Festival of Scholars

April 27 – May 1, 2026

Schedule of Events

Globalism’s Existential Re-Construction in A Pandemic World

Tuesday, April 26, 2022
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Ullman Commons 100/101

Existentialism is one possible answer to a pandemic situation in which old questions appear to need revisiting and readjustment. How global forces and processes affect the lives of individuals, nation-states and the global community needed answers before COVID and need them now. This panel responds in recognition of this need. The integration of capital, technology, health, and information across national borders reflected the emergence of a global society and continue to do so; therefore, topics, such as, justice, public health, economics, standard of living and the environment are examined as global intersections with national and local concerns. Decision makers and everyday people across the globe are striving to see beyond the pandemic while moving toward an inclusive and visible world. These diverse papers present constructive findings regarding globalization by engaging in extrapolations that possess epistemologically reasoned propositions.

Student Abstracts

Reevaluating Nuclear Energy as a Renewable Energy Source in the United States

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From solar energy to wind turbines, the United States and the global community is constantly looking for alternative energy sources to fight climate change and end the use of fossil fuels. However, one of the most efficient sources of clean energy has been underutilized by the United States and lacks support compared to other alternatives. Since the 1970's, the United States has lessened its adoption of nuclear energy as a viable alternative. My presentation aims to look at how the United States changed its perspective on nuclear energy in the 1970's and how it has affected our energy systems today. By addressing the past concerns about nuclear energy, the United States can move towards being a global leader in clean and efficient energy production.

Student(s):
Curran Fleming

Faculty Mentor:
Gregory Freeland

The Power of Women in the Pacific

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Throughout history, global governance has been led predominantly by men, but much can be said about the significant role of women in politics. This presentation focuses specifically on female leadership in the Māori and Hawaiian cultures and how their responses to European colonization can be learned and applied by global society to modern challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. From figures such as Queen Liliʻuokalani to Dame Whina Cooper, Hawaiian and Māori women have exhibited their strength and effectiveness as leaders by standing for the rights of their native people. This project reveals the profound influence of Polynesian custom in assigning equal roles to men and women to pave the way for a brighter global future.

Student(s):
Kylie Kwak

Faculty Mentor:
Gregory Freeland

The Slow and Societal Violence Against Ukrainian Women

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This presentation examines Ukrainian women and their current situation; by reflecting upon the past and current situations in the country, it is observed that women and girls' lives are uprooted and disrupted by family break-ups, war, pandemics, gender discrimination, and sexual exploitation. This study draws possible solutions towards creating a stable lifestyle for Ukrainian women, and determines that the most important variables for an effective change in this lifestyle include equity and equality in terms of work, fair representation within governance, and day care for children. The timeline that this presentation will address will be before and after 2014, the pandemic, and the current Russian aggression, which has changed most preconceived notions.

Student(s):
Giovanna Postma

Faculty Mentor:
Gregory Freeland

International Volunteers Fighting in Ukraine

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine has seen a large increase in foreign participants in this conflict. Although it is common for mercenaries to participate in wars, many of these come for something more than money. The Ukrainian government created the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that 20,000 volunteers from 52 countries have enlisted to fight for Ukraine, including at least one hundred Americans. The Russians have also received foreign volunteers. There is evidence of Ossetians (Georgian minority) fighting for Russia, as well as support from Belarus. The possibility of 16,000 pro-Russian Syrian mercenaries is also rumored.

Student(s):
Malcolm Shroyer, NA

Faculty Mentor:
Gregory K. Freeland, Ph.D.

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Schedule of Events

Globalism’s Existential Re-Construction in A Pandemic World

Student Abstracts

Reevaluating Nuclear Energy as a Renewable Energy Source in the United States

The Power of Women in the Pacific

The Slow and Societal Violence Against Ukrainian Women

International Volunteers Fighting in Ukraine

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