DEPARTMENT OF ART

Empirical Projects

Wright, Matthew. CNC ROUTER APPLICATIONS IN THE SCULPTURE WORLD.

With this research course the purpose is to complete the fabrication and electronic connections of a CNC router. This will also require determining software requirements in order for the machine to function, and learning how to operate the software. This CNC router was started several years ago but was never completed. I will need to check all parts to make sure they are correctly assembled and then make sure all parts are accounted for prior to beginning the electrical and electronics connections. In the process of completing this machine, I will gain new skills that will allow me to add a different dimension to my sculpture­ making process. This will also be a good way to add skills to my sculptural repertoire and would aid me in my future endeavors with career placement after graduation. This would also allow other students the opportunity to use the technology to create their own sculptural work. Although when inspecting the parts I saw some circuit boards that I was not familiar with, I also saw some parts that I was quite knowledgeable about. I will also have to learn how to read a blueprint for the construction of the device. However, I expect that I will be able to complete the project in a timely manner.
Faculty Sponsor: J. NEIL LAWLEY

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Cochran, Kelly; Luke, Alex; and Quaney, Mike. INDUCING FIBROBLAST APOPTOSIS WITH SMOKELESS TOBACCO EXTRACTS.

The usage of smokeless tobacco products is a growing public health concern worldwide. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue damage caused by smokeless tobacco. Skin fibroblasts contribute to the first barrier of defense against wounds, and tobacco products directly insult fibroblasts in the oral cavity. Cultured fibroblasts (Col-GFP colon) were exposed to varying concentrations of smokeless tobacco extract (STE) for three days. Fibroblast cells were expected to show an apoptotic dose-response to increasing concentrations of STE via chromatin condensation, p53 phosphorylation, and PARP-1 cleavage. Fluorescence microscopy identified little fibroblast chromatin condensation. A cell-based ELISA showed unreliable p53 phosphorylation, and cleaved PARP-1 was not detected with SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Fibroblast cells did not undergo significant apoptosis in this study. Cell type, STE concentration, and incubation duration could be factors changed in future studies of STE-induced apoptosis.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Cochran, Kelly. THE EFFECTS OF IMIDACLOPRID ON DANIO RERIO OCULAR AND OSTEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT.

Imidacloprid is a common insecticide that acts as a neurotoxin. Using it as a pesticide could have long-term jeopardizing effects on humans and ecosystems if it finds its way into water supplies. Imidacloprid has a lower toxicity to mammals, but neurotoxic effects have been seen in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neurological and osteological effects of imidacloprid on embryonic zebrafish ocular and osteological development. Ocular diameters and ceratohyal cartilage lengths were expected to decrease with increasing imidacloprid concentration. Twenty-four hours post- fertilization, zebrafish embryos were treated with a low-dose (LD) or high-dose (HD) of imidacloprid. After seven days, an indirect relationship was seen between imidacloprid concentration and 1) ocular diameter and 2) ceratohyal cartilage lengths. Imidacloprid was found to delay ocular and osteological development.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. MELISSA DAGGETT

Empirical Projects

Bartlett, Jenice Bailey, Bryan. NATURAL HISTORY AND CONSERVATION OF NORTHERN BOBWHITE .

Northern Bobwhite Quail are one of the most \r\neconomically important game bird species in north \r\namerica. They are a small bird, utilized for \r\nhunting, and threatened by habitat loss. Our \r\nposter discusses their life history and \r\nconservation management practices.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Steven Bilby, Amie Haddock,Laney Hayward. EFFECTS OF TOPICAL HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ON BACTERIA.

Stabilized hydrogen peroxide is used as a topical antiseptic in the concentration of 3% as well as an oral rinse. There are several bacterial species many endemic to our skin that produces catalase, which breaks down H2O2 in addition to our own cells that produce catalase and peroxidase. Our study shows the effects of peroxide as an antiseptic agent in vitro. The study isolated bacterial cells from all other types of cells to study the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the cells at varying concentrations (3%, 6% & 9%) at given times (15, 30 & 60 seconds) compared to a catalase and non catalase producing organism. On topical wounds we do not recommend the use of Stabilized hydrogen peroxide topical solution as our hypothesis is that hydrogen peroxide is ineffective as a microbicidal agent.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Byers Anya, Gant Taylor, Laliberte Emilie. THE EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS ON INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL CELLS.

This experiment includes time exposure to potential apoptosis inducing agents. Intestinal epithelial cell line (CMT-93) was exposed to 50mM of complete media, saccharin, sucralose, aspartame in 1500?L of prepared solution. Exposure times were 48 hours during which cells were treated with the designated apoptosis inducing agents. Cells were analyzed for DNA laddering by gel electrophoresis, stained with DAPI for cellular blebbing, and tested for PARP cleavage assessed by Western Blot. It was predicted that aspartame treatment would result in the greatest evidence of apoptosis. Aspartame did demonstrate the most obvious signs of apoptosis shown by the DAPI stain.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON

Amelia Cribb, Demie Fields, Helaine Mills, Savannah Lewis. COMPOSITION EGG-PERIMENT .

We analyzed the macromolecule composition of store bought white eggs, store bought organic eggs, and farm fresh eggs. The Lugol’s iodine test was used to detect the presence of starch; the Benedict’s test to detect the presence of simple sugars; the Sudan IV test to detect the presence of lipids and the Biuret test to detect the presence of proteins. Through these various tests, we compared the composition in the egg yolk and egg white of the three different types of eggs.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Taylor Dotson, Shyra Jackson, Lauren Brumback, Tyler Noble. THE EFFECTS OF HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS ON FERMENTATION.

The objective of this experiment was to determine if using additives such as vitamins and health supplements, will improve the fermentation of yeast by creating a more sustainable yeast population. We used the idea and the basis of our other experiments this semester to test the fermentation process of yeast in a controlled experiment. We found the process in which yeast fermented using vitamins interesting. We tested four different types of vitamins and the rate of fermentation of the yeast.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Fry, Justin Ridenour, Coltin . PRAIRIE CHICKEN LIFE HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT .

The Greater Prairie-Chicken, Tympanuchus cupido, is a ground nesting bird who occupies the Midwest region of North America. This type of grouse use to be very abundant in the mid- 1800s and has since been on a rapid decline after the turn of the century. When the buffalo still roamed the plains and the grasslands were plentiful, the Greater Prairie-Chicken thrived. At one time they populated the land from Oklahoma to Ontario, Canada. Before the Europeans began to settle in North America the native prairies were widespread. McNew and his colleges (2012) stated that, “In North America, declines of grassland bird populations have been steeper and more widespread than any other guild of birds because of land use and land cover change in native prairies.” The expansion of croplands and large agricultural changes separated their habitat into smaller and smaller sections (Matthews et al.2013). Now there are small, segmented populations of prairie-chickens that extend form South Dakota to Oklahoma (Blanco-Flantao et al. 2013).
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Gossett, Chandler Lyle, Sarah Hulett, Derek. EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON APOPTOSIS OF CMT-93 CELLS.

Many drugs can have an adverse effect on intestinal epithelial cells. One of the most common drugs used in today’s society is caffeine, a psychoactive drug. Our experiment was to determine the effects of caffeine on mouse colon epithelial cells. Our tests exposed the cells to 5mg and 10mg concentration of caffeine. We then measured for apoptosis using the Western Blot and DAPI cellular tests. Our results showed that the 5mg dose didn’t have a significant difference on apoptosis and the 10mg dose also was not significantly different for cell apoptosis. Therefore, we cannot conclude that caffeine has an impact on apoptosis in the cells at the concentrations we used.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Gossett, Chandler Lyle, Sarah Hulett, Derek. EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON APOPTOSIS OF CMT-93 CELLS.

Many drugs can have an adverse effect on intestinal epithelial cells. One of the most common drugs used in today’s society is caffeine, a psychoactive drug. Our experiment was to determine the effects of caffeine on mouse colon epithelial cells. Our tests exposed the cells to 5mg and 10mg concentration of caffeine. We then measured for apoptosis using the Western Blot and DAPI cellular tests. Our results showed that the 5mg dose didn’t have a significant difference on apoptosis and the 10mg dose also was not significantly different for cell apoptosis. Therefore, we cannot conclude that caffeine has an impact on apoptosis in the cells at the concentrations we used.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Hayes, Kaleigh Francis, Katie Erickson, Tony. THE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE ON CELL APOPTOSIS.

This study was done to determine if the effects of caffeine on cultured cells would increase the rate of apoptosis. The HeLa cells were put into four different wells, the control (all cells in normal media), and the test which were cells in 0.08g of caffeine mixed with media and left to grow for 24 hours. The cells in the control were healthy and growing while the cells in the caffeine went through apoptosis. Our hypothesis was supported because by adding the caffeine to the cells we were able to increase the rate of apoptosis within 24 hours.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Sunnie Helmer, Miranda Migletz. ORGANIC MOLECULES IN FOOD.

In this study we investigated the macromolecular composition of common food items, using qualitative assays.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Kylie Hough, Kasey Webster, Michelle McDowell, Courtney Mondaine. BLOOD TYPING: WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW OUR BLOOD TYPE?.

In this experiment we conducted a blood typing study, using monoclonal antibodies, and related it to the frequency of type occurrence in the US population.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Keffeler, Erica. EFFECTS OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE ON COLLAGEN EXPRESSION IN MYOFIBROBLASTS.

In a compromised epithelial barrier, intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (MF) can become exposed to luminal bacterial products. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common component of the Gram negative bacterial cell wall. Exposure to bacterial adjuvants, such as LPS, may upregulate transcription for collagen and other matrix proteins and growth factors in MF to promote intestinal wound healing. Intestinal MF were isolated from mouse intestine and grown in culture. Cells were stimulated with LPS (20 ng/ml) for 6 hours. Control cells were incubated with media without LPS. After incubation, the MF were collected into TRIzol reagent and processed to isolate RNA. RNA was reverse transcribed to produce cDNA, which was analyzed by PCR. These data suggest that LPS alters the expression of collagen in intestinal myofibroblasts. Proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors showed no substantial difference in expression in cells that were exposed to LPS.\\r\\n
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Audrey Keim, Mackenzie Herrmann. THE EFFECTS OF GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION ON YEAST FERMENTATION.

In this study we investigated the impact of sugar (glucose) concentration on fermentation, using yeast, at physiological temperatures.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Audrey Keim, Mackenzie Herrmann. THE EFFECTS OF GLUCOSE CONCENTRATION ON YEAST FERMENTATION.

In this study we investigated the impact of sugar (glucose) concentration on fermentation, using yeast, at physiological temperatures.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Lucas, Nicole; Colon, Jasmine; Pena, Lana. THE EFFECT OF NSAIDS ON HELA CELL VIABILITY AND APOPTOSIS.

NSAIDs have experimentally been shown to induce apoptosis in different cells types. For this experiment, HeLa cells were grown in either normal culture media or treated with an apoptosis agent: etoposide, naproxen, or ibuprofen. In the first run, the cells were nuclear stained with DAPI after being treated for 24 hours, and then photographed with a fluorescent microscope. In the second, they underwent DNA fragmentation, and photos were taken of the gel under ultraviolet light. All of the treated cells showed signs of induced apoptosis.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON

Julie McDaniels, Amna Abbas, Sheylin Werner, Aleesia Thompson. EXTRACTING YOUR OWN DNA.

In this study we compared the efficiency of several common DNA extraction methods, testing our own DNA.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Julie McDaniels, Amna Abbas, Sheylin Werner, Aleesia Thompson. EXTRACTING YOUR OWN DNA.

In this study we compared the efficiency of several common DNA extraction methods, testing our own DNA.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Jamie Moore, Kevin Cokeley. H2O2 CONTENT IN MUCUNA PRURIENS LEAVES, AS AN INDICATOR OF CELLULAR OXIDATIVE DAMAGE.

This experiment determined the hydrogen peroxide content in the leaves of velvet bean plants using spectrophotometry to discern if ultraviolet light has an effect on photosynthesis in plants.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Nolan Nadolski, Justin Ross, James Filley. THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL AND ACIDIC AND BASIC SUBSTANCES ON PROTEIN DENATURATION.

In this study we investigated the onset of protein denaturation in eggs, exposed to environments containing various concentrations of alcohol, acids or bases.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Dawn ODell, Zachary Rever, Bryson Waitkoss. CATALASE IN PLANT AND ANIMAL TISSUES.

In this study we compared the extractable catalase enzyme content of a variety of tissues: fruits and meats and assessed catalase activity by measuring the rate of O2 generation upon H2O2 breakdown catalyzed by the enzyme.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Avick Rana, Bailey Wilcoxson, Joe Glise, and Tyler Bernard. THE EFFECT OF SUGAR TYPE ON FERMENTATION.

In this study we investigated the impact of sugar molecular structure on the efficiency of fermentation, using yeast, measuring the concentration of CO2 gas produced during fermentation.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Jamie Riley, Cheyenne Knecht, Max Aldrich, John Dunkle, Kira Brown. PLANT CELL HISTO-CHEMISTRY.

In this study we tested a variety of dyes for their efficiency in staining plant cellular structures, for microscopy preps.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Madison Sapp, Lauren Kafer, Rachel Friedrichs. TEMPERATURE-INDUCED PROTEIN DENATURATION IN MILK.

In this study we investigated the impact of temperature on changes in the solubility and denaturation of proteins in reconstituted instant milk.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

(Steinlage, Matt) (Wischmann, Mackenzie). PRONGHORN (ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA) LIFE HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT.

The Pronghorn is known to be one of North America’s fastest being able to top 60 miles per hour. It also has the ability to cruise for many miles going about 45 miles per hour. Needless to say that this creature is very unique to the ecosystems. The study of the Pronghorn has become more in depth as the concern with the life history and range ecology due to the competition it receives from other species. Pronghorn are exclusive to north America making them a very unique species allowing being the only surviving member of the family Antilocapridae. They are distributed throughout the treeless plains, basins, and deserts. The ecosystems that Pronghorn adapt are one of the most critical issues that scientists face in any questions come to mind when biologists are faced with the phenomena associated with novel ecosystems and the challenges they present to the world. In this poster it will discuss in detail the life history and management. More specifically it will discuss in detail the effects that grazing has on the Pronghorn . While managing them conservationist have ran into many problems. Behavior is also important when trying to fully understand a species such as Pronghorn. Pronghorn have unique social groups and have activity patterns that will also be discussed.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Turner, Justin; Gunn, Brady; Umphreys, Avery;. DAMAGING EFFECTS OF E-CIGARETTE VAPOR ON EPITHELIAL CELLS.

E-cigarettes are advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. These are relatively new on the market, and have yet to be thoroughly scrutinized. We exposed intestinal epithelial cells to levels of e-cigarette vapor comparable to the about taken in by the lungs over ten minutes. After exposure to e-cigarette vapor the epithelial cells died. There was no DNA fragmentation, which indicates that the cells did not die via programmed apoptosis but via necrosis. More research needs to be completed to better understand the pathway of death.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON

Matthew West, Dakota Kessler, Cole Hoover. THE IMPACT OF LIGHT COLOR ON STARCH PRODUCTION IN GERANIUM PLANTS.

In this study we investigated the impact of the spectral quality of light on starch production in Geranium plants.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Matthew West, Dakota Kessler, Cole Hoover. THE IMPACT OF LIGHT COLOR ON STARCH PRODUCTION IN GERANIUM PLANTS.

In this study we investigated the impact of the spectral quality of light on starch production in Geranium plants.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Internship/Practicum Experience

Bartlett, Jenice. SPRING INTERNSHIP: DUNN RANCH PRAIRIE.

My internship involved learning about the prairie and how it operated. I learned about everything that went into keeping the prairie running correctly.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Berry, Justin. MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP.

The goal of this Missouri Department of Conservation internship was to further my professional development. In order to achieve this goal, I also partnered with Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. During this internship, I participated in: Pallid sturgeon survey, Massasauga rattlesnake surveys, waterfowl surveys, bird radar surveys, Blandings turtle tracking, road side bird surveys, conservation area maintenance, fish habitat management, and a lake shock survey. Through this internship I was able to learn many fish and wildlife management techniques, concepts and interacted with professionals in my future field.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Williams, Nicholas E.. OUTREACH AND EDUCATION: AN OVERVIEW OF MY DUTIES AND THE IMPORTANCE.

This paper details my duties as an intern through MDC. The paper describe; writing experiment parameters from ‘Discover Nature Schools’ teachers curriculum guides for students to conduct, giving mammal presentations and rebuilding the outdoor amphitheater/classroom. This paper also describes, in general, what outreach and education programs provide to conservation efforts. Specifically, the importance of outreach and education as a tool to informing the shareholders (tax payers) of what conservation professionals are doing on the public dime, how outreach and education recruits young people through school programs as well as public participation in general and where efforts are lacking. It also details MDC's outreach and education efforts in helping the public (private land owners) to control invasive species found on their properties.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Literature Reviews

Bishop, Deric and Thomas, Brad. AFRICAN ELEPHANT CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND NATURAL HISTORY .

The literature review of many papers pertaining to African elephant conservation and natural history.
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Bolander, Bethany. Brown, Steven. OWL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION IN NORTH AMERICA.

Around the world, many species of animals are becoming species of concern, threatened, endangered, and, ultimately, extinct. In North America, a focus is being placed upon different species of owls that are undergoing this threat of endangerment and extinction. Threats could be a result of human development, competition with other birds, or even management tools that are being used for the survival of other species. The goal is to keep these owls in a sustainable state of survivability, for each species has its role to play in the environment. Effective management tools are needed to keep these owl species alive. We have examined research that has used different management tools and have evaluated their effectiveness. We focused on four species of owl that have declining populations or are being threatened in some way in North America: The Short-eared Owl, the Barn Owl, the Burrowing Owl, and the Northern Spotted Owl. Our goals were to discuss each owl individually and to give 1) its natural history and environmental role, 2) management techniques that are being researched for future conservation decisions, and 3) any other conservation efforts that have been used in the past and their effectiveness.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Bolander, Bethany; Brown, Steven. OWL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION IN NORTH AMERICA.

There are many species of owls that are endangered or threatened around the world. This literature review follows the natural history and conservation efforts of four owls that are being threatened in North America.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Evert, Joseph-Krigbaum, Logan. NATURAL HISTORY, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES OF WILD TURKEY IN MISSOURI.

Turkeys are not only easily identifiable by sight with their long legs, wide-rounded tails, and a small colorful head, but the males are also very easy to identify by sound. The males make a very loud gobble and can be heard quite often during the breeding season, which in the Midwest, is usually between March and May. Wild Turkeys travel in flocks and feed on a variety of things such as nuts, berries, insects, and snails.Wild Turkeys are part of the Galliformes family which also includes other birds like pheasants and grouse. Wild turkey numbers started seriously depleting by beginning of 20th century, but has been reintroduced to most of former range and established in new areas. Still increasing in many regions, and is now adapting to edges of suburban habitat in many eastern states. Wild turkeys clutch sizes are usually 10-15, sometimes 4-18, rarely more. White to pale buff, dotted with reddish brown. Sometimes more than one female will lay eggs in one nest.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Lynch Jamie, Poole Crystal and Stalker Jasmine . NATURAL LIFE HISTORY OF THE MOUNTAIN LION (PUMA CONCOLOR).

The mountain lion (Puma concolor), is a large felid native to North and South America. Because of their large range, they have many names. These include: cougar, puma, panther, ghost cat, red tiger and catamount. The mountain lion is found in nearly all habitat types in the Americas, ranging from the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, the desert Southwest, Florida’s Everglades, and everything in between. It can be found from sea level to 14,765 feet in elevation. It is an ambush predator, and will feed on a variety of prey. Primarily the mountain lion eats ungulates such as deer, and livestock, however, it will also eat rodents and other small mammals. The mountain lion is a highly territorial species, and prefers to live alone in areas with small population densities.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Maag, Kasey. PERTUSSIS IS STILL PLAGUING OUR WORLD.

Pertussis, or more commonly known as Whooping Cough, is still prevalent in our society and in the world. With increasing numbers in the cases of pertussis, questions are being asked as to why this preventable illness is plaguing us. Much research has been done to study the effectiveness of the DTaP and Tdap vaccines and show surprising results.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER, DR. WALTON

Routh, Billie Williams, Nick and Chevalier, Cary . DEMOCRACY IN HUNTING. CAN TECHNOLOGY MAKE HUNTING UNFAIR?.

This poster presentation calls on one the seven sisters of The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation Management, along with what democracy and fairness means when it comes to technology in hunting.
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Daldrup, Cassandra Seever, Heather. MANAGEMENT OF HONEY LOCUST TREES.

Honey locust (Gleditisia triacanthos L.)that has many names such as thorny locust. It has a natural range from central Pennsylvania to South Dakota to southeastern Texas to Alabama.Honey locust is capable of forming dense thickets of thorny vegetation which provides excellent cover for a wide variety of game animals and birds. There are different ways to manage this thorn bearing tree.Data was gathered from peer-reviewed papers that studied the honey locust as well as its management. The data was compiled together and the results of the studies were compared. All relevant information and results were then used to draw a conclusion about the management of honey locust. It was found that prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical methods were the most used management methods of the honey locust tree. Each method has its benefits and shortcomings, be it the time or labor it takes or the cost or effectiveness of the method. In the end each management method is very effective in controlling the honey locust, but no method is perfect. There are even other methods besides these three, yet they do not have the same effectiveness of the methods that were studied, and often used in wildlife management today.
Faculty Sponsor: CAREY CHEVALIER

Woods, Grant and Eber, Eli. NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BIGHORN SHEEP.

The purpose of this review is to inform the viewer on the natural life history of the Bighorn Sheep and to look at conservation efforts in place to restore population sizes back to historical values.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Empirical Projects

Mason Lalli, Brody Berrie. THE EFFECTS OF WHEY PROTEIN AND APOPTOSIS .

Intestinal epithelia cells are found on the surface of the small and large intestines. Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins that have been isolated from whey. Intestinal cells are usually grown in a serum that have all the nutrients that it needs to grow. Using the intestinal cells as the dependent and the serum being used as the independent, there were two different procedures completed. Nuclear Staining with DAPI and ELISA P-p53 were used to look at apoptosis. Based upon the results of both procedures, the findings showed that whey protein during incubation had no effect of apoptosis of the intestinal cells
Faculty Sponsor: DR.WALTON

Mason Lalli, Brody Berrie. THE EFFECTS OF WHEY PROTEIN AND APOPTOSIS .

Intestinal epithelia cells are found on the surface of the small and large intestines. Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins that have been isolated from whey. Intestinal cells are usually grown in a serum that have all the nutrients that it needs to grow. Using the intestinal cells as the dependent and the serum being used as the independent, there were two different procedures completed. Nuclear Staining with DAPI and ELISA P-p53 were used to look at apoptosis. Based upon the results of both procedures, the findings showed that whey protein during incubation had no effect of apoptosis of the intestinal cells
Faculty Sponsor: DR.WALTON

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS

Empirical Projects

Meyer, Tyler. A STUDY OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCES ON A RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT ORGANIZATION.

This study examines the direct effect of specific environmental (i.e. temperature, precipitation, and day of the week) and organizational (i.e. product type) variables on the profit of an entertainment organization. Eight months of sales data was analyzed using hierarchical regression, which provided support for the effect of the type of product sold on profit but not for the environmental variables. The implications of the study illustrate the importance of resources under the organization’s control and the lack of influence on profit of environmental variables.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. LOGAN JONES

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MATH AND PHYSICS

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Brown, Michael. HYPERBOLIC GEOMETRY: THE CURVIEST MODELS.

Hyperbolic geometry is a geometry that uses the first four axioms of standard Euclidean geometry, but with a different take on the fifth axiom concerning parallel lines. In a hyperbolic plane, there exist at least two distinct lines through a given point that are parallel to a given line. Over the years there have emerged many models by which to represent this hyperbolic space, Poincare Disk Model, Beltrami-Klein Model, Poincare Half- Plane Model and Hyperboloid Model. This presentation explores the advantages and disadvantages as well as the limits of several such models and the connections between them.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Fluharty, Taylor. EUCLID'S ELEMENTS IN HYPERBOLIC GEOMETRY.

Developed in the early 1800’s, hyperbolic geometry revisited the axioms and elements Euclid had established nearly twenty-two centuries beforehand. The creation of hyperbolic geometry challenged the validity of Euclid’s twenty-nine elements in other geometrical spaces. The infinite world of hyperbolic space can be modeled inside of a unit circle. How are Euclid’s first four axioms interpreted in hyperbolic space? Is the fifth axiom applicable? What elements are consistent between Euclidean and Hyperbolic geometry?
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATER

McDonald, Haden. DUAL TESSELLATIONS IN THE HYPERBOLIC POINCARE PLANE.

By using the Poincare Plane to limit the construction of tessellations to hyperbolic geometry, a dual tessellation can be constructed by taking the center of each polygon and connecting a line to the neighbor of each polygon. This forms a new tessellation on top of the original tessellation. This poster will explain hyperbolic space, what it means to be a semi- regular or regular tessellation, and then demonstrates examples of dual tessellations on some semi-regular and regular tessellations in hyperbolic space.
Faculty Sponsor: GAVIN WATERS

Nute,Jeremee. PROJECTIVE GEOMETRY AND LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS IN 3-DIMESIONAL SPACE.

In projective geometry a system of matrices are used to take a 3-dimesional object and project that object onto a 2-dimesional plane. An application of projective geometry is 3-D modeling. 3-D modeling is used to in video games, animations, and to create many different types objects like the Batman Symbol. There are many different types of linear transformations like rotations, translations, shears, and dilations. The Batman symbol will be created in the 3-dimesional space and projected into 2-dimesional space and undergo some linear transformations
Faculty Sponsor: DR.WATERS

Payne, Dustin. NYC CRIME STORY: USING BAYESIAN STATISTICS TO ANALYZE POLICY EFFECTIVENESS.

Have policy and law changes positively impacted felony crime rates in New York City over the last 10 years? Using Bayesian statistical methods, and the Python computing language, we can find switchpoints in large datasets to find when changes occur, and then find correlations between dates of policy changes to analyze their effectiveness.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Rastorfer, Courtney. USING BAYESIAN STATISTICS TO PROJECT THE 2016 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON.

Using Bayesian Statistics, a projected 2016 Kansas City Chiefs’ regular season is found based on the past four seasons. The prior information collected includes every regular season game’s opponents and scores, whether or not the game went into overtime, and whether or not the home team won. Using this and the Chiefs’ 2016 schedule, this will show a projected season game by game.
Faculty Sponsor: GAVIN WATERS

Westlake, Aaron; Wolf, Bryson. VALIDATING NIDA STUDY USING BAYESIAN METHODOLOGY.

NIDA-CTN-0009 was a study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse examining the affects of using a trans dermal nicotine patch along with a traditional rehabilitation program for subjects recovering from various substance abuse issues. The study concluded that adding a trans dermal nicotine patch was associated with a lower rate of smoking cigarettes during and after substance abuse treatment. Lower rates of smoking during and after substance abuse treatment have been associated with a higher probability of success in rehabilitation goals. The data from the study is available on the National Institute of Health data share website. We retrieved the data and to see if we could recreate some of the findings of the study using Bayesian techniques for data analysis.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Empirical Projects

Ambrosius, Adam. CRAZY SQUARES, AN ANDROID GAME IN THE PLAY STORE.

Crazy Squares is a game for Android phones and tablets. It is currently available in the Google Play Store and is being actively downloaded. The game incorporates graphics and a variety of android application technologies. The process of putting it in the play store and maintaining an actively downloaded application has been challenging.
Faculty Sponsor: NOYNAERT

Callen, Sean. COMPARISON OF SAMPLING METHODS IN BAYESIAN STATISTICS.

In this work we compare and contrast the various available sampling methods available in the world of Bayesian statistics, determining the benefits of pitfalls of each, including instances when one should be used over the other.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Callen, Sean. COMPARISON OF SAMPLING METHODS IN BAYESIAN STATISTICS.

In this work we compare and contrast the various available sampling methods available in the world of Bayesian statistics, determining the benefits of pitfalls of each, including instances when one should be used over the other.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Henningsen, Joel. RUNNIN' THRU THE 6.

Markov Chain Monte-Carlo methods are a class of algorithms for sampling from a probability distribution by constructing a Markov Chain. In this work, we will explore the applications of a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo method in Python, and run through an example of a random walk Markov Chain Monte-Carlo method – the Metropolis Algorithm.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Literature Reviews

Campbell, Devon. UNIT TESTING IN ECLIPSE AND INTELLIJ.

Unit testing is an important skill that is used in industry, but it is often neglected in the undergraduate environment. This study investigated the ways that Unit Testing can be incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum. Specific tools available for unit testing in Eclipse and Intellij may be used to simplify the unit testing environment.
Faculty Sponsor: NOYNAERT

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LEGAL STUDIES/SOCIAL WORK

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Cooper, Magen. Taylor, Caitlyn. Lloyd, Melissa. Ireland, Bethany.. MAKING THE CHANGE: FROM FOSTER CARE TO ADULTHOOD.

This study is to assess adults that have aged out of the system or were homeless as minors to find out what resources were provided to help with their transition into independent adulthood. We hope to learn what resources and tools provided to them during foster care were the most necessary to their transition from their point of view. Limited research exists that examines what resources are deemed useful from the perspective of the child in foster care. The hope is that this data can help us understand what resources need to be provided to foster care children to assist their transition into independent adulthood.
Faculty Sponsor: MATT LOEHR

Fuller Christina, Schnott Justin. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION FACTORS IN RESOURCE HOMES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE..

In order to understand recruitment and retention factors in resource homes for children in foster care, we interviewed three resource families using a semi structured questionnaire. We audio recorded,transcribed and analyzed their responses in order to find reoccurring themes of success. We also used this data to find faults in the current system. Our plan is to find ways to improve the foster care system in order to increase the number of successful resource homes.
Faculty Sponsor: MATT LOEHR

Wallace, Eric Adkins, Kelly Grimm, Hilda. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF CASE MANAGERS IN FOSTER CARE.

This paper focuses upon interviews and literature that examines recruitment and retention of case managers in foster care. In the social work field a concern that was found is the high rate of turnover among case managers. We interviewed three social work employees in various positions of foster care to get their impressions on high turnover in the field. The literature stated the factors that related to the high turnover rate in case managers in foster care included; burnout, high caseloads, inability to separate work from home, supervision, and lack of training and experience.
Faculty Sponsor: MATT LOEHR

Buzzard, Ashley; Johnson, Jaime; Marquardt, Denise; No Heart, Amber; Scudder, Jennifer. TRUST BASED RELATIONAL INTERVENTION EVALUATION.

This research was intended to answer the question, "Do children in the Foster Care System who dysregulate, show less dysregulation, more frequent dysregulation, or no change in dysregulation when TBRI techniques are used in a summer camp program?" TBRI techniques were developed by Karen Purvis, PhD., and David Cross, PhD. and implemented with children who have experienced trauma. Interventions through TBRI were intended to expand the security of attachment with young children. TBRI techniques were incorporated into the Brain Fit Summer Camp held at Drumm Farm Center for Children. Our research team evaluated the effectiveness of Brain Fit Summer Camp by interviewing multiple professionals involved in daily interactions with the children who participated.
Faculty Sponsor: MATT LOEHR PHD.

Barron, Erika; Golden, Jessica; Peterson, Tiffany; Robinson, Sabrina. BEST PRACTICES IN RESIDENTAL FACILITIES IN KANSAS CITY METRO AREA.

Our group conducted a qualitative study in regards to treatment intervention strategies used in the Kansas City metro area by completing two group interviews at KVC and MFCAA. Our goal was to understand what strategies were proven to be the most successful; specifically when it comes to difficult cases and clients. Our literature showed the need for trauma informed care that is empirically validated. In pinpointing these strategies, we can better understand how they can be implemented into other facilities as well as to create lasting policy changes that can be utilized throughout the system.
Faculty Sponsor: MATT LOEHR

Woodward, Brett. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Olsson, Kirsten. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

McMillen, Ethan. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Mazer, Cole. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Fox, Amanda. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Foster, Morgan. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Byrom, Jonathan. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Empirical Projects

Barron, Erika. MY PRACTICUM AT NORTHCARE HOSPICE .

This will be about my practicum at NorthCare \r\n\\r\\nHospice. It will be talking about my \r\nexperiences, \\r\\nchallenges, and learning \r\nopportunities I have had \\r\\nduring my time at \r\nNorthCare.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Lloyd, Melissa. ADDICTION AWARENESS LLC.

This semester I was participating in practicum for SWK Seminar. I was able to have a first hand look into the opportunity my career holds. My project will be over my agency.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Rivers, Alexis . IMPROVING STUDENT SUCCESS.

This project shows how I helped student success at bode middle school. I did things to help out the school social worker that also helped me gain social work skills. I enjoyed this project
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Rivers, Alexis . IMPROVING STUDENT SUCCESS.

This project shows how I helped student success at bode middle school. I did things to help out the school social worker that also helped me gain social work skills. I enjoyed this project
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Romero, Gabriela. FOSTERADOPT CONNECT.

My practicum field experience at FosterAdopt Connect. My Poster will discuss activities done while in my field practicum, the company structure, locations,mission statement, moral, and programs. Along with pictures from my practicum including my field instructor and department workers.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Wagner, Valerie. THE WORLDWIDE EVOLUTION OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: ARE VICTIMS BEING HEARD?.

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a philosophy which redefines crime as a violation of victims and communities. In RJ an offender is held accountable and must take responsibility for the harm the victim/community suffered. All parties participate in a voluntary process where those harmed relate their experiences, and together they attempt to create an agreement in order to heal and put things as right as possible. This is study examines the development of restorative justice in countries throughout the world, and explores the correlation between the development of restorative justice, and the recognition of victim rights. Recognition of the experience of victims was found a necessary stage of the development of RJ in a country.
Faculty Sponsor: JOANNE KATZ

Internship/Practicum Experience

Adkins, Kelly. SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD: H.O.M.E. UNIT.

This project is about my practicum experience at the Social Welfare Board: H.O.M.E. Unit. I will discuss challenges, learning opportunities, and successes.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Billups, LaChelle. THERAPEUTIC MENTORING PROGRAM.

This is my final project over my Practicum. It \r\n\\r\\ngoes over my agency and what i have learned \r\nthus \\r\\nfar. It explains who the agency serves \r\nand their \\r\\nvalues.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Blakley, Michelle . NASW PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE.

Talk about what my experiences were when doing my \r\n\\r\\n\\\\r\\\\npracticum at NASW. What I did during my four \r\nmonths \\r\\nat \\\\r\\\\nthis site.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Bullmaster, Rhonda. INTERSERV MY PRACTICUM SITE.

My presentation is in regards to the practicum I experienced at InterServ. I will be reviewing: the population I served; challenges I encountered; and the agency.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Freeman, Alleah. THE CROSSING OUTREACH MINISTRY.

A sum of experiences and challenges encountered at my practicum placement The Crossing Outreach Ministry. A look into the future of the services provided to clients who utilize the agency.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Fuller, Christina. MY EXPERIENCE OF PRACTICUM.

My practicum was at Mosaic Women's Health & Lakeside Pediatrics. This presentation is my experience at this site and things I learned along the way.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Mundungu, Irma. CITY OF ST. JOSEPH HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

This presentation is going to be about my practicum site at City of St. Joseph Health Department. It will talk about the agency mission and what services it has to offer.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Bullock, Jamie. PHOENIX FAMILY .

This presentation is going to be about my practicum site at Phoenix Family. It will talk about the agency mission and what services it has to offer.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRY

Marquardt, Denise. MY PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE AT FAMILY GUIDANCE CENTER..

This is a summary of practicum experience at Family Guidance Center (FGC) in the school-based program at Carden Park Elementary School. It will cover the services provided at FGC as well as services provided specifically at the school. A summary of my assignments and experience is included.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Owens, Jerica. ATCHISON COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC.

My practicum experience at my site. I will discuss what I have learned, experiences I have had, how I have helped people in the community, and my practicum site and what they provide and offer for the community.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Fairbanks, Sandra. PRACTICUM AT EASTER SEALS MIDWEST.

This poster is about my Practicum experience at ESMW addresses the purpose and vision of my agency and they services offered.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Scudder, Jennifer. MY PRACTICUM AT RIVERSIDE USD 1114.

This will be about my practicum site at Riverside USD 114 and will discuss the demographics of population served, opportunities, challenges and my experience at my practicum site.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Swartz, Ariel. HILLCREST TRANSITIONAL HOUSING OF BUCHANAN COUNTY.

This poster will be about my practicum experience at Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Buchanan County. It will show my learning opportunities, challenges I encountered and my successes.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Walsh, Andrea. PRACTICUM AT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL.

This research will be about my practicum site at Central High School. The learning opportunities that I encountered were doing group counseling and one on one counseling with teenage girls. Some of the challenges I encountered would be applying all of the theories of social work to the the individual problem at hand.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Welch, Cali . MOSAIC LIFE CARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PRACTICUM.

My poster will include information pertaining to my practicum experiences at Mosaic Life Care Behavioral Health. It will discuss the learning opportunities, challenges, and information about this site.
Faculty Sponsor: JANA FRYE

Welch, Cali . EFFECTIVENESS OF INPATIENT ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM IN ST. JOSEPH.

This paper describes the benefits that the St. Joseph community could receive from re-opening an inpatient detoxification program for alcoholics. This paper includes literature reviews supporting this notion, cost benefit analysis, and empirical data.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS POLITITICAL SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Atteberry, Clayton. ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF MARRIAGE.

My project is over the economic benefits of marriage. There are a lot of people in this world that do not know all of the economic benefits that a couple may receive when they are married. My goal in this project was to inform couples of these benefits and make sure they were aware of them. I surveyed ten couples with a varied amount of experience in marriage. My questionnaire was ten questions and my questions reflected the questions asked in my Introduction. The study was successful and all answers were found.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Malotte, Camarae. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: THE TRUTH ABOUT WHO IT AFFECTS.

The experiment was conducted through surveys, which were done through interviews. The goal of the study was to find out who is affected by abuse (children, significant others, abuser, etc.), and who society views as the abuser (man, woman, other). By conducting such an experiment it can lead to future goals being met such as: therapy as a resolution, detecting violence, and diagnosing long term affects on children. Though domestic violence has been looked at numerous of times children have been overlooked in many of the past experiments. Through this experiment I hope to shine light on children and the family in abusive households.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Rivers, Alexis. IMPROVING ATTENDANCE PROGRAMS AT TRUMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Education is one of the leading factors in a Childs life. It \r\n\\r\\ndetermines who they will become and what they will do \r\nwith \\r\\ntheir lives. What they learn today will determine what \r\nthey \\r\\naccomplish in the future. Educators provide them with \r\nthe \\r\\nknowledge to keep advancing to a higher level that will \r\n\\r\\neventually lead them to adult hood. Attendance has \r\nbecome \\r\\nthe number one reason students fall so behind in \r\neducation. \\r\\nUnfortunately, not all students have the \r\nopportunity to advance \\r\\nin life due to lack of attendance at \r\nthe early age of 12 and in \\r\\nsome cases earlier than that. We \r\nblame parents for not \\r\\nbringing their child to school, \r\nteachers for not paying attention, \\r\\nand the principle for not \r\ntaking the appropriate action. \\r\\nAs a future social worker this \r\nconcerns me. There are \\r\\nprograms put into place that help \r\nadvance attendance \\r\\npercentages but they do not appeal to \r\nall students
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Supple, Kristen. GODLY FAMILY VS. UNGODLY FAMILY.

The purpose of this study was to take a look at a “Godly” Family or nuclear family vs an Ungodly family. Through my research I looked at how patriarchy, gender roles and family views affected children’s lives and how they viewed their current family. My research looked at how people view their family and why people believe it is so hard to raise families in today’s times.
Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

URSI Project

Alhajri (Harry) Abdullah, Anderson David, Davis Brenten. A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO AN AUTOMATED QUESADILLA MAKER.

The objective of this research project is to create a concept system that can produce an edible product, specifically a quesadilla, with minimal human interaction. However, the capability of such a system may be compromised because lack of refrigeration and minimal product capacity. Products will require refill to be completed by an operator which limits the ability of the machine to be fully automated. However, the goal is to prove that a concept can be created to minimize human intervention needed while making a quesadilla.
Faculty Sponsor: JINWEN ZHU

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH MODERN LANGUAGES

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Lammoglia, Dante. LET'S PLAY: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN IN VIDEO GAME TUTORIALS.

Video games have become the nation’s leading entertainment industry, but how is it that users learn to use such complex controls to successful effect? I explore the tutorials of two similar games, Destiny and Tom Clancy’s The Division, to identify, compare, and contrast elements of instructional design, such as signposting, chronological structure, practical application, knowledge creation, and other cognitive strategies. I also analyze those elements in the context of possible improvements or alternatives in future video games.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Empirical Projects

Underwood, Tinsley. USABILITY OF INSTRUCTIONS: WRITTEN V. PICTORIAL.

The usability of instructions is crucial in the technical communication field. You want to have clear, precise instructions that the user can easily follow. In my research project, I examine whether users prefer written instructions or pictorial instructions. This empirical study will gather quantitative and qualitative data by asking participants to construct a LEGO car first using written instructions and then pictorial instructions.
Faculty Sponsor: KAYE ADKINS

Literature Reviews

Skrbina, Garrett. THE DOCUMENT DESIGN OF "FLUENT IN 3 MONTHS".

Irishman Benny Lewis is one of the world’s most well-known polyglots, or speakers of many languages, and in 2014, he published his book Fluent in 3 Months: How Anyone at Any Age Can Learn to Speak Any Language from Anywhere in the World (hereafter abbreviated as Fi3M). With a title like that, Lewis is obviously making some fairly strong claims, but I do not focus on the validity of the claims themselves in this paper. Rather, I attempt to answer the question, “How effective is the presentation of his ideas?” In other words, I examine the effectiveness of his document design principles. I structure my literature review according to Kostelnick and Roberts’ model of the six elements of effective document design: Arrangement, Emphasis, Clarity, Conciseness, Tone, and Ethos. For the most part, I focus these principles on a specifically metatextual level.
Faculty Sponsor: ADKINS, KAYE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PE AND RECREATION

Internship/Practicum Experience

Davis, Chelsea. KANSAS CITY CHIEF'S TRAINING CAMP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

The Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Internship Program is a partnership between the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Western State University (MWSU). Interns are chosen through a selective interview process. I was one of seven MWSU students chosen for the program which included 28 undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States. Through the internship, I gained valuable leadership experiences, improved my oral communication skills and networked with peers who became colleagues. The experience allowed me to attend a Chiefs’ preseason home game and assist with the pregame activities on the field. I earned two hours college credit and made memories to last a lifetime.
Faculty Sponsor: REGAN DODD

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY PHILOSOPHY AND GEOGRAPHY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Wakefield, Calvin. HYDROELECTRIC POWER: IS IT SUSTAINABLE?.

Hydro power is a source of energy that has been used for thousands of years. In the past 100 years its role has been greatly expanded to a major electricity generator. With its larger role, the question of is it sustainable becomes more relevant. This poster attempts to answer that question by comparing the benefits and draw back of this energy source.
Faculty Sponsor: DAWN M. DRAKE

Empirical Projects

Swing, Catherine . WIND POWER TECHNOLOGY.

This poster examines the reason wind energy is the best sustainable energy source. Including examining the negative aspects of wind power. Through studying about wind power, it was found that wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source. The downfall is the technology that is created to harness the wind energy is not entirely sustainable. Due to the fact the technology relies on fossil fuels such as coal and oil to produce the materials and transport the wind turbine. The only way to make wind technology sustainable is by improving the technology.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DRAKE

DEPARTMENT OF HONORS

Empirical Projects

Olion, Kelsey. MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a disease that emerged in July 2012, and is caused by a corona virus known as MERS-CoV. The main vector of transmission to humans for this virus is through the dromedary camel. Human to human transmission is also possible, but is much more rare and usually happens in healthcare settings. This disease affects the Arabian Peninsula for the most part, but has spread to various other countries, including the United States, via tourists. Given the right circumstances, Middle East respiratory syndrome has the potential to cause the next great plague.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON AND DR. BAKER

Literature Reviews

Bennett, Tristan. LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE .

Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia that is spreading in the world and could be a potential plague. Through the mode of water transportation we should worry about contaminated water and how we care for those in areas without a clean water supply. Knowing the symptoms, prevention, and how Legionnaires disease affects everyone, the world can prevent this from becoming a major plague.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER AND DR. WALTON

Callen, Sean. MARV: THE MARBURG VIRUS.

Marburg virus (MARV) is a filovirus, related to Ebola and with similar clinical presentation. Here the Marburg marburgvirus species is examined along with its accompanying Marburg virus disease to determine their potential as a global health threat based on factors such as virulence, possibility for social disruption, and risk of bioterrorism.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER, DR. WALTON

Davis, Avery. PERTUSSIS AND IT'S RESURGENCE.

This poster is over a project involving research into the new “plague” in today’s society. I have chosen to research the epidemiology and resurgence of Pertussis. Pertussis is a childhood illness that arose in the 16th century, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Infection with such a bacterium causes violent coughing which may result in hypoxia, or loss or oxygen. The illness proves to be of the most seriousness to demographics of infants, elderly, and the immunocompromised. This illness was previously widespread, but a vaccine was developed in the late 1950’s. Although a vaccine is available, a steady rise in parents and individuals opting out of the DTaP vaccine had led to a re- occurrence of pertussis epidemics across the nation. The lack of vaccination is the main cause of the rise in infection. So naturally, a resurgence in vaccination is the only way to prevent further illness and damage.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON, DR. BAKER

Elsasser, Megan. RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS.

My poster is about respiratory syncytial virus. It explains the history of RSV, the transmission of RSV from person-to-person, and the uniqueness of the virus itself.
Faculty Sponsor: JASON BAKER, KRISTEN WALTON

Hicks, Shelby. ZIKA: THE EMERGING PLAGUE.

The purpose of this poster was to examine the impacts of the Zika Virus as an emerging plague. It specifically explores the symptoms, medical complications, precautionary measures, and critical cultural issues involved with the virus. Extant literature was analyzed and compiled to create an info-graphic about the virus. The danger of the possible spread was hypothesized based on previous patterns.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. JAMES BAKER, DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Hicks, Shelby. ZIKA: THE EMERGING PLAGUE.

The purpose of this poster was to examine the impacts of the Zika Virus as an emerging plague. It specifically explores the symptoms, medical complications, precautionary measures, and critical cultural issues involved with the virus. Extant literature was analyzed and compiled to create an info-graphic about the virus. The danger of the possible spread was hypothesized based on previous patterns.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. JAMES BAKER, DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Lee, Margaret. ZIKA VIRUS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

A literature review regarding the Zika virus was conducted in order to better understand the virus. The goal of this poster is to determine how the virus is spread, what pathological changes it causes in the human body and the political changes the virus has the capability to produce. The Zika virus is currently found in many Southern and Central American countries; however, it has the possibility to spread to the various areas in the United States. Americans should become educated about the transmission of the virus and the disease state that it can cause.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. JASON BAKER & DR. KRISTEN WALTON

Leggett, McCown. CHAGAS DISEASE: THE NEXT EMERGING PLAGUE.

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is estimated to infect 6-8 million people worldwide each year, particularly in Latin America. This disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted to humans by blood- sucking triatomine bugs and can lead to serious consequences if untreated. The impact of Chagas disease is virtually unknown in the United States; however, it has the potential to reach epidemic levels if we are left uninformed. This presentation aims to show the severity of Chagas disease, the impact it is having today, and what methods we can use to control the spread of this disease.
Faculty Sponsor: JASON BAKER, KRISTEN WALTON

MacWilliams, Jackson. POLIO: A LINGERING THREAT.

Polio is a viral disease with a very high rate of transmission that is still considered endemic in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. While it is true that polio cases are at an all-time low, as long as the virus causing this disease exists it will continue to plague the world. There is no known cure for polio. The only way we currently have to stop this disease is by administering vaccines for the virus. However, in order for this vaccine to be effective in eradicating the disease it will take the cooperation of many countries around the world to fund and ensure the end of this disease.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER

Mullen, Bethany. RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV).

This project is an overview of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It reviews what RSV is, causes of RSV, characteristics of RSV, and symptoms. Individuals affected and how the disease is transmitted and prevented/treated is also covered. With thousands and thousands of cases of RSV in the United States already, RSV has the potential to cause a pandemic and become very harmful to the world.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON, DR. JASON BAKER

Page, Charity. TYPHOID: A POSSIBLE EPIDEMIC EMERGING.

With the development of modern society, typhoid has mostly affected developing countries for many years. However, typhoid is a disease that still plagues many people, and that has the possiblity to become epidemic with emerging MDR strains of Salmonella typhi.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER AND DR. WALTON

Quaney, Mike. DENGUE FEVER: THE EMERGING PLAGUE.

With the record-breaking temperatures and overall global warming (man-made or not), there has been an overall increase in the mosquito population, as well as a northward shift as the mosquitoes can survive the warmer weather. Transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the dengue virus can present itself in many forms, from mild to severe. This disease enters through a cutaneous bite, infecting cells and leading to flu-like symptoms, exhaustion, and rash. Dengue fever, a part of the flavivirus family, does not have any treatment or any widespread vaccine, and the only reliable prevention is for the mosquito vector itself.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. BAKER, DR. WALTON

Stewart, Lauren. THE THREAT OF HEPATITIS C.

Hepatitis C Virus initially infects human red blood cells, and then liver cells. Hepatitis C is inflammation of the liver which can cause long- term damage. Acute and chronic infections occur from HCV. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood-blood contact and sexual activities. Hepatitis C virus was discovered in 1989 and blood screening began shortly after that. Approximately 75%-85% of people with HCV develop chronic Hepatitis C infections. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. Treatments are available, however many people do not know they have Hepatitis C because many do not show any symptoms.
Faculty Sponsor: JASON BAKER, KRISTEN WALTON

Storck, Ian. PLAGUES OF THE WORLD: RABIES.

Rabies is an acute viral disease of the central \r\nnervous system capable of infecting all warm- \r\nblooded animals. Elimination of the virus would \r\nlead to better health conditions for \r\nunderdeveloped locations as well as more stable \r\neconomics in some affected areas.\r\n
Faculty Sponsor: JASON BAKER, KRISTEN WALTON

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Empirical Projects

Lenjo, Sandra K., Kent, Jesse S., Andrews, Sarah R., Gillies, Ryan S., and Sheffer, Destinee R. . THE INFLUENCES OF PERSONALITY, AND COPING STRATEGIES ON OLDER PEOPLE??S ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION..

The purpose of this study was to exam the influences of coping strategies and personality on older people’s anxiety and depression. This was a cross sectional, descriptive research design. The structured questionnaires were used to do the data collection. There were 70 older people were recruited from community. The mean age was 71.03. The results indicated that the following variables had significant relationships with older people’s anxiety and depression: depression, problem focused disengagement coping, emotional focused engagement coping, emotional focused disengagement coping, and positive personality. There was a significant positive relationship between anxiety and depression.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Wandfluh, Mckinzie A., Heldenbrand, Briana M., Schoonover, Debra L., and Bledsoe, Katelee E.. FACTORS INFLUENCE OLDER PEOPLE??S PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND SUICIDAL IDEATION.

The purpose of this study was to exam the factors influence older people’s psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. This was a cross sectional, descriptive design. There were 70 older people. The mean age was 71.03. Compared with people without mental illness, the older people with mental illness had lower score of psychological well-being and higher score of suicidal ideation. The older people drank alcohol because of negative emotion (e.g., nervous, scared, sad, depressed, discouraged, and angry) who had lower score of psychological well-being and higher score of suicidal ideation than those drank alcohol without negative emotion.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Braley, Devin L., Gardner, Ashley A., Mitchell, Taylor W., Borden, Suzanne R., Bracke, Brittany M.. THE INFLUENCES OF FAMILY INTERACTION AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING ON THE OLDER PEOPLE.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of family interaction and spiritual well-being on the older people’s anxiety and depression. This was a cross sectional, descriptive design. There were 70 older people were recruited from community. The mean age was 71.03. Older people whose parents used Child Monitor and Positive Family Interaction had lower score of Anxiety. Older people whose parents used harsh discipline and negative family interaction had higher score of Anxiety. Older people whose parents used Child Monitor, Inductive Reasoning, Communication, Involvement, and Positive Family Interaction had lower score of Depression.
Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

Literature Reviews

Evans, Dawn; Nicolay, Jake; Voga, Angela. WELLNESS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS.

The older adult population is rapidly growing in the United States and is the largest utilizer of healthcare today. More nurses are needed to meet this rising demand. Nursing students are noted to have negative attitudes toward older adult care and often do not seek nursing positions in geriatric settings. This study examined if an applied learning intervention in the pre-licensure nursing program at Missouri Western State University would improve students’ perception and knowledge of older adults. For their community health capstone experience, a group of senior nursing students participated in the Wellness Promotion in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Project. Students were given the Facts on Aging Quiz in a pre-test and post-test format. There was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores. Students showed consistent knowledge of kidney function, as it pertains to age, with both the pre-test and the post-test. Conversely, they showed consistent lack of knowledge in the areas of gastrointestinal function and health policy in the older adult population. Keywords: healthcare, intervention, knowledge, nursing students, older adults, perception
Faculty Sponsor: MACHELLE SKINNER, MSN, RN, CEN

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Wikowsky, Addie; Tieman, Kristen. THE FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE INTERPERSONAL NEEDS QUESTIONNAIRE.

The Interpersonal-Psychological (IP) Theory offers a comprehensive explanation for suicide, but its applicability to the at-risk population of incarcerated offenders has only recently been evaluated (Mandracchia & Smith, 2015). Despite initial findings in support of the IP Theory with inmates, the appropriateness of the primary measure based on this theory, the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), has not previously been investigated with offenders. In the current study, confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the previously supported 15-item version of INQ fit poorly with data from incarcerated adult male offenders. Instead, a 12-item version of the INQ appears more appropriate for this population.
Faculty Sponsor: JON MANDRACCHIA

Empirical Projects

Booth, Jordan; Cotton, Leah; Dillman, Jeni; Mathieson, Kealey; Roll, Rachel; & Sutton, Nick. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPHASIS OF CELL-PHONE USE ON PERFORMANCE AND ANXIETY.

The purpose of this study was/is to investigate cell-phone “emphasis” on a cognitive performance and anxiety (i.e., as measured by the Coding subtest of the WAIS-IV and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively). The findings were inconclusive. Limitations of the study and areas of future research are addressed.
Faculty Sponsor: GERHART, ARON

Booth, Tessa; Duncan, Shana; Hicks, Shelby; Keller, Lindsay; Newcomb, Kylie; Snyder, Makenna; Swift, Amanda. SOCIAL MEDIA AND PERCEPTIONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

The purpose of this study was to expand on extant literature linking social media and perceptions of law enforcement. We investigated the impact of how the information we receive via social media about law enforcement influences our perceptions of law enforcement depending on the closeness of our relationship to the source. We also examined how varying levels of procedural justice impact general perceptions of law enforcement. We predicted an interaction such that a close relationship to a source of information would be more sensitive to the level of procedural justice reported than reading identical information from an acquaintance.
Faculty Sponsor: KELLY HENRY

Boyles, Alexis; Cruz, Tamra; Degner, Ryan; Malotte, Camarae; Olson, Amelia; Shadwick, Amanda. PERCEIVED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND TASK DIFFICULT.

Perception of the learning environment and the difficulty of a task can not only change the way individuals learn, but also their motivation, confidence, and anxiety. The present study examined the perception of learning environment and task difficulty and its effect on the learner’s performance, motivation, confidence, and anxiety. Overall, it seemed perceptions of the environment and task influenced learners' feelings toward the task more so than their learning.
Faculty Sponsor: BENJAMIN ENGLAND

Ferbet, Aleksander, Jenkins, Candice, Justin, Rebekah, Perry, Adam, Stoner, Amanda, and Sylvara, Ashley . DOES THE QUALITY OF NOTES MATTER FOR MEMORY ? .

Note-taking is important for encoding and recalling information, however, multiple factors may influence the quality of notes and potentially the memory of the individual. The present study examined how lecture pace and open-note testing influences the quality of notes and memory. Although we did find that pacing and whether the test was open notes altered note quality, it had little influence on memory.
Faculty Sponsor: BENJAMIN ENGLAND

Snyder, Makenna. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF INFANT'S ACTIONS TOWARDS SCREEN-PROJECTED IMAGES, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND OBJECTS.

Today’s infants encounter touch-screen technology at a much higher rate than previous generations. Do infants treat screen-displayed images like passive 2D photographs or like interactive 3D objects? Exploratory behaviors exhibited by 9- month-old infants towards photographs, objects, and screen-projected images were compared in order to understand how infants treat screen images as compared to other 2D and 3D stimuli. Our data suggests that although screen images are arguably more similar to 2D photographs, infants are picking up on the interactive nature of screens and treating these images as if they should be able to manipulate them manually.
Faculty Sponsor: CHRISTINE ZIEMER

Sylvara, Ashley & Thorup, Jessie. THE CLINICAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INTERPERSONAL NEEDS QUESTIONNAIRE IN ADULT MALE PRISON INMATES.

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide is a comprehensive model that attempts to explain why people commit suicide. Although this theory could offer a clinically useful method of evaluating suicide risk in offenders, its clinical application has not yet been studied in this at- risk population. The current study examined the clinical application of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) in a sample of 399 male prisoners by determining an ideal cutoff score for predicting the presence of suicidal ideation. The findings demonstrate the potential use of the INQ as a discreet screening indicator of suicide ideation in this population.
Faculty Sponsor: JON MANDRACCHIA

Thorup, Jessie. UNDERSTANDING OF ONES OWN MENTAL PROCESSES AND PERCEPTION OF ADHD.

With the increasing prevalence of ADHD in school-age children, not only is it important to understand the disorder but also stigmatization toward diagnosed peers. The purpose of the current study was to investigate if ones understanding and perceived control of one’s mental processes alters perception of individuals with mental disorders, specifically ADHD. Participants were middle school and college students, to evaluate whether stigma, perception of self, and the relationship between the two may change per age group, as well as other pertinent factors. Overall, there seemed to be little differences between groups and overall level of stigma. However certain factors such as age, knowing someone diagnosed with ADHD, and gender did seem to alter level of stigma, especially stigma toward disclosure of ADHD and ASD. Interestingly, although perceived level of control and understanding did not differ between the age groups, the correlation between control and understanding was only significant for college-aged participants. As such, although we agree with previous literature about stigma and mental disorders, in that it may develop during middle school, the underlying cause of or influences on stigma may differ per age.
Faculty Sponsor: BENJAMIN ENGLAND