These legacies motivated the Black Panther Party to form the People’s Free Medical Clinics, so that their community members could feel safe seeking medical treatments. These historical contexts shape stereotypes and implicit biases that modern medical professionals still carry towards women of color. Ultimately, there is a significant need for healthcare reform in America by promoting equity in healthcare.
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Similarities Between Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Birds and Mulgua (Acacia aneura) Shrubs: A Review of Extreme Adaptations to Desert Environments
Faith Lambert, Niki Hakimi, Faith Manning, & Geoffrey Tong
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ABSTRACT: This literature review paper will focus on the Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) of the Southwestern U.S. and the Mulga shrub (Acacia aneura) of Australia. The former is one of the fastest running, flightless birds on the planet, and the latter is an evergreen shrub capable of growing to incredible heights. Greater Roadrunners and Mulga shrubs demonstrate remarkable adaptations that enable survival in the so-called harsh environments of North American deserts and arid regions of central Australia. In this paper, we will examine the Greater Roadrunner’s salt-secreting nasal glands and the Mulga’s phyllodes as extraordinary adaptations to the desert biome. Additionally, we will explain the ecological roles of G. californianus and A. aneura in their respective habitats, including how their adaptations to the desert biome influence such roles and ecological interactions. Finally, we will examine how human actions have affected each species, taking into account direct and indirect threats and any actions taken to correct them.
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The Mexican American Experience: Healing Through Ethnic Studies and Bilingualism
Amado Chacon
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ABSTRACT: The US education system is a tool used to push the dominant Anglo-American cultures among immigrants and other minoritized cultures within the United States. With their proximity to the US border and historical events, Mexicans living in the United States have faced subjugation and discrimination from the Texas Revolution to the anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric; these educational practices have targeted Mexicans for almost two centuries. This causes a conflict of cultural identity for Mexican youths living in the United States, as they grow up within multiple social spheres that consider them too American to be Mexican yet too Mexican to be American. This conflict of identity has caused multigenerational trauma and is only made worse by the discrimination from the media and the bias of the schools, as these students are forced to look elsewhere to discover their history, such as family or the community. My research study examines the value of ethnic studies and bilingual education practices and how they not only empower these students but gives them the motivation to succeed within an academic setting. This research is based on interviews that I have conducted with Mexican Americans who have experienced the education system during different years, ranging from the 60’s to the early 2000’s. Furthermore, I examine the autobiography of a prominent Mexican American scholar as I draw scholarship on ethnic studies and bilingual education, criticizing the current education system while offering solutions to address those critiques. Through the interviews I conducted, I found that the people who were most connected to their heritage and the Spanish language, not only experienced more success academically, but were also happier, indicating the need for ethnic and bilingual studies within the K-12 curricula.
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Echoing Across a Nation: The New Wave of Gendered Terrorism in the United States
Brianna Fero
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ABSTRACT: This essay examines the evolution of terrorism in the United States, tracing its trajectory from early instances of global terrorism to the transformative impact of 9/11 and the rise of new wave domestic terrorism during Donald Trump’s presidency. With a particular focus on its impact on women, the analysis explores how the post-9/11 era redefined terrorism as an external threat, predominantly associated with Muslim and Arab communities, while overlooking the growing dangers of homegrown extremism. This framing shaped national security strategies and public discourse, allowing domestic terrorism to proliferate unchecked.
The discussion then shifts to the Trump era, where misogyny, anti-abortion laws, and antiLGBTQ+ legislation became embedded in political rhetoric and policy. The essay argues that Trump’s leadership not only emboldened extremist ideologies but also fostered a climate where gendered terrorism – violence and systemic oppression targeting women and marginalized communities – flourished. By examining the intersection of political rhetoric, policy, and acts of violence, this analysis reveals how the U.S.’s narrow focus on foreign threats has obscured the real and present dangers within its own borders.
Recognizing the deeply embedded nature of domestic terrorism, this essay advocates for a multipronged approach to addressing it – one which includes legislative action, social mobilization, and cultural transformation. This essay highlights the urgency of recognizing and confronting domestic terrorism in all its forms, challenging narratives which have allowed it to fester unchecked within American society.
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Judicial Compliance: The Supreme Constitutional Court and The Militarization of Egypt's Government
Hoda El Anany
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ABSTRACT: This paper examines the role of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC) in legitimizing authoritarian rule and reinforcing executive power, despite its formal mandate as an independent judicial body. Through an institutional and political analysis, the study explores the SCC’s historical development, its appointment processes, and its jurisdiction over constitutional review. While the SCC was initially established to bolster judicial independence and economic stability, its rulings have consistently served the interests of the military and executive, rather than upholding democratic principles. Three pivotal cases—the 2012 dissolution of the People’s Assembly, Law No. 107 of 2013 restricting protests, and the 2017 transfer of the Tiran and Sanafir islands—illustrate how the SCC has facilitated the erosion of political opposition, suppressed civil liberties, and enabled the centralization of power under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The paper argues that the SCC operates less as a guardian of constitutional law and more as an instrument of state control, ultimately undermining the prospects for genuine democratic governance in Egypt.
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Evolution of American Foreign Policy: The Creation of a Global Superpower
Hoda El Anany
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ABSTRACT: This paper examines the evolution of American foreign policy and its transformation from isolationism to global superpower status. By analyzing key historical developments, including 19th-century expansionism, involvement in the World Wars, and post-war international leadership, the paper explores how the United States strategically balanced isolationist tendencies with interventionist actions to secure its national interests. This study argues that territorial expansion, economic influence, and military engagements shaped America’s rise, culminating in its dominant role in world affairs. Through foreign aid, military alliances, and global governance initiatives, contemporary U.S. foreign policy continues to reflect the nation’s long-standing principles of power projection and exceptionalism.
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Rebrand or Rebland? How Brand Image Reflects Appreciation for Consumers
Stephen Lovas
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ABSTRACT: In recent years, many companies’ brandings and outward appearances have become rather alike, following trends of minimalism, such as flat shapes and basic colors. This has mostly been pioneered by tech companies such as Google and Microsoft but is now also being seen in other businesses like PayPal or Jaguar. These new rebrands being adopted by companies wildly contrast with many of the detailed and unique aesthetics seen in previous decades, which in turn has spawned backlash. Many detractors view these rebrands as boring, unimaginative, and inferior compared to what came before it. This paper aims to explore what factors have pushed this recent trend as well as the overall effect these rebrands have on consumers and even employees. Do they truly help to revitalize a company’s brand, or are they a sign of a growing disconnect between companies and their customers?
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Family Perspectives of Alzheimer's Dementia Progression & Types of Care: A Qualitative Methods Approach
Robin Stone
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ABSTRACT: In just under forty years from now, the United States will be faced with a crisis of dementia as our generations continue to age. Alzheimer’s Dementia and its related diseases require around the clock care as the disease progresses in the brain of many older adults, and abuse is a well documented issue in facilities that provide long term care for these patients. Documentation however is much more scarce for people receiving treatment at home. In order for families to have a broader understanding of how they can get proper and dignified care, research on the difference of experiences dementia patients get from their caregivers is essential. Using a qualitative method study design with narrative approaches, one-on-one interviews will be conducted on family members of patients with Alzheimer’s Dementia to analyze any possible differences in quality and scope of care, with the hope that this research can highlight inequities when receiving long term care.
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The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: A Mixed-Method Intervention
Kelsey Sugita
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ABSTRACT: This mixed-method study investigates how social media interactions—particularly social comparison and online validation—affect adolescent mental health. With smartphones and social media now deeply embedded in teen life, concerns have grown about their psychological impact, including links to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. While existing research suggests that reducing social media use can improve well-being, little is known about how specific engagement behaviors (likes, comments, shares) influence mental health outcomes.
This study will recruit 150–200 high school students (ages 13–17) in Renton, Washington, to explore these dynamics through surveys, journal entries, and interviews. Mental health will be assessed using various scales measuring depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, while qualitative data will capture personal experiences with social media. Statistical analysis will identify correlations between engagement patterns and mental health, while thematic coding will uncover emotional and behavioral responses.
The findings may reveal that certain types of social media interactions—especially those tied
to comparison and validation—negatively impact teen mental health. This research could inform
interventions, such as digital mindfulness tools or policy changes, to promote healthier online
habits. While self-report biases and sampling limitations exist, this study lays groundwork for
future longitudinal research on social media’s evolving role in adolescent development.
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Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study on Why Barriers Prevent North African Women with Stage III Breast Cancer from Seeking Mammography Screening and How to Overcome it
Mahy Hussein
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ABSTRACT: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with particularly high mortality rates in North Africa due to late-stage diagnoses. Despite the growing availability of mammography services, many North African women are diagnosed at Stage III, when treatment options are limited, and survival rates decrease significantly. This study aims to explore the barriers that prevent North African women from seeking mammography screening and to identify culturally appropriate strategies to overcome these challenges. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study will involve in-depth interviews with ten North African women diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. The research focuses on understanding their lived experiences, perceptions, and the socio-cultural and systemic factors that contributed to delayed diagnosis. Anticipated themes include limited awareness of breast cancer symptoms, mistrust in the healthcare system, financial constraints, cultural beliefs, lack of female healthcare providers, and fear of stigma. By identifying these barriers, the study seeks to inform future intervention strategies that promote early detection and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes. The findings aim to support the development of targeted public health campaigns, increase access to screening, and improve healthcare provider education in North African communities. Ultimately, this research contributes to the global effort to reduce breast cancer mortality through early diagnosis and equitable access to care.
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​A Comprehensive Analysis: The Relationship Between Temperature and Precipitation on Chokecherries
Gurkamal Kaur
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ABSTRACT: This research aimed to figure out and study the relationship and combined impact of temperature and precipitation on the overall fruit yield of Chokecherry trees. The goal was to find the best possible set of conditions that would maximize not only production but the quality of produce as well, as constantly changing climate conditions influenced by global warming immensely impact the marketability of the fruit. The hypothesis was that in order to maximize yield as well as quality, the trees needed spring temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) during growing seasons, and 32°F and 45°F (0°C to 7°C) during dormancy to ensure proper bud breaking when spring arrived. Moderate to high levels of rainfall are needed (15-25 inch annually), and in areas of lower precipitation, supplemental irrigation is required. It needs to be made sure that the stages of growth sync with the weather predictions, as too high or too low of temperature and precipitation levels can seriously impact the fruit yield. In order to collect data for this research, data and tools from the USA National Phenology Network (NPN) will be used. Data was collected between the years of 2014-2023. This time frame will be consistent throughout the research. Then, data analysis will determine the relationships collectively and separately between temperature, precipitation and fruit yield. The results suggest minimal correlation between precipitation and yield, maximum correlation between temperature and yield, and no correlation between temperature and precipitation collectively on yield. To get these results, statistical analysis as well as regression analysis was conducted, and the data was analyzed and sorted in Excel.
Keywords: Climate change, chokecherry, temperature, precipitation, fruit cracking, fruit yield, quality.
Rodentia Species Did Not Follow the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient During the Miocene
Yordanos Berhane
ABSTRACT: The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) suggests that species richness increases as they get closer to the equator, but it is unclear whether this trend applies to rodents. Rodents are widespread across various ecosystems which makes them an ideal species to study biodiversity patterns and conservation. Understanding whether they follow the LDG during the Miocene can provide insight into how environmental factors such as tectonic activity influenced species distribution. I chose the Miocene epoch due to its close resemblance to present Earth geography while still experiencing environmental shifts to analyze how these shifts shaped rodent diversity and how similar changes affect this group today. This paper evaluated the hypothesis that there was a statistically significant correlation between latitudinal ranges and Rodentia species richness during the Miocene. Using data from the Paleobiology Database, a linear regression analysis conducted yielded a p-value of 0.619. The results indicate that there was no statistically significant relationship between latitudinal range and species richness which suggests that the latitudinal diversity gradient does not apply to rodents. Plate tectonic activity in the Miocene that led rodents to adapt and survive to various environments rather than temperature changes explain these results.
Keywords: Rodentia, Latitudinal Diversity Gradient, Miocene, Mammalia, Tectonic Activity, Species Richness, Linear Regression
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Effects of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on Freshwater Plant Distribution and its Relation to Modern Climate Change
Victoria Jeffords
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ABSTRACT: Amidst the current trajectory of global warming, researching past warming events in our planet’s history offers a benchmark for contextualizing present-day conditions, enabling us to anticipate consequences that are currently unknown. The following research embraces this notion by testing the hypothesis that the distribution of plants in freshwater aquatic environments changed because of a rapidly warming climate during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum. This was done by comparing the number of aquatic and terrestrial plant species present between the Paleocene and Eocene epochs via a χ2 test. The analysis revealed a notable increase in distribution of aquatic plants from the Paleocene to the Eocene. This potentially resulted in impaired water quality, eutrophication, and a decline in aquatic biodiversity. Given our dependence on freshwater resources, if similar trends were to manifest as a response to present day climate change, it could pose significant risks to life on Earth.
Keywords: biodiversity, climate change, dispersal, epochs, eutrophication, freshwater, global warming, Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum.
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Benthic Foraminifera Found to Have Survived Better During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum with Implications to a Future Mass Extinction Event​
Liz Macias
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ABSTRACT: This research aims to test whether, during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), planktonic foraminifera were greater victims of the global extinction event than benthic foraminifera because they were more exposed to global warming events due to living in the open water column. Data for all taxa alive during the PETM was pulled from the Paleobiology Database (PBDB). Then planktonic and benthic foraminifera-specific data were extracted from the datasheet. To test the hypothesis a χ^2 (chi- squared statistic) test was applied using the variables planktonic, benthic, Paleocene, Eocene, and frequency of species. The results from the test showed that the frequency of benthic foraminifera increased from the Paleocene to the Eocene while the frequency of planktonic foraminifera decreased. Based on these results we may infer that benthic forams survived better during the PETM than planktonic forams because they are present on the seafloor and therefore less exposed to the dangers of global warming events. Upon further investigation of the strength of the findings reported in the literature these results appear to be spurious. This may be attributed to the datasheet used from the Paleobiology Database (PBDB), there were many gaps in the data, leaving opposite results of what other literature has discovered.
Keywords: Benthic foraminifera, planktonic foraminifera, PETM, implications for the future, global warming
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Students Eventually Value Active Learning
Parbeen Sekhon and Eric Onnen​
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ABSTRACT: This research investigates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) students’ feelings towards active learning methodologies in foundational physics and mathematics courses through an analysis of Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET) open-ended questions. Our findings demonstrate a consistent increase in student appreciation for active learning environments over the course of three quarters. Additionally, our study explored potential gender biases and variations in teacher effectiveness over time; however, data did not support clear findings. The research highlights that educators who engage with more advanced students/classes of the introductory physics and math series tend to achieve higher student satisfaction compared to those teaching newer students, emphasizing that prolonged exposure to active learning positively correlates with increased student satisfaction. These insights suggest that educational leaders should consider a broader range of metrics beyond SETs, such as actual test scores and longitudinal teaching outcomes, when evaluating teacher performance and the impact of teaching methodologies.
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