Of our many sensory modalities, discussions on taste perception are widely fueled by its unconventional qualities. Gustation is unique in that it is inherently biological yet cultural. Sugar perception, particularly, has been a significant area of research in the field of taste perception—its historical, cultural, and scientific dimensionality parallels the unique qualities of taste perception as a whole. While our biology predisposes us to perceptive similarities, cultural dichotomies, especially between Eastern and Western societies, have embodied the divergence in gustatory preferences. To analyze how such dichotomies interact with a widely unresearched scientific factor— temperature—a mixed-method study was conducted between Korean and American participants, measuring how temperature and cultural background influenced the taste perception (hedonic value and taste intensity) of a classic American dessert staple—the chocolate chip cookie. Guided by quantitative measurements, a qualitative interview portion was conducted, where background information and verbal analyses contextualized the results from phase 1. Results revealed a positive correlation between cookie temperature and taste intensity as well as hedonic value. Additionally, it was also discovered that international travel served as a gustatory transition for both groups and historical events had a direct impact on dessert ‘staple’ choices by Koreans. Elements of nostalgia were exclusive factors to Americans when selecting childhood staples or expressing sentiments towards unconventional foods. When investigating perceptive changes through foreign residency, The American tendency to perceive a ‘forced change’ in eating habits reflected notions of Westernization and embodied historical interactions with colonization, the sugar industry, and the Korean peninsula.

Teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) often experience bullying and are at increased risk of suffering from mental health issues. Research, especially in the West, has shown that such bullying can decline if schools actively implement programs that raise awareness and educate students to promote a safer and more tolerant environment. However, in South Korea, schools currently either lack such programs or have ineffective programs. On the other hand, International Schools in Korea (ISK), which enroll more diverse students and teach western curricula, seem more liberal about LGBT issues, and tolerant towards such individuals. However, the fact that many ISK are affiliated with Christianity, and that Christian tenets are not entirely amicable towards LGBT individuals, raises an intriguing question: Despite Christian beliefs about LGBT individuals and the conservative attitude of Korea, have ISK actually created a culture that reflect the schools’ stated policies of tolerance and inclusivity, or is there a disparity of opinions between LGBT students and staff that needs to be addressed? In order to find an answer, I conducted anonymous surveys and interviews with both students and staff from six different ISK. The results show that the opinions of the LGBT students differ in both experience and perception from those of the staff and non-LGBT students, but are similar to those of non–LGBT students. Ultimately, by analyzing data from my study, I determined perceptions on LGBT in ISK and proposed necessary plans of action to increase support of LGBT in these communities.

Largely rooted in ancient Greek essentialism, Western dichotomies of masculinity and femininity have been historically used to divide the sexes and limit women’s involvement in male institutions of power. The female warrior is an anomalous case. Fictional tropes of this type, especially the Amazons of Greek mythology, embody both masculine and feminine associations to exist in the separate spheres of womanhood and military heroism. Two transhistorical Amazons—Penthesilea (from Quintus Smyrnaeus’ Posthomerica) and Diana Prince (from the 2017 film Wonder Woman)—were analyzed to explore the evolution of Western perceptions on powerful women in traditionally male spheres of influence. Guided by gender and classics theories, a thematic and narrative analysis focusing on the characters’ gender hybridity (the combination of masculine and feminine distinctions) demonstrated new understandings: Penthesilea’s story demonstrates that hybridity in antiquity reinforced the hegemonic implications of gender essentialism. Diana’s modern hybridity empowers female success in male realms. Nonetheless, both narratives establish the difficulty of crossing gendered boundaries, as compromise and defeat accompany hybridity. Comparing ancient and modern adaptations of the Amazons reveals that while women’s presence in masculine spheres remains tentative in Western society, reimagined female warriors represent increasing acceptance towards women adopting hybrid roles in public expressions of power.