Smith Library Center
Capstone Compass: Navigating the Research Journey- 2026 panels
2 separate panels of SU students who have successfully completed capstone level research will gather to reflect on their process and give advice to rising capstone students.
Open gallery
Center for Academic Success and Advising, Professor John Score II Learning Commons, and Smith Library Center proudly present the 3rd annual Capstone Compass!
Ceridwen Grady ’24, Art History and Business double major, came up with this beneficial idea which continues to guide upcoming capstone students at Southwestern University.
This year we are providing two opportunities to hear valuable insight from our speakers!
The first panel will be held on March 4th from 4:00-5:00pm in SLC 115.
The second panel will be part of the 2026 Research and Creative Works Symposium on April 14th (2-3pm, Mood Bridwell 246).
Every capstone project presents its own unique challenges and rewards, and no two journeys are alike. In this session, Southwestern University students will share their personal capstone research experiences. Representing diverse academic disciplines, these students will discuss how they succeeded, the unexpected hurdles they faced, and the valuable lessons they learned along the way. They’ll also reflect on what they wish they had known before beginning their projects and offer advice to those preparing for their own capstones. From effective time management strategies to tips on overcoming research roadblocks, this session aims to provide attendees with a roadmap for navigating their own capstone projects. In addition, the session will include an interactive Q&A portion, allowing future capstone students to ask questions, gain insight, and leave with actionable strategies to help ensure their own success. Whether you’re embarking on a creative, scientific, or interdisciplinary project, this panel will provide the guidance you need to confidently chart your course.
Panelists:
Emilia Bruton, Panel 2
Alumna
BA in English
minor in Music and Data Analytics
Hello! My name is Emelia Bruton, and I recently graduated from Southwestern in December 2025, with a BA in English. I completed my English capstone during the 2025 fall semester. My project focused on representations of fat women in American studio comedy films, specifically how they reflect or combat dominant societal understandings of fatness. This project coincided with my last semester at SU and all of the trappings that come with that (e.g., finishing up minors, preparing for graduation). I am happy to talk about my experience balancing all of these responsibilities.
Cassidie Gomez, Panel 1
Business
International Studies
My name is Cassidie Gomez, and I am graduating this May with degrees in International Studies and Business. I completed my Business capstone on the growth of the non-alcoholic beverage industry, analyzing its expansion and key market trends. I am currently finishing my International Studies capstone on sacred culture in Spain, focusing on regional traditions and how they shape local identity. I would be more than happy to discuss my experience working on both projects and share more about my research process.
Elizabeth Krajca, Panel 1 and 2
Kinesiology
Health Studies
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Krajca and I will be graduating in May with a BS in Kinesiology and a minor in Health studies. I completed my capstone last semester where I performed research on a new method to induce muscle cramps in a lab. I just completed my last season as a swimmer with Southwestern, so I am familiar with the difficulty of balancing school and extracurricular activities. I would love to talk about my experience in capstone and share any advice or answer any questions regarding the capstone process!
Julia Marshall, Panel 2
Psychology
International Studies
minor in Chinese
My name is Julia Marshall and I am in the class of ’27 majoring in Psychology and International Studies with a minor in Chinese! I am currently in the second half of my year-long capstone in Applied Psychology with Dr. Crockett and in the International Studies capstone with Dr. Byrnes. Since we are still currently recruiting for my Psychology capstone, I can’t give too many details, but we are interested in examining roommate relationships and sources of stress or tension. I am also writing my International Studies capstone on the historical and religious influences of the Japanese Shinto festivals (matsuri) and associated Kagura dance of the gods.
Alyanna Martinez, Panel 1 and 2
Computer Science
Psychology
minor in Neuroscience
My name is Alyanna Martinez and I am currently completing my software engineering capstone and my behavioral neuroscience capstone. I plan to graduate as a Computer Science and Psychology double major with a Neuroscience minor. In my CS capstone, I am working with a group of students to develop a chatbot application that will allow students to ask questions about Southwestern. And in my behavioral neuroscience capstone, we are doing research investigating the effects of semaglutide on sexual behavior in both male and female Long-Evans rats. I hope to provide some meaningful and multidisciplined advice to students hoping to learn more about the capstone experience!
Mack Nixon-Hoxie, Panel 1
Music Education
Hi! I’m Mack Nixon-Hoxie, a senior studying Choral Music Education. I completed the first portion of my capstone last semester, which was a vocal recital focusing on marginalized composers. I’m currently doing my internship (student teaching) at an elementary school in the area. I’m available for questions about choir, music classes, my major, the requirements for vocal Music Ed recitals, finding works by marginalized composers, and the process of pursuing Alternative Certification. The capstone process can be a little intimidating, so I sincerely hope that I and the other panelists can help ease some of your anxieties.
Kylie Ouellette, Panel 1
English
Classics
My name is Kylie Ouellette, and I am an English and Classics double major. I completed my capstone for English during the Fall semester of 2025, and I am currently working on my Classics capstone. My English capstone focused on lesbian cinema’s affect on the social and vice versa, investigating the ethics (or lack thereof) of previous cinema.
Davin Ratliff, Panel 2
Biology
minor in Business
My name is Davin Ratliff and I am graduating this May with degrees in Biology and a minor in Business. I have completed my capstone un Biology focusing on the effects of anesthesia and genetic polymorphisms. I am currently finishing up my last spring semester. I would love to discuss my experience in my capstone and how I completed it.