Poster Competition Winners / Abstracts - Human Services

Human Services - 1st Place
Sexual Assault at SUNY Potsdam: Evaluating Student Awareness
By Natisha Romain, SUNY Potsdam

This project gauged SUNY Potsdam student awareness of on-campus sexual assault educational programming and victim resources. We began by interviewing campus administrators about existing on-campus sexual assault resources. Then, to determine student awareness of these resources, we distributed a quantitative survey instrument to approximately 200 students. Our research paper discusses the actual level of awareness of these programs and the effectiveness of current efforts to educate the student body about issues of sexual assault. We offer some recommendations to increase student awareness in hopes that changes be made which would allow a greater advertising and availability of these important resources and programs. Our intent is not to represent the views of all SUNY Potsdam administrators and students, but rather to illustrate the usefulness of using Rapid Appraisal Procedures to quickly assess an issue.

Human Services - 2nd Place
Amblyopia: A Unique Way of Seeing the World
By Kimberly Hucks, SUNY Brockport

Amblyopia, commonly referred to as “lazy eye” is an ocular disorder that affects the development of the visual processing center of brain. Transmission of a visual image from the eye to the brain is impaired, decreasing the clarity of an image seen by an amblyopic individual. The ability of the eyes to work together is affected, and the impact on one’s quality of life can be tremendous. Symptoms of this malady typically present in early childhood, although severe physical trauma can induce similar symptoms as well. This poster presentation will address various types of amblyopia, specific causes for the disconnect between visual imaging and messages sent to the brain, and modern interventions that enhance the quality of life for the millions of individuals suffering from this life altering diagnosis.