“Show and Tell” presentations by our summer scholar students will be on Friday, August 12. All are welcome to attend their presentations and find out more about their summer experiences.
Weishaar Explores the Impact of Prison Nursery Programs Through Summer Scholars at Capital
Emily Weishaar ’25, psychology, sociology, and criminology, spent her summer deeply engaged in research with Capital’s Summer Scholars Program, focusing on “The Perceived Benefits of the Achieving Baby Care Success (ABC) program at the Ohio Reformatory for Women.” Weishaar’s research aimed to shed light on an overlooked and underresearched area of the criminal justice system: prison nursery programs.
“It was interesting when I first heard about them; I instantly wanted to know more. As of May 2022, there were eight prison nursery programs in the country, and Ohio has one in Marysville. When I was looking at the research, it was very focused on recidivism rates. I was really hoping to hear mothers’ voices to understand the benefits they see with the programs. I wanted to ask, how does the program affect you and your child?” said Weishaar.
Her interest in the ABC program stemmed from a longstanding curiosity about gender disparities within the criminal justice system. Initially, Weishaar planned to interview mothers who had participated in the ABC program. However, due to unforeseen challenges, this goal proved unattainable.
Undeterred, she shifted her focus to interviewing professionals within the criminal justice system, as well as single mothers who could empathize with the struggles of raising a child in challenging circumstances. This pivot allowed her to gain a well-rounded perspective, combining professional insights with personal experiences.
Stewart Breaks Cultural Barriers with Vocal Literature Database
By expanding the boundaries of vocal literature, Hannah Stewart ’26, vocal performance and music technology, is redefining inclusivity in music education. Under the mentorship of Dr. Caroline Bergan, voice, Stewart has developed the Inclusive Linguistic Database, a groundbreaking resource designed to broaden vocal repertoire beyond the traditional focus.
“In most undergraduate and graduate universities, they only teach English, German, French, and Italian lyric diction, sometimes Latin. Students do not get the opportunity to sing in other languages and learn from other backgrounds and other cultures,” said Stewart.
As a Capital University Summer Scholar, Stewart spent her summer working on her research project, “Expanding Vocal Literature: An Inclusive Linguistic Database.” Bergan served as her faculty mentor.
The database not only provides tools for pronunciation but also exposes users to the cultural and historical contexts of different regions. Stewart highlights how Ukrainian art songs, for instance, often reflect the country’s history of war and folk traditions, creating a distinctive sound that challenges Western tonal norms.
Stewart’s project aims to create a database that allows anyone, regardless of background, culture, or interests, to find exactly what they need. The database has been designed to be accessible, easy to understand, and equipped with resources teachers can use to help guide their students.
Hanning Shines a Light on the Hidden Figures of the Underground Railroad in Ohio
Isabelle Hanning ’25, history and literature, has found her passion in uncovering and honoring the legacy of Black figures within the Underground Railroad, specifically in Ohio. Through her work on a class project and participation in Capital University’s Summer Scholars program, her research has not only deepened her understanding of this pivotal period but has also inspired her to bring to light the often-overlooked stories of Black f igures who played crucial roles in Ohio’s history.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Zanesville, Hanning said that despite the town’s significant role in the Underground Railroad, Simpson’s legacy was not taught in schools. This realization motivated her to ensure that stories like his receive the recognition they deserve. “Simpson wrote three books, but no one hears about that. He helped a lot of people,” she said.
“Columbus was huge on the Underground Railroad. I think it’s so interesting to see such a big part of our history, a struggle that many Black citizens went through, just buried over time,” said Hanning. “I want to bring that to light in every single way.”