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Faculty Sponsor:

DEPARTMENT OF ART

Empirical Projects

Clayton, Myles \. THE EXPLORATION OF 3D PRINTING: THE BATMOBILE.

The thought of being able to bring to the real world something that once belonged on a computer screen has been the dream of many individuals. As time went on, that dream became a possibility. 3D printing made it\\\'s way to the real world, a process in which 3D objects that are modeled on the computer are then printed, literally. As an example of what objects this tool can put together, I will use the printer to create a replica of the Batmobile. Every printer has it’s limitations however, and I intend to test them. I want to see if the 3D printer will fully mimic the model. The final product, I am hoping, would show the sort of applications 3D printing can have in car modeling for the professional car industry or any other medium that includes the building of cars and other vehicles.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY/ AARON STUTTERHEIM

Hatcher, Natasha. CREATING MOLDS USING A 3-D PRINTER FOR USE IN SCULPTURE AND CERAMICS.

In my investigation, I will be creating a mold within Autodesk Maya 3-D modeling software and print that mold in plastic using a RapMan 3-D printer. Then, I will test out the molds created using wax and clay to see if I will be able to make a cast of the object just as well as if casting with a plaster mold. What I am hoping to find at the conclusion of this investigation will be another means to create a pour mold (for melted wax) and press mold (for clay) without having to use Plaster of Paris and running the risk of damaging the original object or form.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY AND AARON STUTTERHEIM

Janovec, Daniel. THE ART OF MOVEMENT.

In my individual investigation I will be exploring the subject of timing and movement by printing all movement together as a single object. At first I will be taking an animation of a ball conveying descending energy and combine the movements of the ball over time to show the animation as a whole. I will then experiment with a more complex object, the human figure. I want to experiment with the 3-d scanner, and objects modeled in Autodesk Maya to create a printed object showing the movement of the body over time. My goal of my individual investigation is to find the art of displaying time and motion through a non-moving object.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY & AARON STUTTERHEIM

Linder, Ashley. EXPLORATION: PAST AND PRESENT—REVISITING OLD WORK TO PRODUCE NEW AND INNOVATIVE RESULTS .

In my investigation, I will be exploring different forms of joinery in an attempt to create an articulated form. I will create a character model in the 3D design software program Autodesk Maya, then add different kinds of joints that would allow for the figure to move. I will then print the pieces in PLA plastic and assemble them. What I’m hoping to find is a unique way to join two printed pieces that allows for maximum movement. Pending the success of the print, I will create a short motion capture of my articulated character.
Faculty Sponsor: NEIL LAWLEY, AARON STUTTERHEIM

Pantle, Katherine. SCULPTURE THROUGH 3D PRINTING.

Using ceramic clay I will sculpt an anatomy form for moldmaking. A 3D scan will be done of this form and then I can build a multiple part mold for casting. The mold can then be printed using a 3D sprinter and used to produce a casting from materials such as resin, plaster, or wax for later metal pouring. The second part of this project will involve modeling a sculpture in a 3D program to be printed using the 3D printer.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY AND AARON STUTTERHEIM

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Allen, Andrea. THE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF BAP28 IN ADULT ZEBRAFISH.

BAP28 is important for ribosome biogenesis and is coded for by the HEATR1 gene. When mutations in ribosome biogenesis occurs a p53 signaling pathway is activated ridding the cell of ribosomal mutations. In this study we looked at locations in which BAP28 may be found. It was hypothesized that BAP28 would be found anywhere ribosomes are synthesized. However, tissues that underwent more protein synthesis should have a higher concentration of BAP28 present.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAGGETT

Carney, Jordan; Chavez, Ramiro. USING ESCHERICHIA COLI AS A BIOLOGICAL SMOKE DETECTOR.

The goal of our project was to use molecular biology techniques to create a bacterial smoke detector. In this experiment, we attempted to clone a gene into E. coli that would fluoresce in the presence of high concentrations of carbon dioxide. We located a promoter from previous literature that activates a key operon responsible for regulating carbon fixation in E. coli. This operon is called the ace operon. Once this promoter was located, we attempted to clone this gene into E. coli using PCR, gel extraction, digestion and ligation techniques. Further research would lead us to digest our E. coli genes with a fluorescent protein, and then expose cells to varying levels of carbon dioxide.
Faculty Sponsor: TODD ECKDAHL

Carr, Caleb. PLASMODIUM VIVAX.

Plasmodium vivax is one of 4 species of the \r\nPlasmodium genus, all of which cause malaria. \r\nThere is no vaccine for malaria, and the parasites \r\nare becoming more resistant to the drugs we use to \r\nkill active infections. Almost half the population \r\nof the world is at risk of infection, and over 1 \r\nmillion die every year from malaria.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Christgen, Shelbi; Hallowell, Mandy. DETECTION OF COPPER CONCENTRATIONS USING FLUORESCENT REPORTERS .

Copper is a metal that is highly regulated throughout bacterial cells. It is a necessary mineral, but due to it's oxidative properties, can be toxic to the cells in high quantities. Using copper-sensitive promotors CueR and CueO developed by E. coli to regulate cytosolic copper and the reporters cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and red fluorescent protein (RFP) and a biobricking process, we attempt to indicate the presence of copper in growth medium through a measurment of fluoresence.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ECKDAHL

Christie, Jordan and Conn, Michel. THE DETERMINATION OF A PUTATIVE GENE FROM S. SONNEI .

In Molecular Biology we tested the function of a putative gene from S. sonnei by the insertion of the yegD gene into E.coli. The E.coli was exposed to six different temperature environments and its growth rate was determined by absorbance versus time. We predicted that E.coli with the inserted gene would exhibit a higher growth rate at elevated temperatures.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ECKDAHL

Chuda, Angela and Kilpatrick, Katie. HISTORIC REVIEW OF ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS .

Abstract: Hydatidosis, caused by the etiologic agent Echinococcus granulosus has been a problem worldwide for thousands of years. Its normal life cycle involves canines and sheep, but when ingested at the correct stage by a human, this can cause major hydatid cysts. These huge cysts cause pressure on the organs and the body, and are very risky to remove. Although treatments exist, they are still being developed to be more effective and more widely available.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVE ASHLEY

Huff, Hannah; Cassity, Andie. A NOVEL DESIGN FOR THE USE OF E. COLI TO REPORT EXPOSURE TO UV LIGHT.

The goal of our project was to create E. coli that would report when exposed to ultraviolet light. It was our hypothesis that when a UV sensitive promoter was combined with a RBS and the lacZ gene, it would report by turning blue when grown with X-gal and exposed to UV light. We pieced together the appropriate BioBrick parts in a plasmid and inserted the plasmid into E. coli. Upon successful transformation into E. coli, the cells were exposed to ultraviolet light to see if the designed part worked. The project was successful in the creation of bacteria that report upon exposure to UV light.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ECKDAHL

Loftin, Jennifer and Melton, Amy. THE DETECTION OF NICKEL.

Nickel is an element that is a transition metal. It is considered an environmental pollutant and is a human carcinogen that is harmful if ingested. The goal of this project was to develop a biological method of detecting nickel; for example, the ability to detect nickel in a water source. The idea was to develop a biobrick, which is a compilation of DNA parts spliced together in a specific sequence to obtain a desired effect. The biobrick for this project consisted of a nickel sensitive promoter (DNA) and a green fluorescent protein grown in E.Coli. If successful, the E.Coli would fluoresce green in the presence of nickel.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ECKDAHL

McCracken, Marly; Allen, Andrea. IPTG AS AN INDUCER OF THE LAC PROMOTER.

Hin recombinase has the ability to reverse a section of DNA located between two Hix sites. In this experiment we studied the effects of this Hin-Hix complex when IPTG was present or not present causing either red or white colonies. We suggested that in the presence of IPTG Hin has the full ability to flip the promoter within the Hix sites. Research has shown that lack of IPTG does not completely inhibit the lack promoter thus, causing a minute amount of flipping to possibly occur.
Faculty Sponsor: TODD ECKDAHL

Noellsch, Tavin and Snider, Tabitha. CAN WE CREATE A BIOLOGICAL STINK BOMB?.

Have you ever smelled E. Coli? It is far from pleasant. Our goal in this experiment was to take normal E. Coli I and make it smell a whole lot worse. To do this we would have to alter it genetically. We discovered that the smell comes from the compound indole, which is coded for by the “trp A operon.” The next step was to put a promoter, which continuously causes increased production of the gene after it, in front of the trp A operon to attempt to increase the output of indole. The result were inconclusive due to troubles throughout the experiment.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. TODD ECKDAHL

(Roberts, Roxanne). UPREGULATION OF MRNA NOTCH1A-001 IN ZEBRAFISH TAIL FIN CELL CULTURE.

Regeneration occurs in both the heart cells and the tail fins cells of the zebrafish, because of that they are used as genetic models. Between embryonic development and regeneration of the cells there are different pathways that are activated. The notch pathway has been linked with the regeneration of both the heart and tail fins cells. The purpose of the experiment was to see if there was an upregulation in the notch pathway after an injury was sustained on the tail fins cells that were grown in tissue culture.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAGGETT

Schumacher, Ben Montemayor, Kevin. HISTORY, MANAGEMENT STATUS, RANGE AND CHALLENGES TO THE MOUNTAIN LION (FELIS CONCOLOR).

Mountain Lions (Puma concolor) once were the most widespread \r\nmammal on the continent of North America. This wide range \r\nexisted only before the settlement of the European white to the \r\ncontinent. After the human population grew a fear for the \r\nmountain lion became widespread and bounties began to be \r\nissued for their killings. The bounties led to the mass killings and \r\nthe populations were forced back to the Rocky Mountains. The \r\nonly reason for the current population is for the lack of \r\nestablishment for the west by humans. In the craze for \r\nconservation, the creation of several management plans for the \r\nconservation of mountain lion came about in the 1960s. But still \r\ntoday, the states\' management plans differ greatly, California does \r\nnot allow any killings of lions, Utah allows hunters to provide \r\nguides for lions, and Texas treats them like an invasive species. \r\nNow, the mountain lions have been repopulating historic ranges \r\nthus creating new management problems for these new states\' \r\npopulations. Education will be the biggest solution for the future \r\nmanagement plans for the future of mountain lions.\r\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Historical Papers

Bohannon, Colt & Barr, Hannah. BABESIA MICROTI.

Babesia microti is the causative agent for Babesiosis, which infects and destroys red blood cells. Babesiosis was first discovered by Victor Babes in 1888. This blood parasite is transmitted to humans by a tick vector, from the genus Ixodes. Babesiosis is not easily transmitted from human to human and can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. This disease can be diagnosed by examining blood smears. Once diagnoses have been made, a treatment regimen of atovaquone plus azithromycin can be administered to the patient. Some preventative measures against Babesiosis includes; preventing human and tick contact, walking on cleared paths, minimizing the amount of exposed skin and applying repellents containing DEET.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Cole, Trevor. ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES.

In my report I will be looking at Ascaris lumbricoides the largest and most prevalent of all tapeworms. It is the most common parasitic worm in humans with estimates of 25% of humans being infected with the disease. I will discuss the parasites Life cycle, common symptoms involved with being infected, treatments of choice, control of the parasite, and the historic aspects of A. lumbricoides.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

DeShon, Mallori Goddard, Mandy. GIARDIA LAMBLIA.

Giardia lamblia is considered one of the most common protozoan parasites in the world. Once the infective stage of the parasite is ingested via contaminated water and/or food, the infection process begins. This is commonly known as Giardiasis. Diagnosed infections date back to as far as 1681. This fascinating organism which causes the well-known “traveler’s diarrhea,” has extensive health effects and a unique anatomical structure.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Engelhart, Tyler. DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM LATUM.

Abstract: Diphyllobothrium latum is a very serious parasite that is prevalent in many continents. Most people are not aware of the potential health risks that are associated with D. latum. D. latum or the “Broadfish Tapeworm” is an intestinal tapeworm that can infect humans or other mammals. The main source of human infection is through consuming raw or uncooked fish. This report will cover several topics on D. latum, including the etiologic agent, pathology, symptoms, treatment, transmission, and control.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Graham, Bobbi. SYMPTAMOLOGY AND CONTROL OF AMBLYOMMA AMERICANUM.

The Lone Star tick is a common tick in the United States. It is a hard-bodied tick and has a three-host life cycle. It is a known carrier and is able to transmit at least three different tick-born human pathogens. If contact with this species is made and infection occurs symptoms for each disease may be treated. Ticks of this species are easily identifiable and contact is preventable. Public education is important to neutralize the danger of human contact.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Guldan, Moriah and Lammoglia, Cristian. CLONORCHIS SINENSIS: THE CHINESE LIVER FLUKE.

Clonorchiasis is an infectious disease caused by the Chinese liver fluke, Clonorchis sinensis. It is a known risk factor for the development of cholangiocarcinoma, cancer of the bile duct. It has an indirect life cycle, in which snails serve as the first intermediate host and freshwater fish serve as second intermediate hosts. The human host may become infected through eating raw fish. Most infected people are asymptomatic, but usually complain of non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis of clonorchiasis depends on a positive identification of eggs found in the stool and praziquantal is used for treatment. Therefore, further study and public awareness of this disease is crucial towards detection of clonorchiasis in newly infected individuals.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Higdon, Bree and Wallace, Nicole. CREEPY CRAWLERS OF THE NIGHT, DON'T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE!.

This project outlines the history of Cimex lectularius, commonly known as the bedbug, and the research that has been conducted in order to develop chemicals that are effective in their treatment. We discuss the life cycle of bedbugs, the effects they have on their hosts, and some of the current treatments used. The significance of our project is to make people and physicians aware of this uprising problem so that diagnosis can be made quickly and accurately. Through our research we found that bedbugs are found throughout the world in many different economic settings, have adaptive features that allow them to be more successful, have physical and mental effects on their hosts, and become chemically resistant to treatments.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

King, Matt Geiger, Tyeson. THE PORK TAPEWORM: TAENIA SOLIUM .

Tapeworm infection or taeniasis is a parasitic disease process caused by the ingestion of undercooked pork or beef harboring the cysticercus form of the parasite. Once ingested, a worm develops in the small intestine of the human host which may be up to 8 meters in length (Avila, G., L. Aguilar, et al. 2008). This review covers several facets of the obligate parasite Taenia solium, which is the etiologic agent responsible for the disease cysticercosis and taeniasis,the later resulting from eating undercooked pork. In an attempt to fully understand this parasite and its role within the environment and the human body, several areas are covered including the taxonomy with a brief morphological description including structures such as the scolex or head, pathology including neurocysticercosis, symptoms invloving muscle inflammation and epilepsy, treatment consisting of Niclosamide and other drugs in addition to surgical methods, epidemiology/control in regard to where and how the parasite is spread, and a history of the parasite. The life cycle of the parasite is also demonstrated. Perhaps the most important tool in combating many of the parasites found to inflict disease upon humans is education aimed towards disrupting the life cycle of the etiologic agent. It is our hope that this poster presentation will do just that. \\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Noellsch, Tavin and Marek, Hannah. ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM.

Ancylostoma caninum is a prevalent hookworm found commonly in household dogs. It resides in the small intestine and consumes blood, which can lead to dysentery. This parasite can infect humans, but this is not common. Dogs can acquire this infection by ingesting the parasite or the parasite penetrating the skin. A. caninum is found throughout the United States, as well as in many parts of the world. The infection is treatable with a variety of types of synthetic deworming drugs. Prevention is also attainable by regular administering heartworm prevention drugs, which also prevents some intestinal parasites, such as A. caninum.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Ostrander, Alyssa, and Snider, Tabitha. ANCYLOSTOMA DUODENALE: A HISTORICAL REVIEW.

The following is a presentation of the history and general characteristics of the hookworm, Ancylostoma duodenale. This species is more pathogenic than its related counterpart. Its life cycle is unique because while other parasites utilize an intermediate host for its developing stages, hookworms do not. Their life cycle demonstrates direct transmission. Larvae reside in the soil and enter humans through the skin. Once inside the human, the larvae will mature and reproduce to yield eggs which pass with feces. Soil contaminated with this fecal matter will pose a risk for infection of another human host (World Health Organization, 2008). Infection of A. duondenale should be taken seriously because of the severe symptoms it produces. Despite the severe symptoms, the infection is treatable by certain types of drugs in a matter of a few days. This disease is also preventable if proper sanitation is practiced and communities are educated on the transmission of hookworms. Because the United States is well-developed and has good sewage treatment, the cases of hookworm infection are not widespread. In developing countries, on the other hand, transmission is highly likely in populations that lack quality sewage treatment and proper footwear.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Pollock, Lindsey and Parrott, Hannah. DRACUNCULUS MEDINENSIS A.KA. THE GUINEA WORM.

The disease dracunculiasis is caused by the etiologic agent Drancunculus medinensis. Individuals are infected through the ingestion of a contaminated water source. There are rarely any symptoms present in infected individuals until the worms start to emerge from the skin. Before the worm emerges individuals could have some nonspecific symptoms that are not diagnostic to this disease. To diagnosis dracunculiasis the protruding head of worm or larva must be seen. An ELISA test can also be performed to diagnosis with high level of antibodies. Treatment includes metronidazole and removal of the worm. Through education, hygiene and many different water treatments can help prevent the spread of this disease.D. medinensis is predominately found in parts of Africa especially in areas that are drought-stricken.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

(Pollock, Lauren) and (Roberts, Roxanne). SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM.

Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic blood fluke that is in the vesicular veins of the urinary bladder. Since the worm is involved with the urinary bladder, hematuria is a common symptom with the presences of this parasite. The eggs lead to greater and more destructive pathology in other tissues and organs. The main treatment for S. haematobium is praziquantel which breaks down the tegument of the parasite. Transmission of the parasite occurs by the presence of a snail intermediate host from the genus Bulinus in aquatic environments such as, rice patties and production of dams. People who have a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to contract the parasite because of the use of night soil and dependency on infected canal water. S. haematobium can be seen throughout history. The first time it was seen was 1500 BC in hieroglyphics in Egypt. In 1980 an epidemic broke out in Southwestern Nigeria because of the construction of multiple dams.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Reece, Rachel and Kotwani, Shaina. PLASMODIUM MALARIAE.

Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium species, one of the species is Plasmodium malariae. Plasmodium malariae goes through a life cycle with two intermediate hosts, one stage with the host being a mosquito and the other host being a human. Transmission can occur with a bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, blood transfusions, or the usage of drug needles. When a person is affected with P. malaraie, the symptoms appear 18-40 days after receiving the bite. At first the symptoms are mild, but as time progresses the symptoms can get more severe. Cotecxin is a drug that can be taken to prevent malaria, but there are other drugs out there as well. Malaria occurs worldwide and the best way to prevent it is educating people and spread awareness.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Skaggs, Katherine & Fagala, Mark. NAEGLERIA FOWLERI: THE BRAIN EATING PARASITE.

Naegleria fowleri is the principal causative agent for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM is a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. PAM was first reported in 1965 by Fowler and Carter in Australia. Transmission to humans occurs when the amoeboid trophozoites invade the nasopharyngeal mucosa. It migrates through the nervous system, via the cribriform plate, to the brain. Currently, if N. fowleri infection is diagnosed or suspected, treatment with Amphotericin B is the standard of care. The only certain way to prevent a Naegleria fowleri infection is to refrain from water-related activities in or with warm, untreated, or poorly-treated water.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Slattery, Molly Williams, Lindsey. LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS: WUCHERERIA BANCROFTI.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by contraction of a flatworm nematode, Wuchereria bancrofti, and is mainly found in the tropics and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, parts of the Caribbean, and South America. The Adult worms reside in the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of human hosts. The species was named after Joseph Bancroft who discovered the adult worm stage in 1876. Later in 1878, the life cycle of Wuchereria bancrofti was discovered by Patrick Manson consisting of a mosquito as an intermediate host. The transmission stage of this disease is the larval stage, transmitted by means of a bite from various mosquito vectors. Diagnosing lymphatic filariasis relies on the identification of microfilariae stages of the parasite in the blood or body tissues, using proper parasitic microscopy techniques. Most infected people will demonstrate little to no symptoms, although the parasite does damage the lymphatic system. The swelling caused by the parasite, coupled with the damage to the lymph system subsequently makes it harder for the body to fight off other infections. Typical treatment methods for Wuchereria bancrofti involves anitfilarial drugs administered in combination with one another. Control of the transmission of lymphatic filariasis includes avoiding getting bitten by a mosquito vector, and treating endemic populations with drugs that kill the microscopic worm
Faculty Sponsor: DR, DAVID ASHLEY

Thomas, Sierra and Kram, Taylor. TOXOPLASMA GONDII.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes the disease known as toxoplasmosis. It is found mostly in countries where sheep or lamb meat is consumed or in areas with poor hygiene. The only definitive host is from the family felidae, which include cats and their relatives. However, T. gondii can infect any nucleated vertebrate cell. The intermediate hosts become infected after ingestion of soil, water and plant material that is contaminated with oocysts. The oocysts transform into tachyzoites which then travel to other parts of the body via the blood and localize in neural and muscle tissue. While in these specific tissue areas the trachyzoites further develop into tissue cyst bradyzoites. A person infected with T. gondii can be asymptomatic or develop acute and/or chronic symptoms. T. gondii can also be spread transplacentally from mother to fetus and in many cases the fetus will develop symptoms later in life. Sulfadizine is the drug of choice for T. gondii infections. T. gondii can be controlled through cooking meat, controlling contaminated water or food sources and controlling the definitive host.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Thomas, Sierra and Kram, Taylor. TOXOPLASMA GONDII.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes the disease toxoplasmosis. It is found in countries where sheep or lamb meat is consumed or in areas with poor hygiene. The only definitive host is from the family felidae. However, T. gondii can infect any nucleated vertebrate cell. The intermediate hosts become infected after ingestion of soil, water and plant material that is contaminated with oocysts. The oocysts transform into tachyzoites which then travel to other parts of the body via the blood and localize in neural and muscle tissue. T. gondii can also be spread transplacentally from mother to fetus.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Wagner, Danielle Pitman, Katelyn. SARCOCYSTIS NEURONA AND EQUINE PROTOZOAL MYELOENCEPHALITIS .

Sarcocystis neurona is the parasitic etiologic agent for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), a degenerative neurological disease commonly found in horses. Although Sarcocystis neurona has been characterized for 30 years in horses and other hosts, there is still much unknown about its occurrence, treatment and diagnosis. EPM is the most common neurological disease seen in horses and frequently results in paralysis or ataxia of the host, making it very extreme and fatal. The definitive host for Sarcocystis neurona, is the opossum, and is infective to intermediate hosts when sporocysts, which are shed in the feces, are ingested. The horse is unique in that it is considered an aberrant host for Sarcocystis neurona. In the horse common symptoms include ataxia, muscle atrophy and paralysis. Current treatments include Ponazuril and Diclazuril, although they are only considered to be 60 percent effective. The most successful forms of epidemiology and control are to prevent the opossum feces from contaminating equine food/grazing lots.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Wharton, Kiersten & Uketui, Lisa. PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM.

Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes malignant tertian malaria and this disease is often associated with mortality and is the most rampant disease afflicting humans today. It mainly affects individuals in Africa, tropical, and subtropical areas but that is beginning to change due to the effects of traveling. This species causes many symptoms that are similar to other infections but must be diagnosed by a blood smear in order to differentiate this disease because of its deathly risk. This disease can be cured but only when detected early in the course of its infection. Treatment however can be difficult due to mutations of P. falciparum and resistant strains within the developing species. Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito and the human is the definitive host following the bite. To control malaria an enormous number of resources as well as available time and effort is needed to combat the spread of the disease. However the disease is not just a current burden, it has ranged over periods of history including back to times during the crusades. Even though we have experienced turning points in research involving P. falciparum more research is needed to successfully rid ourselves of this parasite.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Internship/Practicum Experience

Burton, Jacob. CANADA GOOSE (BRANTA CANADENSIS) DEPREDATION IN THE GLACIAL LAKES AREA OF SOUTH DAKOTA.

This poster will mainly focus on the different ways that we dealt with Geese. The tactics we used where electric fences, propane cannons, use of orange flagging, hazing, and feeding sites. There were a total of 6 college students and 1 graduate working together all summer on some 425+ complaints.
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Kelley, Michael . USE OF DIGITAL IMAGING TO PREPARE A VOUCHER SERIES FOR ORGANISMAL DIVERSITY FIELD PROJECTS..

Field-oriented class projects often result in specimen collections which need to be identified. This is an almost overwhelming task if students are not experienced in the taxonomy of the represented groups. This paper evaluates our attempt to create a voucher series of digital images that represents the biodiversity of the collections. Project notebooks could be prepared and duplicated so each team of students would be able to efficiently identify specimens. This poster describes our attempts to prepare such an image collection.
Faculty Sponsor: ASHLEY

Payne, Derek. HEARTLAND WILDLIFE RANCH INTERNSHIP.

I had the honor to do my internship at Heartland Wildlife Ranch. This is a five star wildlife ranch. My poster talks about how to manage a wildlife ranch, how to properly put in food plots, how to manage animals not found in Missouri, and the cleanup of the first CWD outbreak in Missouri. This poster is very informative on how a wildlife ranch operates. It opens people’s eyes to what all goes into the management of a wildlife ranch.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Wagner, Danielle; Janseen, Bridget. THE WAR ON YEAST.

When performing Molecular Biology research, there are many problems that can arise. One of these primary problems is the presence of yeast growing on Agar plates. Our research sought to find a way by which we could prevent yeast colonization, while not influencing our bacterial growth. A drug commonly used in laboratories to kill yeast is Cycloheximide, but unfortunately it also kills bacteria. In nature, there exists a gene which codes for Cycloheximide resistance, CYH2. Our goal was to isolate CYH2 and insert it in to a bacterial plasmid, therefore allowing the bacteria to be Cycloheximide resistant.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. TODD ECKDAHL

Literature Reviews

Breit, Bradley and Sigmon, Mickey. NOVEL ECOSYSTEMS.

Biology is a discipline that is based on principles that must be understood by society. One defining principle is the concept of a novel ecosystem which is habitats that have been altered biotically or abiotically. The primary aspect of a novel ecosystem is the introduction of non native species in areas. They also can be defined of placement of barriers between interconnected habitats. Novel ecosystems present challenges to scientists that need to be actively taken on in a productive way. Sometimes the best thing is to do nothing. Novel ecosystems can be seen in many examples across our country.
Faculty Sponsor: DR CARY CHEVALIER

Davis, Zach. BLACK BEARS IN MISSOURI.

Black bears (Ursus americanus), were abundant throughout Missouri during the 1700s and 1800s. Bears were believed to have been extirpated from Missouri by the 1940s due to unregulated harvest and major loss of forest habitat. Over the past 50 years black bears have been naturally recolonizing Missouri, especially in the southern parts of the state. This resurgence was a result of two factors, the first being a successful Black bear reintroduction program in Arkansas in the 1950s and 60s, and the second being improvements in bear habitat since the period of unregulated timber harvesting at the turn of the 20th century. It is believed that the majority of the bears that currently reside in Missouri are a result of those Arkansas bears. DNA testing has been done on Missouri black bears, and some unique blood lines have been discovered which lead officials to believe that at least some of the bears found in our state are direct decedents of our original black bear population. Black Bears are an integral part of Missouri\'s native ecosystems. They are valued as a game species, and for their contributions to regional biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Decker, Jacob; Burton, Jacob. MOLE SALAMANDER HABITAT SELECTION, DIET, MORPHOLOGHY.

Habitat selection for A. talpoideum consists of lowland forest usually near pools of water of the southeast U.S. With forest management and research is mainly geared towards birds and mammals not a lot is known on the effects that timber management, rather it is for wildlife or for timber harvest, has on amphibians. The following will cover effects of timber management on Ambystoma talpoideum in northwest Louisiana and the Carolina Bays of South Carolina. In mature forest salamanders are able to have cooler temperatures verses higher temperatures during summer months in clearcuts and moist soil to survive in. However, when these tracts of timber are harvested temperatures will rise and soil will dry out. Reported decline in the number of returning A. talpoideum to breeding ponds next to recently clearcut stands of timber. Average distances traveled by ambystomatid to and from breeding ponds is 253m and when timber is cut relatively close or up to these ponds effects of salamander populations will decline for several years until the timber and understory are tall enough to create a thick canopy and soil moisture increase again
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Graham, Jake. Jacobs, Cooper. NATURAL HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT OF COYOTES IN NORTH AMERICA.

The aim of this paper was to examine the natural history of coyotes and current management practices. In this paper the diet, habitat, range, sociality, and home range of coyotes are discussed. In addition, factors that can help determine these aspects of their natural history are explained and discussed. Current management tools and techniques are examined and successes, failures, and the specific management needs for coyotes are discussed.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Gudehus, Brandon and Jago, Jeremiah. SNOW GEESE CONSERVATION: THE CHALLENGES OF MANAGING AN OVERABUNDANT POPULATION.

The goals of this poster is to show you about the 1) biology and natural history of snow geese, 2) Conservation Issues of Snow Geese, 3) the habitat destruction they are cause in the arctic, and 4) the conservation order season that has been enacted.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

(Kriebs, Georja), (Gienapp, Allison), (Sayre, Jeremy). CONSERVATION OF WHITE RHINO (CERATHURIUM SIMUM) IN AFTRICA.

The African White Rhino, Ceratotherium simum, has had a drastic decline in their numbers in recent history do to poaching in sub Saharan range states. Management plans were formulated to protect this species and others. There was research done on the captive and wild populations of white rhinoceros. The research looked into the reproduction of white rhinoceros. They reviewed stress hormones in female white rhinoceros to look into whether or not stress could and has had an effect of the reproduction of the species and if there was how to minimize the stress of the animals. Zoos have been a huge management tool through obtaining research on captive white rhinoceros, but they also help with getting support for the species by outreach and education. Management plans are looking into a new ways of stopping poaching by keeping the horns on the white rhinos short and selling their horns in legal markets, though there is some research that has been done more is needed.
Faculty Sponsor: CARY D. CHEVALIER

(Payne, Derek) (Haley, Jake). NATURAL HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT OF WHITETAILED DEER IN MISSOURI.

This poster covers the natural History and management practices for the White-tailed Deer in Missouri. In Missouri the white-tailed deer was once almost to the point of local extinction in Missouri in the 1920's. By 1944 the population had revamped do to bringing deer in from outside sources and a hunting season was put into place to help manage the herd. Now the deer are abundant again and allows us to have a more liberal season. The management practices that are talked about are forever changing with the years. The deer are also susceptible to diseases that are of concern for the deer herds health which has to be thought about when management practices are put into play. The biggest disease that could potentially infect the deer is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) which will be talked about in the poster along with the management practices that are now in play and what has happened to the population over the years.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Persinger, Ryan, Slawson, Anna. AFRICAN WILD DOGS.

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), have been listed as an endangered animal since 1990. These dogs also called painted dogs are typically mottled with red, brown, white, and black. They live in a social family or pack consisting of blood members and adoptive members. In this literature review we discuss the the geographic range and population decline of these amazing mammals; as well as pack lifestyles and conservations efforts.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY D. CHEVALIER

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Empirical Projects

Morrow, Darien and Ducey, Michael. SOLVATOCHROMIC PROPERTIES OF IONIC LIQUID: SOLVENT AND POLYMER SYSTEMS EXAMINED WITH PRODAN.

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been applied to a wide variety of chemical applications including separations and synthesis. Their unique solvent properties and ability to rapidly and easily make modifications to their composition make them interesting for such applications. In this work, the solvatochromic properties of mixed solvent and polymer systems of alkyl methylimidazolium RTILs are described using the fluorescent probe 6-propionyl-2-dimethylaminonapthalene (PRODAN). A correlation between ionic liquid structure and concentration on the relative polarity of the probe and involves the formation of micelles is observed. Characterization and applications of polyvinyl alcholol:RTIL:PRODAN sensors are also described.
Faculty Sponsor: MICHAEL DUCEY

Thornton, Bethany and Ducey, Michael. SOLVATOCHROMIC PROPERTIES OF RTIL: SOLVENT SYSTEMS EXAMINED WITH CHROMOPHORES.

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) have been applied to a wide variety of chemical applications including separations and synthesis. Their unique solvent properties and ability to rapidly and easily make modifications to their composition make them interesting for such applications. In this work, the solvatochromic properties of mixed solvent systems of alkyl methylimidazolium RTILs are described using the probes N,N-dimethylindoanaline and N,N-diethyl-4-nitroanaline. A correlation between ionic liquid structure and concentration on the relative polarity of the probe and involves the formation of micelles is observed. Practical applications of the solvatochromic properties to polymeric sensors are also described.
Faculty Sponsor: MICHAEL DUCEY

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LEGAL STUDIES/SOCIAL WORK

Empirical Projects

Halter, Jennifer. BURNOUT RATE OF FOSTER PARENTS DEALING WITH CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS.

We have all heard speeches about how the youth are the next generation to control our fate as a society. The statement applies to every race, gender, ethnicity, and background. There are nearly 500,000 children in the foster care system. This research was conducted at the Children's Division to see how to help find a home for one of the foster children they have in their circuit. Most of the foster children have been placed with families before but due to certain conditions the placement didn't work out for certain reasons. This research focuses on why some of the foster parents are getting burn out and what we could do in order to keep the foster homes. In the application questions pick all of them show no correlations to the dependent variable if they would be more willing to foster/adopt. However, the findings do show some factors that may lead to burn out of foster parents. Some of the factors were race, gender, health of family, type of home, martial status, and amount of children the foster parent would consider taking in.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Johnston, Zachary. ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SINGLE PARENT VS. DUAL PARENT FAMILIES.

Abstract This study was conducted at the Preferred Family Health Adolescent Substance Abuse Outpatient program in St. Joseph, Mo. The study was conducted with a sample of thirty adolescent participants of the outpatient program. The clients were separated by gender and then randomly selected resulting in 15 subjects of each gender between the ages of 13 and 17 years of age. The purpose of the study was to examine and indentify any correlations that may be present between race, age, and gender of an adolescent with a history of alcohol and drug use and the family structure in which the adolescent resides. The study showed evidence within the test subjects of a direct relationship between the family structure and an increase alcohol use in the adolescents. However, there was little evidence to substantiate the theory that the family structure and drug use in the adolescents are correlated.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Jones, Ashley. KNOWLEDGE OF SAFE HAVEN LAW IN NORTHWEST MISSOURI.

The focus of the study is the knowledge base of the Safe Haven Law for Newborns for northwest Missouri. The data was collected from hospitals in the northwest region of Missouri by using a survey method. The surveys consist of the OB unit at Heartland Regional Medical Center and six separate hospitals in the northwest region. The surveys consist of eight questions that test the knowledge of the participants. The results show a significant lack of knowledge by the northwest region of Missouri. The results will provide data for Heartland Regional Medical Center to determine educational training for staff in the northwest region of Missouri.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Miller, Rita. SUCCESS IN DRUG COURT.

Drug courts have appeared to be a solution to the increasing numbers of drug addicted offenders entering our criminal justice system and have become widespread since their introduction in 1989. The data is measured by adult participants at the time of admission to drug court. Assessments are completed prior to entering treatment. Basic characteristics include but are not limited to race, gender, and marital status. There are many key components in what makes drug court a success, and with proper monitoring and treatment, drug court can reduce recidivism, rates, criminal thinking, abstinence from drugs, and overall positive outcomes for the offender and their families.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Muchmore, Rebecca. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE 43RD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JUVENILE OFFICE.

Abstract In order to evaluate the effectiveness of an agency, one must look into client satisfaction. Part of that entails finding out if client satisfaction is related to having a personal relationship with the employees. This study focused on the Juvenile Office in the 43rd Judicial Circuit in Missouri. The attempt is to find out if having a personal relationship with the clients improved the client satisfaction and if either one of those variables would correlate to how effective the Juvenile Office is. The sample population for this study was 85 current clients and parents/guardians of the Juvenile Office. The method of research was a survey designed to evaluate three areas. These areas included client perception of the juvenile officer, client perception of the juvenile office, and satisfaction of services received. The study showed that all variables have a positive effect on one another. As the client felt a personal relationship with the Juvenile Officer, they reported being more satisfied with the Juvenile Office and thus the level of effectiveness increased as well.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAMALI

Scott, Tammy. EFFECTS OF CRISIS INTERVENTION ON EMPLOYEES.

Crisis intervention is a major problem in today’s society. With the economy imbalances it puts more impact on the workers dealing with people in crisis. The toll it takes on the worker having to deal with these crises every day, have a quicker burnout rate than those who don’t deal with it daily. Burnout is a huge factor many employees will face in this field of work.\\r\\n The research I conducted was on the employees at the YWCA shelter. These workers deal with women and children who are in crisis situations due to domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. Many of the residents are mentally and physically disabled and may have addiction to drugs or alcohol. These results did not show what I was expecting, the low number of employees at this facility made my research insignificant. The survey would have had greater results if conducted on the residents in crisis and not the employees. The survey was conducted only on the eight full time employees at the facility, I would have had a greater sample size with the residents, rather than the employee’s, my results may have given me more frequencies of what works for them and what won’t while in crisis. The ones who are in crisis would have more say so on what works when having to rely on employees to resolve their issues. With these results, I believe it would help the employees become more beneficial to their clients. \\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Scott, Tammy. EFFECTS OF CRISIS INTERVENTION ON EMPLOYEES.

Crisis intervention is a major problem. The tolls of the workers who deal with crisis on a daily basis have a quicker burnout rate than those who do not deal with it daily. This research conducted was on the employees at the YWCA shelter facility. These workers deal with women and child who are in crisis due to domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. Many of the residents are mentally and physically disabled and who may have addiction to drugs or alcohol. The results did not show what expected. The survey was conducted only on the eight full time employees that work at this facility. The ones who are in crisis have more say so on what works for them when they have to rely on employees to help them resolve the issues that they are dealing with. If they do not have that then many are repeat residents. With these results, maybe it would help the employees who do this type of work to be more beneficial to their clients.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Tolliver, Rachel. CHILDHOOD AGGRESSION: ARE THE BEHAVIORS MORE LEARNED THAN GENETIC?.

This research explores the question if a child’s misbehavior is more of a learned action than a genetically diagnosed disorder? This research is conducted at the Family Guidance Center and Colgan Center. These centers deal with children with intense behavioral issue every day. The actions displayed by these children raised the question of safety for the school’s staff and the children themselves. The research question is where did the aggressive behaviors such as kicking, hitting, spitting, and cussing come from? Did they learn it from the home; is it genetics; or, just pure deviance? The research is based off of the Jamaican folk saying "Monkey See, Monkey Do" and the mimicking aspects of a child’s behavior. From the research findings the majority of the children suffer from ADHD, anxiety, and frustration. This would lead to the aggressive and violent behaviors. It was found that the younger ages respond better to the behavioral redirections from the staff at the centers. This is due to displaying a recent learned behavior, and showing normal signs of being upset. The older children responded to behavioral redirections harder because of growing up with negative behaviors.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Vandivert, Linda. THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OFFERED BY ACES ON MEMBER SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

Abstract\\r\\n The Area Cooperative for Educational Support (ACES) is a 21 public school district educational cooperative, established in 2005. A mental health and behavioral management team was created to serve the school districts within the cooperative at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. It was hypothesized that mental health services provided to district schools within ACES would improve educational and behavioral outcomes for the cooperative as a whole. Past research indicates that childhood mental illness may be a predictor of future school problems and places the child at risk of dropping out. School based mental health services can implement research based interventions that can reduce suspensions and absenteeism and promote academic success. Secondary analysis of the data collected by the agency was performed to ascertain what impact the mental health services had on the district schools. It was found that there was a positive change in suspensions, graduation rates, successful exits from the alternative school and days of enrollment in the alternative school after mental health services were implemented. The only area that did not exhibit a positive change was in attendance rates, where there was a .13% decrease. These findings indicate that mental health services and research based interventions can enrich the learning environment of schools in rural northwest Missouri. \\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Webb, Brandi. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH PROGRAM EVALUATION.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater St. Joseph is a mentorship program, matching adult volunteers to children with the same interest. These matches then spend 2-4 hours a week together, doing whatever they choose. Surveys were mailed out to parents of the children who are matched as well as the volunteers who are matched. The survey asked the parents and the volunteers about their child’s, family and peer relationships, school attitude and grades as well as use of substances.15 parents and 13 volunteers returned the surveys. In fact 73.3% of parents reported their child’s relationship with family had some improvement. 61.5% of volunteers reported the child they are matched with has had some improvement in their relationships with their peers. 61.5% of the volunteers reported that the child has had some improvement in their attitude towards school since the match began, and 46.7% of parents reported their child’s grades had some improvement since being matched. No cases were reported of any of these factors worsening since the match began. No cases were reported of any of the children frequently using substances. The data shows that children in the BBBS program do have improvement in family and peer relationships as well as school attitude and grades. The data also shows children in the BBBS program do not abuse substances.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS POLITITICAL SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Cross, Casey . FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE A FOSTER PARENT’S DECISION TO ADOPT.

Abstract\\r\\nThis study looks at various factors that influence a foster parent’s decision to adopt a foster child. Some of the common factors that were gathered from the literature review that were found to be important are the foster parent’s characteristics, support, opinions on adoption, bond formation, characteristics of the child, and finances. The methodology includes a survey that was sent out to twelve adoptive foster parents. This study attempts to address the research question, “What factors influence a foster parent’s decision to adopt?” This study suggests that foster parents decide to adopt based on the factors of having support, opinions on adoption, finances, and the bond that is formed. In conclusion, it is important to recognize these factors to find ways to possibly increase these factors if possible and also give the foster children a better chance to find permanency which would result in a better outcome for them. \\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR, ALI KAMALI

Huffman, Morgan. OUTCOME EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM USED BY THE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CLINIC .

This study was an outcome evaluation of the crisis pregnancy intervention program used by the Pregnancy Resource Clinic. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of this program in working to help change client’s minds about proceeding with an abortion, primarily focusing on the effectiveness of the use of mentoring sessions and ultrasound viewing utilized in the program. The sample of this study included 35 women who were clients of the Pregnancy Resource Clinic in 2011 with the intent to have an abortion or who were undecided about having an abortion. The hypothesis for this study was that the use of ultrasound and mentoring are effective in changing client’s minds to choose not to have an abortion. The hypothesis was supported in changing the minds of women initially undecided about having an abortion; however, the hypothesis was not supported in changing the minds of women initially intending to abort.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Maggart, Roxanne. TRAUMA’S IMPACT ON CHILDREN-A CASE FOR SITCAP.

When a child has experienced trauma during early stages of development, brain structure may be damaged causing primary learning function impairment. A child’s cognitive and behavioral role may be affected impacting school performance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Structured Sensory Intervention for Traumatized Children, Adolescents and Parents (SITCAP) and the effectiveness of this intervention on school performance. The sample includes clients of one therapist working at Heartland Health. An outcome evaluation focusing on case study methodology was utilized. Pre and post-test analysis of individual cases using a likert scale has shown that SITCAP intervention positively affects school performance. Additionally, the Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) Scale of each case study was reviewed and showed a positive impact from SITCAP intervention. With early identification of traumatic experience(s), impaired emotional functioning that damages the primary learning process and causes barriers to positive school performance can be altered to improve chances of successful results in a child’s life experiences.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Smith, Dana. EXPLORING MARKETING AND RESIDENT'S PERCEPTION OF SERVICES AND HOW THEY AFFECT LONG-TERM CARE CENSUS.

The Baby-Boom generation is quickly approaching the age of needing to utilize a long-term care facility. It is crucial for the facility to know how to market to this demographic as well as to make sure they are offering and providing their residents the best services available. The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine what marketing strategy is most productive in reaching the target population and what are the resident’s perceptions of the services provided? The participants are residents at Wathena Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, a long-term care facility in Wathena, Kansas. They received a survey of 17 questions that addressed how they heard about the facility and their satisfaction with the services and care provided. Out of 42 residents, 26 (62%) completed the survey. The results showed that this particular facility had positive overall satisfaction but may need to expand their marketing strategies in order to reach populations outside of their immediate community. Marketing and satisfaction of services intertwine with each other; if there is accomplishment with both of these variables then a successful business is sure to follow.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Whitley, Katherine Vermillion. HOW THE FAMILY DRUG COURT PROGRAM AND THE REMANDING OF CHILDREN INTO FOSTER CARE: WHY.

Abstract\\r\\nPurpose of this study was to compare the graduate client files at Jackson County Family Drug Court who have had children removed from parental custody since graduation from the Family Drug Court Program. It discusses reasons for drug courts and possible outcomes for clients. This outcome evaluation focuses on the 2006 graduates of Family Drug Court in Jackson County, Missouri. This paper attempts to answer the question, “How does parental drug choice affect the outcome of the drug court experience?” A sample of 71 women was utilized to look at the amount of relapse in clients, between graduation and the present, whose drug of choice was methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol or phencyclidine (PCP). The study measured the children removed to foster care against the parent’s drug of choice and the possible reasons for the difficulty with reliability and validity in an older grouping of graduates including popular changes concerning the drugs of choice, how trends in use change through the years and how it affects the statistics. Although the findings show a small correlation it shows no statistically significant findings. The study offers several reasons for this lack. It asks questions and proposes other research that should be conducted to help social workers and case managers better serve the drug court clientele.\\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Boswell, Jacob. 3D PRINTING: RETHINKING ARCHITECTURAL MODELS.

Is 3D printing an effective and efficient architectural model making tool? There are many 3D printers with strengths and weaknesses in their form building abilities. The purpose of this investigation is to use the RapMan 3.1 3D printer to explore architectural designs. \\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY AND AARON STUTTERHEIM

Castor, Joseph. MODERN CATAPULT.

A catapult is an ancient engineering engine for hurling an object. I plan to build all the pieces in an Inventor (3d modeling software) and then print them to make a catapult. The connections will have to be tight so that when it launches an object it will not fall apart. There will be a big focus on tectonics (which is the art of connections) and on the strength of the design. I will learn more about the 3d printers, perfect tectonics, and find the strengths of the plastic in extreme conditions. I most likely will have a lot of problems with the 3d printer being able to print the parts and connections I want. I expect to have a fully functioning catapult by the end of the project.
Faculty Sponsor: J.NEIL LAWLEY & AARON STUTTERHEIM

Hatley, Brandon. 3D PRINTER ACCURACY & VARIANCES FOR MORTISE AND TENNON CONNECTION.

Currently there is not a set of guidelines to instruct a designer on how best to create a working joint with the Rapman and BFB 3D printers. Through a series of several prints, I would like to establish the best group of settings to achieve an accurate and functioning printed joint. For each printer, I will be focusing on four variances; the speed of the print, the material used, the printer used, and the orientation of the object on the bed of the printer. The dimensions of the printed physical objects will be compared to those of the virtual model. This will outline the optimal printer settings for the use of designing a virtual computer model that will accomplish a successful print of parts that can be assembled with correct tolerances.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY, AND AARON STUTTERHEIM

White, Micah. CONCEPT DESIGN MODELING.

For my EGT/ART 396 individual investigation, I looked at various aspects of my design portfolio to see how I could use my modeling and printing skills to show potential employers my design versatility. I planned to take and design, model, and print three to five design concepts from my portfolio and conceptual work. By including these models and 3D Prints alongside the actual design process sketches and renderings, I endeavor to show employers my potential to create amazing designs, which will hopefully help me secure employment at a design fabrication company prototyping numerous technologies for world-wide application.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY, AARON STUTTERHEIM

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND JOURNALISM

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Bokay, Jeremiah. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS FORMS OF USER ASSISTANCE.

The purpose of my study is to examine three types of user assistance for Microsoft Word and their respective advantages and disadvantages. These types of user assistance will include embedded help, online help, and physical user guides/books. I hope to accurately gauge how intuitive and user-friendly each type of assistance is, and also to determine which avenues are best-suited to individual users’ needs – as no one method of user assistance seems to be effective for every user.
Faculty Sponsor:

Carter, Caitlyn. TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE GAMING INDUSTRY.

This project illustrates the growing importance of technical communicators in the video game industry. Due to the ever increasing popularity of gaming of all types, the field continues to grow substantially. As a result, the demand for instructions, cheat codes, alternate playing strategies, and so on continue to grow. In addition to being a pastime, video games are also becoming a popular training tool in the work place. The need for technical communicators in gaming documentation is growing, and with it, the possibility for employment.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Fimple, Kathryn. NARRATIVE AS A MEDIUM.

The purpose of this project is determine whether narrative instructions or non-narrative instructions are easier to remember. Subjects will follow instructions to complete a task, and after an elapsed period of time, will be asked to complete the task again without instructions. The time shall be recorded in seconds and a percentage of improvement shall be produced by comparing the time from trial 1 and trial 2 for each subject.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Frank, Sara. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN: EFFECTIVE ONLINE TRAINING.

The purpose of this project is to understand why online training is necessary for an organization and what materials are required to use for this process.
Faculty Sponsor:

Heater, Jennifer. WORDS OR VISUALS: WHICH SPEAK LOUDER? .

The purpose of my research is to evaluate the way inserted visual media in technical communication documents affect the perception of the reader and the ethical implications they have on writer. I have evaluated and compared several scholarly articles and different types of visual media to determine how visual semiotics (the study of signs), visual literacy, and goals of the writer impact the perception of the reader. By exploring the meanings of visual media and the affects that alterations made to visual media have on the reader, it can help the writer ensure accuracy in communicating credible, meaningful, and useful information to the reader. I hope to determine the best way for technical communicators to insert images into text, while not compromising the goals of the article.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Jones, Kevin. INTEGRATION OF ELECTRONIC MANUALS IN THE WORKFORCE.

The research shows a comparison of electronic and hard copy manuals the users will need in order to complete their jobs. It covers the pros and cons while exploring the overall question, "Will electronic manuals eventually replace a hard copy manuals?"
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Root, Natalie. PERSONAS IN USER-CENTERED DESIGN.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of creating and using personas in user-centered design. A persona was created and evaluated to determine how using a persona affects creating user centered products.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Snyder, Ashley. USER/COMPANY GENERATED CONTENT.

My goal was to discover if user generated or company generated content was used more throughout the web as a help aid. Many companies are starting to pull user generated content created in online space such as blogs or Wikipedia for their own needs. It’s more efficient and cheaper, but I wished to discover if it was more beneficial. To discover this I tested a group of middle aged individuals using Microsoft Help and User Generated Help to see how they performed. I also circulated a survey among other participants to gauge what kind of help they preferred online.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Waters, Sarah. LESS IS MORE: GRAPHIC USABILITY IN THE TECHNICAL WORLD.

This project is to study the usability of graphics in today's high-tech world. As more people are going digital, it creates a greater demand for products that can perform an added variety of tasks. The more a program or device can do, the more options it gives the user, as well as a greater opportunity for confusion. I use current research on graphics, usability and audience response to support the idea that less is more when using graphics.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAY ADKINS

Whitman, Rochelle. WEBMASTERS AND CODING.

The objective in this research is to compare using a text editing software program and writing HTML code. My main question is "Do webmasters need to know how to code?". In my paper I will show that not only do they need to know,it is essential to the position.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAYE ADKINS

Wolter, Zachary Thor. SOCIAL NETWORKING AND USABILITY.

The purpose of my presentation is a comparison among the usability of three major social networking websites (Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace). Among the factors examined are navigability and ease of accessing information. I hope to be able to provide an accurate and unbiased examination of these sites' usability.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAYE ADKINS

Literature Reviews

Lamp, Cody. TECHNICAL WRITING AS A TEACHING TOOL.

Technical Communication lacks a proper definition because it contains a broad spectrum of topics, ideas, and information. But one thing that can be said about Technical Communication is that it is designed to teach. By tracing Technical Communication's history, I will attempt to define Technical Communication as a very specific pedagogical theory.
Faculty Sponsor:

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Empirical Projects

Yeh, Pi-Ming; Chiao, Cheng-Huei; Monroe, Jessica; Brewer, Ashley; Belfonte, Kristin. FACTORS INFLUENCING COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL BEING AND SUICIDAL IDEATION.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of college students’ spiritual well-being, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies on the psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. There were 261 college students recruited from an university in USA. A descriptive research design was used. The Multiple Regression model variables accounted for 48.9% of the psychological well-being variance, and 57.7% for suicidal ideation. Higher scores of SWB, PFE, PFD, lower scores of Depression and EFE were found to predict significantly greater psychological well-being. Higher scores of Anxiety, Depression, PFE, and EFD were found to predict significantly higher scores of suicidal ideation.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Yeh, Pi-Ming; Chiao, Cheng-Huei; Hayes, Natalie; Watkins, Katie; Eze, Anuli; Helm, Chandalynn. THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FAMILY INTERACTION, COLLEGE STUDENT’S PERSONALITY, AND COPING STRATEGIES.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among college students’ family interaction, personality, and coping strategies. There were 173 college students recruited. A descriptive research design was used. There were significantly positive relationships between problem-focused engagement coping strategy with child monitor, inductive reasoning, communication, positive reinforcement, involvement, and total scores of positive parents’ rearing attitude. There were significantly positive relationships between total scores of personality with child monitor, inductive reasoning, communication, involvement, and the total positive parents’ rearing attitude. Inconsistent Discipline was the most important parenting style that had significantly negative impacts on coping strategies and personality.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Boan, Erica, Edwards, Justin, Ratliff, Jacqueline, Waller, Ashley. KNOW WHAT I MEAN? PERCEPTION OF EMOTIONAL CONTENT IN EMAIL, NOTES, AND TEXT MESSAGES.

Technological innovations have promoted new modes of communication that have many benefits (e.g., speed), but also some potential costs. For example, research suggests that emotional connotation can be affected by mode of communication. In this study participants read positive, negative, and neutral messages that were presented as text messages, emails, and handwritten notes. They were asked to reply to the message and then rate their emotional experience of the message as well as the appropriateness of the mode of communication. Results from this study will help reveal and define emotional costs associated with electronically-mediated communication.
Faculty Sponsor: MARY STILL

Brooks,Timothy; Bryant, Hannah; Hull, Matthew; Shoemaker, Bryce; Griffin, Bailey. MAYBE MONKS DON’T SEEK GOD AS MUCH AS WE THOUGHT…FAITH DEVELOPMENT & RELIGIOUS COPING.

This study examined the relationship between faith development and the use of specific religious coping styles. Four hundred thirty-five college students completed the Faith Development Scale (Barnes et al. 1989) and the RCOPE (Pargament et al. 2000), along with demographic and other religious measures. A one-way ANOVA revealed that participants at stage 5 use less spiritual connection and seeking religious direction than those at stage 3 and 4. Though these results are expected for seeking religious direction, they are surprising for spiritual connection. Future qualitative studies might further examine why spiritual connection might decrease in more spiritually developed individuals.
Faculty Sponsor: RUSSELL PHILLIPS

Hull, Matthew; Bryant, Hannah; Griffin, Bailey; Shoemaker, Bryce; Brooks, Tim. COPING WITH STRESS WITHIN THE FUNDAMENTALIST MIND.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between fundamentalism and the use of specific styles of religious coping. Previous studies have examined the relationship between fundamentalism and general religious coping. Four hundred thirty-five students at two universities completed measures concerning demographic variables, religion, and religious coping. Fundamentalism was significantly correlated with the religious coping methods of marking religious boundaries and religious focus, and was a major predictor of these variables in forward regressions. Future research should examine the relationship between fundamentalism and the 15 other religious coping styles, and examine religious coping in Fundamentalists of all ages.
Faculty Sponsor: RUSS PHILLIPS

Shoemaker, Bryce; Griffin, Bailey; Bryant, Hannah; Brooks, Tim; Hull, Matthew . THE ELDERLY RELY ON FAITH WHILE THE YOUNG SAVE THEMSELVES.

Previous studies do not examine specific forms of religious coping and their relationship to age. The present study examines the relationship between age and the particular coping method of spiritual connection. Four hundred thirty-five students attending two universities were surveyed regarding demographic variables, measures of religiosity, and the RCOPE. There was a small statistically significant relationship between age and spiritual connection. Age was not a relevant predictor for spiritual connection in a forward regression, while frequency of prayer and spirituality was. It is suggested that a sample with greater diversity in age might better predict religious coping methods.
Faculty Sponsor: RUSS PHILLIPS