More Than a Footnote
Victoria Noriega
Pace University, New York, NY

The RhetTech editors' spotlight piece More Than a Footnote explores the life of Kuno van der Horst, a Dutch college student who refused to swear allegiance to the Nazi regime. Miep Gies, who also aided in hiding Anne Frank, was instrumental in keeping Kuno hidden from the Nazis. This nonfiction piece includes rare photos of Kuno, as well as unique first hand accounts of life during the war.

Tech and My Reading and Writing Literacies
Jasmine Thomas
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA

This animated video shows how technology has the ability to improve reading and writing literacies, rather than be the detriment many believe it to be. By comparing different ideologies on technology through colorful illustration and well developed arguments, Jasmine displays both her advanced technological literacy and a strong case for the benefits of technology on literacy.

Policy Brief on Mental Health on U.S. College Campuses
Matthew A. Long
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

This brief addresses the failing state of college counseling centers in the United States. Across the country, college counseling centers are receiving a surge in demand for mental health services, but they are unable to provide an adequate amount of resources to see to the needs of every student. This brief outlines in detail the shortcomings of existing policies while providing the framework for future reform, which will increase accessibility, equity, and efficiency, and speak true to the mission of both the department and the nation.

Gender Definition and Expressions of Sexuality in Janelle Monáe's "Pynk"
Meg Matthias
Miami University of Ohio, Oxford, OH

This piece conducts a multimodal rhetorical analysis of Janelle Monáe's PYNK music video. The video presents a world of black, queer female sexuality in the vein of a Thelma & Louise-style paradise, complete with the convertible and desert background. Monae's video is a direct response to hip-hop tradition of festishized women of color, presenting an all-woman paradise uninterrupted by male gaze.

Tough to Swallow
Christine Kovacs
Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, MI

This board game simulates the disorienting and frustrating nature of an eating disorder, as well as a path to recovery. Designed to educate players and redefine the image of an ED, Christine uses an unconventional medium of rhetoric to cultivate new experiences. With aspirations of placing Tough to Swallow in a waiting room for a therapist or school counselor’s office, the future of this piece is bright.

Lyrica
Barbara Hoefer
Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

This short story describes Barbara's experience of being on the epilepsy medication Lyrica. Lyrica's strong effects on her abilities to think and socialize cause problems for Barbara, who loves math but is struggling to perform due to the side effects of Lyrica. This short story is followed by a coda that explains the origins of this story, and what life is like for Barbara now.

History of the Future
Brittney McKoy, Catherine Studer, and Johnathan Pilkington
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC

Join Brittney, Catherine, and Johnny as they delve into the history of women in sci-fi literature, both the writers and characters, and the upward progression they’ve had. This podcast analyzes female sci-fi authors, characters, and stories from the 1800s to now and shows just how awesome sci-fi ladies have become, and what impacts they've had on our world and possibly the world of the future.