This research takes a closer look at sex trafficking in China. While we usually think of China as a "source" where people are taken from, my research shows it has evolved into a major "destination" as well. This shift is a direct result of the old One-Child Policy and a cultural preference for sons, which left millions of men unable to find wives, a crisis known as "Bare Branches" (guanggun). This desperation has created a massive demand that criminals fill by trafficking women and girls from neighboring countries and within China. By looking at peer-reviewed journals and recent cases, like the 2025 execution of trafficker Yu Huaying, I show how China now acts as both a starting point and a finish line for trafficking rings. Ultimately, this work highlights how a lack of diplomatic cooperation turns migration into a life-threatening risk, and why we need better international laws to protect people on the move. This is part of my ongoing research into sex trafficking and how it connects to international diplomacy. At its core, my work is about movements, specifically how people are moved across borders for profit because international protection is failing them. My project focuses on three main areas: African migrants crossing the Mediterranean, people caught in conflict zones in Central Europe (like Bosnia and Ukraine), and the complex situation in China.

This presentation examines how American filmmaker Michael Moore approaches documentary filmmaking in what Bill Nichols would classify as the performative mode. Moore’s methodology of documentary filmmaking includes direct participation and manipulation of the world he captures. This makes his work appear trustworthy and compelling, but also raises ethical questions. My exploration of the reasoning behind his strategy includes examining texts discussing the conventions of documentary film making, articles discussing his work, interviews with Moore, and a close reading of three of Moore’s films: Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 911, and Sicko. By misusing the conventions of documentary, Moore entertains and therefore captivates his audience, effectively selling his political agenda with his ‘everyday guy’ relatability.

This study explores how bilingualism relates to entrepreneurial creativity by looking at how language variation and use influence innovative thinking. Since bilingualism has been shown to increase cognitive creativity, the aim is to understand how bilingual language habits, such as code-switching, shape entrepreneurial thinking. The research will help expand our understanding of how bilingualism shapes cognitive creativity, which can be applied to students and professionals working in modern business settings. The study will use a qualitative approach with a sample of bilingual university students in the Gies College of Business, and local business owners Participants will complete qualitative interviews to examine how language use and bilingual experiences influence how people approach starting a business and designing a business. The study expects to show that growing up bilingual and/or learning a second language can boost creative thinking, but that those who grew up across two languages have more creative and more culturally-oriented business designs. The analysis may reveal that bilingual individuals possess a cross-cultural cognitive repertoire that enables them to reframe business problems. The research aims to show that language skills are a valuable asset for encouraging business innovation. By demonstrating how everyday language use impacts thinking, the research can suggest that bilingualism fosters a unique mindset that can lead to greater success and creativity among entrepreneurs.

Method acting, with the roots of Konstantin Stanislavski's system famously popularized by Lee Strasberg, focuses on emotional authenticity and psychological immersion. While the technique continues to shape film and theatre training, it still raises important questions about the emotional and psychological demands placed on training actors. Many performers are encouraged to draw from personal memories, emotions, and lived experiences to create truthful or authentic performances. However little attention has been given to how this process affects gender-Queer actors within an institutional structure. My study explores the relationship between method acting, gender identity, and psychological wellbeing. Such as emotion residue or re-triggering of trauma. Through a qualitative review of existing literature, actor training practices, and discussions surrounding gender-Queerness in performance, I look at how traditional method acting techniques may both support and challenge gender diverse performers. Specific attention is given to the use of affective memory and identity exploration. By investigating the experiences of gender-Queer performers within a training system originally developed with cisgender actors in mind, this research seeks to better understand how gender can be explored safely and authentically through performance. In the end, this study highlights the importance of creating more inclusive actor training practices that support both artistic expression and psychological wellbeing for all actors involved.