COMST 4040: Senior Research Presentations
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Author: kksmith
Last week marked an exciting and busy close to the Spring 2026 semester! One of the highlights was the Communication Studies (COMST) 4040 presentations. Read on to learn more about the event, explore the presentation titles and presenters, and see photos from the day.
The presentations
The COMST 4040: Senior Research Seminar presentations were held in the Cardinal Room at the Memorial Union. To ensure every student had the opportunity to present, the event was divided into two sessions. Throughout the presentations, COMST faculty members visited each session to listen to students’ research and evaluate presentations for awards, which were presented during the Senior Send-Off immediately following the event.
The Senior Research Seminar serves as the capstone course for the Communication Studies program, culminating students’ undergraduate coursework and academic experiences. Through their presentations, students demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency in communication competencies, research methods, and public presentation skills developed throughout their time in the program.
Session 1: 11:00 – 11:35
Katie Askelson, Success Gymnastics Applied Communication Report
Tyler Auen, Analyzing Workplace Communication: Culture, Leadership, and Relational Dynamics
Brock Budden, Communication Theories in the Cyclone Football Video Department
Julia Cannon, Boys & Girls Club of Story County Communication Report
Erin Garner, Understanding Leader-Employee Communication and Organizational Culture at McFarland Clinic
Olivia Gaziano, Greek Week Central Organization
Paige Goemaat, Brewing Relationships: An Analysis of Leadership Communication, Uncertainty Reduction, and Expectancy Violations
Erin Green, Brand Identity and Communication at Landscape Structures, Inc.
Emina Habibovic, TREND Magazine Communication Analysis
Meredith Hanley, An Applied Communication Study of Step Up for Students: Organizational Socialization, Identity, and Agenda Setting
Ellen Mitchell, Applied Communication Report
Logan Nosekabel, Kempkers True Value Organization
Jordan Rech, Alpha Sigma Phi: Socializing Members through the Rush Process and Chapter Meetings
Elise Ross, Animal Humane Society: Applied Communication Report
Lyric Sellers, Fashion Forward: Where Community-Centered Communication Lies at the Core of Innovation
Peyton Smith, Alpha Sigma Phi Communication
Carlie Spore, Convergence and Identity in the Iowa State University Football Varsity Marching Band
Annika Trost, Exploring the Culture of Travel + Leisure – from the Inside Out
Session 2: 11:40 – 12:15
Teran Bates, The Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa Communication Consulting Report
Josalyn Benson, The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co: Communication Concept Report
Lydia Cleghorn, HyVee Communication Consulting Report
Moriah Groth, Building Clarity and Connection: A Communication Consultation of Marshaltown Christian School
Fletcher Harris, The Blueprint for Connection: Scaling Communication at Sweet Caroline’s
Madison Lewis, Cambridge Investment Research: Communication Consultation Report
Max Mason, An Applied Communcation Analysis of Nico’s Taco and Tequila Bar
Jaden McDaniel, Good Earth Student Farm – Communication Research and Recommendation Report
Eleanor Meek, Gamma Phi Beta: Organizational Overview for Iowa State’s Omega Chapter
Annabelle Neurer, The Pack Mentality: A Communication Consultation Report for Arctic Wolf
Max Rose, Inside the Culture of Farmhouse Fraternity at Iowa State University
Mallory Schmitz, An Analysis of Communication in Delta Gamma at Iowa State University
Caroline Schroeder, State Graphics: An Investigation of Schein’s Model of Organizational Culture, Expectancy Violations Theory, and Media Richness Theory
Grant Sorber, The Usage of Communication Theories in Hospitality
Anna Vander Veen, Alpha Chi Omega Delta Nu Chapter Applied Communication Report
Audrey Whitman, The Weitz Company: Communication Concepts Report
Jenna Young, Cyclone Marching Band: Language, Culture, and Communication
Thank you!
Thank you to all of the students who presented, as well as the friends, family members, and guests who attended and supported them throughout the event. Everyone did a wonderful job, and we are incredibly proud of all that our students have accomplished.
Be sure to check out our Senior Send-Off post to learn more about the ceremony and see who received the Best Presentation awards!